New Mexico Minuteman - Spring 2008 - Keep Trees

Governor
Bill Richardson
Bob Ulin
Publisher
Justin Ritter
Graphic Designer
The Adjutant General
Brig. Gen.
Kenny C. Montoya
Governor
Bill Richardson
The Adjutant General
Brig. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya
Minuteman Staff
Lt. Col. Kenneth Nava
Commander
Sgt. First Class Douglas Mallary
Detachment First Sgt.
Sgt. Joseph Vigil
Editor
Staff Sgt. Kim Turner
Photojournalist
Sgt. Anna Doo
Public Affairs Specialist
Spc. Charles Martinez
Photojournalist
Spc. Derek Bridges
Photojournalist
Pfc. Erin Montoya
Photojournalist
200th Public Affairs Detachment
47 Bataan Blvd.
Santa Fe, NM
87508-4695
Susan Harrington
Editor
Darrell George
Advertising Sales
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SPRING 2008
C O N T E N T S
111th Combat Service Brigade builds on Rough Riders history at Gitmo 3▼
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Retracing the steps of the Ol’ 200th in the Phillippines 6▼
New Mexico Guardsmen overcome dangers to deliver aid in Afghanistan ▼
MOUT provides a great training experience for the 717th ▼
NMNG first in nation to implement emergency backup fuel cell system 9▼
Buried in snow
CW5 Anderson retires after 39 years of dedicated military service
NCO/Soldier of the Year competition winners to move on to regionals
Feels like a miracle
Teamwork defines trio of newly promoted officers
Giese comes home to teach Battalion Career Counselor Course
Chavez takes command of JTF - Zia, Border Wolf
Jose Andrade assumed to be oldest living former Guardsman
De Los Santos honored for his 21 years of military service
Theisen assumes command of the 1116th
F-16 Fighting Falcon display is dedicated at Onate Complex 20
Griego promoted to colonel 21
Family and friends welcome home the 150th Fighter Wing 22
Computer security - everyone’s responsibility 24
It’s much easier to plan for death when you’re not on it’s doorstep 25
Que Pasa Briefs 26
Random acts of kindness a testament to Soldier’s selfless service
Uniform changes affect all current Guard Soldiers
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www.nm.ngb.army.mil
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Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by
the Office 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:
jvigil@sfnewmexican.com
Spring 2008 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 1
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RIO RANCHO, N.M.—One hundred ten years ago, the 1st
Battalion, 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, Rough Riders of Camp Otero
in Santa Fe, N.M., mobilized to aid in the brief Spanish-American
War, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Under the leadership of Theodore Roosevelt, the Rough Riders,
made up of volunteers from New Mexico, Arizona and Oklahoma,
soon became legendary for their victory in the Battle of San
Juan Hill.
The Rough Riders became one of the most famous units to
fight in Cuba. New Mexico volunteers honorably took part in concluding
this chapter in history.
Jan. 11, 2008, Soldiers of the 111th Combat Service Brigade
(Maneuver Enhancement) deployed in support of Joint Task
Force-Guantanamo as part of
Operation Iraqi Freedom, where
the primary mission is detention
of enemy combatants.
Within the 45 square mile
U.S. base, the mission of the
111th is unique in that this is not
a combat assignment; this mission
has a different set of rules.
“You are about to be
charged with securing a group
of men who value chaos over
order, destruction over creation,
and death over life,” said
Brig. Gen. Gregory Zanetti,
commander of the 111th CSB
(ME). “Once you see this first
hand, once you see the magnitude
and reality of the threat,
your resolve to protect the
innocent from this small, but
potent, cancer, will grow within
you like a promise.”
As part of OIF, JTF Gitmo
has become a source of key
intelligence because of the
detention of combatants. It
has mitigated harm to military
service members, and provid-
New Mexico National Guard
111th Combat Service Brigade builds on
Rough Riders history at Gitmo
By Pfc. Erin Montoya, 200th Public Affairs Det., NMNG
A yellow ribbon ceremony was held for members and family of the 111th Combat
Service Brigade deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on Jan. 11.
Photo: Spc. Derek Bridges
ed a better understanding of our enemy’s strategy through investigation
and interrogations.
“Daily, you and your fellow Soldiers will be charged with ensuring
the safety and welfare of the detainees,” said Zanetti.
“Meanwhile, daily, the detainees will plot how to harm and possibly
kill you and your fellow Soldiers.”
Detainees held at Gitmo, though very dangerous, are treated
humanely. As part of this mission, sensitivity training is required to
learn the importance of Islamic faith and culture.
In order to ensure justice, detainees are given Combatant
Status Review Tribunals where they are given an opportunity to
contest their designation as an enemy combatant. Administrative
Board Reviews are also given annually to re-assess the status of
each detainee to determine if
holding them is necessary.
Proper care is taken when
dealing with detainees. The
U.S. military’s interest is solely
based on seeking justice in the
resolution of the War on Terror.
“Guantanamo Bay will
become the focus to the world
about how America meets justice,”
said Zanetti. “Therefore,
Soldiers of the 111th Maneuver
Enhancement Brigade Forward,
my guidance is: Never allow the
question in your mind to be:
Who will let me do the right
thing? Rather the question will
be: Who will stop me from
doing the right thing? And your
answer will be: No one.”
New Mexico volunteers of
the 111th began a new chapter
continuing our history at Gitmo;
only this mission will be distinct
in that it will require a Soldier
who is more aware of political
tension and the evolved nature
of our enemy.
Spring 2008 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 3

New Mexico Guardsmen
overcome dangers to
deliver aid in Afghanistan
By 1st Sgt. Jason Riley
Afghanistan is an amazingly beautiful, yet wild and rugged
country with virtually no infrastructure to speak of. Tops
on the list of missing infrastructure are roads, with very
few paved roads in existence. Getting anywhere in the country,
especially in our remote location, is an accomplishment in itself
and very hard on the vehicles and body.
Several days ago, we received a mission to conduct “HA
Drops” (humanitarian assistance deliveries—mostly food, blankets,
etc.) in two remote and possibly hostile (mostly Pashtun,
pro-Taliban) villages. To make things more challenging, it had
been raining, sleeting and snowing for days and the trails were a
slushy, slippery mess.
We linked up with our Afghan National Army counterparts early
in the morning and began the journey to the village where we
were going to do our first HA Drop. After about six hours of driving,
we were moving on a small ledge that was particularly muddy
when the high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV)
in front of mine slid off to the left and rolled over. HMMWV
rollovers are a huge danger in Afghanistan, due to how top-heavy
the extra armor makes them. It is common for the ledges to give
way and for them to roll off into water or ravines.
Those of us in the trail vehicles jumped out and ran to the overturned
HMMWV. Miraculously, three trees caught the HMMWV
and kept it dangling over about a 10-foot drop on its left side. The
left side doors were pinned against the trees and the right side
doors were too heavy to push straight up in the air (they each
weigh about 500 pounds), so we assisted the crew in getting out
of the turret opening. Sgt. 1st Class Manny Bustillos and Sgt. 1st
Class Lorenzo Holguin (along with two other Soldiers) got out of
the vehicle with nothing more than bumps and bruises.
Once we secured all of the people and sensitive items from the
vehicle, we began to plan how we were going to get this 16,000pound
HMMWV back on its wheels. The people of the closest village
came out by the dozens with shovels. Between them digging
the buried side of the vehicle out and us using a series of winches,
cables and tow straps, we were able to pull the vehicle back
on its tires after about four hours of intense effort.
To show our gratitude to the people of this local village for helping
us (we wouldn’t have dug out by nightfall without them), we
shifted our plans and gave them all of the humanitarian aid that we
were carrying (thousands of pounds of rice, flour and beans), and
headed back to the spot where we were going to spend the night.
I spent some time with the local village kids. I’d brought several
boxes of notebooks, crayons and candy with me for just this oppor-
tunity and passed them out as soon as we got stuck. The lesson I
learned is: Don’t give the kids anything until you’re about to leave
as they then followed me around for the rest of the time I was there.
While kids are kids the world round, it made me sad to see how
dirty, disheveled and impoverished these children are. They live a
very hard life with little joy and almost no health care. I had my
interpreter ask them how old each of them were and was stunned
to hear that many of them were in their teens when they appeared
to be 8-10 years old. Their little bodies just don’t develop like our
fortunate children’s do, and everything on them (to include their
teeth) are already in advanced states of decay. While we may not
be able to fix Afghanistan’s problems in a short few years, we are
doing the right thing by helping them.
After righting the vehicle, getting it running and dropping our HA
to the assisting villagers, we drove another three hours to a semisecure
site where we spent the night in preparation for making the
second HA Drop the next day. Nobody was looking forward to
spending the night in the wilds of Afghanistan in January in the
open—nature didn’t disappoint us. It was cold and we awoke to
several inches of snow on our sleeping bags in the morning.
Those who have experienced “Army Life” know that getting up
in the field on a cold and snowy morning ranks right up there with
a root canal. Nonetheless, we got up, ate some hot Afghan bread
(called nan) that our interpreters procured from the local village
and readied to move.
This second village was a known hot spot. Although we were
bringing them humanitarian aid, it did not guarantee our safety, so
the convoy was extra vigilant. This village was in the Hindu Kush
foothills and the scenery was truly astounding and reminded me
of New Mexico. We passed by dozens of little villages on the way
and literally hundreds of people came out to watch. The little kids
would wave, but the deeper we went into the hinterlands, the less
friendly the locals looked.
As we got closer to our target village, the snow and mist got so
thick that you could only see about 50-100 yards at most—it was
both a beautiful and ominous sight. You could feel the tension in
the air getting thicker. After we arrived at the village and set up
security, the village elders came out and began discussing the HA
Drop with our senior officer, a major from South Carolina.
Most of the time, the villagers are very happy to see you and
smile as you discuss the particulars with them. This was definitely
not the case here. As the crowd swelled and began to encircle
the major, I got apprehensive. There were several ominous looking
men in the crowd weaving back and forth.

I took up a position behind the major
and posted one of my troops, Staff Sgt.
David Muniz, off to the side. The potential
for something bad to happen was definitely
there, but the major worked it out with
the village elder. The locals then unloaded
the HA and we quickly prepared to leave.
The Pashtun peoples of Afghanistan
(most Taliban are Pashtuns, as was this village)
have a code called Pashtunwali that
says that if you are a guest of their home
or village, they will literally die to protect
you. As we were getting ready to leave, the
village elder approached the major and
told him aside that he was grateful for the
food, but that there were people all around
here that didn’t like us and wished to do us
harm. He told him to be “extra vigilant” on
the way back and to expect trouble.
As you can imagine, everybody was
vigilant as we departed. By now the mist
was still thick but starting to open up a bit
and I could see the tops of the ridgeline
(probably 500-600 feet) straight up on our
left side. Once we had traveled about 2-3
kilometers north of the village, I spotted at
least one and possibly two guys walking
on that ridgeline directly above us to the
left (no visible weapons). Right about the
time I was thinking that it was weird that
there were guys way up there in the freezing
cold and snow, gunfire broke out.
The gunfire was so intense and the fog
so thick that it took a long moment to realize
that the gunfire was going both ways. I
heard a shot sail over my head and instinctively
ducked even though that bullet was
clearly already past me. After a minute or
so of heavy shooting, we got back in the
vehicles and left. Fortunately, we sustained
no casualties (Dave, Ernie, Madson,
Manny, Lorenzo, Donnie and I were on the
mission), and made our way back to the
main road. Needless to say, we were in a
much heightened state of alertness.
After a small ambush, you’d think that
we would have maxed out our “excitement
meters.” Not so. The journey back to our
actual base turned out to be even more
exciting. By the time we topped off our
vehicles and got on the road, it was dark
and snowing. The road was alternating
slushy, muddy, icy and always steep and
treacherous. Getting up the steep mountain
passes was only surpassed in danger
and excitement by our trip down the other
side. We crawled along at 5-20 miles per
hour. Coming down one of the steeper
hills, our HMMWV slid into an overloaded
Afghan cargo truck and scared those of us
on the passenger side.
My poor HMMWV was literally on its
last legs as we limped our way home. The
automatic turret only worked sporadically.
We couldn’t open the armored driver’s
side door from the inside. The rear passenger
door wouldn’t shut and had to be
held shut by hand. The right front tire was
so low it was practically running on its
“run flat” ring. The trunk was broken
closed and both side mirrors had been
broken off during collisions with sides of
cliffs or passing vehicles. We finally
arrived into our little 30-man Forward
Operating Base (FOB) at around 11 p.m.,
ate some cold chow and went to bed.
If this is any indication of what the rest of
the year is going to be like, we’re going to
have quite an adventure. It is still snowing
and we’ve got tons of gear to clean and
prep our vehicles for the next mission.
We’re safe, mostly sound, and doing
what we were trained to do. My fellow New
Mexicans and I are representing the state
well and are proud of
our accomplishments
and the small role we’re
playing in the overall
mission of bringing stability
to Afghanistan.
Editor’s Note: Riley is currently
serving in Afghanistan with the
New Mexico Light Infantry
Embedded Training Team.
Soldiers of the New Mexico
Light Infantry Embedded
Training Team secure personnel
and items of the HMMWV
after they slid off a very narrow
and muddy road while conducting
operations in Kwaja Kinti,
Afghanistan. The soldiers were
fortunate the trees caught the
vehicle as there is a 12-15 foot
drop directly beneath the trees.
Fortunately, nobody was injured
and after about four hours of
effort, they were able to right it
and press on with our humanitarian
assistance mission.
Photo: Afghan interpreter Farhad
Spring 2008 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 5

RETRACING THE STEPS OF
OL’ 200th in the Philippines
By Lt. Col. Ken Nava, 200th Public Affairs Det., NMNG
BATAAN, Republic of the Philippines—Soldiers from the 2nd
Battalion, 200th Infantry conducted an historic staff ride with their
counterparts from the Philippine Army on Feb. 23-25, 2008. The
staff ride was part of the RP-US Balikatan 2008 exercise.
The 2nd Battalion, 200th Infantry Regiment, from the New
Mexico National Guard, participated in Balikatan 2008 as part of
Task Force 294 in Fort Magsaysay. They served alongside
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry from the Guam National
Guard and Soldiers from the 68th Infantry Battalion from the
Republic of the Philippines (RP). As with other units in New
Mexico, the 2nd Battalion, 200th Infantry unit traces its lineage
back to the 200th Coast Artillery (CA).
This trip to the Philippines was the first time a unit from the New
Mexico National Guard has been in the Philippines since WWII. Lt.
Col. Marc Arellano, commander of 2-200 Infantry, knew the significance
of this trip for the New Mexico National Guard. He submitted
a request to conduct this staff ride along the Death March
route through the Balikatan Exercise chain of command. Lt. Col.
George Charfauros, commander TF 294, forwarded Arellano’s
request to Col. Gerald Timony, J3 for CJTF Balikatan, with the
stipulation that it must be a joint RP-US endeavor.
The request was approved!
On Feb. 23, an attempt was made to follow the footsteps of the
200th as closely as possible, the first stop on the staff ride had to be
Clark Field, one of the defended assets assigned to the 200th CA.
The group of eight New Mexico Soldiers and seven Filipino
Soldiers loaded minivans and headed for Clark Field.
Most of Clark Field and what was once Fort Stotensburg is
gone. Most of the old buildings have been removed and other
structures have been built on their locations. The jungle and the
ash from Mount Pinatubo’s last eruption have also reclaimed
many of the buildings. The airstrip that was once Clark Field is
now part of Clark International Airport.
The group searched out some of the oldest buildings on Clark
Air Base and found a building known as the white house.
Appropriately named, this white house has apparently quartered
some previous U.S. presidents and is still used as distinguished
visitors quarters to this day.
From Clark, the group headed to Mount Samat, a location of
one of the last defensive stands by the 200th CA. The local media
was very interested in the historical significance of this staff ride.
Reporters Ernie Esconde, from TV Station GMA 7; Butch Gunio,
from the Manila Times; and Danny Cumilang, from DZRH Radio
all met the group as they arrived at Mount Samat.
After a brief interview in the parking lot with the local media, the
Soldiers began their trek to the summit. The group knew from
6 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Spring 2008
Dorothy Cave’s “Beyond Courage” that a marker dedicated to the
200th and 515th CA was located at the base of Mount Samat.
They quickly found the marker and after the obligatory group
photo in front of it, they began walking along the stone pathway
to the top of the shrine.
Once at the top of Mount Samat, the group could see the cross,
erected by President Ferdinand Marcos, standing 92 meters above
the ground. Impressive reliefs along the bottom of the cross tell the
story of Filipino and American bravery in defense of the Philippines.
An elevator whisked the group of Soldiers to the top of the cross,
where incredible views helped them understand why Mount Samat
was key terrain in the final stands against the Japanese Army.
After retracing their steps along the stone path to the bottom of
Mount Samat, the group intended to visit the Mount Samat museum.
The museum was currently in renovation; however, the director
of the museum made an exception to policy once he heard
how special this trip was and allowed them to tour the museum.
From Mount Samat, the group headed to Balanga. They had
originally intended to find the air strip at Cabcaben where the 200th
made one of its last stands; however, they were told that the air
strip was no longer there. A provincial road now claims that land.
After an uneventful stay in a hotel in Balanga on Feb. 24, the
group loaded their minivans and headed for Cabcaben. They
planned to take a banca (a small boat) from Cabcaben to
Corregidor. There they would tour the island defended by the
other great regiment from New Mexico—the 515th CA.
The group loaded into two bancas and began the 30 minute
boat ride to the island. After a fairly calm ride out to the island,
Lt. Cols. Ken Nava and Marc Arellano hold a piece of paper while Staff Sgt. Joshua
Peiper does a relief etching of the 200th and 515th Coast Artillery unit names on
the wall at Capas. Photo: Pfc. Jemel Rapal, 7th Infantry Division (RP) Public Affairs

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion,
200th Infantry and the
Philippine Army kneel and pray
at the replica cross at Capas.
Photo: Pfc. Jemel Rapal, 7th
Infantry Division (RP) Public Affairs
they took a two hour guided tour of the island. Two hours was
clearly not enough time to see everything, but they tried to focus
on those locations of significance that they were able to glean
from “Beyond Courage.”
After seeing things firsthand like the Malinta Tunnel, Battery
Way, the barracks and the hospital, the tour ended at the Pacific
War Memorial. At the memorial, the RP-US Soldiers changed into
their uniforms. They had planned to take at least one photo
amongst brothers in their respective uniforms. After taking some
photos and touring the Pacific War Museum, they changed back
into civilian clothes.
The trip back to Cabcaben was a little more exciting. The water
was rough and despite the banca captain’s best efforts, the group
was soaking wet upon arrival in Cabcaben. Staff Sgt. Joshua Peiper
grumbled “Banca no good!” upon his arrival back at the minivan. A
nearby family laughed at his remark. As he attempted to rinse some
of the salt water off his body using bottled water, they offered him the
use of their shower. Several other Soldiers followed his lead and
took advantage of the very common hospitality offered to the group.
After eating their MREs, it was time to start moving again. Clark
would be the final destination for the day, but the group desperately
wanted to follow the Death March as closely as possible. Maj.
Fernand Los Banes, public information officer for the 7th Infantry
Division (RP) helped the group get to the site of the start point for the
Death March. He was a former company commander in the 24th
Infantry Battalion and Bataan was his area of operations. His connections
proved to be very helpful throughout the entire staff ride.
From Maraviles, the group drove along the windy provincial
roads, which now cover the dirt roads taken by the Death Marchers.
White markers spaced one kilometer apart mark the entire route.
The route took them through the Barangays of: Maraviles, Bagac,
Cabcaben, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Abucay, Samal, Orani,
Hermosa, Layak, Lubao, Guagua, Bacolor and San Fernando.
The drive was exciting. Driving in the Philippines is quite different
from the United States. Vehicles passing on both sides are quite
common. Passing while there is oncoming traffic is not a problem.
The only discernable rule seemed to be to not get hit. Amazingly
enough, the group did not witness any accidents during the entire
trip. Whatever the Filipinos are doing, it apparently works for them.
The group stopped at Layak Junction, the location of fierce
opposition by the Filipinos and Americans against the Japanese
prior to the surrender. They also stopped at the last site where the
Japanese fought at the end of the war.
Bataan Veteran Virgil Aimes is laid to rest
Virgil Aimes, one of New Mexico’s Bataan
Veterans, passed away on Feb. 6. A memorial
service for Aimes was held at French’s Mortuary
in Albuquerque, Feb. 8. His burial service, with
full military honors provided by the New Mexico
National Guard, was celebrated Feb. 9, at the
Santa Fe National Cemetery.
By the time we reached San Fernando, we had lost daylight.
The group attempted to find the train station where the prisoners
were crammed into the railcars headed for Capas. The actual
building wasn’t located. Later that evening, Maj. Los Banes found
it. He graciously took pictures for the group.
From San Fernando, the group headed directly to Clark.
After a much needed night of rest, the group started out for
Capas on Feb. 25. The Death Marchers were crammed into railcars
in San Fernando and railed to Capas. While en route to Capas, the
group visited a Filipino park dedicated to the Death Marchers.
Although it was along the route, it was not actually built on the
location of the POW camp.
After a brief visit at the park, the group departed for the Capas
National Monument.
Arrival at the Capas National Memorial was a very emotional
experience. The first thing the group saw was one of the actual
railcars used to move the prisoners from San Fernando. The car
was so small. The Soldier tried to fathom more than 100 of our
heroes crammed into one of these cars, maybe this very car.
From the car, the group walked somberly to the Capas Prisoner
of War Memorial WWII gravesite of USAFFE POWs. More than
25,000 Filipinos and 2,500 U.S. Servicemen were buried unceremoniously
in shallow, common graves outside the Capas POW camp.
This is the place they were looking for. They were at a place
where they could honor and remember their forefathers in the
200th CA, the 515th CA, and those in the Filipino forces. The
group did relief etchings of the 200th and 515th CA unit names,
took photos, and said a prayer at this hallowed site.
The Capas National Monument also has a memorial that was
built in 2003, it is very reminiscent of the U.S. Vietnam Veterans
Wall. The group helped their Filipino counterparts find their relatives
on these walls and take relief etchings of their names.
This trip served to solidify in the minds of all of those that participated:
Freedom is not Free. It is won with the blood of brave
men and women like the Filipinos and Americans honored during
this historic staff ride.
Spring 2008 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 7

MOUT provides a great training experience for the 717th
By Pfc. Michael Hansen, 717th Support Maintenance Co.
You know the motto: Always ready,
always there. Every Soldier in the
National Guard is expected to live up to
these words, and in addition, we in New
Mexico are expected to “Go beyond the
standard.”
Besides staying physically fit, we also
receive training from highly skilled personnel,
and Feb. 8-10, the 717th Support
Maintenance Company of Rio Rancho
had the privilege to attend MOUT training
with CAT-C in Santa Fe.
The training covered techniques of
entering buildings and clearing rooms,
movement and tactics for close quarters
combat, and combatives. The instructors
for the training were highly motivated
and provided excellent insight into both
how the techniques should be performed
and how they work in the field.
All the training culminated in a simulat-
8 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Spring 2008
Pfc. Willis, Spc. Imam, and Spc. Pino clear a stairwell.
Photo: Pfc. Michael Hansen
ed combat scenario. The old state penitentiary
was the site of a terrorist resistance
and it was our job to use our newly
honed close combat skills and M16 simrounds
to clear the building of the enemy.
There were many confusion-inducing
touches provided by the instructors,
including smoke grenades, blaring heavy
metal music and excellent “terrorists.”
The CAT-C instructors have made several
changes to their program, and
according to many Soldiers, the changes
are for the better, says Spc. Garry Griego
from the 717th.
“This is way better than last time,”
Griego said. “The instructors have definitely
stepped up and focused on making
sure we all understand.”
All who participated had a great time
and are eagerly looking forward to the
next MOUT training.

NMNG first in nation to implement
emergency backup fuel cell system
By Sgt. Joseph Vigil, 200th Public Affairs Det., NMNG
SANTA FE, N.M.—Is America’s aging electrical power grid vulnerable?
Are we too dependent on this power? Is the grid going
to break more often than what we have seen recently? Do we consider
the grid breaking down a national security risk?
Absolutely, and the New Mexico National Guard is not going
risk its ability to operate in such a crisis.
It is another first for the New Mexico National Guard as it
becomes the only National Guard in the nation currently to implement
a new hydrogen fuel cell emergency backup system.
The system provides the New Mexico National Guard the ability
to operate its computer and communication systems regardless
of what catastrophe disables the power grid.
In its current configuration, the system consists of 20 fuel cell
units. Fourteen of those units are located at the Onate Complex
Headquarters in Santa Fe. The New Mexico National Guard
Aviation Facility is home to two more units. The Rio Rancho
Armory houses the other four units
Each fuel cell is an electromechanical energy conversion
device, which combines hydrogen and oxygen from the air to produce
power without combustion. The only byproduct of this technology
is water.
According to Vincent Cassala, a fuel cell unit is capable of producing
up to five kilowatts of power for 11 hours. Cassala is the
government installation manager for Plug Power, the New York
company supplying the hydrogen fuel cells.
When power is lost, the fuel cell system instantaneously provides
backup power.
“Electrical power grids going out are a primary challenge for
the military that can really hamper a mission,” said Col. Jack Fox,
A press conference was held Tuesday, Feb. 19 at the New Mexico National Guard
Onate Complex in Santa Fe, N.M. to introduce 20 newly installed Hydrogen Fuel
Cells used for emergency back up power.The Hydrogen Fuel storage tanks are a
clean, quiet, easily replaceable fuel source which will eliminate power interruptions.
Photo: Pfc. Erin Montoya
deputy adjutant general. “We are excited and proud to be leading
the way towards this clean energy system.”
“Senator Domenici fought hard in the Senate to secure the
$1.1 million to fund the system in a 2007 defense appropriations
bill,” said U.S. Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., 3rd Congressional District.
“It is a great step forward in turning away from our dependence
on foreign sources of oil. Through the leadership on Gen.
Montoya, we are making history here. Let’s rely on American ingenuity
and not on old technologies.”
“You are showing the world it can be done,” said Joseph
Trujillo, field representative for Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M.
“There is more coming, and I am proud to say that
the New Mexico National Guard is ahead of
the pack.”
Spring 2008 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 9

Buried in snow
National Guard sent in to help
Chama residents shovel out
By Sue Vorenberg
This article is reprinted with permission from The New Mexican, where it first appeared Feb. 6, 2008.
Rooftops creaked and some buckled
under the weight of more than 3
feet of snow in Chama as residents
struggled against a five-day ordeal of
almost constant storms.
In the small Northern New Mexico
community, many answered the urgent
call for help Tuesday morning from the
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, which
came dangerously close to losing some
of its historic buildings to snow cave-ins,
said Teresa Smith, the railroad’s passenger
service manager.
“We put out a radio announcement that
we needed help — there’s just so much
snow, we don’t know what to do with it,”
Smith said. “About ten people showed up
to help, and we got our rooftops clear. But
other places didn’t do so well. The new
grocery store‘s roof collapsed.”
So did the roof of the Catholic church,
said Roger Hogan, owner of The Hotel
and Shops.
“We’re basically completely snowed
in,” Hogan said. “It just keeps coming.”
The snowfall didn’t break any records
— as far as the National Weather Service
can tell — but the 39.5 inches that fell
since Friday is about 40 percent of the
town’s average annual snowfall amount —
which is certainly a large amount, said
Jennifer Palucki, a meteorologist in the
Albuquerque office.
“Chama was hit the hardest of anywhere
in the state with this round of storms,”
Palucki said. “The bulk of it fell on Sunday
evening, but it’s been snowing most of the
last five days.”
10 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Spring 2008
Forecasts show clear to partly cloudy
skies for the area today and Thursday, with a
10 percent chance of snow Thursday night.
So, for the most part, it looks like the massive
snowfall event has ended, Palucki said.
Still, over the past five days, snow levels
in the area were so deep and dangerous
that Gov. Bill Richardson declared it a
disaster area, which makes it eligible for
$750,000 in state disaster relief funds. The
New Mexico National Guard also has been
called in to help.
“Basically we need bodies — we need
people to shovel — to get this stuff out of
here,” Smith said.
The National Guard sent 14 people to
Chama to check on residents and help
shovel snow Tuesday, said Maj. Ken Nava,
a spokesman.
“We’ll have some more fresh people up
on Wednesday morning, too,” Nava said.
Tuesday the Guard helped clear off the
roof of City Hall to keep it from collapsing.
So far, the agency hasn’t found any
severely injured residents, but that could
change, Nava said.
“They’re definitely snowed in — every
house, every building,” Nava said. “There’s
3 to 4 feet of snow in front of every door,
some 6- to 7-feet-tall drifts. There’s even 8
and 9 feet in front of some houses where
snow fell off the rooftops.”
At least Northern New Mexico ski areas
fared well from the round of storms, with
Angel Fire getting 16 inches as of Tuesday
afternoon, Taos getting 27 inches and the
Santa Fe Ski area getting 17 inches,
Palucki said.
Snowpack levels also look great —
which is good news for the state’s reservoirs,
said Richard Armijo, snow surveyor
for the Natural Resources and Conservation
Service. “We’re really tickled pink to have
these conditions in place,” he said.
Snow-water equivalent in snowpack in
the Rio Chama and Upper Rio Grande
mountain area is “off the charts, “ Armijo
said.
Areas like Wolf Creek and Cumbres in
southern Colorado that feed the upper Rio
Grande are at 200 percent of average, he
said. “All those sites contribute to the
runoff here in New Mexico, “ Armijo said.
But Chama residents would really just
like to see an end to the winter weather,
Smith said. “Our streets look like these little
tunnels,” Smith said. “The berms on
either side are about 7 feet high. My
backyard probably has 5 feet of snow
covering it.”
Residents have been digging through
the blowing snow, trying to make sure the
elderly and sick aren’t trapped in their
homes, Hogan said. “The whole town’s
just come together and worked really well
to make sure their neighbors are OK,”
Hogan said.
And at least spring isn’t too far around
the corner, Smith added. “I’m looking forward
to a nice sunny spring — I won’t even
complain about the heat — not in any way,
shape or form,” she said.
The New Mexican staff writer Staci Matlock contributed
to this story.

CW5 Anderson retires after 39 years of dedicated
military service
By Col. Michael Montoya, NMNG
New Mexico National Guard
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Carl P. Anderson distinguished
himself by exceptional meritorious service throughout an
illustrious career spanning 39 years of military service. He
served the nation with distinction in numerous assignments
of ever-increasing complexity over the course of his career
from Sept. 1, 1968, to Dec. 31, 2007.
In every instance he has left a legacy of excellence, which
established the future standards for other aviators to emulate.
Anderson’s service has been characterized by extraordinary
loyalty, integrity, honesty, devotion to duty, selfless service,
personal courage, vision, innovative training and leadership.
Anderson began his military training as a ROTC Cadet at
Penn State in September 1966. He received a Bachelor’s
Degree in Finance and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. on Sept.
1, 1968, and branched Infantry. He reported to Fort Benning,
Ga., for the Infantry Officer Basic Course. After graduating
from Infantry Officer Basic Course, Anderson reported to Fort
Walters, Texas, and then to Hunter/Stewart, Ga., for flight
school, earning his flight wings in February 1970. His next duty
assignment was Vietnam.
As a young aviator with the 1st squadron, 10th U.S. Cavalry,
4th Infantry Division (1-10 CAV), Anderson provided air support to
the ground combat units fighting in Vietnam. From May 1970 to
May 1971, the 22-year-old Anderson flew UH-1B/D “Hueys,”
OH58 “Scouts” and AH-1 “Gunships,” amassing 800 combat
flight hours. He left Vietnam having earned the Vietnam Service
Medal, an air medal, the Bronze Star and numerous other awards.
Anderson, now a 1st Lt., returned from Vietnam in May 1971,
and was assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas. He performed various
administrative duties and limited flight duties. Anderson was
released from active duty in February 1973, as a Captain.
Anderson joined the Delaware Army National Guard in March
1973, and was assigned to their UH-1 Air Assault Company as a
platoon leader. He performed those duties until March 1980, at
which time he reverted to Chief Warrant Officer Two.
In September 1990, CW3 Anderson transferred to the New
Mexico Army National Guard. From 1990 through1994 he was
assigned to Counterdrug Aviation (RAID) and commanded the
unit from 1992 through 1993.
In 1994, CW4 Anderson transferred to the Army Aviation
Support Facility where he has performed the duties as the State
Standardization Instructor Pilot. In the last 34 years as a
Guardsman, he has progressed though the Warrant Officer ranks
Lt. Col. John Fishburn presents CW5 Carl Anderson with the Legion of Merit during Anderson’s
retirement ceremony. Anderson served in the U.S. Military for more than 39 years.
Photo: Sgt. Anna Doo
to Chief Warrant Officer 5. Anderson served in a variety of warrant
officer positions to include Instructor Pilot and Standardization
Pilot. He served on the JFHQ staff, in Counterdrug Aviation
(RAID), the 717th Medical Company Air Ambulance, and the 461st
and 462nd Aviation Detachments.
During his tenure in the New Mexico Army National Guard,
Anderson participated in countless state active duty missions.
In July 2003, as a 57-year-old Soldier, Anderson again deployed
to a combat theater to support Operation Enduring Freedom in
Afghanistan as a UH-60 Standardization Pilot. The skills that he
had acquired over the 35 years of military experience proved beneficial
to his command and ensured a very successful deployment.
Anderson retired from military service with more than 12,500
flight hours of which approximately 1,025 of those flight hours
were flown in combat. He started his military career as a young
aviator fighting in Southeast Asia and finished it a seasoned aviator
fighting the war in Southwest Asia. He is a tremendous asset
to the military and will be missed.
Anderson’s dedication to duty exemplifies the traits of the professional
Soldier and the consummate leader. His contributions to
the nation, the New Mexico National Guard and the U.S. Army are
characteristic of his patriotism as a Citizen Soldier. His selfless
service to the mission and many significant achievements reflect
great credit upon himself, his family, the New Mexico National
Guard and the U.S. Army.
Spring 2008 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 11

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—
One noncommissioned
officer, and one Soldier
were picked from a group
of eight New Mexico
National Guard members
to compete at the regional
level, where this challenge
is expected to intensify.
Two Soldiers from New
Mexico were recognized in
the state level NCO and
Soldier of the Year Board
ceremony Sunday, Feb. 10,
at the Regional Training
Institute building, Onate
Complex, Santa Fe, N.M.
The next step is the
regional level, which is the
third phase of the final
Department of the Army
NCO and Soldier of the
Year competition.
Soldiers typically selected
for this competition display
leadership qualities
and project a willingness to
complete each mission
with pride.
New Mexico’s State
Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin
Myers began the ceremony
by congratulating all participants
and encouraging
them to continue to strive
New Mexico National Guard
NCO/Soldier of the Year competition winners
to move on to regionals
By Pfc. Erin Montoya, 200th Public Affairs Det., NMNG
for excellence. “Who ever we take to the regional competition, we
plan to take to the nationals, too,” said Myers.
The preparation to compete in this type of event is time consuming
and physically demanding.
During the three-day competition, each individual was tested on
physical fitness, general military knowledge, skill of land navigation,
12 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Spring 2008
rifle marksmanship, and
made an appearance before
a board of six sergeant
majors who tested military
bearing, appearance, knowledge
and history.
“It’s all about being a
Citizen Soldier,” said Col.
Juan Griego, commander of
the 93rd Brigade. “All I do is
talk about how proud I am
of the NCOs and Soldiers I
lead. Our job is to protect
the citizens of our community
and this great nation.”
These dedicated Soldiers
each have unique motivation,
but all of them want to
be held to a higher standard.
Learning to become a leader
is what they strive for.
Sgt. Juan C. Espinoza-
Ochoa, 717th Distribution
Company, Portales, N.M.,
was honored as New
Mexico’s NCO of the Year.
The winner of last year’s
competition, Staff Sgt. Tino
Celso Aguilera, also
Espinoza-Ochoa’s mentor,
declared they were determined
to win this competition
and that is just what they did.
“The most difficult part
was appearing before the
board,” said Espinoza-Ochoa. “But this has been an excellent
experience for me. I’ve been studying non-stop, even in my vehicle
through audio tapes, but I know I need to do a lot more preparation
for the regional competition.”
Among the Soldiers, Spc. Suzanna Dominguez was named the
New Mexico Soldier of the Year.
Mentor Master Sgt. Brenda Mallary, and Soldier of the Year competition winner
Spc. Suzanna Dominquez spent a significant amount of time together during this process,
and were recognized for their hard work during this ceremony.
Photo: Pfc. Erin Montoya

New Mexico State Command Sgt.
Maj. Kevin Myers congratulates the
NCO/Soldier of the year winner,
Sgt. Juan C. Espinoza-Ochoa.
Photo: Erin Montoya
Master Sgt. Brenda Mallary was Dominguez’s mentor.
“Master Sgt. Mallary and I were notified a month ago that I
would be competing,” said Dominguez. “Ever since then I studied
every chance I could.”
Dominguez earned a perfect score in weapons qualification
with 40 points out of 40 possible.
“I need to see what I didn’t do so well at so I can practice to
improve myself in those areas,” said Dominguez.
Other NCOs competing included Staff Sgt. Leonard Fechter,
Joint Forces Headquarters; Staff Sgt. Robert Martinez, 615th
Transportation Battalion; and Sgt. Eric Anderson, Company B, 1st
Battalion, 200th Infantry.
Other Soldiers included Spc. Ryan Switzer, Company B, 1st
Battalion, 200th Infantry; Spc. Michael Ramirez, 615th
Transportation Battalion; and Pfc. Christopher Valdez, 717th
Support Maintenance Company (BSB/CSB).
Alternates were selected in case the winners are unable to
attend the regional competition. If needed, substitutes are Sgt.
Eric Anderson as the NCO, and Pfc. Christopher Valdez as the
Soldier contestant.
The regional competition is scheduled for May 1-4, in Salt Lake
City, Utah.
This competition is a defining moment in a Soldier’s career.
Not all Soldiers have the opportunity to win, but all are given a
greater perspective, and more knowledge to take with them on
their journey.
Spring 2008 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 13

‘Feels like a miracle’
GUARD HELICOPTERS ASSIST IN FINDING LOST SNOWBOARDERS
By Staci Matlock - Reprinted with permission of The New Mexican
SANTA FE, N.M.—Two
New Mexico National Guard
UH-60 medevac helicopters
assisted New Mexico State
Police Search and Rescue
efforts to find two lost snowboarders
alive after being lost
for three nights near the Santa
Fe Ski Basin.
Rescuers found the two
snowboarders — Dr. Adam
Putnam, 36, an emergency
room physician, and Rachel
Fehl, 30 — alive and mostly
unscathed at about 9:40 a.m.
on Jan. 9.
Searchers spotted the pair
after triangulating their cell
phone’s signal and sending a
National Guard helicopter to
an area south of the initial
search grid, said state police
spokesman Peter Olson.
In a 911 call Tuesday morning, Adam Putnam told dispatchers
he and Fehl could see helicopters hovering overhead.
“We’ve had three pass overhead, but they can’t see us
because there are 50-foot junipers around us,” Putnam said.
Each time one passed, Adam Putnam said he “frantically”
waved a snow shovel, though he sounded calm and hopeful.
“Every time I get to talk to you, it feels like a miracle because
I shouldn’t have a battery in this phone anymore,” he told the
dispatcher.
The couple had stomped “SOS” in the snow on Little Tesuque
Peak, along the ridge between the Santa Fe Municipal Water
Shed and the Big Tesuque basin, Olson said.
Paramedics were lowered to the couple, and the two were
hoisted aboard a Black Hawk helicopter, flown to a National
Guard base near Santa Fe Municipal Airport, then taken by ambulance
to St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, where they were
treated and released.
14 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Spring 2008
Two snowboarders are seen from a National Guard helicopter on Tuesday. The
rescue was the 12th that Guard helicopters have helped with since last January.
Photo: Courtesy of New Mexico National Guard
The couple suffered cold but
not frostbitten toes, mild dehydration
and exhaustion, said St.
Vincent spokesman Arturo
Delgado. They had slept on
pine branches inside a snow
cave they dug, said Delgado,
who met with the couple before
they were released. Fehl mentioned
the nights had been very
cold, which made it hard to
sleep, Delgado said.
Delgado said they had only
fitness goo — an energy bar in
gel form — for food during the
four days and three nights.
They also had a water bladder,
which they filled with snow
intermittently and placed inside
their clothing so it would melt,
Delgado said. He didn’t think
they could build a fire.
“They seemed exhausted but in good spirits,” Delgado said.
“They needed sleep and food.”
He said Putnam and Fehl had taken avalanche training two
years ago.
According to state police, which is in charge of search and rescue
operations, Putnam and Fehl took the Millennium Lift to the
top of Ski Santa Fe on Saturday, then hiked north to the Nambé
Chutes. After doing the chutes, the couple climbed back up and
became lost, Olson said.
They spent Saturday night in a snow cave dug with a shovel
the couple had with them, according to David Clark, who was part
of the incident command overseeing the search. “I think that shovel
was the key to their survival,” Clark said. “It allowed them to
build snow caves, and they used it to help signal the helicopter.”
White-out snowstorms Sunday and Monday grounded aircraft
that would normally have been searching for the couple. “The
weather was horrendous,” said Reed Shelton, a member of the
Atalaya Search and Rescue team, one of only two teams in the state

trained in avalanche rescue. “The visibility
was less than 20 feet. You could
hardly see anything.”
The extended storm dumped 26
inches of snow on the ski basin, increasing
the risk of avalanches, Shelton said.
He said he couldn’t remember the last
time they had someone lost for three
days and nights in winter.
Eight teams of four people were
searching for the couple all day
Monday until 8 p.m. on the ground in
the Nambé Chutes and Lake Peak
area, which is where they said they
were when they called 911 from a cell
phone Sunday night, Olson said.
The mood among struggling
searchers Monday night was “very
frustrated,” Shelton said. “It is so hard
to know that someone is out there and
they badly need our help, and we can’t
get to them.”
But the couple was a long way from
Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Holmes, a New Mexico National Guard Black Hawk crew member, assists Rachel Fehl during
where they thought they were and
the rescue of her and fiancée Dr. Adam Putnam after the snowboarders were reported lost in the Santa Fe Ski Area.
where the searchers were looking. Photo: Staff Sgt. Allen McBroom
They said they thought they were north
of the ski area but were found to the south
on a ridge at about 11,500 feet elevation
on the edge of the watershed, Olson said.
They were both standing and waving their
arms at the helicopter pilot, he said.
Putnam and Fehl recently moved to
Albuquerque from Pennsylvania, according
to Putnam’s father. Adam Putnam
works as an emergency room doctor at all
Lovelace hospitals in the city.
In 2007, Putnam graduated from a threeyear
residency program in emergency
medicine at St. Luke’s Hospital and Health
Network in Bethlehem, Pa., according to
spokeswoman Denise Rader.
The couple, who have been together
several years, moved to Albuquerque so
Fehl could pursue her nurse practitioner
degree at the University of New Mexico,
according to Steve Putnam.
Maj. Ken Nava, a spokesman with the
New Mexico National Guard in Santa Fe,
said this was the 12th rescue that Guard
helicopters have helped with since last
January.
The New Mexican staff writer Jason Auslander and
the Associated Press contributed to this article.
Spring 2008 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 15

New Mexico National Guard
Teamwork defines trio of newly promoted officers
By Joseph Vigil, 200th Public Affairs Det., NMNG
(Left) Laura, Lt. Col. John Fishburn’s wife, pins her husband with the new rank of lieutenant colonel. (Center) Lt. Col. Tony Leal‘s fiancée Lupe Martinez and mother Olivia
Leal take part in pinning his patrol cap with the lieutenant colonel rank. (Right) Lt. Col. Ken Nava’s wife Dawn affixes the promoted rank of lieutenant colonel to his uniform.
Photo: Pfc. Erin Montoya
SANTA FE, N.M.—Their actions speak louder than words. A
trio of majors exemplified what selfless duty and teamwork is all
about at their anticipated promotion ceremony held at the 515th
Regional Training Institute’s multipurpose room at the Onate
Complex here on Feb. 9.
Majors Ken Nava, John Fishburn and Tony Leal could have chosen
to be promoted, pinned and recognized as lieutenant colonels
on their individual promotion dates, but it was more important to
them to wait until all three were present to be promoted as a team.
“They put the Guard before themselves,” said Brig. Gen.
Kenny Montoya, the adjutant general of the New Mexico National
Guard. “That is why the Guard exists.”
“I promised our enlisted soldiers the best officers we could
provide. I ask our enlisted Soldiers, do you accept these officers?”
asked Montoya.
“Yes, they are fine leaders,” answered State Command Sgt.
Maj. Kevin Meyers.
It was a special day for the officers, their families and their
National Guard families. For Nava and Leal, it was the first opportunity
for their families to be present at their promotion ceremonies.
Fishburn said it was a great honor to be recognized here today.
He reminded everyone that he served as an enlisted Soldier for
six years and thanked the enlisted Soldiers for supporting him.
“I can’t say enough about our enlisted Soldiers,” said
Fishburn. “You are my heroes.”
Fishburn went on to thank the warrant officers he served with.
16 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Spring 2008
“I learned to fly from you,“ said Fishburn. “For the Vietnam veterans,
I am especially proud to serve with you.”
He also recognized Col. Michael Montoya for being one of his
great mentors.
Nava said that he wanted to hold the ceremony on a drill weekend
so our Soldiers could be there.
“It is important to have both my immediate family and my
Guard family present here today,” said Nava.
Nava will lead the 515th back to war in Iraq in the near future.
“Soldiering is in my blood,” said Nava. “Both my grandfathers
served honorably in the military.”
Nava went on to thank Montoya and the New Mexico National
Guard for the opportunities they have provided.
Leal expressed his appreciation to retired Lt. Gen. Edward
Baca and Col. Richard Clark for being great mentors.
“And I also want to thank Command Sgt. Majors Villesca and
Meyers,” said Leal.
Baca went on to praise Montoya’s leadership and vision of the
New Mexico National Guard’s future.
“Kenny is doing the right thing here; preparing these young
leaders to some day take his place,” said Baca.
To the newly promoted officers, Baca said, “Never forget why
you do this. Protect and defend that flag and the freedoms is represents,
just like the ‘Battling Bastards of Bataan’ did before you.”
“They are three of the most professional Soldiers I have ever
met,” said Chaplain Ricardo Russo.

Giese comes home to teach Battalion Career Counselor Course
Staff Reports
Sgt. 1st Class Mark Giese, Battalion Career Counselor Course instructor,
presents Sgt. 1st Class Salomon Chavez, 515th CSSB of Soccoro,
with his Battalion Career Counselor Course graduation diploma.
Photo: Staff Sgt. Christen Payne
SANTA FE, N.M.—The New Mexico Army National
Guard (NMARNG) graduated 21 Soldiers from its first
Battalion Career Counselor Course, Jan. 16, at the
Regional Training Institute here. The course lasted ten
days. Sgt. 1st Class Mark Giese, a member of the
NMARNG currently on tour at the Strength Maintenance
Training Center in Camp Robinson, Ark., was the course
instructor.
Before this offering, students had to travel to Camp
Robinson to complete the course—providing that seats,
funding and other resources were available. Bringing
Giese home to teach allowed the NMARNG to train
counselors from all over the state and from each of the
state’s five battalions, said Sgt. Maj. Abel Villesca, the
Recruiting and Retention sergeant major.
“They (the graduates) are qualified and
motivated to significantly improve retention
and attrition management in our units,”
said Villesca.
The graduates were Sgts. 1st Class
Salomon Chavez and Joann Hacker of the
515th Combat Sustainment Spt. Bn.; Sgt.
1st Class Dora Poblano of the 717th
Distribution Co.; Staff Sgts. Christopher
Baca and Timothy Clark of the 720th Trans.
Co.; Staff Sgts. Kellie Howell and Tanya
Mirabal of the 717th Distribution Co.; Staff
Sgt. Robert Sanchez of the 720th Trans.
Co.; Staff Sgt. Carlos Valdez of the 1116th
Trans. Co.; Sgt. Milton Cruz of the 1115th
Trans. Co.; Sgt. Carlos Estrada of HHC,
2nd Bn., 200th Inf.; Sgt. Enrique Feliciano
of the 717th Bde. Spt. Bn.; Sgt. Gilbert
Garcia of C Co., 2nd Bn., 200th Inf.; Sgt.
Robert Hopkins of the 126th Military Police
Co.; Sgt. Anthony Lujan of the 720th Trans.
Co.; Sgt. Robert Martinez of the 615th
Trans. Bn.; Sgt. Miguel Valdes-Franco of D
Co., 2nd Bn., 200th Inf.; Sgt. Jonathan
Vallejos of HHC, 1st Bn., 200th Inf., Spc.
Ryon Freemole of HHC, 2nd Bn., 200th
Inf.; Spc. Jason Serrano of HHC, 111th
Combat Spt. Bde.; and Pvt. Sharron Duran
of the 1115th Trans. Co.
Spring 2008 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 17

M i n u t e m e n
New Mexico
Chavez takes command of JTF – Zia, Border Wolf
By 1st Lt. Wayne Lee, JTF-ZIA Public Affairs Officer
Col. Richard Chavez presents the New Mexico state flag to Command Sgt.
Maj. Jimmy Rivera during the Change of Command ceremony at FOB Border
Wolf in Deming, N.M., Jan. 2.
Photo: 1st Lt. Wayne Lee
DEMING, N.M.—A new commander assumed responsibility of
Joint Task Force-ZIA, Border Wolf, during a Change of Command
ceremony at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) here on Jan. 2.
Col. Richard Chavez assumed command of Joint Task Force-
Jose Andrade assumed to be oldest living former Guardsman
By Spc. Charles Martinez, 200th Public Affairs Det., NMNG
Jose Andrade just celebrated his 100th birthday, along with a
few hundred of his closest friends and family in Albuquerque, N.M.
He enlisted in the New Mexico National Guard in the 1930s as
a private for about two years, drilling in the Albuquerque Armory.
Andrade may be the oldest living former Guard member.
However, this is just one small part of his very long life. He was
born in the village of La Barca in Jalisco, Mexico, Dec. 14, 1907.
Andrade, an only child, moved to Albuquerque with his parents
when he was only 11 years old. He started working early, making
deliveries to tuberculosis patients on his bicycle for a penny for
each delivery. He also worked fixing vehicles and spent a short time
in the New Mexico National Guard. One of his longer tenured jobs
was at the KABQ radio station in Albuquerque. He started out as a
radio announcer, eventually working his way up to general manager.
It was in this capacity that he gave former television anchor
Nelson Martinez his start in 1965, after graduating from high school.
Andrade started early in his life a passion he still practices
today: exercise. Entering several bodybuilding competitions
would eventually lead to titles of Mr. Albuquerque in 1950, followed
by Mr. New Mexico in 1951. More than 50 years later,
18 NEW MEXICO National Guard / Spring 2008
National Guard
ZIA, Border Wolf. He replaced outgoing commander, Col. Barry
Stout, who became the deputy chief of the Joint Staff of the New
Mexico National Guard in Santa Fe. Chavez is responsible for
organizing the close-out of the New Mexico portion of Operation
Jump Start, which is scheduled to end July 15. He and members
of his staff will attend a conference to make final preparations for
the close-out of this mission.
Chavez is one of six commanders who have served throughout
this southwest border operation. The previous JTF-ZIA commanders
have been Col. Juan Griego, Brig. Gen. James Morgan, Col. Richard
Rael, Col. Richard Puglisi, Col. Donald Walker and Col. Barry Stout.
“I’m excited to serve on this very important mission,” Chavez said.
As he contemplated what he wanted to share for this article,
Chavez felt impressed to describe his leadership philosophy.
“My philosophy on leadership begins with the mission and
Soldier care first and everything else will have to fight for second.”
Throughout his military career, there has been a code of conduct
that has followed Chavez.
“I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for the freedom
responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles
which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the
United States of America.”
Andrade begins each day by going to Mass and then to Defined
Fitness Gym to work out.
Andrade is also dedicated to helping students get to school
safely each day at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School, where
he is a crossing guard. He takes great pride in ensuring the safety
of America’s future, as he has done for the past 15 years.
He is actively involved in the North Valley Senior Center, as well
as the churches of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Therese.
Being an only child didn’t stop Andrade from creating a
dynasty of his own. He had 18 children with his first wife and five
with his second. He survived both wives and ten of his children.
His children range in age from 34 to 76. One of the youngest children,
Lourdes, is married to current Guard member, Maj. Rick
Giron. This dynasty continues with 140 combined grandchildren,
great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Andrade credits exercise for his physical and spiritual longevity.
Since his own father lived to be 104 years old, he may have
several more years left in him. Never letting his age be a factor, he
was recently able to renew his driver’s license with the MVD so he
can continue to go to his job as a crossing guard.

De Los Santos honored for his 21 years of military service
By Command Sgt. Maj. Elizabeth Bryant, 717th Brigade Support Bn., NMNG
Sgt. 1st Class Rudolph De Los Santos receives his
retirement flag during a ceremony held for him in
Roswell, Jan. 6.
Photo: Command Sgt. Maj. Elizabeth Bryant
ROSWELL, N.M.—Sgt. 1st Class
Rudolph De Los Santos was honored at a
retirement ceremony here on Jan. 6. A
Vietnam veteran, he served 21 years in the
National Guard.
De Los Santos graduated from Roswell
High School and was drafted into the
Army in June 1968. He reported to the El
Paso, Texas, entrance station and was
transferred to Fort Polk, La., where he
completed Basic Combat Training. De Los
Santos completed his advanced individual
training at Fort Sill, Okla.. He deployed to
Vietnam in December 1968 to serve with
the 9th Infantry Division.
Throughout his military career, De Los
Santos earned various military awards,
Theisen assumes command of the 1116th
By Pfc. Erin Montoya, 200th Public Affairs Det., NMNG
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—Soldiers of the 1116th Transportation
Company, Wolf Pack stood at attention to receive a new
Commander, Feb. 9, during a change of command ceremony at
the Wyoming Armory drill hall.
Capt. Henry Theisen assumes command following Capt. Harold
Klaus, who will be reassigned to the Roswell Armory.
Addressing his Soldiers for the first time, Theisen said, “I’m
truly honored for the opportunity to take command of an outstanding
team.”
Theisen began his military career as an enlisted troop in the
Marine Corps. In 1990, he deployed with the 2/24th Surveillance
and Target Acquisition Platoon, Headquarters & Service Company
in support of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
He then joined the New Mexico National Guard, was commissioned
2nd Lt., and was recognized as academic leader of the
Officer Candidate School.
As a New Mexico Guardsman, Theisen served in two operational
tours and one combat tour.
He deployed the first time in support of Joint Task Force
Chontales, Nicaragua, as platoon leader of the 642nd Maintenance
Co., Las Cruces, N.M.
He also supported operations Noble Eagle and Armed Falcon
as the anti-terrorism officer of the 3rd Battalion, 200th Air Defense
Artillery.
Theisen also completed a combat tour as the administrative
officer of the 93rd Troop Command, where he deployed to
Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Prior to taking command of the 1116th, Theisen was assigned
to the 515th Combat Service Support Battalion, Socorro, N.M. as
the communications officer.
with the highest being the Bronze Star with
“V” device for valor.
De Los Santos served as the operations
sergeant for 1st Bn., 200th Air Defense
Artillery here from 1997 to 2003. His last
duty assignment was as a senior small
group leader for the New Mexico Army
National Guard’s Regional Training Institute,
with special assignment as the NCOC for
the Recruit Sustainment Program, conducted
out of the armory here.
De Los Santos earned his master’s
degree from Eastern New Mexico
University at both the Roswell and Portales
campuses. He was an educator and counselor
during his 28 years of service to the
Roswell community, retiring last May.
Capt. Henry Theisen, new commander of the 1116th Transportation
Company addresses his Soldiers for the first time.
Photo: Pfc. Erin Montoya
Theisen is a graduate of Ordnance Officer Basic Course. He
earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from
Missouri State University, Springfield, Mo., and is currently working
to obtain a master’s degree in business administration from
the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
Theisen is the recipient of numerous awards including the
Marine Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation,
Kuwait Liberation Medal for Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, NATO Medal,
Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Navy Sea Service
Deployment Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve
Medal with “M” device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,
Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with
Bronze Service Star, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze
Service Star, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, Army
Achievement Medal and Army Commendation Medal.
Spring 2008 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 19

F-16 Fighting Falcon
display is dedicated at Onate Complex
By Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Mallary, 200th Public Affairs Det., NMNG
SANTA FE, N.M.—Members of the New Mexico Army and Air
National Guard dedicated the F-16 Fighting Falcon display at the
state headquarters here, Feb. 15. The ceremony marked the culmination
of a two-year effort to represent the Air Guard by adding
the jet to the display of Army vehicles and weapons systems at
the Oñate Complex. The initiative to add the fighter was led by
Brig. Gen. Kenny Montoya, the adjutant general of New Mexico,
who attended the ceremony.
The jet is prominently displayed near the compound’s front
gate and is easily visible from Interstate 25. It bears the markings
of the New Mexico Air National Guard’s own 150th Fighter Wing.
Air Guard Col. Judy Griego, director of the Joint Staff, served
as the master of ceremonies. After the posting of the colors,
pledge of allegiance and singing of the national anthem, Griego
welcomed home Lt. Col. Gregory Mathwig, Senior Master Sgt.
Ernest Rodriguez and Master Sgt. David Randall. All three are
members of the 150th who recently returned from Iraq. The three
honorees removed a yellow ribbon to signify the unit’s return.
Col. Jay Bledsoe, 150th commander, explained the history of
the F-16 before formally presenting it. The need for a new fighter
jet became apparent during the Vietnam War as deficiencies were
20 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Spring 2008
identified in aircraft being used at that time. General Dynamics
began producing the F-16 for the Air Force after being selected
over the competition.
Since being equipped with the F-16, the 150th has participated
in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Provide
Promise/Deny Flight, Joint Endeavor/Decisive Edge, Southern
Watch, Noble Eagle and Iraqi Freedom.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” said Bledsoe, “I present you with your
F-16.”
Bledsoe then introduced New Mexico State Senator Joseph
Carraro and recognized Carraro for his efforts to modernize the
Air Guard. Carraro, in turn, said that the F-16 display symbolizes
the Air Guard’s tradition as it moves into the future.
Other dignitaries included New Mexico Secretary of Veterans
Services John Garcia; retired Lt. Gen. Edward Baca, former chief
of National Guard Bureau and adjutant general of New Mexico;
retired Maj. Gen. Melvin Montaño, former adjutant general of
New Mexico; Brig. Gen. Marty Holland, the joint chief of staff; Col.
Jack Fox, Army deputy adjutant general; retired State Command
Sgt. Maj. John Torres; and current State Command Sgt. Maj.
Kevin Myers.
During the F-16 Fighting Falcon dedication, Col. Judy Griego
welcomed home Senior Master Sgt. Ernest Rodriguez,
Master Sgt. David Randall and Lt. Col. Gregory Mathwig of
the 150th who recently returned from Iraq. The three honorees
removed a yellow ribbon to signify the unit’s return.
Photo: Sgt. Anna Doo

Griego promoted to colonel
By Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Mallary, 200th Public Affairs Det., NMNG
SANTA FE, N.M.—Col. Judy Griego of
the New Mexico Air National Guard
(NMANG) was promoted to her current
rank during a ceremony at the Regional
Training Institute here, Feb 15. Griego is
the director of staff for Joint Force
Headquarters-New Mexico.
Griego’s husband, Chief Master Sgt.
David Griego, and Brig. Gen. Kenny
Montoya, the adjutant general, pinned on
Griego’s silver eagles while her daughter,
Mariah, watched. Before the pinning,
Griego presented Mariah with a bouquet of
roses to thank her for the sacrifices she has
made with both parents serving in the military.
Not wanting to leave out her husband,
but also believing that he might not value
roses as much as their daughter, Griego
presented him with a bucket of golf balls.
Mariah’s own service to the Air Guard
began even before she was born. Griego
explained that she learned that she was
pregnant with Mariah the day before leaving
for an exercise 13 years ago. “Mariah went
on that exercise with me,” said Griego.
That marked the beginning of trying to
balance motherhood and a military career.
“I missed her first birthday and I missed
her second birthday too,” said Griego.
A New Mexico native, Griego began her
military career by enlisting in the Air Guard
in June 1979. She rose to the rank of master
sergeant before receiving her commission
in April 1991. She holds a Bachelor’s
Degree in Professional Aeronautics and
a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Science,
both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University.
At the beginning of the ceremony,
Montoya asked every colonel present to
stand up and say a few words about
Griego to welcome her to their ranks. The
consensus was that Griego is a warrior,
well versed in joint operations.
“My first experience in joint operations
was working with Judy Griego,” said Col.
Juan Griego, 93rd Brigade commander.
“It’s always a joy to work with Col. Griego.”
Col. Jay Bledsoe, commander of the
150th Fighter Wing, said, “When I first came
Brig. Gen. Kenny Montoya, the adjutant general,
and Chief Master Sgt. David Griego,
Griego’s husband, pin on Col. Judy Griego’s
newly earned silver eagles.
Photo: Sgt. Anna Doo
to New Mexico in 1980, Judy was working
as an air operations technician. She has literally
worked her way up through the ranks.
Judy, congratulations.”
“You’re a warrior and you bring a lot of
dedication to every task,” said Col. Eugene
Delgado, the U.S. Property and Fiscal
Officer for New Mexico.
Delgado’s deputy, Lt. Col. Timothy
Harmeson, was the master of ceremonies.
Col. Barry Stout of the Army Guard also
confirmed that Griego is not only a warrior,
but a joint warrior at that. “She wears an
Army PT (physical training) uniform when
she’s out there doing PT every day. She
does the Bataan (Memorial) Death March
every year,” he said.
“She is what we in the New Mexico
National Guard are most proud of – she
represents the best,” said Col. Jack Fox,
the deputy adjutant general for Army.
Griego herself then said, “I don’t have a
speech ready because I don’t have
enough words to thank everyone who
made me what I am.”
Spring 2008 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 21

By Capt. Teise Homer
Forty-five to 60 days ago, depending on which chalk or
advanced team, men and women of the 150th Fighter Wing along
with Guardsmen as far away as Michigan, packed up their bags
and the equipment necessary to get the job done, left their families
behind and made their way to the warfront on terrorism.
These brave men and women are returning home to their families
to share and be thankful for family and friends, but most of all, for
the freedoms that most Americans take for granted everyday.
Chilling weather reports, delayed flights and darkness could
not keep away the jovial faces of family members anxiously awaiting
the return of their loved ones. The 44th Army Band sent members
to play holiday songs. The families huddled together, laughing
and reminiscing about what hardships they endured, the
increased responsibility on the home fronts and all of the little
things that moms and dads do that you never think about.
The Romero’s sat in the chilled hangar on the front row of folding
chairs, listening to Josh strum the guitar, huddled together
anxiously awaiting the arrival of the buses carrying the returning
troops. Those buses had more than just returning troops for the
Romero’s, they had a very special dad and husband, Ron, who
had been away from his family for 45 days, way too long according
to Stephanie, age14, the middle Romero sibling. Stephanie
had missed having her dad download new music to her MP3 player
and all of the little things that dads do that you sort of take for
granted, according to Karen, mother of the three siblings.
Karen said that during this deployment it had not been too
bad, she had to get new tires on the family car, have the septic
tank worked on, and the roof started leaking, but all in all, not bad
for a deployment. She said usually more goes wrong when her
husband is deployed. Katherine, age 12, plays basketball and
misses her dad’s coaching the most, but with the season in full
22 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Spring 2008
Family and friends welcome
home the 150th Fighter Wing
The weatherman was projecting snow, the wind was blistery cold, yet families of
more than 200 Guardsmen braved the late hour and the wintry mix of weather to
welcome home those who proudly serve their country and what it stands for.
swing and dad returning, she said she feels better. Josh age 16,
is looking forward to just having his dad home.
Karen is a nursing student and misses her “tag team member.”
Karen says that she and Ron share the duties of raising two teens
and a pre-teen and the chores of running a household. When he
is deployed, she has to take up the slack and sometimes those
are pretty big boots to fill in Ron’s absence. When asked how they
had planned to celebrate, they all smiled and said Los Cuate’s.
On their drive down from their home in the East Mountains they
stopped and picked up Mexican food from the local restaurant.
The cold and the late hour was not going to stop the Romero’s
from enjoying good food, family and that special man in their lives.
Speaking of special men, Adrian Cde Baca left his small son
Ryan, age 4, in his family’s care while he went off to fight the War
on Terrorism 60 days ago. Ryan, tired and cold, sat in a folding
chair in the chilly hangar, looking a little dazed and confused, but
he was surrounded by his family and he knew his dad would be
coming home. In Adrian’s absence, his family stepped up to fill
his shoes and ensure that Ryan was well taken care of. What
makes this family so special is that they are all involved in Ryan’s
care and the preparation of Adrian’s favorite foods for his homecoming
celebration.
Marcos and Cathy Cde Baca were bursting with pride for their
son as they told about making plans for the big dinner and the
upcoming duck hunting trip. Marcos said he had spoke to his son
earlier in the day and that he had said this was the longest Dec.
14 he had ever experienced. He further explained that the
National Guard group had crossed several time zones and that
Adrian said he would just be glad to get home and get back to his
family. Cathy said she will have help making dinner consisting of
Adrian’s favorite Spanish foods while Monica, Janelle and Jackie

tease her that they won’t. Joan smiles big
and says that she will help; Cathy corrects
them and says they will all help. The group
is light-hearted and full of happiness that
Adrian will soon be home safe and sound.
Conrado Armijo, who has just joined
the 150th Civil Engineering Squadron, was
to go off to Basic Military Training Feb. 13,
2008, and eagerly awaited his wife
Angela’s return. Angela works in the back
shop in avionics and was gone for about
45 days. Conrado said he did not bring the
couple’s 15-month-old Eneas or 6-yearold
Gabby. He said Eneas’s grandfather,
Tony Armijo, retired two weeks before
Angela deployed and was a tremendous
help with the kids during Angela’s
absence. Conrado said that he and
Angela will have a little time together
before he has to ship out for Basic Training
so he is just ready to get home tonight.
Angela Armijo is not the only mom who
had to leave small children behind. Angela
George had to leave Reyna, age 7, and
Joshua, age 3, with her Guard husband,
Chris, who works in Security Forces and the
Albuquerque Police Department. Chris said
the kids have missed Angela a lot but that
they will have a 30 day re-acquaintance
period with a family trip to Disneyland. After
their return, Chris will be headed off to
Officer Training School. This is all in a day‘s
work for this dual Guard family. Chris said
they are used to the tag-team method of
raising their children and he is looking forward
to the family all being together for the
holiday season and spending time together.
The Espinosa’s are another family that
loves to spend time together, but know
about mom and dad doing military service.
Marylaine joined the unit last year,
while her husband, Juan, is in the Army
National Guard and also goes on deployment
with his unit. Juan and his family
brave the chilled night air to welcome
home Marylaine from her first deployment
with the Air Guard, he said they talked and
e-mailed each other while his wife was
deployed. He said that he and Marylaine
constantly talked about the beautiful sunrises
and sunsets. Juan said their extended
family always helps out during deploy-
Alysha, 3, shyly smiles at her father, Staff Sgt. Joseph Maldonado upon his return from a
tour in Iraq. Maldonado was among the final group of Airmen to return Jan. 24, 2008.
Photo: Sgt. Anna Doo
ments for himself or his wife. Just like
tonight, mother Maria, sister Marisela and
sister-in-law Angela, their two kids and
several cousins have come to welcome
Marylaine home.
Families play a big part in the success
of Guard members and the unit as a
whole. Members make sacrifices every
day to ensure the American way of life, liberties
and freedoms are safe from terrorism
and those who wish us harm. Their
families make even bigger sacrifices sharing
their husbands, wives, sons and
daughters, always with the fear that one
day they will not come home safe and
sound. The fear that one night the chill of
the maintenance hangar will be with them
and they will have an empty space forever
where that special mom or dad tagteamed,
downloaded music, coached or
just sat quietly holding hands watching the
sunset over the mountains.
But tonight the chill will be vanquished
as the buses roll in with tired and exhausted
airmen filing in one-by-one to the awaiting
arms of their loved ones. One more
deployment completed, and millions will
sleep tonight safe in their beds because of
the sacrifices these proud Americans and
their families make every day. Tonight there
is only the chill to bring the families closer
together. These are the men and women
and their families of the 150th Fighter Wing,
proud to serve and defend.
Spring 2008 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 23

COMPUTER SECURITY –
everyone’s responsibility
By Senior Master Sgt. Aida Ford, 150th FW Information Assurance Officer
The present age has been called “The Information
Age,” advances in computer technology have turned
1950‘s era science fiction into yawn-inducing reality.
Our children begin learning to use computers in grade
school, and the U.S. military has harnessed this technology
to maintain our warfighting superiority. With this
technology push comes inherent risk, and an individual
responsibility to protect this resource from the enemy.
Every DoD computer user must complete mandatory
training and abide by policies established in formal regulations
and instructions.
24 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Spring 2008
Cyberspace has become a new battlefield that must
be vigilantly protected, and DoD employees have an
active stake in its defense. Consider that a single computer
system infected by a virus can bring a base network
to a screeching halt, or that a compromised network
user account could be used by a terrorist to obtain
sensitive DoD information. Several protective measures
that each user must perform daily to protect our network
include:
1. Ensure you log off from your computer at the end of the duty day by simultaneously
pressing the Ctrl/Alt/Del keys, and click the button titled Log Off. This will ensure your
workstation receives software patches and the latest anti-virus updates. If you fail to
perform this step, your computer may be removed from the network to prevent its
compromise by a computer hacker or virus.
2. Configure Microsoft Outlook so it does not automatically display e-mail content. The
options for the Preview Pane and AutoPreview, if activated, can potentially execute a
virus that is attached to an e-mail message.
3. Do not open e-mails that have suspicious SUBJECT lines.
4. Do not use your work e-mail address as a means of contact for non-business reasons.
This will help prevent SPAM e-mail from being sent to your e-mail account.
5. If you receive unsolicited e-mail (sometimes known as SPAM), do not open it! Some
SPAM can automatically send information from your computer to another system as
soon as it is opened.
6. The DoD antivirus software license agreement with Network Associates, Symantec
and Trend Micro allows DoD employees and members of the Armed Forces to use the
antivirus software at home for FREE.
Your squadron most likely has a Computer Support Administrator that maintains your computer
systems. This person is your immediate point of contact for suspicious e-mails, computer
troubleshooting and obtaining a copy of antivirus software from the AFCERT Web site:
http://www.cert.mil/antivirus/antivirus_index.htm

It’s much easier to plan for death
when you’re not on it’s doorstep
By Lt. Col. Greg Fouratt, Staff Judge Advocate, 150 FW
The mainstream media, not to be confused
with the lesser known sidestream or slipstream
media, makes it a regular practice
these days to report every American military fatality
in Iraq. It is impossible to read a major newspaper
today without coming across the results of the
latest suicide bombing, helicopter downing or IED
explosion. For whatever purpose, the media is
keeping score.
A quick Google search yields a dozen Web sites
that report that, as of Feb. 20, 2008, the total number
of United States military fatalities in Iraq was
3,967. The media does not emphasize, however,
that it has taken more than four years to reach this
number. Not that this number is only a hair’s
breadth greater than the number of Americans who
died on Sept. 11, 2001. But no matter the number of
American military deaths in Iraq, and no matter how
long it took to get to that number, we can all agree
that each of these deaths was undeserved, premature
and profoundly sad.
Think about this, however, since the first salvos
and sorties of Operation Iraqi Freedom, more than
54,000 Americans have died in automobile crashes
and more than 2.1 million Americans have died of
cancer. Putting aside for now the “apples and
oranges” nature of this comparison, the point is only
to remind you that we each confront the risk of death
every day in ways big and small. The prospect of
death is understandably on the forefront of the minds
of our fellow military personnel as they patrol the
streets and fly the skies of Baghdad and Kandahar
and Darfur. But for most of us who are not, it is not a
prospect we think about very often. After all, we drive
crash-resistant cars, we fly in safe planes, we eat
inspected food, we drink fluoridated water, we lock
ourselves in our secure houses, we fight disease with
modern medicine, and, for the most part, we observe
safe practices in the other areas of our lives.
But we should think about death—at least for
the few hours necessary to get our personal and
legal affairs in order. Having recently lost a parent
and a grandparent, I speak from experience: one
of the best gifts you can leave your loved ones is
to have your personal affairs in order when you die.
The flipside is that one of the greatest burdens is to
have your affairs in disarray when you die. As a
federal prosecutor in civilian life, I am used to asking
rough questions, so here are a couple for you
to mull over. If failing to arrange your
personal affairs is one of the worst
things you can do to the people you
love and leave behind, what kind of
person would do that? And, now that
you’ve defined that person with the
appropriate objectives, are you that
kind of person?
For some of us, death comes with
plenty of notice. Getting diagnosed with
terminal cancer or congestive heart failure,
for example, usually carries with it
at least a few months to arrange one’s
affairs. For others of us, however, death
arrives at our door without calling first.
Automobile crashes, heart attacks and
strokes come to mind. Whatever its
cause, death leads to the same result:
you are no longer around to make decisions
about your own affairs. That is
why you should make those decisions
now, when you are not (let’s hope) on
death’s doorstep.
My goal in writing this article was not
to give you advice about how to arrange
your personal affairs. This article was
intended only to convince you that
doing so is the right thing to do. Once
you’ve made that decision, your first
step should be to visit the Family
Support Program, with your next step
being a consultation with one of the
judge advocates in the legal office.
Remember, it is much easier to think
about and plan for your own death
when you’re not staring it in the face.
Spring 2008 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 25

Que Pasa Briefs
New Mexico Guard graduates first Funeral Honors course
Staff Reports
SANTA FE, N.M.—The Regional Training Institute graduated ten soldiers from its first Funeral Honors course here Feb. 1, 2008.
The four-day course covered drill and ceremonies, the manual of arms, two- and three-soldier flag folding, firing party sequence and
the commands for the firing party leader.
Spc. Steven Rushin was the course instructor. The graduates were Chief Warrant Officer Paul Tucker, Sgt. 1st Class Curtis Page,
Sgt. Daniel Fuentez, Sgt. Pete Tentiende, Spc. Aaron Candelaria, Spc. Duane Currell, Spc. Lariane Martinez, Spc. Robert Morse, Pfc.
Sean Chavez, and Pfc. Asael Saenz.
New Mexico National Guard personnel provide year-round military funeral honors to qualified veterans and retirees throughout the
state, especially at Santa Fe National Cemetery.
New Mexico Tax Law amendment defines ‘active duty‘ status
By Col. Gene Delgado, USPFO for New Mexico
There has been some confusion regarding the amendment to the State of New Mexico Income Tax law. The law, as it now stands,
is extremely limited in its applicability. AGRs, soldiers and airmen on ADSW orders, are not covered under this law.
If you recently changed your W-4 to maximize your deductions in order to take advantage of the State Income Tax law, please
review your orders to ascertain your status. If the law does not apply to you and you changed your W-4, visit the USPFO and review
your W-4 to ensure it correctly reflects your state income status.
The following information is the correct information regarding applicability. This state income tax exemption, however, only has limited
application to New Mexico National Guard soldiers and airmen.
Thus, for example, federal law defines “active duty” to only include, “Full-time duty in the active duty service of the Uniformed
Service, including full-time training duty, annual training duty, and attendance while in the active service at a school designated as a
military service school by law or by the Secretary concerned,” as per 10 U.S.C. Section 101(d). Further, 10 U.S.C. Section 101(d) goes
on to state, “Such term (active duty) does not include full-time National Guard duty.”
This same definition of “active duty” also appears at 32 U.S.C. Section 101(12), as well. Therefore, all other forms of “Full Time
National Guard” duty, as defined by 30 U.S.C. Section 316, 32 U.S.C. Section 502, 32 U.S.C. Section 503, 32 U.S.C. Section 504, and
32 U.S.C. Section 505 are not “active duty,” as referenced in the State of New Mexico Income Tax Law Exemption.
OERs move to the electronic age
Staff Reports
SANTA FE, N.M.—The Department of Military Affairs for the State of New Mexico announced on Jan. 28 the transition to a fully
electronic Military Officer Evaluation Reporting System (OER).
The Officer Branch will only accept electronic submissions of OERs, effective Feb. 1, 2008. For rating officials in a deployed status
and those with classified reports, there will continue to be a variety of preparation and submission options available to them and
they will not be held to the electronic submissions.
OERs will be completed in My Forms through Army Knowledge Online with digital signatures. All officers and warrant officers must
ensure they have an Army Knowledge Online (AKO) account and that their military identification cards possess the three required certificates
(identification, signature and encryption) with an established pin.
Commanders at all levels must ensure rated officers, raters and senior raters are trained and ready for electronic OER preparation,
signing and submission in advance of the Army’s transition to the Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System (DIMHRS).
With the implementation of the new OER processing system, we will not be utilizing the OER Web-based program to process
OERs. Units may continue to use the Web-based program for rating schemes.
Desk-side assistance slides for the rated officer, rater, senior rater and unit representative have been sent to all MSCs and their
subordinate units via e-mail and first class mail distribution. In addition, the Officer Branch will be contacting the MSCs and battalions
to schedule performance training on the new OER processing system.
26 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Spring 2008

Random Acts of Kindness a testament
to soldiers’ selfless service
By Sgt. Anna Doo, NMNG Public Affairs
An incredibly selfless undertaking
was sparked by the determination
of an eighth grade
class. The project began on
Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, 2007, with
the flag presentation taking place
Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, marking
the end of the 2008 Random Acts
of Kindness week.
Eighth grade students from
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic
School, along with their parents,
completed at least 100 acts of
kindness each. These acts were
recorded on strips of red, white
and blue paper and then fashioned
together, much like a
countdown-to-Christmas chain,
into three American flags. Over
4,000 random acts of kindness
were completed in memory of
soldiers and airmen who have
paid the ultimate sacrifice in the
Iraq war, and also in dedication
to the number of New Mexico
troops that have served in the
conflict. The nationwide Random
Acts of Kindness program is in its
14th year and continues to stress the importance and joy of
simply doing something nice for someone else.
Peter Carlton-McQueen, teacher and facilitator of the project
at St. Charles said, “Our children can learn that people with differing
opinions can work in concert to accomplish a task for the
greater good. By listening to one another, sharing ideas and
working together we can honor and celebrate the sacrifices our
soldiers and their families make. In addition to the troops that
have died, we recognize that about 4,000 New Mexicans have
served in Iraq with the New Mexico National Guard.“
Eighth grade participants presented the handmade kindness
The adjutant general of the New Mexico National Guard, Brig. Gen. Kenny Montoya, accepts a U.S. flag
made from strips of paper signifying Random Acts of Kindness the students at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic
School performed.
Photo: Sgt. Anna Doo
flags to Brig. Gen. Kenny Montoya, the adjutant general of the
New Mexico National Guard. Also in attendance was the St.
Charles alumnus, Mayor Martin Chavez, who spoke kind words
commemorating this event and the everyday involvement of the
National Guard in communities statewide.
The members of the eighth grade class at St. Charles who
were instrumental in making this a reality are Alex Athens,
Timothy Carlton-McQueen, Amber Dupree, Andres Gallegos,
Gabrielle Garcia, Shane Gilbert, Michael Gonzales, Daniel
Griego, Gabe Griego, Jordan Humble, Gabe Montoya, Victoria
Pacheco, Janelle Padilla and Silvia Ruiz.
Spring 2008 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 27

Uniform changes affect all current
Guard Soldiers
By Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Mallary, 200th Public Affairs Det., NMNG
WASHINGTON—The Army recently announced that it is retiring
the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) after more than a quarter of a
century of service. Soldiers will not be allowed to wear the BDU or
its components after April 30, 2008.
The Army specifically listed brown T-shirts, black boots, both
green and black jungle boots, the black web belt with open-faced
buckle, the black rigger belt, woodland and desert camouflage
caps, and subdued olive drab green unit patches as well as olive
drab green name tapes and U.S. Army tapes as being obsolete at
the end of April.
A separate announcement stated that the Army White Uniform is
no longer authorized for wear. This continues the Army trend of
decreasing the number of uniforms. For example, the Army
announced that the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) was adopted to
replace the light- and regular-weight BDU and the Desert Combat
Uniform. The Army is currently finalizing plans to combine the Army
Green (Class A) Uniform and the Army Blue Uniform (commonly
known as Dress Blues) into one ensemble – the Army Service
Uniform. Guidance on the Army Service Uniform is forthcoming.
These and other changes, while some are effective immediately,
will appear in the next revision of Army Regulation 670-1, Wear
and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. The basic regulation
itself was last published Feb. 3, 2005, but there have been
numerous changes since. The Pentagon announced these
changes in messages to all commands, listing Sgt. Maj. Katrina
Easley as the point of contact.
As for jewelry, the policy still reads, “Soldiers may wear a wristwatch,
a wrist identification bracelet and a total of two rings (a wedding
set is considered one ring) with Army uniforms, unless prohibited
by the commander for safety or health reasons. Jewelry
worn by soldiers must be conservative and in good taste.”
Bracelets are limited to medical alert bracelets and Missing In
Action, Prisoner Of War or Killed In Action bracelets, which must
be silver or black. Only one item may be worn on each wrist.
Writing utensils worn in the ACU pen/pencil slots may be
exposed and “there are no stipulations on the colors” of those
items. A pen or pencil may also be visible on the Hospital Duty,
Food Service, Combat Vehicle Crewman and Flight uniforms.
Wireless ear pieces, including wireless Bluetooth devices, may
not be worn by soldiers in uniform unless they are operating vehicles
at the time. This includes commercial and military vehicles,
motorcycles and bicycles.
Soldiers may wear ballistic eye protection while in uniform if it
was issued by the Army.
28 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Spring 2008
While in uniform, soldiers are allowed to carry gym bags, civilian
rucksacks or other similar civilian bags that are black, ACU
patterned foliage green or desert camouflage pattern. Civilian
bags may be slung over just one shoulder.
Shoulder patches for both current and combat units must be
subdued on utility uniforms. “There are no exceptions to policy
currently approved authorizing wear of any non-subdued SSI
(shoulder sleeve insignia) on utility uniforms,” stated one message.
Also, soldiers are prohibited from wearing combat, special
skill and identification badges on the ACU while in the field or
deployed. Soldiers may wear pin-on or sew-on rank on the ACU
patrol cap and the sun (boonie) hat.
If directed by their commanders, soldiers in Military Police,
Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Criminal Investigation Division
units may wear those tabs on the left sleeve of the ACU. However,
soldiers are not allowed to wear on the ACU insignia that identifies
blood type, Combat Lifesaver, Medic, allergies, Arabic
nametapes, and such. The ban on allergy identifications includes
insignia that proclaim no known allergies.
Soldiers may wear tan rigger belts with the ACU. They may
also wear black, tan or green socks. However, they may not wear
boots with zippers or a sneaker-like appearance. Sleeve cuffs of
the ACU will not be folded inside of themselves.
Soldiers must wear a nametape showing their last names on
the ACU parka. The nametape is to be worn centered on the bottom
of the left sleeve pocket flap. The tape must be the ACU pattern
and measure 5-¼ inches long by ½ inch wide. Lettering shall
be ¼-inch block pattern with up to 14 characters.
Sunglasses are not allowed to be worn hanging down the front
of any Army uniform when in garrison.
Headgear (when not worn) may be stored in the pants cargo
pocket, as long as it does not hang out of the pocket or present a
bulky appearance. Instead, the beret or patrol cap should be neatly
folded.
Silk-weight T-shirts for cold weather are to be worn as undergarments
only. Silk-weight T-shirts do not take the place of tan or
foliage green T-shirts while wearing the ACU. Only fuel handlers or
other soldiers whose duty exposes them to flame risks may wear
the foliage green, 100 percent cotton T-shirt.
The black fleece jacket may not be modified to add hook and
loop (Velcro) pads for nametapes, U.S. Army tapes or rank insignia.
While in the Improved Army Physical Fitness Uniform, soldiers
may wear the black knit cap, the foliage green microfleece cap or
the black microfleece cap.