WVANG Airman - West Virginia Army National Guard - U.S. Army

Just do it!WVANG Airmancompetes in All-GuardMarathonWVNG membershonored across thecountryRemembering SenatorRobert C. ByrdJITEC makes historyFALL 2010

Magazine of theWest Virginia National GuardFall 2010Command Messages 3Page5Adjutant GeneralMaj. Gen. Allen E. TackettForce Protection advisory 4130th crew chief runs 5with the big dogsTAG, WVNG members 6honoredPage6State Senior Enlisted LeaderCommand Sgt. Maj.Lawrence R. VanceState CommandChief Master SergeantCommand Chief Master Sgt.Ronald D. BoweWVNG members honor, 7-10remember SenatorRobert C. Byrd.State Public Affairs Officer &Editor-in-ChiefLt. Col. Mike Cadle167th AW hosts 11Thunder Over the Blue RidgeWVARNG retiree honored 12for volunteerismUSCMJ brings changes to 12WV Code of Military JusticeWV stands up ARNG’s first 13homeland defense unitLand component 14commander retiresFA troops train for war 15Page7Page10Design & LayoutSpc. Anna-Marie HizerThe Mountaineer Defender is anauthorized publication of the WestVirginia National Guard. Contentsare not necessarily the officialviews of, nor are they endorsedby, the United States government,the Department of Defense, theWest Virginia National Guard orthe state of West Virginia. Publicationof material is determined by availablespace and reader interest.The staff reserves the right to editall material.Page15Send comments/contributions to:State Public Affairs OfficeWV National Guard1679 Coonskin DriveCharleston, WV 25311ordefender@wvchar.ang.af.milOn the cover:The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds take flight atthe “Thunder Over the Blue Ridge” airshow inMartinsburg, W.Va. The show took place overLabor Day weekend and also included the U.S.Army Golden Knights parachute demonstrationteam.Photo by Master Sgt. Emily Beightol-Deyerle, 167th AW Public Affairs2

The Adjutant GeneralThe West Virginia National Guard suffered atremendous loss this summer when U.S. SenatorRobert C. Byrd (D-WV) died on June 28, 2010, atthe age of 92. Senator Byrd was one of the mostpowerful men in this country.He served in the U.S. Senate for 51 years,more than half his life, and spent most of that timefighting for two things -- to protect the Constitutionand to make life better for West Virginians.His work touched every aspect of our lives -homeland defense, education, healthcare, transportation,communications, military and veteran’saffairs. He was a fervent advocate for the WestVirginia National Guard whose strong supporthelped me build a world-class organization withan outstanding reputation for supporting federal,state, and homeland defense missions.Senator Byrd is responsible for the growth ofour Guard over the past 15 years. He singlehandedlyfunded most of our Facilities XXI plan toreplace outdated armories, directing more than$500 million for military construction.Maj. Gen. Allen E. TackettHe also led the effort to grow our homelanddefense capabilities, securing hundreds of millionsof dollars for Camp Dawson improvements,operation of the Center for National Responsememorial tunnel complex, and to stand up theJoint Interagency Training and Education Center.Senator Byrd also saved both air bases in thestate. He secured an agreement between the AirGuard and Air Force to put C-5 Galaxy aircraftat the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg so thestate wouldn’t face the threat of having two of thesame weapon systems. Then, in 2005, he led thefight against a Pentagon proposal to take Charleston’sC-130 aircraft and move them to Pope AirForce Base. No one can forget the fiery speech hegave at the 130th when the base realignment andclosure list was announced.Senator Byrd was the best friend the West VirginiaNational Guard has ever had. He was alsomy dear friend, and we spent almost every Sundayevening talking about ways to make the WestVirginia Guard a better place for soldiers, airmenand their families. We owe his family a huge debtof gratitude for allowing him to serve this greatnation for more than 50 years and for his effortsto make our Guard the envy of other Guard unitsaround the country.The State Senior Enlisted LeaderThe Enlisted Association of the NationalGuard United States held its 39th AnnualConference in St. Louis, Mo., August 8 - 12.Twenty-two Soldiers and Airmen of the WVNGattended this great event.Attendees had a great time touring theexhibitor’s hall looking at and trying some ofthe latest military equipment and listening topresentations on the programs that supportour military. Members of the Joint InteragencyTraining and Education Center were also onhand to present the agency’s capabilities.Some attendees were involved in thedirector of the National Guard’s ProfessionalDevelopment Program, which covers a range ofsubjects from the Joint EANGUS ConferenceOrientation to conference keynote speakerswith Gen. Craig R. McKinley presenting “TheState of the National Guard.” Everyone whoparticipated in PD said they learned a lot andenjoyed meeting and asking direct questions ofthe National Guard’s senior leadership.One of the most popular events was the AllStates’ Night. This was the time when everyonehad an opportunity to exchange conference pinsand enjoy foods from each state.West Virginia Adjutant General AllenTackett was on hand during the State roll callwhere he delivered a highly motivating speechand a hardy invite for everyone to attend theEANGUS conference that the WVNG will hostin Charleston next year.As I close, I would like to invite all of youto come to the 40th EANGUS ConferenceCommand Sgt. Maj. VanceAugust 14 - 17, 2011. You will have a great timeand learn how you can make a difference.For more information please visit EANGUS.org and EANGWV.org web sites.Thank you for all you do!The State Command Chief Master SergeantCommand Chief Master Sgt. BoweThere is no greater honor than to serve ourcountry during time of war, and we are veryfortunate to serve in the greatest Air Guardunits in the country. We have some of the mosttechnologically superior equipment and aircraftin the world. However, our equipment isn’twhat makes our units great -- it’s our people.Throughout the Air Guard’s history, successstems from developing and caring for Airmen.Developing Airmen begins with recruiting.The Air Guard continues to attract the best andbrightest America has to offer. During basicmilitary training, instructors do an outstandingjob of instilling Warrior Ethos, Air Force CoreValues, standards and discipline into new recruits.Airmen leave BMT with a fire in theirbellies and are motivated, physically fit andrecite the Airman’s Creed with ease. Our jobas leaders is to keep this Warrior Ethos alive-- refining their fire and spirit as we continue tofoster their development.Developing Airmen is not something thatstops with training. It’s a continual processthroughout an Airman’s career. Supervisorsshould be sponsors for our Airmen. They mustemphasize Air Force core values and standards,and deliver guidance to put Airmen on the pathto a rewarding and productive career.Our Airmen are incredible, and they needand deserve solid leadership from day one.Develop and care for your Airmen ... we needthem to succeed! As always I appreciate all thesacrifices that you and your families make everyday.I thank you so much.fall 20103

130th crew chief competes on All-Guard Marathon Teamby Tech. Sgt. Phyllis E. Keith130th Airlift Wing Public AffairsPhoto by Tech. Sgt. Eugene R. Crist, 130th AW Public AffairsStaff Sgt. Kristen M. Roles, a crew chief with the 130th Airlift Wing, Charleston, W.Va.poses for a portrait with the C-130H3 Hercules aircraft she maintains. Staff Sgt. Rolesran her first race with the All Guard Marathon Team, July 25, 2010, placing 135 out of2,010 women, in the San Francisco Half-Marathon in San Francisco, Calif.CHARLESTON, W.Va. (September 22, 2010) -- Acrew chief from the 130th Aircraft Maintenance Squadronran her first race as a member of the All-Guard MarathonTeam on July 25, competing in the San FranciscoHalf-Marathon in San Francisco, Calif.Staff Sgt. Kristen M. Roles, 25, of Lester, W.Va.,qualified for a spot on the All-Guard Marathon TeamMay 2 at the Lincoln Marathon in Lincoln, Neb.“They have a tryout every year and take the top 15females and the top 40 males,” Roles said.Roles has been running marathons for less than ayear. Her first was the Air Force Marathon in Dayton,Ohio, on Sept. 19, 2009, where her time of 3:42:03 wasgood enough to earn a spot in the Lincoln Marathon.In the Lincoln Marathon, Roles placed sixth, witha time of 3:35:08, among 15 female Guard runnersselected for the team. She said the Guard hasn’t toldher yet, but she thought her next team race might be theHouston Marathon in Houston, Texas on Jan. 30, 2011.Roles said she still keeps up with her training duringthe week. She said she competed in the 15-mileCharleston Distance Run on Sept. 4 “for fun.”In the fall, Roles is slated to deploy to Afghanistan forthe third time in four years. She said being overseas isa good opportunity to train for the marathons since offdutytime is spent going to the gym.“Sometimes we’ll get together, a couple of us, andrun the perimeter,” she said.Her advice for unit members who want to try longdistance running, or who just want to improve theirphysical training times, is to invest in a good pair ofrunning shoes and stay hydrated while exercising.“I always try to help people if they need someone torun with,” Roles said.“It’s always hard to get started, but once you get intoit, it’s enjoyable.”National Guard members, families benefit from commissary pricesby Staff Sgt. Sherree Grebenstein167th Airlift Wing Public AffairsMARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- Although the 167th AirliftWing’s base in Martinsburg has been expanded inrecent years to accommodate its new C-5 Galaxy mission,construction of a commissary isn’t in the cards.But that hasn’t stopped West Virginia National Guardofficials from bringing commissary savings to unitsaround the Mountain State. An on-site commissarysale was held during the 167th Airlift Wing’s Octoberdrill weekend. Commissary officials from Andrews AirForce Base, Md., delivered five truckloads of products-- everything from diapers to dog food.Chief Master Sgt. John H. Alderton, the Wing’s commandchief, said active and retired service membersand their families benefited from the sale, which savedpatrons anywhere from 40 to 60 percent off some items.“It’s all about the benefits that are provided to militarymembers and their families,” Alderton said.Now in its third year, bringing the on-site sale programto communities around the state was a vision ofWest Virginia Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Allen E.Tackett.“Our Soldiers and Airmen are entitled to commissarybenefits but rarely get to use them because we don’thave an active duty commissary in West Virginia,”Tackett said. “Guard members won’t realize any savingsif they have to drive several hours to the nearestactive duty base.“Bringing these sales to West Virginia is part of our‘Fort West Virginia’ vision,” he added. “If our Soldiersare going to be treated like their active counterpartswhen it comes to training and deployments, then weowe it to them to make sure they have access to thesame benefits as active duty service members.”Current and retired service members (and their families)who have a valid Department of Defense militaryidentification card are eligible to shop at these sales.fall 20105

InMemoriam“He usedevery livingbreath that hehad to help thepeople of WestVirginia.”- West Virginia AdjutantGeneral Allen TackettSenator Robert C. Byrd1917-2010FALL 20107

Remembering ByrdWest Virginia’s Adjutant General recallslate senator as mentor, partner, friendby Spc. Anna-Marie HizerJFHQ Public Affairs OfficeCHARLESTON, W.Va. -- In the earlymorning hours of June 28, West Virginia’ssenior senator, Robert C. Byrd, passed away.At nearly the same time, West VirginiaAdjutant General Allen Tackett’s wristwatchstopped.Some people might call that coincidence,but Byrd and Tackett shared a special bondthat could explain the unrelated events.Theirs was a relationship so profound itaffected everyone it touched.Tackett first met Byrd when he ran foroffice in 1958. Tackett was just a young mangrowing up in Cabin Creek, W.Va.“My dad was a fairly prominent Democratin Cabin Creek,” he said. “Byrd met with mydad and other people at my house.”Growing up, Tackett had many moreencounters with the rising senator. WhenTackett became chairman of the stateDemocratic Party, he worked with many ofByrd’s employees. Tackett’s daughter evenparticipated in a commercial for the senator.Fast forward to 1995 when Tackett wasappointed as adjutant general. One of his firstcalls was to Byrd’s office to talk about thefuture of the West Virginia National Guard.Because both men were so passionate aboutthe people they served, bringing more jobs tothe West Virginia Guard, and, as a result, thestate, became a joint goal.“He saw my dedication to the men andwomen of the West Virginia National Guard,”Tackett said. “It paralleled his love anddedication for the people of [this state].”Tackett praises Byrd for bringing millionsto the Guard. New jobs, new facilities andnew units -- such as the Joint InteragencyTraining and Education Center -- helped theGuard rise to the top of all National Guardunits in readiness.Byrd also led the fight against manythreats to the Air Guard’s presence inWest Virginia. He convinced the BaseRealignment and Closure Commissionto reconsider a PentagoCharleston’s C-130 airForce Base, N.C., and$280 million to fund coMartinsburg air base tomission.Tackett recalled the pconversations and howbusiness, politics and,“As we became closebegan to talk almost wemiss] the discussions whe felt about his familymine.“Having him there asdepending on him to hein my corner as a friendtremendously,” TackettThe general also recaByrd asked him to annodecision to run for a ninthat had never been don“He told me ‘Nobodya ninth term in the Sena

n plan to moveplanes to Pope Airsecured more thannversion of themeet the new C-5air’s frequent phonethey would talkquite often, family.r and closer … weekly,” he said. “[I’llith him about howand how I felt abouta friend andlp me … having himis something I’ll misssaid.lled how he felt whenunce the senator’sth term -- somethinge.else has ever run forte. I want you to bePhoto by Tech. Sgt. Eugene Crist, 130th AW Public AffairsA special Honor Guard detail follows behind the horse-drawn caisson carrying the remains of Senator Robert C. Byrd. Members of the West VirginiaNational Guard provided the late senator with full military honors following his death on June 28.a part of making history’,” Tackett said. “Hecould have probably gotten anyone in thenation … but he asked me.”The general also spoke of his feelingsshortly before and upon hearing of thesenator’s death. Tackett said their weeklytalks became less frequent, and he expressedconcern to his wife, Sallie Pat, about Byrd’shealth.“I called the week before [he passed],and one of his people told me ‘he’s just notavailable right now’,” Tackett said. “I toldSallie Pat, ‘that just doesn’t sound good’.” Aweek later, news hit that the nation’s longestservingsenator had passed.“It was like when I heard that my father haddied … the same feeling,” Tackett recalled.In the days following Byrd’s death, thegeneral often referred to him as “the Guard’sbest friend” and lamented how much Byrdhad meant to him -- both professionally andpersonally.“Senator Byrd was a one-of-a-kind person,”Tackett said. “Not many people dedicateevery ounce of their being to helping a statelike Byrd did for West Virginia.“He used every living breath that he had tohelp the people of West Virginia.”

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Eugene Crist, 130th AW Public AffairsA special Honor Guard detail carries the casket of Senator Robert C. Byrd outside the West Virginia state Capitol in Charleston.by Staff Sgt. Sherree Grebenstein167th Airlift Wing Public AffairsCHARLESTON, W.Va. -- With little notice, Soldiersand Airmen from the West Virginia National Guardconverged on Charleston to help pay tribute to Sen.Robert C. Byrd.The state’s senior senator died on June 28.For Spc. Bradley A. McDaniel it was a chance tohonor his own kin. A military policeman with the863rd Military Police Company, McDaniel said hisgreat-grandmother, Eunice Byrd, was Sen. Byrd’s firstcousin.“I am proud to pay tribute to a family member,” Mc-Daniel said. “He was a very important person.”And McDaniel wasn’t alone in his admiration for thelate senator.Inside the West Virginia National Guard armory inCharleston, Soldiers and Airmen readied themselvesand their uniforms proudly for the tasks that lay ahead.Sgt. Jarrettee D. Hesse, an awards clerk for the state,brought a portable ribbon dispenser and camped out ina corner of the armory.Handing a West Virginia Emergency Service ribbonto McDaniel, Hesse said he was met by a steadystream of Guardsmen wanting to make sure their ClassA uniforms were squared away for any detail they wereassigned with while honoring Sen. Byrd.After all, you never have a second chance to make a10West Virginia National Guard Soldiers, Airmenoffer Sen. Byrd final military honorsfirst impression, he said.Nearby, Staff Sgt. Rhonda A. Loy, a cook with CharlieBattery, 201st Field Artillery, sized up her HonorGuard jacket.Loy said she didn’t hesitate driving through the nightfrom Hagerstown, Md., when she received a call fromher old unit -- the 157th MP Company in Martinsburg-- asking if she could serve as a member of the HonorGuard detail for Sen. Byrd.“I am just glad that I could help out when needed,”Loy said. “Senator Byrd was the Guard’s best friend.”Hunkered down in another area of the armory, Spcs.Andrew E. Moore and Charlie E. Lantz cleaned dressshoes that they would wear with their Honor Guarduniforms. Moore, with the 154th MP Co., used furniturepolish to bring out the shine.“This is the biggest mission we’ve ever been given,”said Moore, who acted as a pallbearer.“It’s quite an honor for us to be chosen,” said Lantz,who is assigned to the 1092nd Engineer Battalion.Using a toothbrush, Lantz meticulously cleaned anysmall bits of dirt that the seams of his black dress shoeshad attracted.Sgt. Jesse Byrd, Jr. is not related to the late senator,but said he is proud to share his last name with thehistoric legislator.“It’s a duty and an honor to be here,” Byrd said. “Iwouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

ThunderThunderTHUNDERBIRDS!‘Thunder Over the Blue Ridge’ roars across Martinsburg skiesby Staff Sgt. Sherree Grebenstein167th Airlift Wing Public AffairsMARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- More than 90,000 peopleattended the Thunder Over the Blue Ridge Air Showand 167th Airlift Wing Open House on Labor DayWeekend 2010.The air show was the largest ever held in the EasternPanhandle and featured aerial acts both days by theprestigious U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds jet demonstrationteam and U.S. Army Golden Knights parachuteteam. The United States Air Force’s A-10 East demonstrationteam and the U.S. Navy’s VFA-106 Gladiatorsalso dazzled the huge crowd below with their uniquePhotos by Master Sgt. Emily Beightol-Deyerle Public Affairs(Clockwise from top) The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds jet demonstration team performsat Thunder Over the Blue Ridge in Martinsburg. A member of the U.S. Army GoldenKnights parachute demonstration team jumps with the U.S. Flag. Spectators shield theireyes from the sun as they watch the aerial performances.flying maneuvers. Spectators were also treated to civilianaerial performances by several well-known aviators.Two of the Wing’s new hangers hosted a Kids Villageand the VA Medical Center’s2010 Welcome Home AmericanHeroes Celebration during theOpen House.Months of planning went intothe inaugural event, which attractedvisitors from around theworld and was deemed a spectacularsuccess by Wing leadership.Visitors had an opportunityto see how $280 million inupgrades transformed the baseto accommodate the massiveC-5 Galaxy cargo aircraft.Col. Roger L. Nye, commander of the 167th AirliftWing, noted that the Open House and Air Show allowedthe public a chance to meet with Airmen whoserve the community, state and nation.“They got to see firsthand the great Airmen we haveat the 167th Airlift Wing,” Nye said. The commanderlauded the Wing’s efforts in hosting the Air Show andOpen House, noting that Airmen “did some amazingthings. Airmen of the 167th Airlift Wing should feelproud of what they accomplished,” he said.fall 201011

New code of military justice applies to Guard members 24/7by Lt. Col. Robert E. Rockwell167th AW JAGOn July 1, 2010, a new era forgood order and disciple beganfor the West Virginia NationalGuard. Prior to July, all membersof the Guard were subject to theWest Virginia Code of MilitaryJustice, which was a less effectiveversion of the Uniform Codeof Military Justice.The new Uniform State Codeof Military Justice is modeledafter the UCMJ, which appliesto all military members in Title10 status. The USCMJ applies toTitle 32 and seamlessly coversservice members who were notcovered under the UCMJ previously.The USCMJ applies 24/7 andextends beyond the borders ofWest Virginia.Possible disciplinary measuresfor enlisted members includefines, forfeitures, and reductionsin pay grades. In addition,a member may be restricted to aspecified place and/or be requiredto perform extra duties. Theymay also receive written reprimandor admonishment.A member may also be sentbefore a summary Court’s Martialand the court may impose asentence of confinement of upto one month, restriction for upto two months and forfeiture oftwo-thirds pay up to one month.A summary Court’s Martial is forenlisted persons only and maybe refused. If refused, the casemay be referred to a higher courtmartial.In addition to the summaryCourt’s Martial, the USCMJ alsostreamlines the administration ofdiscipline throughout the force.A special Court’s Martial is anintermediate court in terms ofseverity. A special Court’s Martialcan impose punishment thatincludes Bad Conduct Charge,confinement up to one year,reduction to the lowest enlistedrank and forfeiture of two-thirdspay per month up to one year.A special Court’s Martial has aMilitary Judge and at least threejury members.A general Court’s Martial isthe highest Court Martial and isreserved for the most serious offenses.If a member is suspected ofa serious offense, an Article 32investigation is conducted. If theArticle 32 Investigation concludesthat the case should be referredto a general Court Martial,the accused faces life imprisonment,forfeiture of all pay and allowances,reduction to the lowestenlisted rank and a DishonorableDischarge.Other new features of theUSCMJ include the suspensionof driver’s licenses if the fines arenot paid in a timely manner.Maj. Kelly Ambrose, JFHQJAG, contributed to this article.Family Programs employee honored for going the ‘Extra Mile’by Maj. James A. MartinWVNG Family Programs OfficeJudging for the 2010 Family Programs VolunteerAwards is complete, and we have a winner from WestVirginia.Gary Conley, a retired sergeant major from the WestVirginia Army National Guard, earned the NationalExtra Mile Award for an Army volunteer. The awardis presented to Air and Army Guard retirees who havedistinguished themselves with outstanding volunteerservice to state family programs.While still active in the National Guard, Conleyvolunteered much of his off-duty time to helping WestVirginia Guard members and their families. That servicehas continued into his retirement.Conley’s notable accomplishments include:• Involved in grass roots planning for State Advisory12Council in 1989• Helped establish State Family Council and FamilyReadiness Group structures• Continues to serve on planning committee for StateFamily Day• Served as Santa Claus for 20+ years.Conley’s true passion, however, lies with the annualKids Kamp that started in 1991. He has been theacting director for many years and strives to make thecamp a memorable experience for military children,many of whom attend while their parents are deployed.Those kids feeling homesick or needing a little extraencouragement get what the camp staff has come tocall “quality time with Gary.”Conley’s service to the West Virginia National Guardis truly second to none and he embodies the spirit ofvolunteerism.

W.Va. gets ‘first-of-its-kind’ National Guard homeland defense unitby Lt. Col. Mike CadleJFHQ Public Affairs OfficePhotos by Mike Pitzer, JITEC Public Affairs(Above) Brig. Gen. James Hoyer speaks at the activation ceremony for JITEC on Sept.11. (Below) Lt. Col. Jeffrey Price unfurls the unit guidon.CHARLESTON, W.Va. (September 11, 2010) -- Sept.11 is a date that brings back bad memories for manyAmericans. On this date in 2001, terrorists attacked theWorld Trade Center and Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000Americans and launching America into a war that continuesmore than nine years later.Amidst somber reflections on the ninth anniversaryof the attack, the West Virginia National Guard introduceda new homeland defense unit whose mission is toprepare for and respond to future attacks.An activation ceremony for the Joint InteragencyEducation and Training Center was held on Sept. 11at the Charleston Air National Guard base. Gov. JoeManchin and Adjutant General Allen Tackett hosted theceremony“It’s ironic that on the anniversary of the worst terroristattack on American soil, we are now standing upa new unit to help the nation better anticipate and dealwith the effects of future attacks,” said Tackett.JITEC is the nation’s first permanent homelanddefense unit in the Army National Guard. Brig. Gen.James Hoyer, director of joint staff for the NationalGuard, told the Charleston Gazette that the permanentdesignation is vital to the future of the unit.“This puts the unit in official standing with the militaryand allows us to begin getting permanent fundingfrom the Department of Defense,” Hoyer said.Steady funding from DoD will replace supplementalappropriations used to fund JITEC for the past severalyears. To date, JITEC has trained about 94,000 first responders,conducted more than 1,600 training exercises,and performed 200 vulnerability assessments on criticalinfrastructure in 30 states. JITEC has also supportedPresidential inaugurations, State of the Union addresses,the G-20 Summit, and theSuper Bowl.“There is no other unit likethis in the Army,” Tackett said.“JITEC has been a leader inhomeland defense trainingand preparedness for manyyears. Today is a testament tothe outstanding reputation weenjoy within the Pentagon.”JITEC operates from threelocations -- Camp Dawsonin Preston County; Centerfor National Response (formerW.Va. Turnpike highwaytunnel) in eastern KanawhaCounty; and the NationalGuard armory in St. Albans.Fall 201013

Barnette leaves legacy of service, prideby Lt. Col. Mike CadleJFHQ Public Affairs Office14CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Thecommander of the West VirginiaArmy National Guard retired in Juneafter 43 years in uniform.Maj. Gen. John E. Barnette, 64,of Charleston, served as head ofstate ground forces since 1995. Thegeneral led the Army Guard throughone of the most tumultuous periodsin state history, but says he sees thisas a time of transition.“I feel like this is more of a graduation,finishing one phase of mylife and moving onto another. I’vethoroughly enjoyed my military career,”he said. “It’s been a wonderfulexperience to serve with quality menand women in the West VirginiaNational Guard. The thing I’ll missthe most is the people.”Barnette is quick to recognize soldierswho had a significant impacton his career.“Ed Gatens was my first sergeantwhen I was in Troop B [1/150thArmor] in Dunbar. He was my firstmentor and a true friend. He isretired and living in Florida, but westill maintain contact,” the generalsaid.Like many Guard members, Barnettealso had a chance to serve witha relative, his cousin, Col. AndyBarnette. “I really admired Andybecause he taught me the concept of‘first a soldier’,” Barnette recalled.“I remember coming back from thefiring range and seeing him in themud firing expert with his rifle. Thathad a lasting impact on me and othersoldiers.”Barnette believes two significantevents in military history significantlyimpacted his career. The firstwas the move to an all-volunteerforce. “The Guard of the 70’s is notPhotos by Sgt. Waine Haley, 150th ACRWest Virginia National Guard units stand on the West Virginia Power Park field for Maj. Gen. John Barnette’s Changeof Command ceremony.the Guard of today,” he said.The second was the Guard’s evolutioninto an operational force after9/11. “The leadership and professionalismof the Guard 20 to 30years ago does not compare to whatit is today.”The general added, “I’m so proudof the leadership we’ve developedat the battalion and company levels.Our leaders are really talented andseasoned, and I’d go to war with anyof them and be proud to serve underthem.”Barnette pointed out several highlightsof his long and distinguishedcareer. “I am fortunate to have beena part of over 70 FEMA-declared disastersin all 55 counties. I’m proudof my service in Korea, which allowedme to represent West Virginiaand the National Guard in a way thatmade a difference.“Probably my most significantwork was in providing leadershipand helping shape the response afterHurricane Katrina,” Barnette said.Now that he no longer dons theACU, Barnette plans to focus onthree things: his family, teachingand his consulting business. “I planto continue working with the Guardon quality improvement issues, inthe ACOE [Army Communities ofExcellence] area. And I’m going tospend more time with my grandkids,which is my favorite thing to do,”the general said with a smile.Asked for a parting thought,Barnette was quick to go back to thepeople. “One more time I’d expressappreciation to our soldiers and theirfamilies for their commitment, dedication,professionalism and sacrifice.It’s truly an honor to be part of yourteam, and I want to say thanks,” hesaid. “I’d also tell them that whatthey’re doing is vitally important toour state and nation.”

y Sgt. Debra Richardson1-201st Field Artillery Public AffairsFORT MCCOY, Wis. -- Blueeyes squint against the mid-day sunas the Soldier lowers his left ear tothe ground, meticulously dragginghis legs with his arms stretchedforward, slowly moving his entirebody across the trench.With a paintball gun simulatingan M-4, the Soldier peeks abovesandbags to observe enemy elements.As his eyes peek over thetop of the sandbag, rapid fire isheard and the Soldier yells out tohis squad members, encouragingthem to use suppressive fire whilehe continues to advance toward thefront line. Pinned down behind ahouse, he makes one final attemptto move forward when he is struckby yellow and purple paintballs. Hefalls to the ground screaming fora medic and after several minutes,raises his weapon in the air to signifyhe is dead.Photo by Sgt. Debra Richardson, 1-201st Public AffairsA Soldier with the 201st Field Artillery Regiment takes aim at his “enemy” during combat skills training at Fort McCoy,Wis.Paintball range offersrealistic urban trainingMembers of the West VirginiaArmy National Guard’s 201stField Artillery loaded into five-tontrucks October 14 and drove tothe paintball range at Fort McCoy,Wis. While some Soldiers werebusy conducting weapons qualification,combat lifesaver classes,and other training, Lt. Ryan Coss,platoon leader for Company C’s 3rdplatoon, organized training on thenearby paintball range.“We’ve been practicing andrehearsing maneuvering tactics andprocedures for days now, so webrought the Soldiers to the paintballrange so they could practice thesetechniques in a real-world scenario,”Coss said. “The Soldiers werebroken up into four squads and hadto work as a team to move over,under and around obstacles whilemaintaining cover and concealmentto reach their objective.”The four-hour range allowed eachSoldier to act as team leader andsquad leader in basic scenarios,which promoted the executionof lower level infantry tactics.Wooden houses with open windows,trenches dug two feet deepand hard plastic structures offeredthe Soldiers obstacles and cover tosimulate an urban environment theSoldiers are likely to encounter inthe Middle East.“The paintball range allowed usto utilize real, moving targets andassault a physical objective whileoperating as a squad,” remarkedSpc. Josh Higginbotham, a cannoncrewmember with Co. C, 201st. “Ilearned easier ways to move forwardand experienced the deadlyeffect of utilizing suppressive fire.”Medics also participated in thepaintball range and were able toimplement various life-savingtactics during the scenarios. AsSoldiers were struck by paintballs,they shouted for medics who wereforced to move under fire to providebattlefield aid. The medics appliedtourniquets and bandages whenthe rounds struck limbs, but if therounds struck the chest or head themedics had to remove that Soldierfrom the kill zone. Because themedics could see the wound andknew how the Soldier was injured,they were able to provide immediatefield care.Many Soldiers said they preferredusing the paintball range over dryrangesbecause they were able tosee, feel and hear the rounds, whichsignificantly improved the realismof the training. The Soldiers alsonoted their happiness at switchingup the normal training routine.“This training lifted my spirits,”said Pfc. Anthony Wiley. “I wasgetting bored with all the normaltraining, but we came out here, conductedbeneficial training and had agreat time doing it.”fall 201015

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