Winter 2011 - West Virginia Army National Guard

The Adjutant GeneralThroughout our Nation’s history the citizensoldier has answered the call to defend our wayof life and protect and support our citizens intime of need.From the Continental Army to the core of the“Greatest Generation” that achieved success inWorld War II, the citizen soldier has been theheart and soul of keeping our Nation safe and onfocus. Our Nation again is at a crossroads withan enemy that wants to overextend our defensecapabilities and bring the fight to our homeland.Once again the citizen soldier will step up, andsince September 11, 2001, has stepped up to answerthe call.Our Vision we built with General Tackett,“Fort West Virginia”, is more relevant and importantthan ever before. Carrying out the visionof creating opportunities for West Virginians tosupport our National Defense and protect theHomeland while living and raising our familiesin our great state is right on target and right onMaj. Gen. James A. Hoyertime at this point in our Nation’s history. We cando missions better, faster and more cost effectivethan anyone else while creating opportunitieshere at home.We must focus on the core components of oursuccess :• Strength and Readiness for the Warfight• Family Readiness and Soldier/AirmenCare• Unique Capabilities (such as NationalMaintenance Programs and Homeland Defense)We must always strive to:• Be Citizen Soldiers at their best!• Manage challenges and turn them into opportunities!• Treat our fellow Guardsmen as we treatour own family!Never forget the heart and soul of the WVNGis our Guardsmen and their families! Their dedication,sacrifice and ingenuity are what set usapart from all others. They their efforts allowus to proudly live the WVNG motto we have adoptedfrom our 167th AW – Mountaineer PrideWorldwide!!The State Senior Enlisted LeaderThroughout our Nation’s history the citizensoldier has answered the call to defend our wayof life and protect and support our citizens intime of need. From the Continental Army to thecore of the “Greatest Generation” that achievedsuccess in World War II, the citizen soldier hasbeen the heart and soul of keeping our Nationsafe and on focus. Our Nation again is at a crossroadswith an enemy that wants to overextendour defense capabilities and bring the fight toour homeland. Once again the citizen soldierwill step up, and since September 11, 2001, hasstepped up to answer the call.Our Vision we built with General Tackett,“Fort West Virginia”, is more relevant and importantthan ever before. Carrying out the visionof creating opportunities for West Virginians tosupport our National Defense and protect theHomeland while living and raising our familiesin our great state is right on target and right ontime at this point in our Nation’s history. We cando missions better, faster and more cost effectivethan anyone else while creating opportunitieshere at home.We must focus on the core components of oursuccess :Strength and Readiness for the WarfightFamily Readiness and Soldier/Airmen CareUnique Capabilities (such as National MaintenancePrograms and Homeland Defense) Wemust always strive to:Be Citizen Soldiers at their best!Manage challenges and turn them into opportunities!Treat our fellow Guardsmen as we treat ourown family!their efforts allow us to proudly liveCommand Sgt. Maj. Vancethe WVNG motto we have adopted from our167th AW – Mountaineer Pride Worldwide!!The State Command Chief Master SergeantCommand Chief Master Sgt. BoweThis article I am going to talk about a subjectthat you all have heard about several times overthe last few years. Suicide.We all take Suicide Awareness training, butthat’s just the first step -- we must take immediateaction and get involved. We need to lookout foreach other and understand that we’re not alone.Be willing to assist your Wingman and ask forhelp when you need it. We must all take the timeto care about those around us. That’s what goodWingmen do, and that’s what our ANG needs.Supervisors at every level must act now. Getto know your Airmen better and understand theirpersonal and professional challenges. This is nota a time to sit idle and think this won’t happen inyour unit, as we all know we have suffered lossesat both wings. No one is immune. Suicides don’tknow ages, location or career fields.We need to be good wingmen for others andalso need to develop and maintain trusted relationshipsand friendships where we can talkopenly and honestly about things happening inour own lives.So many people care about you -- more thanyou think: family, friends, co-workers, supervisors,commanders, chaplains, medical professionalsand senior leaders are ready and willingto listen and help. Just give them a chance.Don’t ever think you are alone or that noone will understand. We will understand, andwe will help you. It doesn’t matter whether youwrite, call or e-mail, please reach out. We are anWVNG family and you mean a lot to all of us.If you feel you are at the end of your road, youare not-talk with someone. We care about youand will ensure you receive the help you need.As always I appreciate all you do and what yourfamilies do.winter 20113

Soldiers’ general says farewell after 48 yearsby Jack HarrisonNational Guard Bureau Communications DirectorCHARLESTON, W.Va. (January 21,2011) -- After some 48 years in the WestVirginia National Guard, and 15 as thestate’s adjutant general, Army Maj. Gen.Allen Tackett was honored at an oftentimesemotional retirement ceremony onJan. 21.On the occasion of his retirement,Tackett held the distinction as being thelongest-serving adjutant general in thenation.Several hundred people were inattendance, including West Virginia’s twosenators, the governor, members of theWest Virginia legislature and other electedofficials and civic leaders from around thestate.The chief of the National Guard Bureauwas also there and spoke at the ceremonyabout the great journey Tackett and hiswife, Sallie Pat, embarked upon together inthe 1960s.“Allen Tackett has been a fixture in theWest Virginia Guard since 1963, when heenlisted into the 19th Special Forces Groupas a private,” said Air Force Gen. CraigMcKinley, chief, National Guard Bureau.“He and Sallie Pat have served the statewith honor and passion, and I’m sure theywill continue as they begin the next chapterof their lives.”McKinley spoke about many of Tackett’sachievements during his remarks.“General Tackett started what hasSgt. Anna-Marie Hizer, JFHQ Public Affairs OfficeMaj. Gen. Allen Tackett embraces his wife, Sallie Pat, after she was awarded theLegion of Merit award from W.Va. Governor Earl Ray Tomblin during Tackett’sretirement Jan. 22.Lt. Col. Todd Harrell, JFHQ Public Affairs OfficeMaj. Gen. Allen Tackett receives an award from the Chief, National Guard Bureau Gen. Craig R. McKinley during hisretirement ceremony Jan. 21.become a world-class Youth ChalleNGeprogram, setting the standard for otherprograms to emulate,” McKinley said. “Heopened the Center for National Responsetraining facility in a highway tunnel onInterstate 77, providing first respondersfrom around the world and from manyemergency response disciplines a place tohone their skills in disaster response.”“General Tackett has succeeded atevery level,” said West Virginia GovernorEarl Ray Tomblin. “He faced everycircumstance with determination. I am sadhe’s retiring, but happy for him and hisfamily.”Sen. Jay Rockefeller,the senior senator fromWest Virginia, presentedTackett with a U.S. flaghe had flown over theWest Virginia state houseand the Pentagon inArlington, Va.“This is the first timeI’ve presented anyonesuch a flag,” Rockefellersaid. “General Tackett isthe best leader the WestVirginia National Guardhas ever had.”“Allen has becomeknown to the servicemenand women of West Virginia as the‘Soldiers’ General’,” McKinley said. “Ican also say he is an ‘Airmen’s Generalas well,” the four-star Air Force generalcontinued.After a moving pictorial and musicaltribute, featuring photos capturingTackett’s life and career, it was time forhim to address the gathering.“I spent 25 years dreaming of becomingthe adjutant general,” Tackett said. “Duringthat time, I was making plans to bring theWest Virginia Guard into the 21st century.”He thanked the five governors he servedfor giving him the opportunity to beadjutant general, and for having faith inhim and allowing him to continue in thejob.Then Tackett paid tribute to his wife,Sallie Pat, his children and the rest of hisfamily.“This has been a labor of love,” Tackettsaid. “I could never have achieved what Ihave without the tremendous support of mywife and family.”Tackett then turned his attention to histroops.“This has never been about me,” hesaid. “The West Virginia Guard is really afamily. And, I have been honored to servethat family. It’s really always been aboutthe Soldiers and Airmen. “winter 20115

Sg(Left) Soldiers with the 1092nd exit the aira year-long deployment to Afghanistan. (Aafter walking off the airplane at Fort McCoSgt. Anna-Marie Hizer, JFHQ Public Affairs OfficeMaj. Gen. (Ret.) Allen E. Tackett and his wife, Sallie Pat, cutthe ribbon officially opening the new Family Readiness Center,named in their honor.Sgt. Anna-Marie Hizer, JFHQ Public Affairs Office(Below) Chief Master Sgt. David L. Widmyears of service with the W.Va.’s 167thWidmeyer was surrounded by friends andEric Widmeyer, during a retirement ceremLt. Col. Todd Harrell, JFHQ Public Affairs OfficeSoldiers with the W.Va. National Guard’s 156th Military PoliceDetachment, along with employers from around the state, participatein a BOSS lift at Fort Bliss, Texas. The event, sponsored by EmployerSupport of the Guard and Reserve, helps civilian employees gain abetter understanding of what their citizen-Soldiers do while deployed.Lt. Col. Todd Harrell, JFHQ Public Affairs Office

Making a difference“Guardian angel” saves life, limb of local womanby Sgt. Anna-Marie HizerJFHQ Public Affairs OfficeCHARLESTON, W.Va. (February 15,2011) -- Friday the 13th was indeed afateful day for a young college studentdriving home after a day of soaking up thesouthern West Virginia sun with a friend.On the evening of Aug 13, 2010, Tech.Sgt. Roy Akers, a Civil EngineeringSquadron member with the West VirginiaAir National Guard’s 130th Airlift Wing,located in Charleston W.Va., was drivinghome near Indian Creek, W.Va. aftervisiting his mother. He came around aturn and saw several vehicles stopped inthe road. A car had wrecked, flipping fourtimes, and settled near the side of the roadon its roof. The young woman trappedinside needed help.“People were running toward her car,”Akers said. “The car was on its top and shewas sitting inside the car on the ground.”He added that it didn’t appear she had been10Tech. Sgt. Eugene Crist 130th AW Public AffairsTech. Sgt. Roy Akers, points out where Ashley Parker’s arm was severed in acar crash last summer. Despite the traumatic injury, doctors were able to reattachher arm. Through physical therapy and additional operations, Parker has regainedsome function down through her wrist.wearing a seatbelt.When Akers got closer to the vehicle,he noticed the woman’s arm was gone --nearly to her shoulder. That is when Akerswent to work.“I said ‘we have to stop that bleedingright now.’” Akers said. “I slid her out ofher car and I just clamped right down … Iwas looking right in her eyes … she keptsaying she was sorry.”Akers said he tried to hide the remainsof her arm, not knowing if she was awareit had been amputated, and not wanting herto panic. Soon, others on the scene beganto assist him.“A lady came up, she was an EMT. Shesaw what I was dealing with and found abelt,” he said.In addition to the belt, another personcalled 9-1-1 while others searched thehillside for the arm. Through it all, Akersheld pressure on the girl’s wound andtalked to her, trying to keep her alert.“She said she thought she was going todie,” he said. “I told her‘no, you’re not.’“She told me hername was Ashley andI thought ‘oh God …’my daughter’s name isAshley.”It took approximately35 minutes for theambulance to get tothe accident scene.Paramedics relievedAkers and tended to 24-year-old Ashley Parker,who was taken toPittsburgh for surgery.Akers went home andprepared for a trip withhis wife to their cabin.But he could not getAshley off his mind.“I just felt that I hadto find out,” he said.“Wednesday, after theaccident, her mothercalled me.”“I do remember aman’s voice …” Parkersaid.“I was leaving aTech. Sgt. Andrew LaMoreaux, 130th AW Public AffairsTech. Sgt. Roy Akers, Civil Engineering Squadron, 130thAirlift Wing, poses with Ashley Parker. Akers attended toParker when she crashed her car Aug. 13, 2011.friend’s house. I don’t remember getting inmy car, I don’t remember the car flipping,I don’t remember losing my arm … but Ido remember a man’s voice,” she said.Parker also doesn’t remember the12-hour surgery she endured to reattachher arm. Doctors kept her in an inducedcoma for six days while they performednearly daily operations trying to make sureher limb was clean and circulation wasfunctioning.“I have had skin grafts, muscle grafts,”she said. “The arm was found 30 feetbehind the car in a ditch.”However, she noted that one thingseemed to stay with her, even before sheknew about Akers.“Every time I went into surgery, I wouldsee these [blue] eyes,” she said. “His eyes.I know it sounds cliché, but it was like hewas watching over me.”It took Parker nearly three weeks in thehospital before she realized how severe herinjuries were. She said family memberskepr telling her about the man who hadpulled her out of her wrecked vehicle.“Having somebody that you don’t knowfrom Adam get out of their car and rescue

you,” she said. “He is my guardianangel.”After only a month in the hospital,and nearly 30 surgeries, Ashley wenthome. It was then that the events set inmotion for the two strangers … bondedby near tragedy, to meet.“He left me a letter on my door,”Parker said with a smile. “He wasexcited I was home and well.”“When I saw her, she was there… talking on her cell phone and allvivacious,” Akers noted with a laugh.Both noted that their first meetingwas overwhelming.“I grabbed him and we hugged for like,10 minutes.” Parker said. “I cried, he cried,the feeling was unexplainable. To havesomeone you don’t know care that muchabout you.”The two now keep in regular contact.Parker updates Akers on her progress inphysical therapy -- milestones such asbeing able to move her wrist again. Shealso tells Akers about her brother, an ArmyTech. Sgt. Roy Akers, Civil Engineering Squadron, 130th AirliftWing, poses with Ashley Parker. Akers attended to Parker when shecrashed her car Aug. 13, 2011.Ranger currently deployed to Afghanistan.Parker noted that her brother can hardlywait to meet Akers (a former Rangerhimself), and shake the hand of the manwho saved his sister.Parker’s mother is also very thankfulthat Akers was on the road that day.“My son is over there [in Afghanistan],”said Patricia Parker. “I’ve tried to putthat out of my mind, never thinking [thedanger] would be here … my daughter.”And Ashley said she will alwaysthink of him as family. “I feel soblessed to have him in my life,” shesaid. “His family, his mom, his kids,they’re all a part of our life now. He’smy hero.”The humble Akers looks at itdifferently; noting that his militarytraining -- both in the Army, and nowthe Air National Guard -- allowed himto act in the situation.“You just react. I knew what to do,”he said. All I did was squeeze … she’sthe amazing one.”But for one young woman, theWest Virginia Air National Guard memberwho stopped along a winding WestVirginia road on a balmy Friday the 13thand squeezed her arm will forever hold aspecial place in her heart.“If it wasn’t for that man, I wouldn’t besitting here right now,” Ashley said as shefought off tears. “I can’t thank him enough,I can’t hug him enough, I can’t tell him Ilove him enough.”130th member eyes Big East championshipby Derek DennenyThe Daily AthenaeumMatt Sunday, The Daily AthenaeumTerina Miller, West Virginia track team and 130th AirliftWing, W.Va. Air National Guard member, competes in theWVU State Farm Games in January.Tech. Sgt. Eugene Crist 130th AW Public AffairsA year ago, Terina Miller was an armedsecurity guard at a United States militarybase in Saudi Arabia.Now, the redshirt sophomore finds herselfpursuing Big East Conference Championshipsas a thrower.The past three years have been quite anadventure for the Short Creek, W.Va., native.In addition to being a member of theWVU track team and majoring in criminologyand investigations, Miller is a memberof 130th Airlift Wing of the West VirginiaAir National Guard where she has servedsince graduating from Brooke High Schoolin 2008.“I joined to make my family proud,”Miller said. “My family has a militarybackground, and it’s been a dream of mineto serve this country.”Miller endured basic training at LacklandAir Force Base in San Antonio, Texas,the summer after graduating high school --an experience she called “life changing.”“It was intense, but I adjusted,” Millersaid. “It has helped me in everything that Ihave done since.”That includes her performance as aMountaineer. Miller enrolled at WVUafter completing basic training and joinedthe Mountaineers’ track team, hoping tocontinue the passion she built for the sportin high school.She made the team, and her careershowed promise after finishing in 13thplace in the 20-pound throw at the 2008State Farm Games.However, the progress she made was puton hold when she found out she would bedeployed to serve in Saudi Arabia.Her service forced her to redshirt the2009 season to avoid losing any eligibility.“It wasn’t like I had a choice,” Millersaid. “I knew this was a possibility when Isigned up.”There, as an armed guard, she performedsecurity checks on everyone attempting toenter the base.“It was a really serious position,” shesaid.Miller returned to the WVU campus achanged person, according to Mountaineerhead coach Sean Cleary and throwingcoach Matt Conly.Both said Miller’s self-discipline andwork ethic has made her a leader for theteam.“You can definitely see how the militaryhas shaped her,” Conly said. “Terina is reallyspecial. Her ability to lead and give ortake orders sets her apart.”Miller said she is looking to do her partin fulfilling the team goals of earning a titleat the Big East Outdoor Championships inMay.That’s the typical attitude for Miller, accordingto Conly.“She is a true leader, in every senseof the word,” he said. “She is capable ofanything. It’s an honor to have her on ourteam.”“I wouldn’t change anything. EverythingI’ve been through has made me a strongerperson,” Miller said. “I’m just glad it allworked out.”winter 201111

Joan Jett, Kellie Pickler rock Camp Buehringby Sgt. Debra Richardson1-201st Field ArtilleryCAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait (January 9,2011) -- More than four hundred Soldiers,Sailors, Airmen and Marines stormedthe Camp Buehring picnic tables an hourbefore the concert started in an attempt toobtain front row seats Jan. 9.Hard rocker Joan Jett and country musicartist Kellie Pickler conducted a two-hourshow here as part of a week-long USOentertainment tour for American ArmedForces serving in the Middle East.Both Jett and Pickler are USO veterans,having participated in three and fourprevious tours respectively.“It was nice to hear that country twangCAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait -- Formost parents, the birth of a child is ajoyful time and quite possibly, the biggestevent of their lives. A newborn, especiallythe first born, is a huge affair as familymembers gather with excitement andlove to congratulate the new parents andwelcome the new child. But for manydeployed Soldiers, like Spc. Patrick Rossi,experiencing the birth of a child has takena new form.“My commander gave me the day off,and I was able to watch the birth of mydaughter through Yahoo video chat,”explained Rossi. “My wife, Kayla, was inlabor for 16 hours and it was the longestamount of time I’ve ever spent starring ata computer screen. I actually fell asleep at12again,” said Spc. JeremiahMorgan, an intelligencespecialist assigned to 1stBattalion, 201st FieldArtillery Battalion.As the night wore on,the crowd grew louder,as soldiers sang alongand clapped to the beat ofthe songs. Before Picklerrelinquished the stageto the much anticipatedJoan Jett, she encourageda Marine to join her onthe stage to sing her chartbreaking single, “RedHigh Heels.”While Pickler providedcomic relief, Jett altered theatmosphere, energeticallydancing around the stage withher guitar while encouraginginteraction from the audience.“It’s just me, my guitar andthis keyboard so I need all ofyou to help me sing,” shoutedJett to the head bangingcrowd during her guitar soloin “I Love Rock and Roll.”“She was really in tunewith the audience andreceived a lot of participationfrom the crowd,” said Chiefone point and Staff Sergeant John Stevenswoke me up.”Stevens is Rossi’s father-in-law and bothsoldiers are currently deployed to CampBuehring, Kuwait with the 1st Battalion,201st Field Artillery, West VirginiaNational Guard. This is Stevens’ thirdgranddaughter.“When I deployed, Kayla moved in withher mother so they wouldn’t be lonely andher mom is a great help with little Natalia,”Rossi said. “Natalia Ashlyn has dark brownhair and the prettiest set of green eyes. It’sstill early, she’s only nine days old, hereyes could change colors but I hope theystay green. She looks just like my wife,thank God.”Rossi says he feels fortunate. While atBuehring, he can see his daughter everyday and watch her grow.“I talk to her through the computerSgt. Debra Richardson, 1-201st FA(Above) Country music artist Kellie Pickler performs for service members atCamp Buehring, Kuwait, Jan. 9. (Below left) Rocker Joan Jett wows the crowdat Camp Buehring. Pickler and Jett stopped at Buehring as part of their USOtour.Warrant Officer 4 Ralph Wegner, fromStratford, New Hampshire. “I grew uplistening to her during her hay day.”Soldiers were hesitant to leave afterreceiving autographs by both artists andCD’s from Jett. Soldiers stood outsidefor over three hours so they could wavegoodbye to the artists as they left Buehring.“Jett is one of those artists you just hopeand pray that one day you can hear in alive concert,” said Spc. Joel Richardson,Company C, 1st Battalion, 20st FieldArtillery, from Morgantown, W.Va. “I’m soexcited I saw her live and I’m even happiershe lived up to my expectations. She wasamazing!”Video chat closes 7,000-mile gap for Soldier, newbornby Sgt. Debra Richardson1-201st Field Artillerymicrophone,” admits Rossi shyly. “Nowords, just coo’s and the normal gibberishdoting parents spout to their babies.”Because of the deployment, Rossi willreceive his ten days of paternity leave afterhe returns. “I had the option to take my twoweeks leave around the time we expectedher to be born, but my wife and I hadalready made plans for me to take my leavein March so I settled for video chat.”While Kuwait may be considered a safezone, the multitude of Soldiers stationedhere still endure sacrifices. Rossi, a 21year-old soldier on his first deployment, issacrificing 10 months without his first-bornchild. While technology eases the burden,it is a sacrifice, no less.“I’m grateful and thankful for all I’vebeen given,” explains Rossi. “My daughteris healthy, my wife is happy and I havevideo chat at my fingertips.”

West Virginia Soldiers, churches team up for orphansby Martina HartLiving City MagazineWhen his co-workers at internationalCoal Group in Charleston, West Virginiaapproached Maj. John C. “Max” Wilkinsonwith their idea to send care packages tohim and his fellow Soldiers currentlyserving in Afghanistan, he suggestedproviding help for a nearby orphanageinstead.“I told them our living conditions werenot that bad,” Wilkinson recalls. “And thatif they really wanted to make a differencethey could help us give these orphans abetter quality of life.”Word soon spread to his friends atthe Basilica of Sacred Heart and the St.Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Society.Around the same time, the parents ofMaj. Fred Hill contacted him on behalfof their community at United MethodistTemple in Beckley, W.Va., where Hill grewup, to find out what they could do to assisthim and his colleagues, and received thesame response.Wilkinson and Hill serve as executiveofficer and operations officer with theW.Va. National Guard’s 1092nd EngineerBattalion. The task force was made up ofapproximately 900 Soldiers from acrossthe United States.They had an excellent rapport with theSharana orphanage and its director, Mr.Khan. The orphanage is home to about40 boys from 5 to 15 years of age. It isestimated that 200 orphans, some of whomcome from outlying villages, live in town.“Their living conditions are austere,”Wilkinson says. “All share a single roomin the current orphanage building, sleepon a blanket on the floor, and essentiallyhave nothing other than the clothes on theirbacks.”The children receive lessons at theorphanage and, when old enough, attend alocal school. They eat a rice-based diet andonly have rudimentary medical care.“Our medics provide periodic clinicservices to advise who needs more seriousmedical attention, which the orphanagecoordinates with the local hospital,”Wilkinson said.Work has begun on a new one-storyorphanage building, which will be ableto accommodate up to 100 orphans ineight dorm rooms. It will also have twoclassrooms, two offices, a library, kitchen,laundry and a shower-latrine.After determining what the childrencurrently living in the orphanage wouldneed most, Ann Weimer at the Basilicaof the Sacred Heart, Joy Hill and MaryThomas at United Methodist Temple, andKaren Berrian at ICG coordinated theproject.Basilica people filled 17 boxes withshirts, pants, shoes and other essentialitems, as well as soccer balls andvolleyballs.“It was exciting just coming togetherand trying to learn a little bit more aboutAfghanistan, what our troops are actuallydoing over there,” Weimer said.“Those who were involved in sorting,gathering and packing had lots of questionsand were trying to envision what the boyswould look like in the clothes.”Members of the United MethodistTemple sent winter jackets, gloves andabout 80 blankets made by children duringtheir Vacation Bible School.“It was both heartwarming andoverwhelming to witness the generosityand love of our members who joined into clothe and help complete strangers inanother part of the world,” Hill said.“It is a blessing to know that God’s loveallows us to reach out to strangers in a landwhere there is war and that our reachingout can be used by God to help bring aboutpeace,” Thomas added. “It is awesome tosee the smiles on the faces of these Afghanchildren, as they know that others care forthem.”ICG employees filled nine boxes withclothes, including baseball uniforms andalso gloves, bats, balls and bases. “To raisefunds the company had a ‘Red, White andBlue Big Denim Day,’ where employeespaid to wear jeans and/or tennis shoes towork,” explains Berrian. “We are proud ofthe work Max is doing in Afghanistan andhis interest in helping the children living inthe orphanage.”The packages arrived at Sharana acouple of weeks later, still in time forbaseball tutorials. “The kids were ecstatic,”Wilkinson reports, after he and his fellowsoldiers returned from distributing thegifts, noting that even the orphanagedirector was visibly touched. “He isusually pretty stoic, but his face lit up inhuge smiles several times when the kidsreacted to the gifts.”Wilkinson says that it has been a greatopportunity for Christians and Muslims towork together. “I told Mr. Khan that theChristian Holy Bible, as the Muslim HolyQur’an, commands that we care for theorphan,” he says. “And that the Christianswho sent the gifts were honored to assistin love for these orphans alongside theirMuslim friends.”winter 2011Martina HartMembers of the 1092nd Engineer Battalion, West Virginia National Guard pose with children from the SharanaOrphanage in southeastern Afghanistan. Soldiers received donations from West Virginia churches and businesses tohelp improve conditions and morale at the orphanage.13

Parkersburg Armory addition dedicatedBuilding named inhonor of leader, friendby Sgt. Anna-Marie HizerJFHQ Public Affairs OfficePARKERSBURG, W.Va. (March 5, 2011)-- Members of the West Virginia NationalGuard’s 1092nd Engineer Battalionhonored one of their own March 5 with abuilding dedication.The addition to the Armory inParkersburg, W.Va. was named in honorof Col. (Ret.) Rick Walker, who servedwith the 1092nd and its parent brigade, the111th Engineer Brigade, for the majorityof his 32-year career. He commanded the1092nd from 2001-2002 prior to retiring in2003. In December, 2004, Walker lost hisfour-year battle with cancer.“When you talk about what a leadershould be, that’s what Colonel Walkerwas,” said Maj. Gen. Melvin Burch,Assistant Adjutant General for Installationsand Homeland Defense. “I can’t think of a… better friend.”The 2,600 square foot addition wascompleted in 2010 and housesthe 193rd Engineer Platoon andDetachment 1, 119th SapperCompany. It also includesoffices and a conference room.Walker began his career inthe National Guard when heenlisted in 1971. Seven yearslater he completed officertraining and was commissionedas a 2nd lieutenant platoonleader with the then-119th Eng.Co. From there, he movedthrough the ranks within theengineer community and theW.Va. National Guard. Hiswife, Nancy, commented onhow much the Guard meant tohim.“This is a great honor …he loved the Guard and heloved the people he workedwith,” she said. Nancy addedthat without the friends her husband hadmade, she doubted he would have gone onto become an officer or earn his Master’sDegree.Burch commented on the decision todedicate the building after Walker, notingthat not many of the facilities in the W.Va.National Guard are named for formermembers.“He was the essence of what an Armyleader should be,” Burch said. “He had asincere appreciation for the work of hisSoldiers.”Spc. Sara Yoke, 153rd Public Affairs Detachment(Above) Flowers are given to the late Col. Rick Walker’s wife Nancy after a building addition atthe Parkersburg armory was dedicated to him, March 5, 2011. (Right) Brig. Gen. Melvin Burchtalks about his colleague and friend at the building dedication.14

News You Can UseTax solutions from MilitaryOneSourceMilitary OneSource is pleased to announcethat they are once again providingfree tax consultation and free on-line taxfiling services to service members and theirfamilies. Participants will have free onlineaccess to the H&R Block At Home Basictax product.For more information, please visit www.militaryonesource.com.Free tutor service availableto military familiesThe Defense Department offers militaryfamilies access to free, online tutoring atTutor.com. The site offers professionaltutors who can assist with homework,studying and test preparation. Services areavailable to students of any age -- fromkindergartners to high school seniors --with help offered in more than 16 subjects.Once online, the student and tutor worktogether in a virtual classroom, where theycan chat, draw on a shared whiteboard, uploadfiles and browse the Internet together.Active-duty servicemembers, NationalGuard and reserve personnel on activeduty in a deployed status, Defense Departmentcivilians in a deployed status andtheir dependents are eligible to participate.Families who aren’t eligible can access theservice for a fee.People can sign up by visiting http://www.tutor.com/military.Walt Disney Orlando tickets formilitary members, retireesFrom Oct. 24, 2010 to Oct. 1, 2011,active and retired U.S. military, NationalGuard or Reserves, may purchase four-dayWalt Disney World Armed Forces Salutetickets for themselves and up to five familymembers or friends for $138 per individual.Three-day passes may also be purchasedfor $99 each.For more information, visit http://www.shadesofgreen.org/4day.PNG.Operation HomefrontAn organization entitled “OperationHomefront” has announced the expansionof their 2011 Military Child of theYear Award and opening of the nominationperiod. Beginning in 2011, the awardwill be given to an outstanding militarychild from each Service. Nominations arebeing accepted until January 31. Additionalinformation is available at http://www.homefrontonline.com/article.asp?articleid=1888.