Soldiers & Airmen Head to Southwest Border! - West Virginia Army ...

Cover storySoldiers &AirmenHead toSouthwestBorder!FALL 2006Also inside:• Deploymentupdates• ANG memberrecognized byNAACP• MP namedState PoliceTrooper ofthe year• Bird Fluupdate• GRAPexpands forAir and Army

Magazine of theWest Virginia National GuardFall 2006• Command Messages 3In this issue:• Cover story: 4WVNG gets bordersecurity mission• ANG medics care for 7troops on the border• Deployment Updates 10• Todorovich becomes 10W.Va.’s first female CSM• Air Guard major 11recognized by NAACP• 156th MP named State 11Police Trooper of the Year• Pandemic flu update 12Page11Page12Page11Adjutant GeneralMaj. Gen. Allen E. TackettState Command Sergeant MajorCommand Sgt. Maj.Lawrence R. VanceState CommandChief Master SergeantCommand Chief Master Sgt.Ronald D. Bowe IIState Public Affairs Officer& Editor-in-ChiefLt. Col. Mike CadleDesign & LayoutMaj. Todd Harrell• Women’s Day at 130th 12• GRAP expands 13• Youth Leaders Camp & 14Kids Kamp a success• News you can use 15Page14On the cover:Sgt. Randy DeBerry and Spc. JohnClark scan the U.S.-Mexico borderfor illegal border crossings nearSanta Teresa, N.M. The Soldiersare part of Task Force Mountaineerproviding border security forOperation Jump Start. Read moreabout West Virginia’s contributionsto Jump Start on Page 4.The Mountaineer Defender is anauthorized publication of theWest Virginia National Guard.Contents are not necessarily theofficial views of, nor are theyendorsed by, the U.S. government,the Department ofDefense, the West VirginiaNational Guard or the state ofWest Virginia. Publication ofmaterial is determined by availablespace and reader interest.The staff reserves the right to editall material.Send comments/contributions to:State Public Affairs OfficeWV National Guard1679 Coonskin DriveCharleston, WV 25311ordefender@wvchar.ang.af.milPhoto by Maj. Todd Harrell153d Public Affairs Detachment2M O U N T A I N E E RDEFENDER

The Adjutant GeneralIndividual commitment to a group effort –that is what makes a team work, a companywork, a society work, a civilization work.Those are the words of Vince Lombardi, formerfootball coach of the three-time Super Bowlchampion Green Bay Packers.Lombardi’s words, like those of many visionaries,apply outside the context in which theywere first used. He used those words to motivatehis football team. I choose those words torecognize each of you for the monumentaleffort you give toward helping the WestVirginia National Guard meet strength goals.Our Soldiers and Airmen are the embodimentof Lombardi’s spirit. Individual commitment toa group effort, particularly in the strengthmanagement area, is the reason the West Virginia NationalGuard is so successful. We just finished another fiscal year,and I’m happy to report that we once again exceeded NGB andstate strength goals.Consider our success in 2006…The Army Guard is 1st in thenation (116 percent) in authorized versus assigned strength, 2ndin officer accessions, 2nd in reenlistment rate, 3rd in warrantofficer accessions, and 4th in retention. Army Guard success isState Command Chief Master SergeantMaj. Gen. Allen E. Tackettdirectly attributable to Soldiers like Sgt. 1stClass Rob Jewell, who led Army Guardrecruiters with 49 accessions.The Air Guard is 4th in the nation, accordingto HQ ANG statistics, and working hard to fillmore than 200 additional positions the state wasgiven for the C-5 conversion. Tech Sgt. BobHall, a 167th recruiter, enlisted 88 applicantsthis year, a whopping 7.3 per month. This is thekind of individual commitment it takes to makingour Guard successful.But there’s more work to be done. Both theArmy and Air Guard still have vacancies, andwe are expecting additional force structurebased on our ability to recruit and retain qualitySoldiers and Airmen. With new force structurecomes great opportunities for additional full-time positions andincreases in our M-day rank structure.Success comes from hard work, dedication, and a desire to bethe best. There’s no better statement to summarize our philosophyover the past year. I applaud your efforts in 2006 and askyou to continue that same level of energy as we strive towardthe Army Guard goal of 4,500 in 2007. I believe in each andevery one of you. I know you can do it.Command ChiefMaster Sgt. BoweIn my last article I commented on the Air Forcecore values. Over my next three articles I plan to gomore in-depth with each value as it is viewed by theAir Force. First, Integrity is the ability to holdtogether and properly regulate all the elements of apersonality. A person with integrity possesses thetraits of courage, honesty, responsibility, accountability,justice, openness, self-respect and humility.Why is integrity important? It builds trust andhelps our co-workers, subordinates and supervisorstrust what we say and do. Integrity ensures that thepublic will trust the decisions the military makes indefending our nation. Integrity is demonstrated inthe daily performance of our duties through accuratereporting, being truthful about bad news, admittingmistakes and taking responsibility for decisions andactions.What prevents enlisted members from living bycore values? Some of the reasons include a beliefthat small violations of standards have insignificanteffects on others and the mission; lack of considerationfor the secondary effects of their actions orinactions; and a lack of commitment to the oath theytook. I encourage you to continue to be honest,unselfish and truthful in all that you do, and yourcareer will continue to flourish.State Command Sergeant Major“All U.S. military doctrine is based on theingenuity of the individual working on his owninitiative as a member of a team and using themost modern weapons and equipment which wecan provide him.” – General Manton S. Eddy,Commanding General, XII Corps, World War II.This quote rings true in everything the WVNG istrying to accomplish.Soldiers teamed up with R&R under GRAP toreach the recruiting goal of 4,250 for this year.Also, our retention rate is fourth in the nation.Team effort isn’t only evident in R&R efforts.The WVARNG answered the nation’s call, mobilizingover 3,700 Soldiers. The Mobilization Teams, formed to processSoldiers, worked endlessly to make every Soldier deployable.Another outstanding team effort is the Family Readiness GroupCommand Sgt. Maj. Vanceprogram. Recently, over 1,000 members were presentat the National Guard Family Program VolunteerWorkshop. Efforts were directed at taking care ofSoldiers’ and Airmen’s families.Pride in equipment and facilities indicates anotheroutstanding team effort. The State Leadership Teamis committed to having the most modern and innovativefacilities.The team effort starts at home. Spouses and lovedones have sacrificed many things to support theWVNG. Employers and community leaders are alsoan important part of our team. When people ask,“How does the WVNG do it,” tell them it’s all in theteam effort. Because of such team efforts the WVNG is gainingforce structure and will continue to have a bright future for membersand families.FALL 20063

Story and photos by Maj. Todd Harrell153d Public Affairs DetachmentSpc. Barry Moore and Border Patrol AgentGabriel Gonzalez, Jr. scan the U.S.-Mexicoborder from inside an infrared surveillancetruck commonly referred to as “Fred.”SANTA TERESA, N.M. – Sgt. Jessica Homeres, whose motheremigrated from the Phillipines in 1973, initially saw little problemwith people illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. “Who arewe to prevent them from having a better life?” she said.But Homeres’ outlook quickly changed after the West VirginiaNational Guard sent her to New Mexicoto help the U.S. Customs & Border Patrolstem the tide of illegal crossings fromMexico into the U.S.“Being down there has really openedmy eyes to what is happening,”Homeres said.President sends troops to borderWith nearly 2,000 miles of U.S-Mexicoborder to secure, it is difficult for BorderPatrol agents to prevent people fromcrossing the border unlawfully.In May, President Bush authorizedOperation Jump Start, an initiative tosend up to 6,000 National Guard Soldiersfrom across the country to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona andCalifornia to augment the Border Patrol.Homeres is one of about 100 West Virginia Soldiers and Airmendeployed, as part of Task Force Mountaineer, to Santa Teresa,N.M., where New Mexico, Texas and Mexico converge. SantaTeresa is believed to be a major thoroughfare for the trafficking ofdrugs and illegal aliens into the U.S.Using infrared surveillance, illegal immigrants areclosely monitored as they cross the border.Task Force Mountaineer members are on the front line, postingentry identification teams at critical locations along a 60-mile areaof responsibility and serving as liaison between the Border Patroland National Guard.Working with the Border Patrol, Soldiers witness firsthand thechallenges Border Patrol agents face.“Once you get down here and see whoand what is coming across, you realizehow short the Border Patrol is onmanpower. It tells you how much youneed to be here,” said Staff Sgt. PhilipSmith, a mechanic with the 1257thTransportation Company.For Pfc. Christopher Vandergrift, asupply specialist with the 115th EngineerCompany, the decision was easy.“I wanted to come down here and helpmake a difference. I see everyone elsegoing on deployments. I thought I mighttake a hand in it.”According to Jose Cruz, assistant border patrol agent incharge at Santa Teresa, the agency appreciates the Guard’sassistance. “The West Virginia National Guard has given us ashot in the arm to provide better security of the border andgain operational control of the area,” Cruz said. “They havebecome an integral part of our strategy. The successis immeasurable.”

Above: Pfc. James Patterson (left) and Spc.Thomas Mulcahy monitor the border fromEntry Identification Point Noria.The Guard missionMonument Three, often referred to as“Mont 3,” is the busiest of the entry identificationpoints manned by West VirginiaSoldiers. The small hilltop site overlooksJuarez, Mexico; Sunland, New Mexicoand El Paso, Texas. A simple fence, postsstraightened by strands of barbed wire, isall that separates the countries.Challenges at Mont 3 are evident. Inone recent evening, 51 illegal entries werethwarted by Guard members and theBorder Patrol. It’s a hi-tech game ofcat-and-mouse, 24 hours per day.When electronic sensors are triggered,the Border Patrol notifies Soldiers of thebreach. Using binoculars by day and anarray of technologies at night, Guardmembers scan the border for signs ofillegal entry. Once movement is detected,Guard members guide the Border Patrolto interdict.Soldiers believe most illegal crossingsare people simply looking for work or toreunite with family already in the U.S.Illegals generally pose no personal threatto the Soldiers.Pfc. James Patterson, a 3664thMaintenance Company mechanic workingone of the many EIT sites, tried hard toreconcile his feelings about the mission.“I feel kinda sorry for the immigrantstrying to make a better life for themselves,but there’s a right way and a wrong way.”Often, the greatest danger is to illegalimmigrants themselves. The southwestborder provides a natural deterrent forTop: A simple barbed wire fence separates the U.S.and Mexico near Monument 3. Middle: Sgt. PierreWoodard scans the border for signs of illegal entry.Bottom: Agent Gabriel Gonzalez, Jr. and Spc.Sebastian Berry discuss a nearby landfill that is acommon entry point for illegal immigrants.many attempting to cross. Smugglers,known as “coyotes,” hired to guide peopleacross the border often abandon theirclients, leaving them victim to the harshdesert climate.The presence of the Guard helps detersuch tragedies, Cruz said. “Indirectly,they’re saving lives.”Cruz feels the relationship between thetroops and the border agents is symbiotic.“It’s like getting more Border PatrolAgents assigned,” he said. “They are a partof us, we’re one. They are afforded thesame respect as our own agents, and thecomradery between the Border Patrol andNational Guard is wonderful.”Despite the apprehensions, manySoldiers believe that it’s not only illegalimmigrants that justify the presence of theGuard.“I see,” Homeres said, “there’s more ofa drug trafficking issue.”Border Patrol agents have long knownabout drugs flowing illegally into the U.S.and see the Guard as a force multiplier.“The mere presence of the Guardintimidates them [drug traffickers].Through our joint effort with the Guard,we have smugglers back on their heels,guessing and looking for other waysaround us,” Cruz said.Smugglers use a variety of tactics to testthe border. Among the green scrub grassand sandy outcroppings directly across theborder from Mont 3, sits a small guardtower used to observe U.S. surveillanceteams.Guard members are watched by thoselooking for entry into the United Statesand understand that each crossing attemptmay be a test of reaction time, or perhapsa diversion for other attempts.Soldiers know that they have preventedhundreds of illegal aliens and tons of drugsfrom reaching U.S. streets.

Top left: Mt. Cristo Rey is a popular crossing area for illegal aliens near Entry Identification PointCrow’s Nest. Top middle and right: Staff Sgt. Robert Anderson scans the ridgeline at Crow’s Nestin search of illegal entries. Far left: A Mexican resident named Miguel stands inside Mexico besidethe border marker at Mont 3. Left middle: Sgt. Stephen Hixenbaugh (sitting) discusses work withSgt. Pierre Woodward at Mont 3.Impact – Soldiers and missionCruz knows that it’s hard to measure theGuard’s impact on border security operations.What is evident, he said, is thatthere are less illegal crossings and drugactivity than prior to the Guard’s arrival.Guard members also know they aremaking a difference, but with harvest seasonfor drugs approaching, they’re quick topoint out that the mission is far from over.While Soldiers feel good about stoppingthe flow of drugs and illegal aliens into theU.S., border patrol duty comes with addedbenefits. For manySoldiers, it givesthem relevantexperience to takeback to their civiliancareers.“Border Patroltrainees spendthree to fourmonths training,but we’re righthere, workingbeside them,”Homeres said. “I can put down that I haveworked with the Border Patrol. They’ll seethat I have more experience as opposed toa regular college student.”A Guard medic from the 1092ndEngineer Battalion also sees leadershipopportunities in the Jump Start deployment.Staff Sgt. Teresa Miller is encouraged bytraining she believes is relevant to theSoldiers’ wartime mission.“It [deployment] gives them a chanceto lead and be responsible, an opportunityto work that provides challenges, achance to grow,” Miller said. Accordingto Miller, NCO’s have the opportunityto work at least one rank and positionhigher than normal.“...as a 22 year veteran of the Border Patrol, Ihave come to gain a great level of respect for theCommand Staff and the Guardsmen and womensent here to help us out. When they first arrivedhere, I saw them as Guardsmen. I now see themas our partners. Their deep commitment to themission is evident in the amount of personal sufferingthey are willing to endure to accomplish themission. Their dedication is admirable andembodies the spirit of the true patriot.”Homeres agreed. “I’ll have a betterheads up on how to be a team leader. Thisexperience also prepares me to deal withSoldier care issues,” she said.Cruz reinforced the benefits of the collaboration.He said that Guard memberskill sets transfer very well to the borderpatrol mission, and work on the bordermay help Guard members with theirwartime mission.Spc. Thomas Mulcahy, a cavalry scoutwith 1/150th Armored ReconnaissanceSquadron, concurred.APAIC Jose G. CruzUS Border Patrol“I look at whatI’ve seen in Iraqand pray it nevercomes here. I’mputting the skillsI’ve been taught touse, but there’s stillmore to learn.”That’s why theNational Guard isrelevant to the borderpatrol mission.Mulcahy bringsIraqi Freedom deployment experience tothe mission. Homeres, a college student,brings classroom knowledge and an understandingof the immigrant’s viewpoint tothe border security debate. Other Soldiersprotecting the border bring local lawenforcement experience to the mission.Lt. Gen. H. Stephen Blum, chief ofNational Guard Bureau, says often thatprotecting the homeland is the NationalGuard’s top priority. West Virginia Soldierson the border are doing that despite thechallenges associated with the mission.A Soldier standing point overlookingMonument 3 summed up the Guard’s mission.“We’ve made our presence known,and we’re going to stand firm.”Left: A close up view shows the border between the U.S. and Mexico. The fence crosses over gapingholes left by heavy rain and flooding. This remains a popular area for illegal crossings near Monument 3.Below: A wide angle image reveals one of two major areas covered by Soldiers at Monument 3.6 MOUNTAINEERDEFENDER

By Sgt. Jim GreenhillNational Guard BureauPLAYAS, N.M. – A former medical clinicis rising like a phoenix after years of neglectin this abandoned New Mexico borderlandtown as a group of West Virginia Air Guardmembers establish medical services forpersonnel serving in Operation Jump Start.Until 1999, Playas housed employees ofthe Phelps Dodge Hidalgo copper smelterin remote, sparsely populated southwestNew Mexico within sight of Mexico.The smelter closed, leaving Playas nearlyabandoned. The Department of HomelandSecurity paid about $5 million for the 1,840-acre town in 2003, according to mediareports, and it is now being used as a trainingcenter by the New Mexico Institute of Miningand Technology. It is the New Mexico TechPlayas Training Center.It is also close to National Guard Soldiersand Airmen participating in Operation JumpStart, the National Guard’s support toCustoms and Border Patrol to secure the U.S.border with Mexico.Seven West Virginia Air Guard medicalpersonnel are renovating the town’s formermedical clinic for people who face medicalrisks in the harsh desert climate.“Our mission is to deliver general medicalcare in an innovative manner in an isolatedarea,” said Capt. Anita Fouch, a nurse practitionerwith the West Virginia Air Guard’s130th Airlift Wing.Jump Start troops are susceptible to suchrisks as dehydration, sunburn, insect bites andstings, snake bites and twisted ankles, medicalteam members said.“We were the first to respond to the requestby the governor of New Mexico to the governorof West Virginia,” said Col. David Porter,a flight surgeon and the commander of WestVirginia’s 167th Medical Group.Porter’s team was told on July 8, aSaturday, to prepare to deploy. “By Tuesdaywe were all ready,” he said. “We’ve been veryproud to be able to be here and to serve theCitizen-Soldiers who are out there poundingthe desert.“There’s usually a core in every unit thatsteps up, and these are the ones,” Porter said.He has deployed five times since the Sept.11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He has served inSouthwest Asia.“This is desert,” Porter observed. “It’s justlike Southwest Asia. You’re going to see a lotof the same things – minus, of course, the wartrauma that you see there, and even that’s apossibility.”The first order of business was reestablishingPlayas’ medical clinic. The building neededto be cleaned. It needed telephone andcomputer lines, air conditioning and water. Itneeded to be stocked with medical supplies.But the team members did not start fromscratch. The examining tables, some beds andother equipment left behind when the townwas abandoned are all serviceable, they determined.Porter said Operation Jump Start is a goodtraining opportunity. “There’s nothing likehands-on to really learn the job,” he said. TheAirmen, who include four medical techniciansand a medical administrator, would rather notsee any Citizen-Soldiers professionally.“Be physically in shape to begin with,”Porter recommended to Citizen-Soldiersdeploying for Jump Start. “Start your hydrationbefore you leave home.”While medical team members say Citizen-Soldiers should be cautious while on duty,they also say many injuries happen duringoff-duty hours.“Be cautious during your recreation,”Porter said. “Avoid excessive abuse of alcoholbecause it leads to dehydration the next dayduring duty hours and lack of concentration.Alertness in the desert is critical. Cute spidersdon’t make good pets.”These West Virginia Air Guard members –initially deployed for a month – say they’reproud to serve.“It’s good to be a part of something thatdirectly impacts the lives of all Americans,not just the military,” Fouch said. “We’re verymuch needed. This is not something that justimpacts the lives of the people on the border.This is a nationwide event.”Editor’s Note: Reuters News Service contributedbackground information to this report.Above: Medical members of the 130thand 167th Airlift Wings join with N.J.Army National Guard members inPlayas, N.M.Below: Staff Sgt. Sarah Morris of the167th Medical Group prepares medicalsupplies at a makeshift medical clinicin Playas, N.M.FALL 20067

Photo by Lt. Col. Craig Lambert, 771st Troop CommandMaj. Gen. Tackett visits members of the 753d EOD at Camp Atterburyas they prepare for mobilization.Photo courtesy of the 167th Airlift WingSenior Airman Tracie Engle (left) and Staff Sgt. Sarah Morrisof the 167th Airlift Wing represent W.Va. Air National Guardwhile serving as medics in New Mexico in support ofOperation Jump Start along the southwest border.Photo by Maj. Todd Harrell, 153d PADDebbie Bennett visits with her son, Sgt. Jeffrey Bennett, and daughter, Sgt. JenniferBennett, during CERFP training at Benedum Airport. The siblings are both members ofthe W.Va. National Guard CERFP extraction team. Their father, Jeffrey Bennett, Sr.(not shown), is a member of the W.Va. Air National Guard.Photo by Sgt. David Dyer, 153d PADSoldiers participate in a historic ceremony as the111th Engineer Group officially converts to the 111th EngineerBrigade during an event held in September.8 MOUNTAINEERDEFENDERPhoto courtesy of 193d ESPThe guidon is passed to mark the activation of the the new 193dEngineer Support Platoon. The ceremony also marked thedeactivation of Det. 1, Company C, 1092d.

Photo by Sgt. Sherree Casper, 153d PADLeft to right: Sgt. 1st Class Michael Miller, Sgt. Gary Rice, Sgt. 1st ClassNathaniel Payton, Staff Sgt. Eric Aikens, Staff Sgt. Timothy White undergoMOUT training at Ft. Pickett in September.Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Rick Ware, 130th Airlift Wing1st Lt. Harold F. Nicely, III holds his newborn son,Harold F. Nicely, IV, during the 146th Medical Company’sBosnia homecoming ceremony.Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Rick Ware, 130th Airlift WingA P-51 Mustang stands on public display during the 130th Airlift Wing’s annualopen house held at the Charleston Air Base in September. The public was treatedto military and civilian aircraft visiting from around the country.Photo by Tech. Sgt. Emily Beightol-Deyerle, 167th Airlift WingLeft to right: Lt. Col. Shawn Perkowski, Glen Catrow Sr. (retired), Jim Renner(retired), Master Sgt. Jay Stuckey, Senior Master Sgt. Glen Catrow II, Tech. Sgt.Paul Dick, Master Sgt. Steve Munson and Master Sgt. Mike Rice perform forValley View Elementary during their Heritage Day held on October 10. The bandconsisted of current and retired members of the 167th Airlift Wing.Photo by Maj. Todd Harrell, 153d PADSgt. Jessica Homeres stands watch at Entry Identification Point Crow’s Nestin support of Operation Jump Start along the Southwest border.FALL 2006 9

Deployment UpdatesBy Lt. Col. Mike CadleJoint Forces HQ, Public Affairs OfficeAbout 450 WVNG Soldiers and Airmenare on federal duty supporting militaryoperations around the world.• More than 200 members of the 2/19thSpecial Forces Group returned to WestVirginia or are awaiting return from themobilization station after serving aboutnine months in Iraq.• About 150 Soldiers in the 1257thTransportation Co. are providing installationsecurity at one of the most importantsupply bases in Iraq.• The 130th and 167th Airlift Wings haveabout 10 Airmen mobilized in Germanyand Iraq supporting OIF/OEF.• About 15 members of the 1863rdMilitary Police Company (Provisional)remain on duty providing installationsecurity at Fort Polk, La.• The 146th Medical Co. (AirAmbulance) recently returned 20Soldiers from New Horizon exercisesin Peru and eight soldiers from JointGuardian operations in Kosovo.• The redesignated C/150th Aviation(formerly 1-137th) unit in Wheeling hasmore than 60 Soldiers deployed to Iraq.• Six members of the 753rd ExplosiveOrdnance Disposal Co. have arrived inEurope and will begin supportingOperation Joint Guardian.• More than 40 Soldiers in the 151stMilitary Police Battalion are in the processof deploying to Fort Bragg, N.C., for a lawand order mission. Soldiers may bedeployed up to one year.• West Virginia’s National Guard isactively supporting Operation Jump Start,the southwest U.S. border mission. Morethan 90 Soldiers and Airmen have beendeployed as part of Task Force Mountaineerworking in New Mexico and Arizona.Editor’s note: These numbers wereaccurate as of Oct. 20.Left: Soldiers and aircraft of the 146th Medical Co. (Air Ambulance) get media attention fortheir support of Operation New Horizon in Peru.Todorovich promoted to CSMBy Lt. Col. Mike CadleJoint Forces HQ, Public Affairs OfficeCommand Sergeant Major Cindy L.Todorovich was pinned on June 6 byAdjutant General Allen Tackett and herhusband, Mike, a lieutenant colonel in theArmy Guard, at a ceremony attended byfamily and about 200 co-workers.“I’m so honored,” Todorovich said.“When I joined this organization morethan 20 years ago I never would haveexpected to make it to this level.The NCO is truly the backbone of theArmy. It’s an awesome responsibility,and I look forward to the opportunity.”“Today’s ceremony marks anotherfirst in the history of the West VirginiaNational Guard,” Tackett said. “FirstSergeant Todorovich’s promotiondemonstrates to our Soldiers thatthrough hard work and dedicationthey can achieve their goals andbecome leaders in the Army Guard.”Being the first female to achievethe Army’s highest enlisted rank comeswith a lot of responsibility, according toState Command Sgt. Major LawrenceVance, the Army Guard’s top enlistedSoldier. “She will set the standard forother female Soldiers to follow.”“The Guard has provided a good lifefor my family,” Todorovich said.“Anyone considering joining the militaryshould think about the opportunities theNational Guard can provide. Getting aneducation is just one of those opportunities.The Guard will help pay forSoldiers to go to college, and now theycan earn all the way up to a mastersdegree.”Todorovich studied InternationalTerrorism and has an Associate of Artsdegree from the University of Charleston.Her most recent military education wasthe Army Sergeants Major Academy atFort Bliss, Texas.10 M O U N T A I N E E RDEFENDER

Hale to the ChiefLocal Air Guard memberreceives NAACP awardBy Lt. Col. Mike CadleJoint Forces HQ, Public Affairs OfficeBy Sgt. Zoe Morris153d Public Affairs DetachmentCHARLESTON – Air Guard MajorKenneth L. Hale, 50, of Charleston, waspresented the Roy L. Wilkins RenownService Award by the NAACP on July 18during the group’s 31st Annual ArmedServices and Veterans Affairs AwardsDinner in Washington, D.C.Hale was the only Air Guard member toreceive the award this year, representingWest Virginia’s 2,300 Air Guard membersand more than 105,000 Airmen nationwide.The award recognizes military memberswho have distinguished themselves bycontributing to military equal opportunitypolicies and programs.“This was a mountaintop experience forme, but once you’ve gotten the spiritualrevelation you understand that there is stillplenty of work to do and a long road tohaul,” Hale said. “But I look forward tothose challenges.”Hale serves as the labor relations andstate equal employment manager for theNational Guard, providing advice toAdjutant General Allen Tackett on mattersrelating to diversity, workplace training,and the military-civilian collective bargainingagreement.“Maj. Hale is an important member ofour human resources team,” Tackett said.“He works hard to promote diversity inour organization and is an outstandingpublic servant in his community.”Hale’s work in the community inspiredBrig. Gen. Terry Butler, commander of thestate’s Air Guard, to nominate Hale for theaward. “Kenny is involved in many thingsthat make a real difference in his community,”Butler said. “He’s coached littleleague football for more than 20 years, hevolunteers as an assistant basketball coachat a local middle school, he works with theBlack Ministerial Alliance on social issuesPhoto courtesy of W.Va. State PoliceStaff Sgt. David Eldridge (left) is presentedhis award as Trooper of the Year bySergeant James Merrill (right), president ofthe West Virginia Troopers Association.An Army Guard military policemanreceived the highest award given by theWest Virginia State Police during theTroopers Association Annual Conferencein Morgantown on June 10.Staff Sgt. David Eldridge, 37, an MPwith the 156th Military PoliceDetachment in Monaville, W.Va., wasnamed the State Police’s 2005 Trooperof the Year. When his name wasannounced, Eldridge said, “It was a bitof a shock. I think [being chosen] wasbased largely on my work ethic. Wework until the job is done. I learnedthose [ethics] early on in the militaryand carried them with me.”After joining the Army at 19,Eldridge served six years active duty asa military policeman. He said he knewhe wanted to work in law enforcement, but looked at the Army as a way to tryit out for a few years to make sure.After leaving active duty, Eldridge joined the Army Reserves for threeyears and began to pursue a career in civilian law enforcement, knowingpolice work was for him. He joined the Army National Guard after leavingthe Reserves.Eldridge, a State Police corporal, was submitted for the award by hissupervisor, Sgt. T.L. Williams.“The military does provide you essential skills that allow you to accomplishgreat tasks later on in life, not only in the military, but in your civilian life,too,” Eldridge said.– the list goes on and on.”Family is also important to Hale, thefather of seven children. Hale credits hiswork ethic and desire to make a differencein the world to his late father, Edward.“He is most definitely the reason I’vedone the things I’ve done,” Hale said.“I’m happy to carry on the torch so thatothers may have the same chances for successthat I’ve had.”Edward Hale was a member of theTuskegee Airmen, a group of dedicatedyoung black men who enlisted at a timewhen many thought black men lacked theskill and intelligence to be military aviators.History debunked this myth, andmen like Hale’s father became known aspioneers in the fight for freedom – againstthe Axis powers overseas and againstracism and prejudice at home.According to Hale, the Buffalo Soldiersand Tuskegee Airmen were trail blazers inthe fight for equal rights in the militaryand true African-American patriots. “Itmakes me very proud to know that I standon the shoulders of those who’ve gonebefore me,” he said.Hale is among a distinguished group ofmilitary members to receive the Wilkinsaward. Past award recipients include Lt.Gens. Roger Schultz and Russ Davis,past directors of the Army and AirNational Guard.FALL 200611

Education Service Office helps put college on the fast trackBy Capt. Jason WebbEducation Service OfficerStaff Sgt. James Coffey, 1st Battalion, 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, recently completed the last 30 hours of hiscollege degree in only seven days. And it didn’t cost him a dime.Coffey tested out of the final hours required for his Regents B.A. degree by signing up for exams at the Army GuardEducation Service Office. Capt. Jason Webb, Education Services Officer, helped Coffey identify DSST, CLEP, and Excelsiorexaminations that he needed to complete his degree.Tests are available for about 320 hours of college classes, but testing is only one service provided to military members bythe ESO. Service and family members from any branch can also get college and career counseling, take certification tests,receive scholarship and tuition assistance information, and check on GI bill benefits and loan repayments.The Education Services Office also provides free study guides and other information at:www.wv.ngb.army.mil/educationAir Guard gets GRAP!Airmen can earn $2,000 per recruitThe Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP) is aprogram that allows Airmen to volunteer as part-timeRecruiting Assistants (RA). The RA works for a contractor,not the ANG. Each RA should seek out potentital recruitsbased on family, school, work, and social relationships.Responsibilities of an RA are to identify potentialrecruits, promote benefits of service in the Air Guard, andinput profile data into the G-RAP web site to begin theapplication process. Nominations must be entered into thesystem prior to the contract date in order to qualify for paymentsunder the G-RAP. RA’s will arrange meetingsbetween potential recruits and ANG recruiters, accompanythe ANG recruiter at parental consent meetings for recruitsunder 18 years of age, and work with recruiters to preparerecruits for MEPS and ASVAB appointments.Once the applicant enlists, the RA will receive an initialpayment of $1,000 with a second $1,000 payment after therecruit ships to Basic Training. For prior service recruits,payment is made after the applicant completes 90 days andthree drills with the unit.Thanks to a unique collaborationwith United Healthcare, all activeM-Day Soldiers of the Army NationalGuard participating in G-RAP may alsoqualify for optional healthcare coverage.(Retired members of the Army National Guardare not eligible for the healthcare program.)The plan includes Medical, Dental, Vision andLife Insurance.Option 1: Individual Healthcare InsuranceOne accession pays for 12 months individual coverage.Option 2: Family Healthcare InsuranceThree accessions pays for 12 months family coverage.Retired ArmyNational Guard Soldiersnow eligible to participate in G-RAP!Retired Soldiers with 20+ years of service may beeligible for $2,000 per accession.Soldiers must have been in a retired status for sixmonths to participate in G-RAP.For more information about GRAP, visit:www.guardrecruitingassistant.com2006: WVARNG surpasses recruiting and retention goals!The West Virginia Army National Guard concluded a recordyear at 116.5 percent strength. This is due to the hard work ofthe NCOs of the Recruiting and Retention Force, coupled withthe teamwork of unit members and command teams around thestate. As the new fiscal year starts, we are building this year’sstrength around the theme of STRENGTH FROM WITHIN.The Guard Recruiting Assistant Program (G-RAP), whichkicked off in December 2005, is still going strong and is availableto both Army and Air National Guard members. Just recently,the program expanded. National Guard retirees may now jointhe program as Recruiting Assistants and qualify to receive$2,000 for every new enlistment.Over 31 percent of Army National Guard members are activeRecruiting Assistants.FALL 2006 13

Kids Kamp at Camp Dawson is successStory by Sgt. Sherree Casper153d Public Affairs DetachmentCAMP DAWSON – Even the wettestJune on record couldn’t dampen the spiritsof those who participated in 2006 KidsKamp at Camp Dawson in June.Designed to give kids of Guard familiesthe opportunity to play, learn and relatewith one another, Kids Kamp is in its 15thyear. More than 170 kids participated inthis year’s event with 64 adults assumingroles as counselors and support staff.The first Kids Kamp began in 1991 for40 children whose family members weredeployed in support of Desert Storm, saidretired Sgt. Maj. Gary Conley, who is thelongtime director of the camp that caters tokids ages 9 to 14.Some returning kampers have declaredthat they would rather attend the weeklongcamp than head to the beach withtheir parents, said Conley, who works fulltimein the National Guard’s environmentaloffice in Charleston.“That tells me we are doing somethingright,” he added.Despite the record rainfall in June, theretired sergeant major said this year’s KidsKamp, which featured everything fromYouth LeadersCamp 2006held atCamp DawsonStaff Sgt. Mary Beth Hackney130th Airlift Wing Public AffairsThe West Virginia National Guard heldits 40th annual Youth Leaders Camp inKingwood, June 24-30.The week-long event, hosted at CampDawson, provides select high school juniorsand seniors an opportunity to learnleadership, problem solving, and teamworkskills while observing military customsand courtesies.“The camp provides a great opportunityfor youth leaders to expand their experienceand gain the understanding that they,too, can excel,” said Brigadier Gen. TerryL. Butler, Commander of the W.Va. AirNational Guard.The program, which accommodated 84campers this year, is staffed by membersof W.Va. Army and Air National Guard.14M O U N T A I N E E RDEFENDERmaneuvering through an obstacle course toscaling a rock wall, was one of the best.Conley pointed out that it rained almostevery day at the West Virginia ArmyNational Guard training installation nearKingwood, W.Va.Coordination for YLC goes on yearround.As soon as the current camp ends,a team of program administrators startplanning the next year’s event, accordingto Master Sgt. Cindy Cundiff, a humanresources assistant with State Headquartersand a YLC staff member for the past sevenyears.This year staff had to make last-minuteadjustments to the event schedule because“Everything we had planned occurredthanks to the staff’s efforts,” Conley said.“Everything we wanted to do we did.”Events throughout the week-long campfeatured an array of activities that includedarts and crafts, team building, swimming,Starbase, drug awareness, sports, paddleboats, jousting, dealing with youth stress,dance, laser tag, rocket launch, first aidand range.Master Sgt. Bill Lively served as headcounselor for Team 2. Lively noted thathis daughters, Galia and Trystan, attendedKids Kamp while his oldest daughter,Sacha, participated in this year’s YouthLeaders Camp. Lively recently adoptedGalia and Sacha from southern Russia.“It gives kids activities to do in a supervisedenvironment,” said Lively, whoworks for Joint Forces Headquarters inCharleston.“It gives them a little taste of what themilitary is like,” he said of barracksaccommodations and accountability forevery minute of the day.Next year’s Kids Kamp is slated forJune 14-22.of persistent rainfall during the first threedays of camp. But they were still able toaccomplish the planned exercises andevents.“It [the rain] didn’t seem to bother thekids,” said Cundiff. “Camp was a greatsuccess; they love it … by the end ofcamp, they didn’t want to go home.”Camp instructors, referred to as TACs(Train, Advise, and Counsel), work inshifts and are with campers around theclock. Throughout the week of camp,TACs instruct and motivate their campersin everything from maintaining their livingquarters to leading the platoon in drill andceremony exercises and competitiveevents. Scores are recorded for eachevent, and at the end of the week the platoonwith the most points is rewarded forits hard work.This year the 1st Platoon, led by StaffSgt. Nicole Snuffer, Staff Sgt. JeremyBates, and Senior Airman Kris Rader, wonthe honor.At the end of the week, YLC staffmembers presented campers with their“Honorable Discharges” during an awardand graduation ceremony that concludedthis year’s camp.

News you can useSGLI rate increasePremiums for SGLI increased in July from6.5 cents per $1,000 to 7 cents per $1,000.This change increases the rate for maximumcoverage from $26 to $28 per month.Family member SGLI decreased, with newrates based on age. Please contact yourFinance Office for more info.Post-deployment health educationWalter Reed has a great website that highlightsthe importance of recognizing thedifferent mindset that our returningSoldiers must overcome when returningfrom the battlefield. Commanders, familymembers and supervisors should visit:http://www.battlemind.orgAmerican cemeteries overseasThe American Battle MonumentsCommission is charged with maintainingall American cemeteries located overseas.Site can be used to locate fallen heroes at:www.abmc.govScholarships available formilitary members/familieshttp://education.military.com/money-for-school/scholarshipshttp://aid.military.com/scholarship/search-for-scholarships.doCheck GI Bill eligibilitySoldiers can check GI Bill eligibility andapply for federal tuition assistance on-line.Soldiers will need AKO login and passwordto enter the site.www.nationalguardbenefits.comCAMC offers free ATV classesClasses are held about 10 miles south ofSouthridge Shopping Center on WashBranch Road off Corridor G. Participantsmust provide own ATV and have all safetyequipment. For more information and toregister, call 304-388-7859.Internet radio honors troopsHooah!! Radio is an internet radio stationdedicated to supporting troops and families.The station takes dedications and requestsfor troops overseas. Families and friendscan also record a "shout out" for militaryloved ones that will be played on air.http://www.hooahradio.comCheck these sites forfree stuff for troopsFree computers for spouses or parentsof deployed Soldiers in ranks E1 – E5.www.operationhomelink.orgFree mail/gifts sent to children of deployedSoldiers at:www.prweb.com/releases/2004/2/prweb106818.htmFree phonecardswww.operationuplink.orgTo sign up for sponsoring Soldier carepackages for theater.www.anysoldier.com/forsoldiersonly.cfmCommanders sign up for mugs for unittroops.www.appreciateourtroops.org/forourtroops.shtmlFree shoebox care package at:Free cookies at:www.operationshoebox.comwww.treatthetroops.orgLow airfares available at:www.bluestarmoms.org/airfare.htmlFree care packageswww.bluestarmoms.org/care.htmlFree air conditioners/heatershttp://66.241.249.83Free air travel is available for emergencyleave, and for family members of injuredSoldiers to travel to medical facility.www.heromiles.orgAirline discounts for R & R.www.bluestarmothers.org/airlinespecials.phpDaily prayer and scriptures.http://prayercentral.net/engage/militaryprayer/daily.phpGet adopted to receive stuffwww.soldiersangels.org/heroes/submit_a_soldier.php__________________________________________________________________Free gifts and care packageswww.treatsfortroops.com/registration/index.phpSpecial mortgage program forGuard/ReservesChase Bank is providing mortgage incentivesto mobilizing Guard/Reserve membersat the time of loan origination, duringmobilization and for more than a year afterdemobilization. The incentives could saveborrowers thousands of dollars. For moreinformation, visit a Chase bank branch(refer to code SSAS A072) or go to:www.chasemilitaryhomeloan.comChild care for military familiesSeveral programs are available for militaryfamilies with children. Military ChildCare in your Neighborhood is availablefor Guard members living in areas wheremilitary child care is not available.Operation Military Child Care is forchildren of activated Guard/Reservemembers. Operation: Child Care is forfamilies of servicemembers deployed forOIF/OEF.For more information, please call1-800-424-2246 ext 341 orhttp://www.ChildCareAware.orgLow income energy assistanceprogram begins in OctoberThe West Virginia Department of Healthand Human Resources will accept applicationsfrom the general public for LIEAPbeginning Monday, Dec. 4 and endingFriday, Dec. 15. Those who receivedLIEAP in 2005 will receive applicationsby mail this year. The LIEAP program willallow households to obtain assistance withhome heating before the start of winterweather increases demand and shortenssupply of some fuels, such as wood.Applications may be picked up anddropped off after completing at localDHHR offices, community action agencies,or senior centers operated by any AreaAgency on Aging. Applications will alsobe available on the DHHR website beginningDec. 4 and ending Dec. 15 at:http://www.wvinroads.orgLIEAP forms must not be mailed tohome heating providers, as this willdelay the application process. DHHRwill make the final determinationregarding eligibility.FALL 2006 15

Staff Sgt. Philip Smith of the 1257th Transportation Company befriends a young Mexican boy through the fence thatdivides the U.S.-Mexico border at an Entry Identification Point known as “Monument 3.” Staff Sgt. Smith is part of TaskForce Mountaineer, participating in Operation Jump Start, providing border security near Santa Teresa, N.M.Photo by Maj. Todd Harrell, 153d PADState Public Affairs OfficeWest Virginia National Guard1679 Coonskin DriveCharleston, WV 25311