2012 Q1 - West Virginia Army National Guard - U.S. Army

WVNG Soldiers, Airmenaid tornado victimsTechnology works forState Duty missionsBringing relief to floodravaged communitiesSoldiers return toMountain StateSPRING 2012

The Adjutant GeneralThe West Virginia National Guard is doinggreat things for our state and our Nation.We have Airmen in Afghanistan and Soldiersperforming missions in Africa.We responded earlier this year to tornados andfloods in southern West Virginia and providedour citizens much needed assistance and relief.I am humbled each day knowing that I havethe best job in America, “taking care of WestVirginia Soldiers and Airmen.” I can think of nohigher honor than to serve you.Recently I distributed my priorities as yourAdjutant General. These priorities go right to theheart of treating people with dignity and respect.TAG Priorities• Support and Care for the WVNG Family• Maintain Values, Integrity and Character.• Maintain Individual and Unit ReadinessMaj. Gen. James A. Hoyer• Tell our Story Through our People• Do Business the Right Way• Demonstrate and Enhance Relevanceo Tie our units and missions to nationalo strategies and requirementso Support national strategies with WVo unique capabilities• Develop the Next Generation of WV Leaders• Maximize Innovation and TechnologyI will always adhere to these priorities and Iexpect no less from each one of you.The one thing we “do right” in theWVNG is take care of our people. One youngSoldier recently fell on hard times as she wastransitioning from another state to the WVNG.During this time, she was without a place to stayand her Senior NCOs found out. They requestedhelp from the West Virginia National GuardFoundation and found her lodging within a day.Thanks to all for helping her out and showingMountaineer Pride Worldwide!The State Senior Enlisted LeaderWill I be selected for retention in the WestVirginia National Guard by the Enlisted QualitativeRetention Board this year? This is one ofthe many questions I’m asked by our seasonedSoldiers. Without a doubt, the standards of beingqualified for retention have increased. Becomingan operational force has added more responsibilitiesand demands a higher degree of commitmentto duty as well as a higher standard ofpersonal readiness to our Soldiers and Airmen.The question; “Will I be retained?” can sometimesbe answered by reviewing our own records.Some questions to ask are: Have I completed mymilitary education requirements to be selected tonext higher grade? Do my NCOERs reflect myduty performance as a quality Soldier? Do I reviewmy military records on a regular basis toensure they’re up to date with all pertinent data?Did my last APFT and weigh-in reflect the bestThe State Command Chief Master Sergeantqualified and motivated Soldier? These are justa few questions we need to be asking ourselvesonce we reach a point in our career in which theEQRB will be deciding if we should be recommendedfor retention in the WVNG.Some ask the question: How do I improve myretention possibilities? Keep yourself relevant;ensure you’re always in a promotable status,keep fit and within the height and weight standards,seek self improvement by enrolling in andattending training. If you’re a senior grade NCO,consider attending the First Sergeant or CommandSergeant Major Selection Board, alwaysensure your records reflect a relevant soldier.To meet the missions and challenges in thefuture, the WVNG must retain the “Best Qualified”to be successful. We must be committed,relevant, and steadfast in supporting our communities,state and nation today and in the future.Command Sgt. Maj. VanceEQRB; take it seriously, be prepared, andensure your records reflect the best qualified forretention! Remember, your family, state and nationdepend on you!The West Virginia National Guard; Alwaysready and always there!Command Chief Master Sgt. BoweMy last six years as your Command Chiefhave been both challenging and rewarding. Thebest part of my job is seeing the great things ourpeople are accomplishing. I’m constantly amazedby your selfless dedication and ceaseless efforts,and I brag about you to whoever will listen.While we have accomplished great things,new challenges are on the horizon. It should beapparent that the high operations tempo is notgoing away soon. Constant change is going to bewith us from now on and we must stay focusedto meet these challenges.Senior leadership knows how hard you areworking. You are our first priority.I believe the enlisted force will shape the waythe Air National Guard meets the challenges ofthe future. Of the approximately 106,000 peoplein the Air National Guard, about 2,058 proudlywear stripes for the state of West Virginia.Airmen -- we need your enthusiasm, energyand technological expertise focused on themission every day. Remember that being a goodfollower is a prerequisite to being a good leader.Be proud of what you do and the contributionsyou’re making to keep our nation free.Junior NCOs -- we are depending on you toshape our Airmen and give them the tools theyneed. No one knows your people like you do. Trainthem, care about them, hold them accountable,reward them, then sit back and watch them soar.Senior NCOs -- take your experience andfocus it toward your people. Move obstacles thatkeep them from efficiency, listen to their ideas,be their advocate. Make those that come behindyou better NCOs than you and I are today.The role of the enlisted force is moreimportant now than ever. Our Air National Guardwill continue to transform. New technologiesand joint operations are on the horizon. The oneconstant will be our nation’s reliance on you tomake the mission happen every day.SPRING 20123

Thank you ...It’s truly an honor to serve as the Governor of the Great State of West Virginia. Every day is filled with opportunity toshowcase all that is good about the Mountain State -- including the men and women of the West Virginia National Guard.I’m always amazed by the diverse group of professionals who make up the West Virginia National Guard. And althoughI’ve always been a devoted supporter of our Guardsmen and women, I had the recent opportunity to witness firsthand thecommitment, hard work and selfless service that makes these men and women remarkable.In early March, tornadoes, strong winds and torrential rains devastated many West Virginia communities. With theassistance of the WVNG, I was able to get into the affected communities, assess the damage firsthand and talk to WestVirginians shaken by the storms. Although the damage to businesses and homes was heartbreaking; I saw a tremendousoutpouring of aid from first responders, churches, the West Virginia Department of Highways and various community groups.And in each community, I saw the comforting uniforms of the WVNG.You may not believe your uniform is comforting. But believe me, when West Virginians see you, our Guardsmen and women,they see someone who will always answer the call for help -- whether it’s down the street or halfway around the world. They seeinstant relief and understand they are not alone because you stand beside them, providing aid and comfort, pulling debris outof their yards, removing mud from their homes and making the roadways and hillsides safe. And when you’re halfway aroundthe world, you always ensure our safety and defend our freedom, so that we can enjoy our wonderful quality of life. Whether inAfghanistan or the hills of West Virginia, you stand straight and tall and we know that you are there.Far too often we’ve wished our Guard members well, with heavy hearts as they depart for tours half-way around the world.I understand deployments are tough on Guard members and often just as difficult for the families who must wait at home.I’ve seen the grief and anxiety on their faces as you leave on a mission and I’ve been witness to the sheer joy and happinessexpressed when you return home. I extend my sincerest appreciation to your families who remain strong and patiently awaityour return.I’m honored to be your Governor. And I’m proud that West Virginia has the best National Guard in the United States ofAmerica.God Bless you! And God Bless the Great State of West Virginia!Best regards,Earl Ray TomblinGovernorNews You Can UseBlog offers tips, ideas for familiesof deployed servicemembersWhile You Were Away is committedto providing resources and training todevelop resiliency and strengthen families.Our primary aim is to provide products,resources and services that not only supportchildren, teens and families but strengthenand give them resiliency skills that will lasta lifetime.Megan Egerton Graham is the author andcreator of the While You Were Away seriesof books. Her husband continues to be4an active member of the Canadian armedforces.For information and tips, please visithttp://blog.whileyouwereaway.org.Program offers healing forwounded warriorsThe mission of Project Healing WatersFly Fishing is to assist in the physical andemotional rehabilitation of disabled activeduty military personnel and veteransthrough fly fishing and fly tying educationand outings.For more information, please visit www.projecthealingwaters.org.Website offers tutor servicesfor 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.For more information, please visit http://www.tutor.com/military.

WVNG members use technology to aid relief effortsby Sgt. Anna-Marie WardJFHQ-WV Public Affairs OfficeCHARLESTON, W.Va. (March 12, 2012)-- March roared into the Mountain Statewith a tornado that devastated parts ofWest Virginia’s southwestern counties andflooding in one central county.Members of the West Virginia NationalGuard deployed to these areas with water,food, dump trucks and other life-savingequipment. In addition, some Soldierscarried a new piece of technology to assist6them in their disaster relief efforts … aniPad.Apple’s popular device is just one pieceof a larger technological advancementthat allows the West Virginia NationalGuard and other state agencies such as theDepartment of Highways and Departmentof Transportation to maintain a commonoperational picture.The network program, West VirginiaCommon Operating Picture, provides realtimeaccess to critical information, throughcustom web-accessible alert and analyticalStaff Sgt. Timmy L. Thompson, Joint Operations Center noncommissioned officer in charge, demonstrates the WestVirginia Common Operating Picture program on an iPad. The new system, used by multiple state agencies as well asthe WV National Guard, streamlines efforts and provides a clearer “snapshot” of what is happening during a disasterrelief effort. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Anna-Marie Ward, JFHQ-WV Public Affairs Office)CHARLESTON, W.Va. (May 3, 2012)-- The sun peaked over the West Virginiamountain when members of the WestVirginia Army and Air National Guardgathered outside the Joint Headquartersflagpole today to recognize the NationalDay of Prayer.The National Day of Prayer is an annualobservance held the first Thursday of May.It invites people of all faiths to pray for thenation.After a moving prayer at the flagpole,participants moved inside. Donated food,including biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit,tools, reducing emergency response timeand improving coordination efforts. Thesystem enables statewide access to informationsharing and coordination betweensenior leadership, National Guard forces,emergency first responders, law enforcementagencies and the general public.“[The program] makes sure all of ourinteragency partners have a commonoperational picture and that everyone ison the same page,” said Staff Sgt. TimmyL. Thompson, Joint Operations Centernoncommissioned officer in charge. “Iteliminates overtasking of efforts.”In addition to streamlining efforts, thenew program also helps provide a clearerpicture of what is going on during thechaos of a disaster relief scenario.This allows multiple users at both desktopstations and mobile locations, to usethe latest geospatial technologies to aid inrelief efforts.“[WVCOP] contains maps with layersand data on the common operating picture.The system can also show current weatherconditions and the status of rivers,”Thompson said. “It also contains infrastructuredata. That is one of our biggestconcerns during a flood -- what’s going onwith the power, water, schools, police stations… all of this information is collectedby multiple state agencies.West Virginia was one of a handful ofstates to integrate this type of technologypackage into their interagency operationsystem. WVCOP can be used for any scenariothat would require multiple agenciesto work together toward a common goal.Service members recognize Day of Prayerby Sgt. Sara Yoke153rd Public Affairs Detachmentdonuts, bagels, juice and coffee, was providedby the West Virginia National GuardFamily Support Group. Everyone settledin to have breakfast and converse.Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, West Virginia’sAdjutant General, addressed those in attendance.He spoke about the importanceof our right to pray and speak openly aboutfaith in the United States as other nationsdo not value that right.Following Hoyer’s remarks, a singlecandle was lit to represent those West Virginiaservice members who passed away inthe past year. The candle was back-droppedby a colorful vase of flowers, the Americanflag and the West Virginia state flag.Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Harry, commandsergeant major, WV Army NationalGuard, said it is important that familymembers still feel like they have a connectionwith the West Virginia National Guardeven after their loved one’s death.After the lighting of the candle and hismemorial remarks, Harry slowly read offthe names of those who lost their lives inthe past year, pausing between each name.Chaplain (Col.) Bruce Reed concludedthe ceremony by asking those in attendanceto take the time later to look at the nameson the back of the memorial brochure andreflect on their memory. After a momentof silence, everyone was dismissed fromthe room, moving quietly while the memorialflame still flickered.

167th Fire Department receives multi-purpose truckby Staff Sgt. Sherree Grebenstein167th Airlift Wing Public AffairsMARTINSBURG, W.Va. (April 16, 2012)-- The 167th Airlift Wing’s Fire Departmentrecently took possession of a ladder/pumper combination fire truck.Like with any new vehicle, the Wing’sfirefighters checked the newest addition tothe fleet from top to bottom: turning knobs,flipping switches, and even stretching thetruck’s 75-foot aluminum ladder to itsmaximum height.Joseph Cederroth, a field representativefrom E-ONE, Inc. based in Ocala, Fla.,was on hand to answer questions and offeradvice as the Wing’s firefighters from allthree shifts became familiarized with theHP 75 quint fire truck.Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Gengler, firechief for the 167th Airlift Wing, said thebase received the truck in early Marchbecause the National Guard Bureau hadrequested the C-5 unit receive one.The HP 75 is a multi-purpose fire truckthat can transport a crew of five. Currentlyeight of the Wing’s firefighters are licensedto drive it.“It’s pretty much everything in one package,”Cederroth said. “It’s a very populartruck because of the size and that it can beused for multi-purposes.”“My job is to make sure that everyone iscomfortable using it,” he added.Master Sgt. Bruce Chrisman, assistantchief of training for the Wing’s FireDepartment, said the HP 75 is limited innumbers so he’s happy one could find ahome at the base’s Fire Department.“It’s the same type of truck that youwould see in your local community firedepartment,” Chrisman noted.An HP 75 quint fire truck, a ladder/ pumper combination, was recently added to the 167th Fire Departments equipmentinventory. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sherree Grebenstein)E-ONE, Inc. built the quint fire truckin sections over six months and then assembledit into a first response vehicle,Cederroth said.This is the first time the Wing’s Fire Departmenthas counted a ladder truck amongits inventory, said Master Sgt. TravisHorne, an assistant chief of operations.In his 16 years serving at the 167th AirliftWing, firefighters have used JLG liftsor cherry pickers.“We’ve never had a ladder,” Horne said.“We have always relied on mutual aid fromthe city of Martinsburg for ladder truckoperations.”Staff Sgt. Brandon Evans, a full-timefire fighter with the base’s fire department,liked the opportunity to get familiarizedwith the new emergency response vehicle.“It will be an asset to the Wing,” he said.Staff Sgt. Jason Smith agreed with Evansbut noted that it would also be an assetin serving the community off base whenneeded.“It will allow for better operations allaround,” Smith said.The HP 75’s unique features include: anaerial hose capable of pumping 1,250 gallonsof water per minute; a water flow of75 feet in the air from the aerial device andfoam capabilities to combat both aircraftand structure fires.Once all three shifts and the traditionalguardsmen assigned to the Fire Departmentare trained on the new HP 75 fire truck anexercise will be planned to test its mettle,the fire chief said.Adding: “It’s pretty sweet.”Aircraft change proposed for Martinsburg Airlift Wingby Master Sgt. Emily Beightol-Deyerle167th Airlift Wing Public AffairsMARTINSBURG, W.Va. (February 3,2012) -- Eight C-17 Globemaster aircraftwill replace the 167th Airlift Wing’s currentfleet of eleven C-5 aircraft, accordingto the Force Structure Overview releasedtoday by the Secretary of the Air Force.Numerous changes are planned throughoutthe Active and Reserve components toalign with new strategic guidance in theAir Force’s FY13 budget submission.According to Secretary of the Air ForceMichael Donley and Air Force Chief ofStaff General Norton Schwartz, the AirForce will be “a smaller but superb forcethat maintains the agility, flexibility, andreadiness to engage a full range of contingenciesand threats.” No details are availableon the impact the aircraft change willhave on the force structure at this time.“We are prepared to continue doing ournation’s work in the aircraft we are currentlyassigned and will move forward intothe C-17 with the same pride, dedicationand outstanding service,” said Col. RogerNye, commander of the 167th Airlift Wing.Aircraft changes are expected to takeplace in fiscal year 2014 and 2015.The C-17 Globemaster is the newest,most flexible cargo aircraft to enter theairlift force. It is capable of rapid strategicdelivery of troops and all types of cargo tomain operating bases or directly to forwardbases in the deployment area.spring 20127

Around the West VirginiaNational GuardSoldiers and Airmen at their bestStaff Sgt Mike Heerd and Staff Sgt Ja Hazardous Materials scenario. The12 - March 23, 2012. The course erequirement for 7 level upgrade train(Above) A competitor in the 2012 Best Warrior Competition demonstrates his first aid abilitiesduring the Warrior Task portion of the competition. (Right) A Soldier with the West VirginiaNational guard decontaminates his equipment during the Best Warrior Competition heldat Camp Dawson April 13-15. Soldiers competed in a number of events including physicalfitness, Soldier tasks and land navigation. Winners of the state competition will go on torepresent West Virginia at the Region II Best Warrior Challenge. (U.S. Army photos by StaffSgt. Lolen A Everett)Maj. Gen. James A Hoof Charleston followinnew scolarship for meGuard. The Golden Ean additional $9,000 in(U.S. Army photo by SWV Public Affairs Officspring2012Airman 1st class Jeremy Barr directs the operator of a K loaderaircraft at the 167th Airlift Wing, Shepherd Field, Martinsburg WVAirmen assigned to the 2T2X1, air transportation career field,passenger and cargo movement functions on a variety of aircraft tknow weight and balance factors, airlift transportation directivescargo securing techniques, border clearance requirements, ophandling and other types of loading equipment or devices and fle(U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt Emily Beightol-Deyerle)Members of the West Virginia National Guard recently participated in a Civil-Military EmergencyPreparedness mission to Moldova. The workshop brought together experts from both countriesto exchange ideas and experiences in flood detection and response. Bob Yingling, US Army J-7staff member, discusses the workshop with members of the Moldovan Department of EmergencySituations as Senior Master Sergeant David Stevens, 167th Airlift Wing Civil Engineering Squadron,looks on. (U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. David Lester, JFHQ-WV Public Affairs Officer)

arrad Winman, of the 167th AW Fire Department, inspect open containers duringHazMat Technician class was held at the Air National Guard Base from Marchncompassed both classroom lectures and hands on practicals. The course is aing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt Michael Dickson)Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy is greeted by Major General James A.Hoyer, Adjutant General for West Virginia, Sunday March 4, 2012, during his visit to the 167thAIrlift Wing, Martinsburg, WV. Chief Roy also met with the active duty maintenance personneland security forces personnel, had lunch with the 167th Airlift Wiing Airmen of the Year and hada town hall meeting with enlisted members in the afternoon.(U.S. Air Force photo by Master SgtEmily Beightol-Deyerle)yer speaks at the Universityg the announcement of ambers of the W.Va. Nationalagle Scolarship will providefunding for Guard members.gt. Anna-Marie Ward, JFHQe)A local television news station interviews Tech. Sgt. James Providenti, a Cyber TransportSpecialist, 130th Communications Flight, 130th Airlift Wing, Charleston, W.Va., about hisdeployment to Southwest Asia, Jan. 1, 2012. Tech. Sgt. Providenti was one of the last WestVirginia National Guard members to leave Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. PhyllisE. Keith)to the back of a C-5, on March 23 2012.are responsible forypes. They must alsoand documentation,eration of materialset service functions.Members of the Dunbar Middle School ShowChoir perform at the 2012 Black History Monthcelebration at the Joint Forces Headquarters Armoryin Charleston. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Anna-MarieWard, JFHQ-WV Public Affairs Office)

Soldiers with the 150th ARS take water and supplies to victims of a flood that swept through Logan County March 15. Residents of small communities alongMud Fork were stranded after roads and bridges washed away. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Anna-Marie Ward, JFHQ Public Affairs Office)WVNG Soldiers aid flood victims in Logan Countyby Sgt. Anna-Marie WardJFHQ-WV Public Affairs OfficeLOGAN COUNTY, W.Va. (March 16,2012) -- As cleanup efforts for tornadodamage in Wayne County were windingdown, heavy rains in Logan Countybrought sweeping floods and a new communityin need of assistance.Members of the West Virginia NationalGuard’s 150th ARS, aided by West VirginiaState Police officers, traveled the washedoutroads to bring cleaning supplies, waterand food to residents along Mud Fork.Many of these families were unable toreach the main road -- only feet from theirhomes -- because small bridges and pathshad been destroyed.Citizens of the small community walkedto the military vehicles and even helpedSoldiers carry supplies to other neighborswho were in need.“Take some extra to that house,” saidone woman who was helping her husbandclean out ther garage. “They have a brandnew baby and no water.”The house she directed Soldiers to hadsignificantly less damage than her own,but concern for the young family and theirinfant child was evident.Other families could be seen sweepingmud out of their homes and trying to dryout as many of their belongings as Guardmembers continued to pass out bleach.“Everybody is saying thank you and gladto see us,” said Staff Sgt. Kellie Hicks.Hicks added that he feels it is importantfor Guard members to respond to a disastersituation quickly and get help to those inthe community who need it most.“It gives them a sense that everythingis going to be okay,” he said. “[Us] beinghere lets them know people care aboutthem.”10(Above) Spc. Dwane Auville passes out cleaningsupplies to a Logan county resident March 16. Familiescould be seen sweeping mud and water from theirhomes following a flood that swept through the countythe previous day. (Left) One citizen directs Soldiers andState Police officers to homes in need of supplies andassistance. Other people offered use of their vehiclesand volunteered to carry supplies to neighbors who wereunable to leave their homes.

WV flight medic honored for bravery in Afghanistanby Sgt. Anna-Marie WardJFHQ-WV Public Affairs OfficeCHARLESTON, W.Va. (December15, 2011) -- Staff Sgt. NicoleHopkins, a flight medic with CompanyC, 1-104th General SupportAviation Battalion, was honoredwith the Bronze Star with Valordevice today for her actions whiledeployed to Afghanistan.Hopkins’s unit -- approximately30 Soldiers -- deployed to Salerno,Afghanistan in late 2010. Pilotsand medics conducted more than500 missions and completed thetactical medical evacuation of morethan 800 patients; five of whichwere hoist missions, the mostdangerous rescue situation there is.The team cared for U.S., Coalitionand Afghan Forces during thehighest casualty period of the warto date.On July 17, Hopkins’ crew,DUSTOFF 16, was called out toprovide medical evacuation forSoldiers injured by land mines.“Based on where we were, itonly took a few minutes to getthere and land the Blackhawk,”she said. “While we were there, weheard a secondary explosion up ona ridge overlooking where we were.”Three U.S. Soldiers had been injuredby land mines. DUSTOFF 16 launched totheir location. Once on the ground at thePOI site, Hopkins left the aircraft to assessthe injured. She was informed that therewas only one survivor. She then directedthe loading of the one Soldier still alive.As this was going on, DUSTOFF 16was alerted to two critically wounded U.S.Soldiers on top of the nearby mined ridge.The unit commander on the ground wasinformed of the situation and immediatelysent five Soldiers up the steep ridge. In additionDUSTOFF 16’s second medic, Sgt.Pedro Lopez, a member of the 3rd InfantryDivision, was going to be dropped on theridge to render medical aid while the firstSoldier was evacuated for further medicaltreatment.The Soldier was loaded onto the aircraftand Hopkins continued to render medicalaid. Lopez was informed of his missionand that a second helicopter would pickStaff Sgt. Nicole Hopkins, a flight medic with Company C 2-104th GeneralSupport Aviation Battalion, West Virginia National Guard, was awardedthe Bronze Star with Valor device December 15. While on a rescuemission in Afghanistan on July 17, 2010, Hopkins’ team was alerted toanother injured Soldier nearby. She entered a known minefield via hoist,treated the wounded Soldier and moved him to safety. (U.S. Army photosby Sgt. Anna-Marie Ward, JFHQ Public Affairs Office)him up with the injured Soldier. Once inposition, Lopez opened DUSTOFF 16’scabin door and jumped about five feet tothe ridge top. He then assessed and renderedaid to the injured Soldier.After evacuating the first Soldier,DUSTOFF 16 returned to the mined ridgeto assist with the second injured Soldier.Lopez loaded the injured Soldier on anotherBlackhawk helicopter and departed.DUSTOFF 16 approached and used thesame spot for a two-wheel landing. Hopkinsjumped from the aircraft to treat andload the second injured Soldier. Hopkinsand SGT Timothy Curry performed CPRon the Soldier until DUSTOFF 16 landed.Several days following the incident onthe mined ridge, Hopkins was injured duringa rescue mission.She was being hoisted to a Soldier whohad been injured in a Mine Resistant AmbushProtected vehicle rollover. While suspendedfrom the aircraft, a shift in windsand problems with the aircraft causedHopkins to be slammed into the cliff.“[The helicopter] had to take off. Itflew with me still hanging there and Islammed into a rise in the terrain,” shesaid.When she was finally hoisted backto the aircraft, Hopkins was semiconsciousand had sustained a severecompound fracture to her femur. Theother medic onboard the aircraft tendedto her wounds as the crew immediatelyevacuated her to Salerno. The trailaircraft flown by Chief Warrant OfficerRobert McClure stayed on scene andcompleted the Medevac mission withoutsupport from any other aircraft andin dramatically worsening weather.Following treatment in Afghanistan,Hopkins was evacuated to a militaryhospital in Germany. Doctors placeda rod in her femur to hold the bone inplace. Soon after, Hopkins returnedto the United States to continue herrecovery.“I wouldn’t say I’m a 100 percentnow,” she said. “I had a limp for a longtime. I can walk fine and run on thetreadmill for a period of time. Somedays I can run one mile and a half andother days, one mile before the painstarts to bother me.”Hopkins was attending a welcomehome ceremony in Wheeling forSoldiers with Co. C, 1-150th Aviationwhen Maj. Kevin Hazuka asked her totravel to Charleston for a meeting. She wasunaware of Hazuka’s ulterior motive.Tears filled her eyes as Maj. Gen. JamesA. Hoyer, W.Va. Adjutant General, spokeof her actions in country and how proud heis of her continued service.Due to the unique qualification of thepilots and medics on the W.Va. aircraft, theArmy commissioned a study to see whythere was a markedly higher survival ratefrom National Guard crews versus ActiveDuty crews.“The crew members with us were emergencyroom Registered Nurses and flightmedics during their normal jobs,” Hazukasaid. “And the pilots in command werehigh-time pilots who had flown multiplemissions training and actual rescues inthe mountains of W.Va., thus giving themthe added knowledge, experience, andconfidence needed to perform in the harshenvironments of the Afghanistan theater ofoperations.”spring 201211

Airman steps up, honors veteranafter electronic bugle falls silentby Staff Sgt. Sherree Grebenstein167th Airlift Wing Public AffairsMARTINSBURG, W.Va. (March 16,2012) -- Rendering Taps at militaryfunerals is a way to pay tribute to veteranswho have served their country. But whathappens when a bugle falls silent?An Airman with the West Virginia AirNational Guard’s 167th Airlift Wing foundout firsthand.Senior Master Sgt. Todd Kirkwood,the Wing’s avionics supervisor, wasaugmenting a veterans’ color guard team ata funeral earlier this month in Martinsburgfor an Air Force veteran who had servedin three wars - World War II, Korea andVietnam.“Taps was to sound while we wereholding the American flag over the casket,but there was just silence,” Kirkwood said.A member of the local veterans’ colorguard team was using a Ceremonial Bugleto perform Taps when the electronic deviceinserted in the instrument malfunctioned.In September 2003, the Department ofDefense approved use of the bugle whichallows a member of the military honorguard to “symbolically” play Taps whena live bugler is not available. In the past,a recorded version of Taps has also beenplayed on a compact disc or cassette playerduring military funerals.“We were just standing fast,” Kirkwoodsaid. “I heard the funeral director comefrom behind my shoulder and explainto the family that there was a technicaldifficulty and that we would not be able tooffer Taps and he asked us to proceed withthe flag fold.”At that time Kirkwood and SeniorAirman Ben Smith stepped away fromthe casket with the American flag in theirhands and proceeded to perform the 13steps required to fold the colors so it couldbe presented to the family of the veteran.“I took the flag and presented it to thefamily and when I heard the words that weweren’t going to offer Taps - obviously Ididn’t say anything - but I knew what I wasgoing to do,” he said.As he prepared to exit the tent afterpresenting the Americanflag to one of the veteran’sdaughters, Kirkwood stoppedin front of the funeral directorand asked him to request thatthe family remain seated.“We are going to offer thisveteran Taps,” Kirkwoodremembers telling him.The Greencastle, Pa.,resident then proceededto march over to wherethe bugler was standingand requested the brassCeremonial Bugle.“I said sir in a respectfulway, ` Will you remove theelectronic device from yourbugle.’”After removing theelectronic device, the manoffered Kirkwood the buglewithout hesitation.“I marched back intoposition and faced our fallenAmerican hero and his familyand sounded Taps,” the seniormaster sergeant said.“I could see within thefirst two notes coming out of the horn theemotional reaction (from the family),”Kirkwood said. “Some members of thefamily stood and placed their hands overthe heart.”“As always after the final note of Tapswe render the final salute,” he said, afterwhich he returned the bugle to the memberof the veterans group and attempted tomarch back into place alongside SeniorAirman Smith.But he didn’t get far.“The family intercepted me as I passedthe tent and shook my hand and thankedme,” he said “I simply told them that thatveteran deserved to have Taps sounded.”Prior to his rendering of Taps, Kirkwoodhad only played the 24 notes a handful oftimes.Chief Master Sgt. Ron Glazer Sr.recruited Kirkwood to learn to play thenotes. Kirkwood is no stranger to the hornafter learning how to play the trumpetSenior Master Sgt Todd Kirkwood, 167th Airlift Wing avionics supervisorand base honor guard member, recently stepped up to play Taps at afuneral when the electronic device in the Ceremonial Bugle being usedby the civilian color guard team failed to sound. Kirkwood and one othermember of the unit’s honor guard were tasked to fold the flag and presentit to the family, but when the bugle failed Kirkwood was able to removethe electronic device from the instrument and sound Taps, which heonly recently learned to play. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. EmilyBeightol-Deyerlein elementary school, a talent he honedthrough junior high.“That’s going to be the last tangiblememory that the family will have of theirloved one and you don’t want to mess itup,” Kirkwood said. “You want to offeryour best.”Kirkwood has been with the Wing’sBase Honor Guard, an all-volunteerorganization, for nearly a year. He has beena member of the 167th Airlift Wing formore than 26 years.“It’s a way of offering back to our fellowveterans,” he said of being a member of theHonor Guard.“I feel that the good Lord had me at theright place at the right time to be able to dothe right thing for that veteran,” Kirkwoodsaid.On his Facebook page, Kirkwood wroteof the experience: “I sounded Taps robustlyand from my heart. Our mission to `Honorwith Dignity’ for someone who trulydeserved it was accomplished.”12

Safety corner: Kick off the season with a healthierArmy Safety GramIt’s pretty hard to do your job well ifyou are at home sick in bed. Doing yourbest to stay healthy is an important partof producing good quality work andconducting it safely.Making time for wellness won’tnecessarily add more years to your life, butit could add more life to your years. Takinggood care of yourself can help you avoidor at least delay chronic illnesses such asheart disease, cancer, diabetes and others.Good health practices can also boost yourenergy so you get more enjoyment out oflife.Consider these ideas for improving yourhealth:Eat regular, nutritious meals. Startyour day with a good breakfast such aswhole-grain fruit and whole-grain cerealor toast. A breakfast of a sweet roll andcoffee might perk you up at first, but you’llbe dragging later in the morning whenyour blood sugar drops. The traditionalhearty breakfast of bacon, eggs and friedhashbrowns can contribute to illnessessuch as heart disease and cancer.Eat a variety of healthy foods.Throughout the day, eat a variety of freshvegetables, fruits, bean dishes and wholegrains such as rice and pasta. Every dayhave some citrus fruit or another food highin vitamin C. Get a variety of vitamins inyour diet by choosing fruits and vegetablesof different types and colors. Be sure toby Lt. Col. David LesterJFHQ-WV Public Affairs OfficerCHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Col. Gerome“Jerry” Gouhin assumed command of theWest Virginia Air National Guard’s 130thAirlift Wing during a change of commandceremony in December at the CharlestonAir National Guard base.Gouhin accepted the 130th AW guidonfrom Maj. Gen. James A. Hoyer, AdjutantGeneral of the West Virginia NationalGuard, as unit members and family andfriends looked on.Gouhin replaced Col. Timothy Fryewho moved on to become Chief of Staffof the West Virginia Air National Guard.Gouhin’s main job will be to ensure hisinclude some dark yellow and darkgreen vegetables for important nutrients.High-fiber vegetables such as broccoli,cauliflower and cabbage are highlyrecommended.Hydrate. Drink plenty of water,especially in hot weather or dryenvironments. Other beverages such ascoffee and soft drinks are not a substitute.Exercise regularly. You need three kindsof exercise. You need some type of activitywhich will raise your heart rate for at least20 minutes, several times a week. A briskwalk or bike ride would accomplish this.Swimming, dancing, hiking and aerobicsare also activities to improve the capacityof your heart and lungs.Strengthen your muscles. You needto keep your muscles strong. Aerobicroutines, certain sports and weight training130th Airlift Wing welcomes new commanderCol. Jerry Gouhinpeople are trained and equipped to go towar, defend the Homeland and be ready forcan all contribute to muscle strength.Increase your flexibility. You also needexercise which keeps your muscles andligaments flexible. Yoga routines andstretching exercises before and after aworkout are examples.Get enough sleep. Studies have shownNorth Americans are chronically deprivedof sleep and the result is decreasedproductivity as well as increased illnessand accidents. You need enough sleep to doyour job well. Adequate sleep is needed tokeep your body’s immune system in goodworking order.Learn to handle stress. Everyone hasthings which go wrong in their lives; howwe accept and handle these problems cansometimes make the difference betweenillness and health.Have regular medical and dentalcheckups. Follow the advice of healthprofessionals. Take your doctor’s advicefor treating high blood pressure, a commoncause of heart attacks.Don’t smoke. Quitting can add years ofgood health to your life.Take it easy on alcohol. Excessiveconsumption affects your health, safety andyour ability to do your work well.Avoid sunburn and excessive exposureto the sun. Wear protective clothing anduse sunblock to help prevent skin cancer.Your health is an important part of yourability to do your work safely and do itwell. Follow these guidelines to help youstay well.any emergency state duty. His experienceas the 130th AW Vice Wing Commanderhas prepared him for the unit’s top post.“I look forward for the opportunity tolead this great group of American patriots,”Gouhin said. “We have quite a bit on ourplate, a reduced budget and an unclearpicture of how our Air Force will look inthe future. With that in mind, we will takethe initiative and continue to be innovativeto ensure the 130th AW is recognized asone of the premier airlift Wings in theUnited States Air Force.”The 130th Airlift Wing currently hasapproximately 100 Airmen and severalC-130 Hercules aircraft deployed toAfghanistan. They should be returningsometime this summer.spring 201213

156th Military Police Detachment comes homeby Sgt. Anna-Marie WardJFHQ Public Affairs OfficeCHARLESTON, W.Va. (January 27,2012) -- Members of the West VirginiaNational Guard’s 156th Military PoliceDetachment returned to Charleston after ayear-long deployment to Afghanistan.Senior leaders from the WVNGwere on hand to welcome home theapproximately 45 Soldiers from theMonaville-based unitWhile in country, members of the 156thconducted more than 2,000 enrollmentsof individuals using biometric equipment,helping to establish an identificationdatabase for locals and prisoners. Duringthe enrollment process, 15 high valuetargets were identified through the workof the 156th.The 156th Female Engagement Teamconducted drivers training for femaleAfghan Border Police officers, and theMilitary Police Investigations sectionof the 156th worked closely with theArmy Criminal Investigation Division toprovide assistance during investigations.Law and Order operations conductedby the 156th ranged from accidentinvestigations to confiscation of alcoholand narcotics from civilians. All of theseefforts helped ensure the safety andsecurity across the Area of Operations.In addition to conducting their typicallaw and order operations, several Soldiersdesigned and constructed a new U.S.Army Military Police station at Kunduz.Aviation unit back in WVby Sgt. Anna-Marie WardJFHQ-WV Public Affairs OfficeWHEELING, W.Va. (December15, 2011) -- Family members andfriends were on hand to welcomehome Soldiers from Company C, 1stBattalion, 150th Aviation, following adeployment to Kosovo today.In Kosovo, the unit was responsiblefor all aerial operations within their areaof responsibility. Soldiers logged 2,714flight hours while in country. They alsoran multiple mechanical inspections andrefueling missions.In addition to aerial support, troopsraised more than $15,000 througha fundraiser known as the “WaffleHouse.” The funds raised were usedfor projects throughout the deploymentsuch as the purchase of educationalmaterials, field trips, and the Testof English as a Foreign Languageenrollment fee for 24 advanced Englishas a Second Language students.Additionally, Chief Warrant OfficerProsser spearheaded “Acts of Kindness”activities and used funds to purchaseitems for an orphanage in Pristina andneedy families in the local community.Several Soldiers also served as ESLinstructors to more than 120 students inthe local community.14

WVNG announces Tire Rebuild Center grand openingby Lt. Col. David LesterJFHQ-WV Public Affairs OfficerKANAWHA CITY, W.Va. -- The WestVirginia National Guard announced theopening of a tire rebuild program inKanawha City that will save the U.S. Armymillions of dollars.The facility will receive tires that havebeen used on United States Army vehiclesaround the world. The tires will beinspected, refurbished and then introducedback into the Army inventory. TheKanawha City location has already savedthe Army over $7 million.“We are excited that the Army MaterialCommand decided to put this programin place in West Virginia,” said MajorGeneral James A. Hoyer, West VirginiaAdjutant General. “In this time ofshrinking budgets in the military everyoneis taking a hard look at the bottom linewhen it comes to projects. We worked withthe Army to show them the cost savingsthat West Virginia ingenuity could providethem and we have been delivering thatsavings ever since.”The current project phase employs 40employees and that number is expected toincrease to 150 as the project matures.Governor Earl Ray Tomblin cited thisas an example of West Virginia leadingthe way in preserving defense capability“The men and women of the West VirginiaNew Armory, storage facility locations dedicated across statefrom staff reportsJFHQ Public Affairs OfficeCHARLESTON, W.Va. (March 19, 2012)-- Joint Base West Virginia is growingagain.Today marked a busy day for seniorleaders of the West Virginia NationalGuard as well as community and civicleaders in Morgantown and Moorefield asground was broken for two new armories.In addition, a historic building was dedicatedas a storage center in Martinsburg.Moorefield Armed ForcesReadiness Center1st Sgt. Ryan Powers, a special projects analyst with the West Virginia National Guard, explains how the Tire RebuildFacility, located in Kanawha City, is able to save the Army millions of dollars while providing troops across the globewith a safe, reliable product. The new facility is projected to employ up to 150 people in the Kanawha Valley. (U.S.Army photo by Sgt. Anna-Marie Ward, JFHQ-WV Public Affairs Office)National Guard continue to prove theireffective and efficient service providingboth stability and security for us and ourcountry. The work completed at this TireRebuild Facility has a lasting impact onour defense operations and I commendthe Guard for continuing to be a shiningexample of what West Virginians do forour fellow countrymen,” he said.The program is one of several that makeup the Joint Base West Virginia conceptof the West Virginia National Guard. Thevision is to provide relevant and capableConstructed in coordination with theHardy County Rural Development Authority,the $20.5 million Moorefield ArmedForces Readiness Center is scheduled to becompleted next spring.This Center will house the Hardy County911 Emergency Call Center as well asthe West Virginia National Guard’s 157thMilitary Police Battalion.The RoundhouseThe National Guard will dedicate theRoundhouse as a new long-term storagefacility for a variety of military equipment.The close proximity of the Roundhouseto the 167th Airlift Wing provides the opportunityfor quick airlift of the materialwhen needed. To operate the Roundhouse,about 10 individuals will be hired with thepotential for more in the future.assets for the broad spectrum of operationsin support of homeland defense/security,overseas national security objectives andstate emergency response.“As our vision continues to grow wewill be creating opportunities for menand women to work, live and raise theirfamilies in West Virginia and serve aNational mission,” Hoyer said. “We areidentifying gaps in National Defenseand Homeland security areas and thenproviding cost effective and timelysolutions to address them.”Morgantown Armed ForcesReadiness CenterConstruction of the $20.5 millionMorgantown Readiness Center isscheduled to be completed by next spring.The Center will primarily houseelements of the West Virginia ArmyNational Guard’s 249th Army Bandincluding specially-designed practicerooms and a full-size auditorium. Thearmory will also house the Headquartersfor the 1/201st Field Artillery Battalion.This development will includethe construction of a roadway andestablish utilities in a remote area of theMorgantown Municipal Airport property;thereby, preparing the property for futureairport expansion projects.spring 201215