Pelican Dispatch

Transcription

Pelican Dispatch

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THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE FOR THE LOUISIANA ARMY AND AIR NATIONAL GUARD
issue 20 2013
Governor
Bobby Jindal
The Adjutant General
Maj. Gen.
Glenn H. Curtis
Pelican Dispatch Staff
State Public Affairs Officer
Lt. Col. Michael J. Kazmierzak
Master Sgt. Toby M. Valadie
Production/Copy Editors
2nd Lt. Rebekah Malone
Staff Sgt. Denis B. Ricou
Contributing Journalists
LANG PAO
Staff Journalists / UPARS
159th FW PAO
241st MPAD
256th PAO
For comments or suggestions please call:
(866) 275-8176
Articles and photos for consideration
may be emailed to:
[email protected]
GeauxGuard.com
Photo Manager
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LOUISIANA NATIONAL GUARDSMEN COME
HOME ON INDEPENDENCE DAY
FROM THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
PRESERVING THE PAST, BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
LOUISIANA GUARD YOUTH CAMP BUILDS CONFIDENCE, RESILIENCE
AIR GUARD’S 159TH TRAINS IN ISRAEL
LOUISIANA FAMILY WINS NATIONAL AWARD
LOUISIANA’S MARKSMANSHIP TEAM PLACES SECOND IN NATIONALS
LOUISIANA NATIONAL GUARD CONDUCTS JOINT
HURRICANE EVAC EXERCISE
2012 FAMILY READINESS GROUP LEADER AWARDS
NCO DEVELOPMENT
AROUND THE STATE
ON THE COVER:
Preserving the Past – Building for the Future
The Pelican Dispatch is published by MARCOA
Publishing, Inc., a private firm in no way connected
with the Louisiana National Guard, under written contract with the Louisiana National Guard. This Louisiana
National Guard magazine is an authorized publication
for employees and military members of the Louisiana
National Guard. Contents of this publication are not
necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the
state of Louisiana, the U.S. Government, Department
of Defense, or the Louisiana National Guard.
The appearance of advertising in this publication,
including inserts or supplements, does not constitute
endorsement by the state of Louisiana, DoD, the
Louisiana National Guard, or MARCOA Publishing,
Inc. of the products or services advertised.
Everything advertised in this publication shall be
made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser,
user, or patron.
Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Office of Public Affairs, Joint Forces
Headquarters – LANG. All photographs and graphic
devices are copyrighted to the Louisiana National
Guard unless otherwise indicated.
2013 / Louisiana National Guard
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Louisiana National Guardsmen come
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home on Independence
Day
The Louisiana National Guard, along
with family and friends, welcomed
home members of the 756th Area Support Medical Company at the Gillis W.
Long Center in Carville, July 4.
Based out of Carville, more than
65 Soldiers returned just in time for
the holiday weekend from Afghanistan
while in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom. Deployed since September
2012, the unit supported six sites in the
cities of Bagram and Kabul where they
provided emergency medical, sick call,
dental, ancillary and medevac services.
The 756th ASMC is organized into
three platoons: Treatment, Ambulance
and Headquarters. It is composed of
medical occupation specialties such
as surgeons, doctors, physician assistants, nurses, combat medics, radiology technicians, dental technicians,
and vehicle and generator mechanics.
After leaving Louisiana last year,
the 756th conducted mobilization training at Fort Hood, Texas, before deploying overseas.
The 756th has previously provided
support during numerous emergency
operations,
including
Hurricanes
Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike; Operation Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in
2010; and flood response and recovery
operations along the Mississippi River.
Kids anxiously wait in a crowd of family and friends July 4
as Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard’s 756th Area
Support Medical Company arrive on buses at the Gillis W.
Long Center in Carville following a deployment overseas.
Photo: Staff Sgt. Denis B. Ricou
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Pelican Dispatch / 2013
Maj. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard, greets Soldiers July 4 from the 756th
Area Support Medical Company as they arrive at the Gillis W. Long Center in Carville following a deployment to
Afghanistan since September 2012. The unit supported six sites in the cities of Bagram and Kabul where they
provided emergency medical, sick call, dental, ancillary and medevac services. Photo: Staff Sgt. Denis B. Ricou
HHHHHHHHH
A Louisiana National Guard Soldier with the 756th Area Support Medical Company is embraced by a family member
July 4 after arriving to the Gillis W. Long Center in Carville following an overseas deployment. Photo: Staff Sgt.
Denis B. Ricou
My Fellow Guardsmen,
I would like to personally thank you all for the accomplishments
our organization has achieved in the past, and with your help look
forward to the continued success of the Louisiana National Guard in
the future.
We must remain steadfast and committed to our most valuable
asset: our Soldiers, Airmen and their families. The Soldiers and
Airmen of the Louisiana National Guard are the best in the world. To
maintain that hard-earned reputation, we must continue to adhere to
our core values for each mission we perform and every task that we
undertake: “Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity,
Personal Courage, and Excellence in all we do.”
Many of our units have deployed and returned during the past year,
serving as a constant reminder of our call to duty and your dedication to our nation and our freedom. Since 9/11, more than 24,000
Louisiana Soldiers and Airmen have deployed in support of the Global
War on Terror, including the nearly 1,050 Guardsmen who are currently mobilized overseas. Through the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration
Program, we ensure the well-being and success of those Guardsmen
and their families by connecting them with resources throughout the
deployment cycle. I ask that you continue to be involved and invest in
these events, as reintegration back home is a critical time for you and
your family.
With this in mind, suicide prevention is something that weighs
heavily on my mind. Suicide is a major problem that is affecting our
organization. However, I am convinced that if we live up to our motto,
we can prevent the needless loss of any more of our Guardsmen or
family members. If you, a battle buddy, or anyone in your family needs
help, please let the Louisiana National Guard assist you. It’s time to
get serious about protecting what matters.
In the same vein, I want to address
sexual harassment and assault. It is a
persistent problem in the National Guard,
whether our members are traditional,
full-time, activated, or in their civilian life.
And though there are positive indicators
regarding our prevention and response
programs, we must remain steadfast
against these CRIMES. Leadership at all
levels must continue to establish a climate
where victims receive support and care, and all reports of sexual
harassment and assault are taken seriously. Our goal is to eliminate
sexual harassment and assault, and we will not be satisfied with
simply achieving a reduction of incidents.
The Louisiana National Guard provides a force that is able to
rapidly mobilize and deploy in support of state and federal missions,
and to assist partners in guaranteeing the well-being of the citizens
of our great state. Current economic, political and budgetary factors
will drive significant changes in almost every aspect of our manning,
equipping and training over the next decade. In spite of operational
challenges and external threats, many opportunities exist. We owe it
to those we serve to not only remain a relevant and ready force, but to
build capacity in order to protect what matters.
As we look back at our accomplishments of 2013, we must take
those lessons learned and apply them to the future. It is because of
you and your families’ continued support that we are able to succeed
in our mission.
Sincerely,
Major General Glenn H. Curtis
The Adjutant General
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wwwGeauxGuardMuseums.com
The preservation of our state’s history through the lens of the
Louisiana National Guard’s legacy gives life and purpose to the
Louisiana National Guard Museums. The mission of the Louisiana
National Guard Museums is to collect, preserve and interpret the
history of the Louisiana Army and Air National Guard in order
to provide our Guardsmen and our citizens with an educational
resource which promotes esprit de corps and an increased
positive public image of the Louisiana National Guard.
The vivid story of Louisiana’s militia begins with early French
settlement, moves through Spanish involvement in the American Revolution, the U.S. purchase of the territory, statehood, the
Battle of New Orleans, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, both world wars, the Cold War, and into the
Global War on Terror.
The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 gave us
the opportunity to rebuild throughout the state at multiple National
Our vision is to become the first National Guard
museum to be certified by the U.S. Army Center of
Military History.
Guard facilities, in particular the Ansel M. Stroud Jr. Military History
and Weapons Museum in New Orleans. Restoration and conservation activities began soon after the storm and continue today as
we get closer to opening the museum to the public.
Preserving Louisiana’s National Guard History is not a new
process, but with your help, we would like to take the preservation and exhibition to a new level. Our vision is to become the first
National Guard museum to be certified by the U.S. Army Center of
Military History. With your help, we will be able to provide visitors
and citizens of Louisiana not only the history of our rich military
heritage, but the experience and deep respect that is so welldeserved of our state and its people.
There are three distinct ways for you to become part of this process: through donations, the purchase of bricks, and volunteering
your time.
*Donations, regardless of size, are essential to the livelihood
of the Louisiana National Guard Museums. They aid in our ability
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Memorial Brick
Campaign
Become a friend
to keep the doors open to the public and ensure that our cultural
history is preserved for generations to come.
**Purchase Bricks: There is also an opportunity to have your
name, the name of a veteran or that of a loved one, stamped
onto the permanent footprint of the museum. With a brick at the
Louisiana National Guard Museums, you can create a lasting
tribute to a loved one who served their country. These fathers
and grandfathers, sons and daughters, friends and neighbors
overcame unique challenges and deserve a memorial that will
last for generations to come.
***Volunteer: Are you interested in history or antique items,
passionate about U.S. military, a student seeking museum
experience or someone just looking to volunteer hours to a
great cause?
If the answer is yes, come join us at either of our two locations in New Orleans or Pineville. The New Orleans location
has returned from Katrina looking better than ever, but we
still need your help as we move toward re-opening. The
Pineville location is a well oiled machine, but is always in
search of volunteers.
www.GeauxGuardMuseums.com
Please visit GeauxGuardMuseums.com for more information on
bricks, donating and becoming involved.
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Louisiana
Guard
YOUTH CAMP
builds
confidence,
resilience
DiNardo, a 14-year-old camper from Metairie, assesses the difficulties of a fellow camper
while clambering up a 40-foot climbing wall at the Louisiana National Guard’s Youth
Leadership Camp at Feliciana Retreat Center in Norwood, June 22. The Louisina National
Guard has hosted Youth Leadership Camp every year since 2005.
National Guard photo: Army 1st Sgt. Paul Meeker
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By 1st Sgt. Paul Meeker, LANG Reintegration Office
Public Affairs
NORWOOD – Members of our military are often referred
to as “one percenters” because they constitute only about one
percent of our nation’s population. This makes their children
close to unique as well.
The Louisiana National Guard’s Office of Family Programs
held its Youth Leadership Camp for 27 of these unique dependents, age 14-17, of LANG Guardsmen at the Feliciana Retreat
Center in Norwood, June 21-24.
For nine years, the Louisiana National Guard has sponsored Youth Leadership Camp for the older children of its
military members. The purpose of the
camp is to get military youth together in an
environment that enables them to share
their common experiences, strengthen
their resilience and develop their leadership skills.
“This is an annual event that we
do where we put children – military
dependents of our Louisiana National
Janee, a 16-year-old camper from Ball, launches down the
zipline from 40 feet up at the Louisiana National Guard’s
Youth Leadership Camp at Feliciana Retreat Center in
Norwood, June 22. National Guard photo: Army 1st Sgt.
Paul Meeker
Kelsey Roach, of Harvey, receives the First Lady’s
Foundation Award from Angela Digirolamo Ott, lead
child and youth coordinator, for her years of service as
a camper and young adult volunteer at the Louisiana
National Guard’s Youth Leadership Camp in Norwood,
June 21. Youth Leadership campers are sons and
daughters of Louisiana Guardsmen who come to share
common experiences, develop resiliency and learn
leadership skills. National Guard photo: Army 1st Sgt.
Paul Meeker, Reintegration Office Public Affairs, Louisiana
National Guard
Guardsmen – in a position
where they can demonstrate leadership, initiative
and also be challenged,”
said Maj. William Saint,
State Family Program director for LANG.
One repeat camper,
DiNardo, 14, from Metairie,
believes that the encouragement he receives from
the camp counselors is
what brings him back year
after year.
“The people are what
I like. The counselors are
active, fun, and they support you,” DiNardo said.
A fellow repeat camper,
Janee, 15, from Ball, felt
that “learning to respect
yourself … to quit putting
yourself down” was what
she’s gained the most from
her camp experiences.
Janee also said that
some of the activities
that the campers participate in are the same
kind of things their Guard
mothers and fathers are
sometimes called to do,
though “in a fun kind of
Faith, 14, from Gonzales, gets help securing her harness from Courtnay, 16,
way,” she added.
also from Gonzales, before she attempts to climb the 40-foot tower at the
Many of these youth
Louisiana National Guard’s Youth Leadership Camp at Feliciana Retreat Center
have seen their mothers or
in Norwood, June 22. National Guard photo: Army 1st Sgt. Paul Meeker
fathers deploy at least once
to the battlefield, and all have likely seen
deployments, so this is a method that
their parents pack for state emergency
we can use to try to bolster their [chilmissions. Saint stressed that supporting
dren’s] resilience … give them some
and maintaining personnel readiness is
real strength and skills that they can
the principal military goal for all the child
use in their lives,” Saint said.
and youth programs.
Youth Leadership Camp and Kids’
He explained that personnel readiAT (for younger campers) are key Child
ness means that Guardsmen have to
and Youth Program initiatives directed
be physically, mentally and emotionby the LANG’s Office of Family Proally prepared to respond to any misgrams, in support of the personnel
sion whether state emergency operareadiness mission of the Reintegration
tions or federal deployments.
Office. The mission of the Child and
“Our Soldiers have to be ready at
Youth Program is to provide our Guard
all times, and there’s no better way
children, youth and families the support
that we can strengthen their ability to
they need, when they need it. They offer
be ready for missions than when we
youth an opportunity to interact with
prepare their families. Their military
their peers in a safe and fun environdependents are probably their number
ment and provide access to resources
one concern when they’re away from
specifically geared to meet the needs
home for state emergencies or federal
and challenges of Guard life.
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Air Guard’s 159th trains in Israel
NEVATIM, Israel – Louisiana Air National Guardsman Tech. Sgt. Mark Robertson, aircraft production controller for the 159th Fighter Wing, completes a debriefing form while an F-15C is
being pushed back into its parking spot after flying a training mission during Juniper Stallion 13, Aug. 30, Nevatim Air Base. Photo: Master Sgt. Toby M. Valadie
By Master Sgt. Toby M. Valadie,
Louisiana National Guard Public
Affairs Office NEVATIM, Israel – The Louisiana
Air National Guard’s 159th Fighter
Wing represented U.S. Air Forces in
Europe by flying their F-15 fighter jets
during an exercise designed to improve
the interoperability and cooperation
between the U.S. and Israeli Air Forces
at Nevatim Air Base in southern Israel,
July 21 - Aug. 1.
Juniper Stallion 2013, not related
to any current real-world events, is a
combined, bilateral F-15/F-16 air-toair training exercise between the U.S.
European Command and the Israel
Defense Forces.
“This exercise helps with mission
planning and [we] train together
much like we would in a real-world
environment,” said Lt. Col. Anthony
DiCarlo, 159th FW Operations Group
commander. “When you learn how allies
contribute to the effort, you then realize
we don’t have to go into the fight alone.”
More than 250 Louisiana Airmen
participated this year. This is the
second time LANG has trained with
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Israel; the first training event was in
2009 with 200 Airmen.
The Louisiana Air Guard brought 10
F-15C and D models to Israel for the
training exercise, which required 20
crew chiefs to prepare the jets for flight
and to do post-flight inspections and
maintenance at their return.
Other areas that support the aircraft
are the engine shop, weapons, munitions,
supply and force support squadron.
“What’s really interesting to watch
is how both sides are taking what we’re
learning every day and building on it
the next day,” says Lt. Col. Jim Worley,
122nd Fighter Squadron commander.
“What we are both learning is that our
way is not the only way; it expands our
horizons and makes us hopefully look at
problems in a different way.”
The U.S. European Command and
the Israel Defense Forces expressed
satisfaction with the exercise, viewing
it as an opportunity to expand on an
already strong military relationship that
has spanned decades.
“The United States is a strategic
partner, and cooperation is important
for the country and the army,” stressed
Brig. Gen. Lihu Hacohen, commander
of the Nevatim Base, where the mission was held. “It begins at the highest stage of cooperation between
NEVATIM, Israel – Louisiana Air National Guardsman
Senior Airman Scott Guernsey, F-15 repair and reclamation
technician,159th Fighter Wing, lines up a tow bar to the front
wheel of an F-15 in preparation for moving the plane back
into its parking spot after flying a training mission during
Juniper Stallion 13, Aug. 30, Nevatim Air Base. Photo:
Master Sgt. Toby M. Valadie
the armies, and reaches the lowest level of communication
between planes in the air.”
More than 145 missions were flown during the exercise in
which pilots performed either offensive counter-air or defensive
counter-air. When pilots are on the offensive, they work to
protect a set of striker aircraft in enemy territory from surfaceto-air attacks or air-to-air attacks. The goal is to reach the target
with all assets. Defensive counter-air pilots draw a line in the
sand or air and protect the sky behind them.
The goal is to work as a team with the Israeli F-15s and
F-16s to ensure the protection of the air space.
“We fly the same aircraft, so it is important for us to
understand how to work together in a training environment,”
said the commander of the Israeli Air Force’s 122nd Squadron.
“Communication and coordination between both forces has
progressed very well, and we have a common bond with
our mission.” [For security purposes, the name of the Israeli
commander is withheld.]
While building a stronger partnership
with Israel in the air and on the ground,
Airmen were able to learn about the
culture of Israel during their down time
by visiting some of its historic sites and
interacting with the people.
“Israel was an amazing place to visit,
being able to go back to where it all
basically started,” said Master Sgt. Leanne
Guidry, intel technician, 159th Operations
Support Flight. “I was impressed with the
country and its people.”
Some of the historic sites that Airmen
visited were the old city of Jerusalem,
Masada and the city of Nazareth.
NEVATIM, Israel – Louisiana Air National Guardsman Tech. Sgt. Charles Schilling, F-15
crew chief for the 59th Fighter Wing, inspects an engine bay of an F-15C prior to the
installation of a new engine during the exercise Juniper Stallion 13, Aug. 23, at Nevatim
Air Base. The 159th FW F-15s represented the U. S. Air Force European Command for
Juniper Stallion 13, July 21 - Aug. 1. Photo: Master Sgt. Toby M. Valadie
NEVATIM, Israel – Louisiana
Air National Guardsman Senior
Airman Joshua Matherne,
F-15 crew chief for the 159th
Fighter Wing, marshals an
F-15 returning from a training
mission during Juniper Stallion
13, Aug. 30. Photo: Master Sgt.
Toby M. Valadie
n
nt
NEVATIM, Israel – The 159th Fighter Wing Airmen, Louisiana Air National Guard, conduct an end-of-runway inspection on jets prior to takeoff for a training mission with the Israeli Air
Force during Juniper Stallion 2013, Aug. 1, Nevatim Air Base. Photo: Master Sgt. Toby M. Valadie
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Louisiana family wins national award
of Chief
Shelton
By Sgt. Michael Farrar, 241st Mobile
Public Affairs Detachment
NEW ORLEANS – The National
Guard Bureau’s 2013 National Guard
Family of the Year award went to the
Louisiana Air National Guard family
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Master Sgt. John
and Master Sgt.
Ashley
Shelton
and
their two children, Alexis and
Jacob, for “outstanding and exceptional
service to the Family Program.”
The National Guard Joint Family
Program recognizes volunteers as
valuable contributors to the Family Program mission. This year the Sheltons,
who serve in the LAANG, were honored
with the state award and then again at
the national level as “Guard Family of
the Year” among all Air Guard families.
Master Sgt. Shelton is in the 122nd
Air Support Operations Squadron at
Camp Beauregard; however, her full
time job is at Jackson Barracks in New
Orleans as the victim advocate coordinator for the Louisiana National Guard
Sexual Harassment/Assault Response
Program. Chief Master Sergeant
Shelton is the Louisiana state command chief master sergeant for the Air
National Guard.
Master Sgt. Ashley Shelton took
time from her responsibilities to reflect
on receiving the 2013 National Guard
Family Program Volunteer Award in the
category of Guard Family of the Year.
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Q&A
Q: Tell me about the nomination process. Who nominated you, and did you
know that you were up for the award?
A: The national award was definitely a surprise. I believe it was
Cherie Spooner (159th Fighter Wing
Family Program coordinator) that
submitted the award. She had submitted us for the state award as well,
and I knew about that one ahead of
time, but, the national award was a
definite shock.
A: Correct. It also inspires the other
families to send their kids too. When
they see you sending your kids, it’s
leading by example.
Q: From a personal standpoint,
what’s the reward of all of these extra
community volunteer activities?
A: The Guard has provided so much
... so much for me and my family – full
time jobs, educational benefits ... just
so many things. So being able to do
this and give back is just kind of a way
of saying, “thank you.”
The one piece of advice I would give
other Guard families is to be involved.
Be involved with the Guard and the programs it has to offer the families. Volunteer your time and ask, “What can I
do to help?” Being part of the team will
help strengthen your family and other
Guard families.
Q: How did you feel when you won
this award? I mean, you know what
you’ve done, but now you’re being
recognized for it.
A: Incredibly humbling. How do I
explain this? You work every day with
families and their service members
hoping that you’re making a difference. And then you get an award like
this and it’s like, “Well, maybe I am.”
Q: The 2013 Guard Family of the
Year is a shared award. So, in addition
to you, who are the family members
who were also honored?
A: Well, there was our daughter
Alexis Shelton, she’s 14; our son,
Jacob, he’s 6; and my husband, Chief
Master Sergeant John Shelton, is
the Louisiana state command chief
master sergeant for the Air National
Guard.
Q: How does your family find the
extra time and energy to do all these
volunteer tasks that distinguished
them to get this award?
A: When it comes to supporting the
camps for the kids, we take the kids
with us. You get them in there and it
also gives you time with your family,
which in many cases in the Guard,
you miss out on because you’re doing
your duty. You make the time. You just
find a way to do it. If it’s something
you really want to do, if it’s important
to you ... you find it.
Q: It sounds like by involving the
whole family, it is family time, but it’s
also giving back to other families.
13
Louisiana’s marksmanship team places
second in nationals
By Staff Sgt. Robin Perry
Louisiana National Guard
Public Affairs Office
SHREVEPORT – The Louisiana National
Guard’s State Marksmanship Team placed
second overall in the 2013 Winston P. Wilson
Marksmanship Competition Sept. 1-5 at
Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, Ark.,
with several team members placing in the top
10 in individual events.
Eleven Soldiers and Airmen from the
LANG’s team contended against Guardsmen
from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and
Puerto Rico in the competition that was originally cancelled from its usual April time slot
due to sequestration. Even with just a few
weeks’ notice of the new dates, the LANG
team was ready.
“I get the team all the ammunition, targets
and training time I can,” said 1st Sgt. Tommy
McGee, the state marksmanship coordinator. “I focus training on accuracy, position,
wind, range, and trace, and train hardest on
those events where people have been dropping points.”
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Staff Sgt. Jamie
Eppinette, detachment readiness NCO at the 1023rd
Vertical Engineer Company in Monroe, finishes firing
from a kneeling position during a pistol match at the
2013 Winston P. Wilson Marksmanship Competition,
Sept. 1-5. Photo: Staff Sgt. Robin Perry
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Louisiana
National Guard 1st Sgt. Tommy McGee checks
his targets during a pistol match at the 2013
Winston P. Wilson Marksmanship Competition.
McGee, a member of A Company, 199th
Support Battalion in Colfax, has been on the
State Marksmanship Team since 1994. At this
year’s competition, the team placed second
overall, and McGee placed first in six individual
events. Photo: Staff Sgt. Robin Perry
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Staff Sgt. Jamie Eppinette echoed
those sentiments. “We train as often as
possible before a match, maybe two or
three weekends a month, mostly on our
own, because everyone lives in different
areas of the state.”
The competition consists of approximately 20 events spread over five days of
shooting. Guard members vie for individual as well as team awards with rifles and
pistols, with and without optical sights.
The pace of the competition can be
challenging. “Being from Louisiana, we’re
a little used to the heat, but some of these
guys [from other states] have struggled,”
said team member Tech. Sgt. Gary
Phelps, an Airman with the 159th Fighter
Wing in New Orleans.
In the five-stage Combat Rifle Excellence in Competition match, Soldiers and
Airmen take aim at targets ranging from
400 meters to only 25 meters, with the
allowable time to fire 10 rounds decreasing from two minutes to only nine seconds for the closest target. Mandatory
magazine changes for some targets and
transitions from standing to kneeling to
prone firing positions add to the difficulty
of the match.
The LANG team is made up of the
best marksmen the state has to offer.
Soldiers and Airmen qualify annually
with their units, and the best scorers
are invited to compete at the state level
in the TAG Match. The best marksmen
from that competition are named to the
Top 10 Finishes – Louisiana National Guard competitors in the 2013
Winston P. Wilson Marksmanship Competition Sept. 1-5, North Little Rock, Ark.
TEAM RESULTS
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
A Team (1SG Jonathan Chapman, SSG
Michael Milstead, 1SG Tommy McGee,
Tech SGT Kristian Bruchi)
3rd – Combined Arms Enemy Barricade
7th – Bianchi Battle
6th – Rifle Qualification
6th – Anti-Body Armor
2nd – Patton Match
2nd – National Guard Infantry Team Match
5th – Covering Fire
3rd – Movers
10th – Know Your Limits
2nd – Combat Rifleman Team Match
2nd – Team Match AGG
Chief’s 50 – Pistol
1SG Jonathan Chapman
1SG Tommy McGee
SSG Jamie Eppinette
SSG James Lam
SSG Michael Milstead
B Team (SSG Jamie Eppinette, SSG
James Lam, Tech SGT Gary Phelps, SSG
Justin Dillon)
2nd – Anti-Body Armor
8th – Know Your Limits
Pistol Barricade (open division)
10th – 1SG Jonathan Chapman
“Governor’s 20” and help make up the
team that competes at the national level.
The State Marksmanship Team has
placed either first or second at the national
competition for the last six years, and
this year five LANG members were also
named to the “Chief’s 50” for their individual accomplishments out of more
than 400 competitors: 1st Sgt. Jonathan
Chapman, 1022nd Vertical Engineer
Company, Bossier City;
1st Sgt. Tommy McGee, A
Company, 199th Support
Battalion, Colfax; Staff Sgt.
Michael Milstead, 921st
Engineer Battalion, Oak
Grove; Staff Sgt. Jamie
Eppinette, 1023rd Vertical Engineer Company,
Monroe; and Staff Sgt.
James Lam, 122nd Air
Support Operations Squadron, Pineville.
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Staff Sgt. James
Lam, a member of the 122nd Air Support
“We’re competing against
Operations Squadron in Pineville, and a
the best of the best,” said
member of the Louisiana National Guard’s State
Eppinette, an eight-year
Marksmanship Team, takes aim during a rifle event
veteran of the team. “Our
at the 2013 Winston P. Wilson Marksmanship
Competition, Sept. 1-5. This year marks Lam’s first
goal is to learn as much as
trip to the national competition, where he earned
we can from the other coma place on the “Chief’s 50” team for pistols. Photo:
petitors and bring that back
Staff Sgt. Robin Perry
to our units.”
Chief’s 50 – Rifle
1SG Jonathan Chapman
1SG Tommy McGee
SSG Jamie Eppinette
SSG Michael Milstead
Combat Rifleman (open division)
1st – 1SG Tommy McGee
5th – SSG Michael Milstead
Close Quarter Battle (open division)
Reflexive Fire (open division)
1st - 1SG Tommy McGee
Reflexive Fire (novice division)
5th – Tech SGT Gary Phelps
Target of Opportunity (open division)
1st - 1SG Tommy McGee
8th- SSG Jamie Eppinette
Special Zero (open division)
1st – SSG Michael Milstead
5th - 1SG Tommy McGee
Combat Rifle EIC (open division)
8th – 1SG Tommy McGee
Combat Rifle EIC (novice division)
10th - Tech SGT Justin Broussard
Combat Pistol (novice division)
8th – SSG James Lam
Anti-Body Armor (novice division)
2nd – SSG James Lam
6th – Tech SGT Gary Phelps
Individual Rifle Championship (open
division)
9th – SSG Michael Milstead
Individual Pistol Championship
(novice division)
5th – SSG James Lam
Individual Pistol and Rifle
Championship (open division)
2nd – 1SG Tommy McGee
15
159th conducts joint hurricane evac exercise, teams with
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Yolanda Addison
159th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Office
Staff Sgt. Maddie Loudermilk with the 167th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, West Virginia Air National Guard,
instructs Staff Sgt. Gen Bird, 159th Maintenance Squadron, how to properly place a litter during a joint aeromedical
evacuation exercise June 19, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Belle Chasse. Photo: Staff Sgt. Yolanda
C. Addison, 159th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Senior Airman Benjamin Hubbard
with the 167th Aeromedical
Evacuation Squadron, West
Virginia Air National Guard,
instructs members of the 159th
Fighter Wing, Louisiana Air
National Guard, on how to
properly place a litter during a
joint aeromedical evacuation
exercise June 19, Naval Air
Station Joint Reserve Base New
Orleans, Belle Chasse. Photo:
Staff Sgt. Yolanda C. Addison,
Members of the 159th Fighter Wing,
Louisiana Air National Guard, serve
as “patients” during an aeromedical
evacuation exercise June 19, Naval
Air Station Joint Reserve Base New
Orleans, Belle Chasse. Photo: Master
Sgt. Daniel P. Farrell, 159th Fighter
Wing Public Affairs
16
BELLE CHASSE – The Louisiana
Air National Guard’s 159th Fighter Wing
conducted an aeromedical evacuation exercise at Naval Air Station Joint
Reserve Base New Orleans in Belle
Chasse June 18.
This exercise was a joint effort with
federal, state and local resources to
practice evacuating patients in the
event a category 3-5 hurricane strikes
southeast Louisiana. The participants
included the 130th Airlift Wing and 167th
Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron
from the West Virginia Air National
Guard and the Louisiana Department
of Health and Hospitals and the Care
Ambulance Service.
Home to the Louisiana Air National
Guard’s 159th FW, New Orleans NASJRB was the center of relief operations
ams with West Virigina
a
g
t
e
h
o
e
s
s
h
n
l
t
e
l
s
during Hurricane Katrina. “It is a natural choice to serve as one of the locations to stage patient movement in the
event of future hurricanes,” said Col.
Thomas Sostarics, 159th FW commander. “Louisiana has had much
experience dealing with hurricanes;
however, if the track and intensity
will affect southeast Louisiana, Louisiana will need assistance.”
The patient population of Louisiana is concentrated near New
Orleans, and with most of the population evacuating toward central and
north Louisiana, hospitals can get
quickly inundated with evacuees.
Louisiana and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, United
States Northern Command, Louisiana National Guard and U.S. Transportation Command have been
developing a plan to aeromedically
evacuate more than 1,000 patients
to other states.
“Many states have National
Guard aeromedical evacuation
teams as well as C-130s and other
transport aircraft,” said Sostarics. “It
is common for other states to come
to the aid of another and, having the
West Virginia Air National Guard
come to Louisiana for this joint exercise is just one such example.”
“We are a big Guard family, and
we stick together,” said Maj. Trina
Young, flight nurse with the 167th
Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.
“We’ll evacuate our F-15s out of
harm’s way, then return to fulfill our
state mission,” said Sostarics. “Our
citizens turn to the National Guard
during time of disaster and other
situations that can overwhelm the
state and cities. By bringing in aeromedical assets, we can help our citizens while getting training for their
wartime mission.”
Capt. Jodi Pritchard of the 167th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, West Virginia Air National Guard, instructs Tech.
Sgt. David Sanchez, 159th Logistic Readiness Squadron, Louisiana Air National Guard, on proper litter carry during an
aeromedical evacuation exercise June 19, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Belle Chasse. Photo: Master
Sgt. Daniel P. Farrell, 159th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Members of the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana Air National Guard, serve as “patients” during an aeromedical evacuation
exercise June 19, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Belle Chasse. Photo: Master Sgt. Daniel P. Farrell,
17
18
2012 Family Readiness
Group Leader Awards
Photos by 1st Sgt. Paul Meeker
The Louisiana National Guard’s Office of Family Programs annual award winners
received plaques and praise from Maj. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, adjutant general, his wife,
Jill, and Command Sgt. Maj. James H. Mays, senior enlisted leader, during the 2013
State Family Workshop in Baton Rouge, Sept. 15.
2013 National Guard Bureau Air Guard
Family Readiness Group of the Year for
Family Readiness Group of the Year for
Family of the Year Award
LAARNG
LAANG
Chief Master Sgt. John Shelton and
Master Sgt. Ashley Shelton
2225th Multi-Role
Bridge Company
236th Combat
Communications Squadron
Family Readiness Volunteer of the
Family Readiness Volunteer of the Year
Newsletter of the Year for
Year for LAARNG
for LAANG
LAARNG
Kim Reeves
Monica Bordelon
HHC 3-156th Infantry Regiment
236th Combat Communications Squadron
2225th Multi-Role
Bridge Company
159th Fighter Wing
Newsletter of the Year for
Family of the Year Award for
Family of the Year Award
LAANG
LAARNG
for LAANG
236th Combat
Communications Squadron
Lynn and Becky Robert
Senior Master Sgt. Craig Juan and Mrs. Alex Juan
1021st Engineer Company
159th Fighter Wing
19
NCO DEVELOPMENT
For available free downloads of the Army’s Physical Readiness Training,
please visit http://www.armyprt.com/downloads/ or use the search term
“Army PRT” in the App Store.
PINEVILLE -- The senior enlisted leaders of the Louisiana National Guard’s
various units and staff offices take part in a “fun run” during their PT session at
Camp Beaureguard, Sept. 6. U.S. Army National Guard photo: Staff Sgt. Denis B.
Ricou, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
Also, please visit the LANG H.E.A.L.T.H. site for free information, motivation,
personalized healthy eating plans, and tips at http://langhealth.org/
Command Sgt. Maj. Stiefvater Commentary
My Fellow NCOs,
Since our nation has been at war against terrorism, physical fitness has taken a back seat. Now that the war is winding
down, physical fitness has become a priority once again, and the
Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard need to be aware of
that. I decided who better to send that message than the senior
noncommissioned officer leadership. We conducted a formation
run to set the example for the enlisted Soldiers and to show the
importance of physical fitness … that it is the standard.
NCOs are the standard bearers of the Army. The first sentence of the Noncommissioned Officer Creed is “No one is more
professional than I.” NCOs must not only set the example, but
they must enforce the standards. If we have NCOs out there who
do not live up to this, then they are failing the organization and
their Soldiers.
The LANG is the best organization of all 54 states and territories. Our Soldiers have proved themselves time and time again
during deployments in support of the Global War on Terror and
here at home responding to state emergencies. It is truly amazing what they have accomplished in the past decade-plus. There
is a shift taking place that always happens postwar, and we need
to prepare ourselves and our Soldiers for it. Cutbacks are happening and will continue to happen,
making things tough.
With all that our Soldiers have
done over the years, they deserve
excellent leadership. They need
these top-notch leaders to help
adapt to these post-war changes.
The NCOs of the Louisiana Army
National Guard must step up to that challenge – I know you
have it in you. You have not only proved yourselves during
combat and emergency state responses, but on a regular basis
during drills, annual trainings, etc. I need you to continue to help
carry the tradition of being the standard bearers and to continue to set the example in not only physical fitness and military
bearing … but in all things. I need you to be noncommissioned
officers – leaders of Soldiers.
Sincerely,
Command Sergeant Major Robert Stiefvater
Senior Enlisted Advisor- Army
21
Around
the
State
AIR GUARD HOLDS CHANGE OF
RESPONSIBILITY CEREMONY
By Staff Sgt. Yolanda C. Addison
BELLE CHASSE
Airmen of the Louisiana Air National
Guard’s 159th Fighter Wing welcomed a
new state command chief master sergeant
in a change of responsibility ceremony
in Hanger 5 at Naval Air Station Joint
Reserve Base, New Orleans, April 6.
The new state command chief is Chief
Master Sgt. John A. Shelton, Jr., a 22-year
veteran of the Louisiana Air National
Guard who began his service as a tactical air command specialist in 1992. He
becomes the fifth state command chief
master sergeant to represent the Airmen
of the Louisiana Air National Guard.
“Today’s pinning ceremony is a significant event,” said Shelton. “It signifies
the senior leadership’s responsibility to
the enlisted corps. I am humble to stand
before you today as a wingman, Airman,
warrior…I am proud to stand by your side.”
Shelton will now advise the adjutant general, the commander of the Air
National Guard and staff on all matters
regarding the mission readiness, professional development, proper utilization,
health, morale, and welfare of the
state’s enlisted Airmen and their
families. Additionally, he disseminates the commander’s policies to all
levels of senior officer and enlisted
leadership.
Shelton replaces Chief Master
Sgt. James E. Downing Sr., who is retiring
after a distinguished 36-year career in the
Louisiana Air National Guard.
“It seems like yesterday that I was raising my hand, and now it’s 36 years later.
It goes by fast,” said Downing. “You are
the best I’ve ever served with, best I’ve
ever seen… You are the best of the United
States Air Force. I’ve been very happy to
serve with you.”
Downing enlisted in the Louisiana Air
National Guard in March 1977. After completing basic military training he returned
to the 159th Tactical Fighter Group as a
crew chief on the F-100 Super Sabre
aircraft. He eventually transitioned as
a crew chief on the F-4C Phantom II,
T-33 and finally the F-15 Eagle. His duty
assignments included crew chief, quality
assurance inspector, flight chief, production superintendent, aircraft maintenance
squadron superintendent, and 159th
Fighter Wing command chief. He is presently in a dual role as quality assurance
superintendent and state command chief
master sergeant.
The change of responsibility ceremony
is a long-lasting tradition and is the formal
symbolic passing of responsibility, authority and accountability of command from the
outgoing command chief to the new one.
LOUISIANA GUARD AVIATION
UNIT RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS
AWARD
By Staff Sgt. Jerry Rushing
Maj. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, adjutant general of the
Louisiana National Guard, presents the Legion of Merit
award to Chief Master Sgt. James E. Downing Sr.,
outgoing Louisiana state command chief master sergeant,
for his superior leadership. Curtis presented the award
during the 159th change of responsibility ceremony, April
6, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans,
Belle Chasse. Photo: Staff Sgt. Yolanda C. Addison, 159th
Fighter Wing Public Affairs.
22
NEW ORLEANS
The Louisiana National Guard’s
1-244th Assault Helicopter Battalion
received the Founders and Patriots of
America’s 2012 Outstanding National
Guard Unit Award at Jackson Barracks in
New Orleans, April 5.
Lt. Col. John L. Bonnette II, commander of the Louisiana
National Guard’s 1-244th Assault Helicopter Battalion,
receives the Founders and Patriots of America’s 2012
Outstanding National Guard Unit Award from William
Allerton and Chester Mehurin, members of the Louisiana
Society of the Order of Founders and Patriots of America
at Jackson Barracks, April 5. Photo: Staff Sgt. Jerry
Rushing, 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
“When I read the history of the
1-244th, we became aware that not
only this unit serves the state and
nation, but the world,” said William
Allerton, governor of the Louisiana
Society of the Order of Founders and
Patriots of America. “It is an honor for
our organization to recognize their
dedication and service to our nation.”
For the first time in nearly a decade,
the Louisiana Society of the Order of
Founders of Patriots of America reinstituted the award that is given to an
outstanding National Guard unit.
“Not only for our battalion, but for
the National Guard, this is a sign that
organizations throughout the state
greatly appreciate the hard work
and dedication of Louisiana National
Guardsmen,” said Lt. Col. John L.
Bonnette, commander of the 1-244th
Assault Helicopter Battalion.
A key mission of the 1-244th has
been the search and rescue operations during hurricanes. Since Hurricane Katrina, the unit has rescued
more than 40,000 Louisiana residents.
“The 1-244th has been very active
over the last 10 years,” said Brig.
Gen. Barry D. Keeling, director of the
joint staff. “They have deployed twice
in support of overseas operations.
They’ve also responded to numerous hurricanes, the oil spill and the
floods of the Mississippi, so they have
definitely done their part as citizenSoldiers in support of the nation and
the state.”
LOUISIANA GUARD ASSISTS
WITH DRUG BUST
By 2nd Lt. Rebekah Malone
VERNON PARISH
The Louisiana National Guard’s
Counterdrug Task Force used its experience, high-tech equipment and training
to assist law enforcement agencies with
a large bust of marijuana plants in western Vernon Parish, June 14.
The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office led
a raid that resulted in more than 6,800
marijuana root balls being destroyed,
with each root ball consisting of three
to four plants with their roots twisted
together to substantially increase the
plant’s tetrahydrocannabinol or THC
level. In all, between 20,000 to 27,000
plants were eradicated on more than two
acres, ranging from seedlings to three
feet in height.
The Louisiana National Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force
assisted the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office with a large
bust of marijuana plants in western Vernon Parish, June
14. The raid resulted in more than 6,800 marijuana root
balls being destroyed. Photo: Courtesy of the Louisiana
State Police
The LANG CDTF provided aviation
assets to run a surveillance operation
during the day, and then returned again
around 9:30 p.m. The pilots flew from two
miles away at 4,500 feet in the air and
were able to safely guide the snipers from
the Louisiana State Police into position
using real-time video imagery and radio
communication.
“This is the largest find the LANG
Counterdrug has ever assisted in,” said
Lt. Col. Dallas Jones, deputy Counterdrug coordinator, who has worked with
Counterdrug since 1995.
Lt. Col. Ray Schindler, Counterdrug
coordinator for the LANG explained that
Counterdrug Task Force partners with
federal, state and local civilian law enforcement agencies to assist in the analysis of
information that law enforcement agencies
gather about illicit narcotic activity.
“Once law enforcement has procured a
warrant, they can request National Guard
aviation assistance to fly surveillance
while they execute the warrant to look for
dangers that the civilian law enforcement
officers might encounter on the ground
and to follow any suspects that might
decide to run,” Schindler said.
The LANG’s Counterdrug Aviation
Operation has flown 346 hours and completed 122 missions in support of civilian
law enforcement’s efforts to combat illicit
narcotic operations this year.
LANG GUARD YCP CADET
HONORED AT NASCAR RACE
By Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond and Staff
Sgt. Denis B. Ricou
SPARTA, KENTUCKY
Young men and women with the
National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program were given a full-access pass to
all NASCAR had to offer at this year’s
Quaker State 400 race at the track in
Sparta, Ky.
Through the National Guard program’s
relationship with Hendrick Motorsports,
several cadets, foundation officials and
members of the National Guard were
invited to the track to see Dale Earnhardt
Jr. drive the number 88 Chevrolet with a
special National Guard Youth Foundation
logo on his car.
YCP cadet Jeremy Suhor, of Metairie,
La., was selected to represent Louisiana
at the event based on a written essay
and good merits.
On June 10, Suhor joined four other
cadets from Kentucky and Indiana for a
special, behind-the-scenes tour of Hendrick Motorsports in Charlotte, N.C. While
there, Suhor and the other cadets were
filmed while discussing how ChalleNGe
has helped them change the course of
their lives.
“I never expected to be at my first
NASCAR race,” said Suhor, who attends
the Carville, La., campus. “I’ve had a
lot of great opportunities since I’ve been
in Challenge.”
In between the rain drops, Suhor and
his fellow cadets were treated to garage
tours, a meet and greet with Earnhardt,
Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and also University of Kentucky
basketball coach John Calipari.
During the meet and greet, Earnhardt
told the cadets and the crowd that in his
Louisiana National Guard, shakes the hand of 18-year-old
Jeremy Suhor, a cadet with the LANG Youth Challenge
Program, during the Quaker State 400 NASCAR race at
the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., June 30. U.S. Army
National Guard photo: Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond
relationship with the National Guard he
has had a lot of fun, but he also takes it
very seriously.
“These are great kids, but they’ve
fallen off the radar for any number of
reasons. We have to give them the full
attention they need and deserve,” said
Earnhardt. “I’ve seen how the National
Guard Youth Foundation and ChalleNGe
do that and get them back on track,
which is life-changing and so critical.”
LA. NATIONAL GUARD
GRADUATES NEW CLASS OF
OFFICERS
PINEVILLE
The Louisiana National Guard’s 199th
Leadership Regiment held a graduation
ceremony to commission 28 new officers
at Camp Beauregard Theatre in Pineville,
Aug. 24.
The mission of Louisiana’s Officer
Candidate School is to train, mentor and
Louisiana National Guard, presents the Adjutant General’s
Award (Honor Graduate), a ceremonial saber, to 2nd
Lt. Dwayne Petroski, of Lake Charles, at the Camp
Beauregard Theatre in Pineville, Aug. 24. Photo: Master
Sgt. Toby M. Valadie
23
Around
the
State
CONTINUED
Louisiana National Guardsman 2nd Lt. Iris Tuttle, of
Jonesboro, recites the oath of office with her class during
the officer candidate school graduation ceremony at the
Camp Beauregard Theatre in Pineville, Aug. 24. The
199th Leadership Regiment has conducted an OCS
program since July 1960 and has graduated more than
1,600 officers. Photo: Master Sgt. Toby M. Valadie
commission the future leaders of the
Army National Guard.
The 199th Leadership Regiment has
conducted an OCS program since July
1960. Since graduating the first class in
August 1961, more than 1,602 second
lieutenants have been commissioned as
of August 2012.
Officer candidates may either attend
a “traditional” officer candidate school
one weekend a month and two annual
training sessions over a period of 18
months, or attend an eight-week accelerated course.
UNIVERSITY OF
LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE
RECOGNIZES 256TH
SOLDIERS AT BASEBALL
GAME
By Cadet Leah McPeek
LAFAYETTE
Local Soldiers from the Louisiana
National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade
Combat Team were recognized during
the University of Louisiana at Lafayette
versus McNeese State baseball game
at the M.L. Tigue Moore Field, April 2.
ULL’s Scott Farmer, director of
athletics, and baseball coach Tony
Robicheaux were presented with the
Louisiana National Guard’s Bronze Minuteman Statue by Col. Keith Waddell,
brigade commander for the 256th IBCT,
24
The Louisiana National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment of Abbeville, presented the colors at the start of the
University of Louisiana at Lafayette game against McNeese State University, April 2. Photo: Cadet Leah McPeek, 256th
Infantry Brigade Combat Team
and Lt. Col. Richard Hanes, executive
officer. The award is granted to civilians
and civilian organizations in recognition
of their service to the state of Louisiana,
their communities and for their outstanding support of the citizen-Soldiers of the
Louisiana National Guard.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 156th
Infantry Regiment of Abbeville, and 256th
Brigade Special Troops Battalion of
Plaquemines, set up a mortar and humvee
display for fans and also provided a color
guard for the game. The national anthem
was performed by Sgt. Maj. John Bonin of
Jennings, operations sergeant major for
the 256th.
“This game was a good way for us to
show our appreciation for the University of
Louisiana’s support, and to all of the men
and women of the 256th IBCT for all of the
things UL has done for us,” said Hanes.
The first pitch of the game was thrown
by Pvt. Bryce Badeaux of Lafayette, one
of 256th IBCT’s newest Guardsman.
WELCOME HOME, 2225TH!
BELLE CHASSE
Soldiers of the Louisiana National
Guard’s 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company returned to family and friends
during a welcome-home event at the
Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base,
New Orleans, Building 1 in Belle Chasse,
Sept. 21.
Based out of Marrero with a detachment
in Slidell, more than 170 Soldiers deployed
as the only bridge company in Afghanistan
in support of Operation Enduring Freedom
to utilize their expertise and versatility in
bridging operations to provide sustained
mobility and lines of communication.
While overseas, the 2225th MRBC
conducted bridging missions in support of every regional command in theater, ensuring that the main highway
in Afghanistan remained opened to all
coalition and Afghan forces, as well as
local national traffic.
The 2225th left Louisiana on Oct. 22,
2012, and did mobilization training at Fort
Dix, N.J., before deploying overseas.
MILITARY POLICE COMPANY
HEADS TO CUBA
PINEVILLE
Friends and family of the Louisiana
National Guard’s 2228th Military Police
Company, 773rd Military Police Battalion,
said farewell during a deployment ceremony
at Louisiana College in Pineville, June 8.
The 2228th, based at Camp Beauregard in Pineville, deployed more than 130
Soldiers to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to
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Sgt. Justin Lonidier, 2228th Military Police Company, is joined by his mother, Barbara Lonidier, father John Ozan,
and son, Breydan Lonidier, as they enjoy jambalaya after the deployment ceremony at Louisiana College in
Pineville. Photo: Capt. Johnnie Brown, 139th Regional Support Group Public Affairs
provide security in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom.
The unit conducted mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas, before deploying
overseas during the 365-day deployment.
This unit has participated in the state
response and recovery operations of
Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike and
Isaac, as well as the Deepwater Horizon
oil spill and flood operations in 2011.
They also deployed overseas in support
of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008 and
in support of humanitarian relief efforts to
Haiti in 2010 and 2011.
Lt. Col. Christopher Rollins of Sulphur
will command the unit, with Sgt. Maj. John
Herbert of Minden, serving as the senior
enlisted advisor.
Barnett enlisted in the LANG in 1988
as a petroleum supply specialist. Just
two years later he deployed with the
1086th Transportation Company in 1990
in support of Operation Desert Shield/
Desert Storm.
Barnett deployed again in 2003 in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom
as the platoon sergeant for Company B,
527th Engineer Battalion, to Afghanistan.
In 2010 and 2011, he deployed to Haiti.
He served as first sergeant of Company
B, 527th and the 1022nd Vertical Eng.
Company. In May 2008, Barnett was
promoted to command sergeant major.
His most recent assignment was as the
senior enlisted advisor for the 528th
LOUISIANA GUARD’S
844TH ENGINEERS
RECEIVE FOND
FAREWELL
LOUISIANA ENGINEERS
CHANGE SENIOR
ENLISTED ADVISOR
LANG Public Affairs Office
By 2nd Lt. Rebekah Malone
PINEVILLE
PINEVILLE
Engineers of the Louisiana National
Guard’s 225th Engineer Brigade welcomed a new command sergeant major in
a change of responsibility ceremony held
at the parade field on Camp Beauregard
in Pineville June 8.
Command Sgt. Maj. Brent Barnett
of Chatham was named to the position
previously held by Command Sgt. Maj.
Robert J. Stiefvater.
“I’m proud to be an engineer and proud to
be the CSM of the 225th,” said Barnett.
Eng. Bn. headquartered in Monroe.
“Being an engineer in the state
of Louisiana can be demanding. We
support our state in obvious emergency
situations whether it is a flood or disaster
of any type.”
As a civilian, Barnett has worked for
the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department
for 20 years. He and his wife, Jhela, have
one son, Camden Dwain.
Barnet replaces Command Sgt. Maj.
Robert J. Stiefvater, who was named as
the LANG’s senior enlisted advisor for
the Army.
“It’s kind of a bittersweet day. When
they first told me, I wasn’t quite sure they
were making the right decision because I
wasn’t an engineer, but I can tell you that
you took me in and made me part of your
family. I’ll never forget that, and I thank
you for it. My time with you is why I’m
successful and got selected for my next
job. It wasn’t because of anything I did;
it was because of everything you all did,”
Stiefvater said.
Stiefvater enlisted in the U.S. Army in
1983 before joining the LANG in 1991. He
has served in every enlisted leadership
position from infantry team leader to his
current position as senior enlisted advisor
– Army. He has served as command
sergeant major of five different units, most
recently for the 225th Engineer Brigade.
The change of responsibility ceremony, a long-lasting tradition, is the
formal symbolic passing of responsibility,
authority and accountability of command
from the outgoing command sergeant
major to the new one.
Command Sgt. Maj. Brent Barnett of Chatham speaks
to Soldiers of the 225th Engineer Brigade on the parade
field at Camp Beauregard in Pineville during the change
of responsibility ceremony June 8. Barnett replaced Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Stiefvater, who became the senior
enlisted advisor – Army. National Guard photo: Staff Sgt.
Yolanda C. Addison, 159th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The 844th, based in Pineville, with
detachments in Ruston and Monroe,
deployed more than 160 Soldiers to Kuwait
in support of Operation Enduring Freedom
to conduct horizontal construction operations to help maintain and upgrade base
camps and provide engineer support for all
base camps throughout Kuwait.
“To the family members … thank you
for allowing these fine men and women to
serve our nation and state in the manner
they do,” said Maj. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis,
25
Around
Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Nutt of Choudrant, hugs son
Hayden, 2, as he says goodbye outside the walls of the
Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center in Alexandria
Aug. 18. Photo: 2nd Lt. Rebekah Malone
adjutant general of the LANG. “To me, the
most important ingredient of our men and
women in uniform is our families and the
family support they receive.
“I’d like to thank each of you men and
women in uniform for answering [the
nation’s] call and for being that one percent of Americans that are willing to do
that,” Curtis told the Soldiers.
Commanded by Capt. Robert Parker,
the unit will conduct mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas, before deploying
overseas during the 365-day deployment.
“The challenges we face are just that
– they are opportunities to excel. It’s what
we make of them,” said Parker. “So I challenge you family members and fellow
Soldiers, to join with me in the mission
that has been given to the 844th Engineer
family as an opportunity to excel.”
The unit has participated in the state
response and recovery operations of
Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike and
Isaac, as well as the Deepwater Horizon
oil spill and flood operations in 2011.
FAMILY, FRIENDS BID
GOODBYE TO LANG SOLDERS
BATON ROUGE
Soldiers of the Louisiana National
Guard’s 927th Engineer Company,
769th Engineer Battalion, were celebrated by family, friends and fellow
Guardsmen during a deployment ceremony at the Bethany World Prayer
Center in Baton Rouge, Sept. 20.
The Baton Rouge-based unit will deploy
more than 90 Soldiers to Afghanistan in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom
26
the
State
Family and friends bid farewell to the Louisiana National
Guard Soldiers of the 927th Sapper Company as they
stand in formation during a deployment ceremony at the
Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge Sept. 20.
The 927th will deploy to Afghanistan on a 365-day tour to
conduct route-clearance operations. Photo: Staff Sgt. Jerry
W. Rushing, 241st MPAD
to conduct route-clearance operations.
The combat engineer company will do
mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas,
before deploying overseas during the
365-day deployment.
The 927th has deployed once before
to Afghanistan in 2008 and participated
in the state response and recovery
operations of Hurricane Isaac, as well as
the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and flood
operations in 2011.
Please visit http://www.dvidshub.net/
units/LAANG for the latest Louisiana
National Guard releases, photos and
videos.
GUARDSMEN CELEBRATED
DURING DEPLOYMENT
CEREMONY
HAMMOND
NEW ORLEANS – Family, friends and
fellow Guardsmen gathered together to bid
farewell and well wishes to the Louisiana
National Guard’s 1021st Engineer Company, 205th Engineer Battalion, during a
deployment ceremony at Southeastern
Louisiana University Center in Hammond,
Aug. 16.
The 1021st, based in Covington,
with detachment locations in Independence and Gonzales, deployed with
more than 160 Soldiers to Kuwait in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom to conduct vertical construction
operations with building, concrete, and
plumbing and electrical systems.
Louisiana
Gov.
Bobby
Jindal
addressed the troops on their upcoming
deployment and thanked them for their
commitment.
“We gather here today to honor the fact
that your service is making an extraordinary and historic mark on our nation and
the world,” said Jindal. “You are the heroes
who have chosen to dedicate your lives to
something far greater than yourself.”
Jindal also recognized a select few
Soldiers from the 1021st and how much
their dedication meant to their unit, as well
as their families.
Maj. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, the adjutant general of the LANG, spoke to the
Soldiers and their guests about what they
could expect in the upcoming deployment.
“I know that you will represent our
nation, our state and our Guard in a professional manner while you are deployed,”
said Curtis. “To the families, I want to say
thank you also, to you, for allowing your
Soldiers to serve in the manner they do.
Before the conclusion of the ceremony,
Capt. Noel S. Bellas, commander of the
1021st, took a moment to praise his Soldiers and offer some encouraging words.
“We have now passed the crawl and
walk phases, and now it’s time to run,”
said Bellas. “The 1021st’s motto is ‘Above
the Rest’, the 205th’s motto is ‘Come
What Will.’ We will embrace and live both
mottos in order to represent the state of
Louisiana while abroad.”
Before deploying overseas during the
365-day deployment, the unit conducted
mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas.
The 1021st has participated in the
state response and recovery operations
of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike
and Isaac, as well as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and flood operations in 2011.
Sgt. Ernest A. Poinson Jr., noncommissioned officer with
the Louisiana National Guard’s 1021st Engineer Company,
205th Engineer Battalion, spends time with his mother, wife
and new son after a deployment ceremony at Southeastern
Louisiana University Center in Hammond Aug. 16. Photo:
Spc. Tarell J. Bilbo
e
n
27
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