Guard Detail

Veterans Day
Nov. 11, 2013
Major General
Augustus L. Collins
The Adjutant General
of Mississippi
PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF
Editor
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Tim Powell
Public Affairs Officer
FEATURES
Guard
Detail
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12
16
18
24
30
Assistant Editor
Lt. Col. Christian Patterson,
Deputy PAO, APR+M
Photographer / Staff Writer
Master Sgt. (Ret.) Sandy Ates
1st Lt. Ben Mackin
For comments or suggestions please phone
601-313-6271.
Articles and photos for consideration
may be emailed to:
[email protected]
www.ms.ng.mil
5 Mississippi ANG picks its BEST for 2013
9 Safety Awards
22 Special Deployment: The Mississippi
National Guard gives a pizza party for
children at ­Batson Children’s Hospital
Mississippi
National Guard
10 186th back in the refueling saddle
@nationalguardMS
12 858th departs for third deployment in 10 years
magnoliaguard98
14 Chief Hotaling talks Mississippi
26 Smithson discusses domestic support
operations at Andrews Air Force Base
[email protected]
enter magnoliaguard98
16 National Guard group parachutes into water as
part of training exercise
27 Mississippi unit first to receive Mobile Tower
System
18 Annual training harder for some Mississippi
Military Policemen
28 Medical center conducts extensive evacuation
training
20 92-year old veteran receives WWII medals
30 Remembering 9-11
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Guard Detail
24 Operation Snow Leopard
Cover: 92-year-old World War II veteran Richard Paynes, of Centerville, Miss., proudly
­displays medals presented to him in August by Maj. Gen. Augustus L. Collins, the adjutant
­general of Mississippi. (See more on page 20.)
Photo by Master Sgt. (Ret.) Sandy Ates, JFH-MS Public Affairs
of the State of Mississippi Military Department.
Contents of this publication are not necessarily
the official views of, or endorsed by, the state of
Mississippi, the U.S. Government, Department of
Defense or the Mississippi National Guard.
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The Guard Detail is the official newsletter
of the Mississippi National Guard. It is published
quarterly with a circulation of 15,000 copies.
Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily
those of the Army, Air Force, Army National Guard,
Air National Guard or the Department of Defense.
Published by AQP Publishing, Inc., a
private firm in no way connected with the
State of Mississippi Military Department, or
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Department. This State of Mississippi Military
Department magazine is an authorized
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3
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Editorial content is edited, prepared and
provided by the Office of Public Affairs, Joint
Force Headquarters Mississippi, State of
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All submissions should pertain to the
Mississippi National Guard and are subject to
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should be sent to: [email protected]
Fall 2013
From the Editor:
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Timothy J. Powell
Director, Public Affairs Office
Veterans Day 2013
Well, it’s here again. Veterans Day strikes the clock on
Nov. 11, 2013, at 1100 hours. That’s right, 11-11-11, 2013.
Veterans Day activities and celebrations will take shape in
most communities throughout the state, and with the day
falling on Monday, many will execute honors on the previous
Friday and/or Saturday. Since most of our Guard men and
women are now veterans, I hope you all will enjoy the
holiday because it belongs to you. And if you get the chance
to attend an event, I’m sure your family will gladly parade
you around like the hero you are.
I’ve attended more Memorial Day and Veterans Day
ceremonies than I can count, but I do know each one has
truly honored our service men and women, living and
deceased. Now “living and deceased” seems to
create a bit of confusion during these two
patriotic events on our calendar. Virtually every
ceremony I have attended, Memorial or Veterans
Day, our war dead are always remembered for
their ultimate sacrifice to our great country. Now,
this is a good thing because Memorial Day was
created to do just that, while Veterans Day is set
aside to thank and honor all those who served
honorably in the military — in wartime and
peacetime. In fact, the day is largely intended to
thank living veterans for their service.
The first official observance of Memorial Day
was on May 28, 1868, when flowers were placed
on the graves of Union and Confederate Soldiers
at Arlington National Cemetery. After speeches,
children of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan
Home and members of the Grand Army of the
Republic made their way through the cemetery,
strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate
graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns. After
WWI, the holiday was extended to all who had
fallen in all American wars.
In November 1919, one year after the
armistice ending WWI went into effect, President
Woodrow Wilson declared Nov. 11 as the first
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commemoration of Armistice Day. In 1938, Congress
approved a bill that made Nov. 11 an annual, legal holiday
that would honor primarily WWI veterans. In 1954, after
WWII, the law was amended. The word “Armistice” was
changed to “Veterans” to honor veterans of all American
wars. I hope this settles any confusion.
If you can’t attend a local event in your community, the
second annual Veterans Day Parade will take place in
downtown Jackson on Nov. 9, beginning at 10 a.m. Last
year’s parade was a huge success, and this year’s promises
much more for the family.
Until next time ...
4
Fall 2013
Mississippi Air National Guard picks its BEST for 2013
Each year the Mississippi Air National Guard selects the best Airmen among its three bases to receive recognition as being Airmen of the Year.
Pictured here are the winners, from left, Command Chief Master Sgt. Andrew Papania, Mississippi’s top Air National Guard enlisted advisor;
Master Sgt. Michael Jameson, First Sergeant of the Year, from the Combat Readiness Training Center; Master Sgt. Jessica Greene of the 183rd
Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Charles L. Sullivan Leadership Award recipient; Master Sgt. Deborah Fielder of the 186th Air Refueling Wing,
NCO of the Year recipient; Tech. Sgt. Magen Clifton of the 183rd AES, Airman of the Year 2013; and National Guard Bureau’s top enlisted advisor,
Command Chief Master Sgt. Denise Jelinski-Hall. Photo by Sandy Ates, JFH-MS Public Affairs
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5
Fall 2013
Senior Master Sgt. Angela Baughman
Headquarters, Mississippi Air National Guard
When I was asked to write this article, I thought to myself, Why
As with the military, all organizations have “leaders,” and the
me? I don’t consider myself a leader; I’m just an enlisted Airman doing American Legion is no different. On July 13, 2013, I had the honor
my job, taking the oath I swore to seriously. So in order to prepare, I and privilege of being chosen to lead some 18,000-plus members of
sat down and started writing out what I thought a good leader was
the American Legion, Department of Mississippi. In order to achieve
and what made them a good leader. After doing so, I realized, yeah, I such a great honor, I had to be led.
guess I do those things. I can tell you, 25 years ago I certainly never
Past department commanders, past department presidents and
considered or expected to be a leader.
military mentors over the years have
As an Airman Basic at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, all I could guided me and have taken the time to
think of was, What have I gotten myself into? Then as the days turned show me the direction I was headed, and
to weeks, I began to fall right into place with the other Airmen; we
those good leaders guided me to making
were being led, and I didn’t realize it. Even after graduation, I still
the right decisions. Six years ago, when I
never really saw myself as a leader. As the years went by, I noticed
started my journey to become the
how certain Airmen listened, followed and associated themselves
Department of Mississippi’s commander,
with other Airmen within the unit. I began to realize these were
I looked to my leaders for advice. Today, I
noncommissioned officers that were interested in leading or
still look to those past commanders, and
mentoring these Airmen.
from my military experience, I strive to be the best leader I can be
I was fortunate that in my area of work, I had a great NCO. She
for the American Legion. So you may ask, What is your definition of
taught me not only what I had to know, but she mentored me. She
a leader? To me a leader is someone who will be the first one to roll
guided me and took the time to show me the direction I was headed up their sleeves, pick up a shovel and start digging a hole. A leader is
and asked if that was the path I wanted. My next boss also saw
someone who praises his or her people in public and reprimands in
something in me, and he took me under
private. One of the Air Force Core Values,
his wing and taught me because he
and to me the most important one, is
wanted to see me succeed, not only in
integrity. Airmen, Soldiers, and Legionnaires
life, but in the military and the different
want to follow a leader who works for the
organizations I was a part of. To me this
overall good of the team and not just for
is the difference between an NCO and
themselves.
a boss.
Albert Einstein said, “The led must not
A true noncommissioned officer,
be compelled; they must be able to choose
senior NCO or officer will take the time
their own leader.” This was proved to me
to lead their personnel. As the years
on that unforgettable day in July when I
have gone by, I have realized that, yes, in
received a standing ovation for being
my own special way I was a mentor or
elected commander of the American
leader. All good NCOs have that feeling
Legion, Department of Mississippi. Those
of accomplishment when they see the
Legionnaires could have elected anyone
people they have led step up and
to lead them, but they elected me. I was
become the next generation of leaders.
and still am so humbled at this honor.
Now, as the state personnel super­
Now, I have a great opportunity to
intendent for the Mississippi Air National
lead my fellow veterans and to use the
Guard, I have the opportunity to work
American Legion skills I learned to continue
with some great NCOs and officers, and I
to lead/mentor my fellow co-workers. If
truly feel I have left that mark on them
we as senior NCOs, leaders, take the time
to be that next great SNCO or officer
to truly lead our Airmen and Soldiers, they
and that they will continue leading their Senior Master Sgt. Angela Baughman is sworn in as will not fail, and our Mississippi National
the American Legion’s first female president.
fellow Airmen.
Guard will not fail either.
Guard Detail
7
Fall 2013
Members of Field Maintenance
Shop #7 are presented with the
TAG Safety Award for Excellence
for 2012 by Chief Warrant
Officer 3 Ricky Stevens of the
State Safety Office to Chief
Warrant Officer 2 Lee Carey,
acting shop chief.
Safety Awards
Lt. Col. Lourie N. Formby III, state
safety manager, presents the
2012 Adjutant General Safety
Award to Capt. Christopher Paul,
safety officer for the Combined
Support ­Maintenance Shop at
Camp Shelby, Miss., on Aug.15.
Guard Detail
9
Fall 2013
186th back in the refueling saddle
Photos by Tech. Sgt. Richard Smith, 186th Air Refueling Wing , Public Affairs
These pictures were taken during a recent air refueling mission. The 186th Air Refueling Wing went through a transitional phase when two other aircraft were to be used. When the final
mission was given, the unit went back to flying the KC-135 Stratotanker and resumed their historical refueling mission in 2013.
Guard Detail
10
Fall 2013
858TH DEPARTS
for third deployment in 10 years
Soldiers with the Mississippi National Guard’s 858th Engineer Company (Horizontal) march Aug. 3 on the Calhoun City Square a “Sweet Send
Off” program when family and friends gathered to honor the Soldiers and wish them well. They left Calhoun City Aug. 12, headed for Camp
Shelby to begin a deployment to Afghanistan.
Story
and photos by Joel McNeese,
Calhoun County Journal
More than 150 Soldiers with the
­ ississippi National Guard’s 858th Horizontal
M
Construction Company were honored with
a send-off ceremony on the Calhoun City
Square Aug. 3 as they prepared for their
third deployment in the past decade.
The company left Calhoun City at
8:30 a.m. on Aug. 5 headed for Camp Shelby
for final preparations before a yearlong
tour in Afghanistan. The 858th was the first
Mississippi engineering company deployed
to Iraq in 2003 that then served another
yearlong tour in 2009.
“In 2003, I deployed with this unit as the
battalion XO to Iraq, and here we are a
decade later, and honestly, I wish we weren’t
here,” Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Eric
Croke said. “I wish we weren’t asking you to
go on a third deployment in 10 years. I wish
we weren’t asking you to walk away from
Guard Detail
your family for a year and to miss that year
in your child’s development because you’re
not going to get that back. But we are here
because you are unique individuals, and
you’ve made a commitment that very few
are willing to make to this country.”
Croke was among a handful of speakers
in the 30-minute program, which concluded
with Soldiers and their families being treated
to cupcakes and lemonade provided by local
civic groups under the leadership of the
Tri-Community Homemakers.
The company is expected to spend its
tour in Afghanistan shutting down American
bases as operations are gradually turned
over to Afghan forces.
“When Mississippi called for engineers in
2003, you were the first ones called up, and
here we are on the tail end of this war on
terrorism hopefully – at least in Afghanistan
– and I think you’re going to write the final
chapter,” Croke said. “You’re going to be the
last engineers from Mississippi to deploy to
12
Afghanistan. You’re writing history, and you
need to be proud of that.”
Brig. Gen. Janson D. Boyles praised the
preparedness of the 858th and the Soldiers
who have served before.
“This great country of ours decided it
was no longer going to be an island in the
world back in 1916,” Boyles said. “I look
around this crowd, and I see a number of
gentlemen and women wearing hats
representing their service. I want to thank
you for your service. Today is this generation’s opportunity to give that same service.
They are ready. They are prepared, and we
are honored to follow in your footsteps to
defend freedom in this country.”
Company commander Capt. Robert
Sanders, a native of Derma, told the crowd
the Soldiers of the 858th have an opportunity
to serve a special purpose in Afghanistan.
“We’re the ones to close the door and
put the key under the mat, and we’re
excited about that,” Sanders said.
Fall 2013
Master Sgt. Marshall Coleman salutes, and Charles Thames waves along with hundreds of others gathered around the Calhoun City Square
Aug. 12 to see off the National Guard’s 858th as they begin a deployment to Afghanistan. Photo courtesy of the Calhoun County Journal
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13
Fall 2013
Chief Hotaling talks Mississippi
By
Tech. Sgt. Ed Staton, 172nd AW PA
Mississippi Air National Guardsmen were saluted for the impact
they are presently making while also getting a preview of what their
future roles may entail.
With a ‘boots on the ground’ mentality of getting face-to-face
with the state’s ANG enlisted forces, Chief Master Sgt. James Hotaling,
command chief master sergeant of the Air National Guard, engaged
Airmen of the Combat Readiness Training Center and the 172nd
Airlift Wing during the August 2013 drill weekend.
“Our wing commander, Col. Wall, understands the importance
of our enlisted personnel,” said the wing’s first sergeant, Senior
Master Sgt. John Myers. “He requested that Chief Hotaling come
to our base and touch base with each tier of our enlisted
personnel.”
The trip marked the first time in more than a decade that an
individual in this position visted Mississippi Air Guard units. A series
of town hall style meetings highlighted Hotaling’s interaction with
troops in Gulfport and Jackson as he let them know what’s going on
in the Air National Guard while providing them open forum time to
ask questions.
“He values these types of meetings, because so often he’s locked
into the office at a Pentagon level meeting,” said Myers. “He thrives
on being able to come out and physically see the Airmen that he’s
been placed in charge of. He doesn’t get to do it often.”
Guard Detail
The bulk of Hotaling’s meetings were held at the Airman, NCO and
senior NCO levels. Hotaling who assumed his position in February,
spoke about current issues such as how having a Community College
of the Air Force degree may impact an Airman’s future. But it was
the question and answer session that generated the most discussion.
Questions and concerns differed by group. Airmen in the junior
ranks focused on college tuition assistance. The NCO ranks transitioned into talks about the future of the Guard, while the senior
NCOs asked questions about fitness and the CCAF’s impact on future
promotions. The chief took the time to share with them why the Air
Force and its reserve components want them to have a specific
degree for their military specialty.
Hotaling ended each meeting telling a story about the awareness
of Mississippi’s profound impact on the military and nation. He said
that a few days before coming to the state, he was with Chief
Master Sgt. James A. Cody, command chief of the Air Force. They
were at Andrews AFB preparing to accompany a C-17 that was transporting a mortally wounded Soldier home.
“When the aircraft arrived, I looked at Chief Cody and said,
‘I want you to notice what’s on the tail of that aircraft,’ ” Hotaling
said. “It says ‘Mississippi.’ It’s the Mississippi Air National Guard that
plays a vital role in what’s going on in our nation, and they’ll
continue to do so.”
14
Fall 2013
National Guard Bureau Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. James Hotaling talks with Airmen of
the 172nd Airlift Wing over lunch during a recent visit to the Jackson Air National Guard Base.
Photo by Master Sgt. Alvin Johnson, 172AW PA
Chief Master Sgt. James Hotaling, right, command chief master sergeant of the Air National
Guard, gets many questions about the future of the Mississippi Air National Guard. He gave
them positive feedback and kudos for building such a great reputation of service around the
world. Photo by Master Sgt. Alvin Johnson, 172AW PA
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15
Fall 2013
National Guard group
parachutes into water as
part of training exercise
By
John Fitzhugh and Kate Magandy,
Sun Herald
LONG BEACH – Parachutes billowed out under a
bright September sky, dotting the vista off the coast on
Sept. 6.
Not long after the jump, 20 or so Soldiers in camouflage
uniforms waded ashore from boats, dragging their silks
with them as they completed their jumps.
The Mississippi National Guard’s 2nd Battalion,
20th Special Forces Group from Jackson, spent the
midday jumping out of Chinook helicopters as part of
“under canopy” training jumps.
They hit the water about two miles out into the
Mississippi Sound, and were picked up by chase boats and
brought to shore.
They were greeted on the beach by family and friends
who came out for the exercise, to see their loved ones
practice what they usually do on foreign soil and foreign
seas.
“The jump went fantastic,” said Command Sgt. Major
David Savage of Biloxi. “What more could you ask for? A
beautiful day like today, and Soldiers got trained and
everyone landed safely.
“We still have a few more jumpers who need to jump,
but everything has been going great so far.”
About 150 Soldiers from the Special Forces Group
have been involved in the training, which included jumps
Thursday over Gulfport Lake. The trainees plunged from
Black Hawk helicopters that hovered about five feet
above the water giving them the experience of jumping
out without benefit of parachutes.
“If an airborne Soldier enters a water environment,
we want to make sure he knows how to land properly in
water, maneuver under the parachute and signal for a
rescue boat,” a spokesman said.
The Special Forces Group has deployed three times
since 9/11 – twice to Afghanistan and once to Iraq.
Guard Detail
16
Fall 2013
Photo essay by Staff Sgt. Michael Williams,
CSJFTC Public Affairs Office.
Guard Detail
17
Fall 2013
Annual training harder for some
Mississippi Military Policemen
Story
and photos by 1st Lt. Ben
Mackin, JFH-MS Public Affairs
It is 8 a.m. The sun is peeking up over the
tree line, and the heat and humidity that
makes July in Mississippi infamous is already
in full effect. Trudging down a worn asphalt
road, weighed down by a 40-pound rucksack
and an M-4 carbine, select Soldiers from
the 112th Military Police Battalion are just
at the beginning of a 30-hour War Fighter
Competition that is going to test every
ounce of their strength, focus and endurance
they can muster.
The competition, held during the 112th’s
annual training at Camp McCain in July, was
designed to test every aspect of a Soldier’s
abilities. For the 112th’s leadership, the
purpose of the competition is to flush out
the best the battalion has to offer. Sgt. Maj.
Darrell Masterson said, “The individuals
selected for this competition have earned
the right to be called the best Soldier and
NCO in this battalion and will go on to
represent us at the state competition.”
It started off with an early morning
Army physical fitness test and was promptly
followed by a five-mile ruck march to the
M-4 range after which they qualified with
their weapons on paper targets. After the
range, the Soldiers were bused out to the
Camp McCain confidence course where they
“The individuals selected for this competition
have earned the right to be called the best Soldier and NCO in this battalion
and will go on to represent us at the state championship.”
– Sgt. Maj. Darrell Masterson
Guard Detail
Pfc. Ronald Mushi reaches the end of the
ruck march and the competition.
18
Fall 2013
Staff Sgt. Rico Whitehead, who won the contest in the NCO category, pulls through on the confidence
course.
were to run, jump, climb and hang from some of the
meanest obstacles the state of Mississippi has to
offer. After a few minutes of catching their breath, the
Soldiers proceeded to ruck march another five miles
to a bivouac area to perform Army warrior tasks into
the early hours of the morning. The competition
ended the next day, but not until they ruck marched
back to the battalion area and stood tall in front of a
board. The board assessed their knowledge of
soldiering in all its forms.
The talent pool for both the enlisted and NCO
categories was large. Out of the battalion more than
a dozen Soldiers volunteered and competed in the
grueling contest. Staff Sgt. Rico Whitehead and Spc.
Talon Page came out on top in a very tight race with
their peers.
While the main objective is finding the best
Soldier and NCO for the state competition, there are
numerous training advantages to be had from this
operation. “This is an excellent opportunity for
cohesion and team building,” said 112th Battalion
Commander Lt. Col. Gregory Hargett. Masterson
added, “It gives confidence to the young leaders of
the battalion and allows them to hone their skills as
Soldiers and teaches them leadership, so at the end
Sgt. James Miller works on his front sight aperture while zeroing his M-4.
of the day we will have better leaders.”
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19
Fall 2013
92-year-old veteran receives WWII medals
Story
and photos by Sandy Ates,
JFH-MS Public Affairs
Maj. Gen. Augustus L. Collins, the
adjutant general of Mississippi, took special
time Aug. 7, to recognize and honor the
service of WWII veteran Richard Paynes of
Centerville, Miss.
Paynes, now 92 years old, served in WWII
under Patton’s “Rainbow Division” in the
European-African-Middle Eastern campaign.
After Paynes was separated from the
Army in 1945, he was not presented his
campaign and service awards.
Sgt. Maj. (Ret) Richard Lambert, a 28-year
Army veteran from Clinton, Miss., was
visiting the G. V. Sonny Montgomery Veterans
Administration Medical Center in Jackson,
Miss., one day and learned of Paynes’
situation. He told Payne he would like to
help him.
After months of corresponding with the
Army, Lambert succeeded in obtaining the
awards and medals Paynes had earned
while serving in WWII. He then contacted
the Mississippi National Guard to help
present the awards to Paynes.
Lambert said he is so proud to help
veterans obtain these documents and awards
that tells of their service to this country.
Shaking hands with Paynes, Collins told
him that it was such an honor to be able to
present the awards the veteran had earned
more than 60 years ago. “Your duty during
World War II was significant; the Red Ball
Express is credited historically as a significant
contribution to the Allied victory in Europe
during the war, and you were very much a
part during that time in our history.” The
general then proceeded to pin the American
Campaign Medal, the European-AfricanMiddle Eastern Campaign Medal with two
bronze service stars, and the World War II
Victory Medal, on Paynes’ chest.
Paynes was among the nearly 75 percent
of all Red Ball Express drivers, who were
African American. “Red Ball Express” was the
Army’s code name for a truck convoy system
that stretched from St. Lo in Normandy to
Paris and eventually to the front along
France’s northeastern borderland. The route
was marked with red balls.
On an average day, according to Department of Defense archives, 900 fully loaded
Maj. Gen. Augustus Collins, the adjutant general of Mississippi, gives a special pat on the back to World War II veteran Richard Paynes after
presenting him three long overdue medals for his service.
Guard Detail
20
Fall 2013
vehicles were on the Red Ball route around
the clock with drivers officially ordered to
observe 60-yard intervals and a top speed
of 25 miles per hour.
At the Red Ball’s peak, 140 truck
companies were strung out with a round
trip taking 54 hours as the route stretched
nearly 400 miles to First Army and 350 to
Patton’s Third. Convoys rolled all day, every
day, regardless of the weather. Night driving
was hard because of blackout rules.
“I really liked General Patton,” Paynes
told Collins. “He was a very good general;
we all liked him.”
Paynes’ wife, Martha, remembered
meeting her husband of 68 years when he
returned home from the war.
“Oh, he was so handsome, and I noticed
him right away,” said his 80-year-old wife
and mother of 12 children. “Life was tough
sometimes, but we have had a very good
life; we still live in the very same place we
grew up, and he still enjoys sitting on the
front porch.”
Since an Army without gas,
bullets and food would
quickly be defeated, the Army
­Transportation Corps created
a huge trucking operation
called the “Red Ball Express”
on Aug. 21, 1944. Supply
trucks started r­ olling Aug. 25
and continued for 82 days.
Men like Paynes played a
­major role in the Nazi defeat
by ensuring U.S. and Allied
war­fighters had what they
needed to sweep across France
into Germany.
Guard Detail
Richard Paynes of Centerville, Miss., (seated) poses with his wife, Martha, and fellow veteran
Sgt Maj. (Ret.) Richard Lambert, after the WWII awards were presented to Paynes.
21
Fall 2013
special
The Mississippi National Guard gives a pizza pa
For nearly 20 years, the Mississippi
National Guard has stood shoulder to
shoulder with patients, parents and staff at
Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson. In big
and small ways, the Guard has been there
for sick and injured kids. They’ve sponsored
events, raised money and given freely of
their time to support Mississippi’s only
children’s hospital.
“It actually started back in 1994, when
the adjutant general sent out a policy letter
requiring every National Guard unit to adopt
a school,” said Guard contractor Bubba
Grace. “The state headquarters adopted the
Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. And its
just been going ever since.”
In August, Guardsmen and hospitalized
patients came together for the annual
Guard-sponsored pizza party.
“It’s all done on a voluntary basis, from
the fundraising we do, to events here,” said
Lt. Col. Bill Hardin, standing in the Batson
courtyard surrounded by children and
Guardsmen. “All these individuals freely
volunteer their time.”
Their heart is truly in it,” said Tishawn
Thames, child life coordinator at Batson.
“I can honestly say, they care about these kids
and their families and want to do things for
them. They want to be involved, to make sure
the kids are having fun, having a good time.”
Guard employee Nancy Johnson has
helped organize many events benefiting
Batson. “As you can see,” she said, looking
over her shoulder at Guardsmen talking and
playing with children in the tree-covered
courtyard, “They love it and the kids love it.”
Guard Detail
For Matt and Ashlee Reed, parents of
two-year-old Cain, four days in the hospital
for a knee infection has both parents and
child climbing the walls.
“He’s been wanting to get out of
that room so this is a good break for him,”
Matt Reed said. “Good break for mamma
and daddy, being cooped up in a hospital
room, too.”
“It just gives them a little break,” said
Col. Dane Powell, a pizza party first-timer.
“If it takes their mind off what they’re going
through, that’s good for us, too.”
In addition to the pizza party, the Guard
supports the hospital’s Christmas party, as
well as its valentines dance and spring party.
They also sponsor a fish fry and a golf
tournament each year.
“They support us throughout the year and
they’ve been doing it for years,” said Thames.
“We’re truly thankful for what they do.”
“Last year at the pizza party there was
one child who said he wished he could be in
the military, but he couldn’t,” said Johnson.
“It just made his day talking to them. I love
it. I wish we could do a lot more.”
“You see the uniform, you see the boots
and they’re squatting down and they’re
wanting to play and asking questions,” said
Thames. “We’re just thankful and honored
that they can take time out of their busy
schedule, because we know what they’re
doing for us -- supporting us as a country.”
Eleven-year-old Logan Dorsey, a sickle
cell patient hospitalized at Batson several
days, echoed that sentiment. “Thank them
for fighting for our country.”
22
Fall 2013
deployment
arty for children at Batson Children’s Hospital
(Above left) Members of the Mississippi National Guard and employees of
Blair Batson Children’s hospital get ready to serve up pizza to the children at
the hospital.
(Above right) Sgt. Maj. Curtis Boddy talks with one of the young children at
the hospital for the day.
(Below left) Col. Dane Powell carries on an interesting conversation with a
young girl at the Blair Batson Children’s Hospital.
Guard Detail
23
Fall 2013
Operation Snow Leopard
By
1st Lt. Ben Mackin, JFH-MS
­Public Affairs
A team of Soldiers from the Mississippi
National Guard’s 66th Troop Command,
supported by the Army Global Civil-Military
Emergency Preparedness Program, teamed
up with the Montana National Guard this
spring in an effort to assist partner nations
in developing emergency management and
disaster response capabilities. Military
Engagement Teams or MET, composed of
15-member teams from each state, come
together to bring their expertise to any
country while simultaneously providing
training to Guard Soldiers. For Operation
Snow Leopard 2013, conducted May 15–17
in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, the MET from MSNG
was called on specifically to address the
command and coordination component of
the exercise. The operation was in response
to the difficulties the Kyrgyz Republic faced
after an earthquake in January that resulted
in deaths and damage to homes and
community infrastructure.
Col. Ron Beckham, who led the
­Mississippi group, said of the exercise, “It
was an honor to be a part of a mission that
builds relationships between nations and
focuses on life-saving tactics in the midst of
natural or manmade disasters.”
The training allowed for the Kyrgyz
Republic’s Search and Rescue teams to
perform hands-on tactical operations for an
extended period using scenarios like on-site
command, and coordination with emergency
operation centers. It also allowed for the
identification of gaps in planning, training
and equipment. This provided more of a
training atmosphere rather than a pass or
fail learning environment. During the
three-day exercise, teams were tasked with
numerous collapsed structure rescues, the
erection and movement of rubble, rope
rescues and manual and mechanical lifting
of large concrete obstacles. On-site incident
management of the tactical operations was
also conducted at the same time.
As the National Guard continues to
send MET teams into partner nations,
more opportunities to build relationships
and share valuable training will increase.
Maj. Marc Bitner said of the training, “The
hope is that these events will not only
Guard Detail
strengthen our relationships with our
partner nations but also provide valuable
training that would normally not be
available to them.”
Operation Snow Leopard 2013 has been
regarded as highly successful with all parties
involved being able to take something away
from it. “I work every day preparing to save
lives,” said Air Guard Senior Master Sgt. Kelly
Elliot, “And to be able to share some of what
I have learned and to learn from other is an
opportunity I don’t intend to take for
granted.”
24
Mississippi National Guard
Soldiers and Airmen work
with Kyrgyz emergency
management personnel
in developing disaster
readiness and preparedness
plans.
(Photo essay courtesy of the MET team)
Fall 2013
Guard Detail
25
Fall 2013
Smithson discusses domestic support
operations at Andrews Air Force Base
Story
by Tech. Sgt. Ed Staton, 172nd
AW PA. Photos by Master Sgt. Marvin
R. Preston, USAF ANG NGB/CCY
the variety of natural disasters that I’ve
responded to,” Smithson exclaimed. “I think
it gives them a better perspective and
awareness of what they need to do in the
event they ever get called out. And that’s
what I’ve tried to do in several instances is
to take my experiences and share them
with other people so they don’t make the
same mistakes that I did.”
Although natural disasters strike across
the nation, the extreme volume of events
impacting Mississippi seems to flood in. The
state’s northern and central area is subject
to flooding from the river that bears its
name and snakes along its western border.
Mississippi is a historic leader in tornado
fatalities and its Gulf Coast has been
devastated by Hurricanes Camille and
Katrina.
“It’s good to tell the good story about
Mississippi,” Smithson added. “Unfortunately we have had a lot of natural disasters, but our response to them is where we
make ourselves well known in a positive
light. So I’m very happy that I could
contribute to that and share those stories
with others.”
Much like the reaction people have
when famed weatherman Jim Cantore
shows up in their area, people might get
nervous if they see Col. Lee Smithson arrive
in their neighborhood. That’s because when
disaster strikes or threatens the Magnolia
State, the Mississippi National Guard’s
Director of Military Support is sure to be
there.
Smithson spent a portion of his 2013
summer at Andrews AFB and shared his
experiences of directing the Guard’s
domestic responses at a Mississippi hosted
intermediate development course instructing
National Guard squadron commanders,
flight commanders and Air Guardsmen
getting ready to take positions of responsibility. The instruction provided in June and
Col. Lee Smithson addresses Airmen.
August classes to 125 students provided an
formulating a domestic disaster response,
overview of how the Air National Guard and
Smithson also counseled the 125 leaders he
the National Guard works at a strategic level.
reached on what to avoid.
“172nd Airlift Wing commander, Tod
“I took my experience and gave them a
Wall, asked me to share my experiences of
few vignettes on what it’s like to respond to
supporting civil authorities,” Smithson said.
I gave a block of instruction on
how the National Guard works
with the state and local officials in
a disaster. I really didn’t know what
to expect going in, but was blown
away by the positive reaction that I
received from Guardsmen from
across the nation.”
Smithson’s instruction is based
on his experiences of having been
Mississippi’s military point man
when initiating a response for
more than a decade to epic
disasters that include Hurricane
Katrina, the BP oil spill, F5 tornadoes, catastrophic Mississippi River
flooding and more.
The classes guided students
through the budget process while
adding insight on how the Air
National Guard’s relationship will
work with the Air-Civil Air Patrol
mission in future natural disasters.
Along with offering insight on
Col. Lee Smithson instructs about disaster preparedness based on his experiences.
proactive steps to take when
Guard Detail
26
Fall 2013
Mississippi unit first to
receive Mobile Tower System
Story
and photos by Staff Sgt. Kenny
Hatten, CSJFTC Public Affairs
The Mississippi Army National Guard’s
2-185th Aviation Regiment, based in
Southaven, is the first unit to receive the
Army’s new AN/MSQ-135 Mobile Tower
System. The group held a Media Day to
showcase the new system at the Camp Shelby
Joint Forces Training Center ­Auxiliary-1 Assault
Landing Strip July 24.
“It’s a proud day for the state of Mississippi,
the Mississippi National Guard and the air
traffic controllers, call sign “the Puppet
Masters,” of the 2-185th Aviation Regiment,”
said Lt. Col. Glen Flowers, commander of
the unit.
Utilizing Air National Guard C-17 and C-130
aircraft, controllers of the 185th coordinated
approach and landing instructions, as well as
other unique capabilities of the new system.
“It’s taken approximately two weeks to
learn all the components of the new system
and how to deploy all its components,” said
Staff Sgt. Mark Holland. “The MOTS replaces
the old 7 Alpha, which was built in the 1970s,
and while there are more parts to the new
system, it’s a lot easier to use.”
The Mobile Tower System is the Army’s
latest rapid-deployable tower system which
can quickly establish air traffic control
operations worldwide in all weather conditions, night or day, for military or civilian
aircraft. Mississippi’s air traffic controllers are
the first National Guard personnel in the
nation to receive this new technology as they
continue to provide support for aviation
activities at home and abroad with unmatched
capability.
“Our purpose is to be able to roll onto any
scene, whether it be wartime or natural
disaster, and be able to set up a complete
airfield with every single component – radar,
flight following and air traffic control,” said
Holland. “Our unit is able to handle any type
of aircraft – rotary wing, fixed wing, any
nationality, civilian or military.”
The new system can be set up in a little
under two hours, and represents a significant
upgrade in capability for the 2-185th.
“We’re very proud to be selected as the
first unit to receive this equipment,” said
Holland.
Guard Detail
Following air traffic control instructions from the Mississippi National Guard’s newly fielded
AN/MSQ-135 Mobile Tower System, an Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft climbs
skyward during the 2-185th Aviation Regiment Media Day at the CSJFTC Auxiliary 1/C-17
Airstrip July 24.
Air traffic controllers of the Mississippi National Guard’s 2-185th Aviation Regiment man the
unit’s new AN/MSQ-135 Mobile Tower System during a media day at Camp Shelby Joint Forces
training Center July 24.
27
Fall 2013
Keesler Medical Center manpower team members, 53rd
Weather Reconnaissance Squadron crew members and
medics from the medical center and the Mississippi Air
National Guard’s 183rd Aeromedical Evacuation
Squadron unite to load simulated patients on a 53rd WRS
C-130J Hercules Aug. 15 prior to the aircraft’s departure
for Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. Air Force Surgeon
General Lt. Gen. Dr. Thomas Travis observed the close
relationship between 81st Training Wing active-duty
members, the Air Force Reserve Command’s 403rd Wing
and Mississippi Air National Guard elements Aug. 15
during the aeromedical evacuation training mission
which included a Critical Care Air Transport Team, a
flying intensive care unit from Keesler Medical Center
at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.
Medical center conducts extensive evacuation training
By
Steve Pivnick, 81st Medical
Group
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. –
Lt. Gen. Dr. Thomas Travis, Air Force Surgeon
General, observed the close relationship
between active and reserve Air Force and
Mississippi Air National Guard elements
Aug. 15 during an aeromedical evacuation
training mission.
The mission included an 81st Medical
Group Critical Care Air Transport Team, a
flying intensive care unit from Keesler
Medical Center.
This “chain of survival,” developed over
the past several decades in support of
operations in the Middle East, has been used
to successfully transfer the most seriously
injured troops home safely and has saved
thousands of American lives since 2001.
Travis is visiting Keesler Medical Center to
view its mission.
CCATT members just back from
Guard Detail
­ fghanistan, along with other Keesler
A
Medical Center medics, prepared simulated
“patients” for aeromedical evacuation
aboard a specially configured Air Force
Reserve Command WC-130J Hercules aircraft
from Keesler’s 403rd Wing. The CCATT joined
an aeromedical evacuation team from the
Mississippi Air National Guard’s 172nd Airlift
Wing, Jackson International Airport. The
172nd Airlift Wing, flying massive C-17
Globemaster III cargo aircraft and manned
by Mississippi Air Guardsmen, routinely
transports injured patients home from
Afghanistan through Europe to the United
States.
Past CCATT training has involved moving
“patients” from the medical center and
placing them aboard an aircraft. This is the
first time there was an actual aeromedical
evacuation element. The medics and their
simulated patients flew to Columbus Air
Force Base, Miss., while the teams trained
to provide medical care during the mission.
28
The CCATT and AE teams were composed
of medics recently returned from actual
deployment in support of the troops in
Afghanistan. They shared their experience
with Keesler medics slated to deploy in the
near future.
“This project demonstrates how active
duty, reserve and Air National Guard medics
and operators working together can achieve
great results and understand what each
team brings to the fight,” noted Col. Dr. Paul
Nelson, 81st Medical Group chief of aerospace medicine. “All of us who participate
are building a resiliency to respond to
disasters, whether man-made or natural,
anywhere in the region.”
Conducting this training on a WC-130J is
another unique part of this training mission.
“This is an opportunity for the ‘Hurricane
Hunters’ to execute our secondary mission
as an aeromedical evacuation platform
anywhere we are needed,” said Lt. Col. Greg
Lufkin, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance
Fall 2013
Keesler Medical Center manpower team members, 53rd WRS crew
members and medics from the medical center and the Mississippi Air
National Guard’s 183rd AES united to load and care for simulated
patients during the aeromedical evacuation training mission which
included a Critical Care Air Transport Team, a flying intensive care unit
from Keesler Medical Center at Keesler AFB, Miss.
A member of the Mississippi Air National Guard’s 183rd Aeromedical
Evacuation Squadron directs placement of simulated patients on a
53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron C-130J Hercules Aug. 15
prior to the aircraft’s departure for Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.
Air Force Surgeon General and USUHS graduate Lt. Gen. Dr. Thomas Travis, center background, watches as Maj. Dr. George Kotti supervises and
teaches medics from Keesler Medical Center and the Mississippi Air National Guard 183rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron as they care for a
simulated patient during an Aug. 15 training mission aboard a 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron C-130J Hercules.
Squadron commander. “We could be tasked
with flying into a hurricane one day, then
responding as an aeromedical evacuation
platform in its aftermath.”
Brig. Gen. Dr. Kory Cornum, commander
of Keesler’s newly redesignated medical
Guard Detail
center, greatly appreciates the leadership
from Mississippi’s Total Force partners
from Team Keesler and the Mississippi Air
National Guard.
“The work our CCATT teams are doing
with the 403rd Wing and the ANG is truly
29
cutting edge. This is a cost-conscious and
efficient use of our respective resources,”
said Cornum. “Everybody learns how to
better care for our patients and our mission,
and we have fun doing it.”
Fall 2013
Remembering 9-11
Story
and photos by
Sandy Ates, JFH-MS Public Affairs
Sept. 11 has become its own special memorial day for many who remember
the 3,000 lives lost on that day in 2001. Among the long list were many first
responders, military personnel and civilans who were killed that tragic day.
The 9/11 Memorial Run which was held on Sept. 8 at the Ross Barnett
­Reservoir near Jackson, was Mississippi’s effort to memorialize the lives lost,
while at the same time honoring those first responders who continue to risk
their lives on a daily basis throughout the nation.
In late afternoon with a balmy 97 degrees, first responders led the 11-mile
memorial run fully equipped and geared. The course began at the Lakeshore
Park with hundreds lined up for the day’s memorial marathon.
Among the first responders were members of the Mississippi National
Guard who gladly wore full ruck packs.
“We saw a flyer for this event, and a group of us decided to pay tribute and
honor the fallen and their families,” said Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Bond, a
member of the Joint Force Headquarters’ Recruiting and Retention Battalion.
Any proceeds from the 9/11 event go to the central Mississippi Burn Center,
an organization to help treat burn victims and their families.
“While it’s over a decade since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, it will always
be something close to the hearts of all Americans,” said Bond.
PHOTOS
(Top left) Members of area fire departments begin the 11-mile 9/11 Memorial
Run on Sept. 8 at Lakeshore Park on the Ross Barnett Resevoir near Jackson,
Miss.
(Top right) Mississippi National Guard members are heavily laden as they
make the 11-mile memorial run. Pictured are Spc. Matthew Morgan of the
114th Military Police Company, and Staff Sgt. Rhonda Dunn, a member of Joint
Force Headquarters and employee with the Human Resources Office in
Jackson.
(Bottom right) Carrying the Joint Force Headquarters’ Recruiting and Retention
Battalion guidon, front right, is Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Bond, followed by Sgt.
1st Class Lisa Smith, JFH and Human Resources Office employee, and futher
back right, Spc. Matthew Morgan of the 114th Military Police Company.
Guard Detail
30
Fall 2013
POSTMASTER
If undeliverable, please do not return.
The Mississippi Air National Guard’s 186th Air Refueling Wing conducts an air-to-air refueling mission with a 172nd Airlift Wing C-17
in August. The 186th ARW is based in Meridian, Miss., the home of aeronautical refueling history made famous by the Key Brothers.