New Mexico Minuteman

Transcription

Summer 2011
The Adjutant General
Susana Martinez
Maj. Gen.
Kenny C. Montoya
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Colonels earn one star
Ranger Assessment
Self-defense for self-preservation
Guard hosts annual Bataan festivities
Contributors
Commander
Capt. Elizabeth Foott
ON THE COVER:
Operation Purple
Rain was conducted
at the Center for
National Response in
Gallagher, W. Va.,
April 2011.
Photo by: Master Sgt.
Paula Aragon
Bob Ulin
Publisher
Marie Lundstrom
Editor
Justin Ritter
Graphic Designer
Chris Kersbergen &
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Advertising Sales
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Aviation unit deploys to Afghanistan
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A message from the Adjutant General
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FEMA
Medical personnel take TC3 training to Costa Rica
Joint agency training
Guard members head to West Virginia for Operation Purple Rain
150th Fighter Wing Commander relinquishes command
As energy costs increase, use must decrease
Region 7 top Soldier, NCO of the Year
CSM retires after 39 years of service
Lt. Gen. Wyatt speaks to Air Guard troops
Responsibility of MNBG E transferred to new leadership
Service before Self: A way of life
Incredible volunteers
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Defending champs dominate TAG Challenge
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Summer 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard
1
A message
from the Adjutant General
Recently, I asked the officers from Onate Complex to meet for PT with
me every day for two weeks. Those that know me well, like Col. Paul,
become inquisitive, understanding that this probably has nothing to do
with PT, and he is right.
We have been at war for nine years. Together we accomplish more
than anyone will ever be able to remember. I am so proud of our officers
and how they lead, as well as how they follow. Remember when you
took your “oath” and not really understanding what it meant? Now you
do; you have done everything your country has asked and always went
“Beyond the Standard.”
We are starting to stabilize. We have fewer Soldiers in combat and
because we are accustomed to such a high tempo, I think we may have
a chance to sit back and talk about what we’ve done and how great we
are. That would be nice, but that is not who we have chosen to be.
We are officers, leaders and warriors. We must lead every day. Every
day we must prove ourselves. We owe this to our fellow Americans, this
enchanted state and especially to our Soldiers and Airmen that committed to follow us to the depths of Hades and back.
I’ve seen the T-shirt that reads “It’s all about attitude.” And it is when
officers are positive, consistent, fair, and communicate – everything falls
in place. More importantly, their people have the same great attitude.
This is a military organization; there is a chain of command that decides
who can and who cannot belong to the team. As officers, you have that
constitutionally given authority. But before you exercise it, ask yourself if
it is the follower’s issue or the leaders’.
When you were invited to join all the officers on the PT track for two
weeks – How was your attitude? My attitude was great. Every morning I looked
forward to being with all of you. I saw
Chief Buhl giving his all and his face turning red. I saw Lt. Col. Romero’s smile with
a constant great disposition. I witnessed
Maj. Gen.
loyalty in Lt. Col. Sedillo showing up every
Kenny C. Montoya
morning with bone spurs and blood clots.
I saw 52-year-old Lt. Col. Warren leading the pack every day. I saw C12
pilots showing up without having to, knowing they are also covering Black
Hawk duties. I know I have officers like Maj. Finch that will complete anything I ask and Maj. Gilcrease, who walked on at Airborne school a day
after I made a comment that he wasn’t Airborne. I have Lt. Col. Nava, who
overheard me say something and step in and state he would take care of
it. I have brigade commanders who have proved to me they are sincere
about their position and their Soldiers. I have great officers.
You would not be here if I did not believe in you. Do you still believe
in yourself? This is not just a good job. It is a profession with unyielding responsibility. It is a challenge without glory (most of the time). It is
exhausting and time consuming. It is noble, honorable and very rewarding. It does not matter if you are an AGR, traditional or technician. What
matters is that you’re an officer: a New Mexico National Guard officer
with a great legacy to live up to everyday. There is only one way to
commit and that is all the way. What path will you choose to follow?
This is your life; control your destiny.
Beyond the Standard!
What is Warrior Care?
Bottom line, Warrior Care is taking care of Soldiers, Airmen and
families.
When the call comes that our state or nation needs us, we must be
prepared to answer the call with – “Yes, I am ready - we are ready!”
From the moment we joined the service, we learned that everything
we do can be covered by two very basic truths...we must accomplish
the mission and take care of our troops. An essential part of taking
care of our troops is to ensure they are always ready and resilient.
Part of being ready and resilient is “Warrior Care.” Whether you’re
at home or deployed, it must be a way of life, part of our own thought
process on a daily basis. At the same time, we must remember “Warrior Care” is not just for our Soldiers and Airmen; it is for our families
as well. As your state command sergeant major, I can tell you that
“Warrior Care” and building resiliency for military members and families is constantly on the minds of your National Guard leadership.
Caring for our National Guard members and their families has been
a common, overriding concern for everyone. From my standpoint, and
without question, every person associated with “Warrior Care” is committed to doing all they can to fight for resources and to ensure our
Soldiers and Airmen get the BEST care possible…. and that includes
2
NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Summer 2011
our National Guard Families. Hooah!
I know you understand what Warrior Care and resiliency is all about. As
Soldiers and Airmen, we must foster an
environment and attitude of...“That’s my
Soldier, that’s my Airman, that’s our family State Command Sgt.
member and we are going to take care of Maj. Kenneth Adair
them.” We leave no one behind – not on
our watch. Warrior and family care is everyone‘s responsibility. In
today’s environment, we cannot afford to let our guard down. Each
and every one of our Soldiers, Airmen and family members are important. You are important – someone is relying and counting on you.
The message to our people must be that they are important. We
must always remind our Soldiers and Airmen that they are important to
someone...a spouse, a father/mother, a brother/sister, a son or daughter, they’re important to their battle buddy or wingman. They are most
definitely important to the National Guard family. Continue to tell our
Soldiers and Airmen...they are important. Saying those simple words
could actually save someone’s life.
15 by 15 Bataan Strong!
Colonels earn one star
By Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez, State Public Affairs NCO, JFHQ
Two of New Mexico National Guard’s
senior colonels were promoted to brigadier general in March and April 2011.
Brig. Gen. Paul Pena, deputy adjutant
general for the state of New Mexico, had
the honor of being pinned by Gov. Susana
Martinez, governor of New Mexico, March
8, 2011, at the Regional Training Institute in
Santa Fe, N.M.
“My whole career I have been working
toward becoming a general officer,” said
Pena. “Many officers try to make general
officer and not all make it. I feel very honored and humbled for this opportunity.”
Pena, who took over for Brig. Gen.
Jack Fox as the deputy adjutant general,
first joined the Army as a tactical vehicle
mechanic in 1976. He spent three years
on active duty before joining the Guard
in 1979.
During his 32 years of service in the
National Guard, Pena has had the opportunity to serve in many different capacities to include chief of logistical cell while
deployed to Iraq in 2004-2005, commander
of Operation Jump Start in 2008 and the
93rd Brigade commander from 2008-2010.
Pena said that his experience as a field
commander will play a big role in helping
him fulfill his duties as the deputy adjutant
general.
Brig. Gen. Juan Griego, land forces
component commander, Joint Force Headquarters, was pinned by his wife Philippa
M. Sanchez, his two daughters, Marisa and
Eliana, and his son John April 10, 2011, at
the New Mexico National Guard’s Bataan
Memorial Museum in Santa Fe, N.M.
“I am truly honored and humbled to be
given the opportunity to serve as a general officer in the New Mexico National
Guard,” said Griego. “The ability to follow
in the footsteps of the many great leaders
that have made the New Mexico National
Guard the institution that it is today, is truly
an honor and privilege.”
Griego enlisted in Detachment 1, Bravo
Battery, 200th Air Defense Artillery, April
19, 1982. He was commissioned as a
second lieutenant through the Army ROTC
program at New Mexico State University
in May 1984, as a Distinguished Military
Graduate and assigned to the
642nd Maintenance Company in
Las Cruces, N.M.
During Griego’s 27 years of service as a commissioned officer, he
has served as the maintenance staff
officer, S-4, support operations officer, and battalion executive officer,
515th Corps Support Battalion; maintenance staff officer, Headquarters
State Area Command; assistant S-4
and operations officer, Headquar- Newly promoted Brig. Gen. Juan Griego, land compocommander for New Mexico, and State Command
ters, 93rd Troop New Mexico Army nent
Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Adair unfurl the one star flag signifying
National Guard, Command; com- Griego’s promotion to brigadier general.
mander, 804th Quartermaster Battalion; assistant chief of staff for logistics, J-4,
Joint Forces Headquarters – New Mexico,
commander, Headquarters, 93rd Brigade
New Mexico Army National Guard, deputy
chief joint staff, Joint Forces Headquarters.
“I have a majority of my operational
experience in combat service support in
the field of multi-functional logistics,” said
Griego. “I believe my CSS background and
experience I gained as a staff officer at the
battalion and brigade level prepared me
well for participation in the transformation
of the New Mexico National Guard force
structure, transforming the way we prepared Soldiers and units for deployments
post 9-11, and our actively contributing to
the effectiveness in responding to various
state and national domestic emergencies.”
Griego said that in the next year he Gov. Susana Martinez pins the one star rank
wants to ensure the successful deployment/ on Gen. Paul Pena, Deputy Adjutant General
redeployment of the Army National Guard of New Mexico.
units scheduled for OCONUS missions in
Los Alamos, New Mexico, where he is curKosovo, Afghanistan and the Sinai.
“I want to be effective in establishing the rently serving as the assistant site manager
role of the land forces component com- for National Security Missions.
Griego said his greatest supporters have
mander in overseeing the two operational
brigades of the New Mexico Army National been his family and the Soldiers he has had
Guard. This will be the first time that the the privilege to serve with over the years.
“From my initial entry in Det. 1, B. Btry
New Mexico National Guard has an LCC
that is responsible for the two operational 2-200th, to the 642nd Maintenance Combrigades since the force structure trans- pany, 515th Maintenance and CSSBs, the
formation occurred and the 111th ADA 804th QM BN, the 93rd Troop Command
Brigade was transformed to a Maneuver and the JFHQ, I have only been able to
accomplish the things in my career by
Enhanced Brigade,” said Griego.
Griego is a traditional Soldier and is earning the trust and respect of the Solemployed by the U.S. Department of Energy, diers that I have served with, along with the
National Nuclear Security Administration in support of my family,” said Griego.
3
Ranger Assessment
The United States Army Ranger
School is an intense 61-day course that
has earned the reputation of being the
toughest combat leadership course in the
world. With the Ranger School graduation
rate being at only 43 percent in 2010, the
New Mexico National Guard implemented
a program designed to assess Soldiers’
physical and mental capabilities before
sending them to the most physically and
mentally demanding school in the Army.
“Ranger School is a mentally and
physically challenging course. With that,
statistics show less than 1 percent of
the entire Armed Forces are made up of
Ranger-qualified personnel,” said Capt.
Ali DiPour, officer in charge for the state’s
Ranger Assessment and one of the state’s
senior rangers. “With Ranger School being
the best leadership school in the world, we
wanted to assess our Soldiers who wanted
the opportunity to attend the school to be
the best the state has to offer. Each candidate must pass the state’s Ranger Assessment to continue to the coveted Ranger
School held at Fort Benning, Ga.”
Soldiers that volunteer to take part in the
state’s Ranger Assessment are assessed
in the basic tasks completed during the
first week of Ranger School.
“The first week of Ranger School weeds
out more than 80 percent of the candidates
who want to continue through Ranger
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Tasks that are required during the
assessment are:
• Ranger Physical Fitness Test, which
consists of 49 push-ups, 59 sit-ups,
a five-mile run in 40 minutes or
less, and six chin-ups.
• Combat Survival Water Test
• three days of Land Navigation
• 12-mile road march (3 hours or less)
• Obstacle Course
• Three-mile buddy run in complete
uniform with Fighting Load Carrier
and Weapon (30 minutes or less to
complete)
• The Fernandez Mile (named after
the Medal of Honor recipient from
New Mexico), this event is to
simulate Malvesti Field Obstacle
Course at Ranger School. It is
the culminating event at the end
of the assessment and first week
of Ranger School. It consists of
Individual Movement Techniques
and multiple physical events which
are completed as a team.
• The evenings are filled with basic
classes including Land Navigation,
tie downs, Warning Orders, and
Operations Orders. The candidates
get an average of 3 to 5 hours of
sleep a night.
By Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez,
State Public Affairs NCO, JFHQ
School,” said DiPour.
“So candidates don’t get discouraged
going through the assessment there is at
least one or two cadre members who will
complete every event with the candidates
during the entire week,” said DiPour.
1st Lt. Michael Roybal added that all
cadre are required to be Ranger qualified.
“Great care is taken to assign the
NCOICs in each event of the Assessment
according to the cadre’s strengths. For
example, Rangers who have served in
sniper or reconnaissance units, or those
who have completed Reconnaissance
and Surveillance Leaders Course, will be
assigned to teach Land Navigation,” said
Roybal, the Ranger Assessment operations officer.
Cadre includes: Col. Michael Montoya, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Baca,
1st Lt. Francisco Cazares, 1st Lt. Justin
Marmion, 1st Lt. Michael Jones, 1st Sgt.
George Jojola, Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Williams, Staff Sgt. David McCloud, Staff Sgt.
Dustin Gaudette, Staff Sgt. Danny Theragood, Staff Sgt. Christopher Poccia, Sgt.
Ben Claridge and Cpl. Jose Morales
“With all of the cadre’s experience we
have noticed that many candidates don’t
really know what Ranger School is about,”
said DiPour. “Coming to the one-week
assessment helps those individuals understand a little more about Ranger School and
typically self eliminate if they actually don’t
want to continue with the assessment.”
If a candidate chooses not to continue
with the assessment, he will not be allowed
to volunteer for another assessment unless
there is a written memorandum from his
battalion commander justifying why that
candidate should return.
“As long as a candidate doesn’t quit
during the assessment, but still doesn’t
pass the assessment; the candidate has the
privilege to attend as many assessments as
needed until he passes,” said DiPour. “If the
candidates pass the assessment, they have
a small window to select a class to attend
the mandatory National Guard Pre-Ranger
Course at the Warrior Training Center in
Fort Benning, Ga. If candidates pass the
NG Pre-Ranger Course, the Pre-Ranger
course will physically take the candidates to the coveted Ranger School.
Regardless of how many assessments a
Soldier goes through within the New Mexico
National Guard, it’s still mandatory to attend
National Guard Pre-Ranger course at the
Warrior Training Center. “
In order to leave the state and attend
the National Guard Pre-Ranger course
candidates are evaluated by a review
board consisting of senior ranking Rangers
throughout the State. They are assessed
on their physical fitness, land navigation,
peer evaluation results and leadership.
The candidates receive feedback from
each member of the board and the board’s
recommendation is then disclosed to the
Soldier prior to dismissal.
“We have had three assessments to
this date with a total of 21 personnel who
have attended. Out of the 21 personnel
who have attended only two have been
assessed to be good candidates to represent their units and the state.” said DiPour.
The two events that have challenged
candidates the most are the five-mile run
during the RPFT and Land Navigation.
DiPour said that these are also the same
two events that disqualify most candidates
at actual Ranger School.
“There are many reasons why candidates cannot pass these events. The
majority of students don’t understand
how physically fit they need to be prior to
showing up to the assessment and Ranger
School. Self confidence when it comes
to land navigation is the second most difficult obstacle facing the students,” said DiPour.
DiPour and his fellow
Rangers are going Beyond
the Standard to ensure that
New Mexico National Guard
Soldiers are fully proficient
and educated before attending the most physically
and mentally demanding school in the
Army.
“Most States and
Active Duty units
have multiple assessments prior to Soldiers attending Ranger
School,” said DiPour. “Our state had not
yet set up such an assessment since we
obtained the Infantry Battalion. Among
the small Ranger community in the New
Mexico Army National Guard, we were all
considering to start some type of assessment, but didn’t know how or where to start.
1st Lt. Michael Roybal was the individual
who actually took the bull by the horns and
presented the idea to the state leadership.
He is the man behind the scene that put all
of it together from the beginning.”
Roybal said that Ranger School is too
hard and the attrition rate too high not to
start an assessment and ensure we send
New Mexico’s very best.
“The enlisted Soldiers are the primary
focus of our assessment,” said Roybal “In
the past, officers have been given the priority. This year the state made the effort to
attain 15 quotas for Ranger School, in addition to the infantry officers going through
the pipeline at Ft Benning. It is vital that we
give these Soldiers every opportunity to
succeed.
DiPour and Roybal both agreed that
the success of the assessment rests in the
capable hands of Soldiers. They said it
takes a special kind of Soldier to volunteer
for this degree of punishment.
“The difficulty in Ranger School is not in
the physical events of the first week. It is
found in the prolonged suffering. Students
must find the drive to pick themselves up out
of the mud and continue the mission when
everything in their bodies tells them to quit,”
said Roybal. “We need
more Soldiers to step
up and challenge
themselves.”
5
Spc. Anastasha Fox, a team
member of Liaison Monitoring
Team, practices knee kicks while
Staff Sgt. Eric Solano, CAT-C
instructor, holds a cushioned
pad. Fox and about 20 other
females participated in a self
defense class held on Camp
Bondsteel, Kosovo.
By Staff Sgt. Anna Doo, 200th PAD
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - A
shiver runs up your spine. That little voice
deep inside your subconscious says to
be careful, be cautious, be aware. You
instinctively look around for what may be
causing your senses to react and see a
large figure loping toward you with malicious intentions. You automatically react
by establishing a solid base with which to
fight back as the human figure is already
too close for you to run away. The training and repetition of techniques learned
in a self defense class unconsciously kick
in and you are able to successfully fight
off a would-be attacker and run for safety
and assistance.
The training techniques that coursed
through the potential victim’s veins were
learned in a women’s self defense class
taught on Camp Bondsteel April 12 and 14
by members of Task Force Falcon, Combat
Arms Training Company. The highly skilled
instructors hold qualifications as military
combative instructors as well as a wealth
of civilian certifications for martial arts, self
defense techniques, and numerous other
law enforcement and personal protection
training. Females wishing to build a skill
set to ward off a potential attacker took the
time to attend the training.
During the self defense class instruction,
Staff Sgt. Kevin Johnson, CAT-C instructor,
6
began by discussing methods to prevent
such attacks by making oneself a so called
“hard target.” This means walking the
streets and alleys of Camp Bondsteel in
groups, trekking with an air of confidence,
and being aware of the surroundings at
all times. But when an attacker is totally
bent on following through with an assault,
students learned multiple techniques to
employ in order to fight to get away.
Johnson mentioned that there are
multiple methods of self defense and students need to find techniques that work for
them. He said the techniques he teaches
are based on Army training mixed in with
training received from numerous civilian
sources.
“My way is not the only way; it’s just
another way,” said Johnson. “You need to
learn techniques that you can put into practice should anything bad happen to you.”
He added the importance of learning
multiple techniques so that women have
an arsenal of options to fall back on. Johnson said that every person is different and
will react differently, but to find and utilize
the skills that work best for each individual. He also said that practice is the key
to success.
“The more you practice the basic skills
taught in this class, the more confident you
should feel. You have to be able to simply
react in a situation instead of
stopping to think about what you
should do,” Johnson said.
According to the Department of
Defense Annual Report on Sexual
Assault in the Military for fiscal year
2010, there were a total of 3,158
reports of sexual assault involving service members. Employing basic preventive
measures and being prepared if an attack
should occur are two ways that could bring
those numbers down.
The self defense class is designed to
do exactly that — keep the numbers of
sexual assaults on Camp Bondsteel non
existent. Students that attended the class
were made aware of prevention tactics and
learned how the moves taught during the
class can work against an assailant.
“There are quite a few new techniques
that I had never seen before and some
useful awareness tips,” said Sgt. Patricia
Salazar, 75th Combat Support Hospital
ground ambulance noncommissioned officer in charge. “It was helpful that the male
instructors interacted with us. That usually
doesn’t happen. But you could get that
strength and positioning where you could
actually see how the moves really do work.
It’s very helpful. I was very surprised!”
Salazar also recommended this class
to all females stationed here.
“I think once they came here they’d see
it’s not wrestling or ground fighting techniques. I think they would be somewhat
surprised,” said Salazar.
CAT-C will be offering additional self
defense classes throughout the deployment
as well as multiple combative style classes
to include Level 1 and Level 2 combatives.
GUARD HOSTS ANNUAL
BATAAN FESTIVITIES
The New Mexico National Guard hosted
the annual Bataan Ceremony April 9, 2011,
at the Bataan Memorial Building in Santa
Fe, N.M.
This ceremony is held every April 9 and
was established to honor the survivors of
the Bataan Death March and to commemorate the surrender of American Soldiers to
the Japanese forces on April 9, 1942. What
made this year’s ceremony different was
the exceptional contribution from the Officer Candidate School Class 54-11.
The night prior to the annual ceremony
the OCS class was hosting their annual
Dining In, a long standing tradition in the
OCS program where commanders have an
opportunity to meet the anticipated future
leaders. This year a new tradition was established to integrate the two ceremonies to
accomplish a two-fold mission: teach young
leaders the history of our Bataan veterans
and celebrate their long-standing service
and honor their lives. The OCS Candidates
were tasked to interview and speak about
the life of each veteran giving insight to their
accomplishments and interests. Veterans
and their families were invited to share in the
ceremony and partake in the festivities.
“We had the privilege of welcoming
Bataan veterans and their families,” said Officer Candidate Carlos Chavez. “The Bataan
veterans got a great feel for tradition being
kept in the new era of the Guard, while a continued effort to bring the New Mexico National
Guard components together and building a
comraderie that will go a long way.”
Members of the New Mexico National
Guard’s 200th and 515th Coastal Artillery
units were among those who surrendered
on the Bataan peninsula in the Philippines.
Soldiers endured a forced march approximately 65 miles to prisoner of war camps
where they endured degrading and barbaric treatment while battling diseases and
malnourishment.
Of the 1,816 men identified from the
200th and 515th Coast Artillery, 829 died in
battle, while prisoners or immediately after
liberation. There were 987 survivors, many
of whom were from New Mexico.
This year’s events honoring the veterans’ sacrifices began March 27, 2011, when
over 6,300 people from all over the country
attended the 22nd Annual 26.2-mile Bataan
Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range in Las Cruces, N.M.
Among the participants was 93-year-old
Ben Skardon, a survivor of the original death
march over 69 years ago. This year, with his
family by his side, Skardon completed one
third of the memorial march.
Despite the dreadful weather this year,
many New Mexico National Guard Soldiers
and Airmen still made the event to honor
their legacy.
“It is an honor every year to go out there
and honor the men who made the ultimate
sacrifice,” said 1st Lt. Tabitha Baker, a
participant in this year’s Bataan Memorial
Death March. “It was really windy, it seemed
like for every one step forward, we took two
steps back. But when you compare it to
what the Bataan veterans went through we
had it easy.”
Guardsmen and veterans were joined
again two weeks later at the Bataan Memorial Building for the annual ceremony. Veterans who were able to attend the ceremony
were recognized as well as those that have
passed on since the last ceremony.
At the end of the day the veterans
returned home to their respective states
with the promise that New Mexico will never
forget the Battling Bastards of Bataan and
their service to our great state and nation.
7
The Long Journey Ahead
Aviation unit deploys to Afghanistan
Army National Guard Black
Hawk medevac helicopters with
Company C, 1st General Support
Aviation Battalion, 171st Aviation
Regiment, out of Santa Fe, N.M.,
arrive at a landing zone during a
mass casualty training exercise at
Fort Hood, Texas, May 16.
Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen
Maj. Christopher Holland, commander of Company C, 1st General Support Aviation Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, addresses family, friends, and members
of Company C, 1/171st during a Yellow Ribbon Ceremony April 20, 2011, at the
Regional Training Institute in Santa Fe, N.M.
More than 200 family members and friends gathered at the New
Mexico National Guard Headquarters Regional Training Institute April
20, 2011, to honor and bid farewell to 65 National Guard Soldiers who
will be deployed for a year in Afghanistan.
Company C, 1st General Support Aviation Battalion, 171st Aviation
Regiment, a Medical Evacuation unit based out of Santa Fe, will provide
aero medical support to the theater of operations under the command
of Maj. Christopher Holland.
At the ceremony, Gov. Susana Martinez wished the Soldiers well and
thanked them for their service and wished them a safe return. Martinez
then addressed the family members, reminding them that they’re making an
incredible sacrifice as well.
Holland thanked Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, Adjutant General for the state
of New Mexico, and the families for their support of the unit. He said he was
proud of his unit and appreciated their sacrifice and dedication to the mission.
Before Holland and his unit get “boots on ground,” they transition to their mobilization station at Ft. Hood, Texas, for further realistic and collective training with the
other units they will be deployed with. At the MOB station, New Mexico National
Guardsmen linked up with Soldiers from Minnesota and Arizona that would be
deploying as part of C. Co. 1-171st. Pilots, crew chiefs, medics and support personnel trained together for approximately 60 days before deploying to Afghanistan.
Holland told the Ft. Hood Public Affairs Office that “This is a crucial training
phase. We’ve never trained together, and we’re coming together for the first time.
We have to be prepared to fight together.
“This is the last chance we’re going to get to hone our skills before deploying,” Holland added. “Our mission’s real simple: save lives on the battlefield.
Pick up patients and get them to a medical facility as quickly as possible.
I don’t think there’s any mission on the battlefield that’s more important.”
Currently, about 500 Soldiers and Airmen from the New Mexico National
Guard are mobilized overseas.
8
The Lopez family listens
to remarks made by
Gov. Susana Martinez
during a Yellow Ribbon
Ceremony for C. Co,
1/171st at the Regional
Training Institute in
Santa Fe, N.M.
Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, the
Adjutant General, presents Col. Francis
X. Carillo the Meritorious Service Medal
during a retirement ceremony May 15,
2011, at Kirtland Air Force Base. Carillo
was awarded an MSM for his dedicated time while serving in both the Air
National Guard and active duty.
(Above) 1st Sgt. Charles Bouyer and his wife tie a
yellow ribbon to a tree during the Yellow Ribbon Ceremony for C. Co, 1/171st April 20, 2011.
(Left) Staff Sgt. Tym Larson, right, an Arizona Army
National Guard medic with Company C, 1st General
Support Aviation Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment,
out of Santa Fe, N.M., and Sgt. 1st Class Robert
Ford, a senior flight medic and observer controller/
trainer with the 166th Aviation Brigade, discuss the
evacuation of about 30 simulated patients during a
mass casualty training exercise at Fort Hood, Texas,
May 16. Larson, from Eloy, Ariz., has 25 years experience as a civilian paramedic firefighter and flight
medic. He will deploy for the first time when the
medical evacuation company (air ambulance) goes
to Afghanistan next month.
(Bottom left) Army National Guard medevac crew
members with Company C, 1st General Support Aviation Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, out of Santa
Fe, N.M., write down information about their next mission during training at Fort Hood, Texas, May 17.
Photos: Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen
9
10
Members from FEMA Region 6 Managers
descend on New Mexico for a first-ever
regional training.
By 1st Lt. Brian Raphael, 150th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Officer
The 150th Fighter Wing, New Mexico Air
National Guard, hosted the first-ever Federal
Emergency Management Agency regional
training for Region 6 emergency managers
in the Air National Guard. The one-week
training held March 14-18, 2011, at Kirtland Air Force Base had EM’s representing
states from Region 6 — New Mexico, Texas,
Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
“This training prepares emergency
managers to respond to all hazards onand off-base,” said Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Archuleta, 150th Fighter Wing, New
Mexico Air National Guard. “All hazards
including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives in
active CBRNE.”
“This Region 6 training is the first time
we brought together all bases within the
region,” said Tech. Sgt. Robby McGee,
Fort Smith, Ark. “Training is designed for
proficiency, protective equipment, hazard
identification, sharpening skills. It is a
yearly requirement in compliance with
OSHA and Air Force instructions.”
The training exercise was broken down
into two portions. The classroom portion spanned three days at the Defense
Threat Reduction Agency. There a detailed
table-top exercise composed of a notional
dirty bomb scenario was introduced and
responded to by emergency managers,
military and civil authorities with a focus on
command, control, and coordination.
The second portion of the training was
application focused and covered in two
days. This field application incorporated the
Joint Effect Modeling — a contamination
plume modeling program, and one Accident
Coordination Response scenario identifying
ricin and industrial chemical hazards.
“This is a good opportunity to merge
people who are not trained and don’t have
their own equipment with people who are
trained and have the equipment,” said
Senior Airman Robert Clopton, 136th Air Lift
Wing, Fort Worth, Texas. “Every Emergency
Manager must have a medical and physical
check and be physically fit because of all
the protective gear that must be worn while
working inside a level-A suit.”
While providing protection from certain
hazards, the level-A suit itself is cumbersome and challenging to work in. “It’s
kinda like your personal sauna,” said
Senior Airman Jessica Keal, Naval Air
Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth,
Texas. Keal is also a full-time nuclear plant
employee whose family works for FEMA.
This groundbreaking event leverages
the many strengths of Region 6 emergency managers while identifying possible
areas of improvement. In the future, different installations within Region 6 will host
similar events to bring proficiency training
to everyone who otherwise might not be
One member of FEMA Region 6 trainees suits
up in a Level-A chemical protection suit while
the other Airman checks the gauge to ensure it
is reading the oxygen levels properly. Both of
the members must receive this training as it is a
yearly requirement. The Level-A chemical protection suit, along with an oxygen tank and bright
orange rubber boots, are just some of the equipment they must be fully trained on for emergencies that may arise. All of the units proved to
work well together during the training. Photos:
Master Sgt. Paula Aragon
able to travel to one location. In addition,
the different venues will aid the training
by providing an unfamiliar environment.
Should the need ever arise, emergency
managers will have the training, familiarity, and proficiency required to neutralize
potential hazards.
11
Participants and instructors from
the Tactical Combat Casualty Care
training May 20, 2011, in San Jose,
Costa Rica.
SPP continues TO strengthen alliance
Medical personnel take TC3 training to Costa Rica
San Jose, Costa Rica – More than 30
police officers from all over Costa Rica
took part in a three-day Tactical Combat
Casualty Care training May 17-20, 2011, in
San Jose, Costa Rica.
The training was taught by doctors and
medics from the New Mexico Army National
Guard. According to Sgt. 1st Class David
Muniz, TC3 instructor, the training was
tailored to focus on medical disaster relief
due to the unstable geological climate that
the Costa Ricans live in. The training would
allow officers to respond without hesitation
in an emergency.
Participants received classes on anatomy, respiratory emergencies & airway
management, vital signs, hemorrhage
control and treatment for shock and burns,
bleed control, rapid takedown and tactical
carries, casualty evaluation (head-toeassessment), and combat casualty operations and triage.
“TC3 classes were originally designed
for use on the civilian side and the Military
adopted TC3 toward the start of Operation
Iraqi and Enduring Freedom,” said Muniz.
“Recently, more and more agencies have
adopted TC3 into their training. We can
now offer advanced medical classes and
certify through the National Registry of
Emergency Medical Technicians to any
agency in the Department of Defense.”
On the last day of class, the students
12
Sgt. 1st Class David
Muniz, TC3 instructor,
observes students as
they practice opening
airways with each other
during the three-day
Tactical Combat Casualty Care training May
18, 2011, in San Jose,
Costa Rica.
Maj. Karen Nester, a physician assistant with
NMARNG Medical Detachment, works individually with students during the three-day
Tactical Combat Casualty Care training in San
Jose, Costa Rica.
were tested on everything they learned
during the previous days. They were given
a scenario, created by the instructors, and
had to use the information from previous
days to work through the scenarios. Due
to the earthquake the country experienced
the previous week, all scenarios were
based upon natural disasters.
“The training we gave them was universal. The officers could use the medical assessment and treatment skills we
taught them in any combat or peacetime
environment,” said Muniz.
Muniz, with his colleagues Maj. Karen
Nester, a physician assistant with New
Mexico Army National Guard Medical
Detachment, and Sgt. 1st Class Oscar M.
Esquivel, operations NCO with the New
Mexico Army National Guard Med Det., provided significant hands-on assistance to the
students in order to ensure they understood
the concepts well enough to perform the
medical tasks to standard when needed.
“Overall, the students and senior officials were very happy with the training,”
said Muniz. “The students were very cooperative and involved. They were extremely
disciplined; which made it easier to have
effective and efficient training with the limited time schedule.”
At the conclusion of the three-day
course, students walked away from the
TC3 with the comprehension and training
to respond to real life incidents.
JOINT
AGENCY
TRAINING
The New Mexico National Guard hosted
a full scale multi agency training exercise
designed to test the readiness of local
emergency response agencies April 28,
2011, at a model home in northwest Rio
Rancho, 111th Brigade National Guard
armory, and the Field Maintenance Shop
building in Rio Rancho.
“The New Mexico Army National Guard
is required to conduct an annual antiterrorism exercise that encompasses all aspects
of force protection plans which include antiterrorism, physical security and operation
security areas,” said Bob Wilson, antiterrorism program coordinator.
Agencies that participated in this
exercise included the New Mexico Army
National Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Mexico State Police, Bernalillo
County Sheriff, Rio Rancho Police Department, Albuquerque Police Department,
and Sandoval County Communications.
The agencies coordinated for several
months of planning with Wilson to ensure
that all participants could maximize the
training and understand the capabilities of
all agencies. The exercise scenario was
initiated when an investigation was conducted by the Joint Terrorism Task Force
about suspicious activity and suggested
that the FBI raid the house. They raided
the house and found anti-military literature
and bomb making materials. Witnesses
saw six armed personnel leave the house
prior to the raid and head toward the Rio
Rancho Readiness Center. Three armed
personnel parked their car outside of
the armory and entered the building and
proceeded to shoot any person that they
ran into. Another car parked outside the
FMS building and three armed personnel
entered the building and took hostages.
Several joint agency teams were tasked to
clear the armory. Explosive ordinance disposal teams were tasked to make sure the
cars were clear of explosives. At the FMS
building, several agencies’ hostage negotiation teams talked the perpetrators out of
the building.
“There have been numerous ‘active
shooter’ attacks all over the world,”
said Wilson. “High schools, malls, businesses and military bases are just a few
of the places these types of attacks have
occurred. This could happen at any one
of the armories around the state and the
personnel that work inside these armories
need to be trained.”
The objective of the exercise was to
strengthen New Mexico’s Law enforcement and first response agencies’ ability
to respond to emergency situations and to
improve interagency coordination and communication. The scenario gave local emergency responders the opportunity to work
through a potential emergency situation.
“When the New Mexico National Guard
participates in these types of exercises,
we try to include as many federal, state,
and local law enforcement agencies as
possible,” said Wilson. “Interagency cooperation during terrorist or criminal attack
is a must in ending any situation as soon
as possible and with the least amount of
casualties or damage to property. Every
time these types of exercises happen, all
agencies learn what could have been done
better. Standard Operating Procedures
and plans for all agencies are rewritten to
capture what was learned.”
13
On April 12, 2011, Sgt. Michael Padilla of the New Mexico Army National Guard, DET 1, 126th MP CO CBT
out of Las Cruces, N.M., observes the objective and prepares to overtake the enemy who is being held up
in a building. The team is learning tactics on how to secure the area and apprehend the enemy. Padilla is
just one of the members participating in Operation Purple Rain located in Gallagher, W. Va.
Guard members head to West Virginia for Operation Purple Rain
New Mexico Guardsmen train together
By Master Sgt. Paula Aragon, 150th Public Affairs Superintendent
Many months of planning and preparation went into “Operation Purple Rain.”
The event planned for the April time
frame was set at the Center for National
Response in Gallagher, West Virginia.
The New Mexico Air National Guard 150th
Security Forces Squadron and the New
Mexico Army National Guard Detachment 1, 126th Military Police Company,
out of Las Cruces, N.M., convened on the
location know as “The Tunnel” which is
nestled in the mountains of West Virginia.
The facility is an operational component
of the Joint Interagency Training & Education Center, a National Guard training activity operated by the Chief of the National
Guard Bureau and the West Virginia
Adjutant General. It is a flexible weapons
of mass destruction training complex that
provides multi-scenario exercises for the
military or joint operations with military and
first responders. The CNR conducts antiterrorism training exercises. The current
facilities offer a variety of training scenarios, which include some of the following:
• A rubble area to simulate collapsed
buildings
• An emergency egress trainer
• A subway station, complete with 800
feet (240 m) of track and two subway
cars from Boston’s Green Line
• A drug enforcement section
• A highway tunnel section, complete
with a New York City Transit Authority
bus, fire trucks, a tractor-trailer and
other vehicles
• Land navigation along with tactics
(Top inset photo) Members of the 150th Fighter Wing, New Mexico Air National Guard, work together to extract a ‘victim’ from a ‘rubble pile’ due to a collapsed building. The team’s mission is to assess and start search and rescue actions. The team was taught to check the debris field to ensure it was
stable to transport “victims” and check areas for expired persons. (Lower inset photo) A member of the 150th Fighter Wing, New Mexico Air National Guard,
apprehends the enemy while the other team members secure the “cave area” of the Tunnel.
14
The first five training scenarios included:
land navigation training, basic rope instruction, vehicle search exercise, OCONUS
cave clearance and shooting fundamentals,
and beam hit. The teams alternate between
scenarios so that all members will have the
opportunity to get much needed training.
“This is the first [training] exercise that
we have ever done together as New Mexico
National Guard members from Military Police
and Security Forces. Hopefully, this initial
training session will lead to more events in
the future,” said Col. John Castillo.
The two-week training began the morning
of April 13, 2011. During the first week participants went through a cave area to learn
how to clear the area. The area was “booby
trapped” and caused trainees to increase
their awareness of activities and their surroundings. The “cave area” used in this
scenario had a cache of enemy weapons,
ammunition and chemicals. The trainees’
mission was to clear the area, keep vigilance on the outside of the cave and take an
inventory of the enemy cache. Once completed, they were to give the information to
their chain of command and wait for further
instruction. Upon the end of the exercise,
the team and cadre (instructors) conducted
a debrief, also called a “hot wash.” During
the hot wash, they discussed what could
have been done differently and more effectively. The trainees then regrouped and
continued on the mission with their new
knowledge. During the debrief, the cadre
made a few changes to the arrangement of
the equipment and contraband making the
next scenario different than the first.
Another group of trainees worked the
highway HAZMAT area of the tunnel. This
area was set up to represent a scenario
based exercise of a highway or tunnel venue
for terrorist created situations, hazardous
materials environments, or other designed
operations. The vehicle search, set up for the
New Mexico groups, was to clear the area of
the wreckage and look for the enemy. The
exercise had the team going through each
vehicle and looking for the enemy and any
victims of the wreckage. Once the vehicle
search was conducted and the vehicle
deemed safe and secure, they proceeded
to the next vehicle. After completing the
scenario the team convened for a hot wash.
After conducting the debrief, the team went
back to complete the new scenario, only
this time the lights were dimmed and the
“enemy” began to fire at the trainees. Both
teams were armed with simmunition, giving
the scenario a more realistic feel.
In the afternoon, three teams went out to
the field for land navigation training along
with tactics. The course took them through
a series of five points. The teams started
at the top of the hill plotting their navigation points. Once this was completed they
headed down to find the first point, which
was marked by an orange painted ammunition can. This was the marker for the next
point. Using a compass, a topographical
map, and other navigational techniques the
Army and Air Guard teams forged ahead,
quickly and efficiently conquering this segment of the course. .
Not all of the training was conducted in
the “Tunnel.” Classroom instruction played
a vital role in the training. The basic rope
instruction allowed the students to become
familiar with different types of ropes and the
understanding of the many intended uses
of rope. The information made students
aware of the strength and understanding
of how ropes come into play when doing
a search and rescue mission with rappelling. These techniques would be applied
at a later time.
Shooting fundamentals and “beam hit”
gave the Soldiers and Airmen a refresher
on basic rifle and beam hit marksmanship.
This instruction was prudent for hands
on training with a weapon. The students
practiced, cleaned and became even more
familiar with their weapons, increasing their
readiness.
While this only describes part of the training that was accomplished, the entire training process featured a total of 10 events.
The intent of all the planned scenarios is
to improve both the Army and Air Guard’s
response to terrorism and major disasters
through realistic training.
“They came together as New Mexico
Guardsmen from various parts of the state
and worked as one team,” said Castillo.
“These are motivated Soldiers and Airmen
that took this training opportunity and ran
with it. Once the teams came together, they
began to develop cohesiveness through
individual and team tactics, stressing
communication and real world incident
response.”
The second week of training encompassed squad tactics, confined space
training, collapsed structure victim rescue,
Military Operations on Urban Terrain training and Chemical Biological Radiological
Nuclear and Environmental training. Most
of the training was conducted in the Tunnel‘s
scenario based areas. The confined space
training was accomplished in complete
darkness while the students made their way
through a two-story structure to find a victim
who could not get out. The scenario made
the students rely on each other’s voice for
instruction as well as their senses. Working
in complete darkness elevated the level of
difficulty.
The “Rubble Pile” in its own right gave
the teams a workout. The area was set up
to look as if a large structure had collapsed,
and the teams’ mission was search and
rescue. The teams were taught to check the
debris field to ensure it was stable to transport “victims” and check areas for expired
persons. They were taught how to identify
and mark the areas so that other emergency
response personnel could move past the
areas marked or help with the recovery of
the victim(s).
The CNR personnel upped the ante by
dimming the lights, adding smoke, loud
music and screaming victims to the scenario. This put an added pressure to the
students, but overall they kept calm and
forged ahead with the task given to them.
They ‘daisy-chained’ the victims together,
creating a human chain, ensuring that they
got out of the rubble together. The injured
[played by mannequins] were placed on
backboards and carried out.
The rest of the training areas allowed the
teams both classroom and practical instruction. The overall training, which took many
months of planning, paid off for both the
Army and Air Guardsmen. Both sides realized a lot of their training was very similar
and they also had a newfound respect for the
specific areas specialized to each branch.
“From the brand new Airman to the
senior NCOs, the constant comment to me
was, ‘Sir, this is the best AT I have ever been
to.’ I can tell you that the hundreds of hours
that went into the preparation for this exercise by my team of professionals were well
spent and effective,” said Castillo
The camaraderie among the members
gave them a new sense of understanding
and awareness. Overall, the mission was
a success and new friendships were developed, giving this training a human touch to
another military adventure.
15
New Mexico National Guard
150th Fighter Wing Commander
relinquishes command
By Sgt. Kathee Mullins, 150th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
With a new day, a new set of missions and a new job, 150th
Fighter Wing Commander Col. Frederik G. Hartwig tells his New
Mexico National Guard family Aloha.
More than 800 Air National and Army National Guardsmen
were present as Hartwig prepared to relinquish his command of
the 150th Fighter Wing May 15, 2011.
Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya addressed the
Guard members, reminding them of the attack on our nation more
than nine years ago with over 3,000 innocent victims brutally murdered. He told the formation that nine years ago he had planned
to retire until that fatal day.
“Our country was attacked, and we were sworn to protect our
country. Be proud of who you are and what you become,” said
Montoya. “No mission takes precedence over another unless our
country needs it to at that time. Today’s ceremony is a relinquishment because of the Air Force Instruction and the interpretations
concerning rated officers. Either way, we will have the leadership
that will take you into the future. Either way, it is you that will make
the leadership great. You are America’s Guard, you have to be
great!” Montoya added.
“I have been to combat with this wing, and I can assure
you there are no finer Airmen or citizen warriors.”
– Col. Frederik G. Hartwig
Montoya commended Hartwig for his tenure while serving as
the commander of the 150th FW.
“Speaking of great, Col. Hartwig stood out, the character in his
heart, his willingness to get the job done. He knew when to stand
up to me, when to fight, and when to advise me. Col. Hartwig, You
do an excellent job, I thank you for your service,” said Montoya.
Hartwig was commissioned through the Officer Training School
program in 1984. After completing undergraduate pilot training,
he became an instructor pilot in the T-37 at Columbus AFB, Miss.
He transitioned to the Air National Guard in 1999 as a traditional
Guardsman in the District of Columbia Air National Guard and eventually accepted a full time position with the New Mexico Air National
Guard in December 2000. He has served as 150th FW chief of
plans, 150th Operations Group chief of standards and evaluations,
and 188th Fighter Squadron operations officer. Most recently, he
served as commander of the 150th Operations Group.
“I just want to thank the group that has planned and spearheaded the formations for the last year and a half, because if
16
Col. Frederik G. Hartwig presents the 150th Fighter Wing guidon to Brig.
Gen. John D. Bledsoe during the 150th Fighter Wing’s relinquishing of
command ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., May 15, 2011.
practice makes perfect, then by God, we have perfected it with
a formation every drill,” said Hartwig as his fellow Guard family
members laughed.
“I have been to combat with this wing and I can assure you
there are no finer Airmen or citizen warriors. Our future missions,
as are each of you, are equally important. It has been inspiring
and an honor to have served you and with you. Now I think the
only thing left for me to say is Aloha,” said the outgoing wing
commander.
AS ENERGY COSTS INCREASE,
USE MUST DECREASE
By Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Mallary
Construction & Facilities Management Office, NMARNG
Imagine arriving home on a winter day.
The gas furnace is running full blast. The
back door is open as your children play
outside. When asked, they say that it’s
easier to leave it open. You close the door
and turn off lights, televisions and game
consoles in empty rooms.
Six months later you come home on
a summer day to find the same situation,
only now it’s cooled air escaping. Again,
you close the door and turn off unattended
lights and appliances.
These scenarios are fictitious at home.
Your kids know better and you care
because waste costs you money. However, this is a daily reality in New Mexico
National Guard facilities. Look around.
Somewhere a door is propped open
because it’s easier than finding the key.
An office has windows open because it’s
too hot or cold. Lights are on in empty
latrines, storage rooms and even the drill
hall. Sprinklers spray as much water onto
concrete as they do grass.
The problem is that people don’t think
about energy at work because they don’t
know that they are paying for it. If you work
for the New Mexico National Guard, even
part time, you pay income tax. Tax dollars
pay for our utilities. Federal money flows
from the national defense budget. Money
lost to waste could be spent on pay raises,
benefits or new equipment.
Waste has a local impact. Consider that
cracked sidewalk in front of the armory.
Every year it gets worse. Blame the Construction & Facilities Management Office if
you like, but realize that we pay for utilities
out of the same account used for maintenance. Since we cannot operate without
utilities, repairs have to be postponed.
The situation is about to worsen. The
New Mexico Gas Company has requested
state permission to raise rates. If approved,
this means an 8.5 percent increase beginning February 2012. To be fair, the New
Mexico Gas Company has offered compelling reasons for the increase. Since 2005,
the company has invested more than $215
million in infrastructure and plans on spending another $34 million in 2011 for more
improvements. The price hike, however,
will affect the New Mexico National Guard.
What can you do to help? It’s easier
than you think. Close doors and windows
when the air is conditioned. Exterior doors
are important, but interior doors count too.
It’s wasteful to condition air in unoccupied
areas. If the foyer has two sets of doors, it’s
for insulation – not looks. Close both sets.
Set thermostats to no lower than 78
degrees in summer and no higher than
65 degrees in winter. During unoccupied
hours, thermostats should be set back at
least 10 degrees. This can save at least 10
percent on our energy bills.
Turn off unused lights. The last person
exiting a room should do this. Lights should
also be turned off when there is enough daylight from windows with which to work. Outside lights should be shut off after dawn.
Turn off computers, copiers and other
appliances when not in use. Leaving office
machines on during non-duty hours wastes
money.
Watch how water is used at your building. Sinks and showers should have water
running only when they are being actively
used. The C&FMO has published guidance
that personnel take “combat” showers.
The C&FMO is aggressively reducing
energy use and increasing renewable
energy, such as wind turbines and solar
panels. Additional ideas are welcome, but
compliance is expected. Remember, it is
your money.
17
Region 7 Top SOLDIER,
NCO of the Year
By Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez, State Public Affairs NCO, JFHQ, and Spc. Charles Martinez,
Photojournalist, 200th Public Affairs Detachment
At the end of three days of being pushed to
their limits and being tested, 12 noncommissioned
officers and three junior enlisted representing the
states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, New
Mexico, Nevada, Utah and the territory of Guam
gathered together with their sponsors and members of their chains of command to find out who
would be named NCO and Soldier of the Year in the
Region 7 Warrior of the Year competition in Santa
Fe, New Mexico.
The first day of the competition started with the
Army Physical Fitness Test. Following that, Soldiers
and NCOs went to range for weapons qualification. The day’s final event was held in a classroom,
Soldiers were challenged in an appearance board
chaired by the state’s Army National Guard’s most
senior NCOs.
Day two started at 6:00 a.m. with Army Warrior
Task lanes to test their abilities in nuclear, biological
and chemical attack, weapons, first aid, communications, and disassembling of a weapon. Next
competitors embarked on a Black Hawk UH60 and
traveled to Camel Tracks training site to the land
navigation course. Competitors had four hours,
using a map, compass and terrain association, to
locate up to five points.
Day three began with a written test and then a
five-mile road march with rucksacks weighing at
least 35 pounds. The road march was made more
demanding due to severe weather during the event.
The state of Utah went “Beyond the Standard”
this year sweeping both top spots. Winning the title
of NCO of the Year was Sgt. Guy Mellor, a member
of B. Battery, 1st Battalion, 145th Field Artillery, and
a native of Fayette, Utah. His biggest challenge this
year presented itself during the final ruck march.
“The wind was my biggest challenge,” said Mellor.
“When it was blowing against me it made the march
very difficult.”
Taking the title of Soldier of the Year was Spc.
Alessandra Jacobson. The Salt Lake City native is
a member of HHC, 204th Maneuver Enhancement
Brigade. “My biggest challenge was having to constantly push myself all of the time because I was
not sure of my place among the other competing
Soldiers,” she said.
For their efforts they were both awarded the
Army Commendation Medal, a statue and a back
pack.
18
CSM retires after 39 years of service
With 39 years of service, former State
Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Bryant retired
from the New Mexico National Guard April
1, 2011.
Bryant joined the New Mexico National
Guard in February 1972. He began his
career as a mechanic with Detachment 1,
Battery A., 4th Battalion, 200th ADA in Clayton, N.M. Since joining the Guard Bryant
has held various positions to include platoon sergeant, first sergeant, PAC supervisor, SIDPERS NCOIC, personnel sergeant
major, 93rd Brigade command sergeant
major, and state command sergeant major.
Bryant finished his career as the recruiting
and retention command sergeant major.
“When you work full time in the Guard
you get a chance to get a lot of MOSs and
work in different areas,” said Bryant.
After working in numerous positions,
Bryant said the highlight to his career was
becoming the state command sergeant
major and working as the military personnel sergeant major (the first enlisted full
time military personnel manager).
“That’s where the Soldiers are,” said
Bryant. “That’s where you have the most
impact on Soldiers’ careers. You have the
insight on issues that need to be fixed and
the opportunity to help fix those issues.”
Even though he is retired now, Bryant is
still helping Soldiers with issues, except now
they are education issues. Shortly after retiring, Bryant was hired to work as the tuition
assistance manager in the education office.
“It’s been easy to transition because
I’m still here working with Soldiers,” said
Bryant. “But I wore the uniform for 39 years
and it’s difficult to put it up.”
Bryant’s wife, Liz Bryant who is also
a command sergeant major in the New
Mexico National Guard, said that even
though she is extremely proud of her husband’s accomplishments, his retirement
has been bittersweet.
“Sweet in the sense that he made it to
the highest NCO position in our Guard,
and had the opportunity to truly make a
difference with our Soldiers,” said Liz. “It’s
been bitter in the sense that after so many
years of serving and wearing the uniform,
it becomes so much a part of a person. He
lived it to the fullest. He has always been
a Soldier’s ‘Soldier’ first and foremost and
that makes it hard to leave the military.”
And although Bryant still won’t be getting anything done at home, Liz said it’s ok
because he still serving Soldiers and additionally is there for mentorship.
“He gave 39 years to the Guard and
he is still passionate and motivated,” she
said. “He loves the Guard; he has given
his whole life to the Guard. I have seen him
take phone calls in the middle of the night,
or go out on the weekends to someone’s
house because they need help. He is a
remarkable man, NCO, and spouse.”
But like any person, Bryant was faced
with trials. In 2007 he was diagnosed
with stage 4 cancer. After three months
of chemo and radiation treatments, plus
an esophagectomy, he survived his battle
with cancer.
“When he was battling cancer, he never
missed a beat,” said Liz. “Most individuals
can’t do that. It shows true resiliency and
drive to beat the odds. He came to work
every day – and never allowed himself to
just stay home and stay in bed.”
Last October, the Bryant family was yet
again faced with another challenge. The
Bryants’ younger son James, who serves
with the 101st Airborne Division, “Strike
Force,” Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was
injured in Afghanistan by an improvised
explosive device and according to Liz, it
was Bryant that keep the family together
during that difficult time.
“We did not know what to expect when
we flew out to Brook Army Medical Center.
Richard saw James first and prepared us
all for what we were faced with,” said Liz.
The Bryants said it was an emotional
time for their family. Not only did James
come home, but their older son Johnathan who was serving in Iraq at the time of
James’ injury also came home. Johnathan
was allowed to escort his brother home
from Landstul, Germany. They said it
was a good feeling having both their sons
home from Iraq and Afghanistan.
“It takes a strong individual in faith and
a positive attitude to hold a family together.
He has been the foundation for our family;
he never lets us quit and helps us see just
how lucky we truly are.”
Liz said no matter what Bryant was going
through he always said, “Dig deep, don’t
quit, and have faith.”
“James saw that his whole life. He
learned that resilience from an early age
from Richard and our family truly believes
that is why James is doing so well. He has
a good outlook toward life and is able to
deal with his injury and now, his disabilities. His success is because of his dad.”
During Bryant’s retirement dinner, his
daughters Rebecca and Sarah said they are
also very proud of their dad. They both said
they never truly realized how special their
dad was. Nor did they realize just how much
the Guard meant to him his whole career.
“The girls have done very well because
of their dad’s love and patience. They also
learned positivity, drive and diligence at an
early age” said Liz.
“Patience,” Bryant says is the key to a
successful career.
“You work hard, have patience, and
give it your best and it will pay off. Also,
keep your Army Values, live by them and
you can’t go wrong.”
Equally important, Bryant said that
having a supportive family is also crucial to
a successful career.
“Liz is my biggest supporter. When
you’re dual members you both know
the Guard and what it requires. She was
always there when there were any doubts
or when I needed anything. She still is. It
makes a difference when you have that
support,” said Bryant.
So what does someone do after serving 39 years in the military? According to
Bryant; do some fishing.
“I got new fishing equipment for my
retirement so I want to take some time to
get to use it. I have a little more time to do
work around the house and spend time
with my grandkids,” said Bryant.
19
Lt. Gen. Wyatt speaks to Air Guard troops as
they rally to the new changes for the 150th Wing
By Tech. Sgt Kathee Mullins, 150th Public Affairs Office
The maintenance hangar was filled with anxious Air Guard troops waiting to hear guidance on the new mission and upcoming changes.
Director of the Air National Guard, Lt. Gen. Harry “Bud” M. Wyatt made a visit to the
150th Fighter Wing of the New Mexico Air National Guard at Kirtland Air Force Base, as Air
Guard members started the transition from the old mission to new ones.
As Wyatt took the podium he put his
notes away telling fellow Guard members.
“I have two pairs of glasses, I think I
am ready….I just want to talk to you from
the heart about the future, your future (as
Guard members).”
“I have had a close relationship with the
150th (Fighter Wing). I have a fondness
for the ‘Tacos.’ I know that it is difficult
to give up the F-16 mission. There is an
uncertainty…but I am proud of you for how
well you are making the change and your
aggressiveness. The 150th has a proud
legacy, and I now you will be best at what
you do, even through the uncertainty. We
don’t want to lose the most valuable asset
the Air National Guard has — you,” the
director told the formation.
“Be ready for change, understand
the challenges you will face, be ready for
20
changing landscapes. You now have a
bright future. Adjutant General (Kenny)
Montoya was courageous. He pressed
forward, carrying the ball, respectfully
asking the right questions. Command Chief
(Master Sgt. Christopher) Muncy was your
eyes and ears, for the ANG, for you. It is
difficult to get out of your comfort zone for a
new mission, but you are at the front end of
change at the ANG. I applaud you for what
you have done and what you will get done,”
Wyatt told the Guardsmen and women.
Wyatt spoke of the Red Horse mission
and the upcoming integration with the 58th
Special Operations Wing. He told them how
the new missions will give Guardsmen and
women the chance to have vital capabilities for stateside and overseas. Because of
the New Mexico Air National Guard’s proactive stance, the general said not only
were they facing a great future but were in
the forefront of the cyber experience and
that would in turn give future capabilities
with force protection sets of the future.
The director and his staff went throughout the 150th Wing complex meeting fellow
Guard members, recognizing outstanding
Airmen with general coins and shaking
hands, answering questions and becoming more familiar with one of his many
Guard families.
Richard Rico, director of staff for the Air
National Guard Readiness Center said,
“It is great to get out to see the people,
sometimes we don’t get to do it enough.
It is very rewarding. We get re-invigorated
seeing the young Airmen.”
Air Guard Command Chief Muncy
spoke to the troops at a later formation
about the bright future for the 150th Wing
and her members.
“This unit is awesome. The Tacos are
ready for the change, have the right mind
set and you can weather the change.
Guardsmen can do anything! Tell your
story. The 150th has a story, a heritage —
tell that story; tell your story. We can blame
the rest of the world or we can accept it on
ourselves and make it better. Be proud of
what you do!” said Muncy.
Col. Frederik G. Hartwig, 150th Wing
commander, thanked Wyatt and his staff
for their visit to the unit.
“Your coming here shows the Airmen
their relevance and how important they
are, as a whole and individually,” said
Hartwig. “We continue to look at the big
picture here at the 150th.”
The New Mexico Air National Guard continues to change as the needs of national
defense, both humanitarian and militarily,
change. The Tacos were federally recognized on July 7, 1947, as the 188th Fighter
Bomber Squadron.
The New Mexico Air National Guard has
undergone several aircraft conversions
throughout its history, including the F-80,
F-100, A-7D and F-16C. Major accomplishments of the unit include: first Air National
Guard unit to receive the F-100 and A-7D
fighter aircraft, first Air National Guard unit
to receive the Low Altitude Night Targeting
Infra Red Navigational system equipped
F-16C fighter aircraft, first Air National
Guard to be assigned to the prestigious
Rapid Deployment Force, first Air National
Guard unit to participate in Bright Star
joint service exercises in Southwest Asia,
first Air National Guard unit to receive the
Low Altitude Night Attack modification
to the A-7, first Air National Guard unit to
participate in a deployed bare base operational readiness inspection, and first Air
National Guard unit to have a crew chief as
“The 150th has always been
good at what they do.”
– Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt
a member of the Air Force Thunderbirds.
Members of the New Mexico Air National
Guard have been activated during the Korean
Conflict, Pueblo Crisis during the Vietnam
Conflict, Operation Desert Storm, Operation
Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom and Operation
Enduring Freedom and have a long heritage
as defenders of state and national security.
“I am so impressed with what this Wing
has done. I am thoroughly impressed by
the Wing, the top leaders; high to low, and
how they have embraced the new mission.
Change is hard, even good change (is hard).
I feel that when we look back, we will be glad
we made the change. We have to take it one
piece at a time, day by day, but we have to
make (the effort) everyday. The 150th has
always been good at what they do, I don’t
see the 150th ever going away, (this particular mission as a Fighter Wing has), but
the 150th Wing is more encompassing with
bigger shoes to fill,” Wyatt said.
The new missions coupled with the loss of
the F-16 aircraft are a big change for the New
Mexico Air National Guard, but as always,
the ‘Tacos’ are ready for the challenge.
21
Fresh focus
Responsibility of MNBG E transferred to new leadership
By Staff Sgt. Anna Doo, 200th PAD
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - Hundreds of service members representing 10
countries, participated in the official transfer of authority ceremony of Multinational
Battle Group East from Col. Francisco J.
Neuman to Col. Michael D. Schwartz here,
April 2. The MNBG E sector of responsibility, including all of Kosovo, supports the
NATO mission to maintain an environment
of protection and well-being as well as
allowing for freedom of movement for the
people in Kosovo.
The transfer of authority is rich in history
and ritual, dating back to the eighteenth
century during the reign of Frederick the
Great of Prussia. During that time, flags
were created with symbols and colors
unique to each unit. To the flag as a representation of the unit, and to the commander, Soldiers would dedicate their loyalty and trust. During a transfer of authority
or a change of command, the flag would
be passed to the individual taking command showing a shift of authority. This
action was performed with the unit present so all could see who was assuming
responsibility of the group. The allegiance
of the troops belonged to the flag and the
leader who held it. This tradition is still in
practice today.
As part of the transfer of authority ceremony, the commander performs a review
of the troops’ condition and state of readiness prior to battle. During the April 2 ceremony, the Kosovo Forces commander,
Maj. Gen. Erhard Buehler was afforded the
opportunity to review the incoming MNBG
E Kosovo Forces 14 Soldiers. Standing in
front of him were Soldiers from France,
Germany, Greece (Hellas), Morocco,
Poland, Turkey, United States of America
and Ukraine. These nations constitute
MNBG E now led by Schwartz.
Schwartz, of Clovis, New Mexico, commander of the 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, based in Rio Rancho, New
Mexico, and the Soldiers under his command, officially accepted responsibility
22
of MNBG E from Neuman,
of Ponce, Puerto Rico, commander of the 92nd Maneuver
Enhancement Brigade, San Col. Michael D. Schwartz, right, and Command Sgt. Maj. Abel
Juan, Puerto Rico, and the Sol- Villesca, left, salute the 111th Manauever Enhancement Brigade
colors during a transfer of authority ceremony between KFOR
diers in his battle group.
“It is an honor to assume 13 and KFOR 14. Photo: Spc. Evan V. Lane
the KFOR mission, and I look
forward to continuing to build on the work friendly Soldiers who are around,” Tebo
accomplished by my predecessors,” said said.
Schwartz. “It is apparent that KFOR has
Quillen added the same sentiment of
proved its ability to maintain a safe and gaining experience for his fellow sergeants,
secure environment as well as ensuring and for himself while here in Kosovo. Tebo
freedom of movement for all residents in and Quillien are both glad to have the
Kosovo.”
opportunity to meet Soldiers from many
More than three months of training and parts of the world adding to the overall
years of preparation led to this stage of a experience of the deployment.
yearlong deployment for the U.S. Soldiers
The ceremony itself was a multinarepresenting 22 states and U.S. territories. tional affair with the Greek (Hellas) Band
Home station training began in January for playing the sharp resounding notes of
many of the Soldiers which led to collective all the ceremonial music and marches,
training at Camp Atterbury, Ind., and then and each nation standing in formation
to the Joint Maneuver Readiness Center, responding to the commands of their
Hohenfels, Germany, before arriving at respective leaders with crisp movements.
Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, in late March.
The multihued uniforms aligned in front of
“We have come together from all over Buehler, Schwartz and Neuman were all
the United States and have built a strong, different, yet when mixed together in the
cohesive organization,” said Schwartz. melting pot of the NATO mission create
“As commander of Multinational Battle a force focused on providing a sense of
Group East I look forward to building a security for those in Kosovo.
strong relationship with all our multina“It’s an honor for me to lead Multinational partners. Together we are a more tional Battle Group East,” said Schwartz,
mobile and deployable battle group, able “as we represent the best of the internato respond on a moment’s notice any- tional community. We come from many
where at any time.”
areas of the world and from many different
Prior to and during the ceremony, the cultures with a shared goal of maintaining
multinational aspect of the NATO mission a safe and secure environment with freehere was apparent. A U.S. Soldier, 2nd Lt. dom of movement throughout Kosovo.”
Christopher Tebo, a platoon leader of the
As the Soldiers of KFOR 14 wish those
Maneuver Contingency, and French Soldier, who comprised KFOR 13 farewell, they
Sgt. Quillien, a patrol leader in the French look to the months ahead and the mission
Contingency were discussing their duties set forth before them. The professionals
in their respective formations. Both Tebo will spend their time here maintaining the
and Quillien lead patrols and missions and liberty of movement for those in Kosovo,
both are looking forward to the deployment allowing for the people to conduct their
as a way to gain more experience.
daily business with a sense of safety and
“I will learn a lot from my Soldiers, from working with the institutions in Kosovo to
my chain of command, and from other continue to grow and strengthen.
Service before Self: A way of life
By Staff Sgt. Rick M. Ahumada
The United States Air Force has three
main Core Values that Airmen model themselves after; “Integrity First”, “Service before
Self” and “Excellence in all we do”. The
Core Values are much more than minimum
standards. They remind each Airman what it
takes to get the mission done. They inspire
Airmen to do their very best at all times. They
are the common bond among all comrades
in arms, and they are the glue that unifies the
Force and ties service members to the great
warriors and public servants of the past.
At the New Mexico Air National Guard
150th Fighter Wing, the members are taking
the core value “Service before Self” straight
into the community in which they work.
As the 150th FW prepares for the transition from a fighter wing to a multi-purpose
wing, several squadrons found extra time
to serve the community they enlisted to
protect. Recently, they have been protecting it in an entirely different manner.
With the economy in a recession, many
individuals have found themselves in serious
financial distress. Some individuals and
families have lost jobs, homes, and the ability to provide for themselves and their families. Agencies like community food banks
and shelters have been overwhelmed by the
demand for services and need all the donations and support they can get. More importantly, they need volunteers to help sort and
distribute their donations and services.
This is where the 150th Maintenance
Operations Flight Squadron comes in.
Tech Sgt. Jason Canham and Master Sgt.
Mike Stage of the 150th MOF took time off
their busy schedules to volunteer and serve
their community. Recently, Canham coordinated an event where 150th MOF squadron
members volunteered at the Road Runner
Food Bank in Albuquerque. The volunteer
Guardsmen and women sorted and packaged food for distribution to needy families.
Another event, coordinated by Stage,
was where the 150th MOF served breakfast to homeless families at Joy Junction in
Albuquerque.
New Mexico Air Guard members not
only understand that they are here to serve
our country and our state, but they also
understand that they are here to serve the
community in which they live and work.
As Stage said, “It is important to help
those in need because any one of us could
find ourselves in the same situation; and
we would hope that there would be a place
we could go for help.”
As Air Guard members, it is important to
never forget our core values: Integrity First,
Service before Self and Excellence in all
we do. Guard members like Canham and
Stage remind all Guard members of the reasons they became Airmen and answered
the call.
23
Incredible
Volunteers
Cricket Pairett from the New Mexico
Disaster Relief Group and her team of dedicated volunteers have donated in excess
of 2,100 hours in daycare and youth
program services to Guard families and
Family Readiness volunteers at various
New Mexico National Guard Yellow Ribbon
Program Pre- and Post-Deployment Workshops in addition to the Family Program
State Workshop, supporting both Army
and Air Guard events since 2009.
In addition to donating their time to our
Guard families, they also assist the Red
Cross and help set up daycare services
during disaster relief efforts throughout
the state and the nation when called upon.
The volunteers, who undergo continual
training, wholeheartedly donate their weekends to our National Guard families, keeping their skills honed and ensuring they
By Eliane Notah,
NMNG Family Program
are ready to assist at a moment’s notice
for any disaster.
Over 200 Army and Air Guard children
between infancy and 10 years of age benefit from the expertise and enthusiasm
of the volunteers. The children also have
the opportunity to enjoy a stress-free and
fun weekend while their parents attended
break-out sessions to prepare them for fullcycle deployment through post-deployment reintegration.
The Disaster Relief Group volunteers
have a curriculum for children age 5 to 10
and have a group of specialized volunteers
for children under 5 years of age. They
provide their own games, activities, supplies and toys for the children to keep them
occupied for the entire workshop.
Volunteers pour their caring energy
into assisting our Family Program Daycare
and Youth Programs, thereby enabling our
Guard families to attend workshops vital
for deployment resilience.
Family Programs has several upcoming workshops scheduled and the Disaster
Relief Volunteers have already committed
their daycare resources for these upcoming workshops.
The New Mexico National Guard Family
Program would like to take this opportunity to recognize Cricket Pairett and the
team of dedicated New Mexico Disaster
Relief Group Volunteers for the outstanding service they have provided to our
guard families.
920th Pic & Cut
920th partakes in
Military Appreciation Weekend
The 920th Engineer Company had the honor of taking part of the Military Appreciation Weekend in Ruidoso, N.M., April 29–May 1, 2011. Members of the 920th staged engineer equipment at the airport for the public to see. Two Bataan veterans as well as a Vietnam POW
were in attendance during the weekend. The city of Ruidoso treated all branches of service during the weekend with a cowboy shootout and dinner on Friday, then a very elegant
banquet on Saturday evening. Retired Brig. Gen. Jack Fox was in attendance during the
banquet and was the guest speaker. A covenant was signed with local mayors and area
commanders from each branch of service at the banquet.
24
25
NEWS BRIEFS
Guard Soldier
receives citizenship
Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, the Adjutant
General of New Mexico, assisted newly promoted Col. Mark Arellano’s parents, Marie
and Edward Arellano, in pinning colonel rank
on his beret during a promotion ceremony.
Lt. Col. Marc Arellano
promoted to Colonel
Lt. Col. Marc Arellano, the counterdrug coordinator and Task Force ZIA
commander, was promoted to colonel
April 13, 2011 at the Wyoming Armory
in Albuquerque, N.M.
Surrounded by friends and family
members, Arellano’s daughter, Brittany, who is in the Naval ROTC at West
Mesa High School, read his official promotion order while his son, Marc Christopher, pinned his rank on his chest.
Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, Adjutant
General for the State of New Mexico,
assisted Arellano’s parents, Marie and
Edward Arellano, in pinning colonel
rank on his beret.
“This promotion means more than a
grade increase; rather it humbles me as
a servant of the true patriots that got me
where I am today - our Soldiers!” said
Arellano.
Change of Command
1st Battalion, 515th Regiment
Lt. Col. Raphael Warren relinquished
command of the 1st Battalion, 515th
Regiment to Lt. Col. Milo Moody during
a Change of Command ceremony May
14, 2011, at the Regional Training Institute in Santa Fe, N.M.
“God has blessed me with the privilege of commanding a unit with the
exclusive mission of training Soldiers,”
said Moody. “I can think of no more
noble call — apart from defending our
26
Col. Thomas Bump, 515th Regional Training Institute commander, passes the guidon
to the incoming commander, Lt. Col. Milo
Moody, during a Change of Command ceremony for the 1st Battalion, 515th Regiment.
freedoms or helping our citizens in
need — than training Soldiers.”
Moody, who enlisted in the New
Mexico Army National Guard in 1988,
has previously held various positions
at the RTI which include the plans and
operations officer as well as the administrative officer.
Moody said his plan for the battalion
is to focus their efforts on providing the
very best training available to the Soldiers that walk through the RTI doors
and produce better warriors upon completion of that training.
“Without a doubt we have the very
best NCOs as our instructors, and they’ll
provide that training,” said Moody. “My
desire is that the Soldiers that attend
training here find their training experience the very best they’ve ever encountered. They should feel challenged, and
be made to operate outside of their
individual and collective comfort zone,
but leave with a sense of accomplishment, having learned something about
themselves, their formation and about
leading Soldiers.”
Moody is married to the former Gloria
M. Rivera from Santa Fe, N.M., and has
three children; Nathan Romero 25, Milo
W. Moody II 19 and Mariah Moody 17.
The title Citizen-Soldier recently
took on new meaning for one member
of the New Mexico National Guard. Pfc.
Jaime Gutierrez of Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, became a
U.S. citizen at a ceremony during the
December drill in Rio Rancho, N.M.
Because of his military service, Gutierrez’s application for citizenship was
expedited under special provisions of
the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Gutierrez immigrated to the United
States from Mexico with his family in
1987 when he was 7 years old. He
said that his parents, Jaime Sr. and
Martha Gutierrez, came to this country
seeking “better opportunities in life.”
His parents brought Gutierrez and his
brother, Christian, to their new home.
Gutierrez enlisted into the New
Mexico National Guard in October
2009. He completed Basic Combat
Training at Fort Sill, Okla., and then
graduated from Advanced Individual
Training as a signal support systems
specialist at Fort Gordon, Ga. Although
joining the military was something that
Gutierrez had always wanted to do, he
said, he first had to talk it over with his
wife, Michelle. The couple has three
children: daughters Angelica, age 4,
and Valerie, 11, and Gutierrez’s stepson, Dominic Romero, 15.
Since completing his initial entry
training, Gutierrez has already enjoyed
further travel within the United States.
He performed temporary duty in Indiana and Pennsylvania helping other
New Mexico National Guard Soldiers
to mobilize and deploy.
“I’d like to thank the military for the
opportunity they’ve given me and also
my wife for all the support she’s given
me; she’s my rock,” Gutierrez said.
He added that he is grateful for the
expedited citizenship afforded by his
military service. “It sped things up a
lot. It really helped,” he said.
As for becoming a U.S. citizen, Gutierrez simply said, “I feel better.”
NEWS BRIEFS
615th Change of
Command Ceremony
Pfc. Alfredo Salazar, C Company, 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry Regiment, is presented
with a Certificate of Appreciation from Lt. Col.
Ricky Utley and Sgt. Maj. Duane W. Parrigin,
from the Army National Guard Affairs Office
in Germany.
Soldiers going
“Beyond the Standard”
at home and abroad
While preparing to deploy to Kosovo,
Pfc. Alfredo Salazar, C Company, 1st
Battalion, 200th Infantry Regiment,
was presented with a Certificate of
Appreciation from Lt. Col. Ricky Utley
and Sgt. Maj. Duane W. Parrigin, from
the Army National Guard Affairs Office
in Germany, for his help during his
medical hold.
Salazar was on a light duty profile so
he helped paint one of the rooms for
ODT units in order for them to open it
to units as a classroom.
“He basically spackled the holes,
taped the items and painted the room
for us,” said Parrigin. “He asked if we
had anything he could help with, so
we offered it to him. He said he would
do it.”
Salazar also assisted the supply sergeant at PBO by picking up supplies
and running errands with him.
Parrigin and his office members
were so grateful for Salazar’s help that
they made sure he had transportation
to his DENTAC appointments, chow,
etc. Once he was cleared by dental
to return to his unit they worked it with
JMRC S-4 to get him on the flight to
Kosovo. They volunteered to take him
to Ramstein Air Base to catch his flight.
Salazar is currently back with his
unit in Kosovo.
A Change of Command ceremony
for the 615th Transportation Battalion
took place April 10, 2011, as Lt. Col.
Mark Miera relinquished command to
Lt. Col. Louis Herrera.
Miera was presented with a token of
appreciation, an eagle head, from Command Sgt. Maj. Andy Maestas, 615th
Transportation Battalion CSM, on behalf
of the enlisted Soldiers from the battalion for his dedication of service during
his time as the 615th commander.
Herrera, the incoming commander
of the 615th and a native of Questa,
N.M., was commissioned as a second
lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers Feb. 17, 1984, through the Fort
Benning Officer Candidate School
program in Georgia. He received his
bachelor’s degree from New Mexico
Highlands University and his master’s
from Purdue University and is also a
graduate of the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, Executive
Management Program.
Herrera began his military career
on active duty with the 16th Engineer
Combat Battalion, 1st Armored Division
in Nuremberg, Germany. After nearly
13 years of active service, Herrera left
the military and joined Nextel International as vice president of engineering
and operations for Latin America. In
2006, Herrera joined the New Mexico
National Guard as a senior engineer
Col. Norbert Archibeque, 93rd Brigade commander, passes the guidon to the incoming
commander, Lt. Col. Louis Herrera, during
a Change of Command ceremony for the
615th Transportation Battalion April 10,
2011, in Springer, N.M.
in the 111th Maneuver Enhancement
Brigade. He was then assigned as
the 717th Brigade Support Battalion
executive officer and most recently
was assigned as the deputy brigade
commander for the 111th Maneuver
Enhancement Brigade.
Herrera is married to the former
Elizabeth S. Rodriquez; they have three
children, Denise, Bernadette and U.S.
Army 2nd Lt. Louis Herrera Jr.
Col. Donnie Quintana, the logistics deputy
chief of staff, is pinned by his daughter, Destinie Quintana and his mom, Sadie, during a
promotion ceremony March 28, 2011, at the
Regional Training Institute in Santa Fe, N.M.
Lt. Col. Donnie Quintana
promoted to Colonel
Lt. Col. Donnie Quintana, the logistics
deputy chief of staff, was promoted to
colonel March 28, 2011, at the Regional
Training Institute in Santa Fe, N.M.
Quintana was pinned by his daughter,
Destinie Quintana and his mom, Sadie.
“I would like to recognize and thank
my family for all their unwavering support throughout my career,” said Quintana. “I am truly honored and humbled
to be given the opportunity to serve in
this capacity in such a great and professional organization.”
27
Defending Champs Dominate TAG Challenge
The Spring TAG Challenge, held
May 14, 2011 at the Onate Complex in
Santa Fe, ended with another victory
going to B. Co. 1st Battalion, 200th
Infantry Regiment. The defending
champs dominated the competition
placing 1st in three out of four team
events and 3rd in the final event.
The first event of the competition
was completing the Army Physical
Fitness Test, which consisted of twominute push-ups, two-minute sit-ups
followed by a two-mile run. Next,
each competitor had to complete a
4.1-mile ruck march. The ruck sacks
had to meet a minimum weight of 35
pounds, making this part of the competition a bit more challenging. Once
this event was completed, they made
their way back to the PT Field where
the pull-up competition began. Each
member had to complete as many
pull-ups as they could. The final event
of the day was the team relay which
consisted of the weapon disassembly/assembly, water can haul, the tire
flip, and the litter drag.
Other teams that participated in the
Spring Challenge were 226th Military
Police Company, 717th Brigade Support Battalion, HHC 111th Maneuver
Enhancement Brigade, 515th Combat
Service Support Battalion, Joint
Forces Headquarters, A. Co. 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry Regiment, and
the 615th Transportation Battalion.
The following were given awards
for placing in individual and team
events:
Fastest Ruck
Team Name
28
Score
APFT
Female Top 3
Name
Score
Top Pull Up Avg.
Team Name
Score
B. Co 1/200
100
A. Co 1/200
100
B. Co 1/200
100
A. Co 1/200
80
515th CCSB
80
A. Co 1/200/615th
80
515th CCSB
60
B. Co 1/200
60
JFHQ/615th
60
Suazo, Melanie
271
Armada, Crisha
266
Kee, Constance
263
Male Top 3
Fastest Relay
Team Name
Score
Name
Score
Espinoza, Jesse
300
Sanchez, Christopher
299
Goke, Richard
296

New Mexico Minuteman

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