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June 2014

Volume 1, Issue 2 HQ Growler

Special Interest

Articles:

• CLS Training

• Bataan Death

March

• Senior Leadership

Workshop

• Interview with

Col Anthenien

Individual

Highlights:

SGM Cabassa Receives LOM 2

Combat Life Saver Training 2

Oaths, Awards & Promotions 3

Bataan Memorial Death March 4

HAZDEC Training 5

Stanford Chronic Disease Self- Management Program 5

Senior Leadership Workshop 6

Interview with a Patriot 7

Drought Intensifies Wildfire Season 10

Quarterly Newsletter of the California State Military Reserve Headquarters Company

Training and readiness to

support development of

OPLAN 3000-11-02 (Civil

Support) is the focus of

The Adjutant General’s

memorandum published

on 26 March 2014. In his

memo, MG Baldwin

directs all Senior

Leadership in the

California Military

Department to establish

training plans that address

all aspects of the Guard’s

operations including

tactical tasks, support and

sustainment tasks, and

staff and leader

requirements.

The CSMR Headquarters

did not escape his

attention. The TAG

specifically directed us to

Company Commander’s Message

2015 Officer Candidate School Announced

Training Command has

announced the Officer

Candidate/Warrant Officer

Candidate School

Selection Board will be

convened at Camp San

Luis Obispo on 14 Sept

2014, to select members

of the CSMR to participate

in the Officer Candidate

School Class that will

begin in 2014 and

graduate in 2015. There

are sixty open school

billets available to

qualified candidates.

train for Civil Support and

ordered us to fully

integrate into the Joint

Staff as directed as part of

the CMD Strategic

Initiative Priority: Effective

Organizations. The TAG’s

expectation is that training

will embrace a team

approach and rely on the

expertise of our Non-

Commissioned Officers.

In compliance with the

TAG’s intent,

Headquarters Company

will conduct training that

emphasizes our support

roles during a disaster. I

will work with the various

Directorates and Special

Teams to prepare and

conduct awareness level

training over the next 12

months. We’ll start with

the June drill by having

the Provost Marshall’s

Office conduct Terrorism

Awareness Training

immediately after our

morning ceremony. Future

training will cover the

duties of our liaison

officers, communication

support, disaster planning,

and our contracting team.

We’ll also slip in the

Guard’s Resilience, Risk

Reduction and Suicide

Prevention (R3SP), and

Sexual Harassment/

Assault Response and

Prevention (SHARP)

training.

Andrew Rush, CPT

Commander, HHC

To be considered for

participation in this

program, applicants must

meet several prerequisites

including being at least 21

years of age and have

completed at least 60

college units. Additional

requirements are

described in the

announcement memo.

Interested Service

Members must submit a

fully completed and

tabbed application to 1LT

Robert Matthews no later

than 10 September 2014.

Questions regarding the

announcement memo or the

OCS Program may be

directed to 1LT Matthews at

[email protected]

or 916-257-0831.

“Leadership isn’t learned or earned in a moment.” John C. Maxwell Author and Leadership Expert

Force Count

1,537

HQ Growler of 10

“Command Sergeant

Major Alex Cabassa

is a consummate

professional who

personifies the

highest traditions of

the Senior Non-

Commissioned

Officer Corps.”

CSM Cabassa receiving the

Legion of Merit from BG

Beevers.

On 28 February 2014,

CSM Alex Cabassa with

our LNO Unit received the

Legion of Merit from BG

Matthew Beevers, Deputy

Adjutant General. The

award was presented at

the California Office of

Emergency Services. His

citation reads, “For

exceptionally meritorious

service as the State

Training Officer and Non-

Commissioned Officer in

charge of the Homeland

CSM Alex Cabassa Receives Legion of Merit

Security Training and

Exercise Program from 1

September 2003 to 30

June 2013. Command

Sergeant Major Alex

Cabassa established a

premier homeland security

training and exercise

program for the State of

California and assisted

with its ultimate transition

to a permanent state

program under the

California Office of

Emergency Services.

During his tenure, over

one million first

responders received free

grant funding training.

Command Sergeant Major

Alex Cabassa is a

consummate professional

who personifies the

highest traditions of the

Senior Non-

Commissioned Officer

Corps. Command

Sergeant Major Alex

Cabassa’s

professionalism and

dedication to duty reflects

great credit upon himself,

the Homeland Security

Training and Exercise

Program, the California

State Military Department,

and the State of

California.”

Combat Lifesaver Training SPC Jamie Brown MSG Sherer learns how to

insert a needle catheter.

During 7-9 March 2014,

six Service Members (SM)

from HHC, including MSG

Sherer, SFC

Wolkenhauer, SFC Gast,

SSG Powers, SGT

Calmes, and SPC Brown,

attended the Combat Life

Saver course put on by

RSC-North at Camp

Parks. During the

weekend, our SMs

learned tactical casualty

care skills, including how

to control moderate-to-

severe bleeding from the

extremities and from chest

wounds, how to treat a

compromised airway, and

how to manage issues

resulting from a collapsed

lung, and how to employ

these skills in a battlefield

environment. Our SMs

also learned how to

transport both ambulatory

and non-ambulatory

casualties with various

types of injuries as well as

how to request a 9-line

MEDEVAC, which is the

standard military radio

procedure for requesting

the medical evacuation of

tactical casualties, in

wartime and peacetime

situations. At the end of

the course, the

participating SMs were

given the opportunity to

demonstrate their new

skills in a practical manner

for the course instructors

and cadre. The training

concluded with a MILSIM-

style exercise in which the

course students were

divided up into 9- or 10-

person squads, issued

training weapons and

standard Combat Life

Saver medical sets, and

sent out into a simulated

combat situation

alongside a SECFOR

detail in order to treat and

evacuate casualties while

under fire from hostile

forces. All in all, each of

the SMs who completed

the course gained a

valuable set of skills that

can be readily applied in

both civilian and military

life and are now even

further equipped to fulfill

the CSMR mission of

supporting the National

Guard.

HQ Growler of 10

◄Left: CSM Alex Cabassa with the LNO Unit received the Legion of Merit from BG Beevers in February. ►Right: SPC Robert Alziebler and SPC Chukwunenye Nnebe with the C-6 Unit were both promoted to SGT in April. ◄Left: SFC Melissa Matthews and SFC Allen Beck were both promoted to MSG in May. ►Right: CH (CPT) Mark Unger is promoted to MAJ during the Senior Leadership Workshop in May. Pictured from left to right are BG Albertson, CH (MAJ) Unger, Lynda Unger and CH (MAJ) Fowler. ◄Left: Homemade cake with cream filling, bananas and strawberries. Mmm, delicious! ►Right: Col Anthenien receives the Order of California during his retirement ceremony at the Senior Leadership Workshop. His wife Catherine was there to

celebrate with him.

Oaths, Awards and Promotions

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Bataan Memorial Death March CW2 Suzy Shimonishi

Chief Shimonishi with her husband Jack at the finish line.

Chief Shimonishi placed first in

Age and 12th Overall in the

Female Military Heavy Division

at the 25th Annual Bataan

Memorial Death March held on

23 March 2014.

On March 23, 2014, nearly 6,200 Marchers participated in the 25th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March held at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The event is a living history lesson held to honor and remember the thousands of American and Filipino service members that were surrendered to Japanese forces and experienced the horrific forced march to prisoner of war camps in 1942. Many would not survive. Seventy-two years have passed since the Bataan Death March. Only a few of the Survivors remain. Thirteen of the Survivors attended this year’s annual Memorial March and if one was fortunate, they were able to shake their hand as they crossed the starting line in the brisk morning air. CW2 Shimonishi said she was one of the fortunate ones that had that honor as she headed out on her 26.2 mile marathon. “The site of these heroes seeing me off made me stand a little taller under the weight of my 40-lb pack as I marched by”, Shimonishi said. The event has been called one of the most historical and physically challenging marathons in the U.S. The 25th Annual Memorial Death March marks the third time Shimonishi has participated in the event. She also marched in 2009 and 2011. Her husband

Jack participated this year for his second time, he previously marched in 2011 as well. Shimonishi said, “He’s the greatest training partner ever, we spent a lot of hours hiking and walking with our heavy packs in preparation for the event. We treated it as a regular marathon training schedule, it’s a big commitment to put in that many hours of walking.” Shimonishi hoped to complete the march in under seven hours and 45 minutes. She beat her own record by finishing in 7:42:13 and placed first in her age division and 12th overall for all female heavy division finishers. She and husband Jack finished just three minutes apart. This was Shimonishi’s second time to finish first in her age group and in 2009 she finished with a second place medal. “My goal is to continue to attend the “Death March” every year as long as there are

Survivors willing to make the trip. It is a very emotional opening ceremony when the Roll is called and the Survivors in attendance call out “Here”. After that there is a bell toll for each Survivor that has passed in the year since the last Memorial March”, Shimonishi said. She and Jack are already looking forward to the 2015 event. Editor’s Note: Participants in the Heavy Division were required to carry a minimum of 35 pounds in their pack. The event doubles as a food drive for the Roadrunner Food Bank so many participants carry canned goods and nonperishable items to donate at the end of the march. Last year’s March brought in over 14,000 pounds of food for the Food Bank.

VOLAC Questions?

Contact:

SFC Sheila Hemman (916) 854-3051 [email protected]

SSG Jacquelyne Orpe [email protected]

SGT Ana Ambriz [email protected]

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HAZDEC is the USAF

Hazardous Materials

Declaration certification

training. It is required to

package and ship

anything hazardous on

military aircraft. When

shipping the IC4U

platform by air, it needs to

be measured, weighed

and marked, and all

hazardous materials such

as fuel, batteries, fire

extinguishers, etc., need

to be declared and

certified.

The 129th RQW from

Moffet Field can serve as

our Aerial Port, and

provide air lift for

Emergency

HAZDEC Training SSG Michael Hatcher

“Healthy Living Program”

The VA Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS) has teamed up with the Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program to offer a six week workshop to help Veterans and family members more effectively manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic pain, leading to a healthier lifestyle. The program meets for two and a half hours on a weekly basis. Workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders,

Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program TSgt Lisa Kozlowski

Service Members interested in enrolling in the class or who have any questions may contact:

Dr. Jeffrey Cass, Health Behavior Coordinator (916) 843-2829

or

Lisa Kozlowski, AmeriCorps Liaison (916) 843-2741.

Communications

equipment as needed.

The intent of the training is

for us to provide a ready

package for pickup at any

time at any airfield.

Pictured at right is SGM

Orpe reminding SGT

Walsh (as SGM's do) to

not only measure the top

of the shelter, but to

include the satellite dish in

his dimensions. This

training took place at the

Mather Army Aviation

Support Facility (AASF),

which is considered a

flight line. This explains

why they are not wearing

head gear.

one or both of whom are non-health professionals with chronic diseases who have previously participated in the program. Subjects covered include: 1) Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; 2) Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance; 3) Appropriate use of medications; 4) Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals; 5) Nutrition;

6) Decision making; and 7) How to evaluate new treatments. Classes are highly participatory, where mutual support and success build the participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives. The program meets for two and a half hours on a weekly basis and will be offered at Sacramento VA Medical Center and clinics throughout the VANCHCS.

HQ Growler of 10

The Senior Leadership

Workshop was held on 2-

4 May 2014 at the

California Office of

Emergency Services. The

workshop was well

attended and several

current topics were

discussed including

results of the Promotion

Board, a presentation on

Joint Reception, Staging

and Onward Integration

(JRSOI), recent changes

to our organizational

structure, and a briefing

on the full-time SAD

Annual Training Program.

Highlights of the workshop

included CH Unger’s

promotion to Major, Col

Anthenien’s retirement

Senior Leadership Workshop

►Right: MG Baldwin shares his vision and priorities with

the CSMR Senior Leadership.

luncheon and a visit from

MG Baldwin, The Adjutant

General.

During his presentation,

MG Baldwin was very

complimentary of the

CSMR’s growing

professionalism. He

related his command

intent for the CSMR to

achieve three goals:

1) Improve and increase

our training without

jeopardizing force

retention; 2) Standardize

our promotion process,

especially for NCOs; and

3) Establish a mission

essential task list (METL)

and push it down to the

subordinate commands

and battalions to conform

their METLs.

◄Left: LTC Bender discusses the SAD Annual Training Program, more popularly

known as the “Bender Plan”.

►Right: BG Albertson, Commander of the CSMR, takes a moment to review his notes

during the workshop.

◄Left: COL Herman, Deputy Commander of the CSMR, facilitates discussion on the CSMR’s organizational structure.

▲Above: Col Turos, Deputy Commander of the CSMR, discusses unit training needs.

HQ Growler of 10

Editor’s Note: Colonel Ralph Anthenien put on his uniform for the last time on 3 May 2014. After serving our country, our state and his community for more than 47 years, he decided that his share of the work was finally done and that it was time to retire. Colonel Anthenien was kind enough to spend a little time with me recently to share some of his thoughts about his service and the California State Military Reserve. Q: After a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, what prompted you to join the CSMR in 2003?

A: Well, I had just hit the mandatory retirement age with the Air Force Reserve, but felt I had more to give. I had spent the last 12 years as an Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (EPLO) and was well versed in emergency response plans at both the state and national levels. I knew COL Jeff Davis who was the J-3 for the National Guard at the time and he introduced me to the State Reserve. Since I knew my experience and training could help the State respond to disasters, I decided it would be a good fit. I quickly learned that I was one of the first “Blue” Service Members to join, but much of my previous experience had been working on Joint Staffs so I felt comfortable

working in a mostly “Green” outfit. I accessed in as a Liaison Officer (LNO) and became Commander of the LNO Unit shortly thereafter.

Q: What duties have you

performed during your career with the CSMR?

A: I was the LNO Unit Commander from 2003 to 2006 providing integration support to the J-3 and the Joint Operations Center

(JOC). I also kept busy during that time assisting with standing up the Air Component. Col Worden, Lt Col Morris and later Col Turos, all worked with me to establish and grow the blue component that we have today. When General Hagan became the Commanding General, he approached me about becoming his Chief of Staff (CoS). It’s funny now, but I initially turned him down. I had never served in a similar position before and wasn’t sure I had the right skill set to be CoS. But, BG Hagan was persistent so I accepted the position in 2006. I was surprised, but pleased, in 2009 when BG Candee asked me to stay on as his CoS, and then again when BG Albertson did the same in 2013.

As Chief, much of my time was spent coordinating the Senior and Special Staff. We are blessed to have very talented leaders, but each commander has a different set of priorities and with our limited resources you can imagine it was challenging to find a middle ground at times. I was also involved with overseeing new projects and managing some of the day to day issues with personnel and operations. I guess you could say that I was chief of problem solving.

Continued on Page 8

Interview with a Patriot

Col Anthenien with his Order of California for 11 years of service

with the CSMR and over 47 years of service in a military uniform.

HQ Growler of 10

IC4U Team, Contracting Team and the Small Arms Training Team. And we have additional teams forming to assist with search and rescue and resource distribution during a natural disaster. Our force strength is three times what it was in 2003 so we are able to do more and integrate better with Guard units.

Now in terms of the force itself, the quality of our Service Members has drastically improved due to education. Our NCO and Officer Schools have done a tremendous job of teaching our new members and officers basic military skills and customs and courtesies. Also, the push to have our members complete the Military Emergency Management Specialist training has really added to our credibility and professionalism.

Now all of this didn’t happen overnight and there were other factors involved. The wars in the Middle East stretched the Guard’s readiness and opened some opportunities for us when we helped with the Soldier Readiness Program (SRP). But it was the winter storms of 2005 and fire disasters in 2007 and 2008 that really made the difference in our relationship with the California National Guard. We showed that we could perform well and as a result gained a lot of

respect. Now we have an Adjutant General who is extremely supportive of our force and speaks highly about us at national meetings he attends. We are also much more active with the National Guard Bureau further strengthening our relationships with other State Reserves. In fact, I believe that the CSMR now ranks among the top five State Defense Forces which include states like Texas, New York and Florida.

While the CSMR has made significant strides, we still need to do a better job of letting our leaders know what our shortfalls are. To continue the growth and improvement the CSMR has

Continued from Page 7

Q: You joined the CSMR just as the force was beginning to implement important changes. What do you think were the most significant improvements in our force and its structure during your tenure as CoS?

A: I guess I should talk about our structure first. Our current structure is similar to what it was in 2003 in terms of our subordinate commands which are organized to manage and support themselves as well as the National Guard. However, our force strength was much lower with only 400 to 500 members and we relied mostly on an individual’s skills. With the exception of the LNO Unit, we had no real missions and would pull specific people to fill whatever shortfalls the Guard had. There was poor integration with the Guard and the commands were stove piped so that no group knew what the other group was doing. We were sort of looked at by the Guard as a coffee klatch.

Today, our communication and cooperation between the subordinate commands is much improved as I witnessed recently at the annual Senior Leadership Workshop. We also have many missions in support of the Guard, and several teams that perform essential tasks for it. For example, we have the

experienced, and achieve a force structure of 3000 strong we need more resources. Texas, for example, provides significant financial support to its reserve force. Admitting our shortfalls runs counter to military culture, but it is something to consider.

Q: You served as the Chief of Staff for three different commanders. What lessons did you learn from their different leadership styles?

A: Each commander brought different positive styles and attributes to the force. With all the change that I just spoke of occurring over the last several years, each one

Continued on Page 9

Col Anthenien catching up on some paperwork during the Senior

Leadership Workshop.

HQ Growler of 10

Continued from Page 8

had different issues to address. BG Hagan provided direct and forceful leadership that started the professionalization of the CSMR. BG Candee helped us build a lot of credibility and positive connections in the headquarters building, and BG Albertson is a great motivator and has improved communication and consensus building among the senior leadership as well as an awesome team builder within our entire component.

Some of the lessons that I learned serving under their command include remaining flexible and adaptable in a changing environment; being reliable; know your job and contribute; educate yourself as much as possible; do your best; and always move yourself and your component forward.

Q: You rose from the ranks of the enlisted. What advice do you have for CSMR enlisted personnel that may want to follow in your footsteps?

A: First of all, my enlisted experience in the Air Force was very satisfying. As an NCO I was able to directly affect the outcome of things. I liked the tangible nature of my work and enjoyed the friendships that developed working long, hard hours

together. I worked my way up to being a First Sergeant for a tactical airlift unit before deciding to become a Second Lieutenant through the Deserving Airman Commissioning Program in 1974. It was a very personal decision for me, but I thought it was the best path for me to take. I don’t think it is the right decision for everyone though. It is so true that NCOs are the backbone of our military, and I have a high respect for them. My recommendation is to go where you are most comfortable and can contribute the most.

If you do decide to pursue a commission, I found it to be a challenging and fulfilling career move. Commanding a unit well provides a great sense of accomplishment. Leading and motivating people toward a common set of goals are demanding and require that you have a solid set of interpersonal skills. Again, education is the key to success, but you also need to have empathy and be respectful. I think that if you’ve had some enlisted experience you’ll have a step up in that sense. Our Officer Candidate School (OCS) is the primary way for enlisted to make the move to command. Our OCS program is outstanding and provides a lot of credibility for our force. It is challenging and requires significant commitment to complete,

but if you are serious about becoming an officer or a warrant officer, I highly recommend it to you.

Q: What achievement in your CSMR career are you most proud of?

A: The recognition and acceptance that I have received by being a part of this wonderful organization.

Q: After more than 47 years of wearing a military uniform, what are you most looking forward to in your retirement?

A: I want to spend more time with my family. They are the ones who truly sacrificed when I was late coming home or assigned to duties at a distant base. I also plan to travel with

my wife, Catherine, to see our children and grandchildren, as well as to enjoy the great country we live in and other parts of the world. "I don't know what your

destiny will be, but one

thing I do know: the only

ones among you who will

be really happy are those

who have sought and

found how to serve."

- Albert Schweitzer

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CALIFORNIA STATE MILITARY RESERVE

9800 Goethe Road, Box 1 Sacramento, CA 95827

City, ST 78269

California State Military Reserve

Headquarters, Headquarters

Company

9800 Goethe Road Box 1

Sacramento, CA 95827

PHONE: (916) 854-3847

FAX:

(916) 854-3848

E-MAIL: 1SG Janice Barnes

[email protected]

EDITOR: CPT Andrew Rush

[email protected]

We’re on the Web!

See us at:

www.calguard.ca.gov/CSMR

Upcoming Drill Dates

12 July 2014

2 August 2014

6 September 2014

Drought Intensifies Wildfire Season Lilly Wyatt, California Office of Emergency Services Reprinted with Permission from Cal OES

It is as dry in the foothills and southern California as during a typical July or August, the peak of the fire season. Even in a region used to wildfires, this year appears poised to be especially destructive. California is facing its third dry year; thirsty grasses, parched brush and trees are more susceptible to burn, so fuel is ready.

On May 5, 2014, fire and state emergency managers gathered at CAL FIRE’s Aviation Management Unit located at McClellan Air Force Base to kick off Wildfire Awareness Week with the goal of raising public awareness of wildfires and promoting actions that reduce the risk to homes and communities.

We are heading into a fire season that is unprecedented. So far this year, California has already experienced more wildfire activity than normal. As of April

26th, the state has recorded more than 1,100 fires; that’s more than double the average of the previous five years. Even before this year’s drought, forest officials were reporting a longer fire season and more catastrophic mega-fires in California and other western states. More than half of California’s worst fires in recorded history have occurred since 2002.

People might think that there isn’t much they can do to protect their home from a wildfire, but there are a few things you can do to become more fire adapted.

Conduct a risk assessment on your property with your local fire department.

Create a plan to address issues in your property’s Defensible Space Zone, including: maintaining a noncombustible area around the perimeter of your home; managing vegetation along fences; clearing debris from decks and patios, eaves, and porches; selecting proper landscaping and plants; knowing the local ecology and fire history; moving radiant heat sources away from the home (i.e., wood piles, fuel tanks, sheds); and thinning trees and ladder fuels around the home. Develop a personal and family preparedness plan.

Support land management agencies by learning about wildfire risk reduction efforts, such as using prescribed fire to manage local landscapes.

Contact the local planning/zoning office to find out if your home is in a high wildfire risk area and if there are specific local or county ordinances you should be following.

If you have a homeowner association, work with them to identify regulations that incorporate proven preparedness landscaping, home design, and building material such as the recommendations from Living with Fire for the Lake Tahoe Basin.

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