Winter 2009 Militiaman

8/9/2019 Winter 2009 Militiaman

1/24The Iowa Militiaman

Welcome Home Ceremonies // Iowa Gold Star Museum Building Update // 132nd FW Returns Hom

Whatdofamilneedtodoto

prepareforadeployment?

WINTER 2009

2nd BCTDeployment AlertPotentially Iowa's largestactivation since WWII


2/242 | The Iowa Militiaman

Features

2nd Lt. Scott Baraibar

Federal OCS Commission

1st Lt. Gabe Haugland

185th ARW KC-135 Upgrades

Staff Sgt. Rich Murphy

New Vehicle Maintenance

Building at the 133rd TS

Staff Sgt. Jeremy Tevis

On the Cover

Iowa National Guard soldierfrom Alpha Company, 1stBattalion, 168th Infantry

Regiment, 34th InfantryDivision reconnoiterpossible checkpointsto be used for securityeorts during the 56thpresidential inauguratioin Washington, D.C.

Winter 2009

Contributing Writers/Photographers:

Te Iowa Militiaman is an unocial publication

authorized under the provisions of AR 360-1. It

is published by the Iowa National Guard Public

Aairs Oce and is printed four times annually.

News and opinions expressed in this publication

are not necessarily those of the Adjutant General

of Iowa or the Department of Defense.

Full color version available online atwww.iowanationalguard.com/publicaairs/militiaman.htm

Address all submissions to:Te Iowa MilitiamanPublic Aairs Oce7105 NW 70th Ave.

Johnston, Iowa 50131-1824or e-mail: [email protected]

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tments

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Te Adjutant GeneralPublic Afairs Ocer

Editor/Designer

Copy EditorState Photographer

Brig. Gen. im OrrLt. Col. Greg HapgSta Sgt. Jeremy ev

Sta Sgt. Ashlee LolJustin Cato

TAG Sends

Brig. Gen. Tim Orr

The Adjutant General

Family Support

Gina Golden

Family Assistance Specialist

Through the Ranks

Command Sgt. Maj.

John Breitsprecker

Senior Enlisted Advisor

Chaplains Corner

Chaplain Maj. Mike Crawford

2-34th BCT Chaplain

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Welcome Home Ceremonies

2nd Lt. Brandon Cochran

2-34th BCT Deployment Alert

Maj. Mike Wunn

132nd FW Returns Home

Lt. Col. James Freese

Photo Illustrationand Design bySta Sgt. Jeremy evPhoto by Spec.Cassandra Monroe

Brig. Gen. im Orr

Retired Col. Russ BierlLt. Col. James Freese

Maj. Mike Wunn

Chaplain Maj. Mike Crawford

Capt. im Mills1st Lt. Gabe Haugland

2nd Lt. Brandon Cochran

Command Sgt. Maj.John Breitsprecker

Senior Master Sgt. im

Retired Master Sgt.John albott

Sta Sgt. Scott Campb

Sta Sgt. Rich Murphy

Spec. Kelsey BlankenshSpec. Cassandra Monr

Spec. im Nash

Gina GoldenRenee Mulvey



his is a challenging and exciting timefor all of us in the Iowa National Guard.

Since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, theIowa National Guard has transformed from astrategic force to an operational force. Whatthat means is that the National Guard is seenas a key part of our nations current and near-term operations rather than a strategic forceheld in reserve for future large-scale conicts.In support of these eorts, the Iowa NationalGuard has continuously transformed to meetthe operational needs of our Army and AirForce. I want to take this opportunity toexplain our most recent changes as they relateto our raining Year 10-12, Iowa CampaignPlan and our organizational priorities.

In conjunction with the campaign plan, thistransformation, and our recent deploymentannouncement of the 2-34th BC, and otherevents, it warrants a change in our organizationthat impacts all of our members. One of themore recent changes is caused by the state scalshortfalls. Due to the decrease in tax revenue thegovernor has required a 10% across-the-boardbudget cut for all departments in the state. Aportion of that 10% for our organization will

be accomplished by not lling the state-fundedDeputy Adjutant General-Army authorization.Rather than leaving it vacant I have decided toll that brigadier general authorization withan M-Day ocer. Brig. Gen. Roy Webb wasrecently promoted to ll that authorization.

Te signicant change I want to address in thisletter is the alignment of our force structure intofour areas/components. Each area/componentwill have a brigadier general who will oversee/represent the units and oces within it. Tis will align our organizations together based

on mission, relationships and functionalcapacity, while providing for more eective

means of command/control, coordination andcommunication. Te four areas/componentsare Land Component/Army Component, AirComponent, Installations Component andJoint Component/Activities.

Te Land Component/Army Component will be lead by Brig. Gen. Stephen Bogle,the Assistant Adjutant General Army. It willinclude the four major subordinate commandsand the state generals sta. Te G-sta stillprovides state-wide support of Army elements,to include those in the other three sections.Tere will also be changes within the MSCsthemselves. Te 671st roop Command willbecome the Strength Readiness Command withboth the Recruiting and Retention Commandand the Recruit Sustainment Program as itssubordinate units. Te Information OperationsField Support eam, the ContingencyContracting eam and the 135th Public AairsDetachment will be aligned under the 734thRegional Support Group. Detachment 1-34thOSACOM is aligned under the 67th C.Te Land Component/Army Components

focus will be on all aspects of recruiting, RSPtraining, and maintaining unit readiness for alldeployable units.

Te Air Component will be lead by Brig. Gen.Gregory Schwab, the AAG-Air. Tere will beno changes to the structure of this organization.It will include the Air National GuardHeadquarters at Joint Forces Headquarters,185th Air Refueling Wing, 132nd Fighter Wingand Distributed raining Operations Center,and 133rd est Squadron. Te organization is

in charge of everything Air Guard relatedresponsible for unit readiness.

Brig. Gen. Janet Phipps will be the AInstallations, and will lead the InstallaComponent. Tis organization incresponsibility for Joint Maneuver raCenter Camp Dodge raining Site, AMEthe Oce of the Director of InstallManagement, 185th Regional raInstitute, Ordnance raining Regiment, BCommand raining Center, and NatSustainment raining Center. Te focus oorganization is the infrastructure of the National Guard, support functions assoc with statewide infrastructure and fcustomers on JMC-CD.

Te Joint Component will be lead by the A Joint, Brig. Gen. Roy Webb. It will inthe Joint Sta, Counter Drug and MidCounterdrug raining Center, Oce oDirector of Military Support, and 71st Support eam. Te units aligned undercomponent are joint local operations-basnature. It will have a close relationship withthe Land Component and the Air Compo

for personnel support on the joint sta. Tour joint-domestic focused command.

Te goal of the Iowa Campaign Plan idevelopment of the future Iowa NatGuardan operational force that is responprecise, maneuverable and dominant athe full spectrum of military operationappreciate your support in understanand supporting these transformational eWarrior Ready!

TAG Sends Brigadier General Tim Orr, The Adjutant General

Warrior Ready!Iowa's New State Command Realignment Changes

Let us have a respectable Army, and one such

as will be competent to every contingency.

George Washington, Original Charter for the Army in 1775



Animated Crest, 34th Division; CampCody, New Mexico. Photo takenAug. 18, 1918 by Newman Photo ofDeming, New Mexico. Photo courtesyf the Iowa Gold Star Museum.



2

nd

BCTDeployment Alert!Iowa's largest activation since WWII

In mid-October, the Iowa NationalGuard alerted more than 3,500 soldiersto support a possible deployment of the

2nd Brigade Combat eam, 34th InfantryDivision to Afghanistan fall, 2010. Te 2ndBC expects to deploy units in supportof ongoing operations and training of theAfghan National Security Forces. Te brigadewill be mobilized up to 12 months, with mostof that period spent in Afghanistan.

Te 2nd BC is designed to conductfull spectrum operations and has militaryoccupational specialties from across theArmy spectrum. It is capable of independentoperations and is able to ght, support andsustain itself. Te force structure of thebrigade includes two infantry battalions, acavalry squadron, eld artillery battalion, abrigade special troops battalion, and supportbattalion.

Tis mobilization will be a signicant eventfor the brigade and the entire state of Iowa.Tis potential mobilization is projected to belargest unit call up of the Iowa National Guardsince World War II and will touch employers,families, and communities throughout thestate, said Brig. Gen. im Orr, the AdjutantGeneral of the Iowa National Guard.Given the size and scope of this mission, its very possible that most Iowans will knowsomeone involved in this deployment. Wevebeen at war for almost eight years its nothard to nd somebody that has served duringthis period of time, said Orr.

Approximately 57 subordinate units frommore than 30 Iowa communities were alertedto support this potential deployment. IowaNational Guard leadership anticipatedthis alert for some time. We received thenotication for sourcing last winter whichallowed us to notify our units and our soldiersof this potential mission, said Orr.

Te state alerted four additional IowaNational Guard units with more than 500

Soldiers to support the brigade mobilization,said Orr. Tough we have alerted the entire2-34th BC, at this time we anticipate thatsome brigade elements may not mobilize dueto recent deployments, said Orr.

Te Iowa National Guard anticipatesreceiving a battalion size organization fromoutside the state to augment the brigadeduring the deployment. Soldiers were alertedearly in order to give them as much timeas possible to complete their preparations.Early notication will also provide a greatermeasure of predictability for family membersand exibility for employers to plan for themilitary service of their employees, said Orr.

Te intent all along has been to get exibilityand predictability into our mobilizations,said Orr. Te goal is to have approximatelytwo years notice to build that predictabilityand exibility. Our Soldiers are focused ongetting their families ready and preparing fortheir mission. We have special programs in

place to assist our families with the challecreated by this potential mobilization.

Part of the responsibility in getting famready for the deployment resides withCol. Kevin Kruse, branch director ofIowa National Guard family progrObviously, the more time families to prepare, the better, said Kruse. Wtrying to do that through various meaworking with the commanders and uni

set up family readiness groups which will families prepare as their soldier is preparingo out the door the families can get readgo as well, he said. Additionally, the Iowa National Gis working to establish three more faassistance centers across the state, in addto the four that are up and running. Wgetting things in place to help supportfamilies as units get ready to go, said Kr

Iowa National Guard soldiers have a phistory of answering the nations call to dsaid Orr. Te soldiers of this generationserve with the same honor and distinctioprevious Red Bull soldiers, he added.

Soldier readiness processing activities bseveral months ago, and units are focused on pre-mobilization training brieng requirements. Te brigade will tto Camp Ripley, Minn. in June for antraining. Orr has directed all other mIowa National Guard commands to sup

Story by: Maj. Mike Wunn



he brigades annual training activities atCamp Ripley.

More than half of those who deploy withhe brigade will have deployed before, someeveral times. Weve had soldiers from thisrigade combat team that have done missionsn both Iraq and Afghanistan, said Orr. Someoldiers will go back to Afghanistan whoave done missions there before. For othershis will be their rst time to Afghanistan.

Te missions are always dierent. We dontnow exactly what the mission will be otherhan what the Department of Defense hasnnounced regarding training the Afghan

National Army that mission can change.

Whether its Iraq or Afghanistan, there areertain requirements that all units have toomplete. Well do some pre-mobilizationraining that prepares soldiers for all types ofequirements but when it comes to missionpecic, they will get that at the mobilizationtation, said Orr.

A priority for brigade leadership is a trainingprogram that supports the needs of thesoldiers and their families. We have workedhard to design a pre-mobilization trainingprogram that is exible, which enables oursoldiers to maximize family time prior todeploying and gives our employers muchneeded predictability, said Col. om Staton,the brigade commander. Staton said thatsoldiers were instructed not to quit their jobsor drop out of school. Given the advanced

notice our soldiers should be able to completetheir schooling this academic year withminimal disruption for military training.

With the 2nd BC deployed, a signicantportion of the states emergency responsecapability will not be available. While this will create challenges, the adjutant generalis condent that the state will have theresources available to protect our citizens andaccomplish the mission, said Orr. We haveworked for some time to draw up contingencyplans in the event of an emergency requiring a

National Guard response, said Orr. We wilwork contingency plans with our fellow statesthat border Iowa in the event we would needadditional soldiers and airmen to come in andhelp out during a state emergency, said Orr.Tis is a common practice between statessaid Orr. We did this with Louisiana, wedid this with the D.C. district during theinauguration...its a common thing to sharesoldiers and support assets, said Orr.

Te mobilization station has not beendetermined. ime at the mobilization stationis anticipated to be approximately twomonths. Tis deployment isnt unusual whencompared to BC deployments from otherstates. Were one of the last states that havea brigade to deploy as an entire organization,said Orr. Tat doesnt mean the brigade hasndone its part in Iraq an Afghanistan. Wevedeployed almost all elements in parts separatefrom the brigade - but for the brigade to go byitself as one organization and entity, this is therst time for us, said Orr.



Algona Battery B (-), 1st Battalion, 194thField Artillery.

Boone Headquarters, 2nd Brigade Combateam, 34th Infantry; Detachment 1, Company

A, 1st Brigade, 168th Infantry.

Camp Dodge roop A, 1st Battalion, 113thCavalry; roop B, 1st Battalion, 113th Cavalry;Company B (Military Intelligence Company),BSB; Headquarters and HeadquartersCompany, 334th Brigade Support Battalion;Company C (-), 334th Brigade Support Battalion(Medical); Company C (-), 1st Battalion,168th Infantry; Company A (-), 334th BrigadeSupport Battalion (Distribution); Detachment1, Headquarters and Headquarters Company,1st Battalion, 168th Infantry.

Carroll Company A (-), 1st Battalion, 168thInfantry.

Cedar Rapids Detachment 1, Headquartersand Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade, 34thBrigade Special roops Battalion; Company B,334th Brigade Special roops Battalion (SignalCorps); Company B, 334th Brigade Specialroops Battalion (Maintenance); Detachment1, Company A (-), 334th Brigade SupportBattalion.

Charles City Detachment 1, Headquartersand Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion,133rd Infantry.

Clinton Detachment 1, Company A, 1stBattalion, 133rd Infantry.Corning Detachment 2, Company B, 1stBattalion, 168th Infantry; Detachment 1,Company C, 334th Brigade Support Battalion(Medical).

Council Blufs Headquarters and HeadquartersCompany (-), 1st Brigade, 168th Infantry;Detachment 1, Company B, 1st Battalion,168th Infantry; Detachment 1, Company F (-),

(Forward Support Company) 334th BrigadeSupport Battalion.

Davenport Company A, 2nd Brigade Combateam, 34th Brigade Special roops BattalionEngineer.

Denison Company D, 1st Battalion, 168thInfantry.

Dubuque Company A (-), 1st Battalion,133rd Infantry; Company D, 1st Brigade, 133rd

Infantry; Detachment 1, Company E, (ForwardSupport Company) Brigade Support Battalion.

Eagle Grove Detachment 1, Battery B, 1stBattalion, 194th Field Artillery.Estherville Battery A, 1st Battalion, 194th

Field Artillery.

Fort Dodge Headquarters and HeadquartersBattery, 1st Battalion, 194th Field Artillery.Iowa City Company B, 1st Battalion, 133rdInfantry.

Iowa Falls Detachment 2, Company E(Forward Support Company), 334th Brigadee

Support Battalion; Company C (-), 1st Battalion,133rd Infantry.

LeMars roop C, 1st Battalion, 113th Cavalry;Detachment 1, Headquarters and Headquartersroop, 1st Battalion, 113th Cavalry.

Marshalltown Detachment 1, Headquartersand Headquarters Company, Brigade Specialroops Battalion.

Newton Detachment 1, Company C, 1st

Battalion, 168th Infantry.

Oelwein Detachment 1, Company C, 1stBattalion, 133rd Infantry; Detachment 2,Company A, 334th Brigade Support Battalion(Distribution).

Red Oak Company F (Forward SupportCompany), 334th Base Support Battalion.Sioux City Headquarters and Headquartersroop, 1st Battalion, 113th Cavalry; CompanyD, (Forward Support Company), 334th BaseSupport Battalion.

2nd BCT units from the following Iowa communities have been alerted for this possible deployme

Shenandoah Company B (-), 1st Batta168th Infantry.

Spencer Detachment 2, HeadquartersHeadquarters Company, 1st Battalion, Infantry.

Storm Lake Detachment 2, Compan1st Battalion, 168th Infantry; Compan(Forward Support Company), 334th BrSupport Battalion;

Waterloo Headquarters and HeadquCompany (-), 1st Battalion, 133rd InfaCompany E (-) (Forward Support Comp334th Base Support Battalion.

Camp Dodge 185th Combat SuppSustainment Battalion

Fort Dodge Detachment 2, 216ransportation Company (-).

Keokuk Detachment 1, 832nd EnginCompany (-) (Mobile Augmentee Company)

Knoxville 3654th Maintenance Company

Mt. Pleasant 832nd Engineer Company(Mobile Augmentee Company).

Oskaloosa Detachment 1, 3654th MaintenaCompany (-).

Sheldon 2168th ransportation Company

Sioux City Detachment 1, 216ransportation Company (-).

The Iowa National Guard has also alerted thfollowing units to support the 2nd BCT mobiliza

We have worked hard to design a pre-mobilizati

training program that is exible, which enables o

soldiers to maximize amily time prior to deploying a

gives our employers much needed predictability.

Col. Tom Staton, Commander 2nd Brigade Combat Team



As the families and friends of the nearly 300

soldiers deployed with the 1133rd and1168th ransportation Companies waited

with bated breath for their soldiers to walk throughhe door at one of the ve welcome home ceremonyocations, one could not help but think about theong road they had traveled to get there.

The 1133rd & 1168th TransportationCompanies Return Hometory by: 2nd Lt. Brandon Cochran

little girl holds up a sign for her daddythe welcome home ceremony Oct. 28,

009 for the 3368th HE Company inwa City, Iowa (U.S. Army photo by

pec. im Nash)

A Long Haul



Activated and mobilized in fall 2008to support, for the second time,Operation Iraqi Freedom, members

of the 1133rd and the 1168th ransportationCompanies, both medium truck companies,spent considerable time training to supportthe mission at hand. By the end of their homestation training event in October 2008, the1133rd and the 1168th, which had entered astwo separate and distinct units, emerged as the3368th HE Company.

Te newly formed 3368th HE Companythen deployed to Fort Bliss, exas for missionspecic training. At Fort Bliss, the 3368thfocused on HE and convoy specic trainingas well as Improvised Explosive Devicetraining. While on post, the 3368th pickedup an additional 10 soldiers in preparationfor deploying down range. Dec. 20, 2008,that journey down range began. Split betweentwo aircraft, the 3368th arrived in Kuwait as atotal force on Christmas Day 2008.

Upon arriving in theater, the 3368th quicklyassembled and began carrying out the missionas laid out for them. Regarded as the fastestHE Company to grasp the mission and run with it during his tenure by the BattalionCommander, the 3368th completed a total of272 missions, traveled 2,753,000 miles, andhauled 129,708 tons of material and nearly8,000 pieces of equipment as well as manyother outstanding accomplishments.

While the journey into theater and the timespent there was a large portion of the timespent away from friends and family, it is onlytwo-thirds of the story. Once the proverbialmission torch had been passed, their journeyhome began and so did the planning for theirreturn home to Iowa. Just as was done withthe send o ceremonies, preparations for a welcome home ceremony in ve dierentcommunities were made. Tat meant: vedierent masters of ceremony, ve dierent

venues, ve dierent scripts, and ve dierentsets of Iowa National Guard representationamong other important details. As themembers of the 3368th arrived at Fort McCoy,Wis. for demobilization processing, the nalpieces of the welcome home plans were fallinginto place in Iowa.

Te hard work and preparation of the supportsta and families at home culminated on Oct.28, 2009 with the successful return of the 300deployed Iowa National Guard members backto families and communities that had missedthem dearly. While celebrations were had andseparated families were reunited, a commontheme emerged. Te theme as alluded to inthe remarks provided by Brig. Gen. GregorySchwab, Assistant Adjutant General - Air, atthe Marshalltown celebration, the success ofthe mission is a direct reection of the hardwork of the soldiers and support they receivefrom their families, friends, and employers.

Iowa National Guard Urban Renewal:An Investment in Architecture & History

Story by: 2nd Lt. Brandon Cochran

L

ike the Iowa National Guard armoriesof old, once again a need to invest inthe establishment and sustainment

of community based readiness centers hasbeen identied. With most readiness centersdating to the mid-1950s, Iowa NationalGuard readiness centers have again been thefocus of much needed attention; renewal andrevitalization.

Tis past year, the Iowa National Guardsinvestment in infrastructure has been evident.In 2009, the Iowa National Guard rededicatedfour readiness centers throughout the state.

Similarly, there are three more on thrededication scheduled for 2010.

With improvements ranging frgeneral hardware and nish upgradeto major expansions and new Heating Ventilating, and Air Conditionsystems and lighting, the investment inrevitalization and renewal has not onlprovided members of the Iowa NationaGuard with top-of-the-line facilities, buprovided for the survival of these historicommunity centers.

A little boy holds up a sign for his grandpa welcome home ceremony Oct. 28, 2009 f3368th HE Company in Iowa City, Iowa

Army photo by Spec. im Nash)

Te Armory has long

been a part o Iowa History.

Armories were a point o

pride in Iowa communities

and stif competition between

cities was oten apparent as

they ought or the honor

o hosting a military unit.

Armories were meeting halls,dance halls, and theaters. Tey

were where sporting events

were held, where the scouts

met, where everyone gathered

in times o trouble.

Mary Jones,

The National Guard Armories of Iowa

And so on that blustery day in Octob2009, after several million miles travelednumerous time zones and countries crothe journey of the 1133rd and the 11ransportation Companies came to an en



132nd FW Returns HomeStory by Lt. Col. James Freese Photos by Senior Master Sgt. Tim Day

Members of the 132nd Fighter Wing, Iowa Airational Guard, on deployment to Joint Basealad, Iraq during an Aerospace Expeditionaryorce rotation. (U.S. Air Force photos byenior Master Sgt. im Day)



he 132nd Fighter Wing recently welcomed home approximately 270personnel to the Iowa Air National

Guard Base, located at the Des MoinesInternational Airport, Des Moines, Iowa. Teywere returning from an Aerospace ExpeditionaryForce aviation package deployment to JointBase Balad, Iraq. Weather diverts and a hostof scheduling issues delayed the arrival of theF-16 aircraft, the main body, and the En-routeSupport eam. Te F-16s attempted to land in

Des Moines Dec. 22, 2009 but were divertedto Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., becauseof icing conditions. Te pilots were recoveredand returned to Des Moines by groundtransportation the same evening. Christmaseve, 230 members returned to Des Moinesin the morning by a contract carrier with theremainder of the aviation package returning inthe afternoon via C-17.

Te operation was part of a coalitiondeployment, which included aircraft andairmen from both the 132nd Fighter Wing andthe 115th Fighter Wing, located at Madison,Wis. Te aircraft was the F-16 Flying Falcon,a multi-role, super-sonic ghter. Te airmenwere primarily pilots, maintainers, operations/intelligence specialists, supply technicians andlogicians. Most airmen were deployed for about60 days, but many deployed for 120 days.

Te tasking of this group of returning airmen was to provide armed over-watch of convoysand patrols; non-traditional intelligence,reconnaissance and surveillance; counter rocket

and mortar missions; and counter improvisedexplosive device missions. o accomplish this,the wing ew approximately 400 sorties, whichinvolved over 1,000 hours of combat ying.

Lt. Col. Mike McMillin, commander of the124th Fighter Squadron and detachmentcommander for the unit at Joint Base Baladstated, Our main objective over here has beento support the ground forces by using non-lethalmeans to facilitate winning the peace. Te warhas been won for quite some time, but winningthe peace has proved to be far more dicult. By

using non-lethal means to nd, track, x andcapture insurgents and extremists, we are able totake bad guys o the street without destroyingIraqi infrastructure or injuring innocentIraqis. As the transition to Iraqi control gainsmomentum, it becomes increasingly importantto show them that their objectives can beattained through police actions and the legalprocess, as opposed to using overwhelmingforce. Tis is critical as the capability to useoverwhelming force shrinks exponentiallyduring the drawdown of US forces. Soon

enough, police action and the legal systemwill be their only means of maintaining civilorder throughout the country. Our currentoperations contribute directly to helpingthem ensure future success.

Chief Master Sgt. K.C. Hutcheson, whodeployed as the 332nd Aircraft MaintenanceUnit night superintendent noted that whilethis was the units second trip to Joint BaseBalad the level of excellence displayed by

the 132nd, was not diminished. Hutchesonexplained, Austere conditions, coupled withlong 12 hour shifts, did not hinder ightline maintainers from answering all calls forscheduled and unscheduled maintenance;equating to a stellar 100% Air asking Orderfulllment. Several AMU assigned personnelwere also instrumental in the massive clean-up and salvage operations associated withthe bases deliberate draw down. In additionto the critical ight line activities, 132ndmechanics and fabricators performed veaircraft phases along with a myriad of othersupport to dierent airframes assigned to Joint Base Balad. 132nd supply personnel were instrumental in these successes byacquisitioning all needed parts and suppliesfor the airmen to meet the mission. Engagedlogistical personnel met the enormous andever-changing challenges presented them, in

order to get all personnel and equipmenthome."

Tis is the ninth time the wing has depits aviation package to the region sinceend of the Gulf War in 1991. Te wingdeployment was to Joint Base Balad, Ir2008.

In addition to the 270 airmen who dep with the aviation package, the

deployed 62 airmen, either individualin small groups, to the following locatJoint Base Balad, Iraq; Baghdad InternatAirport, Iraq; Bagram Air Base, AfghanInsirlik Air Base, urkey; Eskan Village, S Arabia; Ramstein Air Force Base, Germand Manas Air Base, Kygyzstan, and throughout Southwest Asia. Deploydurations range up to 180 days.

Te wing has a long history of excellSince 9/11, the wing has deployed over 1airmen to a total of 21 countries. Last sumthe wing received the Air Force OutstanUnit Award, for the eighth time. Additiothe Wing received the Winston P. Wrophy for being the most outstan ANG unit equipped with jet ghtreconnaissance aircraft.

Over 500 family members, friends, and well wishers awaited the arrival of their loved ones in thehanger of the 132nd Fighter Wing, Des Moines, Iowa Christmas eve 2009. Unit members were retufrom an Aerospace Expeditionary Force deployment to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Aircraft diverts, rain,and the third wave of snow to hit Iowa, didnt dampen the spirits of those waiting. (U.S. Air Force by Senior Master Sgt. im Day)



First Iowa Guard Ofcer to Commissionfrom Federal OCS in Nearly 20 Years

2nd Lt. Scott Baraibar graduated from12 weeks of Federal Ocer CandidateSchool at Ft. Benning, GA in November

009. Baraibar is the rst Iowa Guard ocerbelieved to have graduated from the schoolince Col. Gary Freese in 1990, and before

him, Brig. Gen. im Orr, nearly 25 years ago.

When asked how he felt to be in such neompany, Baraibar reported that it was neat,nd said that Iowa needs to send more soldiers,

because it was a great experience.

From day one, most every morning of thatgreat experience began with a 4:45 a.m.

wake-up call and demanding physical trainingt 6 a.m. where (thanks to a platoon trainer

who loved to run), Barabair could expect to runbetween four to six miles, three or four days aweek. Followed by a quick shower and an evenquicker breakfast, the rest of the day was spentraining, either in the class room at Building 4,he old Infantry Hall, or out in the eld wheret rained during the majority of the time. In thevenings, Baraibar was required to study from

7-8 p.m. and only then was he allowed to usehis personal computer for personal matters.After week four, the candidates were allowed toeave post on nights and weekends.

tandards remained high, however, and ofhe 181 candidates that began the course,nly 130 graduated. Te training eventshat gave candidates the most trouble wereand navigation, where only 25% of his classeceived a go on the rst try, and (surprise)he Army Physical Fitness est, which caused

Brig. Gen. im Orr administers the oath of oce to 2nd Lt. Scott Baraibar.U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Gabe Haugland)

20 candidates to be dropped from the courseon day two. Baraibar, in true Iowa Guard form,had little trouble with either, but did admit thatthe OCS history tests were quite challengingand required him to diligently study at night.

Baraibar also reported being pleasantlysurprised by the number of senior enlistedcandidates, and appreciated their signicantcombat experience and the degree to whichthey contributed to the development ofthe more junior leaders. Dedication was a

consistent theme throughout his experience, ashe recalled the company rst sergeant spendinghis Saturdays working on candidate pay issuesas well as platoon trainers who went way out oftheir way to make sure every candidate had thechance to succeed.

During a ceremony Nov. 23, 2009 in Te Adjutant Generals oce, Orr administeredthe oath of oce to Baraibar. Attendees atthe ceremony were regaled with memorablemoments from the OCS experiences of bothFreese and Orr.

Orr recalled the OCS dining facility proceduresin detail and remembered how his studentchain of command decided to walk directlypast the platoon trainers who usually stoppedthe candidates after meals to ask them aboutthe required knowledge of the day. It wasexpected that the candidates would stopand fall in on the nearest trainer, Orr said,but our [student leader] told us to continuemarching when they tried to stop us. Needlessto say, the decision was not an example of a

sound military decision-making process, and iresulted in multiple platoon trainers jumpingover tables to reach the candidates and providesome immediate corrective training.

When asked what advice Baraibar would oeto an Iowa soldier considering federal OCShe commented, Know your land navigationbe ready to learn and talk to your platoontrainers because theyre there to help. Developyour ability to make sound decisions and be inshape.

Baraibar will return to Ft. Benning for theInfantry Basic Ocer Leader Course inFebruary 2010 and is scheduled to deploy toAfghanistan with the 1-168 Infantry Battalionlater this year.

For more information on Federal OCS,contact Maj. Amy Price at 515-252-4136

or [email protected]

Federal OCS graduates Col. Gary Freese

2nd Lt. ScottBaraibar and Brig. Gen. Tim Or(U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Gabe Haugland)

Story by 1st Lt. Gabe Haugland



What do families need to do

to prepare for a deployment?

Feeling mixed emotions becauseyour service member is potentiallydeploying? You may feel scared,

nervous, confused, excluded and anxious oreven begin to withdraw. Keep in mind theseare all very normal reactions and typicalfeelings of concern in this situation. Morethan likely, your service member is also goingthrough the same emotions. Its during thistime your family should be concentratingmost on communication and preparation.Knowing each persons view and thoughts,and knowing what to expect will make theadjustments easier and make everyone feel

more involved.

Te rst step all families should take is creatinga family binder. Tis is the most convenientand organized way to keep track of importantdocuments and telephone numbers. Onesection should include information pertainingspecically to your service member: unit,rank, social security number, and commander.Tis section should also include a copy of allmilitary orders. A legal documents section isalso helpful. Its a good idea to keep togetherall birth certicates, marriage certicates,

powers of attorney, wills, etc. Another sectionshould involve all household information.Everything from plumbers, electricians andlandscapers to mechanics. Tis would also bethe prime time to familiarize yourself with anybasic household or automobile knowledge.Know how to check the oil and tire pressurein your vehicle, know where the breaker boxesand water shutos are, and learn how to lightthe pilot light or change a tire.

Its also important to understand that you, yourservice member and your family are not alone.Te Iowa National Guard oers a plethora

of resources to prepare, educate, supportand reintegrate at all stages of a deployment.While your service member is still home takeadvantage of one of the many benecial StrongBonds events, such as Seven Habits of HighlyEective Military Families, Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage, Family Retreatsor Single Soldier retreats. Become involvedin your service members career by attendingthe State Family Readiness Conference, YellowRibbon events or attending family readinessgroup meetings.

Pre-Deployment "To-Do" L

Service Member Info Unit,Rank,SSN,Commander,Orders

Legal Documents

BirthandMarriageCerticate,Wills,Etc.

Household Info List Plumbers,Electricians,Mowers,Mechanics

House and Auto "Know-ho Oil,TirePressure,BreakerBoxes,PilotLigh Attend Strong Bonds even "SevenHabitsofHighlyEffectiveMilitaryFam

"LaughYour WaytoaBetterMarriage"

FamilyRetreatsorSingleSoldierretreats

You may nd yourself or members offamily slipping into negative coping metsuch as drinking, arguing, declining sc work, withdrawn or hostile temperamor retail therapy. Remind yourself thesnot healthy or helpful behaviors and willhave a negative impact. Tis is the timutilize one of the many free resources avato you such as the Military and FaLife Consultants or Military One SoRemember that the full time sta memin your local Family Assistance Center asas youth coordinators can help you ooutreach, referrals and counseling in

situations.

Deployments do not discriminate. Whyou are a service member, spouse, pasignicant other, child, sibling or frresources are available to assist you. You the choice in making the deployment joumore understandable and an easier roatravel by developing eective communicstrategies, thorough preparation, askinhelp when needed, accepting supportusing positive coping skills.

Family Readiness Gina Golden, Family Assistance Center Specialist

Soldiers from the 1-194th Field Art

salute during the singing of the Nat

Anthem in preparation for their deploy

during a send-off ceremony July 20, 2

(U.S. Army photo by Capt. Tim M



Tis KC-135R is on the ramp at the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa. Te 185th is one oftwo ying wings in the Iowa Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot)

KC-135R to Receive Upgrades

Pilots and maintainers from the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City,Iowa are preparing for an upgrade to

he KC-135R Stratotanker. Te unit expectso accept their rst upgraded refueler Jan.9, 2010. According to operations ocer

Lt. Col. James Walker, this upgrade willmprove the aircrafts power, navigation, andommunications systems. He said, "Tis

upgrade will allow us to better mesh with thective duty and carry out our missions around

he world."

Te "Block 40" upgrade includes enhancedntegration of many of the aircraftsommunication systems. Sta Sgt. Antonio

Calamanco, an avionic technician for the85th ARW, described the upgrade as a wayo streamline communication between pilots,owers, and operations. He said, "It is like

how we use text messaging on our personalell phones, except the pilot can send a lot

more information and it is all automatic andntegrated." Te upgrade also adds a satellite

phone to the communication system.

Walker said, "Tis upgrade gives us a muchmore sophisticated communication systemnd it should improve our capability toommunicate eectively and eciently with

our allies."

n addition to improvements to theommunication system, the "Block 40"

upgrade will improve the aircraft's navigationystem. Calamanco said, "Te older system

takes a long time to get started and aligned.Now, a pilot can have his navigation system upand running much faster." Te upgrade alsoincludes improvements to global positioning,fault detection, and pilot controls.

Rockwell International Contractors areperforming the upgrade at Kelly Aireld in SanAntonio. Te upgrade takes approximately 35days. During this upgrade, the contractorsreplace wiring, circuit breakers, and

components. Te contractors will then run

Story by Staff Sgt. Rich Murphy

an extensive operational checkout on all ofthe systems before sending the aircraft backto Sioux City. Once the aircraft returns,inspectors, and maintainers will conducta thorough acceptance inspection beforeocially accepting the upgraded aircraft.

Both pilots and maintainers have beenpreparing for this upgrade since 2008, whenmany of them went through extensive training

at Scott Air Force Base and McConnell AFBSince most of the upgrades involve avionicsavionic technicians Calamanco and Sta SgtDonald Smith, who recently returned froma two-week training session at McConnelAFB, will be responsible for training both thtraditional and full time avionic maintainerfor the aircraft.

Calamanco noted that the upgrades shouldmake avionic maintenance easier. "Now

the system is completely integrated and th

fault indicators tell us exactly what we needto repair. Tis should be easier than what wecurrently have."

Te entire 185th ARW eet should be fullyupgraded by the end of 2010. According to Walker, "Tis upgrade is essential for us tcontinue to support our missions both ahome and abroad."

Tis upgrade gives us a much more sophisticated

communication system and it should improve our

capability to communicate efectively and eciently with

our allies. Tis upgrade is essential or us to continue to

support our missions both at home and abroad.

Lt. Col. Jim Walker, 185th Air Refueling Wing's Operations Officer



Construction of the new Vehicle

Maintenance building at the 133rdest Squadron in Fort Dodge, Iowa

is currently underway. Te construction of thenew VM building is the rst phase in a largerremodel project for the 133rd.

Soon after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, themembers of the 133rd rushed to develop a way to view and control the airspace withinthe U.S. Members of the 133rd assisted in thedevelopment of a way to tie all of the radarsin the United States together to be able tosee what was happening in our airspace. Tisdevelopment lead to a nation-wide adoption ofthis technique and set the 133rd on course asleaders in the testing of Command and Controlequipment. Te 133rd has the unique pride inbeing the only Air Guard unit with the missionto test C2 equipment before it hits the eld,and in fact, the only test execution unit in thewhole Air Force.

With the conversion to the test mission in2002, money was allotted for new constructionand for remodeling. One of the biggest needs

Construction is Underway at the 133rd Test SquadroStory by Staff Sgt. Jeremy Tevis,

for the 133rd was a new home to house their

VM section. According to Senior Master Sgt.Don Miller, the maintenance superintendentfor the VM section at the 133rd "the new VMshop will enhance our capabilities." Some ofthese updates include two drive-through bayswith overhead cranes, the ability to work onsemis, and the possibility to hold six vehiclesas compared to the old VM shop that can onlyhold two vehicles at a time. Te old VM shophowever will not go unused. Plans are in placeto renovate part of the old VM shop into atness center.

In addition to the construction of thenew VM facility, a substantial amount ofremodeling eorts will soon begin in the mainheadquarters building. Some renovationsthat are planned for this next year include aremodel of the bathrooms, kitchen and thedining hall. Te size of the dining hall will bereduced in size to make room for additionaloces, and the computer maintenance sectionwhich is currently located outside of the mainbuilding in a trailer will be relocated inside ofthe main building with the other sections.

With the help of Rep. om Latham

construction at the 133rd est Squain Fort Dodge has become the numbermilitary construction project for the yearincluded in the new construction eortthe creation of an additional parking lot toparking issues, installation of a geo-thesystem to replace the old and outdated bsystem, and an updated programmablesign near the front gate. Construction b June 2009 and is currently scheduled completed spring of 2011.

An open house is scheduled to be held6, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for spofamily members, and retirees to tourcurrent facility before the majority oconstruction and remodeling projectsunderway. Te same group will be invitedthe following year to see the nal result ocompleted projects. o assist in the planof this event, the 133rd requests that famembers and retirees RSVP to 515-3276 with the number of adults and chiattending along with number of unit comeals needed. Meals will cost $4.25 each

(op) Te new Vehicle Maintenance facility under construction at the 133rd est Squadron in Fort Dodge, Iowa. (Far Left) Te soon to be replaced VeMaintenance facility. (Left) A vehicle being serviced in the existing Vehicle Maintenance facility. (Right) Te Dining Hall at the 133rd will soon be cut in hmake room for oces as part of the ongoing remodeling project. (Far Right) Te Computer Maintenance section at the 133rd will soon join the rest of thinside the main building. Currently the section operates out of a trailer that sits on the pad next to their equipment. (U.S. Air Force photos by Sta Sgt. Jeremy



Te dates have been set for the 2010 Ocer/Warrant Ocer Symposium, an annualevent sponsored by Recruiting and Retention Command designed to highlight leadershipopportunities available as an ocer in the Iowa National Guard. Presentations willinclude ROC, OCS, WOCS and specialty branches such as Medical, Chaplaincy andJAG, as well as education services. Food and beverage will be provided at no cost, familymembers are welcome and soldiers/airmen are encouraged to split train to attend.

Te symposium will be oered in three dierent geographical locations:

a. Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 (9 a.m. 3 p.m.):Buena Vista University Campus (Siebens Forum,Dows Conference Room), Storm Lake, IA

b. Saturday, April 24, 2010 (9 a.m. 3 p.m.):Coe College Campus (Peterson and Stuart Halls), Cedar Rapids, IA

c. Saturday, August 14, 2009 (9 a.m. 3 p.m.):Building S70 (Freedom Center), Camp Dodge, Johnston, IA

o sign up, select the geographic location closest to you and send an emailcontaining your name, unit, phone number, email address and symposium locationselection to Maj. Amy Price at [email protected] or call 515-252-4136.

186th Military Police assist Iowa DOT with Winter Storm

Soldiers of the 186th Military Police were activated Dec. 8, 2009 to assistthe Department of ransportation

n the Des Moines area. Te MPs formed a

ommunity and highway assistance team toonverge with the DO to rescue stranded

motorists during the harshest time during thewinter storm.

When the snow plows stopped running towait for the brunt of the storm to pass, MPseamed up with the DO to form mini-onvoys to go out into the relentless wintertorm to assist the community. With a snow-low, a police cruiser and three Humvees,he community and highway assistance teamrought stranded motorist to safety, attempted

n ambulance escort before being redirected,nd checked numerous vehicles in parking lotsnd along highways for individuals who mighte stranded.

Our Humvees were able to go throughhe snow and get pretty much anywhere weeeded to go, said Sgt. 1st Class Bill White,he non-commissioned ocer in charge ofhe team. We also helped some of the DOnforcement ocers move about the area.

Te 186th MPs, as well as other units aroundthe state, must be prepared throughout the winter months to assist the DO if calledupon. o accomplish this, the teams musthave soldiers knowledgeable in winter survivalskills and experienced with the Humvees in winter conditions as well as have vehiclesprepared with provisions and staged, ready todeploy.

When called out for these missions, we areable to do what we are trained as MPs to do,

tory by Staff Sgt. Ashlee Lolkus

An unfortunate driver looses control and ends up in the ditch. Adverse weather conditions often catch driver

o guard during winter storms. (GNU Free Photo from Wikimedia)

said White. It is our job to patrol and assisduring state missions like this.

Community and highway assistance teamhave two main missions: health and welfarechecks and highway assistance. Te MPhealth and welfare checks are used to checkneighborhoods for hazards such as downedpower lines and to go house to house to checkfor power outages to individuals who may havspecial needs. Te mission for the Decembewinter storm was primarily highway assistance

Newly promoted Warrant Ocer, JosephCurphy is congratulated by Chief WarrantOcer 5, John Wynn Jan. 21, 2009. (Photoby State Photographer, Justin Cato)

Sign up now for the 2010 Ofcer/Warrant Ofcer Symposium!



Sixty-ve years after the 34th Infantry(Red Bull) Division pierced heavyGerman resistance in Northern Italy, a

large stone marker with the Red Bull engraved

on it was dedicated Sept. 20, 2009. Situatedin the mountains of uscany, about 20 milesnorth of Florence, the citizens of Vernio havededicated their section of the new highway tothe men of the 34th Division who fought anddied to liberate their town.

Te passage through the mountains is calledVia 34th Divisione di Fanteria Red Bull, orTe Red Bull Highway. When it's nished, itwill run from Vernio to the A1 Autostrada atBarberino di Mugello, a distance of 15 miles. Vernio, a commune of more than 5,500

residents situated in the heart of uscany, wasthe host for the week of remembrance.

Don Singlestad, from Park Rapids Minn.,unveiled the marker on behalf of the Red Bull

Division. Singlestad, now 92, was a 27 yearold echnical Sergeant from the MinnesotaNational Guard who served with the 135thInfantry Regiment. At the end of World War

II, Singlestad was one of three Americans to beawarded the Italian Medal of Valor for workdone with the Italian partisans. 34th InfantryDivision commander Maj. Gen. Rick Nash,said of them, It was an honor to meet twoveterans who were actually there in 1944.

Vernio Mayor, Paolo Cecconi said Itsimportant that we honor the Red Bullsoldiers and the Italian Partisans who paiddearly for freedom. Retired Warrant Ocer Val Ladurini, an Italian-American from theDes Moines chapter of the 34th Infantry

Division Association, carried the Red Bullbanner during the dedication and ceremony.Ladurini had served with the 34th Divisionin the Iowa National Guard. A quarter milebehind the marker and up a steep inclined hill

named orricella, meaning Hill of the ower, a ceremony was held at the GLine Memorial Park. Dedicated in 2003park encompasses the entire hill know

the Americans as Hill 810, where some odeadliest ghting occurred.

Te 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regihad the task of taking Hill 810 and onmorning of Sept. 17, 1944. Tey attastraight up the jagged terrain meeting German resistance. Over ve days, theBulls captured that hilltop four times witsupport of artillery, mortar and tank sup while German counterattacks forceAmericans to withdrawal three times. Fon September 21 the Iron men of the 1

Infantry, were able to retake the hill for gTe 133rd Infantry Regiment suered 91and 432 wounded in the ve days of comaking these causalities the highest theyexperienced in one battle.

Te German defensive positions wer well fortied that they claimed they wbe impregnable, but in September of the 34th Division and their attached punched through the Gothic Line and prthem wrong.

Te general and Pat Skelly of the 34th InfDivision Association laid a wreath nplaque which lists the Red Bull Divisionthe German 334th Division being oppforces and the dates of the Gothic ghting. I am inspired by what I see heyears after the war prosperity, peacesolemn remembrances of those who sacrfor a cause that will endure, Nash saidwill bring this back with me and share itthe people of Iraq, and hold you as the mwhich long-term peace will prevail.

Most of the hundred or so people attended were citizens of Vernio, Pand uscany, together with veterans oAlpini, Bersaglieri, Carabinieri, ForestaliPartigiani who keep in their memories our soldiers did to liberate them and country over half a century ago.

Italian Highway is Red Bull 34th Division HighwaStory by retired Master Sgt. John Talbott

(Left to Right) Maj. Gen. Rick Nash 34th Div Commander, Vernio Mayor Paolo Cecconi, Pat Skelly,

president of the 34th Infantry Division Association, and Don Singlestad, 34th Division World War II Veteran.

Photo courtesy of the Iowa Gold Star Museum.



he Iowa Gold Star Military Museumopened to the public Oct. 21, 2009.Limited exhibits will be available for

the public to view during the set up period while large pieces of equipment and aircraftare being placed in the exhibit hall. Currentitems already on site are a World War II halftrack, submarine periscope, M38 Jeep, and

M113 armored personnel carrier.

Te Iowa Gold Star Military Museum isscheduled to have an open house and ribboncutting for the new building addition April8-10, 2010.

Te hours of the museum continue to beMonday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m., except holidays (excluding MemorialDay and Veteran's Day).

he artifact we will feature in thisissue of the Militiaman is the U.S.Tompson submachine gun. Te

weapon was invented by John . Tompson in919 in response to the soldier trench warfareeeds of World War I. Tompson was a eld

rtillery ocer in the U.S. Army who hadraduated from the U.S. Military Academyn 1882. After the Spanish American War,

Tompson was appointed chief of the SmallArms Division for the ordnance departmentwhere he supervised development of the

M1903 Springeld rie and chaired therdnance board that approved the M1911istol. Te Tompson SMG was used by the

U.S. Army, Marines and Navy from 1921 thruWorld War II. It was replaced by the M1 andM3 submachine gun. During the gangster eraf the 1930s Tompsons were used by U.S

Marine Corps mail train guards and civilianaw enforcement agencies. Te Tompson waslso known informally as the "ommy Gun,"r the "rench Broom," because of its highate of re, compactness and large caliber .45

ACP cartridge.

Early versions of the Tompson had a fairlyigh rate of re, approaching 800-850 roundser minute. Later M1 and M1A1 Tompsonsveraged 600 rpm. Tis rate of re, combined

with a rather heavy trigger pull and a stock with

excessive drop, increases the tendency of thegun to climb o target in automatic re. Te50 round drum magazine provided signicantrepower but proved overly heavy and bulky

when slung on patrol or on the march. Forthis reason, the 20-round and later 30-roundbox magazines soon proved most popular withmilitary users during wartime M1 and M1A1models. Te Tompson was one of the earliestsubmachine guns to incorporate a double-column, double-feed box magazine design,which undoubtedly contributed to the gun's

U.S. Submachine Gun, .45 Caliber, M1 Story by retired Col. Russell V. Bierl

(Left to Right) Museum volunteers Retired Lt.Col. Skip Boysen and Retired Col. Bob King areholding two of the three Tompson submachineguns exhibited at the Gold Star Military Museum.Photo courtesy of the Iowa Gold Star Museum.

(Left to Right) Historian retired Col. Mike Musel, museum curator Michael Vogt, and museumdirector, retired Col. Russ Bierl holding one of the ve large service seals which have been placed onthe front of the building face. Photo courtesy of the Iowa Gold Star Museum.

reputation for reliability. In addition, the gunperformed better than most after exposure torain, dirt, and mud.

Te Tompson was standardized in Apri1942 as the U. S. submachine gun, .45

Caliber, M1. Rate of re was reduced toapproximately 600-700 rpm. First issuedin 1943, the M1 utilized a simple blowbackoperation, the charging handle was moved tothe side, and the adjustable rear sight replacedwith a xed peep sight. Wartime production variants omitted the triangular rear sighguard wings. Te slots adjoining the magazinewell allowing use of the drum magazine wereremoved. Te less expensive and more easilymanufactured "stick" magazines were usedexclusively in the M1, with a new 30-round version joining the familiar 20-round type

Te recoil compensator, barrel cooling nsand Blish lock were omitted while the buttstock was permanently axed. Approximately1.7 million Tompsons were produced by Auto-Ordnance, Savage and Colt, wi1,387,134 being build during World War Ias the M1 and M1A1 variants. Te Gold starMilitary Museum has three Tompsons onexhibit. One is actually the 1921 Navy Overstamp Model ( '28 Navy' ) with the drummagazine and the other two are the M1A1models with the box magazine.

Iowa Gold Star Military Museum Construction Update Story by retired Col. Russell V. Bierl



he Annual Iowa Gold Star Museum Volunteer Appreciation Dinner washeld Oct. 28, 2009 at the Camp Dodge

Recreation Hall. Many volunteers arrived early totour the new museum addition which includedthe memorial brick wall, a World War II half

track and the newly installed attack submarineperiscope. Te Adjutant General of Iowa, Brig.Gen. im Orr, and the Memorial AssociationPresident, Mr. Bob Holliday thanked 125 volunteers from the Iowa Gold Star Museumand 34th Infantry Division Association. Orrpresented the Commanders Award for PublicService to Mr. Steve Richmond, Mr. Bruce Karnand Mr. Jim Hinkle for their 12 years of serviceto the museum. At the conclusion of the eveningretired Col. Russell Bierl director of the IowaGold Star Museum, announced his retirement inJanuary 2010 after six and a half years of service.

Gold Star Museum 2009 Appreciation Dinner

World War II veteran Joe Boitnottmet up with a fellow 34thInfantry Division combat veteran,

Chaplain Maj. Mike Crawford, at the IowaGold Star Museum on Veterans Day. Boitnott

is a World War II veteran who was mobilizedas a heavy weapons machine gunner withCompany D, 1-168th Infantry Regiment inFebruary 1941. He enlisted in the Iowa ArmyNational Guard in December 1939 and tookhis basic training with the company duringMonday evening ID drills.

Crawford is currently assigned to the 734thRegional Support Group at Camp Dodge.He supports the 2nd Brigade Combat eam,34th Infantry Division as a full time Chaplain.Crawford served in Afghanistan in 2004-05 with ask Force 168th on the PR SecurityMission and later served in Kosovo in 2007-08 with the 194th Field Artillery Battalion.

Boitnott says he remembers the mobilizationof Co. D, 1-168th Inf. Regt. from Des Moinesin February 1941, like it was yesterday. Teyassembled at the Argon Armory in downtownDes Moines and spent their rst weeks aftermobilization processing their paperworkand completing physicals. Tey billeted inthe Younkers warehouse by the Rock Island

Veterans Day Meeting of 34th Division Red BullsRailroad Depot. Te men were given mealtickets to eat at the Bolton & Hay Restauranton 6th and Mulberry in Des Moines. Terewas little training they could do as the entireHeavy Weapons Company only had one

(Left to Right) Brig. Gen. im Orr, Adjutant General of Iowa, who presented the Commanders AwaPublic Service to, Mr. Steve Richmond, Mr. Bruce Karn and Mr. Jim Hinkle, all of Des Moines, for theirat the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum. Photo courtesy of the Iowa Gold Star Museum.

(Left to Right) Chaplain Maj. Mike Crawford meets with fellow 34th Infantry Division combat vretired Cpl. Monti Joe Boitnott at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum on Veterans Day. Photo coof the Iowa Gold Star Museum.

Story by retired Col. Russell V. B

Story by retired Col. Russell V. Bierl

M1917A1 Water Cooled Machine Gun a was in Newton because of the Maytag strike. His company was not issued M1 until after they were in combat in North A



671st Troop Command G Company RSP Story by Spc. Kelsey Blankenship

he recruit sustainment program is adrill weekend each month set up forNational Guard warriors who have

not yet completed their initial training. RSP iset up so that when the warriors arrive at theirraining they are well prepared. Tere are three

hases the warriors go through. Red phase isor warriors who have never been to a drillefore, followed by white phase for those whore waiting for basic training and green phaseor warriors who have been to basic trainingut not to advanced individual training.

Warriors are taught skills ranging from drillnd ceremony to ring a weapon and treating

wounds. RSP introduces people to the wayhe Army is," said Pfc. Tomas Peacock.Tey get their rst introduction to drill anderemony and some of the classes they will

have to take. I felt after having RSP I wasmore prepared than most of the active duty oreserve components because they dont really

have a program to prepare them for training,so I felt that I was more knowledgeable thana lot of people.

RSP allows red and white phase warriors totalk to other soldiers with experience about

what basic training will be like and what kindsof tasks they will be expected to complete.For basic training, this is a step up. You couldtell the people who had RSP and who hadntfrom the moment we started marching anddoing drill and ceremony, said Pvt. DaltonBolsinger, an RSP grad.

Warriors continue to go to RSP after theycomplete basic training. During this timethey take on a leadership role helping the redand white phase warriors, but also workingon keeping themselves prepared for AI. I

feel it will prepare me for AI by teaching meleadership. We get to take over the company,lead formation and give commands, said Pvt.

85th Air Refueling Wing's Student Flight Story by Staff Sgt. Rich Murphy

As new recruits enter the Air NationalGuard, many experience anxiety anduncertainty about what to expect

uring Basic Military raining and echchool. o deal with these anxieties, Master

gt. Tomas Fennel, ech. Sgt. Carl Lawsnd the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux

City, Iowa have developed the Student Flight.Te Student Flight prepares future Airmenor the challenges they will face in both Basic

raining and ech School. Airman 1st ClassDrew Plantage, an Arial Port echnician withhe 185th Supply and recent ech Schoolraduate, said, "Te student ight really gaves a taste of basic."

Once airmen commit to the ANG, they arenrolled into the Student Flight. At that point,hey are assigned their initial uniform, a grey85th ARW t-shirt. Te students begin eachrill by reporting to their assigned shops. Inheir shops, the recruits shadow experiencedworkers to get a sense of what their militaryob will entail.

When the students return from lunch, theymeet with Fennell and Laws to get prepared forBasic Military raining. Plantage said, "Tiswas when Fennell jumped into .I. Mode.".I. refers to Military raining Instructor,

the men and women who are in charge ofthe Basic Military Flights at Lackland AFB."Master Sgt. Fennell drills us on marching,physical tness, saluting, and the basics," saidAirman 1st Class Jordan Hazel, another new

member of the 185th ARW.

Te Student Flight program at the 185th ARW oers new airmen a chance to deal with the uncertainty and anxiety that tends

to aect new recruits. Fennell said, "We wanto make sure that we are sending over menand women who will succeed in their trainingwhile proudly representing all of us here at the185th."

{Tis article was edited for length but canbe found in its entirety on the 185th ARW'swebsite. http://www.185arw.ang.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123180808}

Kenny Schmidt. Te RSP has been successfulin preparing and helping warriors prepare fortheir upcoming training in everything fromtaking a monthly APF to helping a casualtyall the basic skills every warrior will need tosuccessfully complete basic and AI.

Warriors who have not been to basic comba

training learn drill and ceremony from warriors whoare waiting to go to advanced individual training.(U.S. Army photo by Spec. Kelsey Blankenship)

Airmen 1st Class aylor Grote, Adam Feiner, Devon Rook, Benjamin VanDyke, Jordan Hazel, JeridSchumacher, participated in the Student Flight Program before their Air Force basic training. Tey havenow graduated and are on their weekend drill duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by ech. Sgt. Oscar M. Sanchez)



National Guard's 373rd Birthday

Brig. Gen. im Orr, Adjutant Generalfor the state of Iowa came to the34th Army Bands Christmas concert

at the Stephen Sondheim Center for thePerforming Arts in Faireld, Iowa Sunday,Dec. 13, 2009 to speak about the National

Guards 373rd birthday.

oday is the 373rd anniversary of theNational Guard," said Orr. "Te NationalGuard is actually 173 years older thanany other service, specically the Army.It was created back in the 1600s when themilitiamen stood up to defend against theenemies both foreign and domestic. Tatconcept was carried through our foundingfathers and is the baseline of the NationalGuard. Every state has a Guard as well asdistricts and territories. Its the way our

states maintain severalty and still belong toan Army.

When Orr nished speaking about theNational Guards 373rd birthday hepresented Chief Warrant Ocer 3, JamesGoodwin with a commanders coin.

Commanders are authorized to present coinson behalf of their position," said Orr. "WhatI gave him was a coin that has the seal of theAdjutant General, has all of the command agsand the organizations within the Air and ArmyNational Guard. On the back of the coin is an

Adjutant Generals ag. Te two stars representthe position and it was for excellence. Tis coinis presented to leaders who show excellence inwhat they do every day.

Orr then presented the director of the Faireldhigh school band with a commanders coinas well. I gave him a commanders coin andthats something that you dont see often in thecivilian world is a coin being given," said Orr."As General Lawson former Adjutant Generalused to say, it wont buy you a cup of coeebut its a small token of my appreciation, for

his leadership with the young people in thetown of Faireld and their involvement withour band.

Orr has been in the military for the past 31years. Starting as an enlisted infantryman,

34th Army Band 2009 Christmas Concert - Faireld, IowS

unday, Dec. 13, 2009 the 34th ArmyBand held a Christmas concert forthe local community at the Stephen

Sondheim Center for the Performing Artsin Faireld, Iowa. Te Christmas concertwas performed by the 56 members of the34th Army Band and 18 selected honorband students from Faireld high school.

Te band began with playing patrioticmusic for the audience.

We are playing Fort McHenry Suite," saidGoodwin. "It has several movements andthere is narration in it where the narratorsbasically read the second and third versesof the national anthem. Ten right afterthat we are going to go into the National

Story by Spec. Kelsey Blankenship

he has been appointed the position oAdjutant General of the Iowa Army anNational Guard by the governor and isresponsible for the 9400 soldiers and aiin the Iowa National Guard.

Brig. Gen. im Orr gives a speech about the NGuard's 373rd birthday Sunday, Dec. 13, (U.S. Army photo by Spec. Kelsey Blankensh

Anthem and we are going to invite thaudience to stand and sing, said ChieWarrant Ocer James Goodwin.

Following the patriotic beginning, thband moved into dierent varieties oChristmas music, including well knowmelodies such as Have Yourself a Merr

Little Christmas and a Saxophonensemble of We Tree Kings.

Tis proud community almost lled aof the 522 seats in the Stephen SondheimCenter for the Performing Arts and at thend everyone stood for the band with standing ovation to thank them for thwonderful music played that afternoon.

Story by Spec. Kelsey Blankenship

Spec. David Krcil plays the french horn forthe 34th Army Band out of Faireld, IowaSunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (U.S. Army photo bySpec. Kelsey Blankenship)



Iam humbled to have been selected toserve as the senior enlisted leader for theState of Iowa. I consider it an honor and a

rivilege to be able to work for and representhe soldiers, airman, and families of the Iowa

National Guard.

Troughout my career, one constant in everyssignment and every unit has been the qualityf warriors I have been able to work with. Fromhe most junior warrior in our formations to

he adjutant general, we have arguably theest warriors and leaders available. Tey allave great deal of mid-western work ethic,onesty, integrity, and a get-it-done attitudeolded into them. For me, this was reinforceduring my last three assignments whileerving as the Command Sergeant Major forhe 67th roop Command, the Commandergeant Major for the National Maintenance

raining Center, and an embedded trainern support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

During these assignments I have had a great

pportunity to see our soldiers and airman inraining, in response to natural disasters, andn combat. I saw them working side-by-side

with warriors from other states, other services,nd other countries. ime and time-again they

were recognized for their professionalism andhe quality of their work. Again, I am proudnd honored to be able to serve you.

As an organization, we have been busy.We have both Army and Air Force units/ersonnel deployed in support of Operation

Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom, we are working through a signicantreorganization and we continue to conductday-to-day operations. As we move into thespring we are looking at the largest deploymentcall-up we have seen to date. With all of this inmind, I will be concentrating on the followingareas when I visit units and conduct business:rst, to provide trained warriors second,to develop warriors and leaders; and third,care for our warriors, their families and their

employers. In each upcoming column I willaddress these specic areas.

I have been in the state command sergeantmajor position for more than two monthsnow, and Ive been able to get out to visit someof our warriors and units: the 1/168th InfantryBattalion here at Camp Dodge conductingleader validation, the 132 Fighter Wing atthe Des Moines Air Base as they conductedtheir annual awards ceremony, and the 3368thransportation Company for their Freedom

Salute. During these visits, I have had theopportunity to talk with the warriors andleaders of these units and Ive been impressed with their professionalism, motivation andcommitment. I am looking forward to thespring and summer months and getting out tomany more units.

Finally, I want to thank you for yourcommitment, for your service, and for beingpart of the Iowa National Guard eam Warrior Ready!

Through the Ranks Command Sgt. Maj. John Breitsprecker, Senior Enlisted Advisor

Humbled to Serve!Providing, training and caring for our warriors

Command Sgt. Maj. JohnBreitsprecker enlisted in A Co. 1-133Infantry Battalion, Dubuque, Iowa justover 30 years ago. He has served in avariety of assignments in combat arms,combat support, and sustainmentunits. Breitsprecker has served inleadership positions from squad leaderto Command Sergeant Major at themajor subordinate command level andin sta positions from detachment

operations non-commissioned ocerto the operations NCO for the deputychief of sta of operations.

I consider it an honor and a privilege to be

able to work or and represent the soldiers, airman,

and amilies o the Iowa National Guard.

Command Sgt. Maj. John Breitsprecker, Senior Enlisted Advisor



by Chaplain Maj. Mike Crawfor2-34th BCT Chapla

With the alert order for the 2-34thBC, in addition to our other ARNG, ANG, and USAR units

who are planning to mobilize within theyear, most of our Iowa military families are

experiencing the emotional adjustments causedby deployments. I recently came across anexcellent article prepared by Army, Navy, AirForce, and Marine psychiatrists on the emotionalcycles families go through as they prepare for,live through, and adjust after deployments ofsix months or longer. Id like to share just a fewinsights to help normalize the emotional ups anddowns families may be experiencing.

Families may feel frustration at the perceivedexcitement their soldiers show at the prospectof deploying. As their soldiers spend more time

away from home for training, family memberscome to accept the reality of the deploymentand may uctuate from Do you really have togo? to, I wish you were already gone! Teymay nd it helpful to learn that their Soldiersneed to develop close emotional ties with unitmembers in order to depend on them throughthe extreme circumstances their mission mayrequire. Families should see that their soldiers arepreparing to survive and to see that their buddiesdo the same. Soldiers do not relish leaving theirfamilies, but in utilizing their training to serveour country and return home with a sense ofpride and purpose in what they accomplished.

Families may also take great eorts to make themost of every experience they have togetherprior to the start of their separation. Tey maywant to have the best Christmas, most romanticanniversary, or dream vacation, as they anticipatemissing those special days together in the year tocome. Te main emphasis should be spendingtime together rather than spending money justto have that special experience.

Families will also do well to establish theirown network of support people who willhelp them through the deployment. TeFamily Readiness Groups can be a source ofsympathetic support from folks going through

the same emotions. Extended family members,church communities, and other civic groups canconstitute other relationships that will providethe needed emotional encouragement to endurethose long and lonely days that will occuroccasionally while their soldier is gone. Tedeployment may give families the occasion todevelop extra relationships that will continue toenrich their lives even after their soldier returns.Te challenge here is for the families to foreseewhat their needs will be and to initiate building

Preparing Emotionally for Deploymentsrelationships with the key people that willthem with those needs.

Every step soldiers and their families taprepare prior to the mobilization will repay

with peace of mind when the day of mobilizarrives. Te upcoming Strong Bonds, YRibbon, and FRG events are all geared tohelping families identify those steps so theset themselves up for success even througchallenges that deployments bring.

Chaplain Maj. Mike Crawford serves fulltime support chaplain for the 2-34th and can be contacted at [email protected].

Airmen and Soldiers take a moment to pray for each other's safety before heading out for another dconvoy duty in Iraq. Te Airmen run the convoys into Iraq while the Soldiers, in their armored tescort them. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sta Sgt. Scott Campbell)

ChaplainsCorne


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E-le your tax returns for the fastest refund

Beginning Jan. 15, the IowaDepartment of Revenue web-sitewill feature links to companies that

provide online ling of both federal andIowa income tax returns. Click the e-lelogo at www.state.ia.us/tax to nd twocategories of electronic ling: "eFile forFree" and "eFile for a Fee."

Tose who do not qualify to le free willdiscover that online ling is not expensive.Most lers receive refunds and wantthem fast. o get your refund in 10 daysor less, electronically le through thedepartment's web-site, purchased software,

ravel Risk Planning System (RiPS)s an automated trip planning tool thatncorporates the principals of Composite

Risk Management and facilitates a dialogueetween supervisor and subordinate prior toOV travel. It assesses the risk of driving yourrivately owned vehicle. Te system helpsdentify and avoid hazards you may face onhe highway including: fatigue, not bucklingp, and driving too far. For more informationbout RiPS visit their website at https://

he Army is introducing a new way forFamilies and friends to communicate with their loved ones who are

eployed in support of Operation Enduringreedom (OEF). Beginning Dec. 1, 2009he Army launched "HooahMail" as a pilotrogram for fast, easy, secure, letter-styleorrespondence to OEF deployed soldiers.

Based on a proven system used by the MarineCorps since 2003, HooahMail brings anothermethod to keep in touch with militarymembers in Afghanistan. From stateside,HooahMail oers a computer based processwhich will generate a printed, sealed, letter-

tyle document for direct delivery to forward

operating bases throughout the OEF area ofoperations. Tis one-way system will allowsecure download capabilities at selected OEFremote sites. Tese letters will then be printedon special equipment which will print,fold, seal and address the envelope for freedelivery to OEF Soldiers. HooahMail will bedistributed just like regular mail through unitmail-rooms.

At sites which don't get daily postal mail service,HooahMail will oer a free, convenient wayto communicate. Tis method could reducedelivery time in some cases from 14+ daysto remote locations to same/next day service,with an average 4 days to all other locationsin Afghanistan. HooahMail will augmenttraditional postal letter mail service. Fundedby Department of the Army, and supportedby the current postal command structure,HooahMail oers a new and exciting wayto strengthen communications to our OEFSoldiers. For more information visit their

website at www.hooahmail.us.

or tax professionals. Last year 74% of Iowareturns were e-led.

If your cause is green, you should knowthat e-ling is good for the environment.Little, if any, paper is used or stored bye-lers and the department.

PUBLICATION DEADLINES

Spring 2010Article Deadline: March 5, 2010

Summer 2010Article Deadline: May 7, 2010

Fall 2010Article Deadline: Aug. 6, 2010

Winter 2010

Article Deadline: Nov. 5, 2010

Address all submissions to:Te Iowa MilitiamanPublic Aairs Oce7105 NW 70th Ave.

Johnston, Iowa 50131-1824or e-mail: [email protected]

Winter 2009 Militiaman

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