nh national guard magazine, fall 2011

The New Hampshire National Guard Magazine is aquarterly, joint publication for the soldiers and airmenserving in the N.H. National Guard, as well as their familiesand retirees. It is posted to the World Wide Web athttps://www.nh.ngb.army.mil.

The New Hampshire National Guard Magazine is acommercial enterprise publication produced in partnershipwith the State Public Affairs Office, New HampshireNational Guard, 1 Minuteman Way, Concord, NH 03301;and AQP Publishing Inc., 8537 Corbin Drive, Anchorage,AK 99507.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be madeavailable for purchase, use or patronage without regard torace, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin,age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation,or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user orpatron. A confirmed violation of this policy of equalopportunity by an advertiser shall result in the refusal toprint advertising from that source.

Views and opinions expressed herein are notnecessarily the official views of the departments of theArmy and Air Force, or the State of New Hampshire. Allphotos are the property of the N.H. National Guard unlessotherwise credited. Circulation: 3,000

How to reach us: We welcome letters to the editor.They must include the writer’s full name and mailingaddress.

Brigadier General Craig BennettCommander of the N.H. Army National Guard

Brigadier General Carolyn ProtzmannCommander of the N.H. Air National Guard

Captain Robert BurnhamState Public Affairs Officer, N.H. National Guard

First Sergeant Michael DaigleDeputy State Public Affairs Officer,

N.H. National Guard

Captain Sherri PiercePublic Affairs Officer, 157th Air Refueling Wing,

N.H. Air National Guard

STAFFN.H. Army National Guard Public Affairs

Airmen of the 157th Air Refueling Wing PublicAffairs Office, N.H. Air National Guard

Bob UlinPublisher

Marie LundstromEditor

Gloria ScheinGraphic Artist

Chris KersbergenDarrell GeorgeAdvertising Sales

Toll Free: (866) 562-9300 • Fax: (907) 562-9311Web: www.AQPpublishing.com

Wing practices response to major accident . . . . 3

CST train for worst case scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Protzmann promoted to brigadier general, . . . . 7assumes command of the NHANG

Road to recovery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

How one airman’s selflessnesssaved four lives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

197th FIB commander assessesKuwait SECFOR mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

First lady brings message of supportto N.H. service members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

N.H. National Guard Family Program: . . . . . . 18Mission first, family always

Barley House Wolves: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Kuwait Chapter plays first desert match

Army Promotions & Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Air Promotions & Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

47th Annual N.H. Guard Golf Classic 2011 . . 24

Fall 2011

The Honorable John H. LynchGovernor of New Hampshire

Major General William ReddelAdjutant General of theN.H. National Guard

New Hampshire National Guard MagazineState Public Affairs Office, N.H. National Guard

1 Minuteman Way • Concord, NH 03301(603) 225-1340

https://www.nh.ngb.army.mil

Submissions: We encourage story and photosubmissions. Please send articles and photos withcutlines to:

7

12

16

1Fall 2011 / New Hampshire National Guard Magazine

On the cover: N.H.State Police Trooperand ExplosiveOrdinance DisposalUnit member Ed Flynnsuits up with the N.H.National Guard 12thCST during earliertraining in Indiana.Photo by Lori Duff

Fall 2011 / New Hampshire National Guard Magazine 3

By Capt. Sherri Pierce, JFHQ Public Affairs

It’s 9 a.m. The crash phone rings. Sirens blare and theemergency crews are dispatched. Smoke rises from the wreckageon the north ramp. This was the scene of a simulated mid-airaircraft collision during the Major Accident Response Exerciseheld July 14 at Pease Air National Guard Base.The exercise was designed to test the 157th Air Refueling

Wing’s ability to react to a large scale incident. Airmen hadto quickly respond to simulated situations such as a plane crash,emergency landing, treatment of wounded, casualty recovery andexposure to hazardous materials.The MARE was spearheaded by the Exercise Evaluation

Team, a group of about 25 wing members “who evaluate theirfunctional area and determine if each area is mission ready,” saidSenior Master Sgt. Keith Downs, the 157th ARW’s installationemergency manager.The nature of this type of emergency made it necessary to

bring together many different groups on base such as EmergencyServices, Air Traffic Control, Environmental, Medical, PublicAffairs, Judge Advocate General, Senior Staff and the CommandPost while convening the Emergency Operations Center and theIncident Command Center. All groups had to work closelytogether to ensure a successful response.

Wing practices response to major accident

Members of the 157th Air Refueling Wing Fire and Emergency Services discusshow to approach the scene of an “accident” during the Major AccidentResponse Exercise July 14 at Pease Air National Guard Base.Photo by Master Sgt. Timothy Psaledakis

The exercise went “very well” according to Downs. “Thereare always areas for improvement but overall this was verysuccessful.” �

A member of the Pease Fire Department assists EMTs in loading a simulated casualty during a Mass Accident Response Exercise on July 14. The MARE, conductedat Pease Air National Guard Base,Newington,N.H., is part of the regular training for both full timemilitary and traditional Guardsmen. Photo by Master Sgt. Timothy Psaledakis


Chemical, biological, radiological andnuclear explosives – the things that evenhazardous materials teams can’t deal with– are the NewHampshire National Guard’s12th Civil Support Team’s specialty.In June, the team attended a weeklong

chemical and biological warfare class toensure their readiness. U.S. Army StaffSgt. Jeffrey Jordan, CBRNE noncommis-sioned officer, 12th CST, said the classfocused on differentiating between aninexperienced and experienced explosivemaker.“The course was a basic introduction

to chemical and biological warfare. Theclass also included methamphetamine andexplosives,” said Jordan. “It is importantto understand, just by looking, the differ-ences between homemade and laboratoryexplosives.”The class trained the CST with demon-

strations of violent chemical reaction. Thecomponents of the demonstrations couldbe found at any local hardware store,such as aluminum foil and drain cleaner.“The best part of the course was the

explosives part,” said U.S. Army Sgt.Matthew Maguire, survey team member,12th CST. “We, as a team, spend most ofour training time focusing on chemical,biological and radiation-related weapons.The reality is that an explosive will be thelikely means of dissemination. We, there-fore, should have training to be able toidentify the production of an explosive,what they might look like in raw form andhow to respond.”New Hampshire’s CST is a full-time

unit staffed with 22 Army and Air NationalGuardsmen. The mission of the unit is todeploy by land or air to provide supportfor a potential or an actual CBRNEincident. CSTs are federally resourced,trained and evaluated, but fall under thecontrol of the governor. The team has theability to respond well before federal

response assets could provide assistanceand has an initial deployment time within90 minutes of alert.The New Hampshire CST was founded

in 2005 and certified by the Secretary ofDefense in 2007. Prior to certification, theunit underwent 15 months of individualand unit training. The unit is made upof six components: command, operations,communications, decontamination/logistics, medical/analytical and survey.“The mission is to support civil

authorities at domestic chemical,biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives incident sites by identifyingCBRNE agents and substances, assessing

Members of the CST simulate a recovery operation. Photo by Lori Duff

By Spc. Karin Leach

current and projected consequences,advising on response measures, andassisting with appropriate requests foradditional support,” said Jordan.U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Edward

Demers, reconnaissance noncommis-sioned officer, 12th CST, said he thorough-ly enjoys his job and the training hereceives.“We have a mission that we train for

and we execute on a daily basis,” saidDemers. “We get to actually do what wetrain for all the time.”Demers said the constant training

enables the unit to think outside of thebox and be prepared for anything. �

CSTCSTtrain forworstcasescenarios

Top: A memorial to the United States Army was dedicated at theState Veterans Cemetery, May 30, in Boscawen. The etchedglass and granite monument is a tribute to soldiers. Theinscription reads, “Lest we forget, all gave some, somegave all.” Photo by 1st Sgt. Michael Daigle

Right: Retired Maj. Gen. John Blair, former Adjutant General,state of New Hampshire, speaks at a ceremony dedicating aUnited States Army monument at this year’s Memorial Dayceremony at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, May 30, in Boscawen. At left are the current Adjutant General, William N. Reddel III, and thecommander in chief of the New Hampshire National Guard, Gov. John Lynch. Photo by 1st Sgt. Michael Daigle

6

Chief Master Sgt. Bill Houghton, NewHampshire National Guard CounterdrugTask Force training officer in charge,along with federal Drug EnforcementAdministration officials from NewEngland, observes the loading ofunwanted or unused prescription drugsturned over by citizens of NewHampshire at over 90 drop-off locationsthroughout the state at the DEA’sNational Prescription Drug Take-Backevent on April 30. During the course ofthis semiannual event, more than 4,000pounds of unused prescription drugswere secured by officials. Local policeand substance abuse organizationshelped organize the event with the intentof keeping New Hampshire residentssafe from the potential abuse of thesedrugs. Photo by Spc. Rick Frost

New Hampshire National Guard Magazine / Fall 2011


By 2nd Lt. Aaron McCarthy157th ARW Public Affairs

Col. Carolyn Protzmann was promotedto the rank of brigadier general and madethe first female commander of the NewHampshire Air National Guard in frontof more than 1,000 distinguished visitors,friends, family and National Guardmembers, June 4, at Pease Air NationalGuard Base.

Brig. Gen. Protzmann was vice wingcommander of the 157th Air RefuelingWing at Pease, a position she has heldsince 2001.

“She has earned the admiration andrespect of not only the wing, but also ofthe Joint Force Headquarters,” said Maj.Gen. William N. Reddel III, the AdjutantGeneral, state of New Hampshire.

Protzmann told the audience that shewould work her heart out for them, andfor the organization. She told membersof the unit that she expects them to givetheir best when they are with the Guardand, if they cannot because of the Guard,let someone know how they can help.

“Today, you have entrusted me withcommand, and I proudly wear the rank ofbrigadier general and know in my heart,just as proudly, I cherish the stripes ofeach and every one of our enlisted menand women of the New Hampshire AirNational Guard,” Protzmann said. “Forcedevelopment is caring for one another. Weare each other’s wingmen. That person tothe left of you and that person to theright of you is your wingman. And, just asimportantly, you are theirs.”

A native of Franklin, N.H., Protzmanjoined the United States Air Force in1979, receiving her commission throughOfficer Training School. She served asaircraft maintenance officer for two years,working with both transport and fighteraircraft and was a wing plans officer forthe largest tactical fighter wing in the AirForce at Royal Air Force Bentwaters,England, for three years.

Protzmann joined the Air NationalGuard in 1984 as a traditional Guardsmanservices officer and in 1987, became thefull-time logistics plans officer for the157th Air Refueling Group. In 1992, shebecame the support group commander ofthe 157th Air Refueling Wing where sheserved until 2001 when she became thevice wing commander. �

Protzmann promoted to brigadier general,assumes command of the NHANG

Brig. Gen. Carolyn Protzmann is sworn in as Deputy AdjutantGeneral by the commander in chief of the New HampshireNational Guard, Gov. John Lynch, at the state house inConcord June 1. Photo by 1st Sgt. Michael Daigle

Brig. Gen. Carolyn Protzmann receives her one-star rank insignia from her husband retired Col. JamesProtzmann and fromMaj. Gen. William N. Reddel III, the Adjutant General, state of New Hampshire at PeaseAir National Guard Base, N.H., June 4, 2011. Photo by Staff Sgt. Curtis Lenz

Right: Brig. Gen. Carolyn Protzmannassumes command of the New HampshireAir National Guard by accepting theHeadquarters State NHANG guidon fromMaj. Gen. William N. Reddel III, theAdjutant General of the state of NewHampshire, at Pease Air National GuardBase, N.H., June 4, 2011. Protzmann is thefirst female commander of the NewHampshire Air National Guard. N.H. StateCommand Chief Master SergeantMatthew Collier acts as the proffer for theceremony. Photo by Staff Sgt. Curtis Lenz

“Today, you haveentrusted me

with command, and Iproudly wear the rankof brigadier general.”

– Brig. Gen. Protzmann


their son in Georgia, where they stuck byhis side for approximately two years.“We have been very fortunate

because since the phone call, they (the U.S.Army) have taken great care of us,” saidRod Sandlin, Ryan’s father. “The Armyput us up in the Fisher House, which isnext to the hospital, and we’ve been herefor the past two years watching our sonrecover.”The Sandlin family was able to stay at

the Fisher House on Fort Gordon, whichis a program whose mission is to providetemporary lodging in a kind, caring andhome-away-from-home environment tomembers of the armed services, veteransand their families during a medicalcrisis.“The people are so nice,” said Linda

Sandlin, Ryan’s mother. “They make youfeel at home when really you’re a thousandmiles away.”

Ryan agreed. He said that living in anenvironment like the one at Fort Gordonhelped him with his recovery.Sandlin’s therapy was at the Dwight

D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center atFort Gordon, one of the few active dutywards still operating in the VA system.There, he was able to go through treat-ment with other soldiers, many of themcombat veterans, and still spend timewith his family.“You wake up every day in the same

room as someone who has a lot of workahead of them, too,” said Sandlin. “Havingother soldiers there is like having asecond backbone – they pick you up, andyou pick them up when it seems a littleharder than the day before.”While he was making his recovery,

several members of the New HampshireNational Guard went to Fort Gordonto visit him.“It was really awesome having soldiers,

like Command Sgt. Maj. Nanof, comeand visit,” he said. “You feel like peopleback home really care, and you know theyhaven’t forgotten about you.”Today, Sandlin is doing very well and

making a remarkable recovery.“When he got out of the hospital

originally, doctors thought he would bebedridden for the rest of his life,” saidRod Sandlin. “Now, he can talk, bathe,walk and dress himself.”July 14 was the Sandlin family’s last

day at the medical facility in Georgia. Theyflew in to Manchester-Boston RegionalAirport at midnight July 15.Sandlin’s father said that Ryan has

made quite the recovery, and he’s comea long way, but he still has a long wayto go.“He’s got a long road ahead, but he’s

been in good spirits throughout thisprocess, and he’s willing to work harder –he wants to live on his own,” said RodSandlin. “He wants to work harder thanhe’s ever worked for his recovery.” �

Pfc. Ryan Sandlin, center, stands with his parents, Linda and Rod Sandlin, at their house in Bow, on July 22.Sandlin was diagnosed with cavernous sinus thrombosis: a clot within the sinus cavity at the base of thebrain, which drains deoxygenated blood from the brain back to the heart. He and his family returned homeJuly 14 from Fort Gordon, Ga., where he was receiving medical treatment. Now he will continue hisphysical rehabilitation at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Manchester. Photo by Spc. Courtney Selig

On March 12, 2009, Pfc. Ryan Sandlin,C Company, 3/172nd Infantry (Mountain),was at Fort Benning, Ga., attending BasicCombat Training. He went on sick call forheadaches. The doctor’s first diagnosiswas meningitis. However, two days laterhe was diagnosed with cavernous sinusthrombosis – a clot within the sinus cavityat the base of the brain, which drainsdeoxygenated blood from the brain backto the heart. Sandlin was medically evac-uated to Fort Gordon, Ga., and given a50 percent chance of survival.Since then he has survived, not just

one, but two strokes. Doctors said that astaph infection caused a blood clot in thebrain, leading to one stroke, followed bya second. Sandlin’s case is one of onlyabout 100 cases ever recorded where thishas happened.The Sandlin family was notified

immediately and were flown down to see

By Spc. Courtney Selig, NHNG Public Affairs Office

“Having other soldiers there is like having a second backbone –they pick you up, and you pick them up

when it seems a little harder than the day before.”– Pfc. Ryan Sandlin


Howoneairman’sselflessnesssaved fourlivesBy Capt. Sherri Pierce, NHNG Public Affairs

On May 24, four individuals fromacross the country woke up from surgerywith a new lot on life. All thanks toMasterSgt. Marc Gagnon.Gagnon, (pronounced Ganyon) an Air

National Guard Joint Force Headquartersknowledge operations specialist, donatedhis kidney to an anonymous recipient,which sparked three other kidney dona-tions in a process called a paired kidneychain exchange.A paired kidney exchange chain trans-

plant “creates opportunities for endlessrecipient-donor pairings,” according totheUniversity of California Health System.“It starts with an altruistic donor – some-one who wants to donate a kidney out ofthe goodness of his or her heart. Thatkidney is transplanted into a recipient whohad a donor willing to give a kidney, butwas not a match. To keep the chain going,the incompatible donor gives a kidney toa patient unknown to him or her who hasbeen identified as a match, essentially‘paying it forward.’”Gagnon is also placed on the top of

the transplant waiting list should he everneed a kidney in the future.Gagnon first had the notion of donat-

ing a kidney years ago when his wife’scousin Karen needed a transplant. WhenKaren was five, she underwent a routinetonsillectomy but, due to undiagnosedhigh blood pressure and severe complica-tions, immediately had to have one kidneyremoved. The other kidney was damagedbut to a lesser degree. In high school,Karen started dialysis on her remainingkidney and had her first cadaver transplantin 1987. In 2004, she starting rejecting thatkidney and was put back on dialysis andthe waiting list. It was then that Gagnon,a universal donor with type O blood,started the process to see if he was amatch. Unfortunately, Karen passed awaybefore a transplant could take place.In October 2010, Gagnon read that

19 people a day die waiting for organtransplants and that got him thinking,

“If I was going to donate back then, whynot do it now?”Gagnon did some research and got in

touch with Dartmouth-Hitchcock MedicalCenter that does living organ donations.Over several months, Gagnon met withsurgical teams and social workers andunderwent a series of tests to ensure thathe was healthy enough to withstand thesurgery and live life with one kidney.“I discovered I am a very healthy 52-

year-old male,” he reported.Gagnon also had many discussions

with his wife, Cheryl.“This will have a big impact on her,”

he said. “She will have to care for me.”The recovery time is estimated at aboutfour to eight weeks, according to Gagnon.“I will be with him every step of the

way,” she said.How did Gagnon prepare for the

surgery? In this day and age, he did whatevery tech savvy individual would do. Hehad a virtual going away party for hiskidney on Facebook.During this virtual event, Gagnon

asked for thoughts and prayers on the dayof the operation and for people to con-sider becoming an organ donor.“I personally feel people shouldn’t be

taking healthy organs to the grave,” hesaid. “There is just so much good that cancome from donating them.”The response was “overwhelming,”

Gagnon said.“Marc, what you are doing is brave

and unselfish,” one post read.“WOW. I am speechless. What an

incredible selfless thing to do. You areawesome and I am proud to be yourfriend!” another post read.Not only did he discover tremendous

support for the kidney donation, but alsomany people are already organ donors.“What a gift! I am already an organ

donor and fully believe in it.”“I have the red heart on my license.”“I too am an organ donor.”The posts go on and on.“I’m humbled by the reaction,” said

Gagnon. “I don’t consider myself a cynicalperson but I was expecting someone tosay, ‘Are you out of your mind?’ Andnobody has,” he said. “I have receivedlots of support and prayers.”“If one person who reads this article

turns to a loved one and says, ‘God forbidanything should happen to me, I want tobe an organ donor.’ That would just be thecoolest, wouldn’t it?” Gagnon remarked.�

Master Sgt. Marc Gagnon poses with his “Donate Life” baseball cap May 19, 2011, just days before hedonated his kidney to an anonymous recipient. His donation sparks a series of three other kidney donationsthrough a process called a kidney chain transplant. Photo by Capt. Sherri Pierce

Col. Peter Corey, commander of the 197th Fires Brigade, assessesthe brigade’s SECFOR mission in support of Operation New Dawnas the Middle East experiences a historic upheaval. Interviewed byMaj. Greg Heilshorn, 197th FIB PAO, earlier this year.

Is the deployment what you expected?

I never expected to be included in so many ancillary missions– sending two teams to Afghanistan, our role in Kuwait’s 50/20parade and driving the MaxxPro MRAPs to the war-fighter inIraq. All of that in addition to our primary security force mission.It’s been a lot more complex and challenging, and busier than

I envisioned. The dynamics of the Army Dive Team, the chemicalcompany and explosive ordnance company have added a lot toour plates that we really didn’t grasp prior to our arrival.

I didn’t realize how intricate the relationships are between thevarious headquarters, and the incredible dependence we haveon contractors. It puts an artificial constraint on a commanderwho wants to get something accomplished. Things change,unforeseen events, but sometimes your hands are tied and youhave to work within the confines of the contractor.

197th FIB commanderassesses Kuwait SECFORmission

By Maj. Greg Heilshorn, 197th FIB PAO

The 197th Fires Brigade supported atheater Security Forces mission in supportof Operation New Dawn from November2010 to August 2011. It provided QuickReaction Forces at all United States ArmyForces, Central Command, bases locatedin Kuwait, and ran all of the camp com-mand cells. The brigade provided securityfor short and long hauls into Iraq and hassupported Area Reaction Force missionsin the north and south of Kuwait.Additionally, the brigade conducted

host-nation training, deployed teams toAfghanistan for property accountabilityand container management, assisted thePentagon with mass grave documentationand recovery of Missing in Action remains,and provided support to the DefenseReutilization Management Office.Over the course of its deployment, the

197th Fires Brigade conducted missions in

13 different countries, setting the followingbenchmarks:

– drove more than 2 million miles withouta serious accident– conducted nearly 6,000 QRF missionsand more than 200 ARF missions– completed more than 30 mine-resistant,ambush-protected vehicle escort missions– trained more than 700 Kuwaiti servicemembers on chemical, biological, radio-logical, nuclear explosive operations– destroyed more than 200,000 pounds ofexpired munitions– performed more than 150 underwatermissions to secure critical infrastructure– completed more than 30,000 camp workorders– conducted 140,000 third country nationalsearches and 70,000 vehicle searches.

The 197th Fires Brigade is a NewHampshire Army National Guard artillery

unit commanded by Col. Peter Corey andheadquartered in Manchester, N.H.It comprises five field artillery battalionsfrom four different states – 1/103rd FA,Rhode Island National Guard; 1/201st FA,West Virginia National Guard; 1/182nd FA,Michigan National Guard; 1/119th FA,Michigan National Guard; and 3/197th FA,New Hampshire National Guard. It alsoincludes a support battalion, TAB andsignal company.More than 2,400 soldiers are assigned

to the brigade. While in Kuwait they pro-vided command & control for a U.S. Navy/Coast Guard contingent; the 7th EngineerDive Team; 44th Chemical Company andthe 319th Explosive Ordnance DisposalTeam, Washington National Guard. Thebrigade also provided initial support totwo Oklahoma Army Guard battalionsthat were diverted to Kuwait – 1/160th FAand 1/180th Cavalry. �

197th Fires Brigade completes Security Force deploymentin support of Operation New Dawn

Sgt. 1st Class Vincent Bey, a New Bedford, Mass., resident assigned to EchoBattery, 1st Battalion, 101st FA, Massachusetts Army Guard, is coined byCol. Peter Corey, commander of the 197th Fires Brigade, for his outstandingleadership during a presentation at Balad, Iraq, July 9. Looking on is Staff Sgt.Dennis Galimberti of Laconia, N.H., who was also coined by Corey.Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Neal Mitchell

The 3rd/197th Field Artillery maintenance crew. Photo by Capt. Brian Calhoun

New Hampshire National Guard Magazine / Fall 201112


t

Does it surprise you that the brigade hashandled so many additional missions?

I had no doubts we could performwhatever we were asked to do. Soldiershave stepped up to the plate marvelously.We have received tremendous accoladesfrom the higher command here includingan e-mail trail from Gen. Petraeus onour mission in Afghanistan. That’s prettycool. We have good leaders, good soldiers,and we’re making it happen. I am a littledisappointed we are here between the twosurges. But as much as I would like us tobe a part of the final withdrawal fromIraq, what we are doing now is meaning-ful and setting the conditions for thatwhich is to follow.

Have there been many issues?

We’ve had our fair share of personneland discipline issues, but to our credit, wedealt firmly with those issues at mobiliza-tion station and that has paid dividends

here. We’re doing better than what histor-ical statistics for a unit this size wouldpredict. We’ve made some adjustmentswith people and positions. To our credit aswell, we’ve really emphasized soldier safetyat mobilization station, and that too haspaid dividends. The first 60 days and thelast 30 days are typically when units expe-rience serious accidents or injuries. We’vehad none to date and endeavor to main-tain that record.

Why such a strong emphasis on safetyand also equal opportunity? You have alieutenant colonel as the safety officerand chief warrant officer 3 as the equal

opportunity advisor. Is that directed byhigher headquarters or part of yourpersonal command philosophy?

That’s who I am.You never put soldiersin a position of unnecessary risk, and thesecond part is that I am a very strongbeliever in treating all with equality, dig-nity and respect. I was actually offendedrecently by a visitor’s question on howthe female soldiers are doing comparedto the males. I don’t view females anydifferently than males. In my mind’s eye,I’ve never measured one against the other.On some level it troubles me that in oursociety the two are constantly compared.

Sgt. Jared Dineen, a water management NCO withthe 3643rd Brigade Support Battalion, NewHampshire Army Guard, briefs Kuwaiti officials ona system he created to locate and plot the remainsof Iraqi soldiers missing since the first Gulf War atthe Kuwait National Committee for Missing andPOW Affairs office, Kuwait City, May 30.Photo by Lt. Col. Kathryn Van Auken

Spc. Andrew Bushong uses a hand-held chemicaldetector on a pair of leaking artillery shells during aCBRNE drill at the Seaport of Debarkation, Kuwait,June 15. Looking on are Spc. Donte Burgess andCpl. Sylvia Troop. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Neil Mitchell

But you have a policy that female CETsoldiers have to have a female battlebuddy.

It’s prudent that when there is awoman on a CET (convoy escort team)that she has a female battle buddy.Historically, women have been victimizedmore than males. You can’t ignore theculture. Unfortunately, that is the realityon the ground. Ignoring that puts yourfemale soldiers at unnecessary risk.

During this morning’s shift change, youreferred to the upheaval spreadingacross the Middle East as a kind of“Great Awakening.” You remindedyour soldiers to be aware of what’sgoing on here.

Certainly, we happen to be in theMiddle East at a historic time that I thinkwill be labeled as some era when historianslook back. And we are here in the middleof it, so to speak. We don’t know the fullpotential of how it could impact what weare doing and what we might be asked todo. We’ve already accomplished someadditional training as a prudent measureif we get called upon to respond to oneof those events. It’s a long list of Arabcountries, and it causes you to remainvigilant and focused.

Looking ahead to the next six months,what will be the brigade’s focus?

We’ll be fully engaged in redeploymentplanning for the return of people andequipment. What actions need to be com-pleted at demobilization station? Gettingsoldiers demobilized in time to startcollege. We are looking at soldiers whoare not employed and what we can do tohelp them before they get home. We alsoare planning to receive the unit replacingus. There is a tremendous amount ofplanning, and at the same time we haveto maintain current operations.

What have you learned about yourselfon this deployment?

It’s been an eye-opening experiencein terms of the politics and dynamics thatoccur in multi-component, multi-echelon,strategic headquarters. It has given metremendous professional exposure to theworld of logistics and what it takes tosustain the war fight. It’s just phenomenal.You’re always learning. Every experi-

ence helps you improve. It has helped meto be a better delegator. To rely uponand trust those key staff members andcommanders to do their jobs. It has givenme an incredible admiration for soldiers’

motivation. For that young private –that guy or gal who is willing to stand inthat turret behind a .50-caliber for hourson end driving though the Iraqi nightand just be happy to do it is incredible.No complaints. They are proud of whatthey are doing, proud of their unit, proudof their profession, proud of their job.It’s really fulfilling to see that.

There’s been an incredible maturationof individuals, staffs, and commands andhow people have grown into a professional,fully functioning organization. It’s some-thing you don’t accomplish at an annualtraining. This incredible machine, thishighly functioning brigade, will return fromhere a completely different organization.It has matured exponentially. �

Spc. Jaresha Mason, a chemical specialist with the 44th Chemical Company, inspects the dip stick of aBradley fighting vehicle held by Juan Ramiez, an American ITT contractor, during a equipment fieldingexercise on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, June 24-25. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Neil Mitchell


16 New Hampshire National Guard Magazine / Fall 2011

By Staff Sgt. Whitney Hughes,114th Public Affairs Detachment

“We want you to know that this countryhas your back,” said first lady MichelleObama to a group of about 160 militaryveterans, mostly New Hampshire NationalGuardsmen and their families.Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of the

vice president, visited the NHNG head-quarters in Concord July 24 as part of theirJoining Forces Initiative to recognize andsupport veterans. The cookout was heldfor the first lady and Biden to introduceveterans to the Joining Forces Initiativeand to thank them for their sacrificesduring their deployments.“The first lady and I came here today

for a very simple reason – to say thank youto all of you for your service,” said Biden.Service members were served barbecue

catered by The Meat House before Obamaand Biden arrived. Both visitors spoke,

thanking the veterans for their service,and Obama described the Joining ForcesInitiative, a program designed to bringattention to the unique needs and strengthof America’s military families.Obama also announced a new program

called the Community Challenge, which willrecognize individuals and groups aroundthe country who are making a differencein the lives of military families.After their speeches, Obama and Biden

circulated to each table hugging andspeaking with service members and theirfamilies, such as U.S. Army Spc. RyanBroza of the Operational Support Airlift,Detachment 18.

First lady bringsmessage of support toN.H. servicemembers

“I absolutely feel like it’s an honor tobe here,” Broza said. “They have certainlysacrificed a lot with me being gone, Ericaespecially,” referring to his family andgirlfriend, Erica Casey. Broza, who wason leave from his current deployment inAfghanistan, said that he was deeplyappreciative to be able to bring his familyto the event.Like Broza, U.S. Air Force Master

Sgt. Robert Mills of the 157th LogisticsReadiness Squadron, who returned in Junefrom a six-month deployment to Kuwait,was flattered to be chosen to represent hisunit at the ceremony. Both he and his

First lady Michelle Obama talks with Spc. Ryan Broza, Operational Support Airlift, Detachment 18, duringher visit. Broza was on leave from his deployment to Afghanistan during the first lady’s visit.Photo by 1st Sgt. Mike Daigle


wife, Lisa, were extremely impressed withthe NHNG Family Program, which coor-dinated the event.With Mills’ recent deployment, the

topic of the day – supporting deployedservice members and veterans – was a freshone for them, so they were well aware ofthe challenges that face families duringdeployments.“I didn’t think I would need any help,

but life happens while they’re away. Beinglinked to these services was very helpful,”said Lisa Mills.In addition to getting the word out

about the Joining Forces Initiative andthe Community Challenge, an importantpurpose of Obama and Biden’s visit wasto honor combat veterans, who make upabout 85 percent of the New HampshireNational Guard force.“It was a wonderful honor. I think her

mission was to support us, and we couldnot feel more supported,” said U.S. Army1st Lt. Klee Dienes with C Company ofthe 3/238th Aviation Company. His wife,Unity Dienes, agreed adding, “To besupported and to have Mrs. Obama comestand next to me and give me a hug andtell me I was doing a great job – that’ssomething that’s going to keep me goingfor a long time.” �

First lady Michelle Obama talks with Jen Bennett at JFHQ on July 24. Bennett is the wife of Maj. ShawnBennett, who was deployed at the time the photo was taken. In the photo from left, Maj. Gen. WilliamReddel, Adjutant General, state of New Hampshire; Bonnie Rice, Family Program; first lady Obama; Bennettand Lisa Challender, wife of Lt. Col. James Challender, also deployed at the time. Photo by 1st Sgt. Mike Daigle

Dr. Jill Biden poses with Airman 1st Class Christopher and Airman 1st Class Sean Wood of the 157th AirRefueling Wing during Operation Thank You! on July 24. The event was held to recognize and thank militarymembers and their families. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Wyatt


Story and photos by Spc. Karin Leach

As a community oriented organization,one of the things the National Guardprides itself on is its commitment to notonly its members, but to the families andloved ones who support each Guardsman.“Mission first: family always,” is a sayingoften used to describe this sentiment, andin the New Hampshire National Guard,no group better exemplifies this mottothan its family program.The New Hampshire National

Guard Family Program is an organizationof family members, volunteers, servicemembers and civilian employees workingtogether to provide moral support andcommunication. The program providesfinancial, emotional, household and healthcare support. Family Readiness Groups areset up in units to disseminate informationand provide assistance to the family andfriends of the deployed service members.Deb Foss, the spouse of retired 1st Sgt.

Earl Foss, said she has become very closeto many people since becoming involvedwith the program and enjoys being a partof bringing camaraderie to those involved.“We are there to support the families

so soldiers can concentrate on theirmission and not worry about things they

NewHampshire National Guard Family Program:Mission first, family always

U.S. Air Force Col. Carolyn Protzmann and Sue Ploof, both members of the New Hampshire National Guard’sFamily Program, hug after being recognized for their hard work and dedication to service members, onApril 10 in Nashua. The program provides financial, emotional, household and health care support. FamilyReadiness Groups are set up in units to disseminate information and provide assistance to the family andfriends of deployed service members.

Linda Veinotte, a member of the New Hampshire National Guard Family Program, video teleconferenceswith N.H. Guardsmen deployed to Kuwait after a Family Readiness Program award ceremony in Nashua,April 10. Veinotte, also known as “Mutha” for her caring nature, was so ecstatic to see the service memberson the VTC, that after the ceremony she rushed over to the computer to talk with them. The VTC wasconducted to recognize the members of the FRP for their hard work and dedication to service membersand their families. The program provides financial, emotional, household and health care support. FamilyReadiness Groups are set up in units to disseminate information and provide assistance to the family andfriends of deployed service members.

cannot fix at home (while deployed),” saidFoss. “We are there to provide familiesmoral support or an outlet to be able tomeet with others going through the samestruggles as they are. We are there to helpthem cope to the best of their ability.”Beate Picknell, a family assistant

specialist for the Guard, believes that thegroups are very helpful to family members.She said the groups allow people of likesituations to bond and help one another.“Nobody knows what you are talking

about when you say, ‘Oh my goodness. Iwoke up and I couldn’t breathe, I was soscared,’” said Picknell. “People will justask you if you went to the doctor insteadof understanding what a panic attack is.You have to have been there to appreciatehow stressful deployments can be.”The program originated from Army

families who banded together duringtimes of need, such as deployments, toprovide support and information forservice members’ families. The programbegan to grow in 2003 and now has 130volunteers.


Foss has been involved in the militaryfor 39 years. Her involvement began whenshe was 19 and her husband was draftedto Vietnam. Foss said her experiences havetaught her how to encourage militaryspouses and help them to realize theirpotential.“I am part of a big family,” said

Foss. “There is a sense of fulfill-ment for the volunteer knowingyou are able to be there forthe soldiers and spouse andchildren when they needhelp, a friend, a mentor or acaregiver.”Linda Veinotte, the

mother of Chaplain StevenVeinotte, decided to volun-teer after her son asked herif she wanted to participatein the program. She said itwas the best thing that hasever happened to her.“I just love it,” said Veinotte.

“I love being a volunteer and beingable to help others when and whereverthere’s a need. I’ve gotten to know a lotof people that I really respect and love.They have become very special to me. Iam so thankful for this opportunity and

recommend it to all. There is no biggerblessing than to help others.”On April 10 in Nashua, N.H., the

Family Readiness Program gathered thevolunteers to congratulate them andhand out awards for their hard work.

There were about 10 differentawards handed out. The awardsrecognized the volunteers forgoing above and beyond whatthe expectation was of them.

Some of the top awardshanded out included theDistinguished Volunteer ofthe Year Award, Rookie ofthe Year Award and thePresidential Unit Award.Kathy Rice, family

readiness support assistant,197th Fires Brigade, saideven if she wasn’t gettingpaid to do her job she wouldstill do it.“If I made a difference in

only one life, it was worth it,” saidRice. “People are in your lives for areason; you just don’t know what’s behindthe scenes sometimes. If anyone had thechance to volunteer, I would tell them todo it. There is everything to gain.” �

The New Hampshire National Guard Family Program,an organization whose mission is to support membersof the Guard and their families, recognizes itsmembers each year by giving them awards for theirefforts and a quilt to pin the awards on and displaythem. The program provides financial, emotional,household and health care support. Family ReadinessGroups are set up in units to disseminate informationand provide assistance to the family and friends ofdeployed service members.

“I love being

a volunteer

and being able

to help others

when and wherever

there’s a need.”– LindaVeinotte,the mother ofChaplain Steven

Veinotte


Editor’s Note: In early September 2010,13 members of New Hampshire’s BarleyHouse Wolves hurling team embarked ona yearlong deployment to the Middle Eastwith the New Hampshire National Guard’s197th Fires Brigade.

The Wolves, Northeast America’s firstAmerican-born hurling team, was forgedin 2005 when a group of soldiers fromNew Hampshire’s Mountain InfantryCompany, while on their way back homefrom combat in Iraq, witnessed a broad-cast of the ancient warrior sport of hurlingin Shannon International Airport.

Since 2006, members of the Wolveshave deployed and redeployed to places likeIraq and Afghanistan and have returnedto the pitch to share their bond as warriorsand hurlers.

When hurlers with the 197th FiresBrigade deployed in support of OperationNew Dawn, they set out to bring hurlingwith them. This month, the Barley HouseWolves: Kuwait Chapter held the first-everU.S. Forces hurling match in the MiddleEast. This is their story.

By Sgt. 1st Class Eddie Clements

A small contingent of the Barley HouseWolves has been separated from the clubin New Hampshire for almost a year now.We are here in Kuwait supporting

Operation New Dawn and the drawdownof military operations in Iraq.Our missions have varied. Some of the

members provide protection for convoystraveling throughout Iraq and to and frominternational military camps in Kuwait.Other members work in command cells,responsible for maintaining the securityand preservation of the five operatingbases in the country.Before we set out for deployment,

we decided we wanted to keep our hurlingskills sharp. With our command’s approvaland the generous donations of supporters,we worked to get hold of equipment andfacilities, and scheduled regular trainingsessions.The evening training sessions were

scheduled twice a week. They proved tobe considerably demanding after a longday’s mission, coupled with the 100-degreeFahrenheit temperatures. Practices werecancelled on more than one occasion dueto sandstorms.

Because genuine grass playing fieldsare not available in the desert of Kuwait,we settled on the use of a synthetic turffield for match play. The surface is similarto that of the indoor pitch we train on inNew Hampshire when the winter monthsblanket the ground with heavy snow.Along the way we have been able to

recruit new members and spread aware-ness of the ancient Celtic game of hurlingto more military members deployedoverseas.On July 17, the Kuwait Chapter of the

Barley House Wolves held its very firsthurling match on Kuwaiti soil.The six-on-a-side match was played in

the early morning hours at Camp Arifjan,as temperatures exceed 100 degrees F. by8 a.m. most days in July.The club split and formed a Green

team and a Grey team for the match. Withsix of the members playing in their firstmatch, the Wolves anchored both teamswith veteran players. The Green team wascaptained by Capt. David DeVoy III, whileI led the Grey team.The Grey team struck first, sending a

point over the bar to take an early lead.Veteran hurlers controlled the first

half of the match, with DeVoy scoring a

BarleyHouseWolves:Kuwait Chapter plays first desert match

goal early to put the Green team aheadby two.Near the end of the first half, I was able

to sneak a goal behind the net minder andconnected twice with points over the bar.Sgt. Jason Burpee was all over the

field making great plays to keep the sliotaraway from the Grey net, while Staff Sgt.Jeremy Chaisson made several great stopsin net for the Green side, keeping thescore close.At the end of the first half the score

was Grey 2-3 and Green 1-0.The second half belonged to the

rookies, though, with the Green teamcharging back to keep the score closer.DeVoy switched with Chaisson and

played goal for the second half, makinggreat saves to keep the Grey team at bay,while rookie Sgt. Jon Demers moved upto forward from the defensive end of thefield. The move paid off for Green,with Demers finding the back of the netthree times.With solid defense on both sides of

the field from rookies Spc. BrandonDodge and 1st Lt. Eric Moore, the teamscontinued to battle for the game.Capt. Adam Burritt made a late save

on Chaisson that would make National

Soldiers of New Hampshire National Guard’s 197th Fires Brigade, deployed to Kuwait, gather after anintrasquad hurling match at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, July 17. Back row, from left: Capt. Adam Burritt; Staff Sgt.Michael Ricard; Spc. Tim McMahon; Capt. Dave Devoy III; 1st. Lt. Eric Moore and Staff Sgt. JeremyChaisson. Front row, from left: Spc. James Berry; Maj. Michael Moranti; Sgt 1st Class Eddie Clements; Spc.Brandon Dodge; Sgt. Jason Burpee and Sgt Jon Demers. The soldiers are members of the Barley HouseWolves; Northeastern America’s first American-born hurling team. Photo by Sgt. Brian Gordon


Hockey League Boston Bruins goaltenderTim Thomas proud.Staff Sgt. Mike Ricard and Maj. Mike

Moranti both moved the ball well upthe side of the field to the Green teamforwards.Rookie Spc. Tim McMahon had two

goals for the day for the Grey team.Chaisson added two points late in the

match to go along with an earlier goal inthe second half to tie the score.The last two minutes of the match

were hard fought on both sides, but theGrey team emerged victorious with a finalscore of Grey 4-8 (20) and Green 5-3 (18).It was a great day for the Wolves

and for hurling. This fall the 197th FiresBrigade will redeploy back to NewHampshire, and the Barley House Wolveswill compete for the GAANorth AmericanCounty Board Jr. C Championship inSan Francisco. �

Sgt. 1st Class Eddie Clements of Salem headsdownfield during an intrasquad hurling match atCamp Arifjan, Kuwait, July 17. Clements serveswith 3/197th FA. The soldiers play on a new, artifi-cial pitch (field). Hurling is an ancient Celtic sportsimilar to field hockey played with a small ball anda curved wooden stick. The soldiers play for N.H.’sBarley House Wolves, a team comprising mostlyN.H. National Guardsmen. Photos by Sgt. Brian Gordon

For more information on the Barley House Wolves,watch the documentary “Two Fields, One Team” at:

http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/?pid=3Pux4gvqh8ItQr_SuXtXCuTEQVyz2nBO.


Army Promotions &Awards

ColonelDavid RouthierJeanne JonesShawn O’Brien

MajorLezli ClarkJared Boucher

CaptainBarry EmmertCullen Debourgknecht

First LieutenantAlbert St. Aubin Jr.Adam Haggett

Sergeant First ClassHunter PhilbrickCarryl Davis

Staff SergeantCara RichardsChad HuttonEric BashorAdam FerlandLiana NguyenPeter Laflamme Jr.William Chaussee

John DesrochersMatthew BaconChristian HodgeMatthew ChambersJonathan FortinTerry MelimSteven CoutureGlen CamireBrian DuchesneAnna AnnelliHermanus PretoriousRyan GraySteven SanantonioPeter KrauklinEric RussellLawrence YassanyeJoshua StoneShawn MacDonaldThomas HossfeldAbel EmanuelliMarc DucharmeJohn SkiffSean DeshaiesEric TalbotTimothy BruneauChristopher SurprenantJoshua YoungChristopher ElliotSamey Mao

John GlennonJennifer VogelTimothy McCulloughRobert Cook Jr.Lawrence TorrePaul Pakenham

SergeantNathaniel PelchatMichael PittmanMichael KeenanMatthew LongJuan RodriguezTimothy CrouchChristopher StauderTimothy HeckermanPaul Dooling Jr.Deryc MillerPatrick LongJoseph TropeaTimothy ComtoisTaylor JonesVincent DistefanoWayne DurantMarcus ManningMark NorrisDrew CaseErin HowardMichael Judkins

Slade GreenAdam CumberbatchBrendan ManningIan JamesKeith Page

SpecialistPatrick CombsRobert Benton Jr.Morgana DelisleJason HeathAlex CrowderCurtis VanwinkleEvan DowSteven KazakisHarold Hill Jr.Colby ChenardRyan MathewsVito Favaloro Jr.Jeremy ClarkGary ButlerCameron PelletierZachary PaquinJoshua CrochiereTimothy ConklinPeter ReynoldsShawn BellMatthew WilleyJarret Faucher

Derek McMajonKyle AdamsAdam CheneyBrandan TremblayByron EstavilloRubence LacombeBrian BurkePatrick BarrettRobert PlaistedDustin Hutchins

Private First ClassColin McGrailBrandon ChadwickOsmar SantanaLuis SalasogilvieDennis McElreavy Jr.William BostwickJoshua BunkerSamuel RandJason QuigleyJason PolleyEdwin KilclineCaitlin PageAustin PollardRobert GaronRyan HoltonTyler StewartNolan Hornbrook

Nathan Patnode Jr.Daniel NelsonChristopher TetraultSteven HoganJoshua CaprarelloSamuel LindhTaylor HallettTiffani CottingDinko BeharicJobbie ToddJoel Pinckney

Private 2Jason TownsendDaniel PhilbrookJordan HorineKeith AbbottRichard RivenburghJennifer BoisvertTimothy YorkDerek DutcherNicholas WrigleyMark CarpenterZachary WeberGalen Garretson

The New Hampshire National Guard Honor Guard team carries the casket of Spc. Nicholas Bernier during his funeral on July 9. Bernier died on June 25 aftersustaining combat wounds while deployed as an active duty soldier in Afghanistan. He was assigned as a combat medic with Headquarters, HeadquartersCompany, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Photo by Spc. Courtney Selig


Air Promotions&Awards

Brigadier GeneralCarolyn J. Protzmann, NHANG

ColonelPaul Loiselle, 157 MDG

Lieutenant ColonelEugene Mozzoni, 157 CESJason Denton, 133 ARS

Jonathan Eckerman, 133 ARSRichard Hamilton, JFHQ

MajorNicholas Scola, 133 ARSDarci Rubin, 157 MDGNelson Abreu, 133 ARS

Chief Master SergeantDavid Obertanec, JFHQ

Master SergeantCori Jordan, 157 MDG

Technical SergeantMelinda Fuller, 157 MXSValerie Johnson, 157 LRSLonnie Major, 157 LRS

Staff SergeantNicholas Kornutki, 157 MXS

Senior AirmanMatthew Pongrace, 133 ARSRyan O'Connor, 157 FSS

Chamroeun Yim, 157 MDG

Airman First ClassJeffrey Cole, 157 Student Flight

Jacob Deangelis, 157 FSSMatthew Prugger, 157 Student Flight

Spencer Schenkelberg, 157 Student FlightPhilip Chu, 157 Student Flight

Members of the New Hampshire National Guard Cycling Team, from left, Master Sgt. Kevin McElroy,Maj. Barry Groton and Senior Airman Cara Bellerose, after their weekly 20-mile bike ride. The team getstogether every Wednesday for a group ride, open to all members of the Guard, during lunch break.Photo by Spc. Courtney Selig


Current and retired members of the New HampshireNational Guard played golf at The Oaks on July 25. Thewinner of this year’s tournament, with a score of 72, wasJim Fecteau. The Adjutant General’s Trophy winner ofthe 47th Annual New Hampshire National Guard GolfClassic 2011 was the New Hampshire Air National Guard.The Adjutant General’s Trophy is awarded for the lowest16-person gross scores by the Army National Guard orthe Air National Guard.Throughout the tournament there were also three

challenges to include who could get closest to the pin, alsoknown as the hole, on both hole three and 13, as well asthe longest drive. The winners of these challenges were

Dick Trafton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Closest to the pin on #3Bill Houghton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Closest to the pin #13Jim Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . longest drive

47th Annual N.H. Guard Golf Classic 2011

Top: Sgt. 1st Class James Austin, a battalion supply sergeant for 54thTroop Command, putts his way back on to the green, at The Oaks, inSomersworth, N.H., as part of the New Hampshire National Guard’s47th annual golf tournament on July 25. Photo by Spc. Courtney Selig

Left: Randy Stewart, a retired member of the New Hampshire AirNational Guard, plays golf at The Oaks, in Somersworth, N.H., withformer and current members of the Guard, as part of the NewHampshire National Guard’s 47th annual golf tournament on July 25.Photo by Spc. Courtney Selig

nh national guard magazine, fall 2011

Documents

national guard unlessotherwise

national origin

air national guardstaffn

national guard family

new hampshirenational

state of new hampshire

guard golf classic

air force