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Warriors Summer 2006.qxd 8/7/06 10:19 AM

Dispatches from the Front . . . .3Where in the World . . . . . . . . . .4Moving Forward . . . . . . . . . . . .6My Turn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Veterans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Joint Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Homeland Security . . . . . . . . .12Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

ESGR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Family Support . . . . . . . . . . . .20Who We Are . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Legacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Awards & Decorations . . . . . .24Promotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Start of the Trail . . . . . . . . . . . .28Training Schedule . . . . . . . . . .28

Alaska Air Guard Using New Technology . . . . . . . . 14Wall of Honor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Late Breaking News: Guard Adds New Mission . . .27

Departments:

Features:

SUMMER 2006

Warriors is a commercial enterprise publication,produced in partnership, quarterly, by the State of Alaska,Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, PO Box 5800,Camp Denali, Ft. Richardson, Alaska 99505-5800, phone(907) 428-6031, fax 428-6035; and AQP Publishing Inc.,8537 Corbin Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99507. Views andopinions expressed herein are not necessarily the officialviews of, or endorsed by, the Departments of the Armyand Air Force, or the State of Alaska. All photos are AlaskaDepartment of Military & Veterans Affairs photos unlessotherwise credited. Circulation: 5,000.

Distribution: Warriors is published for all current civilian employees,military members, veterans, and their families, of the Alaska Departmentof Military & Veterans Affairs. It is distributed, free of charge, via mail anddistribution, through each Division within the Department. It is alsoavailable at our Web site: www.ak-prepared.com/dmva.

HOW TO REACH USLetters: Letters to the editor must be signed and include the writer’s fullname and mailing address. Letters should be brief and are subject toediting. Submissions: Print and visual submissions of general interest toour diverse civilian employees, Alaska National Guard military members,

veterans and families are invited and encouraged. Please send articles andphotos with name, phone number, e-mail, complete mailing addressand comments to:

Warriors MagazineAlaska Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

Office of Public AffairsPO Box 5800, Camp Denali

Ft Richardson, AK 99505-5800(907) 428-6031 / Fax 428-6035

Governor Frank H. MurkowskiCommander in Chief

Major General Craig E. CampbellThe Adjutant General, Alaska National Guard

& Commissioner of the DMVA

Mr. McHugh PierreDMVA Director of Communications

Major Michael L. HallerManaging Editor / State Public Affairs Officer

Ms. Kalei BrooksDMVA Public Information Officer

Ms. Christine NangleMr. Ken Fankhauser

First Lieutenant Amy BombassaroSpecialist Karima L. Mares

JFHQ-AK Public Affairs Specialists

Mr. James Littrell DHS&EM Public Information Officer

Captain Kelly MellardFirst Lieutenant Bethany Ordway

168th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Officers

Captain Rebecca KingStaff Sergeant John Callahan

176th Wing Public Affairs Officer

Contributors

Nebraska National Guard

Air Force Technical Sergeant Matt Summers

Mr. Kerry Seifert & Mr. George CoyleDHS&EM

Sergeant Eric HamiltonAlaska National Guard Education Support

Mark FarmerTopcover.com

Anchorage Museum

Department of Defense

Air National GuardAlaska Military Youth Academy

1st Battalion, 297th Infantry

49th Missile Battalion

Bob Ulin Susan HarringtonPublisher Editor

Gloria Schein Darrell GeorgeArt Director Advertising Sales

8537 Corbin Dr., Anchorage, AK 99507(907) 562-9300 • (866) 562-9300

Concepts for My Turn, Education, Environmental andAwards logos derived from clipart provided by AlaskaNative Knowledge Network. www.ankn.uaf.edu

Summer 2006 • WARRIORS Ready to Serve 1

The AlaskaMilitary YouthAcademy Classof 2006-1. TheAlaska Military YouthAcademy is part of theNational Guard’s YouthChalleNGe Program,which helps at-riskyouth get back on trackwith their lives andproduces programgraduates with thevalues, skills, educationand self-disciplinenecessary to succeedas adults. The YouthChalleNGe program isa 22-week residentialschool based on thetraditional militarytraining model. TheAlaska Military YouthAcademy serves the

needs of 16- to 18-year-old Alaskans and is located at Camp Carroll on FortRichardson. Photo: Ken Fankhauser, JFHQ-AK Public Affairs

Top Award for America’sMost Patriotic Day. Cadetswin top parade award for Anchorage’s4th of July activities. The cadets haveearned high recognition in each of theparades they’ve taken part in. Photo:Courtesy of Alaska Military Youth Academy


3

Dispatches from the Front...Alaska National Guard Soldiers Killed in Vehicle AccidentGovernor Murkowski, Senior Guard Leaders Express Grief Over Loss of Soldiers

CAMP SHELBY, Mississippi . . .Sergeant First Class George WilliamDauma, Jr., 37, of Fairbanks, andSergeant First Class William FranklinBrown, 54, of Barrow, died from a trafficaccident on U.S. Highway 98 while driv-ing between training locations.

Second Lieutenant Pritkal Aujla, 26,and Staff Sergeant William Schultz, 31,were also injured in the crash. Both arebeing treated at Forrest General Hospitaland are listed in stable condition.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss ofthese two fine Soldiers,” said GovernorFrank H. Murkowski. “These Soldierswere doing a great service to our state,our country and the world, by defendingpeace and freedom for all.”

“The Alaska National Guard familyhas suffered a huge loss,” said MajorGeneral Craig E. Campbell, AdjutantGeneral of the Alaska National Guard.“Sergeant Brown has been with us for30 years.

“Both of these Soldiers wereexperienced, dependable and relied uponleaders,” Campbell said. “We join withtheir families, friends and fellowGuardmembers grieving over this loss.”

The Soldiers are from A Company,1st Battalion – they are assigned with3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry. The twoinjured Alaska Guardsmen will mostlikely be returning to training with theirunit.

“I have served with Sergeant FirstClass Dauma and Sergeant First ClassBrown for a number of years, and bothare among the finest men,” saidBrigadier General Craig N. Christensen.“I personally notified family members,and we reflected upon the impact thesemen have made on the lives of many. Weshall miss them greatly.”

Murkowski ordered Alaska Stateflags to half-staff in honor of Daumaand Brown. �

Editor’s Note: We have lost two members of our family. Each Soldier was adistinguished member of the Alaska Army National Guard. The untimely deaths ofSergeant First Class George Dauma and Sergeant First Class William Brownhappened as Warriors magazine was going to press. Though the accident that causedtheir deaths is under investigation and has received wide public coverage, we wantedto take time to acknowlege and honor them on this page. We will provide a moredetailed story in the fall edition of Warriors.

– Major Mike Haller

Remembrance of Fallen Warriors. Sergeant First Class George Dauma, Jr., Fairbanks, and SergeantFirst Class William Brown, Barrow, were honored during a memorial service held at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. More than600 Alaskan Soldiers – members of the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry, paid their personal respects to the fallen warriors.The ceremony included a 21-gun salute. Alaska State flags were ordered to half-staff through July 31 by Governor Frank H.Murkowski in tribute to the sacrifice of these two men. The Soldiers are members of A Company.

“We shall miss them greatly.”– Brigadier General Craig N. Christensen

Summer 2006 • WARRIORS Ready to Serve

Warriors Summer 2006.qxd 8/7/06 10:19 AM Page 3

theater and into Kuwait.The 297th Regiment crest (the crest

that is used for the 1st, 2nd and 3rdBattalions in Alaska) is the only crestwith a Native American language mottoof any activated Army unit. The motto,Yuk Yek, is Tlingit (from SoutheastAlaska) and translates to “Be on Watch,Ready to Fire.”

“We have a lot of multi-generationservice in the Alaska National Guard,”Mitchell said. “Many of our Soldiers aredescendents of the Muktuk Marston eraand the old 297th Infantry. Our Soldiersare proud of their heritage and roots.” �

About 80 Soldiers Takethe Lead in Afghanistan

Mission: Command and

Control Thousands of Troops

CAMP DENALI, Alaska . . .About 80 Alaska Army National Guardmembers from the 207th InfantryBrigade Headquarters and 297thSupport Battalion Headquarters saidtheir goodbyes at a May 26 deploymentceremony as they prepared to leave for

Alaska Army NationalGuard Readies forHistorical Deployment

Nearly 600 Soldiers

Head to Iraqi Theater of

War on Terror

CAMP DENALI, Alaska . . .The Alaska Army National Guardis preparing to send about 600Soldiers to Iraq in what will be thelargest overseas deployment ofAlaska National Guard members inthe organization’s history.

In early July, waves of Soldiersfrom all across Alaska headed outto Camp Shelby, Miss., for anestimated three months of pre-deployment training. After thistraining is completed, nearly 600Alaska Army National GuardSoldiers from 3rd Battalion,297th Infantry will ship out to Iraqfor a one-year tour of duty.

“Things are going well, morale is high and people are motivated,” saidLieutenant Colonel Duff Mitchell,commander of the 3rd Battalion, 297thInfantry.

Once the troops arrive overseas, theywill be providing security for Coalitionforces. The mission includes duties suchas security checkpoint patrols, buildingraids and convoy escorts.

The Alaska Soldiers are divided intofive companies of approximately 80 to130 Soldiers each. Most are slated to bestationed in Iraq, but mission require-ments may move Soldiers throughout the

4 Ready to Serve WARRIORS • Summer 2006

Best Wishes. Governor Frank Murkowskispoke to the Soldiers of Alpha, Bravo and DeltaCompanies of 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry beforethey headed to Camp Shelby, Miss., for threemonths of pre-deployment training. These ArmyNational Guard members are slated to spend oneyear in Iraq after they complete their training inMississippi. Photo: Ken Fankhauser, JFHQ-AK Public Affairs

Marathon Guardmembers. On May 7, Alaska AirNational Guard members from the 168th Air Refueling Wing and the176th Wing competed in the 2006 National Guard Lincoln Marathon inLincoln, Neb. From left to right with respective finish times: TechnicalSergeant Shane Garling (3:09:35), Technical Sergeant John Brunsberg(3:32:33), Staff Sergeant Jason DeHeus (3:03:03) and Captain PauletteGoodwin (3:33:53). DeHeus, Brunsberg and Goodwin all set new per-sonal records in the marathon. DeHeus and Goodwin each earned oneof the 55 spots on the All Guard Recruiting and Retention MarathonTeam, and they will represent the National Guard as they compete withthe team throughout the year in various running events. Photo: Courtesy of Nebraska National Guard

297th Regiment Crest...

is the only crest with a

Native American

language motto of

any activated Army unit.

News Briefs by Kalei Brooks,DMVA Public Affairs

Ride On. Team Air Guard ready for the ride of their lives at the 2006Clean Air Challenge. They were one of the top three donators, raising morethan $11,000 for the American Lung Association. The 120-mile long Clean AirChallenge is one of the premier cycling events in Alaska. The team had morethan 25 enthusiastic riders successfully complete the route.Photo: Chief Master Sergeant Dan Siekawitch, Alaska Air Guard


supporting the reconstruction teams toworking with coalition forces in assistingthe country with rebuilding, as well ascommanding operations at a major basein southern Afghanistan.

“They’ve been training like crazy andhave really come together as a cohesiveteam,” Bridges said.

This deployment is also part of theAlaska Army National Guard transfor-mation from a Cold War era Scout groupto an infantry brigade combat team.

“We’re reconfiguring into thesemission sets,” Bridges added. �

Afghanistan in support of OperationEnduring Freedom.

The Guardmembers will be inAfghanistan for one year, and theirmission is significant. The Alaskans areworking with military members fromseveral other countries, in addition toworking with people from all branchesof service.

“They are commanding about 3,000U.S. forces in southern Afghanistan,”said Colonel Mike Bridges, deputycommander of the 207th InfantryBrigade.

“They’re doing everything from

5Summer 2006 • WARRIORS Ready to Serve

Alaska Air NationalGuard DeploysMore Airmen toAfghanistan

144th Airlift Squadron,

176th Maintenance

Group Sustain Efforts

KULIS AIR NATIONALGUARD BASE, Alaska . . .Another group of about 50Airmen from the Alaska AirNational Guard’s 144th AirliftSquadron and 176thMaintenance Group deployedto Afghanistan in July.

This deployment is part of ayear-long mission in support ofOperation Enduring Freedom.The two units began a rotatingdeployment schedule back inJanuary with individual Airmenspending about two months inAfghanistan. Most members ofthe 144th Airlift Squadrondeploy for a couple of months,come home for a few months,then return to the desert foranother couple of months.

“It’s been a really gooddeployment with a high opera-tions tempo,” said LieutenantColonel Patty Wilbanks,commander of the 176thMaintenance Squadron. “Themaintainers are enjoying theirtime over there because they’refeeling as if they’re contributingto a good mission, and mostwould go again.”

At any given time, thereare about 70 to 80 members

deployed from Kulis. They’re flying amix of airlift and air drop missions.

“We’re using both the airplane(a C-130 Hercules) and the trainingwe’ve been given to the maximum extentpossible to get the job done,” saidLieutenant Colonel Tom Lawrence, com-mander of the 144th Airlift Squadron.“We’re flying into high altitude areaswith landing strips and doing air drops7,000 to 9,000 feet [above ground],which is something unique.”

Alaska Guardmembers are perform-ing superbly and are highly motivated. �

School Help in Kabul. Lieutenant Colonel DavidBassett, handed out backpacks full of school supplies at theAfghan Street Children and New Approach School-ShernowCenter June 9. A recent fire at the trade school destroyednearly all the students’ supplies. Bassett, a member of theJoint Forces Headquarters, Alaska National Guard, at CampDenali, is deployed in support of Operation EnduringFreedom. The Merritt Island, Fla., native is serving a one-year tour with Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan as a mentor to the Afghanistan Ministry ofDefense. Photo: Air Force Technical Sergeant Matt Summers

Veterans Honored In D.C. Staff Sergeant Howard A.Venable, a firefighter with the Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th CivilEngineer Squadron, represented Alaska along with Sergeant JohnChriswell, a public affairs non-commissioned officer with the AlaskaArmy National Guard’s 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, atseveral Memorial Day events in Washington, D.C. The two AlaskaNational Guard members were honored for their deployments insupport of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.Photo: Ken Fankhauser, JFHQ-AK Public Affairs

One Last Hug. Technical SergeantChristopher Wetzler, a maintenance technicianwith the 176th Maintenance Group at Kulis AirNational Guard Base, said goodbye to his wifebefore deploying to Afghanistan in early July. Hewill deploy for about two months before returninghome. Photo: Ken Fankhauser, JFHQ-AK Public Affairs

Building A Future. Major Ken Blaylock, center, assists Iraqiconstruction workers and youth as they join in building a new school.Alaska National Guard Soldiers of the 1st Battalion are volunteeringtheir time to assist Iraqis in their villages.Photo: Courtesy of 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry


Duty, Honor. . .

Moving ForwardGovernor Frank H. MurkowskiCommander in Chief

This summer Alaskans showed their patriotism in a uniquefashion, the moving Vietnam Memorial Wall has made its wayacross our state. Alaska is known for its support of the military,and I’m sure many of you visited the wall in support of ourSoldiers and veterans.

We live in a beautiful state that is part of a beautiful country,where freedom is worn on the sleeves of our shirts andexperienced every day of our lives. We also have an obligation toour fellow human beings: offer a chance to choose a free society.

This summer, the Alaska National Guard is giving millions ofpeople a chance to mature and develop their own free govern-ment. Troops are deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, supportingthe active duty Army and Air Force, fighting the War on Terror.

These deployments are hard on spouses, families andcommunities; but our Guardsmen know in their hearts theservice they’re providing is right and just. Alaskans support them.

It is important we embrace our veterans upon their returnhome. To show them that we care, and we are thankful for theirsacrifices to ensure our freedom and offer a chance for others toshare this gift.

The Alaska Military Youth Academy is a fantastic example ofhow freedom changes lives. These cadets are volunteering to takea course that is full of rigors and hurdles. Some feel the challengeis too great and leave before they can prove themselves. Othersstay and earn the success of changing from a potential life ofcrime to prosperity and possibilities.

I have fond memories of meeting many cadets at theacademy and in Juneau, and I have even met a graduate at theWhite House!

Freedom is a gift we should not take for granted, but shareand enjoy with everyone. Take the time to show your patriotismand make this a summer of honor and a season of gratitude. �

Obvious Among Deployed Guardmembers in Iraq and Afghanistan

Alaska Patriots. Governor Frank H. Murkowski joined members of the Alaska Army National Guard B Company, 207th Aviation, at the Forward Operating Base in Tal Afar, Iraq, inJune. The aviators are part of Task Force 1-101 AVN, No Mercy, and have been deployed overseas since August 2005. Photo: Courtesy of Department of Defense


Duty, Honor. . .


My TurnMajor General Craig E. CampbellAdjutant General, Alaska National Guard & Commissioner,Alaska Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

7

The roots of patriotic service run deep in the lives ofAlaskans. These are honorable young men and women who stepforward. They know that with the privilege of living in a republiccomes the need to defend it.

Patriotism is evident in the manner with which membersof our own Alaska National Guard Soldiers and Airmen areconducting themselves. Never have so many of us deployedoverseas to war zones.

We have more than 400 Soldiers and Airmen presently inIraq and Afghanistan. About 600 more Soldiersare joining the group we have deployed to Iraq.Many, many others have previously deployed insmall units or as individuals since the War onTerror began.

The roots of patriotic service are found in ourhomes, among our neighborhoods and withinour communities. Alaskans have a vivid example:it was our elders who enthusiastically answered thecall to defend the Territory of Alaska inWorld War II, and later served on the frontlinesof the Cold War.

Alaska is a land of character and characters.According to First Lieutenant Chris Raabe, aplatoon leader with the 2nd Battalion, 297thInfantry, “When our units arrived from the villagestheir strength was at 107 percent. Soldiers came tothe airport that did not have official orders butthey wanted to go with their buddies.”

The willingness to be counted on rests deeplyin the hearts and minds of these young men andwomen who serve Alaska and our nation so well.A young Soldier, when congratulated about hiswillingness to step forward, said, “This is whatwe’ve trained to do, of course we’re going to doour part, it is our duty, our responsibility to ourfamilies.”

As much as the individual Guardmembersserve, we note the equal selflessness of theirfamilies and friends. Our Guard families areresponding to the urgent call of our nation. It isnot easy to pick up the shield and carry forwardon the homefront, yet these family members –wives, husbands, parents and grandparents,brothers and sisters, and children serve with equaldistinction. They, too, exemplify true patrioticservice in this time of war.

It has been said many times, in several ways,

when the Guard goes to war, America goes to war. We see this inthe eyes of our neighbors.

We hear it in the voices of support that we receive. Patriotismis alive and well – it courses through our blood. It causes us tobe counted upon when our people and our country need us.

What we are each doing to oppose America’s enemies –enemies of freedom, liberty and justice – matters. The truequality and character of patriotic service is indivisible. �

Patriotic: “The love of one’s country; a selfless sense of purpose and

devotion to a noble cause; an appreciation for freedom,

liberty and justice for all; a deeply held respect

for one’s people and land.”


ALASKA’S SONS & DAUGHTERS

STEP FORWARDPATRIOTS’ SEASON:



Veterans

The Moving Wall, a half-size modelof the Vietnam Veterans Memorial inWashington, D.C., traveled throughoutAlaska early this summer.

The Memorial pays homage to the58,253 U.S. service men and womenkilled in the Vietnam War.

The Moving Wall has been displayedin more than 1,000 communities acrossthe country and viewed by millions ofAmericans.

In Alaska, the Moving Wall visitedFairbanks, Wasilla, Eagle River, Kodiak,Cordova, Auke Bay and Bethel. Locals

MOVING WALLMoves Through Alaska

By Christine Nangle, JFHQ-AK Public Affairs


The Alaska Department of Militaryand Veterans Affairs is signing up theentire surviving Alaska Territorial Guardmembers for veterans benefits.

Can you imagine working for years,but not receiving the benefits you areentitled? Many of these folks served dur-ing the World War II conflicts on Alaskasoil. Once they finished their tour ofduty, they were told they could go homeand keep their rifle. Now hundreds arebeing issued their separation papers andcertificates of service signed by MajorGeneral Craig E. Campbell, the AdjutantGeneral.

“This has been such a wonderfulexperience for me, personally,” said Jerry Beale, State Veterans Affairs Administrator.

During a trip to Barrow in June, Beale visited the home of an elder, who had servedin the Alaska Territorial Guard. He and Beale exchanged some pleasantries, and thegentleman described his Alaska Territorial Guard duties for his guests, illustrating what itwas like during the 1940s in Alaska.

Beale signed him up on the spot. “He’ll be getting his papers from the Army in thenext six months,” said Beale.

The Veterans Affairs folks have been seeing great success, signing up some 66members in the last two months alone. �

Like to help? If you know any veterans who served in the Alaska Territorial Guard,please contact the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs at (907) 428-6016,and ask for Jerry Beale and the Veterans Affairs office. You’ll find friendly, helpfulpeople who will make your family and friends very proud of their service to bothAlaska and our country.

were able to view the Wall at their ownpace and find the names of Vietnamcasualties.

“One Eagle River couple used theoccasion to visit their son, now a nameon the Wall; families across Alaska hadsimilar experiences,” said State VeteranAffairs Administrator Jerry Beale.

The list of names on the MovingWall continues to grow; four peoplewere added this year alone. The peopletouched by the Moving Wall spreadswith every community it visits.

The Moving Wall was built as areplica of the Memorial in Washington,D.C. Retired Chief Warrant Officer FiveRoger Stickney, who served inVietnam, and visited the Memorial saidseeing the Wall with the endless list ofnames really touched his heart.

“Going to visit the Moving Wall is apretty emotional experience. It mademe reflect on my colleagues who didn’tmake it home after Vietnam,” Stickneysaid. “It makes me wonder why thetables weren’t turned – and it gives methe chance to remember the ultimateprice we pay for freedom.”

The Moving Wall was created in1984, two years after the original Walldedication in Washington, D.C. JohnDevitt, the individual responsible forspearheading the Moving Wall,attended the 1982 dedication, and hefelt the healing power of The Wall.

Devitt vowed to take that healing topeople who did not have the oppor-tunity to go to Washington, D.C.Americans across the nation now sharethe intense experience and emotion theMoving Wall evokes. Three differentMoving Walls now travel the UnitedStates, spending about a week at eachlocation. �

Remembering When. Retired Chief MasterSergeant Emit Heidemann, Purple Heart recipient, tooka photo of the Moving Wall in Eagle River. His photo isof a fallen brother’s name he served with during theVietnam War. Heidemann said every time he visits theWall he has a different experience. “One time I foundthe names of the men I served with, and I cried, andcried and cried … I couldn’t stop,” Heidemann said.“Another time I was happy because I thought of all thegood times I shared with these men; we shared a lot oflaughs. I am glad the Moving Wall came to Alaska forthe experiences it provided me.”Photo: Ken Fankhauser, JFHQ-AK Public Affairs


Alaska Territorial Guard UpdateBy McHugh Pierre, DMVA Director of Communications

Opening Day. Alaska Governor Frank H. Murkowski and Major General Craig E. Campbell, the AdjutantGeneral, cut the ribbon at the new Alaska Veterans and Pioneer Home in Palmer, Alaska. The 4.4 million dollarproject is the first of its kind in Alaska. Photo: Ken Fankhauser, JFHQ-AK Public Affairs


Joint Forces

Legacy of Leadership.A strong, steady breeze caused flags tofill at full attention as the Change ofCommand began. (From left to right)Lieutenant Colonel Edward Hildreth,Colonel Michael Yowell and LieutenantColonel Gregory Bowen prepared totransfer leadership, responsibility andauthority of the 49th Missile DefenseBattalion from one leader to another.

Goodbye and Hello. Soldiersstood at parade rest as the command ofthe 49th Missile Defense Battalionchanged hands at Fort Greely on May 8,2006. This is the unit’s first ceremonysince it began by presidential directiveon January 22, 2004.Photos: Mark Farmer, Topcover.com

NATION’S FIRST MILITARY UNIT DESIGNEDTO PROTECT AMERICA AGAINST BALLISTICMISSILE ATTACK CHANGES COMMANDBy Christine Nangle, JFHQ-AK Public Affairs

Ready to Serve WARRIORS • Summer 200610



We Love to Learn. The Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Wing hosted NASA for one of the most complex field studies ever conducted in atmospheric chemistry, and studentsfrom Anchorage Christian Schools were part of the fun. “It’s actually really cool; once you talk with the pilots and scientists you find out what they are doing and how they gotinvolved,” said Alex Harder, a junior at Anchorage Christian Schools. More than 35 students got the once in a lifetime opportunity to meet NASA scientists and see the excitingDC-8 aircraft, a “flying space lab.” More than 100 people from NASA were at Kulis conducting a field experiment that examined how air pollution from Asia influences the UnitedStates. “The people at Kulis were fantastic. It is important to recognize what the Alaska Air Guard has done to make this mission work,” said Michael Gaunce, NASA Earth ScienceManager. Photo: Ken Fankhauser, JFHQ-AK Public Affairs

The first Change of Command in the history of the 49thMissile Defense Battalion since it formed in 2003, happened onMay 8, 2006. The Command and Colors of the 49th MissileDefense Battalion, at Fort Greely, were passed from LieutenantColonel Gregory Bowen to Lieutenant Colonel Ted Hildreth.

Hildreth was chosen for the position from a pool of excellentcandidates. “It is really a privilege [to be the commander],”Hildreth said. “For an officer, it really is the ultimate privilegethey could bestow on you to command a unit, command a battal-ion. It is really an honor for me to be here and work with a greatgroup of Americans at Fort Greely.”

Hildreth will follow in the footsteps of a trailblazing, outgoingcommander.

Bowen, the first commander of the 49th Missile DefenseBattalion, provided superb leadership and was instrumental in thedevelopment of the nation’s first military unit designed to protectthe United States against ballistic missile attacks. Bowen wasawarded the Legion of Merit for his exceptional service ascommander of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion.

“When Colonel Bowen got here, this post was closed. Houseswere boarded up, there was snow on the ground everywhere, theschool was closed, the pool had been drained of water. It lookedlike a ghost town,” said Major General Craig E. Campbell, theAdjutant General of the Alaska National Guard. “Greg Bowen

has done an excellent job in the time he has been here. Hebrought every single Soldier you have here today – he hiredthem, trained them and got them operational.”

Campbell and Lieutenant General Larry Dodgen, theCommanding General of the U.S. Army Space and MissileDefense Command, attended the ceremony.

The prestigious military leaders showed support for Soldiersfrom both the Alaska National Guard and U.S. Army Alaska. Thetroops work together continuously to implement the presidentialprogram that protects the United States from ballistic missileattack.

“The Guard here in Alaska has done a marvelous job ofstanding up this unit, committing it to the mission, and keepingfaith with that mission,” Dodgen said. “I believe they areensuring homeland security issues that we need the NationalGuard to do and this is one that they have embraced and donevery, very well.”

The Change of Command Ceremony is a traditional event,rich with symbolism and heritage. The U.S. Army adopted thecustom of Passing the Colors when General George Washingtonassumed command of the Continental Army in Boston on July 3,1775. After the Passing of the Colors, the battalion recognizes itsnew leader. �

Ready to Serve


ICE JAMSSPRING FLOODING

to Alaskan CommunitiesBy Jamie Littrell, DHS&EM


Homeland Security &Emergency Management

Warm springtime temperatures, numerous ice jams and lotsof snow melt made for a very wet breakup for communitiesalong the Kuskokwim and Yukon rivers this year. The AlaskaDivision of Homeland Security and Emergency Management(DHS&EM) and the National Oceanographic and AtmosphericAdministration’s (NOAA) Alaska Pacific River Forecast Center(APRFC) started receiving reports of flooding along the SteeseHighway in early May. Widespread flooding of several com-munities was reported throughout the month with the mostserious flooding occurring in Hughes, Koyukuk, Kwethluk,Alakanuk and Emmonak.

Ice Damage. Flood waters were not the only problem communitieshad to deal with. The floating ice chunks coming ashore with the floodwaters wrecked havoc as well.Photo: Kerry Seifert, DHS&EM

Large portions of the communities and their infrastructureswere impacted by the flooding, with several roads becominginundated and eventually eroded by the floodwaters. Thesituation deteriorated in Koyukuk, and nearly three dozen“at-risk” residents were evacuated to Galena for a short time.Additional flooding damage was reported in the communities ofBethel, Nulato and Kongiginak.

DHS&EM and the APRFC worked as a team to prepareAlaska’s riverine communities for such events. In early April,DHS&EM mailed the 2006 Spring Flood Breakup Guide to76 communities, tribal councils and boroughs prone to annualflooding.

“The 2006 Spring Breakup Guide outlines procedurescommunities can take to prepare for possible ice-jam flooding,”said DHS&EM’s Deputy Director for Emergency ManagementJim Butchart. “Some of the information contained in the guideincludes how to put together a community flood plan, emergencycontact lists and information on what to do if flooding occurs.”

In addition to the 2006 Spring Breakup Guide, DHS&EMand the APRFC team up every year for a program called “RiverWatch.” Each spring, for more than 20 years, DHS&EM and theAPRFC partner to identify flooding dangers during breakup and

bring



An Alaska Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopterwas called into action in May to support firefighters battling agrowing wildfire near Otter Lake on Fort Richardson. Therequest for assistance came just days after the crews completedwildfire training exercises.

“We were able to quickly recall an Alaska Army NationalGuard Black Hawk helicopter crew to Bryant Army Guardheliport,” said Major Mike Haller, spokesman for the AlaskaNational Guard. “As soon as they arrived back at Bryant, theyjumped to the task and began attacking the fire using theirwater bucket.”

Haller noted the crew had already left for their homes atthe end of their normal work day when the recall notificationwas received.

According to officials, the fire began in an approximatefive-acre area near the Alaska Railroad tracks and quicklyexpanded to more than 50 acres. The Guard’s Black Hawkcrew remained on station fighting the fire, along with FortRichardson, Elmendorf and Fire Service Hot Shot crews wellinto the night.

The Alaska Army National Guard routinely practices wild-fire support every year. �

provide warnings to residents of potentially affected villages.“Our team effort over the past two decades has been essential

to identifying potential flood threats in Alaska and disseminatingthe warnings to our customers, the residents of Alaska," saidLarry Rundquist, Development and Operations hydrologist forNOAA's APRFC.

Joint DHS&EM and APRFC field teams fly over the majorrivers to observe ice conditions and visit local villages along thoserivers to warn of potential ice-jam-flooding threats. The primaryareas flown are along the Yukon River and the middle and lowerKuskokwim River, as these areas have the greatest likelihood forice-jam flooding. To supplement the reconnaissance teamreports, general aviation pilots are asked to report ice conditions

they observe. The APRFC analyzes thecollected information and disseminatesflood warnings and watches to affectedcommunities. In the event of a flood,DHS&EM personnel will provideimmediate on-site emergency coordination.

DHS&EM officials conductedon-site visits in early June to the westernAlaskan communities who sustaineddamages from floods. They led a multi-agency team consisting of representativesfrom the Alaska departments ofEnvironmental Conservation andTransportation & Public Facilities to thecommunities of Alakanuk, Bethel,

Emmonak and Kwethluk to work with local officials as they startthe recovery process. While in Alakanuk, the team was joined byrepresentatives from the Alaska Village Electric Co-op (AVEC)and a U.S. Coast Guard spill response unit.

“When we send a team into a community, they assist leadersany way they can as the community tries to get back on its feet,”Butchart said. “While out there, they also collect damageinformation for possible state disaster declarations that mayprovide (state) assistance to affected communities.”

For the 2006 spring floods, local disaster declarations wereissued in Hughes, Koyukuk and Alakanuk. Bethel, Nulato andKwethluk are still evaluating if they will file local declarations. �

Propane Tanks Problems. Flood waters affected infrastructure components in communities, such as thepropane tank farm in Koyukuk. Photo: Kerry Seifert, DHS&EM

Alaska Army Guard Black Hawk Crew

Battled Fort Richardson’s Otter Lake Blaze

River Worries. (Above) An aerial view of river icebreaking up on the Yukon River in early May showed howextensive the ice problem could be. Photo: George Coyle, DHS&EM



ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska . . . The Alaska Air National Guard’s176th Air Control Squadron (ACS) unveiled a new technology system that is used to

watch Alaskan airspace for intruders and possible terrorists.The Battle Control System-Fixed (BCS-F) is a new PC-based, color-monitor

system that uses the newest technology to keep track of aircraft in the skies over thestate. It’s an upgrade from the Q-93 system that used the old green and black radar

screens to manage all air defense operations throughout Alaska.“It’s been doing the job for 23 years, and it did it fine for us, but we’re looking to the

new technology to bring us into the 21st Century,” said Lieutenant Colonel Kim Kelm,commander of the 176th ACS. “The new system is PC based, so it’s a little more user friend-

ly. We’ll be able to continue homeland defense, which is our primary mission these days, and airdefense with a lot more capability, so hopefully we’ll be able to protect Alaska, Canada and the

Lower 48 in a more effective way.”The 176th ACS traces its lineage 50 years back to Murphy Dome Air Force Station, originally

located about 220 miles north of Elmendorf Air Force Base. It was one of the original aircraft controland warning sites constructed during the early 1950s to establish a permanent air defense system in Alaska.

The unit went through many name changes throughout the years, and officially became the 176th ACSlocated at Elmendorf Air Force Base in October 2004.

“We’re 24-7, constantly monitoring the skies looking for any aircraft penetrating Alaskan and U.S. airspace,”said Staff Sergeant Keith Greenhalgh, weapons director of the 176th ACS. “Between surveillance, which are the

people who watch the skies; identification, who identify aircraft; and weapons, who mobilize for intercepts, we worktogether to make sure all aircraft are identified timely and accurately.”

Photo: Mark Farmer, Topcover.com


15

Powering Down. The Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Air Control Squadron (ACS) shut down its old green-and-black-radar-screen Q-93 system that was used to manage air defense operations throughout Alaska. Replacing the old system is the newBattle Control System-Fixed. It’s a PC-based, color-monitor system that uses the newest technology to keep track of aircraft in theskies over the state. Photo: Kalei Brooks, DMVA Public Affairs

Red Star Wall. Red star plaques arehung on the main floor of the Alaska Air NationalGuard’s 176th Air Control Squadron (ACS) tokeep track of each Russian aircraft that has beenintercepted by U.S. forces. “Whenever theRussians would fly into our air space, we wouldlaunch fighters and intercept them,” saidLieutenant Colonel Kim Kelm, commander of the176th ACS. “Back in the Cold War era, Russiawas a perceived threat, and so we alwayswanted to meet them with visibly armed fightersto let them know we were aware they were inour airspace and that we were going to protectour homeland. Now it’s more of a camaraderiething; they fly into our airspace, and we meetthem with the same intent but it’s more friendly.”Photo: Kalei Brooks, DMVA Public Affairs

Change of Command.Colonel John Griffin will take command ofthe Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th AirRefueling Wing from Colonel Arne Moe inAugust. Griffin most recently served as vice-commander of the Idaho Air National Guard’s124th Wing. “He is a command pilot withmore than 4,100 hours of flight time in arange of combat aircraft,” said BrigadierGeneral Tim Scott, commander of the AlaskaAir National Guard. “He is a veteran leaderwith a great depth of experience.” The 168thAir Refueling Wing is home to more than 675Airmen and eight KC-135R Stratotankers. Photo: Courtesy of Air National Guard

The mission of the 176th ACS will continue to be homeland and air defense, but with thenew BCS-F technology, the unit has made the move to a high-capability, modern system froma Cold War legacy weapons system.

“The big future missions are data-link,” Kelm said. “We will be able to data-link with thefighters in the air and send them surveillance pictures without even having to talk to them.” �



16

Honoring the Fallen. A member of the Alaska Highlanders bagpipe group reflects on thenames added to the Alaska National Guard’s Wall of Honor. Plaques honoring First Lieutenant JaimeCampbell, Chief Warrant Officer Four Chester Troxel, Specialist Michael Edwards and Specialist JacobMelson, all of the Alaska Army National Guard’s B Company, 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation, along withMajor Bryan Adrian, of the Alaska Air National Guard’s 212th Rescue Squadron, were added on MemorialDay, May 29, to the Wall of Honor, which pays tribute to Alaska National Guard members who died in theline of duty.

We Will Never Forget. Brigadier General Craig N. Christensen,Commander of the Alaska Army National Guard, and Major General Craig E.Campbell, the Adjutant General of the Alaska National Guard, unveiledmemorial plaques honoring Alaska National Guard members who died in theline of duty in 2006.

Memorial Day Reflections. Lieutenant Governor Loren Leman (left) and Department of Administration Commissioner Scott Nordstrand (right) were among nearly 200 leadersand community members who attended the unveiling ceremony of memorial plaques honoring Alaska National Guard members who died in the line of duty in 2006.

WALL OF HONORPhotos: First Lieutenant Amy Bombassaro, JFHQ-AK Public Affairs

Ready to ServeReady to Serve WARRIORS • Summer 2006


Six Alaska National Guard membersgraduated from different colleges at theNinth Annual Commencement Exerciseat the Fort Richardson CommunityEducation Complex, May 5, 2006.

The graduates recognized that daywere Captain Michelle M. Worm, FirstLieutenant Sharyl L. Worrell, SecondLieutenant Robin A. Eskelson, MasterSergeant Albert Alston Jr., SergeantDiane M. Singh and Sergeant Robert R.Harris III.

“I’m just glad it’s over,” Worm said.She noted that her most recent collegeexperience had been challenging and, attimes, very frustrating, as she worked tocomplete her bachelor’s degree in nursingfrom Excelsior College. “Everyone shouldbe thinking about their education as soonas they get out of high school.”

For Singh, her quest for a bachelor’sdegree in marketing started in September1997 at the University of AlaskaFairbanks. But back then, she said thetiming wasn’t right.

“I wasn’t ready for college, so Ijoined the military,” Singh said. “I didn’tstart working on my degree again until2002.”

Singh said she wasn’t certain of whather educational goal would be at first andgot an associate degree in generalstudies. “I just knew that I had to startsomewhere.”

“You have to sacrifice the things youlike to do. When you get home, you haveto hit the books instead of going to amovie or having a quiet dinner with yourhusband,” Singh said. “You’ve got todiscipline yourself, and your spouse hasto put up with that. Mine had to do thechores I’d usually do.”

Singh’s new chore became balancingwork and school.

“It’s not instant gratification, that’sfor sure,” said Singh, who has been

working as an AGR since March 2004.“You can lose sight of your goals,especially when you begin working fulltime. It’s a challenge because you’re notpaid to go to school.”

Singh also said she was fortunate tohave the support of her supervisors FirstLieutenant Robert Pillow III and SergeantFirst Class Julie Heffele. “Your superiorsreally need to support you and work withyou when the classes you need aren’toffered after work hours,” Singh said.

Heffele said one of the first things shecounsels her Soldiers on is education andfinds a way to cross-train her employeesso everyone can work around changingschool schedules. As a leader, Pillow saidsupporting education is the right thing todo despite the sacrifices involved.

“If we didn’t support it, are we tellingSoldiers that education is not important?”Pillow pondered. “I would provide thisopportunity for any one of my Soldiers.”

Unlike mandated activities likephysical fitness training, voluntary educa-tion is more driven by the motivation andgoals of the individual, Pillow said.“Education is something we all need forself-improvement,” he said. “Singh’seducation has allowed her to better helpother Soldiers in the Guard, assume extraresponsibility, develop her time manage-ment skills and self-discipline,” all ofwhich are excellent military traits. “I hopemore Soldiers will see her example andfollow it.”

One wife said her husband’s gradua-tion set a motivating example.

“I was scared to take college classes,”said Sergeant Shana Harris. Sheexplained that because she had neverbeen to college before, she only wanted totake classes if her husband, Robert, alsoattended the same speech class.

After overcoming her fear, sheexcelled and completed her class with

an ‘A.’ “I think I ended upwith a better grade than he did,” she saidlaughing. It’s now her goal to finish hereducation with a bachelor’s degree inhealthcare administration.

Robert credits Shana’s support as thereason he earned his associate degreefrom Central Texas College this year.

“You need to be persistent inpursuing your goals,” Harris advised.“If you want to get it done, get it done.Don’t let excuses stop you.” �

Education

By Sergeant Eric Hamilton, Alaska National Guard Education Support Officer

17Summer 2006 • WARRIORS Ready to ServeReady to Serve


18

Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve

By Kalei Brooks, DMVA Public Affairs

CAMP DENALI, Alaska . . . Duringthis poignant time for the military, oneAnchorage employer is going above andbeyond in her support to the AlaskaNational Guard and her Guardmemberemployee.

Emily Johnston, manager of FamilyHealth Resources at the Alaska NativeMedical Center, was presented with apatriotic employer award by the NationalCommittee for the Employer Support ofthe Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Shewas recognized for “contributing tonational security and protecting libertyand freedom by supporting employeeparticipation in America’s NationalGuard and Reserve force.”

Johnston is the supervisor of SeniorAirman Robert Henry, who is a memberof the Alaska Air National Guard’s 206thCombat Communications Squadron.She not only supported Henry, 23, whenhe enlisted in the National Guard aboutfour months after he began working atFamily Health Resources in June 2003,but she was also there to provide himguidance and encouragement.

“When I made the move to go to theNational Guard, everyone supportedme,” said Henry, who is originally fromKotzebue. “They were excited and proudof me for taking the step and becomingresponsible by furthering my education,and training and doing something withmy life.”

Henry left for basic training inJanuary 2004, and returned to his job atFamily Health Resources at the endof October 2004. But his long absencedidn’t deter the backing he receivedfrom Johnston.

“I wanted to recognize my employerfor her hard work, dedication, motiva-tion and for giving me 150 percent whenothers were giving me 100 [percent],”Henry said. “I wanted to recognize herfor basically being my mom.”

“It’s a high tempo time whenGuardmembers and Reservists are pulled

Air Guard Member Appreciates Employer

away from their civilian employers,” saidSenior Master Sergeant Kevin Parks, thestate awards chairman for the ESGRCommittee. “We’re saying thank you;we’re honored here today to present thisaward to Emily.”

Johnston has worked for FamilyHealth Resources for 23 years and saidHenry is her first employee who is aGuardmember or Reservist. So receivingthis level of recognition was a surpriseand an honor.

“I told him if it [enlisting in theGuard] is something he wanted to do,we support him and encourage him,”Johnston said. “I’m speechless – thankyou. I will be very proud to put this

Appreciative Airman. Senior Airman Robert Henry thanks his supervisor, Emily Johnston, for her support of hisservice in the Alaska Air National Guard during a presentation at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage March30. The National Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve honored Johnston with the “My Boss is aPatriot” award. Photo: Lieutenant Amy Bombassaro, JFHQ-AK Public Affairs

award in my office.”“We always recognize that a Guard-

member has many spheres in his life, andwe try to balance it as best we can,” saidMajor Jeff Campbell, commander of the206th Combat CommunicationsSquadron. “We greatly appreciate thesupport of civilian employers and this is agreat way to recognize them.”

Campbell noted this is the first time amember of his unit has stepped up tonominate an employer for this award.

“The end result is a safer nation anda well-rounded individual,” Campbellsaid. “We hope you’re gaining from whatwe’re teaching him on the weekends.” �


Alaska Native Medical Center department manager given “My Boss is a Patriot” award



Employer Honored. Family Health Resources Manager Emily Johnston holds the “My Boss is a Patriot” awardpresented to her by Major Jeff Campbell, left, and Senior Airman Robert Henry, right, at the Alaska Native Medical Centerin Anchorage. Henry nominated Johnston for the award because of her support for his service in the Alaska Air NationalGuard. Campbell serves as Henry’s commander of the 206th Combat Communications Squadron. Alaskan employers sharea deep-rooted support for members of the Guard and the Reserves. Photo: Lieutenant Amy Bombassaro, JFHQ-AK Public Affairs



Family Support

CAMP DENALI, Alaska . . .With so many Alaska NationalGuard Soldiers deploying this summer, Family Programs isworking hard.

Angela Williams, who is with the Alaska National GuardFamily Programs, knows first hand what it feels like to have aloved one deployed. Her husband, Colonel Stephen Williams,commander of the 207th Infantry Brigade, deployed just threemonths after they were married.

Williams reflected on her feelings when her husbanddeployed, “I miss my best friend. I miss someone to go fishingwith during the summer. I miss spending time with him. I justmiss him.”

Williams is not alone. Experts say when Soldiers deploy theirentire family is affected as much as the individual going to thecombat zone.

“The largest burden is on the spouses of deployed Soldierswith children because they suddenly become a single parent. Theyare stuck doing all the family chores,” said Family ProgramsDirector Jan Myers. “The Soldiers who are deployed are in a fast-pace environment and focused on a mission; whereas, theirspouses are left to constantly worry about their safety.”

Staff members from Family Programs regularly call familiesof deployed Soldiers to get updates and see if they can assistthe families. They also send out a monthly e-mail or newsletterto keep families updated on the Soldiers’ activities in theMiddle East.

“It helps them to know what their Soldiers are doing whilethey’re overseas,” Williams said. “It is a good way to stayinformed and stay connected.”

Family members of deployed Soldiers are encouraged tospend time with other families as a means of therapy and tocreate support networks.

“They [family members] find comfort amongst themselves,”Myers said. “It is always easier to talk to someone who has beenthere, done that. That’s why we encourage the connection.”

There are some creative ways for loved ones to remembertheir deployed Soldiers. For example, one deployed Soldier’sspouse puts one Hershey’s Kiss in a bowl for every day herhusband is away from home. Other spouses will get a picture oftheir deployed Soldiers and have it screen-printed onto theirpillowcases, so they feel connected before drifting off to sleep.

When Chief Warrant Officer Three Mel Rush, with the AlaskaArmy National Guard’s Echo Company, 207th Aviation, wasdeployed, he would record himself reading books such as Curious

George for his 4-year-old son to listen to at bedtime. Technology has improved substantially over the years and

helps families feel more connected when Soldiers are deployed. Webcams are a valuable tool when families are separated; they

provide families a way to actually see one another even thoughthey are thousands of miles apart.

“Webcams are super helpful because you can see yourdeployed Soldier’s facial expression – and that means a lot to seewhen you tell a joke or say I love you,” Williams said.

While family programs, modern devices and support networksmay help, there is no doubt that nothing is as good as having thedeployed Soldier home.

“I can’t wait to see him again,” Williams said. “So I can feellike myself and see the world through his eyes again.” �

By Christine Nangle, JFHQ-AK Public Affairs

A Picture Says AThousand Words. Angela Williams with theAlaska National GuardFamily Programs made a“Flat Daddy” of her husband,Colonel Stephen Williams,commander of the 207thInfantry Brigade. A “FlatDaddy” is a cardboard, life-size model that families havemade of their deployedSoldiers. The “Flat Daddy” isable to attend children’sbirthday parties, holidaysand other special familyevents, helping families toremember Daddy is withthem in spirit. Families alsosend pictures of the “FlatDaddy” to deployed Soldiersto remind them that they arenot forgotten back home.Photo: Ken Fankhauser, JFHQ-AKPublic Affairs

STAYING CONNECTED


21

Sergeant MajorPete Jensen

AKARNG Recruiting andRetention

Who We Are...

Deb FrenchNational Guard

Family Readiness Assistant

Staff SergeantAntonio Bates

AKARNG Unit Supply Sergeant

Lauren NicholasDHS&EM

Administration Clerk

Riley CaseyDistant Learning/Visual

Information Program Manager

What does “Patriotism” mean to you?

“It’s a feeling that you canonly feel yourself. It’s deep

inside. I show it throughthe flags and photos that

I have in my office.”

“It means love of country –like when so many people

helped with theHurricane Katrina effort.”

“Patriotism means that youdefend all that is preciousto us and our country.”

“It means always trying tobetter your countryno matter what.”

“Someone who is willing tofight for what they believe

or for their country.”

Always Ready - Always There. The Army and Air National Guardhave a new unified logo that serves both organizations.

According to Guard officials, “The new logo will be used on aircraft,ground vehicles and nearly anywhere else appropriate to show

off the ‘Guard colors’ during both our routine and operationalactivities.”

The simplicity of this new logo embodies the NationalGuard’s time-honored traditions with the Minuteman, thecolors of Old Glory and message that today’s Minutemenstill live by.

Guard leaders expect the logo to increasingly be seen onthe sides of Guard aircraft and vehicles. The new brandingof the Guard is in line with business and industry – in thiscase drawing upon the traditional values of America’shometown Army and Air Force.

The Alaska National Guard’s history, though youthfulcompared to other States, is rich with numerous well-defined

examples of courage, honor and selfless service.

2006 marks the 370th Anniversary of the beginning of the NationalGuard – the oldest of America’s uniformed services. The new logo

captures the patriotism of those who’ve served and given so much forour freedom and liberty.




The Secretary of the TerritorialCounsel of Defense in Seward, W.H.Whittlesey, sent a telegram message tothe governor on January 17, 1918,requesting U.S. troops be sent toSeward. He was concerned about thenumber of aliens coming and goingthrough Seward and those found linger-ing on the government dock, the bridgesand the warehouses.

Strong replied by stating, “It isunadvisable at the present time to ask forregular troops at Seward as you haveHome Guard which is organized underthe Acts of Congress of June 14, 1917.”

The combined emotions of fear andpatriotism created during a wartimeclimate created some unusual situations,particularly on the Last Frontier. Thebest sample of this came (as described ina letter) from the mining town ofMcCarthy.

Hon. J.F.A. Strong

Governor of Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Dear Sir:

I am writing what follows because I

think it’s my duty to keep you informed of

all local conditions which in anyway

effect the defense of the Territory and its

military establishment.

The population within a radius of 20

miles of McCarthy is about one thousand,

of which 75% are foreign-born laborers. I

do not think that over 25% of our popula-

tion is native born and not over 50% are

citizens in the United States.

Swedes and Finns predominate and

constitute about 40% of the total. These

are pro-German with but very few excep-

tions. In my opinion, 50% of the popula-

tion of this vicinity is pro-German. This

condition is deplorable but is more so on

account of conditions existing in the little

town of McCarthy, formerly known as

Shushanna Junction.

In this town of not more than 250 in

population are four big saloons and from

15 to 20 houses of ill-frame, all the latter

engaged in the illegal sale of liquor. The

saloons close at midnight and on Sundays

and will go out of business January first

but the other places have no closed

seasons and I do not think will close on

New Years.

I am a father and I have a son now in

training (with the Army) at Camp Lewis,

Washington. I have read with great satis-

faction of the effective measures to clean

up conditions around the camp. If this

attitude is that of the government, and I

believe it is, do you not think we should

begin the good work here? I believe this

cleanup is absolutely necessary before the

draft takes place but the question is how

should it be done. If you think it is advis-

able I will make an investigative trip as

far as Valdez and while there lay these

matters before the District Attorney.

Respectfully yours,

Peter S. Eriksen - Game Warden.

Another problem facing the Governorwas the registration of young men for thedraft. Inquiries came from draft boardsin Pillar Bay, Treadwell, Thane, Hoonah,Excursion Inlet and Gambier Bay con-cerning proper forms and the problem ofpotential Soldiers leaving the Territorywithout signing up.

By September 1917, GovernorStrong, who took his job seriously, wassending messages to the U.S. Marshall inSeattle to pick up Territory men whowere leaving Alaska without registeringfor the draft.

The Home Guard now had theadditional duty of keeping its eyes onpotential draft dodgers. The Governorcontinued his correspondence with theU.S. Arsenal in Benicia, California, whichwas still somewhat reluctant to sendmore targets, slings, ammunition and

rifles north to Alaska. Even the famed Dog Team Doctor,

J.H. Romig, wrote to the Governor onbehalf of his son Robert, who waspatriotic and willing to serve in theRegular Army in any capacity. Wethought perhaps the QuartermasterDepartment would be in line with hisqualifications.” Fathers have always beenfathers.

The men who organized the HomeGuard in 1917, along with GovernorStrong, were going through the samebasic process of forming a militia thatAmericans had been doing since theMassachusetts Bay Colony organized thefirst official militia in 1636.

The years had added complexity andpaperwork but the end product – anorganized militia – was similar in form.The amateurism, pettiness and politicswere probably as prevalent in 1636 as1917. However, the dedication and thepatriotism associated with militia troopscut through three hundred years ofhistory and the American fighting mancame shining through the mists of time.

On November 11, 1918 word camefrom France that the War to end all Warshad itself come to an end at 11a.m. Thegreat war machine which had beencreated throughout the nation would bedismantled. In time, the memories of oneof the worlds most devastating warswould soften as the distance between thereality of horror and the comfort of oldage security (that thing we call history)became a fact of life for the participantswho had survived.

As the years rolled by and the AlaskanHome Guardsmen of 1917-1918marched off towards eternity, theyunknowingly left a legacy of duty,patriotism and honor behind – sturdyfoundations for the Minutemen whowould come swarming out of the mistsfor a new call to duty in 1939. �

THE GREAT WAR – PART IV

Passages from Soldiers of the MistsLegacyWe are continuing to share passages from Alaska National Guard

Historian Emeritus Cliff Salisbury’s book, “Soldiers of the Mist.” MajorGeneral John Schaeffer, the Adjutant General from 1986 to 1991 said, “…itis important for present and future generations to understand the sacrificesour Minutemen and women have always made for Alaska.” Our Legacy…



Next Legacy installment from

Soldiers of the Mists series:

Between the Wars – Part I.

Soldiers of the Mists was

published by Pictorial

Histories Publishing of

Missoula, Montana, March

1992. It is available through

fine bookstores throughout

Alaska and online.

Anchorage on Memorial Day1917. Although World War I was less thantwo months old, Alaskans rallied around theU.S. flag. The large building across the street isRobard’s Hall where the Home Guard Militiadrilled. Photo: Anchorage Museum


Awards • Decorations • Promotions

Legion of Merit

LTC Marc Coulombe . . . . . . . . . . . 207th BdeCW5 Roger Stickney . . . . . . JFHQ-AK (Army)

Bronze Star

MSgt Alphonzo W. Allen . . . . . . . . 168th SFSMSgt Charles E. Sears . . . . . . . . . 168th SFSTSgt Robert M. Dickerson Jr. . . . . 168th SFS

Meritorious Service Medal

MSgt David A. Hayter . . . . . . . . . . 168th SFSTSgt Clifford R. Phillips . . . . . . . . 168th ARSLt Col Christopher J. Pettine . . . . . 168th ARSChief Jeffrey H. Mason. . . . . . . . . 168th MSFChief Rachel E. Henrys . . . . . . . . 168th MDGSMSgt Mary E. Grasso . . . . . . . . 168th ARWMSgt Catherine A. Pointer . . . . . . 168th MSFMSG Myong Cape . . . . . . . . JFHQ-AK (Army)SGT John Carl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd BnSFC Chad Cochran . . . . . . . . . . . 49th SpaceLTC Douglas Gorgoni . . . . . . . . 297th Spt BnCSM David Massullo . . . . . . . . . . 49th Space

MAJ Charles Nesloney. . . . . . . . . 49th SpaceSFC James Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207th RTIMSgt Sonny W. Dean . . . . . . . . . . 176th ACSMSgt Robert O. Gunderson . . . . . 176th ACSMSgt Tod C. Hemmert . . . . . . . . . 176th ACSCMSgt Peter F. Meacham . . . . . . . 176th ACSSMSgt Clifton W. Snapp . . . . . . . . 176th ACSMSgt Vern A. Cordell . . . . . . . . . 176th AMXSMSgt Ralph D. Neff . . . . . . . . . . . . 176th APFLt Col Edith M. Grunwald . . . . . . . 176th LRSSMSgt Stacy J. Catania . . . . . . . . 176th MDG1Lt Darrell E. Evans . . . . . . . . . . . 176th MSFMSgt Lyn M. Garrett. . . . . . . . . . . 176th MSFMSgt Tamara A. Thunander . . . . . 176th MSFMSgt Freddie A. Diaz . . . . . . . . . 176th MXSMSgt Anthony C. Rollins . . . . . . . . 176th SFSMaj Michael E. Cummings. . . . . . . 176th WGMaj John M. Darnall . . . . . . . . . . . 176th WGLt Col Ty K. Lee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176th WGMSgt John F. Paff Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . 176th WGLt Col Richard M. Hawkins. . . . . . 210th RQSMaj Toy C. Owen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211th RQSMaj Travis G. Penrod . . . . . . . . . . 211th RQSMaj Mark B. Welborn . . . . . . . . . . 211th RQSMSgt Debra French . . . . . . . . . JFHQ-AK (Air)Lt Col Mark Bour . . . . . . . . . . . JFHQ-AK (Air)

Army Commendation Medal

TSgt Byron S. Braselton . . . . . . . . 168th SFSCPL James Clough . . . . . . . . . . . 49th SpaceCPT Timothy Galloway . . . . . . . . 49th SpaceSGT Earl Hensen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3rd BnSGT David Knotts . . . . . . . . . . . . 49th SpaceSGT Kotelman Kotelman. . . . . . . . 103rd CST SGT Michael Lundburg . . . . . . . . . . . . 3rd BnSFC Maureen Meehan . . . . . . . . . 49th SpaceSGT Seth Payeur . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49th SpaceSGM Barbara Zanders . . . . . JFHQ-AK (Army)

Air Force Commendation Medal

TSgt Lynn R. Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . 168th CFTSgt Mark D. Young . . . . . . . . . . . 168th MSFTSgt Heather G. David-Damm . . . 168th MSFTSgt Kevin G. Anderson . . . . . . . . 168th MXSTSgt Warren R. Wright . . . . . . . . . 168th MXSSSgt David Kiernan . . . . . . . . . . . 213th SWSMSgt Ronald J. Brooker . . . . . . . . . 144th ASSSgt James D. Campbell . . . . . . . . 144th ASSrA Thomas C. Hough . . . . . . . . . . 144th ASTSgt George H. Lockwood . . . . . . . 144th ASMaj Susan S. Magnell. . . . . . . . . . . 144th ASSSgt Brian C. Nosich . . . . . . . . . . . 144th ASMSgt Mara K. Stephen . . . . . . . . . . 144th ASSSgt Jeremy L. Stephens . . . . . . . . 144th ASTSgt Craig A. Teigen . . . . . . . . . . . . 144th ASTSgt Glen R. Tillman. . . . . . . . . . . . 144th AS

SSgt Kelly M. Ward. . . . . . . . . . . . . 144th ASMSgt Kenneth L. Weber . . . . . . . . . 144th ASSSgt Elizabeth A. Williams . . . . . . . 144th ASTSgt Chad J. Demro. . . . . . . . . . . 176th ACSSSgt David K. Fuller . . . . . . . . . . . 176th ACSMSgt Lisa R. Kantor . . . . . . . . . . . 176th ACSTSgt Heather L. Pineiro . . . . . . . . 176th ACSTSgt Kimberly D. Wanbaugh. . . . . 176th ACSMSgt William M. Barnett . . . . . . 176th AMXSSSgt Naomi-Jean M. Groom . . . . . 176th APFTSgt Lawrence F. Lacroix . . . . . . . 176th APFSrA Joshua C. Lester . . . . . . . . . . 176th APFSrA Jessica L. Lingo. . . . . . . . . . . 176th APFTSgt Richard L. Mattice . . . . . . . . 176th APFSSgt Dana A. Nichols . . . . . . . . . . 176th APFSSgt Anna R. Poole . . . . . . . . . . . 176th APFSSgt Benjamin C. Russell . . . . . . . 176th APFMSgt Edward L. Williams . . . . . . . 176th APFSSgt Jennifer M. Withrow . . . . . . . . 176th CFTSgt Richard D. Fitzwater. . . . . . . 176th MXSMSgt Mark W. Saddler . . . . . . . . . 176th MXSTSgt Denny B. Wallette . . . . . . . . 176th MXSMSgt Paul L. Nelson. . . . . . . . . . . 212th RQSSSgt Chris R. Robertson . . . . . . . 212th RQSTSgt Robert M. Schnell . . . . . . . . 212th RQSMSgt David J. Thompson. . . . . . . 212th RQSMaj Robert Price. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176th OSFMSgt Bradley Garner . . . . . . . . . . 176th MXS1Lt Robert Stratton. . . . . . . . . . . . . 144th ASMaj Russel Hedden. . . . . . . . . . . . . 144th ASSMSgt Fred Heiker . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144th ASMSgt Kenneth Weber . . . . . . . . . . . 144th AS

Army Achievement Medal

SFC Eric Schlemme . . . . . . . . . . . 103rd CST

Air Force Achievement Medal

MSgt Lawrence Lara. . . . . . . . . . . 168th LRSSrA Elizabeth M. Metzger. . . . . . . 168th MSGSrA Zachary R. Darnell . . . . . . . . . . 168th CFMSgt Lawrence Lara. . . . . . . . . . . 168th LRSSrA Lief C. Walters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144th ASSSgt Wayne R. Earnheart . . . . . . . 176th ACSSSgt Johnnie R. Johnson . . . . . . . 176th ACSCapt Kelly M. Murphy. . . . . . . . . . 176th ACSSSgt Victoria L. Pennington . . . . . 176th ACSTSgt Ryan Campbell . . . . . . . . . 176th AMXSSSgt Sheila J. Jones . . . . . . . . . 176th AMXSTSgt Megan D. Fournier . . . . . . . . 176th APFSrA Heidi M. Gould . . . . . . . . . . . . 176th APFSSgt Eric W. Mcqueary . . . . . . . . . 176th APFTSgt Richard D. Fitzwater. . . . . . . 176th MXSSrA Katelyn E. Magnuson . . . . . . . 176th WGMSgt Paul J. Barendregt. . . . . . . . 212th RQSTSgt Jennifer M. Buehner . . . . . . . 212th RQSTSgt Jonathan R. Davis . . . . . . . . 212th RQS

Putting Families First. KatharineKolwicz, the founder and driving force behind thefirst-ever Family Support Group at Clear Air ForceStation, received a First Lady Volunteer Award fromNancy Murkowski for her efforts in transitioningClear AFS to a family friendly base. Kolwicz was oneof 12 award recipients who were all “nominated fortheir exceptional dedication and extraordinarypersonal commitment in unpaid volunteer service tothe community or the state,” Murkowski said. Shehas worked tirelessly to create a welcomingatmosphere for families and helped to transition thefacility to an Air National Guard base whereGuardmembers are able to bring their families. Photo: Courtesy of the Office of Governor Frank H. Murkowski



SSG Donnell Erickson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSFC David Foli. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSFC Michael Grunst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSFC Julie Heffele . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207th AvnSFC Charles Hooper III . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Bn

Alaska Legion of Merit

Lt Col Jay Williams . . . . . . . . . . . 168th AMSMSgt Harold Vannortwick . . . . . . 176th MSGCMSgt Jeffrey Mason. . . . . . . . . . 168th MSFLt Col Ty Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176th WG

Alaska Distinguished Service

MSgt Debra French . . . . . . . . . JFHQ-AK (Air)Lt Col Richard Hawkins . . . . . . . . 210th RQS

Alaska Cold War Victory Ribbon

Lt Col Jay Williams . . . . . . . . . . . 168th AMS

Alaska Community Service Medal

CMSgt Patricia Cordell . . . . . . . . . 176th6 CSSMSgt Angela Mattila . . . . . . . . . . . 176th CSSMSgt Dean Kalbfleisch . . . . . . . . . 176th CSMSgt Barron McLain . . . . . . . . . . . 176th CS

Basic Recruiter BadgeSGT Jason Baker . . . . . . . . . . . 297th Spt BnSPC Ryan Bell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Med DetSGT Jazmina Hernandez . . . . . . . . 207th BdeSGT Michael Ingham. . . . . . . . . 297th Spt Bn

Master Parachutist BadgeSFC John Tully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Bn

Alaska Air National GuardFirst Sergeant Ribbon

MSgt Paul Bobby . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176th SFSMSgt Travis Doyle . . . . . . . . . . . 176th AMXS

25

SSgt David W. Johnson . . . . . . . . 212th RQSSSgt Chad D. Moore . . . . . . . . . . 212th RQSTSgt John M. Romspert . . . . . . . . 212th RQSSSgt Michael J. Sullivan. . . . . . . . 212th RQSTSgt Chris F. Tellsworth . . . . . . . . 212th RQSTSgt Benjamin S. Walker . . . . . . . 212th RQS

Army Good Conduct Medal

SSG Richard Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSFC Yolanda Cooper . . . . . . JFHQ-AK (Army)SFC Julie Heffele . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207th Avn

Army Reserve ComponentAchievement Medal

CSM John Barlow . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207th RTISGT Paul Bavilla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSPC Arthur Browley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSSG Marvin Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSPC Aren Callahan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnCPL Doralee Castillo . . . . . . JFHQ-AK (Army)SFC Nicholas Cayford . . . . . JFHQ-AK (Army)SPC Garred Chaffin . . . . . . . . . . . . 207th AvnCSM Gordon Choate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSFC Kenneth Denny . . . . . . . . . . 117th MPADSGT Jason Donlon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSPC David Doxey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Bn1SG Mark Dudek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSPC Nicholas Dutton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSSG Donnell Erickson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSFC David Foli. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSFC Michael Grunst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSFC Charles Hooper III . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSFC Travis Kulp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSPC Christina Watson . . . . . . . . . . . Med Det

Armed Forces Reserve Medal

SSG Marvin Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSFC Nicholas Cayford . . . . . JFHQ-AK (Army)CSM Gordon Choate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st BnSFC Yolanda Cooper . . . . . . JFHQ-AK (Army)SFC Kenneth Denny . . . . . . . . . . 117th MPADSGT Jason Donlon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Bn1SG Mark Dudek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Bn


Brig Gen James Robinson . . .JFHQ-AK (Air)

MSgt David A. Hayter . . . . . . . . .168th SFS

TSgt Clifford R. Phillips . . . . . . . .168th ARS

SGT Barry Simpson . . . . . . . . .297th Spt Bn

SSG Billy Anaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st Bn

SSG Christopher Alexie . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Bn

SGT Carl Nicolai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Bn

SSG David Obermeyer . . . . . . .297th Spt Bn

MSGT Brian Bradby . . . . . . . . . . .207th Bde

SGT John Carl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Bn

LTC Lyle Crinklaw . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)

SSGT Gregory Fite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3rd Bn

SGT Earl Hansen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3rd Bn

CW2 John Janes . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th Avn

CW3 Randall Johnson . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)

SGT Michael Lundberg . . . . . . . . . . .3rd Bn

SFC Mark Wiggins . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Bn

SGT William Zamora . . . . . . . . . .207th Bde

SGT Leonard Grandbois . . . . . . . .207th Avn

MAJ Dawn Pate . . . . . . . . . . . .297th Spt Bn

CW5 Roger Stickney . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)

SFC Arthur Hayes . . . . . . . . . . . .207th Avn

MSG James Wafer . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)

MSG Charles Bohling . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)

SSG Fritz Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Bn

SSG James Chase . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Bn

1SG Walter Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Bn

CW4 Harry James . . . . . . . . . . . .207th Avn

MSG Albert Alston . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)

SFC James Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .R&R

Maj Mitchell Gates . . . . . . . . . . .213th SWS

Maj Michael Wellman . . . . . . . . .211th RQS

Lt Col Paul Holmquist . . . . . . . . .176th OSF

Lt Col Ty Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th WG

Lt Col Richard Hawkins . . . . . . .210th RQS

Christopher Pettine . . . . . . . . . . .168th ARS

SMSgt Eleonore Lawson . . . . .176th AMXS

CMSgt James Bolin . . . . . . . . .176th AMXS

MSgt John Paff . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th WG

MSgt Thomas Pirro . . . . . . . . . . .176th OSF

MSgt Anthony Rollins . . . . . . . . .176th SFS

MSgt Harold Van Nortwick . . . . .176th MSG

MSgt Ralph Neff . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th APF

TSgt Steven Gehring . . . . . . . . . . .176th CF

TSgt Craig Teigen . . . . . . . . . . .206th CBCS

RETIREMENTS

Top Non-CommissionedOfficer in Missile Defense.Sergeant David M. Knotts, Jr., a member ofthe Alaska Army National Guard’s 49thMissile Battalion at Fort Greely, won theNon-Commissioned Officer of the Yearaward for Space and Missile DefenseCommand. Sergeant Knotts will representthe Alaska Army National Guard and theSpace and Missile Defense Command inArmy-wide competition. He was recentlyinducted into the Sergeant Audie MurphyClub. Photo: Courtesy 49th Missile Battalion

Sergeant Knotts – NCO of the Year


ColonelRobert Doehl . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Air)David Lowell . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Air)Wendy Wenke . . . . . . . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Air)

Lieutenant ColonelBrent Demoss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144th ASKevin Kenaston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th MOF

MajorJohn Owens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144th ASJames VanHoomissen . . . . . . . . . . .144th ASSteven Bucholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213th SWSChristopher Borger . . . . . . . . . . . .176th LRSAdriene Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th WGAndrew Swartz . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MDGJason Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th OSF

CaptainLee Wilkerson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th ARSFranklin Bithos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th AvnDaniel Crawford . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th SpaceSharyl Worrell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144th ASDarrell Evans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MSFWinslow Truax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144th ASMelissa Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th ARW

First LieutenantAmy Bombassaro . . . . . . . . . . .117th MPADNanette Martinez . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th WGPatrick Lang . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th STU FLTLee Wilkerson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th ARSWayne Oman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSJohn Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th STFBrittany Nidiffer . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th AMXSAndre Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MDG

Second LieutenantJames Campbell . . . . . . . . . . .176th STU FLTStephen Ludwig . . . . . . . . . . .176th STU FLT

Chief Warrant Officer ThreePeter Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th Avn

Chief Master SergeantCarl Brooks . . . . . . . . . . . . .ARLINGTON, VALori Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Air)Vickie Applegate . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th ARW

Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8)Dewey Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st Bn

Senior Master SergeantJoyce Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Air)Douglas Echternacht . . . . . . . . . . . .144th ASBrian Hartley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MSFJoslyn Childs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th LRSJeffrey Ullom . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th OG/OGVSteven Slagle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212th RQSEric Schisler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211th RQSDavid Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . .212th RQSWilliam Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MDGPaul Barendregt . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212th RQS

Chester Deptula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MSDavid Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXS

Sergeant First ClassWilliam Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st BnJohn Tully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st BnSeth Gordon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th AvnErik Vasquez . . . . . . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)

Master Sergeant (E-7)Leona C. Conner . . . . . . . . . . . .168th AMXSDawn M. Vargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th MXGMark D. Slingerland . . . . . . . . . . .168th MXGAnthony M. Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th MXSRonald W. Lovell . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th MSFGary L. Brock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13th SWSDavid W. Pointer . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th AMXSLynn R. Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th CFRoy Duckworth . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSRoland Lemieux . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSRobert Dickerson . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th SFSJennifer Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th AMXSJimmy King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th ARSPeter Alexakis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th AMXSWilliam Humenik III . . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSRichard Snyder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th OSFSteven Paine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th SFSCharles Pasco II . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th SFSGregory Pippin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th OSFPaul Jenkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th LRSHenry Gatpandan . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th SFSBenjamin Walker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212th RQSJulia Barklow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th CFKevin Comp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th AMXSMark Karstetter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSVanessa Nunnery . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th CFDenise Plaizier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MSFRebecca Webster . . . . . . . . . . . . .206th CCSTimothy Cottingham . . . . . . . . . . .103rd CSTDonna Keib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th APFShannon Hanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th OGRobert Stavang . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th MXSWilliams Dixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th AMXSTracy Stephens . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th MSG

Staff Sergeant (E-6)Phillip Chang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117th MPADGeorge Koval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th AvnAren Callahan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st BnJoshua Hull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st BnPete Kapotak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st Bn Wayne Kapotak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st BnFernando Sangco . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th Space

Technical SergeantPatrick L. Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th MXSPhillip V. Kaup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th MXSSteven C. Roberts . . . . . . . . . . . . .13th SWSMark A Casadei . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK Det 1 (Air)Monte R. Rosenquist . . . . . . . . . .168th MXSDiminian P. Chagnon . . . . . . . . . . . .168th CFCindy Cain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSMark Turton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th SFS

PROMOTIONS

James Pennington . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th SFSSteven Dawson . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSJames Asselin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSPhillip Larson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th AMXSJames Buehner . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210th RQSBrian Roberts . . . . . . . . . .210th RQS, DET 1Kaprice Zuke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th WGChadwick Jennings . . . . . . . . . . . .176th CESDavid Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th AMXSTeleetha Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MDGSusan Rowland . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSChad Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212th RQSRichard Rhea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th SFSCarl Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSTodd Bowey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th CESChallaine Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSKeith Greenhalgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th CESLundy Twiford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSAnna Boffo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACS

SergeantDaniel Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3rd BnAren Callahan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st BnJohn Chriswell . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117th MPADAnthony Craidon . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th SpaceJeremy Curtis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th SpaceHolt Duffin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103rd CSTErwin Durano . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297th Spt BnSherman Ellington . . . . . . . . . . . .49th SpaceDouglas Fry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th SpaceDerrick Holmes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th SpaceAgata Krozel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th Bde Joey Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3rd BnTina Lua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Med DetMichael Manson . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th SpaceErik Nebelsickvogt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st BnJacob Ostergard . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th SpaceJeanette Padgett . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th SpaceLuke Sinclair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th SpaceShemekian Wade . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th BdeCurtis Watson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th Avn

Staff SergeantChristopher Gyden . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th CFStacie Lancaster-Kitts . . . . . . . . .168th MDGDebora Brekke-McGee . . . . . . . . .168th MDGJames Gengler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th MXSJustin Christiansen . . . . . . . . . . .168th ARWGeneva Hoskins . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th SVFStephen Ludwig . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th STU Matthew Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSMaggie Chapman . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MOFRussell Dziedziak . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSJames Pearry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSShelana Richards . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSLeah Meyers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th LRSRobert Dubinsky . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSHoward Venable . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th CESDavid Kotter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSJason Ott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th APFDouglas Weber . . . . . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSEvan Davila . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MSF




CAMP DENALI, Alaska . . .Governor Frank H.Murkowski and Major General Craig E. Campbell, theAdjutant General of the Alaska National Guard, celebrate anew partnership between the Alaska Air National Guard andthe Air Force.

As part of the Air Force Total Force Integration initiatives,Alaska’s Air National Guard is teaming with the 3rd Wing atElmendorf Air Force Base to form an Associate unit. This newunit is slated to fly the nation’s premier cargo aircraft, theC-17 Globemaster III.

“The Base Relocation and Closure (BRAC) decision toclose Kulis Air National Guard Base undoubtedly led to thisdecision,” Murkowski said. “Now that the Air Guard will belocated on Elmendorf, this partnership is a perfect fit and ahuge win for Alaska.”

Experienced Airmen of the Alaska Air National Guard’s176th Wing will train and fly with the Air Force’s 3rd Wing,allowing maximum usage of the highly capable airlift platforms.Teaming Guardmembers and active duty Airmen allows Alaskaforces to perform a key federal mission providing long-rangeprecision airlift as well as supporting Alaska.

“I’m pleased to see the national recognition of the talentdemonstrated by the Alaska Air National Guard,” saidCampbell. “The mission of the C-17 will allow increased

opportunities for Guardmembers and Alaska, expanding ourairlift capacity and our operational capability.”

As an Associate unit, the Air Force will maintain primaryresponsibility for the planes, while crews from both the AirNational Guard and active duty will fly and maintainthe aircraft.

Lieutenant General H. Steven Blum, Chief of the NationalGuard Bureau, is encouraged by these initiatives andcontinues to work to ensure the Alaska National Guardremains an important partner in America’s defense.

“This move is one of the many showing the Air Force iscommitted to involving the Air National Guard in allmissions,” Blum said.

The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexiblecargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. Its versatility allowsrapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo tomain operating bases or directly to forward bases in thedeployment area. The aircraft can perform tactical airlift andairdrop missions and can also transport litters and ambulatorypatients during aeromedical evacuations.

The Air Force, Alaska Air National Guard, and theNational Guard Bureau are coordinating a transition andtraining schedule to ensure effective operations. �

LATE BREAKING NEWSLATE BREAKING NEWS

C-17 Over Bering Sea.Photo: Mark Farmer, Topcover.com


Start of the TrailWelcome our newest members & employees

Warriors Training ScheduleHere are the inactive training dates for all Alaska Army and Air National Guard units. Dates forsubordinate units are the same as their parent headquarters, unless otherwise indicated. All dates aresubject to change. Most Alaska Army Guard units perform annual training (AT) through the winter.

Alaska National Guard Aug. Sept. Oct.Joint Forces Headquarters – Alaska (Air) 5-6 23-24 14-15Joint Forces Headquarters – Alaska (Army) 5-6 23-24 14-15

Alaska Army National Guard207th Infantry Group 4-6 23-24 14-151/207th Aviation Regiment 4-6 22-24 14-15297th Support Battalion 4-6 No Drill 14-15Regional Training Institute 19-20 16-17 14-15

Alaska Air National Guard168th Air Refueling Wing 5-6 23-24 14-15176th Wing 5-6 23-24 14-15

Alaska State Defense ForceHeadquarters 19-20 16-17 21-22Academy 19-20 16-17 21-22


Soldier Reaps G-RAP Rewards. Private Joshua Savo, a member of the AlaskaArmy National Guard's 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry, received a check for $2,000 as part of thenew Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP), which gives Soldiers the opportunity toearn cash rewards for bringing new recruits into the Army National Guard. G-RAP offersparticipants $1,000 for bringing in a prospect and another $1,000 if that recruit goes to basictraining. Even more valuable than the $2,000, Savo received a commander's coin, a collectibleamong military members, from Colonel Stephen Williams, commander of the Alaska ArmyNational Guard's 207th Infantry Brigade. Photo: Kalei Brooks, DMVA Public Affairs

176th WingChad JonesMason JonesChristopher Luther Roger Sparks Steven Kean Gary JanesJames Seigneur Jess Franco Larry Erickson Rebecca Baxter Theodore Champine Todd Selby Sarah McReynoldsGreyson WatkinsMichael FlynnTimothy StoneJesus RodriguezJamie SyvertsonBridgett MayeuxMichael KowaleskiLogan NewbyBenjamin ButcherTanya PocaigueGreg WilliamsDonald Lacy Wendell J. GreeneEllie Dash Anthony Conger James Rash Andrew McCrea

168th Air Refueling WingDean ThibodeauMartin Kahn Steven HannahBrittnae TolliverJosh Kelly Amber BurleyJeanie Cruz Isaac Block Michael GreenleyAmanda CrowsenJames HannisBecky Irish Ricky Ramos Christopher BedwellBrandon RiderCarl CollinsJoel James Stephen AkinsNaomi ButlerVincent McKiernanJamie KurzenburgerDonald Skinner

Army GuardMedical DetachmentMay Ann Felarca

Charles Howard Joshua Myhre

207th AviationWilliam ElliottWilliam DunhamJoseph KroonIan BeersLawrence KlineJames FordJeremy HarpeNathan RumbleJustin AblesDavid DimatteoNicholas HannErik GundersonSheri Wood Sean DavisJames KempnerJoshua WecknerShamar JosephJay Daw Skeeter AtorukMary StandiferChaz Izatt

297th InfantryNeal Zucati Young NguyenAndrew ClarkLucas GrahamAaron BroussardGarrett MullenThomas NodenPhillip SnyderJoel HeathRichard StermerBruce GeorgeArthur DemoskiDouglas MallerCaleb FrawleyRichard NemanicChristopher Stacy

297th SupportBattalionAndria GreerAnnie OrdoyneJonathon RodriguezGerald Nelson John UrekarAmanda BrushAaron ReeseLina Chausse

207th InfantryJames BretonAnthony NicollsDaryl Palembas

Michael LuperMorris Lemen IIIJonathan GilbertSteven BelangerNicolas NuuvaliJeremy PierceNicholas HowellTravis PerryJan MeyersDavid Devito Matthew GuerinPierre DubocMichelle JenningsClinton Brown IIIJeanette Derry

JFHQ-AK (Army)Craig DillonJorden BishopMatthew Holtschlag

DHS&EMKim PontibrandClaire Marie


warriors summer 2006.qxd 8/7/06 10:19 am page 1 · and self-discipline necessary to succeed ......

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