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Editorial: Bill treats service members fairly
By The Oshkosh Northwestern October 15, 2009
It is refreshing to see the House of Representatives act on legislation that solves
a problem without the partisan rancor that has been pervasive in Washington.
The House gave a glimpse of its roots last week when it unanimously passed a bill
co-sponsored by Rep. Steve Kagen, D-Appleton, and Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse that
extends the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers to service members overseas.
Read Full Story at http://www.thenorthwestern.com
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Troops In Iraq To Tailgate for Packers Game Via Satellite
By Erik Bilstad of TMJ4, Milwaukee October 16, 2009
The Packers host the Lions at Lambeau Field this Sunday.
As thousands of fans tailgate outside the stadium this morning, members of the Wisconsin National Guard will be firing up the grills in Iraq.
It's a tradition for many Packers fans before kickoff - crack open a few colds ones and throw a couple of brats on the grill.
Some come from hundreds of miles away to enjoy the festivities.
This weekend, they'll come from 7,000 miles away...sort of.
It's called Tailgating for Troops.
Read Full Story at http://www.todaystmj4.com/
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Brig. Gen. Donald Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, and Maj. Jackie Guthrie, public
affairs officer, hold an electronic town hall meeting. Photo by Meg Jones of the Journal Sentinel
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Commander holds town hall e-meeting for Guard families
By Meg Jones of the Journal Sentinel September 16, 2009
It's one minute before 7 p.m. and time for the adjutant general to meet with families of the
3,600 Wisconsin National Guard members deployed overseas.
Brig. Gen. Donald Dunbar would prefer to meet everyone in person, but with soldiers and
airmen from throughout the state now stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan, the logistics of
visiting all their families in all their communities makes that impossible.
Like everyone else, the military is embracing social media such as Facebook and Twitter as a
way to stay in touch. On Tuesday night, Dunbar, the state's top military commander, conducted
an electronic town hall meeting, the second since 3,200 members of the 32nd Brigade Combat
Team deployed to Iraq this year.
Read Full Story at jsonline.com
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 Channel3000.com Faces of the 32nd
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Coming around the far turn: Across the 32nd Brigade
November 19, 2009
The 3,200 men and women of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team have accomplished a lot
during their time in Iraq so far: big accomplishments like closing the largest detention
facility on Earth at Camp Bucca; small accomplishments like winning the flag football
championship at Camp Cropper.
And wherever they are serving in Iraq, Red Arrow soldiers are making a difference.
Here is what some of our units want their Wisconsin hometowns to know about their service
in Iraq - the big things, the small things, and all of the individual and organizational
accomplishments in between.
Full story and photos
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Wisconsin National Guard ground, air commanders meet in Iraq
November 8, 2009
IRAQ - While more than 3,200 Soldiers of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Infantry
Brigade Combat Team have their boots on the ground in Iraq, some of their fellow Guardsmen
from the state's Air National Guard have their jets in the sky overhead. It isn't often that
aerial support for Army Guard ground troops comes from an Air Guard unit from the same state,
but for the past two months about 300 members of Wisconsin's Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing
are in Iraq with about a dozen F-16 fighters.
The two top commanders - Army Guard Col. Steven Bensend and Air Guard Lt. Col. Erik Peterson -
met at an air base in Iraq as the fighter unit was nearing completion of its mission here.
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Bucca's best come out 'guns blazing' for competition
November 3, 2009
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq - With speed and precision, Staff Sgt.
Matthew J. Benzshawel, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, 17th Fires Brigade took home top honors
in this year's 3-Gun Competition at Camp Bucca Oct. 17. The Appleton native edged out the
closest of 69 other competitors by 2.19 seconds.
Airmen, civilians, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines from across Camp Bucca demonstrated their
proficiency wielding a variety of weapons to include the M-9 pistol, M-4 carbine and M-500
shotgun in hopes of earning top bragging rights as the camp's top marksman.
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Wisconsin Guard has key role in Baghdad's future
October 26, 2009
With a few pen strokes and hugs, and two very large keys, the Wisconsin Army
National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team officially transferred two
large properties inside Baghdad's International Zone back to the Iraqi
government.
"In terms of square footage of habitable structures, Essayons and
Freedom Compound are the largest we've turned over so far," said the 32nd
Brigade's Maj. Gregory Schlub, officer in charge of real properties for Joint
Area Support Group-Central in Baghdad.
The two properties, formerly used by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, total 35 acres and about 380,000 square feet of building space. They
include 650 apartments, three business towers, a museum and seven villas.
Full story, videos and photos
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Food, fun and football link families with deployed Soldiers
October 21, 2009
Families and friends of the Wisconsin National Guard gathered at the Alliant Energy Center
Sunday (Oct. 18) to Tailgate with the Troops - the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, that is.
Thanks to modern technology and lots of community support, more than 2,000 family members
feasted on brats, hot dogs, pizza and chips and watched the Green Bay Packers cream the Detroit
Lions - with their deployed Soldiers.
The event, "Tailgating with the Troops" was sponsored by Serving the 32nd, a private
organization whose mission is to bring together the people of Wisconsin to say "thank you" to
the Soldiers and families of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
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Coming off the backstretch: Around the 32nd Brigade
October 15, 2009
IRAQ - The Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team continues its
mission on the ground during a time of historic transition in Iraq. Soldiers there are deeply
involved in turning territory back over to the Iraqis as well as building public works projects,
sometimes with not much more than Wisconsin ingenuity, for Iraqi residents. Read the
comprehensive report on the latest developments for the 32nd IBCT online
here.
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32nd IBCT in Iraq
32nd Brigade Sgt. Frank Merola shot video and produced a package on the Wisconsin
Army National Guard 32nd IBCT troops performing their job in Iraq.
This material can be viewed or downloaded at high resolution from the Digital Video
& Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) Web site. Broadcast stations may also request
satellite feeds of this or other 32nd Brigade products posted on this site.
September 25, 2009
Video Location: Iraq
Size: 25.84 MB
Length: 4 minutes, 57 seconds
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32nd Brigade leaders visit Arcadia, Onalaska Soldiers at remote base
September 23, 2009
CAMP ASHRAF, Iraq - With 27 units spread throughout a country the size of California, the
commander of the Wisconsin National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade, Col. Steven Bensend, can't
just hop in a Humvee to visit his troops. Instead, he orders up a couple of UH-60 Black Hawk
helicopters and takes key staff members along by air.
On one recent visit, Bensend's Black Hawk helicopters dropped into Camp Ashraf, where soldiers
from the Arcadia and Onalaska-based Company C, 1-128th Infantry are serving at Forward Operating
Base Grizzly. Company C is charged with operating observation points, escorting distinguished
visitors in their area, providing personal security details for meetings and movements outside
the FOB, and performing resupply patrols.
Story and Photos
132nd says thanks to Portage by hosting carnival
By Jen McCoy, Daily Register September 15, 2009
It is a thank-you to the Portage community in the form of cotton candy,
balloon animals and snow cones. The 132nd Brigade Support Battalion Family
Readiness Group will host a carnival for children on Saturday at the Portage
Armory, where the brigade is based.
"A bunch of us came up with this as a way to give back to the community
because they have done so much for us. Before the soldiers left, the Portage
High School band participated in the send-off, and the mayor came out," said
Janet McCamey, leader of the 132nd FRG.
Read Full Story at PortageDailyRegister.com
32nd Brigade troops see Packers defeat the Bears
September 14, 2009
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BAGHDAD - With 3,200-plus Wisconsin National Guard troops in Iraq, there was a lot
of interest here in the Packers regular season opener. The trouble is,
we're 6,282 miles and eight time zones away from the Frozen Tundra.
But in Baghdad, about 30 troops from the Guard's 32nd Brigade got up
early (way early) to watch the game, which was broadcast live on the
Armed Forces Network beginning at 3:15 a.m. Baghdad time.
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Caring and Sharing: Wisconsin program sends packages to deployed troops
September 10, 2009
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BAGHDAD - Hands frantically tearing at tape and cardboard; an ear-to-ear smile; the excitement
of not knowing what is inside; the joy of knowing somebody cares enough to send something. It
sounds like Christmas, but it's not. It's an eager soldier opening a care package.
Troops all over Iraq get care packages from groups or anonymous individuals, but 2nd Lt. Johnathan
Meyer, an officer who screens applicants for entry into the International Zone in Baghdad with
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, has known the woman who
sent this package since he was a toddler.
Story, video and photos
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Dispatches from Wisconsin men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan
September 8, 2009
At FOB Bucca, there are several permanent infrastructures originally built to sustain
Army forces and missions. These include a brick factory capable of producing up to 1
million bricks per month, an ice plant capable of producing up to 45 tons of ice per day,
and a Waste Water Treatment Plant with the ability to sustain a population of over 50,000 people.
In addition -- and most importantly -- we are also currently overseeing the completion of a
new water treatment facility capable of producing 2 million gallons of water a day. FOB Bucca
is located above the largest aquifer in the region. The new water treatment facility is able
to drill down to the water, retrieve it, and then treat it so that it is drinkable. While
deployed here, our goals are not only to see through the completion of the construction of
this water treatment plant but also to complete several projects that will provide local
cities/villages direct access to our water, waste plant, brick, and ice factory assets in
the near future. We also intend to provide the vocational training required to sustain these
assets after our departure.
Story and photos at wismilblogs.blogspot.com
National Guard major seeks to improve Iraqi schools
September 8, 2009
Dirt polished to a dull sheen by the passing hands of generations of schoolchildren covers
the bottom 3 feet of hallway walls in the Umm Casr, Iraq, elementary school. Above the dirt
line, grammar and math exercises are scrawled on the sand-colored walls. The children have no
paper. Virtually every window in the school is broken, the incoming sunlight illuminating a
jumble of broken school desks piled in the middle of the classroom.
For Wisconsin Army National Guard Maj. John T. Oakley of Appleton, the image solidifies his
resolve to rebuild the school into a positive learning experience for children.
Story, photos and video at Green Bay Press Gazette.com
Halfway point in Iraq: Around the 32nd Brigade
September 7, 2009
More than seven months after they entered active duty in the U.S. Army - and now about
halfway through the time they will spend in Iraq - the 3,200 men and women of the Wisconsin National
Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team are focused on missions ranging from transporting detainees
from what was once the largest theater internment facility in the country... to securing forward
operating bases... to furnishing a shabby school in Umm Qasr... to transferring Baghdad's International
Zone back over to the Iraqi government.
Story and Photos
WS senior's exit project has troops in mind
September 3, 2009
Coulee News (West Salem)
West Salem High School senior Catey Greenwood is heading up an effort to let
members of Wisconsin's 32nd Infantry Brigade - currently stationed in Iraq
-know that they are not forgotten. Greenwood's efforts are part of her senior
exit project. "I'm hosting a support group for teens whose family members are
currently overseas and we are also creating care packages to send over to the
32nd Brigade by Christmas," Greenwood said. The brigade is in Baghdad, and
it's deputy commander is her father, Col. Mark Greenwood.
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Wisconsin Guardsmen hold the hill in Iraq
August 27, 2009
CAMP BUCCA, Iraq - Moving several hundred detainees across Iraq is a daunting task, but for two
Wisconsin Army National Guard companies it's just another day.
The two companies, Janesville's Company A, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, and Fond du Lac's
Company C, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, stationed at Camp Bucca, in southern Iraq, are responsible
for transferring detainees from Bucca to theater internment facilities further north. These
movements are part of the consolidation of TIFs and the eventual turnover of operations to
the government of Iraq. Once detainees are transferred they either continue serving their
sentences or are released.
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Deployed Wisconsin soldiers honor fallen Marine
August 10, 2009
BAGHDAD - More than 100 service members and civilians honored the memory of a fallen Marine from
Wisconsin by participating in the Jerabek Challenge memorial run Aug. 8 at Forward Operating Base
Prosperity in Baghdad.
Participants from across the International Zone, including 19 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers
assigned to the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters, Camp Douglas, Wis., endured early
morning temperatures in the 90s as they ran the 4-mile course. Participants received T-shirts
sent by Jerabek's mother.
Story and Photos
Eau Claire-Based Unit Switches Focus to Training
August 2, 2009
Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire, Wis.
For many of the soldiers in the 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, their current deployment
to Iraq is at least their second tour of duty in the war-torn Middle East nation. But
that doesn't make it old hat by any means. This time around the Eau Claire-based unit's
mission and the security situation are vastly different. In many ways, commanders said
in telephone interviews last week from Iraq, it's like being in a completely different
country from the one they patrolled from November 2004 to October 2005.
Read full story
Wisconsin Guard battalion is nation's best
July 27, 2009
IRAQ — A Wisconsin Army National Guard infantry battalion currently serving on active duty in Iraq has been
selected as the top battalion in the nation's National Guard. Eau Claire-based 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry
will receive the Walter T. Kerwin Jr. Award for Readiness and Training as the outstanding National Guard
unit for 2009. The award will be presented in October at the annual meeting of the Association of the
United States Army in Washington, D.C.
Read full story
Red Arrow Letters: Making Sure Every Soldier Gets a Note from Home
WEAU.com, Mary Rinzel with Photographer Duane Wolter
July 23, 2009
At Country Jam, a little ways back from a main stage filled with big names like Tim McGraw
is a little girl hoping every fan has time to send some love to our soldiers overseas.
Slightly tucked away, her head just visible above her table, sits a ten year old from Stanley.
"I started a program called Red Arrow Letters," Amanda Wright tells us. "I started it because
I have a brother. His name is Kane Lambert and he's in the Wisconsin National Guard."
Kane Lambert is serving in Iraq with the 32nd Infantry Red Arrow Brigade.
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Camp Cropper Theater Internment Facility
July 21, 2009
32nd Brigade Sgt. Frank Merola shot video and produced a package on the Wisconsin
Army National Guard troops working at the Theater Internment Facility (TIF). Video
and photography inside TIFs is tightly restricted, so this cleared video footage offers
a fairly rare look inside.
This material can be viewed or downloaded at high resolution from the Digital Video
& Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) Web site. Broadcast stations may also request
satellite feeds of this or other 32nd Brigade products posted on this site.
Date Taken: 07.20.2009
Posted: 07.20.2009 11:48
Video Location: Baghdad, IQ
Package:
Size: 12.16 MB
Length: 2 minutes 17 seconds
B-Roll:
Size: 36.57 MB
Length: 6 minutes 59 seconds
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Wisconsin Guardsmen help build future for Iraq
July 20, 2009
At the Iraqi National Training Academy, located on Victory Base Complex near Baghdad, Iraqi
instructors are training four platoons of recruits to become the foundation of the Iraqi correctional system.
This facility is the first of its kind, and this is the first class to be trained entirely by
Iraqi instructors.
"This facility, from the ground up, has been designed to be the leading edge of the American
withdrawal of forces from Iraq," said 2nd Lt. Christopher Cahak, Company A, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry's
officer in charge of training. "It's an incredibly important mission, we take it very seriously and this
mission has been handed to the Wisconsin National Guard."
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A long way from home
Picnic brings together, supports families of soldiers in Iraq
by the KENOSHA NEWS STAFF
July 20, 2009
Area family members of a National Guard company now in Iraq gathered for a picnic at Petrifying
Springs Park on Saturday.
Spouses, children and other relatives of the 125 Bravo Company 257, part of the 32nd Brigade
of the Wisconsin National Guard, attended the four-hour gathering with food, beverages, games
and face painting.
The families are mostly from Kenosha and Racine counties with others from other southeastern
Wisconsin communities.
Read Full Story
Update from Iraq: Around the 32nd Brigade
Two months into the 32nd Brigade Combat Team's missions in Iraq, this is an update on
some of our units from their locations around the country.
BAGHDAD - They have endured frequent dust storms and intense heat. They've overcome
language and cultural barriers. They’ve worked long days with little time off. They
have missed the births of their sons and daughters. And they’ve been living and working
in multiple locations in an active combat zone.
They are the nearly 3,300 soldiers of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd
Infantry Brigade Combat Team, two months into their 10-month missions in Iraq.
Read Full Story
Patrol base named for Wisconsin Guard soldier turned over to Iraqi forces
SAMARRA, Iraq - The changing role of U.S. forces in Iraq was evident across the entire country
June 30, but in Samarra it also created a poignant moment for those who remembered Wisconsin
Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Todd Olson.
Olson, who died Dec. 27, 2004, of wounds he suffered in action in Samarra early in his tour
with 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, was honored at a ceremony turning a Samarra patrol base
over to the government of Iraq. The outpost, Patrol Base Olson, had carried his name for
more than four years.
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Those left behind find many ways to cope with soldier's absence
July 8, 2009
Brenda Christianson is a seasoned veteran. She’s not a soldier - but close. She is the
leader of the Family Readiness Group supporting family and friends of soldiers deployed with
the Fond du Lac-based Company C, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment of the Wisconsin
National Guard. Brenda’s son is currently serving in Iraq. Her husband is scheduled for a
second tour of duty in 2010.
Read Full Story on fdlreporter.com
Soldiers' stories - Local guardsmen keep busy in Iraq
July 8, 2009
From taking correspondence courses to learning Spanish and Web site design, local soldiers with the
Wisconsin National Guard, Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, stationed in Iraq are
finding ways to lessen the pain of separation from their families and pass the time.
Read Full Story on fdlreporter.com
Wisconsin National Guard trains Iraqis to run prisons
July 7, 2009
Prison reform was a hot topic in this year's state budget debate in Wisconsin. But it's even more
of an issue in Iraq, where Wisconsin National Guard troops are training Iraqis to run detention
facilities. The United States is preparing to hand over the detention facilities it's been running
since soon after the war began to the sovereign Iraqi government.
By Gil Halsted, Wisconsin Public Radio
Read Full Story on Wisconsin Public Radio
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32nd IBCT in Baghdad, Iraq.
Iraq July 6, 2009.
B-roll of members of the Wisconsin National Guard from the 32nd Infantry Brigade
Combat Team conducting operations at Forward Operating Base Prosperity in the
International Zone, Baghdad, Iraq. Scenes include Soldiers suiting up and going
on an armored patrol, a Soldier driving around the base, Soldiers performing
office duties and Soldiers working on a chain saw engine.
Size: 29.42 MB
Length: 5 minutes, 24 seconds
Author: Sgt. Frank Merola, Joint Area Support Group-Central
Baghdad, IQ
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Wisconsin soldiers run 5K in Iraq
Approximately 30 deployed Wisconsin National Guard soldiers assigned to the
32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters, Camp Douglas, Wis., endured dust-filled air
and early morning temperatures that soared into the 90s as they celebrated Independence Day by
participating in the Red Arrow Independence Day 5K run July 4 at Forward Operating Base
Prosperity in Baghdad.
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Live from Iraq: 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team discusses US hand over to Iraqi security forces
Col. Steven Bensend, 32nd Infantry Brigade commander, and Lt. Col. Tim Donovan, 32nd PAO, - both
serving in Iraq with the Joint Area Support Group (JASG) update Wisconsin about the hand over and
Wisconsin Guard troops.
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Wisconsin Guard leaders visit 32nd Brigade in Iraq
The senior leaders of the Wisconsin Army National Guard visited many of the 3,200 Wisconsin
troops of the state's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Iraq last week. Brig. Gen. Mark
Anderson, Wisconsin Army National Guard commander, and state Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper
traveled to several forward operating bases that are home to Wisconsin Guard soldiers for the
next eight months.
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105th Cavalry takes charge of base defense and camp support operations at Camp Cropper
CAMP CROPPER, IRAQ - A half dozen Wisconsin state flags fly in the dusty desert breeze over
Camp Cropper, Iraq, where units of the Wisconsin National have taken over responsibility for
base defense, camp support functions and other missions for the next eight months.
Camp Cropper is located near the Baghdad International Airport west of the Iraq capital. The
camp's mission includes development of trained Iraqi corrections officers and the care of
detainees - a mission that requires support from about 900 soldiers assigned to eight Wisconsin
Army National Guard units.
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Technology helps soldier see son's birth from overseas
By: Rachel Westberg
The Chetek Alert
(June 17, 2009 IRAQ) — It is a feat that only modern technology could help make possible-a soldier in
Iraq was able to witness the birth of his son taking place back in Wisconsin and talk with his wife
during the entire process.
That's a story for the baby book, and it is exactly the excitement that took place with the birth of
Benjamin Peter Pintens last Wednesday.
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829th Engineer Company soldiers adapt to new mission in Iraq
(CAMP CROPPER, Iraq) — Wisconsin Guard soldiers assigned to the 829th Engineer Company are busily engaged
in a security mission at the theater internment facility at Camp Cropper, Iraq. The 829th is based in
Chippewa Falls, Wis., with detachments in Richland Center and Ashland.
The 829th’s mission for the next eight months focuses on guarding and escorting detainees.
Read Full Story
32nd Brigade troops at Camp Taji work to build better future for Iraq
CAMP TAJI, IRAQ June 9, 2009 — At a desert outpost about 20 miles north of Baghdad, three units of
Wisconsin National Guardsmen deployed with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team hope
something will grow in the barren environment: Iraq’s future.
The units, Company A, 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Onalaska; the 108th Forward
Support Company, Sussex; and Battery A, 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery, Racine,
assumed responsibility May 12 for several operations at the theater internment facility
reconciliation center at Camp Taji.
By Spc. Tyler Lasure, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team
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Wisconsin soldier 'attends' daughter’s graduation through cyberspace
BAGHDAD June 9, 2009 — Military service in a combat zone 6,294 miles from his home in Seymour,
Wis., didn't keep Wisconsin National Guard Col. Martin Seifer from seeing his daughter
graduate from her hometown high school June 1.
By Capt. Joy LeMay, 32nd IBCT Public Affairs.
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Wisconsin National Guard ground, air commanders meet in Iraq
November 8, 2009
IRAQ - While more than 3,200 Soldiers of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Infantry
Brigade Combat Team have their boots on the ground in Iraq, some of their fellow Guardsmen
from the state's Air National Guard have their jets in the sky overhead. It isn't often that
aerial support for Army Guard ground troops comes from an Air Guard unit from the same state,
but for the past two months about 300 members of Wisconsin's Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing
are in Iraq with about a dozen F-16 fighters.
The two top commanders - Army Guard Col. Steven Bensend and Air Guard Lt. Col. Erik Peterson -
met at an air base in Iraq as the fighter unit was nearing completion of its mission here.
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The glow from the afterburners of multiple F-16 fighter jets adorn the night
sky over Dane County Regional Airport early on the morning of Sept. 22. The
115th Fighter Wing launched 14 F-16s early Tuesday morning as part of the wing's
scheduled Aerospace Expeditionary Force rotation that began last week, when
approximately 200 of the unit's members deployed in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs photo by Master Sgt.
Paul Gorman
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Wisconsin Air Guard unit sends fighter jets to Iraq
September 22, 2009
The 115th Fighter Wing launched 14 F-16 fighter jets earlier today (Sept. 22) as a part of the
Wing's scheduled Air Expeditionary Force rotation that began last week when approximately 200
Airmen deployed to Iraq.
The Airmen are expected to serve for approximately two months before being relieved by the Iowa
Air National Guard from Des Moines. The 115th has previously deployed their aviation package in
support of Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom in December 2004 to Qatar, and June 2006 and January
2008 to Iraq. Their mission is to support ground forces in Iraq with close air support and other
combat capabilities directed by the combatant commander.
Story and photos
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A Wisconsin Air National Guard F-16C Fighter Falcon Aircraft performs an afterburner
takeoff on its way to fly a combat mission in the skies over Iraq during a deployment in early 2008.
Wisconsin Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Daniel Richardson
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115th Fighter Wing deploying to support Operation Iraqi Freedom
September 16, 2009
Families and friends will bid farewell to approximately 200 members of the Wisconsin Air
National Guard’s Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing. Send-offs are scheduled for Thursday [Sept 17]
at 5 p.m. and Saturday [Sept 19] at 10:00 a.m. at the Wisconsin Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters,
2400 Wright St., Madison.
Immediately afterwards, the Airmen will depart as part of an aviation package deployment
which includes F-16 fighter aircraft, pilots, aircraft maintenance specialists and support
personnel.
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447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron
SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq - Staff Sgt. Jason Klingbiel, 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels
distribution operator, connects a fuel hose from an R14 fuel unit to the bottom loader of his R11 fuel
truck here July 20, 2009.
The Madison, Wis., native is on a personal mission to break a record by pumping more than one million
gallons of fuel during his deployment. Sergeant Klingbiel is deployed from the 115th Fighter Wing,
Wisconsin Air National Guard.
U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Johnny L. Saldivar
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Rep. Suder to be deployed to Middle East
September 8, 2009
Assemblyman Scott Suder says he will be deployed overseas for the second time later this
fall. Suder will join members of the 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard
based in Madison. It's being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Republican from Abbotsford says he will continue to contact his office in Wisconsin, and
monitor events and issues being discussed in Madison while he is deployed. Suder is a staff
sergeant. He works with the life-support unit that assists F16 pilots. He's been a member of the
unit since 2003 and was previously deployed to Qatar in 2004.
Read Full Story at weau.com
115th Fighter Wing deploying to support Operation Iraqi Freedom
August 13, 2009
More than 200 Airmen from the 115th Fighter Wing are preparing for their voluntary
deployment to Iraq late next month in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The 115th will deploy its Aviation Package, which includes a number of F-16 Fighting
Falcons as well as pilots, aircraft maintenance specialists and support personnel as part
of their scheduled Air Expeditionary Force rotation. Their mission is to support ground
forces in Iraq with close air support or other combat capabilities directed by the
combatant commander.
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951st 'Sapper' Company returning to Wisconsin Saturday
November 20, 2009
The Soldiers of the 951st 'Sapper'
Engineer Company have completed their tour of duty in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom and are returning to Wisconsin tomorrow [Nov. 21]. Wisconsin National Guard
leaders, family and friends will welcome them home at approximately 3:30 p.m. at Rhinelander High School,
665 Coolidge Ave., Rhinelander.
The approximately 100 Soldiers from the unit, based in Tomahawk and Rhinelander, departed Wisconsin last November
to mobilize at Camp Shelby, Miss. and began their mission in Afghanistan in February of this year. The
951st supported the 101st Airborne Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, 10th Mountain Division and 25th
Infantry Division. Their mission included searching for improvised explosive devices, scouting out key
terrain features and bypass roads for major and alternative supply routes, and gathering biometric data - name,
date and location of birth, home of record, iris scans and fingerprints - from local residents.
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951st 'Sapper' Company returning from Afghanistan
November 12, 2009
More than half of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 951st "Sapper" Engineer Company is
back in the United States following a nearly 10-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom.
The remainder of the unit is expected to arrive in the U.S. next week. For security reasons, flight
information will not be released.
Read full story
Afgan Vet
(From Wisconsin Public Television Here and Now)
October 26, 2009
An update from the home front on the mission of the Wisconsin Army National
Guard's 951st Engineer Company, based out of Rhinelander. The story is told
through the wife of one of those soldiers. Her husband is featured in the
cover photo of TIME magazine this week (Oct. 10-17th) - injured and waiting
for medical evacuation. He was injured while clearing bombs in Wardak
province in Afghanistan. Sergeant First Class Chet Millard is recovering and
back with his Company in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, his wife and children wait
and pray for his safe return home to Wisconsin.
See full story at Wisconsin Public Television
Wisconsin Army Guard unit copes with loss
October 7, 2009
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As family and friends prepare to pay tribute to Sgt. Ryan Adams in Wisconsin, his friends and
comrades-in-arms from the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 951st Engineer Company will
pay tribute in a warrior's fashion - by continuing the mission.
"The men know Sgt. Adams would expect them to keep going," said unit 1st Sgt. Greg Fulton.
"We lost a good friend in Sgt. Adams. We've got some guys who were nervous to get back on the
horse - they've witnessed the worst part of war. But they're relying on each other for strength and
comfort."
"The 951st is a close-knit group of Soldiers," said Capt. Brian Barth, company commander. "They
understand that this can happen. But we continue with the mission."
Adams was killed by insurgents Oct. 2 while his route clearing platoon was on patrol in Logar
Province, Afghanistan. He was commanding a vehicle providing security for his platoon when the
attack occurred. Seven other Soldiers were injured in the same attack and are receiving medical
care as needed.
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Sgt. Ryan Adams, 951st Engineer Company (Sappers), Wisconsin Army National
Guard, shown here in Afghanistan in May 2009. Wisconsin Army National Guard photo
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Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Saturday for Wisconsin Army National Guard Sgt. Ryan Adams
October 7, 2009
Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other
facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Saturday, Oct.10, in honor of
Wisconsin Army National Guard Sgt. Ryan Adams, a native of Rhinelander, who died
Oct. 2 of injuries received during a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Logar
Province, Afghanistan. The National Guard will render these honors in accordance
with an executive order issued by Gov. Jim Doyle.
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Statement by Brigadier General Donald P. Dunbar on the death of Wisconsin Army National Guard Sergeant Ryan Adams
October 3, 2009
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The entire Wisconsin National Guard family joins me in mourning
the loss of Sergeant Ryan Adams, who died Friday in Logar Province, Afghanistan,
from wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit.
Sgt. Adams, 26, of Rhinelander, was deployed with the Wisconsin
Army National Guard's 951st Engineer Company (Sapper) in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom. Approximately 100 Soldiers from the Rhinelander and
Tomahawk-based unit deployed in November to Camp Shelby for several months
before reporting to Afghanistan where they conduct route clearance operations
for the Army's 101st Airborne Division. This was the second tour of duty for
this unit, and Sgt. Adams, which also deployed to Iraq in May 2003 to April 2004
when it was Company C, 724th Engineer Battalion.
Seven other Wisconsin Guard Soldiers were injured in the same
attack and are receiving medical care as needed. The immediate families of all
seven Soldiers have been notified. The Wisconsin National Guard will not be
releasing names, or medical condition, of the injured Soldiers.
Full story and photo
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Clearing roadside bombs perilous duty
August 13, 2009
U.S. troops perform risky work to find, disarm IEDs
By Jessica Weinstein THE WASHINGTON TIMES Associated Press Photo
Members of the Wisconsin National Guard's 951st Engineer Company clutched
cups of coffee and squinted into the early morning sun as Lt. Mark Bulinski, 28,
and Sgt. First Class Chet Millard, 32, briefed on the day's mission: Find and
disarm roadside bombs on one of Afghanistan's most lethal highways.
Known as Route Georgia, the 17-mile stretch of road flanked by lush apple
orchards and open fields on one side and rugged cliffs on the other offers an
ideal setup for insurgents, who lie in wait for coalition convoys before pulling
the trigger on improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.
In the past month, Route Georgia has become the ground zero of eastern
Afghanistan for IEDs, the deadliest weapon used by insurgents to battle U.S. and
NATO troops.
Read entire story with photos at the Washington Post:
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/13/perilous-afghan-roads/
View Video
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951st Sappers keeping the roads clear
July 28, 2009
KABUL, Afghanistan - Thousands of miles from home the soldiers of the Wisconsin Army National
Guard are saving lives by hunting for and destroying IEDs. See how the 951st Engineer "Sapper"
Company from Tomahawk and Rhinelander conduct their route clearing mission in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Full Story and Video
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Purple Heart Pinning Ceremony
LANDSTUHL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, Germany (June 5, 2009) - President Barack Obama presents a Purple Heart medal to Spc. Matthew Berth,
a soldier with the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 951st Sapper Company, at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center's
USO Warrior Center June 5. The president presented five other wounded service members with the award at the ceremony.
Berth's unit is deployed to Afghanistan on a route clearing mission. White House photo by Pete Souza. Not for
further distribution without White House permission.
Editors Note: This official White House photograph is being made available for publication by
news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph.
The photograph may not be manipulated in any way or used in materials, advertisements,
products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement of the President,
the First Family, or the White House.
For high resolution photos, contact dhansen@who.epo.gov
Full Story
LANDSTUHL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, Germany (June 5, 2009) - Spc. Matthew Berth, a soldier
with the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 951st Sapper Company, speaks to reporters at the
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center's USO Warrior Center following a June 5 Purple Heart
pinning ceremony. President Barack Obama pinned the medal on Berth and five other wounded
service members. Berth's unit is deployed to Afghanistan on a route clearing mission.
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Public Affairs photo
Click For High Resolution Photo
Keeping the roads safe in Afghanistan
by Paul Knoff, WCCN Wisconsin Radio Network, WI
Audio MP3 (1:09)
Cpt. Brian Barth is leading over 100 soldiers of the 951st Sapper Company, Wisconsin
Army National Guard. The 951st is based in Rhinelander and Tomahawk.
The unit it responsible for a number of tasks that help maintain freedom to maneuver for
U.S. and coalition forces.
Read Full Story (Link to http://www.wrn.com/)
President pins Purple Heart on Rhinelander native
By John Diedrich of the Journal Sentinel
An injured soldier from Rhinelander got a Purple Heart in Germany from President Barack
Obama on Friday.
Sgt. Matt Berth, a 26-year-old Army engineer with the Wisconsin National Guard, had the
medal pinned on his chest during the president's two-hour visit to the Landstuhl Regional
Medical Center, where many soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan are taken for treatment.
Read Full Story (Link to http://www.jsonline.com/)
Wisconsin Sappers clearing routes in Afghanistan
The commander of the 951st Sapper Company, Wisconsin Army National Guard, reports that all
is well after four months in Afghanistan.
Capt. Brian Barth said his unit of approximately 100 soldiers has been busy with several
missions that help maintain freedom to maneuver for U.S. and coalition forces. These missions
include searching for improvised explosive devices, reconnoitering key terrain features as well as
bypass roads for major supply routes and alternative supply routes, but also gathering biometric
data from local residents — name, date and location of birth, home of record, iris scans and
fingerprints.
Read Full Story
Tomahawk and Rhinelander-based Army National Guard unit mobilizes for service in Afghanistan
November 30, 2008
Lt. Gov. Lawton to lead send-off ceremony for 100 soldiers
Senior National Guard officials will be joined by Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton for a send-off of
approximately 100 Wisconsin Army National Guard soldiers Sunday [Nov. 30], 11 a.m., at the
Rhinelander High School, 665 Coolidge Ave., Rhinelander.
The soldiers are assigned to the 951st Sapper Company from Tomahawk and Rhinelander and
will be mobilizing for approximately one year in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in
Afghanistan. After Sunday’s ceremony the soldiers will travel to Camp Shelby, Miss., for several
weeks of additional training before they deploy overseas to conduct a mission to support security
operations.
In 2003, this unit, then known as Company C, 724th Engineer Battalion, was mobilized for 14
months to provide engineer support to coalition forces in Iraq and help rebuild Iraqi
infrastructure.
With this mobilization the Wisconsin National Guard will have approximately 300 soldiers and
airmen on duty. In February 2009 an additional 3,500 Wisconsin Army National Guard soldiers
from across the state will be mobilized with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team for a mission
in Iraq. Another Wisconsin unit, headquarters of the Tomah-based 732nd Combat Sustainment
Support Battalion, will be mobilized in May 2009 for a mission in Iraq with about 75 soldiers.
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Deployed Tomah-based Guardsmen part of Tailgating with the Troops
October 21, 2009.
Even though Rachel Miller talks frequently with her husband, Staff
Sgt. Scott Miller — deployed with the Tomah-based Headquarters Company, 732nd
Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Wisconsin Army National Guard — she wasn't
about to miss the chance to do so again.
"Your heart speeds up every time you can see them," she explained.
Rachel was among seven or eight families at the Tailgating with
the Troops event Sunday, Oct. 18 at Madison's Alliant Energy Center who spoke by
webcam with 732nd CSSB Soldiers deployed to Camp Adder, Iraq. She said it was
important for her children — 4-year-old Kaylee, 3-year-old Emma and 6-month-old
Nicholas — to see their father.
Read Story
Wisconsin Guard unit plays role in forces drawdown
August 7, 2009.
The Tomah-based Headquarters Company of the 732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion,
Wisconsin Army National Guard, has been in charge of their mission for less than a month,
and already the unit is preparing for the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq.
According to Maj. Kevin Gregar, executive officer for the
732nd CSSB, the battalion-sized element
his unit oversees has already transferred approximately 110 pieces of equipment - vehicles, material
handling equipment and storage containers - for return to the United States.
Read Story
Technology Helps Bring Military Family Together For Ultrasound - Channel3000.com
July 7, 2009.
EDGERTON, Wis. -- Technology is helping a Rock County family share important moments while
they're split a world apart. In May, John Bourdeaux deployed with the Wisconsin National
Guard's 732nd Combat Sustainability Support Battalion. He's currently stationed in southern
Iraq. His wife and 3-year-old son, Eli, are in Edgerton, and on Tuesday they all got a
first look at the newest member of the family together. John Bourdeaux joined the family
for the ultrasound via the Internet by videoconferencing on a laptop using Skype.
Read Full Story on Channel3000.com
Wisconsin Guard unit readies for mission
July 7, 2009.
CAMP ADDER, Iraq - The Tomah-based Headquarters Company of the 732nd Combat
Sustainment Support Battalion, Wisconsin Army National Guard, is preparing to assume
command of its mission in Iraq next week. The 732nd is settling into the routine at Forward
Operating Base Adder and members are learning their new responsibilities, said Maj. Kevin Gregar,
the 732nd executive officer.
Read Story
Mobilized Wisconsin Guard unit prepares to deploy
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. (May 29, 2009) — The Tomah-based Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 732nd Combat Sustainment
Support Battalion is nearing the end of its mobilization training in preparation for its Iraq deployment.
Read Story
732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Sendoff
Family, friends and state officials bid farewell to the headquarters unit of the
732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Wisconsin Army National Guard, in a
10 a.m. ceremony Saturday May 11, 2009.
Read Story
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Sibling Airmen share deployments
August 25, 2009
SOUTHWEST ASIA - When brothers and sisters spend their entire childhoods together, they
normally want to go their separate ways when they reach adulthood. Some join the military, but
most remain civilians.
For some siblings, they not only join the military, they find themselves deployed to the same
location more than 6,000 miles from where they grew up. Such is the case for the following
Airmen from the Wisconsin Air National Guard, deployed here from the 128th Air Control
Squadron, Volk Field as part of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron.
Story and photos
All in the family: father, son deploy together
August 12, 2009
SOUTHWEST ASIA - For two Airmen assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard, supporting
Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom is a family affair.
Chief Master Sgt. Teddy Ostrowski and his son, Airman 1st Class Teddy Ostrowski Jr., are
deployed from the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 128th Air Control Squadron, Volk Field, to
the 71st Expeditionary Air Combat Squadron. As Guard members, the Ostrowskis have worked
together for the past two years during weekend drills, but this is their first deployment together.
Read Full Story
Wisconsin airmen bring unique skills to mission
July 21, 2009
SOUTHWEST ASIA - A ground theater air control systems unit from the Wisconsin's Air
National Guard deployed here in May, bringing experience and expertise to the U.S. Central
Command area of responsibility. The 128th Air Control Squadron from Volk Field joined forces
with their active-duty counterparts at the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron in Southwest
Asia.
"Our unit has a lot of experience, which is common among members in the Guard. For instance,
I have 10 years active-duty experience and have worked on older systems that had some of the
same components as the newer systems," said Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Pradarelli, 71st EACS
ground radar systems technician noncommissioned officer in charge. "This knowledge gives us
an edge in maintaining the new equipment."
Read Full Story
Remote ground radar keeps personnel, maintainers safe
July 21, 2009
SOUTHWEST ASIA - Danger is ever present in the U.S. Central Command area of
responsibility, but in Southwest Asia, U.S. and Coalition forces can rest easier knowing a
squadron here is working around the clock to provide a complete snapshot of the battle space.
Members of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron are keeping this and other locations
around the AOR safe from hostile aircraft.
This capability is managed and maintained by more than 100 personnel from the 71st EACS
deployed here. The BattleSpace Command and Control Center system allows its users to pull
real-time data from coalition members' sensor systems around the AOR, giving this team a view
of the entire region.
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Wisconsin airmen recognized in theater
July 21, 2009
Capt. Jeannie Horn, of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Control Squadron,
received the "Company Grade Officer of the Month" award for June 2009 during a brief
ceremony July 17. Col. David Been, commander of the 379th Expeditionary Operations Group,
presented the award.
Also recognized that day, Staff Sgt. Daniel Koepke, a ground radio technician with the 128th
ACS, was promoted to Tech. Sgt. July 17. Fellow noncommissioned officers Tech. Sgt. Oleg
Katsnelson and Senior Master Sgt. Charley Rydmark presented Koepke with his new rank.
Read Full Story
Wisconsin Airmen part of new battle initiative
June 29, 2009 - Three Wisconsin Air National Guard members are spearheading an initiative
which would bring control of Afghani airspace to facilities in Southwest Asia.
Capt. Seth Kaste, Capt. Chris Divyak and Tech. Sgt. Travis Skowronski of the Volk Field-based
128th Air Control Squadron recently completed three weeks of air battle management training
for the Operation Enduring Freedom area of responsibility at Khandahar Airfield, Afghanistan,
with the intent of training an additional 50 airmen of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control
Squadron, including additional members of the 128th. This training and certification will allow
the 71st EAC to be the first unit in history to conduct Afghanistan’s air battle management from
a remote location when it inherits the mission from the Royal Australian Air Force Control and
Reporting Center July 1.
Air battle management involves coordinating aircraft for air-to-air combat and air-to-ground
support as well as standard flight control and air refueling tasks.
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128th Air Control Squadron departs for deployment
5/14/2009 - The Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 128th Air Control Squadron shipped out for a
deployment to Southwest Asia May 13 following an afternoon send-off ceremony at Volk Field.
For this mission the squadron, an extension of the Theater Air Control System, will be involved
with command and control of the Central Command airspace.
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Wisconsin airmen provide security for critical supply, transit air base
August 12, 2009
The 31 Wisconsin National Guard airmen deployed from the 115th Security Forces Squadron have
integrated with their deployed counterparts and provided a smooth transition for operations
as part of the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at the Transit Center at Manas,
Kyrgyz Republic.
The Transit Center at Manas is a vital air mobility hub for resources, including personnel and
equipment, to enter and exit Afghanistan. The base also supports aerial refueling, combat
airlift and airdrop, aeromedical evacuation and strategic airlift missions. With such a large
array of support functions at the air base, maintaining security and stability is critical.
Story and photo
Wisconsin Guardsmen prepare for Afghan elections
July 22, 2009
With the Aug. 20 presidential elections looming, Wisconsin Army National Guard Col. Tim
Lawson is emphasizing one message to the Afghan National Police: The world is watching you.
Lawson heads a 16-man group of Wisconsin Army National Guard soldiers who recently began a
year-long deployment as an embedded training team, advising the Afghanistan National Police in
the western regional command, an area roughly 25 percent of the country bordering Iran.
Read Full Story
Wisconsin airmen fuel the fight on terror
July 21, 2009
The Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing continues to support the global
war on terrorism with fuel.
Approximately 50 airmen and four KC-135 Stratotankers left Wisconsin for Incirlik Air Base,
Turkey, where they will provide refueling support to C-17 Globemaster III cargo and transport
aircraft who deliver supplies to Iraq and Afghanistan. The 128th ARW will rotate forces in and
out of Turkey until they relinquish command in September. By the end of the deployment
approximately 200 airmen that support the in-flight refueling and provide communications,
personnel, maintenance and information management support will have contributed to the
ongoing war on terror.
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Wisconsin Air Guard security force members deploy to Kyrgyzstan
Approximately 30 Wisconsin Guard airmen left Friday for a six-month deployment in support of the
global war on terrorism.
The airmen are members of the Madison-based 115th Security Forces Squadron, part of the 115th Fighter
Wing. After completing about two weeks of preparations at Fort Bliss, Texas, they will depart for the
Kyrgyz Republic, located in the Central Command area of operations. They are expected to serve for
approximately six months conducting law enforcement duties such as base defense and security escorts.
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Face of Defense: Soldier Connects to Iraqis With National Anthem
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq, June 26, 2009 – With towering vocals that defy her
small stature, Army Sgt. Brenda Bushera, a member of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Band, has
made a connection with the people of Iraq.
The Wausaukee, Wisc., native has sung the Iraqi national anthem at a number of events since
deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, including transfer of authority ceremonies
here and at Contingency Operating Base Adder.
Singing the Iraqi anthem is the easy part, Bushera said. Learning it, however, was a
daunting process that required extensive work with interpreters to learn the pronunciation
and diction of the Arabic words in the song.
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Air National Guard Bands build 'bonds of friendship through music'
Collectively they are armed with everything from bass guitars and drum sticks to keyboards and microphones. They are Airmen ... better yet, they are rock-band Airmen. Three Air National Guard Bands, totaling 30 Airmen, received pre-deployment training April 14 through 18 at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, Wis., in preparation for a deployment in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
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Afghan tour ends for state Guard troops
Wisconsin National Guard leaders welcomed home 17 soldiers of the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade from Afghanistan during a brief
midnight ceremony Tuesday, May 12, at Fort Riley, Kan.
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112th MPAD Welcome Home Ceremony
Fourteen members of the 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment returned to Madison Thursday afternoon March
19th where they were welcomed at Joint Force Headquarters-Wisconsin by their families and friends, Lt. Gov.
Barbara Lawton, Wisconsin National Guard leaders and the 132nd Army Band.
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