Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs

Wisconsin Soldiers advance careers while supporting peacekeeping mission in Kosovo

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:50:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Soldiers advance careers while supporting peacekeeping mission in Kosovo

Date: May 11, 2012
Spc. Joshua Barnett
Multi-National Battle Group East Public Affairs

Half-way through their year-long deployment, roughly 80 Soldiers - including 26 from the Wisconsin National Guard - have taken a major step in the advancement of their enlisted careers. The soldiers have taken time from their normal deployment duties to complete the Warrior Leader Course (WLC).

WLC is the first step in the Army's Noncommissioned Officer Education System (NCOES), providing basic leadership training that allows Soldiers the opportunity to acquire the leader skills, knowledge and experience needed to lead small units, and serves as the foundation for the advanced NCOES courses. Essentially, the course's purpose is to teach soldiers how to be NCOs.

"WLC teaches all the core competencies of how to be a leader, and what the Army needs for leaders," said Staff Sgt. Sean Scales, an instructor with the Army Reserve's 7th Warrior Training Brigade based in Grafenwohr, Germany. "It teaches not only classroom and garrison leadership, but tactical leadership."

The course is built around an intense field training environment that involves hands-on, performance-oriented training. The 26 Wisconsin Soldiers to participate hail from three Wisconsin units: the 64th Troop Command, 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and the 32nd Military Police Company. Almost all of the 200 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers are assigned to Multi-National Battle Group East, a component of the NATO-led peacekeeping mission known as KFOR.

"A lot of people haven't done this stuff since basic training, and its basic soldiering that every soldier needs to know," said Spc. Mitch Hanson of DeForest, Wis., a horizontal construction engineer assigned to Headquarters & Headquarters Company , 157th MEB.

"WLC is great, coming in as a specialist it's going to be a great opportunity to get promoted to E-5, and coming into E-5 I'll be confident," he added. "That's what they teach you is confidence, so you become a good leader."

The course is taught at Camp Bondsteel by soldiers from the Army Reserve's 7th WTB. Two cycles of the course have been offered so far during this deployment, and leadership hopes to add a third this summer.

By bringing the cadre to Camp Bondsteel, and training National Guard soldiers who are already on active duty, the Army is able to save a significant amount of money and free up slots for other soldiers, Scales said.

"Really, it all boils down to money and availability," he said. "With the National Guard and Army Reservists already on orders here, it's a lot easier for the state and for the federal government to send a mobile training team to them, instead of having to mobilize a whole bunch of soldiers at the same time to send them to school; now they can bring the school to them."

According to Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Jarvis, a maintenance supervisor serving as the 157th training NCO, each class held here saves an estimated $98,000 in pay and allowances for the soldiers over activating them for training.

The overall cost savings are even greater now due to the newly-constructed Warrior Leader Complex computer lab, built to accommodate the WLC students as well as other training courses offered at Camp Bondsteel.

Before, a contract had to be arranged with a commercial satellite internet company to provide a distance learning environment for courses such as WLC and the officer-level Intermediate Level Education course. Now, however, they can tap into military's existing network on post to provide internet access to 17 workstations in the computer lab.

That translates into 10's of thousands of dollars in savings to the Army, potentially allowing for more courses to be made available at Camp Bondsteel.

Running the course in theatre does come with challenges, but Jarvis said that hard work and preparation before the WLC cadre arrived made for a smooth implementation.

"With all the planning and preparation that we did, from the preparation of the buildings where the soldiers live to the preparation of equipment; it really paved the way for a seamless transition for me handing the training complex over to the WLC instructors," he said. "I think it led to a great, successful course."

Perhaps even more importantly than the cost savings, offering the course to deployed soldiers allows them to return home and combine their deployment experience with their WLC training to become effective leaders.

"The opportunity to come here and do it while I don't have to take time away from my family, just get here and get it done, is a great deal to me," said Hanson "I'll come back and be on top of these boards back at my unit."

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Related story

Canadian military training with Red Arrow Brigade

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:20:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Canadian military training with Red Arrow Brigade

Date: May 11, 2012
By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
Wisconsin National Guard

The Wisconsin Army National Guard is training with its northern neighbors - Soldiers of the Canadian Land Force Command - as part of a joint Warfighter Exercise being held at Fort McCoy May 7-18.

Soldiers of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team are fully engaged in the Warfighter Exercise - which tests the Brigade's ability to use available units and equipment to respond to battle situations and meet different threats.

Warrant Officer Dan Merlin, a platoon sergeant with the 38th Canadian Brigade Group Artillery Tactical Group, has seen and done many things in his 35-year military career. He has served two tours in Germany, one tour in England, three tours in Bosnia as part of the 10-year NATO Stabilization Force effort, one U.N. peacekeeping tour in Cyprus, and two tours in Afghanistan. His time in service is almost evenly split between the active duty and reserve components of the Canadian Army, referred to as the Land Force Command. He has served in a joint environment in Afghanistan.

Still, he described the past week serving with the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team during its Warfighter exercise at Fort McCoy, Wis., as "a real learning experience."

"This is the first time I've ever worked with the National Guard in a warfighting environment," Merlin said. "That's brand new to me."

Merlin is one of seven Canadian soldiers who volunteered for the opportunity to train with the 32nd IBCT. The group consists of four officers and three enlisted, with skills ranging from artillery, infantry, logistics and armor. They originally had intended to serve individually in units with matching skill sets, but an issue with security clearances prevented the Canadians from using proprietary U.S. military equipment. Instead, they are serving as a "Canadian cell" tasked with planning the brigade's defense during the exercise.

"It's been a good experience," Merlin said. "There's definitely some points to improve on, but it's only going to get better. We understand that there are some issues to iron out for the next group to come down here."

Lt. Col. Dave Fraser, who works with the 38th Brigade Headquarters in Canada, said that most of the Canadian cell has never worked in a joint environment.

"Just going through the acronyms has been an experience," he said. "All in all, it's very value-added."

Canadian Brig. Gen. Paul Bury, deputy commander of Land Force Western Area, visited his troops at Fort McCoy on Wednesday (May 9), accompanied by Area Reserve Chief Warrant Officer Gordon Crossley, the equivalent to a sergeant major. Bury acknowledged the mission change for the Canadian soldiers.

"The processes are there for a reason," he said. "I'm glad you're integrated as much as possible."

"At least we found these things out right away," Fraser added.

Bury asked Col. Martin Seifer, 32nd Brigade commander, about future joint training opportunities.

"They're outstanding soldiers and individuals," Seifer said of the Canadians. "They bring a lot to the fight. It's good to have them on the team.

"I'm not averse to inviting them to the National Training Center with us next summer," he continued. "I think that would be a great opportunity for both."

Seifer noted that the Wisconsin Army National Guard may also have an opportunity to join in an upcoming Canadian exercise in the western provinces.

Planning for Canadian participation in the 32nd Brigade's Warfighter exercise began in January with the Wisconsin National Guard's Joint Staff. That discussion with the Canadian Army reserve led to a five-man squad from the 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry taking part in a one-day military skills competition March 17 in Winnepeg, Manitoba, as well as the Warfighter exercise.

"We should have been doing this many, many years ago," Merlin said. "But this is the start of building a greater relationship with the Wisconsin Army National Guard. I couldn't have met a better group of people."

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Wisconsin Challenge Academy Open House Slated for Milwaukee

Wed, 9 May 2012 15:45:00 CDT

Contact: Mary DeWitt
Office: 608-269-4065

NEWS: Wisconsin Challenge Academy Open House Slated for Milwaukee

Date: May 9, 2012

Wisconsin Challenge Academy representatives will conduct an open house and informational session Monday (May 14) for applicants to the academy's next class, which begins July 19. The event will be held at the National Guard armory, 4108 N. Richards Street, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

From 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Challenge Academy staff members, cadets and parents of cadets will be available to speak with teens and parents who have an interest in the academy and to assist them with the application process. Educators, health and social services personnel, and juvenile justice officers are also welcome to visit at that time. A presentation by admissions personnel for potential candidates will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The tuition-free Challenge Academy offers "at-risk" youth the opportunity to change the direction of their lives. Challenge Academy cadets participate in the academy's eight core components: academic instruction leading to a Wisconsin High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED); job skills training; physical fitness; health, hygiene and nutrition; leadership; life-coping skills; responsible citizenship; and service to community.

The program is for male and female applicants at least 16 years, 9 months, but not yet 19 years old, who have been expelled, dropped out of high school or due to truancy, have fallen more than one year behind in credits. Applicants must not be currently charged with or previously convicted of a felony and must not be on adult parole or probation. Cadets attend voluntarily; the academy is not open to placement by court order.

For further information, contact the Challenge Academy toll free at 1-866-968-8422 or visit the academy's Web site at www.challengeacademy.org.

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Four Soldiers with 145 years of service enter Wisconsin's Hall of Honor

Tue, 8 May 2012 12:00:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Four Soldiers with 145 years of service enter Wisconsin's Hall of Honor
By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue
Wisconsin National Guard

Date: May 8, 2012

The Wisconsin Army National Guard recognized four of their own during a formal induction ceremony to the coveted Hall of Honor Saturday (May 5) at the Department of Military Affairs.

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Kerry Denson of Lake Mills, Wis., Brig. Gen. (Ret.) James Krueck of McFarland, Wis., Col. (Ret.) Timothy Pfrang of Sussex, Wis., and Col. (Ret.) David Schumacher of Onalaska, Wis., are the latest to join the Hall of Honor which began in 2000.

"We get a chance, once a year, to recognize some outstanding Soldiers that have served the Wisconsin National Guard and the U.S. Army in a very exemplary fashion," said. Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin National Guard. "This year is held special to my heart because of the four gentlemen that are being recognized today."

Densen, who devoted nearly 41 years of service to the U.S. Army and Wisconsin National Guard, was the first to be inducted. He likened his time as a leader to that of a band director - stating he merely picked the songs and the Soldiers alongside and beneath him were the ones to actually play the "music" or accomplish the mission.

"Today when I receive this award, I do so on behalf of the thousands of quality, professional leaders ... that are spaced today, not only across Wisconsin, but around the world," Densen said.

Near the beginning of the ceremony, Anderson said that all Soldiers couldn't focus on the organization and mission-at-hand without the support of their families. Densen agrees completely.

"When a Soldier or Airmen loses the support of their family, we lose that Soldier or Airmen," Densen said. "And my family has been very, very supportive of my career, and I really do appreciate that - especially Mary Ann and my boys."

Another former commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard was the next to be recognized.

Krueck, who served as an enlisted Soldier, warrant officer and commissioned officer over the span of his 42-year career, said he was surprised and humbled when he learned of his selection to the Hall.

"I served on one of the best teams in the United States - the Wisconsin Army National Guard - for over 40 years," Krueck said. "I really don't see this as an individual award, I see it as a team award."

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, said let there be little doubt, however, to the significance of the recognition as he addressed the inductees and crowd in attendance.

"They're going to say things like, 'Aww, come on it was nothing.' Don't you believe it - it was something and it is absolutely a privilege to be here today and I hope that you'll accept these awards in the spirit in which they're offered."

Pfrang, who began his more than 30 years of service in the Army Reserves, was the third inductee. He joined the Wisconsin Guard in 1974 and worked with many different entities of the Wisconsin national Guard as a mobility readiness officer.

"I just want to thank all the hundreds and perhaps thousands of Soldier and officers that I worked for, the civilian people that I got to interact with ... for the opportunity to serve and be value added to the state and country," Pfrang said.

Schumacher, who served in the Wisconsin Guard for his entire 30 years of service, was the last member to be inducted. He said his initial reaction to hearing he would be inducted into the Hall was that of 'surprise and humble gratitude."

"Candidly, I immediately thought of the long list of Soldiers I know and served with, who in my view, are more deserving of this tremendous honor," Schumacher said. "I had 30 wonderful years in the Wisconsin Army National guard - and I would do it all over again without hesitation.

"For me this journey began 45 years ago, I am extremely grateful and will conclude by saying - thank you."

There was little doubt the number of lives affected by the four inductees as the ceremony was hosted in DMAs Witmer Hall and left standing room only.

"How phenomenal is it when an organization as fine as the Wisconsin Army National Guard, led by great men and women you see here, selects four from that kind of foundation and says 'your service was so good, so unique, so significant, that we'd like to put you into our Hall of Honor,'" Dunbar said.

"What an incredible, incredible statement of support from the men and women of the Wisconsin Army National Guard."

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Related photos

'Amazing Race' champions return to Wisconsin today

Mon, 7 May 2012 13:00:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: 'Amazing Race' champions return to Wisconsin today

Date: May 7, 2012

Wisconsin Army National Guard's Maj. Dave Brown, Jr., and his wife, Rachel - winners of the CBS reality program "The Amazing Race" - return to the Wisconsin's Dane County Regional Airport today (May 7), at approximately 3:30 p.m. where they will be congratulated by Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, and the University of Wisconsin's famous Bucky Badger mascot and friends and family.

"I truly feel my involvement in the military best prepared me for a competition such as 'The Amazing Race,' whether it be attention to detail, leadership style and abilities, or who I am as a person," Dave said prior to the series premier in January. "I not only strive for victory, but I expect it for myself."

Dave is currently the professor of military science at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He has served in the military for more than 16 years as an intelligence officer, Black Hawk pilot and a recruiting and retention executive officer. He has been a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard since 2000.

The Browns competed against 10 other couples in the reality show's 20th season with the intent to reconnect following Dave's recent year-long deployment to Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment in support of Operation New Dawn. They competed and more - becoming the most prolific duo in the history of the show's 20 seasons by winning eight different legs on their way to the overall victory, said host Phil Keoghan during the finale.

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Flags lowered to half-staff Tuesday in Wisconsin for U.S. Army Corporal Benjamin H. Neal

Mon, 7 May 2012 11:00:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Flags lowered to half-staff Tuesday in Wisconsin for U.S. Army Corporal Benjamin H. Neal

Date: May 7, 2012

Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Tuesday (May 8) in honor of U.S. Army Corporal Benjamin H. Neal of Orfordville, Wis., who lost his life while serving his country in Afghanistan. The Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Scott Walker.

EXECUTIVE ORDER # 67 reads:

Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Corporal Benjamin H. Neal of the United States Army Who Lost His Life While Serving His Country During Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan

WHEREAS, on April 25, 2012, Corporal Benjamin H. Neal, a member of the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., died while serving his country in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Benjamin H. Neal provided faithful and honorable service to the people of the State of Wisconsin and the people of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the people of Wisconsin mourn the death of Corporal Benjamin H. Neal; and

WHEREAS, a memorial service will be held for Corporal Benjamin H. Neal on May 8, 2012;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SCOTT WALKER, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, by the authority vested in me by federal and state law, do hereby order that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds, and military installations of the State of Wisconsin equipped with such flags beginning at sunrise on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, and ending at sunset on that date.

___________________

All Wisconsin state government facilities are covered by the governor's order and a 2007 amendment to the U.S. Flag Code now requires all federal facilities in Wisconsin to comply. Other government agencies, businesses and private residences with flagpoles may also honor Corporal Benjamin H. Neal by lowering their U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff during the daylight hours on May 8.

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Take-Back initiative continues to grow

Thu, 3 May 2012 14:11:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Take-Back initiative continues to grow

Date: May 3, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Tom Sobczyk
128th Air Refueling Wing

The Wisconsin National Guard's Drug Control Program (DCP) helped collect more than 14 tons of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs during a one-day national take-back initiative April 28.

"The fact that this take-back went up 50 percent shows a continuing need," said James Bohn, assistant special agent in charge of the Milwaukee Drug Enforcement Administration office. "As the word gets out, more people are getting on board with the initiative."

The DCP has been integral in all four take-back initiatives sponsored by the DEA. Last Oct. 29 the DCP delivered more than 9.1 tons of discarded pharmaceuticals to the Milwaukee DEA office. Approximately 150 agencies were involved in the April 28 effort.

"If these drugs are not disposed of properly, they end up on the streets, in our sewage lines, our lakes and water supply," said Master Sgt. Jimmy Olive of the DCP.

The DCP transported the discarded pharmaceuticals April 30 from collection points at State Patrol offices in DeForest, Fond du Lac, Eau Claire, Spooner and Wausau to the Milwaukee DEA office. There the DCP assisted in building pallets and loading the prescription drugs on a truck bound for an incinerator in Indianapolis.

"We couldn't handle this volume if we didn't have this level of cooperation," Bohn said. "[DCP] provided manpower, equipment, resources and time. Everyone contributes, which allows us to do this kind of volume."

The DEA intends to conduct collections approximately every six months until a safe disposal process for prescription medication is completed.

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Wisconsin National Guard unit getting ready in Afghanistan

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:15:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin National Guard unit getting ready in Afghanistan

Date: May 1, 2012

The 1157th Transportation Company, a Wisconsin Army National Guard unit based in Oshkosh, Wis., has begun preparing to assume their convoy escort mission in Afghanistan.

According to Staff Sgt. Dominic Renteria, spokesperson for the 1157th, the unit is inspecting the vehicles to be used for missions, taking inventory of equipment and performing routine maintenance.

"Many are very eager to begin operations as soon as possible," Renteria said, noting that the 1157th still needs to complete its final training before officially taking over the mission.

Five Soldiers learned to operate the RQ-16A T-Hawk, a small vertical take-off and landing micro-unmanned aerial vehicle used to scout for potential threats on the road. The Soldiers used laptop computers to maneuver the T-Hawk to various elevations at certain speeds and take photographs.

"[They] look forward to having yet another advantage during the deployment," Renteria said. "Overall, Soldiers are feeling confident in their abilities to accomplish their upcoming mission."

The 1157th reported to Camp Shelby, Miss., in early February and conducted several weeks of mobilization training before arriving in Afghanistan April 17, where they are expected to serve for approximately nine months. The unit was reassigned to deploy to Afghanistan as a result of reallocation of forces by the Department of Defense.

This is the fifth deployment since 1990 for the 1157th. In 1990 the unit mobilized and served overseas for about five months in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 2002 the company provided transportation support to Army Special Operations Support Command and other units stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., for approximately 11 months. In September 2005 the unit was among a dozen Wisconsin National Guard units ordered to active duty to support Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in Louisiana. Its last deployment was to Iraq in 2006, where it logged more than 300,000 miles hauling fuel and other cargo.

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Online story, photo

Defense officials announce new sexual assault reporting policies

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:15:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Defense officials announce new sexual assault reporting policies

Date: April 26, 2012

Senior Defense Department officials said recently they hope more service members who are victims of sexual assault will report the crimes as a result of a policy change Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced last week.

Panetta issued guidance April 20 withholding "initial disposition authority" from any officer who is below the O-6 - colonel or Navy captain - level and who does not hold special court-martial convening authority. In other words, unit commanders at the company or squadron level no longer have authority to decide whether to take further action in reported cases of attempted rape, forcible sodomy or sexual assault.

Capt. Kristin Boustany, the Wisconsin National Guard's sexual assault response coordinator, said this change would hopefully increase victim confidence in the unrestricted reporting policy.

"I am currently working on a commanders' checklist for responding to allegations of sexual assault that will assist commanders at all levels in understanding their role in responding to this crime and who their key partners are in assisting them," Boustany said. She explained that "key partners" would serve as subject matter experts to advise the commander.

In announcing the new policy, Panetta said the change will ensure that sexual assault cases receive high-level attention.

"The military culture embraces the idea of handling issues at the lowest level to maintain discipline and morale," Boustany said. "Panetta's policy change counters that idea in order to ensure fairness and accountability are consistent across the formation."

A senior defense official told reporters during an April 23 background briefing that the new policy will allow more experienced and less partial officers to make the initial decision on whether a sexual assault case goes to trial. That will add consistency to how such cases are handled, the official said.

"The further 'north' you go [in rank] the more attention there is paid to this," the official said. "They get a level of training that somebody at the O-3 level wouldn't necessarily get."

The defense official cited a hypothetical case in which an alleged attacker and victim belong to the same company-level unit of about 115 enlisted people and five officers working for the same Army captain or Navy lieutenant commander.

In the past, the official said, a victim in that unit might choose not to report an assault because the commander liked the alleged attacker more, or because the victim's performance in the unit might cause the commander to disbelieve the victim's report. Now, that unit commander must forward such reports up the chain of command to a colonel-level special court-martial convening authority.

Boustany said that National Guard Bureau sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) leadership summits for the past two years have been geared toward educating senior leaders on the impact of sexual assault.

"Even though this program was launched in 2005, [the information] has not gotten to the lower-level leaders," she said. "We can't assume that leaders know how to respond to allegations of sexual assault. It's a complex crime."

A Joint Staff official told reporters, also on background, that the new policy is intended in part to remove decisions from the "immediate level of the crime."

More senior officers will have "a more neutral ability to take a look at the facts ... and make a reasoned decision," the Joint Staff official said.

The change also means that officers making future disposition decisions typically will have legal and medical staff members who can assist in determining proper handling of the case, the defense official said. The new policy also applies to any associated charges related to an alleged assault, the official said.

"Any suggestion or appearance of retaliation would have to be resolved at the same [higher] level," the official said.

The official noted there are several precedents for the withholding policy. A similar approach - placing authority for case disposition under the Uniform Code of Military Justice with more senior officers - typically applies in cases of officer misconduct, cases with national security interest or in alleged misconduct by civilians accompanying the force, the official said.

The official said Panetta has directed that other new policies also take effect:

- Establishing "Special Victims Unit" capabilities within each of the services, to ensure that specially trained investigators, prosecutors and victim-witness assistance personnel are available to assist with sexual assault cases;

- Requiring that sexual assault policies be explained to all service members within 14 days of their entrance on active duty;

- Allowing Reserve and National Guard members who have been sexually assaulted while on active duty to remain in their active-duty status to obtain the treatment and support afforded to active-duty members;

- Requiring a record of the outcome of disciplinary and administrative proceedings related to sexual assault, and requiring that copies of those records be centrally retained;

- Requiring annual organizational climate assessments; and

- Mandating wider public dissemination of DOD resources, including the DOD Safe Helpline, a free, anonymous and confidential resource that can be reached worldwide, 24 hours a day, to connect victims with live sexual assault support professionals

Boustany said the National Guard Bureau is currently examining how the "Special Victims Unit" will impact and increase the ability to investigate state duty sexual assaults.

The Wisconsin National Guard Service Member Support Division's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office is dedicated to educating the force on policies, prevention, response and accountability of sexual assault crimes. For more information, call 608-242-3742.

The Department of Defense Safe Helpline also provides confidential support to sexual assault victims.

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Online story, photo

Wisconsin Agribusiness team visits Afghan demonstration farm

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:45:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Agribusiness team visits Afghan demonstration farm

Date: April 25, 2012

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The Wisconsin National Guard's 82nd Agribusiness Development Team had its first chance to check the progress of a demonstration farm in the Watapur District of Kunar Province April 16.

The farm - one of three the 82nd ADT oversees - was established by the previous ADT from the Illinois National Guard. The 82nd ADT met with Mohammed Wali, the demonstration farm manager, performed quality assurance and control assessments of the farm, and identified future issues.

"I think it was a good visit," said Master Sgt. John Dietzler, a soil science specialist assigned to the 82nd ADT and project manager for the Watapur Demo Farm.

The demo farm manger's son gave the team a tour of the farm, which is currently growing potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, onions, cucumbers and orange trees intercropped with wheat.

Dietzler said a canal project upstream is causing problems with the farm's irrigation system, which is affecting crop quality.

"Some of the plants were a little wilted, but overall the plants looked pretty good," he said.

After the tour, the team discussed previous training conducted at the demo farm. Wali stated three training events have occurred on the farm - spinach planting, winter vegetable, and orange sapling planting - training up to 30 farmers during each event.

While the previous ADTs have been more hands-on with the demo farms, Dietzler stressed that a cultural advisor and people called young professionals now handle most of the work.

"Much of what we are doing now is advising and facilitating," Dietzler said. "If there is a legitimate reason, we will then provide supplies and money, but we have to be justified in doing a project."

"A lot of time we go these places, we go to just give them ideas - they have the capacity to do it, we just need to encourage them," said Capt. James Schmitz, an agricultural specialist with the 82nd ADT who was also along on the mission to help assess the farm.

One of the stipulations of becoming an ADT-sponsored demo farm is the farmer must agree to reinvest 30 percent of the farm's profits back into farm maintenance and general farm upkeep.

"They have been living for today for so long," Schmitz said. "We're now trying to get them to invest in their future."

The Wisconsin National Guard learned it would gain an agribusiness development team mission in 2010, and the unit trained for 12 months before reporting for active duty in February and completing mobilization training at Camp Atterbury, Ind.

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Online story, photo

Online story, photos, and video

Kosovo-deployed Guard Soldiers visited by state leadership

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:05:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Kosovo-deployed Guard Soldiers visited by state leadership

Date: April 24, 2012

National Guard troops keeping the peace in Kosovo received praise and gratitude from home as part of a leadership visit, April 19-23.

The governor of Wyoming, along with the top military officers for the states of Wisconsin and Wyoming, witnessed first-hand the efforts National Guard Soldiers have been performing as part of their year-long deployment in support of Operation Joint Guardian, a United Nations peacekeeping mission.

"I'm here to tell you that what you are doing here really matters," said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar , adjutant general of Wisconsin. "You have brought your combat experience and leadership skills to Kosovo and what you are doing is very important."

Dunbar was accompanied by Wisconsin State Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper.

Gov. Matt Mead, commander-in-chief of the Wyoming National Guard , was accompanied by Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner , the adjutant general of Wyoming, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jayson Walford.

Soldiers from both states serve alongside more than 700 National Guard Soldiers from 28 other states, as well as seven other nations, as part of a NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo known as KFOR . Their mission is to promote a safe and secure environment and ensure freedom of movement for citizens throughout Kosovo.

Most of the approximately 200 Wisconsin National Guard troops in country are part of the Multi-National Battle Group East (MNBG E), led by the Milwaukee-based 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade headquarters and includes Soldiers from the 32nd Military Police Company; Company F, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment ; and Detachment 1, Company B, 248th Aviation Battalion. Also part of MNBG E is approximately 20 Soldiers from the Wyoming National Guard's Detachment 2, Company B, 777th Aviation Support Battalion.

"Everyone's job differs," said Staff Sgt. Danielle Miller, a legal assistant from Wisconsin working at KFOR headquarters in Pristina. "This has been a very unique experience working with all the different nationalities. I consider it an opportunity of a lifetime."

MNBG E, along with MNBG West, ensures safety and security for Kosovo residents, performing a wide variety of missions in a supporting role to the Kosovo Police force and European Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). Whether it's airlifting critical supplies like food and water to remote outposts, conducting vehicle checks or sharing best-practice methods with Kosovo law enforcement agencies, Wyoming and Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers have proven their value to their multinational partners.

"They do a really good job," said German Army Maj. Gen. Erhard Drews, KFOR commander. "I appreciate what they are doing," adding that the Soldiers do an excellent job balancing the force protection mission with deterrence.

"The job that these Soldiers are doing here is absolutely critical," said Wyoming's Reiner. "It's an important mission to keep this region of the world safe and secure, and for our Wyoming Guard Soldiers to come over here and participate in this is a big deal and it makes a difference."

"Everyone back home in Wyoming and all the states should be very proud of the work that's being done here," Mead asserted. "I think it's just a great opportunity to visit these guys and see how they're doing."

In addition to performing their missions, many of the Soldiers deployed to Kosovo are completing military education requirements. Approximately 40 soldiers participated and graduated from the Warrior Leader Course for junior noncommissioned officers April 11, and another class is scheduled to graduate April 30. The command hopes to graduate 120 by the end of the group's tour. Officers in the command are also participating in the Intermediate Level-Education course, and a Battle Staff NCO course for intermediate and senior NCOs is expected to start later this summer.

"If we can help them get those requirements done while they are here it's a win-win for all," said MNBG E Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley Shields from Wisconsin. "Not only is it good for the Soldier, the Army and the Guard, but it also benefits the family and employers back home because the Soldier doesn't need to be away from home again to accomplish the training."

NATO has been leading a peace support operation in Kosovo since June 1999 in support of wider international efforts to build peace and stability in the area. Originally fielded by active duty units like the 82nd Airborne Division when NATO was the primary peacekeeping force in the region, the Army National Guard has taken a prominent role in the KFOR mission as Kosovo and European Union institutions assert themselves.

Over time, as the security situation has improved, NATO has been gradually adjusting KFOR's force posture towards a minimal presence - essentially, a smaller force progressively relying more on flexibility and intelligence with fewer static tasks, according to NATO officials.

"The intent is to teach them to take care of and provide for themselves," said Lt. Col. Jon Russell, MNBG E, operations officer from Wisconsin. This includes training and mentoring Kosovo security forces, conducting engineer inspections and educating medical personnel.

According to Kosovo native Ardian Nrecaj, who has been an interpreter for MNBG E since 1999, the Army National Guard forces joined the peace keeping effort in 2003 when the Pennsylvania Army National Guard took over from the active Army.

"National Guard members brought to Kosovo not only their military skills to keep a safe and secure environment, but they brought also their civilian skills, knowing that they are not only Soldiers but teachers, cops and other [types of workers]," he said. "With these extra sets of skills, they helped in training Kosovo institutions to receive more responsibility from KFOR."

The National Guard Soldiers currently assigned to MNBG E are more than halfway through their year-long deployment in Kosovo, and are expected to return in the fall.

"You're halfway there," Reiner said "Stay focused, stay safe, and make sure the second half is just as good as the first half."

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Online story, photos, and video

Wisconsin National Guard names Soldier, NCO of Year

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:15:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin National Guard names Soldier, NCO of Year

Date: April 24, 2012

FORT McCOY, Wis. - After a grueling three-day competition, the Wisconsin Army National Guard announced its 2012 State Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Sunday (April 22). Both Soldiers now advance to next month's Region 4 Soldier and NCO of the Year competition at Camp Grayling, Mich.

Sgt. Jeremy Smith, a Watertown, Wis., native with the Madison-based 54th Civil Support Team, beat out five fellow Soldiers to be named the State Soldier of the Year. Sgt. Darren Habermehl, a Muskego, Wis., native from Troop C, 1st Battalion, 105th Cavalry Regiment out of Reedsburg, Wis., won over seven other NCOs to take the State NCO of the Year title.

"It's been quite a competitive weekend, for sure," Smith said soon after winning the Minute Man statue. "A lot of the competitors are very good at what they do."

"I'm not going to lie - everybody wants to win, and I probably have a competitive streak as big or bigger than most," Habermehl said. "I was really hoping that my scores... would put me on the top. And thankfully, it fell in my favor this time."

The state-level Soldier of the Year competition is usually headed by State Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper, Wisconsin National Guard's senior enlisted leader. However, this year he was part of a Wisconsin National Guard delegation visiting troops in Kosovo, so the competition was directed by Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Rosemore, the state Recruiting and Retention sergeant major.

"Command Sgt. Maj. Stopper has a favorite saying that he uses every year," said Staff Sgt. Jason Walters, the competition's administrative NCO and chief scorekeeper. "He says if you see him or any other [sergeant major] walking around with a big grin on their face, it's not because they enjoy watching you suffer. It's because they enjoy watching the top 10 percent that the Wisconsin National Guard has to offer."

Though Smith and Habermehl will advance to the regionals, they were not far ahead of their fellow competitors.

"This year, like every year, [the scores were] very tight," Walters said. "It always comes down to the last few events. Sometimes, halfway though, you have one or two people jump ahead of the rest. But once everyone gets that working rhythm and that initial adrenalin wears out, it's just a matter of endurance after that."

"I think it's been fairly close," Smith said. "We were going over bonus points earlier with some of the other people trying to figure out who might be up. There's still some things that you don't know when they read the names. It was a great feeling. It's definitely a great experience and something I'm never going to forget."

The competition started late Thursday night at the Wisconsin Army National Guard's Wisconsin Military Academy, with Rosemore briefing Soldiers and NCOs on scores, expectations and support.

Competitors endured a grueling gauntlet of events: physical fitness test, a combatives tournament, a virtual firing range programmed with "shoot-don't shoot" scenarios, life-fire pistol and rifle ranges, day and night land navigation courses, a written exam, combat water survival assessment, Soldier skill proficiency demonstrations, a confidence and obstacle course, a formal appearance board before senior noncommissioned officers, and a 9-mile road march.

Habermehl and Smith finished first in the combatives tournament in the NCO and Soldier categories, respectively. Habermehl was the first to finish the road march with a time of 1:44:57, and Smith was tied for second with a time of 1:47:13.

"[I] did some marching and some training for that definitely, 'cause that's not something you just want to pick up and do," Smith said about the road march. "I started to dabble with the whole cross-fit thing - who knows if that is going to pay off."

Now that this weekend's events are over, Habermehl and Smith are already looking to the next level - the regional competition in Michigan.

"I'm not sure what's in store for the Regionals," Smith said, "but hopefully they give us a heads up on some of the events or at least what we should be expecting. "

Smith was confident in his training thus far. "Maybe see I can get my hands on an obstacle course somewhere," he said, "but pretty much just keep up with what I have been doing."

"There will be some definite adjustments to the training," Habermehl said of his preparation for next month. "[I'll put] much longer ruck marches in. My guess is they'll probably throw it up to... that Army-standard, 12-mile ruck march. I'm going to try to get some more time on the range, something that I definitely need to improve on."

As the weekend closes and the 13 remaining competitors head home, both Soldiers realized their time for extra preparation is short.

"We actually were just talking about trying to coordinate our efforts both at our level and at the unit level to make sure that we maximize the little bit of time that we have before the regional," Habermehl said.

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Wisconsin Guard members compete for Soldier of the Year honors

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:50:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Guard members compete for Soldier of the Year honors

Date: April 20, 2012

At 5 a.m. today (April 20), 14 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers began their day at Fort McCoy, Wis., with push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile run - the first three events in a grueling three-day span that will test their abilities in hand-to-hand combat skills, marksmanship, physical fitness and endurance, land navigation, Soldier skill proficiency and military bearing. The weekend's long hours and demanding schedule will also test each competitor's composure.

These Soldiers are competing for the prestige of being the Wisconsin Army National Guard's Soldier of the Year and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Winners will advance to compete against National Guard Soldiers from six other states at the regional event in May.

Last year, Sgt. Steven Dahl of Oconto, Wis., won the state Soldier of the Year title, and Sgt. Brandon Swanson of St. Croix Falls, Wis., was named Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Both Soldiers - members of the 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry - won the regional event at Camp Dodge, Iowa and advanced to the National Guard Bureau's Best Warrior Competition at the Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Ga. That marked the third consecutive year the Wisconsin Army National Guard has sent a competitor to the national contest, but the first time it has sent two.

The competition is not open to the public, but check out photos from each day of the competition on the Wisconsin National Guard Flickr site. Video footage will also be posted on the Wisconsin National Guard YouTube channel.

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PGA golfer visits Wisconsin National Guard training institute

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:30:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: PGA golfer visits Wisconsin National Guard training institute

Date: April 19, 2012
By Sgt. Megan Burnham
112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

PGA golfer Steve Stricker of Madison continued his education about the Wisconsin National Guard by visiting the 426th Regional Training Institute, its employees and current students at Ft. McCoy, Wis., Tuesday (Apr. 17) as part of a Community Center of Influence event.

Stricker and another Madison-based PGA golfer, Jerry Kelly, conducted a similar visit in January to the Milwaukee-based 128th Air Refueling Wing to learn about the role of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. Events like these help increase understanding of the Wisconsin National Guard and its dual mission for an influential audience that might not otherwise interact with National Guard members.

The day began with Stricker meeting Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard; Command Chief Warrant Officer Craig Krenz, and Col. Kenneth Koon, Wisconsin Army National Guard chief of staff, at Joint Force Headquarters in Madison before taking a 45-minute UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter orientation flight to Ft. McCoy.

"I felt a lot of anticipation, really not knowing what to expect," Stricker said. "I've never been up in a Black Hawk before so I knew that was going to be very exciting."

Subject matter experts at the 426th RTI demonstrated the capabilities of the training simulators to Stricker. These included Mine Resistant Ambush Protector (MRAP) rollover trainer, operator driver simulator, call for fire trainer and engagement skills trainer (EST).

"Mr. Stricker gets the chance to observe Soldier's training and the types of equipment and systems they train on, which gives him a much better perspective of what we do, how we train and our missions," Anderson explained. "This allows him to be a better advocate for the sacrifices made by our Soldiers and - from having seen and experienced some of the training firsthand - he can provide a better perspective to those influential people he deals with."

In addition to the simulator demonstrations, Stricker met with Soldiers conducting classes such as transportation operations, cannon crewmember advanced leadership course (ALC) and resilience training assistant (RTA) course.

"It means a lot to both our staff and our students that [Stricker] found time to come up to see what we do for a living," said Lt. Col Gary Thompson, operations officer for the 426th. "We have all seen him work, but it was great for our morale to have a chance to show him what we do as Soldiers.

"Mr. Stricker is a class act," Thompson continued. "It was great to have him here, taking time to shake hands, sign every golf ball and pose for every picture requested."

Stricker said that he and the PGA Tour understand the importance of supporting and "to give back just a little bit" to the military, the National Guard and Wounded Warriors.

"They serve our country and serve us as individuals," Stricker said. "It's [an] important part of what we have, the freedoms we have here in our country."

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Wisconsin National Guard's director of public affairs earns national Accreditation

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:10:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin National Guard's director of public affairs earns national Accreditation

Date: April 18, 2012

Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie, the director of public affairs for the Wisconsin National Guard, earned an APR+M (Accredited in Public Relations + Military Communication) certification Saturday (April 14), becoming one of only 19 APR+Ms worldwide and the first actively serving member of the National Guard and U.S. Army to be certified.

Guthrie, of Sun Prairie, successfully completed a 90-minute oral readiness review presentation and a three-hour plus computer-based exam that tested her knowledge, skills and abilities in public relations and military public affairs in joint operations to earn the certification that she's been working toward for more than a year.

"While the personal accomplishment means a lot," Guthrie said, "it's really about demonstrating not only my competence in public relations but, more importantly, how public affairs support military operations and using that knowledge every day on behalf of the Soldiers and Airmen I represent."

"Lt. Col. Guthrie is a consummate professional," said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, and Guthrie's supervisor. "Under her leadership, the Wisconsin National Guard public affairs office has won numerous awards and her vision is evident in our social media strategy. This latest credential reflects her commitment to continuous improvement on a personal and professional level, and I am very proud of her accomplishment."

How the military practices public affairs has come a long way in the last 20 years, Guthrie explained. "When I joined it was about press conferences, press releases and pretty pictures," she said. "Now it's about the important role communications plays in military operations from planning through execution."

Guthrie has more than 20 years of public affairs experience acquired as a Department of the Army civilian public affairs specialist and a Soldier serving the National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve and the Army - not only in Wisconsin, but throughout the world. She is also an adjunct instructor in the communications department at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and commands the Monroe-based 64th Rear Operations Center.

"I decided to pursue this Accreditation to better myself, increase my ability to contribute to the Wisconsin National Guard's mission and goals, and to encourage my peers to do the same," she said. "Over the past 10 years especially, we [public affairs practitioners] have demonstrated how we contribute to overall mission success. To keep a seat at the table it's essential that we remain relevant, and some of that comes from continued education such as that offered through the APR process."

Guthrie is a graduate of Beaver Dam High School, has a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a Master's in Public Administration from Webster University, St. Louis, Mo. Her military education includes Adjutant General Officer Basic Course, the Defense Information School's Public Affairs Officer Course, Adjutant General Officer Advanced Course, the Combined Arms and Services Staff School and U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

According to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) website, Accredited in Public Relations (APR) is the voluntary certification program created in 1964 for public relations professionals to unify and advance the profession by identifying those who have demonstrated mastery of a body of knowledge as well as recognition of experience and professional judgment in the public relations field. The international certification process is governed by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), of which PRSA is a lead participant.

In May 2010 the U.S. Joint Forces Command's Joint Public Affairs Support Element (JPASE), UAB and PRSA partnered to develop the APR+M credentialing in an effort to provide public affairs and communication certification for military, contractor, and Department of Defense public communication professionals.

"It's not just an expansion of the Accreditation program, but an expansion really directed at military members," said Barbara Burfeind, APR+M council member and chair of Guthrie's readiness review panel. She also stressed that Accreditation not a one-time thing, but requires continuous professional development to maintain the credential.

In addition to completing the readiness review and exam, APR+M candidates must also be a member of the military (active or reserve) or a Department of Defense civilian employee whose primary responsibilities lie in military communication-related fields, or a DoD military contractor and member of a UAB participating organization and whose primary responsibilities lie in military communication-related fields.

"Anyone can say they are a public relations practitioner," Burfeind said. "We're not required to be licensed - however, this [APR] sets the standard or the bar, and the bar is pretty high."

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Wisconsin National Guard unit ready for Afghanistan

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:41:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin National Guard unit ready for Afghanistan

Date: April 17, 2012
By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

The Oshkosh-based 1157th Transportation Company of the Wisconsin Army National Guard has completed its mobilization training at Camp Shelby, Miss., and is eager to hit the road - even if that road is somewhere in Afghanistan, where the unit arrived early this morning (April 17).

"They're more than ready," 1st Sgt. Tom Krueck said last week at Camp Shelby. "They're excited - they want to get out of here and do what they're supposed to be doing."

Initially tasked with transportation and base security missions in Kuwait, the unit was reassigned to conduct convoy security missions in Afghanistan. The change in mission also meant a change in vehicles and tactics from what the unit typically trains for.

"They've really embraced it," Krueck said. "They've taken the necessary steps to learn what they need to learn. They took it and ran."

As an example, the 1157th qualified all of its truck crews the first time around on a gunnery range where crew members had to engage targets with weapons affixed to Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The company averaged 877 out of 1,000 points, with one platoon averaging 915 - any score above 900 is considered distinguished.

"I think the best part of training was the gunnery," said Sgt. Megan Winke, a truck team leader who will be going on her first deployment. "Everybody got a chance. Not a lot of sleep involved, but everybody kept their heads up. My truck scored a 922."

Sgt. Jessica Paul, a driver, said the fact that the unit's mission was uncertain for a time did not affect the unit's morale.

"I'm ready for whatever we have to do," Paul said. "I think our unit has done a great job training and preparing us."

Sgt. Heather Servais said that, in addition to the 1157th's pre-mobilization training, Camp Shelby also prepared them for their deployment.

"We definitely got a broad variety of training," she said. "I'm really confident. I've got a great platoon. I think we're really ready."

"I know that we're ready," said Capt. Christian Menden, 1157th commander. "The unit is young - we have a lot of Soldiers that don't have actual combat experience, but they make up in actual education and willingness to learn and flexibility, and that's what really drives our unit and makes us strong. Everyone is willing to learn and do what is necessary to deploy."

Krueck agreed.

"They didn't go in thinking, 'Oh, we know this, we do this all the time,'" Krueck said. "They thought about what they could take from these guys that have been to Afghanistan and how they can apply it. I've been nothing but impressed. For a younger unit - only 30 of us maybe have deployed before, pretty much all the senior leadership - it never ceases to amaze me how they operate."

Even so, Menden acknowledged that the mission would be difficult.

"We know the optempo is going to be high," Menden said. "It's a big job, and we're just a small slice. We're part of the bigger picture."

"They're focused on the mission and readying themselves," Krueck added. "They're ready. They're just waiting to fly."

After their sendoff ceremony Feb. 4, the 1157th trained for several weeks at Camp Shelby. The 1157th was reassigned to deploy to Afghanistan as a result of reallocation of forces by the Department of Defense.

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Related Story

Wisconsin Guard unit begins agribusiness mission in Afghanistan

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:15:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Guard unit begins agribusiness mission in Afghanistan

Date: April 9, 2012
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The Wisconsin National Guard's 82nd Agribusiness Development Team (ADT) has taken over the mission of helping Afghan farmers in Kunar Province after a transfer of authority ceremony Tuesday (April 10) at Camp Wright.

Col. Fred Allen, commander of the Illinois National Guard's 1-14th ADT, encased his unit's guidon in a canvas sleeve, symbolizing the end of his unit's mission in Afghanistan and handing that mission over to Col. Darrel Feucht, commander of the 82nd ADT.

"It's been a long road to assemble this team, train this team and, now, engage this team," Feucht said. "This team has worked hard with great anticipation for this day."

The 82nd ADT is the Wisconsin National Guard's first agribusiness development team, a National Guard initiative that leverages civilian skills crucial to improving agricultural methods.

"We now stand ready to perform our motto - to grow, to guide, to guard," Feucht continued. "To provide guidance to the Afghan farming community and guide each other in this partnership, to grow together as a unified team and grow crops, and to guard each other from those that do not see our goals in common."

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Full story and photo

Wisconsin National Guard members march in memory of POWs

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 16:57:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin National Guard members march in memory of POWs

Date: April 9, 2012
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Twenty members of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade headquarters and 32nd Military Police Company - joined by dozens of service members from the U.S, Poland and Ukraine - recently honored the victims of the Bataan Death March by walking in their footsteps, as it were, in a memorial endurance event in Kosovo.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Hudson, a Wisconsin National Guard member assigned to Task Force Falcon, played a key role organizing the 13.1-mile march at Camp Bondsteel on March 26, complete with gravel, paved roads and large hills. He also took part in the heavy category which required participants to carry at least 35 pounds on their backs.

"Participating in the Bataan Memorial March was a fitting way to pay tribute to all the heroic service members who made the ultimate sacrifice defending the Philippine Islands during World War II," Hudson said. "All those who entered and took part did so out of sheer preservation and determination - not unlike the Soldiers who marched in the actual Bataan Death March."

Ninety-nine members of the Janesville-based Company A, 192nd Tank Battalion, Wisconsin National Guard, fiercely defended the Bataan peninsula in the Philippines for more than three months alongside fellow American and Filipino forces, until disease, lack of supplies and hunger compelled their surrender to the Imperial Japanese Army seven decades ago today (April 9).

The Janesville Soldiers who served in one of two National Guard tank battalions - comprised of companies from Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri - deployed to the Philippines shortly after the United States entered World War II. Approximately 76,000 prisoners endured the harrowing "Bataan Death March," an 80-mile forced trek to Balanga, the capital of Bataan. Prisoners of war who did not die of exhaustion, wounds or illness were stabbed, beaten or killed along the way - between 5,000 and 10,000 Filipinos and as many as 650 Americans before reaching Camp O'Donnell, where the death toll continued to mount. Only one third of the Janesville unit survived until their liberation three years later.

Wisconsin honors the service and hardship of these and other prisoners of war every April 9, designated since 2001 as Prisoner of War Remembrance Day.

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Officials kick veteran employment efforts into high gear

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 15:43:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Officials kick veteran employment efforts into high gear

Date: April 5, 2012
By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs

The mission to lower the unemployment rate among service members and veterans continued at Schneider National Inc. in Green Bay, Wis., Monday when Schneider committed to hiring 650 military veterans this year and next - and state and federal leaders agreed to help.

"What I like to tell service members of all ranks and all branches is, you have no idea how great you can be," said Mike Hinz, vice president of driver recruiting for Schneider National. "Whether you stay in uniform or you get out and get into the corporate world, you have no idea how great you can be and how much your skills and attributes are needed."

Schneider's goal supports state and national efforts to put veterans to work. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has proclaimed 2012 the Year of the Veteran and Monday, declared April 4 as "Schneider National Hire a Hero Day, " marking Schneider's 20 years of actively recruiting current and former service members for employees

"There are three compelling reasons to hire a veteran," Walker said. "One, it's patriotic. Secondly, and you guys get this at Schneider, it's good for the company, too. Our military personnel and veterans are well trained, well prepared, they're dedicated, they're committed, they understand discipline and organization. They're a great asset to our employers.

"That's something we've been pushing this year, but you've been pushing the past 20 years," he continued. "That's a real testament to the commitment you've made. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is alive and thriving in the state of Wisconsin, and I think there are few if any companies that exhibit that better than Schneider National."

Walker said the third reason to hire a veteran is the restoration of the Wisconsin G.I. Bill, which can offset training costs for newly hired veterans. He also outlined some bills he signed into law earlier in the day, as part of his "Year of the Veteran" initiative, that makes it easier for veterans and their spouses to get licensing and credentialing.

"We're trying to make it easier to hire veterans in Wisconsin," Walker said.

But it's more than proclamations. Also on hand were representatives from the Employer Partnership of the Armed Forces (EPO), including Director Erin Thede and Maj. Gen. Keith Thurgood, chief of staff and deputy commanding general for support with the U.S. Army Reserve; and Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, and members of the Wisconsin Service Member Support Division's employment resource connection - all collaborating on the best way to put service members and veterans back to work.

Schneider works with EPO to connect service members with jobs and also partners with the Veterans Administration to help veterans gain commercial drivers licenses through their apprenticeship program. They recently expanded their outreach to include the Wisconsin National Guard and played a key role in the March 30 Wisconsin National Guard Business Summit focuses on educating all employers about the value of employing military veterans.

"By working collaboratively with groups like the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, Military Affairs, Workforce Development, the National Guard, the Army Reserve and the Employer Partnership Office, we have a huge opportunity to put more people to work in Wisconsin and across the United States," Hinz said.

Hinz himself retired from the military in 2008 and had deployed to Bosnia while employed at Schneider. Current and former service members work at all levels at Schneider, he added, and some - such as Dan Ammerman, a Schneider employee for more than 20 years and also a brigadier general in the Army Reserve - have deployed four times. Schneider guarantees their jobs and offers other services to employees who deploy with the military.

Hinz said Schneider needed military veterans, with their leadership and discipline, in its ranks.

Thurgood said he was impressed with what Wisconsin is doing for veterans and their spouses, and was happy to be working with Schneider in its national effort to hire service members and veterans.

"The military does two things really, really well that every business wants," he said. "They deliver results, and they grow leaders."

Dunbar credited Schneider for its leadership over the past 20 years in hiring veterans.

"Schneider's had the foresight and the commitment to make hiring veterans a priority," he said, and to make that commitment part of its corporate culture. "I salute you for having the wisdom to reach out to that human capital ... and make it part of your company. I hope other American companies will follow your leadership."

Erin Thede, EPO director, said that in light of anticipated troop reduction across the military, military branches should buy into programs such as EOP that work with service members to find employment.

"They're just waiting for someone to say, 'Here's how you're going to do it,'" Thurgood said. "Let's take a page from Wisconsin's government and Schneider and say, 'Here's how it might work.'"

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Full story

Wisconsin National Guard educates employers on value of veterans

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 11:10:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin National Guard educates employers on value of veterans

Date: April 3, 2012
By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs

More than 130 business representatives convened in the workplace of champions Friday (March 30) to learn about championship-caliber members available to their teams.

The goal of the inaugural Wisconsin National Guard Business Summit, held during the "Year of the Veteran" in the Lambeau Field Atrium in Green Bay, Wis., was to educate employers about the value military veterans can bring to their organization. The summit received significant support from the American Legion.

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, asked those in attendance to make hiring veterans a priority. He noted that U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics indicate that the national unemployment rate for veterans who served since 2001 is 50 percent higher than the national average of 8.3 percent, and that the Department of Defense recently estimated that unemployment among currently serving members of the National Guard and Federal Reserve to be more than 20 percent.

Dunbar noted that one reason employers don't hire veterans is because they don't realize the value of veterans. He related that the skills, experiences and character veterans have developed should mesh with the qualities employers are seeking.

"In order to mine gold you have to literally move tons of dirt," he said. "In terms of human capital, when it comes to our veterans, we in the military have already removed tons of dirt and these veterans truly are pure gold.

"My message is simple," Dunbar continued. "I do not suggest charity. I'm not asking you to give anybody anything. But I do believe it's in your best interest as an employer to hire veterans."

He urged employers to understand the value of veterans and make hiring veterans a priority.

Mike Hinz, vice-president of driver recruiting for Schneider National - who makes hiring veterans and service members a priority - echoed Dunbar's sentiments.

"I don't want you to get the impression that all people coming out of the military are perfect," Hinz said. "They're not. But they have the raw materials, the raw skills and developed skills, the potential to be anything you want them to be in your organization."

Hinz noted that the company's founder, Al Schneider, recruited his first drivers from the Wisconsin National Guard 76 years ago.

Maj. Scott Southworth, Wisconsin National Guard education officer, said that the military teaches teamwork and leadership, occupational skills and adaptability. He pointed out that 42 percent of Army National Guard Soldiers have education beyond high school.

"We're training people every single day to succeed at the next higher level," Southworth said. "I promise you that we will continue to train and equip the military leaders of tomorrow, many of whom are ready to serve as business leaders in your organizations right now."

1st Lt. Johnny Simmons, Wisconsin Army National Guard marketing officer, pointed out that many service members already pay for TRICARE health insurance, which has lower premiums than most health care plans employers provide. The average yearly cost of health care plans in Wisconsin is $7,233 for single coverage and $29,000 for family coverage, compared with $595.44 and $2,371.18, respectively, under TRICARE Reserve Select.

Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch reminded the gathering of the Gov. Scott Walker administration slogan, "Wisconsin is Open for Business," as well as 2012 being the "Year of the Veteran," another Walker initiative.

"We believe that they must go hand in glove," she explained. "We understand that the future of Wisconsin commerce often rests in the hands of a veteran, because our veterans are outstanding employees."

Kleefisch noted that the unemployment rate among Wisconsin veterans is double the state unemployment rate, and said that was unacceptable. The "Year of the Veteran" initiative emphasizes numerous employment services.

"Our employers should see our veterans as an opportunity to be successful," she said. "We need to make sure our employers in the state understand what an asset our veterans are. Veterans are essential to job growth and, in fact, prosperity in the great state of Wisconsin."

State Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper, senior enlisted leader in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, said that the seven Army Values - loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage - groom many veterans to be outstanding employees. He said that enlisted leaders are responsible and accountable, from a team of four and nearly a quarter million dollars of equipment at the sergeant level to as many as 3,500 Soldiers and up to $350 million in equipment at the command sergeant major level.

"[Veterans are] someone who comes to you as an employee who understands how to operate in diverse environments, who promotes diversity, who also is very resilient, [and] shows up for work," Stopper said. "They are absolutely team players. The ability to give and receive direction is something everyone can benefit from."

Chief Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Cullen held up "the little brown book" - an Air Force manual on the enlisted force structure - detailing the expectations of junior enlisted and noncommissioned officers. Those expectations include personal readiness, leading and developing subordinates, correcting deficiencies that may jeopardize the mission, and clearly communicate the leader's direction.

"We're developing not just a Soldier, not just an Airman, we're developing a good person," Cullen said, adding that service members receive regular mandatory training on such issues as suicide awareness, human relations and diversity, and sexual assault prevention. "I feel we can bring [our values] to help your organization become stronger."

Craig Benzen, marketing director with the Green Bay Packers, thanked the business representatives for attending the summit. He said that the summit coincided with the Packers examining players in the current free agency period and upcoming draft.

"It occurred to me that there are a lot of similarities between the type of players the Packers recruit and the type of workers most businesses are trying to recruit," Benzen said. "The Packers are looking for players who are dedicated and loyal, who spends a certain amount of time perfecting their craft, somebody who knows there is a right way and a wrong way to do things, and guys who know what 'team first' means. These are the same values I think we've all witnessed in those serving in the military."

Alex Arriola and Alison Kavanaugh, sourcing diversity specialists with American Family Insurance, said that they wanted to hear more about the hiring veterans initiative as they have agency and agents-in-training opportunities. Arriola said he was impressed with what he learned about veterans' leadership qualities.

"They want to take charge," Arriola said. "They want to be the ones that bring the groups together. For an agent, and an agent-in-training, we need leaders."

Tom McGrath, regional account manager for Adecco, was looking for ways to partner with the Wisconsin National Guard. He was impressed to learn the wide range of skills veterans can bring, as Adecco is a recruiting agency representing a variety of employers.

"I think there could be a fit for many organizations, depending on the need," McGrath said. "I'm seeing entry-level to professional-level skill sets. I feel much more prepared to have conversations [with veterans] and close that gap to get people out to work."

For more information about hiring a service member or veteran, or finding employment, contact Wisconsin's Employment Resource Center.

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Full story

Four retired Guard members to enter Army Guard Hall of Honor

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:10:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Four retired Guard members to enter Army Guard Hall of Honor

Date: March 29, 2012

Four outstanding former Guard Soldiers have been chosen to enter the prestigious Wisconsin Army National Guard Hall of Honor.

A special committee of current and past Guard Soldiers selected retired Brig. Gen. Kerry Denson of Lake Mills, Wis., retired Brig. Gen. James Krueck of McFarland, Wis., retired Col. Timothy Pfrang of Sussex, Wis., and retired Col. David Schumacher of Onalaska, Wis., to receive one of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's highest honors for exceptional achievement and devotion to duty.

They join the ranks of 46 individuals previously inducted into the Hall of Honor.

Denson was drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1965, earning the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, 35 Air Medals and the Purple Heart during two tours in Vietnam as a UH-1 combat pilot. He joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard after completing his active duty service, and served in a variety of command and staff assignments. He commanded the 147th Attack Helicopter Battalion, served as director of aviation for the Wisconsin Army National Guard, and served the final nine years of his career as commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Denson's military career spanned 40 years and 10 months.

Krueck enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1966. He reached the rank of staff sergeant before being appointed as a warrant officer in 1975. He completed Officer Candidate School in 1976 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant of armor in 1978. He held a variety of command and staff assignments in the 32nd Infantry Brigade headquarters; 1st Battalion, 632nd Armor; 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery; 13th Evacuation Hospital; and the 64th Troop Command before becoming deputy director of personnel and administration for the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1994. Krueck then served as director of personnel and administration, director of human resources, director of logistics, and chief of staff at State Headquarters. He commanded the 32nd Infantry Brigade for six years beginning in October 2000. He was promoted to brigadier general in 2004. He deployed to Kuwait as commander of the 32nd Separate Infantry Brigade (Light) and deputy commander of the 377th Theater Support Command in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He commanded the Wisconsin Army National Guard from November 2006 until his retirement in February 2008.

Pfrang enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1971, and enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1974. He received his commission in 1977 and, after graduating Infantry Officer Basic Course in 1978, was assigned as a platoon leader in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry. He held a variety of staff and command assignments at the battalion and brigade level until assuming command of the 132nd Support Battalion in July 1996. He was assigned as the Wisconsin Army National Guard mobilization readiness officer in October 1998, the operations and training officer in late 2000 and the director of plans and operations in 2002. He was promoted to colonel in October 2002.

Schumacher joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard in June 1967 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1969. As training officer for the 426th Engineer Battalion he developed professional development programs for junior officers and was rated the top field grade officer in the 264th Engineer Group. During his time as commander, the 426th Engineer Battalion earned the Eisenhower Trophy and Superior Unit Award, oversaw the mobilization of the 229th Engineer Company and deployed to Panama in 1992 in support of Fortes Caminos. During this time Schumacher also served on the Fort McCoy Facility Review Committee, which eventually led to relocating the Wisconsin Military Academy from Camp Williams to Fort McCoy in 1995. He commanded the Wisconsin Military Academy and the 426th Regiment from 1992 until his retirement in 1997, and led the academy through a period of significant growth and transition. Throughout his career Schumacher was regarded as among the best officers of his rank, and his military awards include the Legion of Merit and two Meritorious Service Medals.

A public induction ceremony will be held May 5 at 10 a.m. in Witmer Hall, Joint Force Headquarters in Madison.

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Full story

Wisconsin Guard Soldiers test their skills in the Great White North

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:20:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Guard Soldiers test their skills in the Great White North

Date: March 20, 2012
By 1st Lt. Peter Owen
1st Battalion, 128th Infantry

Five Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers were among the top finishers in an annual one-day military skills competition in Winnipeg, Manitoba, against teams from the Canadian Land Force Western Area and the Minnesota National Guard March 17.

1st Lt. Andrew Adey of Minocqua, Wis.; Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Penttila of Inver Heights, Minn.; Spc. Israel Bursch of Blair, Wis.; Spc. Aaron Cobosco of Eau Claire, Wis.; and Spc. Zachary Pierce of High Bridge, Wis., comprised one of 13 teams in the Skill-At-Arms Competition hosted by the 38th Canadian Brigade Group. The physically demanding day began at 5:30 a.m. with teams having no idea which events they would compete in - only that the events would take place during a road march.

Half an hour into the events, contestants arrived at an equipment cache; they could use whatever they found throughout the day, but they would have to carry that equipment all day as well. The Wisconsin team selected a set of binoculars and military nylon parachute cord.

Teams ran from one event station to the next, carrying their equipment and a 40-pound sandbag. Stations included first aid, basic map reading, distance estimation, marksmanship, assembling weapons from assorted components in a tote, and assembling a field stove to boil water.

"It is a unique opportunity to train and compete internationally as a team," Adey said. "The Soldier skills were basically the same for both of our countries, so it provided a great opportunity to compete in the fundamental skills while building relationships with Canadian forces."

At day's end, Wisconsin finished in third place. Col. Nic Stanton, 38th Canadian Brigade Group commander, said that including National Guard teams from Wisconsin and Minnesota provided an excellent opportunity to interact, experiencing similarities and differences during a healthy competition.

"We were blown away by the hospitality the Canadians showed us," Adey said, "and look forward to more opportunities to train with them."

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Wisconsin Guard Soldiers return from special operations mission in Afghanistan

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:21:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Guard Soldiers return from special operations mission in Afghanistan

Date: March 19, 2012
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Three of the four Wisconsin Army National Guard female Soldiers who worked alongside Army Special Forces troops in Afghanistan returned to Wisconsin Thursday night (March 15).

Senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders met 1st Lt. April Nelson, Westby, at the La Crosse Municipal Airport; Master Sgt. Karen Dumke, Waupun, at the Dane County Regional Airport; and Sgt. Kristen Elegeert, De Pere, at Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay. Sgt. Sonia Buchanan of Cottage Grove is speaking at the Special Operations Command Academic Week in Orlando, Fla., this week and will return to Wisconsin after she completes the demobilization process.

The four female Soldiers graduated the inaugural Cultural Support Training Course at Fort Bragg, N.C. last July, where they learned the basic capabilities to interact and communicate with Afghan women and children - a task deemed locally as culturally inappropriate for traditional Army special operations forces. Nelson, Dumke, Buchanan and Elegeert were among 240 females who signed up for the program. Only 106 were selected for assessment, and 59 of those attended the Cultural Support Team training.

"I'm not surprised we had the number that we had apply and, overall, succeed," said Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. "The Soldiers that we have in our command are of that caliber."

Nelson, who worked with the 3rd Special Forces Group Cultural Support Team, said it felt great to be back in an environment where she does not have to worry where she steps or who might be following her.

"What I got out of this experience is how to be selfless, how to react quickly and how to work well with people in a very male-dominated environment," Nelson said. "It changed my outlook on Special Forces, and the military overall."

Elegeert was the last person to exit the plane, carrying a knapsack on her back and a big smile on her face, when she arrived in Green Bay following a weather delay in Detroit. She shared deployment stories with family, friends and Wisconsin National Guard members - including Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin.

"She looked at me and said she wanted to volunteer for the next cultural support team rotation in the fall," said Col. Julie Gerety of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, who also greeted Elegeert at Green Bay.

Anderson expressed his pride in the four Soldiers for their accomplishments.

"There's always a sense of relief when they get home," Anderson said. "The family is relieved, and I share the same feelings knowing their significant accomplishments from this mission."

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Additional photos

Guard program offers one-on-one employment assistance to Guard and Reserve members, spouses

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:45:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Guard program offers one-on-one employment assistance to Guard and Reserve members, spouses

Date: March 16, 2012
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

The Wisconsin National Guard recently launched a new initiative to help unemployed and underemployed service members and their spouses gain employment.

The Wisconsin Employment Resource Connection (WERC) began last October as a result of discussions between Wisconsin National Guard agencies to address unemployment issues. According to the most recent civilian employment information survey, unemployment in the Wisconsin Army National Guard may be as high as 14 percent.

"It came out of necessity," said Capt. Joseph Ledger, officer in charge of WERC. "Prior to October, we really didn't have an employment assistance program at all."

The Wisconsin National Guard had partnered with the state Department of Workforce Development and the state Department of Veterans Affairs previously on a series of job fairs for veterans, and publicized online resources to its members. While this partnership will continue, WERC more directly engages the client by providing a personalized experience for each service member, tailored to meet the individual needs of the service member.

"Obviously we collect resources and vet them, but it's all one-on-one rapport," Ledger said. "We get them on our tracker until they're sick of us or they're employed. We hang onto them."

The level of engagement varies for each individual, Ledger explained. Some clients only request information on job openings, while others receive professional help building resumes and preparing for interviews. Of the more than 220 people to contact the WERC office since it opened, Ledger estimated that he and his assistant Tiffany Addair actively monitor between 50 and 70 clients. Mark Sier, an officer with a Wisconsin Army National Guard aviation unit and an Operation New Dawn veteran, recently joined the WERC team and understands what it means to be unemployed.

He had spent several years on military orders since 2007, first as a military recruiter, then attending flight school before working as full-time support for an emergency domestic response contingency assignment prior to deploying with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment. The contingency assignment - a temporary stateside mission which rotates regionally - had relocated while Sier was deployed, so he returned from Iraq without a job.

"It was difficult when I came back," Sier said, "especially when you already have a four-year degree and you're looking for more of a professional position. That's where I think our program can come in and make a big difference."

The employment needs vary as well, from entry-level work to a senior enlisted member transitioning from full-time military to civilian employment.

The WERC office follows up with its clients to make sure the resources meet their needs and to track how the job search is going. New job opportunities are posted weekly on the WERC website. Sending e-mails to units, attending Soldier readiness programs and Yellow Ribbon reintegration events, and being part of Gov. Scott Walker's "Year of the Veteran" website helps raise awareness about WERC and its services.

"The challenging thing right now is customers telling us [if they are finding work,]" Ledger said. "Right now we've placed five people that I know of. I have a feeling there's a lot more who haven't told us yet."

Sier said they are developing criteria to measure how effective WERC is in helping service members gain employment.

"They may feel they didn't use us, especially if they made the interview appointment themselves," he explained. "But if we helped develop their resume, gave them a mock interview, even [provided] the job listing, they might not think that they used us, but we were probably there assisting."

The WERC office - located in the Armed Forces Reserve Center at 6001 Manufacturers Lane in Madison - is open to all service members regardless of branch of service. Ledger acknowledged that the program provides a definite benefit to the Wisconsin National Guard.

"Some of our folks are finding work out of state, and traveling back to Wisconsin for drill isn't cost-effective," he said. "If we can find them a job here, we can keep them drilling here."

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Wisconsin Guard unit prepares for field work in Afghanistan

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 07:30:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Guard unit prepares for field work in Afghanistan

Date: March 15, 2012
By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
Wisconsin National Guard

The Wisconsin National Guard's 82nd Agribusiness Development Team is more than halfway through with its mobilization training at Camp Atterbury, Ind., and counting the days until it is working with Afghani farmers.

"Our advance party is leaving soon, and the main body is scheduled to leave a little bit after that," said Col. Darrel "A.J." Feucht, 82nd ADT commander, during a visit by senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders Monday (March 12).

The 82nd ADT - the Wisconsin National Guard's first unit formed to help improve the agricultural techniques of Afghani farmers - has spent the past year training on individual and leadership tasks in preparation for its Afghanistan deployment. At Camp Atterbury, the unit has focused on collective training as well as weapons and improvised explosive device reaction and response training.

"We've done a lot of stuff in a short time," said Capt. Scott Ivy, a contracting officer with the 82nd ADT. "It's good training."

"It's a pretty aggressive [training] schedule, but we knew that when we got here," Feucht said. "It was our intent to get the maximum effect in the minimum amount of time at Camp Atterbury - put it all together and see how we function as a squad and a team."

This will be the first deployment for Spc. Andrew Lamoureaux of Marinette, Wis., a member of the 82nd ADT security team.

"My expectations are to blend with the guys, and gain experience," Lamoureaux said. "Gain experiences I can perform throughout the rest of my career - make it real educational."

Feucht said the 1-14th ADT from the Illinois National Guard has offered key guidance on what training to focus on at the mobilization station.

"For the mission we've been tasked with, we will be ready," Feucht said. "We'll be in good shape."

The 82nd ADT will also be known as Joint Task Force Badger in Afghanistan, and adopted the nickname "Dirty Badgers" during its Feb. 4 sendoff ceremony.

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National Guard scores a recruiting 'slam dunk' at University of Wisconsin

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:17:00 CDT

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: National Guard scores a recruiting 'slam dunk' at University of Wisconsin

Date: March 14, 2012

Soldiers of the Wisconsin National Guard earned a victory in the recruiting arena Sunday, as more than 200 University of Wisconsin students took to the courts to participate in a National Guard 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at the Camp Randall Sports Complex.

Olympic gold medalist and NBA player Tom "The Hammer" Hammonds joined forces with the National Guard and local recruiters to host a day of friendly competition and to inform the college-aged students of the benefits of joining the National Guard.

"I'm here to tell you that the National Guard is a tremendous option in your life," Hammonds said. "You can start off in life going forward instead of backward."

Sunday's tournament has been deemed a success by tournament officials - generating more than 230 participants and 55 appointments to talk to a recruiter on-site or down the road. A site team visited the campus two weeks in advance to promote the event and, overall, the visit to Madison produced nearly 600 qualified leads for recruiters to follow.

Hammonds as well as other event staff showed a motivational video synopsis of the National Guard and spoke about the many benefits of joining the Guard - such as paid tuition, work experience and serving their country.

Anya Covington, a senior forward for the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team, attended the 3-on-3 tourney to take part in the challenge - she left with a greater understanding of the National Guard.

"I completely respect the military - the discipline and the training," Covington said. "I feel like this event is really well done and I think the Guard is a great option for everyone."

1st. Lt. Johnny Simmons, Wisconsin National Guard recruiting and retention command, said he's been all but begging to get the tournament to Madison since he initially heard about it a few years ago.

"A lot of kids are intimidated to talk to recruiters in school, but in a venue like this, it's a relaxed atmosphere," Simmons said. "Usually we don't get these kinds of numbers in one day, listening to the message all at once."

The 3-on-3 program, in its third year, has traveled around the country - visiting more than 30 schools and communities in an effort to find quality "leads" and promote the National Guard's message to a nation-wide demographic of 17-24 year old college students.

"When all parties are fully engaged early in the program development and pre-promotion process and continue to be involved and collaborating during the tournament event, turnout is strong, the event atmosphere is fun, entertaining and educational ... for all who participate," said Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Merrill, the tournament program manager.

Some Wisconsin Guard recruiters feel they gained access to valuable territory because it's the first time in recent memory the recruiters have had the opportunity to come onto the campus.

"The recent collaboration between National Guard Bureau, Wisconsin National Guard and the University of Wisconsin exemplified a successful 3-on-3 program."

The day started and ended with basketball in mind. Interwoven into this fun event was a message of patriotism and the National Guard.

Hammonds - a first-round draft pick in the NBA who played 12 seasons of professional basketball and won a gold medal with the 1986 U.S. National Basketball Team - said he likes being around basketball, but even more so when it's for a good cause.

"It means so much to me because of the students," Hammonds said. "I'm pro-National Guard for what the National Guard stands for - being able to affect lives in this country as well as abroad."

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Female Wisconsin Guard Soldiers return from historic deployment

Thu, 8 Mar 2012 12:10:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Female Wisconsin Guard Soldiers return from historic deployment

Date: March 8, 2012

Four Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers - 1st Lt. April Nelson of Viroqua, Master Sgt. Karen Dumke of Waupun, Sgt. Sonia Buchanan of Cottage Grove and Sgt. Kristen Elegeert of De Pere - have returned to the United States following several months in Afghanistan, where they helped Army Rangers and Special Forces Teams interact with Afghan citizens.

The four were graduates of the inaugural Cultural Support Training Course last July, where they learned the basic capabilities to interact and communicate with Afghan women and children - a task deemed locally as culturally inappropriate for traditional Army special operations forces. Nelson, Dumke, Buchanan and Elegeert were among 240 females who signed up for the program. Only 106 were selected for assessment, and 59 of those attended the Cultural Support Team training.

According to Dumke, three of the Wisconsin Soldiers served in western Afghanistan, while Nelson served in southern Afghanistan.

Three of the four expect to begin the weeklong demobilization process March 12 at Fort Bragg, N.C. Buchanan will be one of four Cultural Support Team Soldiers to speak at the Special Operations Command Academic Week in Orlando, Fla., March 14-18; she will demobilize after that.

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Full story and photo

@ease Express

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 16:33:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: @ease Express

Date: March 8, 2012

From Wisconsin's first Armed Forces Reserve Center to Wisconsin's first Agribusiness Development Team, from Air National Guard best unit awards to Army National Guard best Family Readiness Group awards, from Kosovo to Key West, and from television races to transportation company deployments, find the latest news about your Wisconsin National Guard in the current on-line, interactive issue of @ease Express!

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Full Issue

New law allows military experience to apply toward work credentials

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 11:33:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: New law allows military experience to apply toward work credentials

Date: March 7, 2012

Wisconsin National Guard members and other state veterans will find it easier to translate military education, training and other experiences into professional credentials thanks to a bill Gov. Scott Walker signed into law Monday (March 5).

"The legislation being signed today will help veterans transition to civilian live and assist them in finding good jobs," Walker said at the signing ceremony in Eau Claire. "Helping veterans find work is an important part of our Wisconsin Working package, and of the Year of the Veteran."

Senate Bill 357 detailed all the professional certifications provided by state agencies, and directs those agencies to consider military training and experience for approval, certification, permit, credentials and licenses. The service member or veteran must demonstrate to the state agency that his or her military experience is equivalent to state requirements.

According to the governor's office, more than 400,000 veterans live in Wisconsin, including nearly 300,000 wartime veterans and more than 56,000 disabled veterans. Unemployment among veterans is estimated to be higher than the general population, and higher yet for veterans recently returning from overseas deployments.

"We are committed to helping our military veterans find work in this challenging economy and successfully transition to the civilian workforce," said Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch. "Veterans bring leadership skills, commitment and integrity into the work environment and a return on investment for employers looking for dedicated employees."

Katie Koschnick of the state Department of Safety and Professional Services, said the details of how to implement the new law are still being worked out, and will be announced as soon as they are available.

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Wisconsin Air National Guard learns effects of Air Force structure realignment plan

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 16:47:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Air National Guard learns effects of Air Force structure realignment plan

Date: March 6, 2012
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

The U.S. Air Force today (March 6) released information on manpower impacts resulting from its proposed force structure realignment plan. If the proposal is approved by Congress, the Wisconsin Air National Guard's net loss would be 114 positions - including 16 full-time positions.

The manpower reduction would amount to approximately 5 percent of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's authorized end-strength of 2,290 Airmen and must be implemented by Oct. 1.

"This announcement is sobering," said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, noting that the announced cuts were larger than anticipated and are expected to be implemented in only six months. "However, we will continue to accomplish our mission safely and effectively.

"We cannot ignore that these proposed reductions have real, significant, life-changing impact on our men and women in the Wisconsin Air National Guard," he continued. "I will work closely with my commanders to minimize the impact to our Airmen and families."

Dunbar's goal is to handle any cuts from the Air Force proposal through attrition to lessen the impact on Wisconsin Air National Guard members and families.

The personnel cuts are in response to the Air Force realignment proposal, announced Feb. 3, which would reduce by two the Milwaukee-based 128th Air Refueling Wing's fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers, and retire the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing's RC-26 airplane.

State adjutants general and governors have expressed their concern with the disproportional scope of the cuts. In a Feb. 26 letter to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, the National Governor's Association "strongly opposed" what it described as "disproportionate cuts facing the Air National Guard." And in a Feb. 27 letter to the Senate Armed Forces Committee, all 54 adjutants general asked Congress to delay implementing the proposed plan until a proper review was conducted.

The Air Force's proposals are aimed at meeting the President's Budget for fiscal year 2013, which calls for reducing Air Force military end strength to 501,000 - with net reductions of 5,100 Air National Guard members and 4,800 Air Force federal active and reserve positions. Nearly one quarter of Air Force personnel are from the Air National Guard, but collectively provide 35 percent of Air Force capability for only 6 percent of the total Air Force budget.

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Wisconsin Army Guard overall winner in Army evaluation

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 14:35:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Army Guard overall winner in Army evaluation

Date: March 6, 2012
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Wisconsin might be considered the big cheese in the Army National Guard community this year.

The Wisconsin Army National Guard was named the overall winner in its category for the Army Chief of Staff Army Communities of Excellence Award - ACOE for short. Wisconsin was last named the overall winner in 2001.

The ACOE program in the Army National Guard is described as a holistic integrated business management approach used to measure organizational performance. This approach helps Joint Force Headquarters - the headquarters for the National Guard in each state - assess performance and develop improvement initiatives to set the strategic direction.

The Pentagon announcement caps a series of recent top ACOE finishes by the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Last year it received the Gold First Place award as first runner up. In 2010 Wisconsin received a Silver Second Place finish - sixth in the Army National Guard. The state earned a Gold Third Place award in 2009 (fourth overall) and a Silver First Place award (fifth overall) in 2008. Wisconsin has been involved in the ACOE program since 1989.

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, said the award underscores the collective effort of Wisconsin Guard Soldiers to achieve and maintain excellence.

"Hats off to the entire team," Anderson said. "The ACOE program is all about continued improvement in management processes that result in higher unit readiness and better care for our Soldiers and their families. This award doesn't mean that we have won and now we can rest, because winning isn't what it's about - but it does mean that we are succeeding in our goal."

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, praised the efforts that led to the award.

"In the Guard we pride ourselves on being 'always ready, always there,'" Dunbar said, "and this ACOE process ensures that our leadership remains focused on supporting our Soldiers. We support them by constantly seeking to improve our processes, which ensures readiness.

"This award reflects the superb leadership of the Wisconsin Army National Guard," Dunbar continued. "I congratulate the entire team for this significant achievement."

The ACOE Awards program follows a 12-month evaluation in which Army, National Guard and Reserve installations are judged against Army priorities and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program criteria. Participants are not judged against each other. The assessment considers the overall quality of military environments, facilities and services.

The Wisconsin Army National Guard will receive a monetary award - as yet to be determined - for being the overall winner. Luanne Sleger, Wisconsin Army National Guard strategic planner and quality advisor, said that the award would be used for improvements at armories across the state.

"The benefits of the ACOE program far outweigh any monetary gains that we might receive for winning," she said.

All ACOE winners will be honored during a May 1 ceremony at the Pentagon.

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Wisconsin Airman 'overwhelmed' by White House Iraq veteran tribute

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 15:15:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Airman 'overwhelmed' by White House Iraq veteran tribute

Date: March 1, 2012

The Wisconsin Air National Guard's Tech. Sgt. Cristian Bennett agreed with President Barack Obama's statement that there had never been a night at the White House quite like the Feb. 29 dinner for Iraq war veterans.

"This evening we welcome, not the statesmen who decide great questions of war and peace, but citizens," Obama said. "Men and women from every corner of our country, from every rank of our military, every branch of our service, who answered the call."

"It was very reassuring to hear the words that they said," Bennett said of comments made by Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "All the leaders there were talking directly from the heart."

Bennett, a fighter team leader with the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing's Security Forces Squadron, was selected to represent Wisconsin at the White House event dubbed "A Nation's Gratitude: Honoring Those Who Served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn." The event was a tribute to 78 Iraq War veterans and their families to honor them for their service, sacrifice and commitment to nation.

"It was very humbling to be chosen," Bennett said. "To have the president of the United States talking directly to us, it was overwhelming."

Bennett and his wife Rachel, of Evansville, Wis., sat approximately 25 feet from the podium where the president and other leaders spoke. The Bennetts also had the opportunity to shake hands with President and Mrs. Obama. This was his first meeting with Obama,, even though he worked on the presidential security detail when Air Force One landed at Truax Field in 2009 and 2010.

"He is a down-to-earth person," Bennett said of the president.

"In one of our nation's longest wars, you wrote one of the most extraordinary chapters in American military history," Obama told the more than five dozen Iraq veterans and their guests. "Now, the Iraqi people have a chance to forge their own destiny, and every one of you who served there can take pride in knowing you gave the Iraqis that opportunity - that you succeeded in your mission."

The vice president lauded service members for their ability to adapt to challenges, the capture of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and the opportunity they gave the people of Iraq to have a self-governing, self-sufficient nation.

"You're incredible. You adapted, you succeeded and you defeated," Biden said. "You defeated a tyrant, [and] you beat back violent extremists. And the most remarkable thing you did, because of the breadth of your capability, you enabled a country that had not been governed in any reasonable way for over four decades, you actually helped them set up institutions and train a military and a civilian corps that gives them a real fighting chance."

Panetta expressed his gratitude to all in attendance as well as the million-plus service members they represented for fulfilling their duties, for their dedication and for their service to the nation.

"To all who fought in Iraq, we thank you for your service," he said. "You've earned our nation's everlasting gratitude. We are indebted to you for your willingness to fight [and] your willingness to sacrifice for your country.

"We are [also] indebted to your families and your loved ones for the sacrifices that they made so that their loved ones could help defend this nation," Panetta said.

The chairman, who was first to speak, thanked the president and first lady for paying tribute to veterans and families of the Iraq War.

"Mr. President, Mrs. Obama, thank you for recognizing the service and sacrifice of the military family in this very special way," Dempsey said. "We really appreciate the support that you, the vice president and Dr. Biden, and those that they bound together in the 'Joining Forces' initiative and the nation provide us."

The president said this isn't the first or last time the nation will pay tribute to "those who served courageously in Iraq," noting that the nation's attitude toward service members has changed in the last half century.

"History reminds us of our obligations as a nation at moments like this," he said. "Now this year will mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, a time when our veterans didn't always receive the respect and the thanks that they so richly deserved. That's a mistake that we must never repeat. The good news is already we've seen Americans come together in small towns and big cities all across the country to honor your service in Iraq.

"Tonight, on behalf of Michelle and myself, on behalf of over 300 million Americans we want to express those simple words that we can never say enough," the president continued. "That's 'Thank you.'"

Bennett said seeing two Marines at the dinner who were severely wounded in Iraq reminded him of his own tour of duty there from 2005 to 2006, working with Iraqi police cadets in Mosul. He earned an Air Force Combat Action Medal for multiple engagements with Iraqi insurgents, and survived two close encounters with roadside bombs that has left him with mild traumatic brain injury.

"I realized how lucky I was," Bennett said.

Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. of the American Forces Press Service contributed to this report.

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Academy for struggling teens now accepting applications

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:05:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Academy for struggling teens now accepting applications

Date: February 28, 2012

A no-cost alternative program for "at-risk" youth, the Wisconsin Challenge Academy is now accepting applications for its next class of cadets entering on July 19. Located at Fort McCoy, Wis., the Academy offers teens that are at risk of not graduating a chance to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma, learn essential job and life-coping skills and, most importantly, develop the strength of character to become responsible citizens.

To qualify for this program - which is no cost to families - applicants, both male and female, must be at least 16 years and nine months old but not yet 19, have dropped out of school, been expelled, or become at least a year behind in credits. Candidates must not have been convicted of a felony and cannot be on adult parole or probation at time of entry.

"Deciding to attend this program was definitely the hardest decision I've made in my life so far," Kayla Kurzynski, a current cadet at the Challenge Academy, said. "Before Challenge Academy I was skipping school, hanging around negative influences and not only messing up my own life, but also setting the example my younger siblings were beginning to follow. I knew I had to put a stop to that cycle. Now, because of Challenge Academy I am working towards a future that not only I can be proud of, but my family as well."

For someone who has the desire to get his or her life back on the right path, the Challenge Academy may be a step in the right direction. Call the Admissions Department toll-free at (866) 968-8422 or (608) 269-4605 for an application, or visit the Challenge Academy's website.

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Wisconsin Guard leaders explore generational differences within ranks

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:15:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Guard leaders explore generational differences within ranks

Date: February 28, 2012
By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Military organizations, including the Wisconsin Army National Guard, develop and enforce a distinct culture that influences every aspect of military life - how the uniform is worn and training is conducted to codes of conduct, and so on. This culture ensures a baseline of standards which facilitates the ability of individuals or units to communicate and function with one another.

Continuing that culture from one generation to the next requires effectively communicating the value of that culture, and overcoming any generational barriers that may interfere with that message.

"We're a very diverse organization - we cross numerous subsets," state Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper told Wisconsin National Guard enlisted leaders and officers Saturday (Feb. 25) during a session on generational differences at the Wisconsin National Guard's Wisconsin Military Academy at Fort McCoy. "Wouldn't it be awesome if you had some more tools in your toolbox to break down those barriers to help you communicate more effectively with those subsets within our organization we might be having a difficult time reaching?"

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, recalled joining "pretty much a homogeneous group" of Baby Boomers as a young commander.

"We pretty much understood where each other came from - we had similar backgrounds, so we knew how to interact with each other," Anderson said. "But we are a much more diverse organization now."

That diversity, according to Dr. Elisabeth Nesbit of the Denver Seminary, extends to worldviews and motivations, which translate into different reasons for joining or staying in the military, different approaches to accomplishing tasks, and different methods of social interaction.

"We need to look at generations as cultures, not as people that are older or younger than us," Nesbit explained. "We value multiculturalism, we value diversity. But we haven't applied that [across age groups]. If we start applying it that way, it takes some of the angst out of the process - that it's not just an old person who doesn't get me and it's not just a young person who doesn't have responsibility and doesn't understand how the real world works."

Nesbit defined three generations presently in the military - Baby Boomers (born between 1945 and 1964), Generation X (born between 1961 and 1981) and Millennials (born between 1982 and 2001) - and outlined some broad characteristics of each. For example, she said Baby Boomers value "paying your dues," identify themselves by their occupations, attach to organizations, and don't require much affirmation. Members of Generation X, on the other hand, value competence over next-in-line promotion, are skeptical of organizations, have a strong sense of self-reliance and seek occasional affirmation.

"One thing about Millennials," Nesbit said, "we don't know who they are yet. They're still figuring out who they are and what their place in the adult world is going to look like."

If Generation X was the "latchkey generation," Nesbit said the Millennials are the "helicopter parent" generation. They highly value regular affirmation and are very collaborative, working better in small groups than independently.

"Millennials have been told their whole lives that they can be whatever they want to be, but no one taught them how," Nesbit said. She added that not every Millennial fits this broad definition, but that the definition was useful in bridging the generation gap.

"The choice is mine in my attitude, that I can either get upset or view it as a fun challenge," Nesbit said. "The same is true in management and leadership. You can either be really upset that someone didn't teach them what you think they should have learned at that age, or you can reassess if this person is teachable. You have to come alongside and mentor from there."

Millennials are seeking mentorship, Nesbit said, but not finding mentors in the Baby Boom generation.

"There's something about passing on a legacy, about understanding what has come before us that we value and is important to our survival," she said. "Now we have a generation that is asking for it and doesn't take it for granted."

Steve Tonkin, a presenter from Denver Seminary, said that people are born with one or more of seven motivations - motivator, orchestrator, teacher, illuminator, value builder, empathizer and server. Understanding individual motivations and how they interact with other motivations can help develop better mentoring skills, he said.

"The question is, as we grow does that change? The answer is fundamentally 'no,'" Tonkin said. "If a person is born a leader, they're going to be a leader. If a person is born a teacher, they're going to be a teacher. But it's how you function in that role. It doesn't mean you can't lead if you don't have that orchestrator motive - it just means you're going to do it differently."

Anderson echoed the importance of mentoring the younger generation.

"The organization is not broken - I just want to make it better," he said. "I really want to take the organization to the next step. And I recognize that we have a lot of young folks in this organization, whether they are enlisted or young officers, who are going to be the future leaders of this organization. I want to impart some of my experiences upon that younger group, and a big component of that is mentoring."

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Wisconsin National Guard Airman part of White House tribute to Iraq vets

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:15:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin National Guard Airman part of White House tribute to Iraq vets

Date: February 27, 2012
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

A member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing Security Forces Squadron will be among the 78 service members invited to attend tomorrow's (Feb. 29) White House dinner, hosted by President and Mrs. Obama, to express the nation's gratitude to - and recognize the significant contributions of - the men and women in uniform who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and or Operation New Dawn, and the families who supported them.

Tech. Sgt. Christian Bennett, of Evansville, Wis., a fighter team leader who has served for nine and one-half years with the Wisconsin Air National Guard, will be one of nine National Guard members - and one of only three Air National Guard members - invited to the dinner.

Bennett said words were insufficient to describe how he felt about the invitation.

"There's no bigger honor than to be invited to the White House to have dinner with the president and his wife," he said. "Ultimately, it's about everybody who served in Iraq. I'm floored that I have the opportunity to represent them, the Wisconsin National Guard and the 115th Fighter Wing."

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, said he was proud Bennett was selected for this honor.

"I am pleased that he will represent the thousands of Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn," Dunbar said. "He represents the dedication and selfless service demonstrated every day by our men and women in uniform."

Dunbar was also grateful to the president and other national leaders for recognizing and honoring veterans of the war in Iraq.

"It's probably the most humbling experience I've ever had," Bennett said. "It's something I'll be able to tell my kids and my grandchildren about. It's one of the proudest moments of my military career - I can't think of anything that would top this."

Bennett served alongside Airmen from other Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units in charge of the Iraqi Police Academy at the Mosul Public Service Academy from December 2005 through June 2006.

"More than anything, you really learn how to trust one another," Bennett said of the deployment. "You really learn how to come together as a team. It taught me leadership and how to effectively convey messages."

The service members invited to attend the White House dinner come from across America, from diverse backgrounds and ranks, and from all branches of service. They and their families represent more than one million Americans and their families who served and made personal sacrifices in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey and the chiefs of the five services and National Guard and Reserve will also attend the dinner.

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Wisconsin Guard members recognized for public affairs work

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:43:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Guard members recognized for public affairs work

Date: February 24, 2012
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Public affairs professionals in the Wisconsin National Guard garnered nine top awards, including five first-place awards, in the National Guard Bureau's 2011 Media Contest.

At Ease Express, the official publication of the Wisconsin National Guard, was named the National Guard's best web-based publication for the second straight year. In 2009 it took second place at the National Guard level, but advanced to take first place in the Army and Department of Defense competitions.

WisGuard Live, a command blog which launched in 2011, also took first place. Sgt. Tyler Lasure of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, took first place for his story on two Wisconsin Guard members who competed in the Boston Marathon. Tech. Sgt. James Michaels of the 128th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office was named "Outstanding New Broadcaster" in the Air National Guard, and also earned a first place for his television sports report on Capt. Jason Parks.

Tech. Sgt. Sarah Franzen of the Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office received a second place award for a video segment in the "I Am the Wisconsin National Guard" series. 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson took second place for a story and photo from the 2011 Rhythm and Booms celebration.

Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue of the Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office received a third place award for his WisGuard Live blog commentary on motorcycle safety. Tech. Sgt. Tom Sobczyk of the 128th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office also took third place for graphics illustration with a Red Ribbon poster.

"I couldn't be prouder of the Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs team," said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. "They have led the transition to the digital age while preserving a legacy of excellence in media professionalism."

The National Guard Bureau Public Affairs Office received more than 800 entries from 44 states. Top finishers will advance to the Army and Air Force level contests.

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Volk Field weather forecaster key part of mission success in Afghanistan

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:34:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Volk Field weather forecaster key part of mission success in Afghanistan

Date: February 24, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Mission ready? Not if the weather forecasters said it's a no-go.

An often-overlooked Air Force occupation specialty is the weather forecaster. Who hasn't anguished over a weather forecast gone wrong or at an umbrella left in a stand because the forecaster predicted sunshine?

"Mother Nature is unpredictable sometimes," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Thorn, a 451st Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron weather observer, deployed from the Wisconsin Air National Guard's Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center.

Weather forecasting might be an imperfect science, but instead of hand-held pressure gauges that resembled Grandpa's box camera, mankind has progressed to satellites and computer systems to more accurately calculate weather trends.

"We use a combination of weather machines and balloons, satellites, modeled data, and physical observations to collect data and issue a forecast," Thorn said.

Modeled data is compiled from pre-existing weather forecasts and averages and funneled into a set of algorithms or a mathematical construct, to predict weather over a three-, five-, or even seven-day range, whereas SkewT - a website that depicts satellite data with real-time telemetry - is much more precise, Thorn said.

However, both are necessary for a complete picture of Kandahar Airfield, and on a larger scale, Afghanistan. With such a far-reaching capability, weather forecasting is an integral key to a flight's mission success. After all, deciding to fly a multi-million dollar airplane involves more than a weather-watcher looking out a window.

"We've positioned several weather stations around the airfield," Thorn said. "They have many attachments to gauge different things like temperature, dew point, wind, cloud height, and precipitation to give us a vertical atmospheric profile."

Assessing Kandahar Airfield's weather involves many pieces of equipment and a full-time staff. The KAF weather team - comprised of Air Force and NATO personnel - maintains a 24-hour operations tempo to run three weather sections at the base operations center as well as support another shift on the other side of the flight line.

Weather forecasts aren't just crucial to the pilots, though.

"Engineers ask us about precipitation amounts, say for a 5-10 year period," Thorn said. "Weather affects how they would go about building something here."

Whether it is a pilot, engineer, or Airman deciding on whether or not to don a jacket, the weather forecast affects everyone.

"The best part of my job is seeing how our mission briefs have an impact on operations," Thorn said.

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President Obama's Milwaukee visit begins, ends at Wisconsin Air Guard base

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:15:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: President Obama's Milwaukee visit begins, ends at Wisconsin Air Guard base

Date: February 16, 2012
By 2nd Lt. Nathan Wallin
Wisconsin National Guard

The Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee was part of a collaborative effort between government, law enforcement and military agencies supporting President Barack Obama's visit to Milwaukee Wednesday morning (Feb. 15).

For three specific 128th Airmen - Col. Mike Mayo, 128th vice wing commander; Senior Airman Justin Gruber, a KC-135R crew chief; and Airman 1st Class Darla Tokarski, a cargo specialist for the 128th's Small Air Terminal - the day was particularly memorable. Each in their own way had direct contact with either the president or Air Force One.

Mayo, a 128th KC-135 Stratotanker command pilot and 25-year Air Force veteran, was struck by how apprehensive he didn't feel, noting "just how comfortable it was to say hi" to the president.

"It was a very comfortable atmosphere," Mayo said.

The president shook Mayo's hand twice, gave him his personal presidential coin and thanked Mayo for his service to our country. Looking back, Mayo said that walking up to Air Force One and greeting the president of the United States was special.

"It's one of those things that's kind of surreal," he said. "But it's an honor."

While Mayo's task was to welcome the president, Gruber was instead tasked to "chock" Air Force One - that is, place large and long blocks at the front and back of the aircraft's front wheel to keep the aircraft in place while it's parked on the ramp.

Gruber, who enlisted in the Wisconsin Air Guard in 2007, was mildly awestruck by the enormity of Air Force One and a presidential visit, yet he remained focused on doing his job well.

"Chocking an aircraft is chocking an aircraft. It's not a hard task, but you feel like you have to perform more," he said.

However, Gruber was acutely aware of the extra security presence and media attention. "I looked behind me and there's about 10 cameras, all eyes are looking at you," he said.

This wasn't the first time Gruber had chocked Air Force One, or interacted with the president - he'd twice previously met the president and shook his hand on both occasions - the significance of the day's events were not lost on the 24-year-old Airman from Cedarburg, Wis.

"Looking out at that plane, and what it stands for, that's the real neat part about it," he said.

Tokarski, a Stevens Point, Wis. native, has been in the Air Guard a mere 14 months and she's only been fully trained and certified on her job duties for seven months. Nonetheless, Tokarski was deemed by her supervisors to drive the stair truck to Air Force One.

Driving the stair truck at a slow pace towards the aircraft, she didn't take her eyes off the Air Force One staffer motioning to her with hand signals.

"They told me not to look at the plane, just keep your eyes on the crew chief," she said.

Once Tokarski had placed the stair truck next to Air Force One and she had the vehicle in position, only then did she allow herself a brief glimpse at the enormous Boeing 747 aircraft only a few feet away. As she looked upwards at the jet and saw the oversized presidential seal on the side of the fuselage, she heard and felt a "tap-tap-tap-tap" above her head. A secret service agent at her side next to the stair truck leaned in and told her, "He's at your six."

"I looked in the mirror and, sure enough, he was right there," Tokarski said. "Most people don't get that close to the president. Had they told me, when I met with the recruiter, that I'd be doing this, it's too good to be true.

"It was a great day."

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Additional photos

National Guard celebrates resilience milestone

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:15:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: National Guard celebrates resilience milestone

Date: February 15, 2012
By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
Wisconsin National Guard

The 1,000th National Guard master resilience trainer (MRT) will graduate this week from the National Guard MRT Training Center-Wisconsin, located in the Wisconsin Army National Guard's Wisconsin Military Academy at Fort McCoy, Wis.

"This is a big deal for the Army National Guard," Lt. Col. Maureen Wiegl, division chief of Soldier and Family Support at the National Guard Bureau, said by videoconference during a Feb. 13 ceremony at the MRT Training Center, formerly referred to as Guard Resilience University. "We truly believe that comprehensive Soldier fitness and the well-being of Soldiers and families depends greatly on the success of this program."

Resilience itself has been described as the ability to bounce back from adversity, once thought an uncommon trait but now known to be learnable and teachable. The master resilience trainer program is a train-the-trainer component of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness, a program launched in 2009 designed to measure and improve resilience and psychological health across five dimensions - emotional, family, social, physical and spiritual. A recent Army report indicates that Comprehensive Soldier Fitness is producing positive results.

"Resilience is tied to readiness," Lt. Col. Denise Walker, resilience branch chief of the National Guard Bureau's division of Soldier and Family Support, said by videoconference. "As you prepare your units for training, as you prepare them for deployment or stateside mission, we need to make sure their head is in the right place and that they are strong enough to endure any challenges they are faced with."

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard and an early collaborator in building a master resilience trainer course in Wisconsin, asked students in the MRT course to consider what they were learning in the context of the National Guard motto, "Always Ready, Always There."

"A key element of that mission readiness is individual Soldier readiness," Anderson said. "You cannot achieve that if the Soldier is not battle-focused on his or her training, but he or she cannot accomplish that if they are dealing with a multitude of other issues in their life.

"Ultimately, the weakest link in the chain is going to affect the entire strength of the chain," Anderson continued. "When it comes to organizational readiness, if one Soldier is focused on an issue or problem that he or she is having at home, and not able to focus on the training at hand, it ultimately affects that unit and that unit's readiness."

The Ohio and Michigan National Guard organizations provided master resilience trainers to help the MRT Training Center conduct its courses. Col. Chip Tansill, chief of staff for the Ohio Army National Guard, said that his organization takes this program seriously.

"Our assistant adjutant general has made taking care of Soldiers, Soldier readiness, the number one priority in our state," Tansill said by videoconference. "The skill sets that you are learning and our Soldiers are learning are just immeasurable at this point because every single Soldier counts, every family member counts."

Col. James Bartolacci, chief of staff for the Michigan Army National Guard, said his organization hoped to establish its own MRT training center.

"In order to do this, you have to have a vision," Bartolacci said by videoconference. "NGB and Wisconsin, you guys had the vision in comprehensive Soldier fitness, worked through the MRT process and realized that we had to have a vision. Without a vision we would fail, and we aren't about failing our Soldiers."

Col. Kenneth Koon, Wisconsin Army National Guard chief of staff, and Lt. Col. Andrew Ratzlaff of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 426th Regional Training Institute - which operates the Wisconsin Military Academy - developed the plan for what became the MRT Training Center in August of 2010. They presented that plan to the National Guard Bureau the following month, and in November received the green light to proceed. The Wisconsin Army National Guard assembled a mobile training team to conduct resilience training assistant training for more than 200 students in San Diego in April of 2011, and conducted two RTA courses at WMA in June of 2011. A pilot MRT course was held at WMA in July 2011 in preparation for the very first MRT class conducted by the National Guard in August 2011.

Bartolacci also urged the MRT students to not just teach the skills they have learned, but live them.

"You have to be that example," Bartolacci said.

2nd Lt. Leslie Bamba, a member of Troop G, 2nd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Tennessee Army National Guard, was the youngest Soldier enrolled in the class containing the 1,000th MRT.

"I've learned a lot," Bamba said. "I think there's a lot of really good stuff that [Soldiers in Tennessee] can apply, not only with their Soldier requirements and responsibility but a lot of stuff they can use in their daily lives to make them better, stronger people.

Sgt. 1st Class Rodgie Parker, a member of the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command in the Alabama Army National Guard, was the Soldier with the most time in service enrolled in this course. He said he plans to assist his unit commander, who completed the MRT course at Fort Jackson, S.C.

"I learned a little bit about me," Parker said. "At my point in my career there are still plateaus and still places I want to go from here."

Maj. Sylvia Lopez, a trainer at the MRT Training Center and emcee for the ceremony, noted that the National Guard began its master resilience trainer program in late 2009 when its first trainer was certified. Over the course of the next 21 months the National Guard added close to 590 master resilience trainers across the nation through courses at the University of Pennsylvania, Fort Jackson and active Army mobile training teams. During the past seven months, the MRT Training Center added 411 certified MRTs to that total. In that time, Lopez said she has seen initial student resistance to the resilience concept decrease.

"What that tells me is that the MRTs are getting out there doing their job and helping deliver resilience training or producing resilience training assistants," Lopez said. "People are a lot more open to it, and very eager. There are still some who are skeptical, and that's okay. We encourage that, because we really want to show them that the skills do work. Usually by day three or four we see a turnaround. Our most avid skeptics turn out to be our best promoters of the program."

When Lopez began her master resilience training with 14 other Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers at the University of Pennsylvania in January of 2010, she didn't imagine that two years later she would be celebrating the 1,000th National Guard master resilience trainer.

"I think that really speaks to the collaboration of all these folks," she said of the various National Guard representatives taking part in the ceremony. "Without this collaborative effort, we would not be here."

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Films on famed Tuskegee Airmen prompts diversity discussion

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:15:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Films on famed Tuskegee Airmen prompts diversity discussion

Date: February 13, 2012
By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
Wisconsin National Guard

Lights, camera ... discussion.

While the movie "Red Tails" soars across cinema screens nationwide, an earlier dramatization of the 332nd Fighter Group - the famed Tuskegee Airmen - and its battles in the skies over Europe as well as against discrimination by fellow Americans was viewed by Wisconsin National Guard members and civilian Department of Military Affairs employees Tuesday (Feb. 7). The 1995 movie was part of a professional development session on diversity, led by Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin.

"It's interesting to see the parallels from back then and today," said Col. Julie Gerety, manpower and personnel director for the Wisconsin National Guard's Joint Staff. "'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' - same kind of concept. And females in combat, same thing - let's address it after the war."

Col. Julio Barron, a senior member of the Wisconsin National Guard's staff judge advocate office, agreed.

"What will define our time when history looks back at us?" he said, noting the civil rights movement of the 1950s and '60s. "I think it's going to be sexual orientation."

Dunbar said the movie stressed the importance of seeing someone from an individual's particular community in a leadership role.

"It wasn't too long ago that we had very few women in the military," Dunbar said. "Now we have [women as] senior leaders in the military, so young women joining the military today can look at an organization and see a senior leader and say, 'Okay, that could be me.'"

Dunbar related a scene from the movie in which Lt. Hannibal Lee informs the cadet pilots that he has numerous combat missions under his belt, and how the cadets suddenly see him not as a black officer and novice instructor, but a combat leader and someone to look up to.

"So when we talk about having someone from a diverse population join our ranks, and we grow from within, the importance of future generations being able to look into the Wisconsin National Guard and not only see the things we stand for, but that piece of you that comes from your community," Dunbar said, "I think that's important."

Barron, now an Air National Guard officer, recalled joining the military as an Army second lieutenant and immediately encountering bigotry with his unit commander.

"He used racial slurs toward me ... because I'm Hispanic," Barron said. "Frankly, it angered me so much that I said, 'After my four-year tour, I'm going to get out of the Army and I really don't want anything more to do with it.' But I didn't get out, and I made a commitment to try and change perceptions from within the organization."

Barron said that today he sees members of underrepresented groups in senior leadership positions.

"I am personally proud that we have made such strides in the armed forces," he said.

Dunbar noted that new people groups in the United States historically met with prejudice and discrimination at first. President Harry Truman overcame his own prejudices to integrate the armed forces, he added.

"[Truman] said, 'There's no way we can treat these Americans that way after they've served our country,'" Dunbar said.

1st Lt. Ron Adams, the Wisconsin National Guard's diversity officer, pointed out that diversity is bigger than race and gender.

"If you noticed throughout the movie, when they started meeting each other, they were all different," Adams said. "That one guy was from the city, and the other guy was from a rural area. You had the two pilots who were on a bomber, from Texas and California. We're all different in some kind of way. We need to be mindful of that."

Gerety said that everyone has some level of prejudice.

"This movie just reinforces that sometime you've got to open your mind and listen to what people have to say," she said. "No matter who it is and what prejudice you have, everybody does bring something to the table."

The first of the Wisconsin National Guard Diversity Council's four tenets is mission readiness. Dunbar asked how diversity applies.

"You have to draw from every age in your ranks, their background - whether they're rural or from the city - and capitalize on their life experiences, the deployments they might have," replied Maj. Max Brosig, executive officer with the Wisconsin Army National Guard's Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation.

"The second [tenet] is change management," Dunbar said. "Our country's changing, there's no doubt about that. Cultural awareness is the third tenet. And then there's respect - everyone has something to offer.

"Things will continue to change and evolve in our country, and that's a good thing," Dunbar continued. "But I believe the foundation remains the same. So no matter who they are or where they come from, if we're not doing our job right, you'll see the breakdown in the National Guard - not because they're not capable, but because we don't lead them well. If we do our job as leaders, we'll always have a great National Guard."

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Wisconsin Air Guardsmen vie for national honors

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:45:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Air Guardsmen vie for national honors

Date: February 9, 2012
By 2nd Lt. Nathan Wallin
Wisconsin National Guard

Excited, honored, humbled, proud and surprised.

Those were the reactions of the five Wisconsin Air National Guard members - three from Madison's 115th Fighter Wing and two from Milwaukee's 128th Air Refueling Wing - who just learned that they made the grade as the Wisconsin Air National Guard's Airmen of the Year.

This year's winners - Airman 1st Class Patrick Soderlund of West De Pere, Wis., 115th FW; Tech. Sgt. Michelle Marrero of Streator, Ill., 128th ARW; Master Sgt. Jason Kasten of DeForest, Wis., 115th FW; Senior Master Sgt. Martha Irizarry of Lake in the Hills, Ill., 115th FW; and Senior Master Sgt. Craig Nienas of Elkhorn, Wis., 128th ARW - first were selected as Airman of the Quarter at their respective units before they could compete for the state's Airman of the Year award.

The designation "Airman of the Year" is significant to the recipients.

"It means that the time and hard work I have put into my duties and tasks has shown my supervisors and peers that I am motivated and dedicated," Soderlund, a crew chief at the 115th, said.

Irizarry, the Airman of the Year winner in the First Sergeant category, sees the award as validation that she's doing her job and doing it well.

"It means others think highly of my accomplishments and abilities," she said.

The winners represent a broad range of experience and skill. One has served in the Air Force for more than 30 years while another has only been a member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard for a mere 17 months.

Kasten, the Airman of the Year winner in the Senior NCO category, said the quality of his competitors made the designation special.

"It is an honor when you consider how many great senior NCOs are in the Wisconsin Air National Guard and all of the great things they do," he said.

The candidates competed in one of five categories: Airman (E1 to E4), NCO (E5 to E6), Senior NCO (E7 to E9), First Sergeant and Honor Guard Member of the Year. Cullen, along with the four other command chief master sergeants of the Wisconsin Air Guard, sat on the judging panel and made the final selection. Wisconsin Air National Guard Command Chief Greg Cullen said choosing one candidate over another was not an easy task.

"In some cases, the margin between the winner and the runner up was razor thin," he said.

The selection process began at the nominee's home unit when an Airman's supervisor submits an award nomination with bullet statements listing the nominee's skills, qualifications and accomplishments.

The nominees are graded in three categories: leadership/primary job abilities; self improvement; and base/community involvement. Cullen noted that there isn't one specific category that could tips the scales, favorably or otherwise, in a candidate's favor.

"The whole nomination document is looked at," he explained.

Each unit conducts a board of the nominated Airmen - a formal process somewhat similar to a job interview - to assess their knowledge, professionalism and composure.

Cullen said this competition serves as a motivational tool while also recognizing excellent Airmen.

For Marrero, the Airman of the Year winner in the NCO category, the award was icing on the cake.

"It is a great feeling to be awarded for the work that you love doing," she said.

Cullen also offered words of encouragement to the runners up.

"Keep doing what you're doing," he said. "You didn't do anything wrong - it's just that the person that beat you out this time was just a couple points ahead."

Wisconsin's Air National Guard Airmen of the Year winners will next compete against Airmen of the Year winners from other states. The selection board for the national awards will be held Feb. 27, with winners announced shortly thereafter.

And while the winners are grateful for the recognition, they see no reason to rest on their laurels or ease up on the throttle and coast.

"My work does not stop here," Nienas said. "My goal is to set an example for our entire 128th Honor Guard team so another worthy member can receive this award next year."

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Wisconsin Guard unit completes training exercise in Japan

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 13:30:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Guard unit completes training exercise in Japan

Date: February 8, 2012
By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
Wisconsin National Guard

The Wisconsin Army National Guard's 332nd Rear Area Operations Center (RAOC) tested its limits during the multi-national exercise Yama Sakura 61 in Osaka, Japan, which concluded yesterday (Feb. 6).

"This is the biggest exercise in the Pacific," said Lt. Col. John Morgen, 332nd RAOC commander. "It gives us a chance to stretch our staff members in a number of ways - the military decision-making process, information flow, planning, coordinating and executing. This sets up perfectly for our [mission essential task list] tasks."

Yama Sakura is an annual bilateral exercise involving U.S. forces and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force, and is designed to strengthen military operations and build working relationships. The scenario depicts a massive military assault against Japan and the military response from Japanese and U.S. forces. This year's exercise was the largest since the Great Tohuku Earthquake in March 2011.

Morgen said the 332nd RAOC is a small, versatile unit that plans and coordinates terrain management, area damage control, security, safety and unity of command within a designated rear area - in short, the unit keeps the rear area running smoothly to best support the forward battlefield units. This requires developing effective solutions to challenging problems and circumstances.

"We do command post operations," Morgen explained. "This [exercise] is exactly that. The 332nd has an impressive history of being the organization with the best answers."

The skills honed during this exercise, which began Jan. 23, can also be applied to domestic operations such as disaster response, Morgen said.

Yama Sakura also provides cultural exchange opportunities, with U.S. service members visiting local cultural sites and homes, and taking part in activities such as a Japanese drum performance, tea ceremony, calligraphy, ceramics and cooking. Morgen said some unit members visited a local orphanage.

"It's a unique training experience," he said. "Not only do our Soldiers get a chance to get better at their jobs, but they work with their Japanese counterparts and they experience Japanese culture."

Morgen said he was proud of how his unit performed during Yama Sakura 61.

"I've had an opportunity to be in two other exercises in Japan like this," he said. "I've never seen this level of coordination with the Japanese. In terms of collective training, we're doing very, very well."

Morgen said the 332nd RAOC conducted command post operations and cultural briefings for the past three months to prepare for this exercise.

"Having an opportunity to travel halfway around the world to get great training, in an environment that culturally enlightens, is a great opportunity," he said. "It makes for a better Soldier and develops a better individual perspective."

The 332nd RAOC is one of two rear operations centers in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, and one of only 10 nationwide. Next year the Monroe-based 64th ROC will take part in Yama Sakura.

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Unique Wisconsin National Guard unit ready for next step

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 08:17:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Unique Wisconsin National Guard unit ready for next step

Date: February 8, 2012
By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

The 82nd Agribusiness Development Team - the Wisconsin National Guard's first unit formed to help improve the agricultural techniques of Afghan farmers - was honored by Gov. Scott Walker and senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders during a Feb. 4 sendoff ceremony at Hartford Union High School in Hartford, Wis.

"Since 1848 in our state, there has been no mission of this kind," said Col. Darrel Feucht, commander of the 82nd ADT. "This day is absolutely historic. You have the privilege to assemble such talents and create a conduit to a country called Afghanistan."

Feucht said the mission gives the 82nd ADT the opportunity to connect Afghan farmers with Wisconsin resources such as the University of Wisconsin college of agriculture and life sciences, the UW agriculture research station, the Babcock Institute for International Studies, the Future Farmers of America and other agricultural cooperative organizations.

"This mission has far-reaching effects and is absolutely extraordinary," Feucht said.

The 82nd ADT will also be known as Joint Task Force Badger, and Feucht asked the families and friends at the sendoff ceremony to help choose the unit's nickname - "Dirty Badgers" handily beat out "Honey Badgers."

Feucht said the unit's mission statement is to guide, to grow and to guard - to guide the Afghan farmers and each other, to grow crops and in experience, and to guard those that need protection, the original role of the National Guard.

Hartford Mayor Joe Dauterman expressed his confidence the 82nd ADT would live out that mission statement.

"By this mission, and through your efforts, others will learn how to capitalize the opportunity to fend for themselves," Dautermann said. "The people of Afghanistan and the world will be reminded, by your example, that America not only knows how to meet the challenges of war, but that we also have a heart and a will and a desire to pick up the pieces and put things back together."

Dautermann's sentiments echoed a statement made earlier by Maj. Doug Hedman, Wisconsin National Guard state chaplain.

"Gracious God, your prophet spoke so many years ago of your vision when he said this: 'They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks,'" Hedman said. "As we send out our agribusiness development team, let them be instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let them sow love."

State Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper polled the 82nd ADT on prior deployments and years of service - some had more than 20 years in military service - and noted the unit's wealth of experience.

"What a perfect mission for that level of experience," Stopper said. "You get to go forth and represent the great state of Wisconsin and do things that no one has ever done before from this state. You're the perfect match for it."

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, said that the National Guard is uniquely suited to accomplish the agribusiness development team mission.

"That is because when we deploy, we not only take our military skill sets with us, but we take our civilian skill sets with us," Anderson said. "In this case, with the 82nd ADT, that is exactly what many of you are doing for the primary mission of helping the Afghan people learn to grow other crops to support themselves."

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, said that since 1839 Wisconsin has sent its finest men and women to do the nation's bidding, even for unconventional missions such as agribusiness development teams.

"It's what you would expect of the Wisconsin National Guard," Dunbar said. "It's hard to take on this kind of a mission, to learn something new and try to put something together that hasn't been done all too often before, and go off to a foreign land and try to engage some of these 'soft skills' that will hopefully help develop a friendly country over time."

Gov. Scott Walker and Dunbar thanked the families and friends at the ceremony for their support of the Guard members.

"When I look at the flag of Wisconsin, I'm given a couple of reminders very specific to your mission," he said to the 82nd ADT. "One of the key elements on the shield of our crest is a plow. We do agriculture better than just about anybody in the world. We know that if you're successful in training them to grow things that are useful and productive, instead of things like opium poppy, they won't be funding the terrorist activity and groups like the Taliban and others, and instead they'll be growing the freedom we hold so dear in the United States.

"On top of the flag is a badger," he continued. "We hope that it's a reminder that back home there are 5.6 million badgers in this state who think about you, pray about you and support you. And we'll look forward to welcome you home soon with wide, open arms and a thank you for a mission well done."

Feucht said his team contained the best the Wisconsin National Guard had to offer from its Army brigades and Air Guard wings.

"Now you take the best true Citizen Soldiers and what this great state has to offer - that is, its best resource - agriculture," Feucht continued. "You add that and you add a positive attitude, and you add passion and you have the team that's sitting before you today."

Staff Sgt. George Nagel, a member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee, will deploy with the 82nd ADT as a pest control specialist. This will be his second deployment; his first was to Iraq in 2008.

"I'm looking forward to this [deployment] as an opportunity to help out a country that needs our help," Nagel said. "As opposed to going over there and trying to change their minds about things, we're going over there to help them better what they are already establishing."

Nagel said that serving in a unit that was mostly Soldiers has been a learning experience.

"I've had a lot of fun and met a lot of great people," he said. "Boy, does the Army like [physical training]."

Sgt. Jerry Van Hull - a member of the 32nd Brigade's Company A, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry - will serve as a member of the 82nd ADT's security force.

"I was looking to go to Afghanistan," Van Hull said. "It's a different culture, different environment than Iraq. It should be interesting - it should be a challenge."

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Related Photos

Community packs sendoff ceremony for 1157th Transportation Company

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 14:52:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Community packs sendoff ceremony for 1157th Transportation Company

Date: February 6, 2012
By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Gov. Scott Walker and senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders joined several hundred family members and friends at the Experimental Aircraft Association's Eagle Hangar in Oshkosh Feb. 4 to bid farewell to the 1157th Transportation Company.

Capt. Christian Menden, commander of the Oshkosh-based unit, said the 1157th was ready to continue its training at Camp Shelby, Miss.

"Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers have a great reputation as highly dedicated workers, and now it's time to prove that once again" Menden said. "I know the road ahead will be challenging and there may be many changes, but we will complete the mission."

State Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper urged the Soldiers who had deployed before to support those who are entering their first deployment.

"You'll go forth and show the world what we already know," Stopper said, "that the best Soldiers in the inventory today are part of the Wisconsin Army National Guard."

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, expressed his pride in the 1157th.

"I am absolutely confident from the top down that you are going to do a phenomenal job," Anderson said, "because you are Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers, and I know that's the caliber of Soldiers we have in our formation."

Anderson also thanked the families for their support of the 1157th.

"They could not do what they do without the support and love you provide for your Soldier," he said.

U.S. Rep. Tom Petri quoted President Theodore Roosevelt in saying that character is the decisive factor in the lives of individuals and nations.

"We've been blessed that men and women have stepped forward again and again to make sure that our freedoms endure and that our country is strong," Petri said. "You embody the spirit of Citizen-Soldiers that makes our country great."

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, noted that the 1157th traces its origins to a rifle company that was formed April 8, 1880 - a legacy that has seen Guardsmen from Oshkosh in the Spanish-American War as well as both world wars. The commitment endures as the current unit will soon begin its fourth deployment to southwest Asia. He also commended the large turnout for the ceremony.

"This doesn't happen everywhere," Dunbar said. "It means a lot to the Soldiers and their families."

Gov. Scott Walker also praised the 1157th.

"You need to remember that you are the best of the best," he said. "You are well trained and well equipped. You're ready for this mission."

Walker noted that the 1157th deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990, and supported Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005, as well as deployed to Fort Bragg in 2002 - with some serving in the Central Command area of operations - and Iraq in 2006. He recalled Wisconsin's veterans from previous wars, and said the members of the 1157th would continue their fine tradition of representing the state.

Pfc. Brian Johnson may reflect that tradition. The 41-year-old from Green Bay, Wis., joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 2008 for the challenge and for a rewarding experience. He said that people who experience a thrill upon hearing the National Anthem played will understand why he enlisted at age 38. He also said he expects an enriching experience and strong friendships from his first deployment.

"Helping out the people in their country and also supporting our Soldiers over there," he said.

Spc. William Betzlaff of Oshkosh has been with the 1157th for 14 years, and deployed three times. He said he plans to share his experiences with younger Soldiers.

"Just how things go," he explained. "Where to be when we get over there, how to do things, how to take care of things so that after a month or so they're going it as good as I can do it."

Menden agreed, citing Vince Lombardi's quote about individual commitment to a group effort.

"That's what makes a team work, a company work, a society work and a civilization work," Menden said. "And it's commitment that will allow the 1157th to continue its success."

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Additional Photos

Wisconsin Air National Guard affected by Air Force structure realignment plan

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 18:10:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Air National Guard affected by Air Force structure realignment plan

Date: February 3, 2012

The Wisconsin Air National Guard is among 31 states and territories to be affected by the Air Force's proposed force structure realignment plan, part of a plan to cut $487 billion from the defense budget over the next 10 years.

The impact to Wisconsin, if approved by Congress, would be the reduction by two of the Milwaukee-based 128th Air Refueling Wing's fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers, and the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing will retire its RC-26. The impact on manpower is unclear.

"We will continue to work with the NGB and analyze these changes," said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. "Our focus will remain on accomplishing our mission safely and effectively."

While the Air Force is scheduled to announce manpower changes caused by these structure changes in the next few weeks, Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, Air National Guard director, said that programs are already being set up to retain as many Airmen as possible.

"[The Air Force Chief of Staff] has said that the Air Force is going to get smaller, and all of the components - Active, Guard and Reserve - are going to get smaller. It's now becoming a reality," Wyatt said.

"The Air National Guard has been here before," he added. "We need to continue to work with our active duty and Reserve counterparts to ensure we have the best Air Force possible. America's security depends upon us getting this force mix correct."

"It is unfortunate that the Air Force didn't announce the proposed reductions in aircraft and personnel at the same time to minimize concerns on potentially affected Airmen," Dunbar said.

"But it is our intent to handle any cuts through normal attrition to lessen

To view the Force Structure overview for all of the Air Force's planned changes, go to: www.af.mil .

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Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Sunday for U.S. Army 1st Lt David A. Johnson

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 15:30:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Sunday for U.S. 1st Lt Army David A. Johnson

Date: February 3, 2012

Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Sunday (Feb. 5) in honor of U.S. Army1st Lt David A. Johnson of Mayville, Wis., who lost his life while serving his country in Afghanistan. The Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Scott Walker.

EXECUTIVE ORDER # 58 reads:

Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for First Lieutenant David A. Johnson of the United States Army Who Lost His Life While Serving His Country During Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan

WHEREAS, on January 25, 2012, First Lieutenant David A. Johnson, a member of the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died while serving his country in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, First Lieutenant David A. Johnson provided faithful and honorable service to the people of the State of Wisconsin and the people of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the people of Wisconsin mourn the death of First Lieutenant David A. Johnson; and

WHEREAS, a memorial service will be held for First Lieutenant David A. Johnson on February 5, 2012;

NOW THEREFORE, I, SCOTT WALKER, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, by the authority vested in me by federal and state law, do hereby order that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds, and military installations of the State of Wisconsin equipped with such flags beginning at sunrise on Sunday, February 5, 2012, and ending at sunset on that date.

-----------------

All Wisconsin state government facilities are covered by the governor's order and a 2007 amendment to the U.S. Flag Code now requires all federal facilities in Wisconsin to comply. Other government agencies, businesses and private residences with flagpoles may also honor 1st Lt David A. Johnson by lowering their U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff during the daylight hours on Feb. 5.

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Volk Field receives second straight Air Force excellence award

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 07:30:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Volk Field receives second straight Air Force excellence award

Date: February 3, 2012
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Air Force officials recently announced the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center as one of eight units nation-wide to earn the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award (AFOEA).

This is the second consecutive AFOEA for the CRTC and the fourth in unit history.

"Having the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center announced as a recipient of the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award is a worthy tribute to the dedicated Airmen and civilians that are giving their very best effort each and every day," said Col. Gary Ebben, Volk Field commander.

"I couldn't be prouder of the men and women of Volk Field," Dunbar said. "Their contributions to the 'Total Force' and 'Joint Training' concepts serves as a force multiplier. The CRTC at Volk Field has an enduring legacy of excellence - this is the latest chapter."

This AFOEA recognizes the CRTC for meritorious service from Oct 2009 through September 2011.

And deservedly so - the CRTC hosted training for 475 units - encompassing Army and Air National Guard, Air Force and Air Force reserve, and non-Department of Defense units. Volk Field also hosted numerous multi-agency, large scale exercises, including Patriot, Northern Lightning and the international NATO exercise Ramstein Rover.

Volk Field host one of the only Air National Guard bases that maintains its own control tower. This allowed the CRTC to schedule and monitor more than 4,500 sorties in over 12,000 square miles of Special Use Airspace over central Wisconsin.

In a memorandum announcing the awardees, Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, director, Air National Guard, spoke to the meritorious service of each of the eight units.

"The dedication and commitment of the members of these organizations enable the Air National Guard to fulfill its commitment to the missions of peacekeeping, humanitarian relief, domestic improvement, and most important of all - Defense of America," Wyatt said.

The AFOEA is awarded to units who are unique, unnumbered organizations that operate or perform missions like a numbered unit would Volk Field won the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in 2007 but National Guard Bureau determined the CRTC was more appropriately placed in the AFOEA category.

"The track record of accomplishments doesn't just happen ... it is built with hard work," Ebben said. "These professionals are as fine a group as I have ever had the pleasure to work with in my career. "

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Wisconsin Guard unit returns from sneak peek at Afghanistan deployment

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 08:30:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Guard unit returns from sneak peek at Afghanistan deployment

Date: February 2, 2012
By 2nd Lt. Stephen Montgomery
82nd Agribusiness Development Team

Ten members of the Wisconsin National Guard's 82nd Agribusiness Development Team - including the unit commander - returned from three weeks in Afghanistan, just in time for a formal sendoff ceremony this Saturday (Feb. 4).

According to Col. Darrel Feucht, 82nd ADT commander, the goal of the pre-deployment site survey was to get a sense from the Illinois National Guard's 1-14th ADT - the team the 82nd ADT will replace - about the day-to-day operations of the mission. That mission will be to conduct agricultural development planning, assessment and support activities to expand legal agriculture and agribusiness, services, markets, and education in order to reduce rural poverty, increase employment opportunities in agriculture service industries and improve agriculture education. The 82nd ADT also met key Afghan leaders during their visit.

The Wisconsin National Guard learned in July 2010 that it would be tasked with forming its first agribusiness development team, a National Guard initiative. The 82nd ADT - composed of about 60 Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard members - conducted its first drill in February 2011 and has spent the last year preparing for its deployment.

In addition to their normal drill weekends, the team also had two annual trainings totaling approximately six weeks. In that time, 82nd ADT members completed their required Army Warrior Tasks, conducted theater and mission specific training, and even took part in a week-long "Ag 101" crash course put on by UW-Madison's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

The site visit brings the 82nd ADT one step closer to beginning its mission.

"We went out on four missions with [the 1-14th ADT]," Feucht said. "We were busy from sunup to sundown."

The 82nd ADT members met with the district agricultural extension agent and attended key leader engagement meetings, and took part in a foot patrol to inspect an ADT-supported demonstration farm. The visit also offered a general idea of the area's agricultural condition.

"I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the farms," Feucht said.

Capt. William Benson, operations officer with the 82nd ADT, said the visit was invaluable.

"It confirmed that our training was spot-on," he said. "Illinois has set the bar pretty high, but they have been nothing but helpful in getting us where we need to be."

This Saturday's sendoff - beginning at 2:30 p.m. at Hartford High School, 805 Cedar St., Hartford, Wis. - is ceremonial, as the 82nd ADT will not leave for Camp Atterbury, Ind., until the end of February for their final pre-mobilization training. From there the unit is expected to deploy to Afghanistan in late March.

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Wisconsin National Guard takes part in virtual conference on diversity

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:30:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin National Guard takes part in virtual conference on diversity

Date: January 31, 2012
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Expanding the scope of diversity beyond race and gender can unlock untapped potential in the Wisconsin National Guard.

This is the message senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders are emphasizing to their troops following the first National Guard Bureau Virtual Diversity Conference - held completely online Jan. 18.

"Diversity is a core value of the Wisconsin National Guard and it directly affects readiness. It extends far beyond race and gender - it is about faith in the future and breaking free of stereotypical thinking," said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. "This diversity conference sent a powerful message - our national leadership shares our core values and, by conducting it virtually, we saved significant resources by not having to travel. An excellent event."

1st Lt. Ron Adams, the Wisconsin National Guard diversity officer, said that the "melting pot" concept can suppress diversity and stifle ideas in favor of assimilation.

"Valuing diversity is creating a workplace that respects differences, recognizes unique contributions and maximizes potential," Adams said. "Diversity for the Wisconsin National Guard includes a long-term vision of a workforce that generally reflects the population demographics of the state."

Helping develop that vision is the Wisconsin National Guard's Joint Diversity Council, made up of senior and junior officers and enlisted members reflecting every unit of the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard.

"In today's environment, leaders at all levels are expected to get the best out of their team," said Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard and co-chair of the Joint Diversity Council. "Understanding the value that each team member brings to the fight is imperative to continued success for our organization.

"How leadership views diversity, so goes the organization," Anderson continued, noting that there is value in different backgrounds, experiences and thought processes. "These collective backgrounds give you more variety of input when addressing an issue."

Brig. Gen. John McCoy, commander of the Wisconsin Air National Guard and co-chair of the Joint Diversity Council, said that diversity cannot be a separate program.

"It is simply who we are," McCoy said. "We are much more effective when we value all of our members. Different perspectives and experiences, when embraced, can drive outstanding results."

Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said the goal of the virtual conference was to present to all Citizen-Soldiers, - Airmen and civilians the vision and strategy of Guard leadership in the area of diversity management - and the use of a virtual conference allowed that message to reach a larger audience.

"As your chief of the National Guard Bureau, it is my role to work with your adjutants general to ensure that the National Guard remains a mission-ready force," he said. "Effective diversity management is essential to military readiness and mission accomplishment."

McKinley said steps to improve diversity management throughout the Guard have been taken, one of them being the establishment of the National Guard Bureau Joint Diversity Executive Council.

"The goal of this council," he said, "is to identify and adopt the best practices for recruiting, retaining and developing a very diverse workforce - and sustaining a climate of equality in the National Guard."

"The council adapts these practices from various resources to recommendations that are appropriate to the National Guard's military and civilian structure," said Phyllis Brantley, chief of National Guard diversity and special-emphasis programs.

Some of the accomplishments of the council thus far include a comprehensive diversity policy, a leaders' guide on diversity, resources for state-level Joint Diversity Councils and training and mentoring for state-level JSDCs from NGB staff.

"We as an organization have made significant progress, but much more is needed - especially in our military leadership diversity," McKinley said. "It's a problem with cyclical effects. Through the work of our adjutants general and other National Guard leaders, I am confident that we can move toward a future workforce that more clearly reflects the population of our great nation."

McKinley said accessing and adopting some programs from the civilian sector is one way that the Guard could use to achieve its diversity goals.

"Another step to reaching our goals on diversity and inclusion in the Guard is for each state, territory and the District of Columbia to establish state joint diversity councils and assign a liaison to work with the NGB Joint Diversity Executive Council," he said.

Chief Master Sgt. Denise Jelinski-Hall, the National Guard's senior enlisted leader, said in order for the organization to remain relevant, "we must understand diversity and how to strategically capitalize on the strength of our Soldiers, Airmen and civilians."

"Diversity must be recognized as an enhancement of the character of our organization," McKinley said. "Change is never easy, but I remain confident in the Soldiers, Airmen and civilians of the National Guard to get this work done."

Sgt. Darron Salzer of the National Guard Bureau contributed to this report.

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@Ease Express

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:30:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: @Ease Express

Date: January 30, 2012

From Iraq to Wisconsin and from Wisconsin to Kosovo, from remembering the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Crisis call-up to honoring more than 40 years of military service, and from the National Guard's first muster in 1636 to its 375th year of service today, find out what's happening in your Wisconsin National Guard in the latest issue of @ease express!

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Online issue

Orientation flight links golfers, National Guard Airmen

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:29:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Orientation flight links golfers, National Guard Airmen

Date: January 27, 2012
By Capt. John P. Capra
128th Air Refueling Wing

PGA golfers Jerry Kelly and Steve Stricker joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing on an orientation flight in Milwaukee Wednesday (Jan. 25).

The Madison-based professional golfers took part in a program that allows civic leaders to observe the mission and better understand the role of the Air National Guard.

"This is one of those experiences where we get to see, you know, the true heroes," Kelly said.

The golfers' experiences on base began with a unit mission briefing, which explained the role of the Wisconsin National Guard and the Guard's dual mission serving both state and nation.

The two-and-a-half-hour sortie departed Mitchell Field early Wednesday morning and flew to a military operating area in northwestern Iowa where the KC-135R Stratotanker hooked up with two F-16C Falcons and engaged in aerial refueling.

"We'll offload about two thousand pounds of fuel in just a few minutes," said Master Sgt. Peter Gauerke, a KC-135R boom operator.

The flight provided valuable training for both Stratotanker and Falcon crewmembers in conducting safe aerial refueling missions.

"It's a force multiplier," Gauerke said. "It allows the fighters to double, even triple, the amount of time they can stay in the air and train, making for a very valuable training experience."

After landing, Kelly and Stricker spent time with the Airmen, who discussed their careers and deployments. Airmen carried cameras to capture the golfers' visit with the 128th.

"It was great to meet the Airmen today," Stricker said. "We thank everybody here and across the country for what they do for us, like I say, to live freely on a daily basis. It doesn't come free, and we know that."

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Wisconsin National Guard member to compete in upcoming CBS hit series 'The Amazing Race'

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:45:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin National Guard member to compete in upcoming CBS hit series 'The Amazing Race'

Date: January 26, 2012
Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue
Wisconsin National Guard

For some fans of CBS's "The Amazing Race," deciding which couple to cheer for may be a little easier when the 20th season of the hit series premieres Sunday, Feb. 19 - especially for Wisconsin citizens and patriotic viewers across the country.

Madison native Maj. Dave Brown, Jr., an officer in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, and his wife, Rachel, will be one of 11 couples competing against each other in a trek around the world for the ultimate prize of supreme bragging rights and one million dollars.

"Both Rachel and I have been avid fans of the show for quite some time," Dave said.

The reality show, which has garnered eight Emmy Awards, will pit the teams against many physical and mental challenges over the course of about 25 days.

Although viewers will have to "stay tuned" to see how the couple fairs in the show, Dave does credit his 16 years of service in the Wisconsin Army National Guard - including a recent year-long deployment to Iraq - for his preparation and execution throughout the challenge.

"I truly feel my involvement in the military best prepared me for a competition such as 'The Amazing Race,'" he said, "whether it be attention to detail, leadership style and abilities, or who I am as a person."

When asked how the Race equates to military training, Dave associated the two in three ways.

"It's as physically demanding as air assault school, as mentally draining and as academically involved as flight school, and as sleep depriving as SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape) school," he said.

The major enlisted into the Arizona National Guard in 1996 as an artillery forward observer while attending Arizona State University. He graduated in three years with a bachelors in Political Science. He then transferred to the Wisconsin Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in 2000 and earned an officer commission in 2002. Dave has also served as a military intelligence officer, a Black Hawk pilot with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment, and an executive officer for Recruiting and Retention Command. He is currently assigned to the ROTC detachment at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as an assistant professor of military science.

During his allotted two-week rest and relaxation leave from his deployment to Iraq, Dave visited with his wife in Sydney, Australia. Rachel took that opportunity to pitch the idea of applying for the show. They agreed, filled out the applications and she mailed them in as soon as she returned to their home in Madison.

"Within a matter of a week or two, casting contacted her and requested a video," Dave said.

A fellow Soldier took a one-minute video at the end of one of Dave's flying mission in Iraq. It wasn't the fanciest audition video, but it got the job done. Rachel compiled the video with one of her own and sent it in. Dave returned from deployment in June 2011. He and Rachel had interviews with CBS and the show began filming in the fall.

The rest of the story is yet to be seen.

Growing up, Dave was an avid wrestler and participated in basketball, football, baseball and track where he gained an appreciation for competing, something he shares today - along with his wife.

"I not only strive for victory, but I expect it for myself," Dave said. "I am competitive in all aspects of my life, whether it be personally or professionally. That's one aspect that interested both Rachel and I, both being competitive and people who are in constant pursuit of a challenge."

There wasn't much time to train for the competition. Dave added some weight, in the form of a ruck sack, to his normal physical training. As a couple, Dave and Rachel watched and discussed episodes and specific challenges like they'd done periodically on Sundays since they met.

"While viewing previous seasons we talked through specific challenges in more detail in consideration of our individual strengths and weaknesses," he said.

Whether Dave and Rachel are the first couple to arrive at the final checkpoint or not, it's sure to have been the adventure of a lifetime. And according to Dave, it also seems as if there was no lack of effort or motivation for them to compete.

"I truly felt that I was not only representing myself, my spouse and my son, but I was also cognizant of being a representative of the Wisconsin National Guard and the Army as a whole," Dave said. "The overwhelming pride of representing the men and women of the military in the best light possible ... that was definitely in the forefront of our minds."

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Madison Fighter Wing Airmen continue to perform at an 'Outstanding' level

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:15:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Madison Fighter Wing Airmen continue to perform at an 'Outstanding' level

Date: January 26, 2012
Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue
115th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The 115th Fighter Wing is known in Green Bay for their patriotic flyovers, but they continue to be known across the nation for sheer excellence.

For the third time in six years, the 115th has been recognized with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) - solidifying the fighter wing as one of the best Air National Guard units in the country.

"This highlights that we are one of the premier units in the nation," said Brig. Gen. Joseph Brandemuehl, 115th FW commander. "It speaks to the professionalism and dedication of each and every Airman in this organization."

This includes personnel like Airman 1st Class Patrick Soderlund, of De Pere, Wis., who was recently recognized as the top Airman in the state. He's been with the unit for three years and credits his success to the culture that resonates everywhere within the fighter wing.

"I've been mentored through a culture of 'lead by example' - working with very driven Airmen, peers and supervisors, who go out of their way to help with tasks and understanding information," Soderlund said. "It's an honor and a privilege to be part of a unit that performs and operates at the level we do."

Brandemuehl emphasized the AFOUA is a collective effort of the more than 1,000 Airmen that come together, train together and execute together to keep the fighter wing running as safely and efficiently as ever before.

"These Airmen will never cease to amaze you with their performance, and they are the best in the nation," he said. "The commitment and professionalism of these individuals are really what this award is highlighting."

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, said he was extremely pleased but not surprised with the award.

"This award continues to validate the professionalism and dedication our Airmen of the 115th Fighter Wing display each and every day," Dunbar said. "It is gratifying that the Air Force recognizes what I see on a regular basis - the continuation of a 60-year legacy of excellence at the 115th."

The fighter wing's motto is "Dedicated to Excellence." Those words hold true to the legacy that continues to be written as this is the 115th's seventh AFOUA in unit history. Previous awards have come in 1980, 1989, 1991, 1998, 2005 and 2009.

This award - which recognizes the Wing's achievements from Nov 1, 2009 through Oct. 31, 2011 - speaks to the overall, and well-rounded, success of the Wing and its members. The Wing has made a significant impact on the state, nation and even across the globe during this timeframe.

Some of those accomplishment include executing 4,740 sorties equating to more than 7,000 flight hours, deploying more than 200 Airmen to 18 different countries around the globe in support of numerous U.S. led and supported contingency operations, deploying medics to Nicaragua to treat more than 6,200 patients as part of a humanitarian mission and lessening the carbon footprint in Wisconsin by embracing innovating design and technology in the realm of environmental stewardship.

There are countless other accomplishments the Airmen of the 115th have previously and continue to achieve across the spectrum of all operations on base - from logistics and personnel to mission support and operations.

Inspiring Airmen to continue performing at such a high tempo and culture of excellence could be considered difficult. Brandemuehl sees it a different way.

"I don't think it's one thing we do to motivate - I think it's the organization itself that motivates the individuals to maintain that legacy of excellence," Brandemuehl said. "These Airmen just expect that they have to live up to that high standard."

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Wisconsin Airmen hone skills under Florida sun

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:40:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Airmen hone skills under Florida sun

Date: January 25, 2012

About 150 Airmen from the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing returned to the white snow of Wisconsin from the white sands of Key West, Fla., following a joint training exercise with the U.S. Marine Corps Jan. 7-21.

The two-week exercise, based out of Naval Air Station Key West, pits the fighter wing's F-16 Fighting Falcons against Marine F-18 Hornets in simulated combat.

Airmen in nearly every aspect of flying, aircraft operations and aircraft maintenance made the trip to take advantage of the near-optimal training conditions - including the time, airspace and weather to support increased training sorties.

"Right now we can get so much more flying and training in than we can do at home station," said Lt. Col. Gary Pelletier, deputy commander of the 115th Maintenance Group. "Everyone's been performing great."

Missing only a few sorties due to weather, 115th Maintenance and other fighter wing support personnel helped pilots log nearly 120 sorties and more than 175 flying hours.

"Key West provides a premier location for accomplishing our defensive counter - air scenarios, due to its combination of superior airspace, ramp space for adversaries, briefing and debriefing capabilities and the integration it provides for our GCI controllers and our range training officers for real time kill removal and training through scenario management," said Lt. Col. Erik Peterson, 115th Operations Group commander.

The airspace surrounding Key West provided Madison's fighter pilots the opportunity to train and perform in conditions not available in Wisconsin. For instance, the designated airspace for this exercise is about four times larger than the training airspace in Wisconsin. Also, the elevation cap is boosted significantly from 28,000 to 50,000 feet. These conditions allow for supersonic speeds.

"[Key West] provides an excellent opportunity for flying against the F-16 Fighting Falcon in some of the best air space the country has to offer," said Marine Capt. Michael Huck, F-18 pilot with the Marine Fighter Attack (VFMA) 314 based out of Miramar, Calif.

"The F-16 is a very capable aircraft ... very capable weapons system," Huck said. "So we look to use our tactics and find gaps in those strengths so we can get out there and have a good engagement."

Peterson said he appreciates the value of the exercise and training with the Marines as well.

"The VMFA 314, as an extremely professional organization, provided outstanding adversary support," Peterson said. "It went very, very smooth overall."

For the maintainers specifically, the pace of the exercise provided some very valuable experience across the spectrum of Airmen - from the youngest to the more veteran force. The flying schedule was "6-turn-6," meaning the Airmen launched six of the seven F-16s on station and had only a couple hours to recover, reconfigure and fix any issues before the next six took off.

"Many of our traditional Guard members have not had an opportunity to work day-after-day ... experiencing what actual flying and maintenance operations are really like over more than just one drill weekend," said Capt. Christy Kasten, deputy commander of the 115th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

"The training our traditional Airmen receive on deployments like Key West is highly valuable to them, increasing the knowledge of their job specifically as well as the other areas that support maintenance," she said.

The exercise also enhanced the maintainers' relationship with the pilots and operations personnel - a value that will be extremely beneficial to the fighter wing in the future.

"They were extremely flexible in meeting our flying windows and our aircraft configuration requirements," Peterson said. "They provided the operations group with a solid basis going into the months ahead in preparation for our Operational Readiness Inspection.

Roughly 50 aircrew and support Airmen from the Milwaukee-based 128th Air Refueling Wing, along with three KC-135 Stratotankers, also gained valuable training and supported the exercise by providing in-flight refueling to both the F-16's and F-18's throughout the two-week training.

"They can stay up here, do two flights instead of one, train with multiple units and also practice their in-flight refueling skills as well," said Master Sgt. Will Mattert, in-flight refueling for 128th ARW.

Deploying and sustaining flying operations, involving nearly 150 Airmen and seven fighter jets, to any location is no easy task. In addition to pilots and maintainers, medics, security forces, force support personnel, life support and many other support personnel were on hand to achieve training and contribute to the overall exercise.

"Each and every Airman on this deployment can be proud to know they directly contributed to the success of this exercise," Kasten said.

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The Guardian

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:49:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: The Guardian

Date: January 24, 2012

Christmas at Camp Bondsteel, convoys resume, and command changes - find out what your Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers are doing in Kosovo in this month's issue of The Guardian!

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Air National Guard command chief visits Milwaukee unit

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Air National Guard command chief visits Milwaukee unit

Date: January 11, 2012
By Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze
128th Air Refueling Wing

Command Chief Master Sgt. Christopher E. Muncy, the Air National Guard's top enlisted member, visited the Milwaukee-based 128th Air Refueling Wing, Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing, the 128th Air Control Squadron and Volk Field Combat Training Readiness Center Jan. 6-8.

Muncy regularly visits Air National Guard units across the country as his schedule allows, according to Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Cullen, the Wisconsin Air National Guard's top enlisted Airman.

Muncy spoke with several Airmen at the 128th, and dined with 15 Airmen during lunch at Sijan Hall. Muncy - who oversees the Air National Guard's enlisted force - said that changes are coming to the Air National Guard.

"There won't be a base or Wing exempt," he said, noting that some changes will be severe. "The 128th has done a great job, but you can't rest on your laurels . . . we have to keep leaning forward."

Muncy explained that the strength of the Wing - the dedication of the Airmen of the 128th Air Refueling Wing - will yield long-term benefits regarding the Wing's longevity in the Milwaukee community and the Air National Guard.

"Chief Muncy is our direct conduit to Lt. Gen. Wyatt, the Air National Guard director," Cullen said. "If there are any issues that affect our state Airmen, there is a good chance that they may affect Airmen across the Air National Guard."

While in Wisconsin, Muncy attended the retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. James Chisholm, Cullen's predecessor. Muncy also witnessed the enlistment ceremony for a new Airman, and attended a promotion ceremony for a new chief master sergeant.

A key talking point during the recent Air Force Association conference was the 128th Air Refueling Wing's contributions to the operations in Western Europe, Muncy said.

"The speed of the response was impressive," he said. "Within six hours of the president asking for assets, the Air Guard was ready. That was a highlight for the Air National Guard and the 128th.

"Thanks for what you do," Muncy continued to the Airmen of the 128th." Thank your families [and] your employers."

While the National Guard has a growing role in military affairs - the chief of the National Guard Bureau was recently appointed to the Joint Chiefs of Staff - Muncy said the Airmen are the driving force of the citizen-Airmen military component. He said most people aren't aware of the Air National Guard.

"I need Airmen to tell their story - who you are and what you do," he said. "Tell our Air Guard story."

Cullen said the visit allowed Airmen to express their concerns and also gave Muncy a chance to see the quality of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's enlisted force, as well as the missions they accomplish.

"He was very impressed with what Wisconsin brings to the fight," Cullen said.

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Program aims to link reservists and employment

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:49:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Program aims to link reservists and employment

Date: January 11, 2012

National Guard and reserve members looking for work can tap into a new resource designed to address high unemployment in the reserve components.

Hero 2 Hired (H2H), a Yellow Ribbon-funded project, is an online site that helps reserve component service members find jobs by type and location, determine which civilian jobs align with their military skills, and assess their job skills. Employers can post job openings at no cost, and can set match criteria in the job postings to identify the best candidates. Social media strategies help service members develop professional networking opportunities, and mobile device apps keep job hunters abreast of new openings.

Civilian employment is seen as a readiness factor for reserve component service members, and a critical part to remaining in service. The reserve component Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is mandated by Congress to provide employment services.

A recent survey of approximately 121,000 Guard and Reserve members indicates an overall unemployment rate of 13 percent - six percent higher than the overall veteran population. That rate climbs to 23 percent for reservists holding a rank below noncommissioned officer. Since 2003, the number of employed reservists dropped from 79 percent to 65 percent. Unemployment claims increased six percent since June 2008, and in the last two years, 34 percent of deactivated reservists experience unemployment. Unemployment claims cost the Department of Defense more than $1 billion each year.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Executive Director Ron Young and National Chairman Jim Rebholz announced in mid-December that Hero 2 Hired will replace the Employer Partnership of the Armed Forces (EPAF) - a joint venture of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard - as the Yellow Ribbon's national employment search engine. More than 2,400 registered employers and service members' profiles will merge from EPAF to H2H in the coming months.

While the Department of Labor's VETS program and the Veterans Administration also offer employment services, H2H provides a reserve component focus.

Tim Flatley, executive director for the Wisconsin ESGR, said that H2H provides a tracking mechanism to gauge how effective the program is.

"You need to have metrics," he said. "EPAF didn't have that."

Flatley said that ESGR volunteers will train on how to use H2H as the promotional campaign ramps up.

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Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Friday for Army Staff Sergeant Joseph Altman

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 09:09:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Friday for Army Staff Sergeant Joseph Altman

Date: January 5, 2012

Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Friday (Jan. 6) in honor of Army Staff Sgt. Joseph J. Altmann of Marshfield, Wis., who lost his life while serving his country in Afghanistan. The Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Scott Walker.

EXECUTIVE ORDER # 55 reads:

Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Altmann of the United States Army Who Lost His Life While Serving His Country During Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan

WHEREAS, on December 25, 2011, Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Altmann, a member of 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, United States Army, died while serving his country in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Altmann provided faithful and honorable service to the people of the State of Wisconsin and the people of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the people of Wisconsin mourn the death of Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Altmann; and

WHEREAS, a memorial service will be held for Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Altmann on January 6, 2012;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SCOTT WALKER, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, by the authority vested in me by Federal and State law, do hereby order that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds, and military installations of the State of Wisconsin equipped with such flags beginning at sunrise on Friday, January 6, 2012, and ending at sunset on that date.

_________

All Wisconsin state government facilities are covered by the governor's order and a 2007 amendment to the U.S. Flag Code now requires all federal facilities in Wisconsin to comply. Other government agencies, businesses and private residences with flagpoles may also honor Staff Sgt. Joseph Altmann by lowering their U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff during the daylight hours on Jan. 6.

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Online story and video

Guard Bureau Chief joins Joint Chiefs of Staff

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 14:55:00 CST

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Guard Bureau Chief joins Joint Chiefs of Staff

Date: January 3, 2012

Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley became a member of the Joint Chiefs on Dec. 31, when President Barack Obama signed the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act.

"We are grateful for the efforts the executive and legislative bodies have gone to in placing the chief of the National Guard Bureau on the Joint Chiefs of Staff," McKinley said. "We look forward to working alongside the other Joint Chiefs to provide our nation's senior leaders with a fuller picture of the nonfederalized National Guard as it serves in support of homeland defense and civil support missions."

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, praised the move.

"This decision on the part of the president and Congress reflects the critical role the National Guard plays in national defense," Dunbar said. "It is a direct result of the incredible performance of the National Guard in the last 10 years."

The 2012 National Defense Authorization Act provides $670 billion in spending for Defense Department programs and Energy Department nuclear weapons programs.

Other provisions that affect the National Guard include re-establishing the position of vice chief of the National Guard Bureau at the three-star level while rescinding the two-star position of director of the bureau's joint staff.

The new law also requires that National Guard general officers be considered for command of U.S. Army North and U.S. Air Force North, and it authorizes funding for the National Guard's State Partnership Program.

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