Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs

Returning Wisconsin Army Guard Soldiers may still enjoy a deer hunt

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 10:07:00 CST

Contact: Laurie Fike
Office: 608-267-7974
Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Returning Wisconsin Army Guard Soldiers may still enjoy a deer hunt

Date: February 8, 2010

Wisconsin service members deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan during Wisconsin's 2009 deer hunting season could have an opportunity to participate in the state's deer hunting tradition under a new Department of Natural Resources effort to match vets wanting to catch up on deer hunting with Wisconsin farmers who have agricultural deer damage shooting permits.

"Last year, Wisconsin had the largest operational deployment of our National Guard since World War II. More than 4,000 Wisconsin soldiers and airmen performed dangerous missions in service to our country," Gov. Jim Doyle said. "These newest combat veterans missed what is a lifelong tradition for many - the fall deer hunt. With the help of state farmers, that's a problem we can fix."

"Farmers are in a unique position to offer a hunting opportunity to returning soldiers," said DNR Secretary Matt Frank. "We've invited farmers who hold deer damage tags to share some of those tags with soldiers and we're working with the National Guard to get the word out to returning soldiers."

"What a great gesture by the Wisconsin DNR," said Command Sgt. Major George Stopper. "A lot of our veterans are outdoor enthusiasts. Had they not been deployed, many of them would have been out enjoying the hunt. By linking the soldiers up with farmers that already hold permits, I feel you've definitely provided a great opportunity to all concerned."

An invitation has been sent to several hundred farmers across the state enrolled in the deer damage program asking them to consider sharing deer damage tags with returning soldiers. The program is completely voluntary. So far, 95 soldiers have expressed interest in hunting; nine farmers have volunteered a total of 50 tags for the program, and DNR has been able to match 22 of them up.

Deer damage tag holders can contact the DNR call center toll-free at 888-936-7463 or contact Laurie Fike at laurie.fike@wisconsin.gov with their name, county, deer shooting permit number and the number of tags they would like to share. The call center is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. It is hoped that the first hunts can be scheduled early in February.

Interested soldiers should also contact the call center. Call center customer service staff will take their information and the soldier will be called back with the name and contact information of a participating damage tag holder. It is then up to individual soldiers and farmers to arrange the details of their hunts to suit both their needs.

According to state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma), who introduced the legislation along with state Rep. Chris Danou (D-Trempeleau), the one-time hunt was inspired by a letter from a young Red Arrow officer.

"On Christmas Eve, from an undisclosed location in Iraq, a first lieutenant in Wisconsin's National Guard shared with me his Christmas wish," she said in a recent column. "He wrote, 'I will be returning home and would like nothing more than some time to sit in the woods with some peace and quiet.'"

Vinehout said she met another returning 32nd Brigade Soldier who was demobilizing at Fort McCoy that also contacted her about the hunt. "I shared with him my story about making his fellow Soldiers' Christmas wish come true," she said.

Due to concerns raised by other legislators, that dream was in peril until another lawmaker, state Sen. Jim Holperin ( D-Eagle River) intervened. Holperin, who chairs the state Senate Natural Resources Committee, shuttled between competing groups and worked out a compromise that did not require legislative action or Gov. Jim Doyle's signature.

Vinehout said when she reached the Soldier at Fort McCoy to tell him the news, he was very surprised.

"He told me, 'I never thought you would be able to get this far,'" she said.

Interested Soldiers should also contact the call center. Call center customer service staff will take their information and the Soldier will be called back with the name and contact information of a participating damage tag holder. It is then up to individual Soldiers and farmers to arrange the details of their hunts to suit both their needs.

"These Soldiers committed themselves to service on behalf of our country," Frank said. "I'm certain they will take equal pride in providing service to farmers and at the same time getting a chance to get outdoors and enjoy hunting."

- 30 -

Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10028.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

For Wisconsin Guard members, resiliency is key to returning to life after deployment

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 09:33:00 CST

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

NEWS: For Wisconsin Guard members, resiliency is key to returning to life after deployment

Date: February 8, 2010

Support for Wisconsin Soldiers and Airmen extends beyond the battlefield, Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general for Wisconsin, said during a Wisconsin Guard prayer breakfast Friday (Feb. 5).

Some of that support comes from a new Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program that equips and trains service members, families and civilian employees to maximize their potential and face the physical and psychological challenges of sustained operations. Friday's presentation focused on resiliency.

Dunbar said that resilience, by definition, is an object's ability to withstand force or trauma and rebound. "It's the difference between before we deployed to combat and after," he explained.

He dropped a baseball from shoulder height, noting how it bounced and referred to its "angle of resilience." He repeated this with a golf ball, a tennis ball and a football, each achieving different results.

"Some of us are like baseballs, and some of us are like golf balls," Dunbar observed. "Some of us are better at this than others."

With more than 3,300 Wisconsin Guard Soldiers and Airmen recently returned from a combat zone, and it is essential that they are given the tools necessary to help them re-adjust to civilian life, said Dunbar. Because each individual in the National Guard is unique, there is no easy way to determine who may need help adjusting after a deployment.

So everyone is given the same access to the same tools, Dunbar said, referring to those programs as "arrows in a quiver."

Soldiers returning with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat team in January received briefings on some of these tools at "Wisconsin Day" - where the Wisconsin Service Member Support Division joined forces with the state Department of Workforce Development and the state Department of Veterans Affairs, along with several other agencies, to help returning Soldiers and Airmen understand rights and benefits they have earned as veterans - in particular; education, employment, health care, and the opportunity to file service-related Veterans Administration disability claims before leaving active duty. All returning service members receive similar briefings, which continue throughout the year during reintegration events.

Not only is the reintegration required, it is the right thing to do, Dunbar said. And it helps create a comprehensively fit service member; one who is resilient: physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually fit; is part of a family unit.

Dunbar noted that Guard members can face heightened stress levels without being on deployment, and detailed what he does to stay resilient.

"I try to remember my blessings," he said. "We live in the United States of America - it's pretty amazing, and we tend to forget."

He emphasized maintaining balance between work and family: "If all you do is work, you're missing some special time with your family," he said. Vacations can help maintain that balance, along with understanding that no one is irreplaceable.

"If I die tomorrow, I promise you the Wisconsin National Guard will still be a great organization," Dunbar said. "If you die tomorrow, I promise you your last thought will not be 'I should have worked harder.'"

The adjutant general also noted the importance of being true to oneself. "You have to be happy with who you see in the mirror," he explained. "In the end, being true to your self is being honest with God."

He also urged his audience to spend some time in silence, whether in prayer or just listening. "You'll be surprised at what you might hear," he said.

Wisconsin Guard unit gets bang-up training in Florida

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 14:15:00 CST

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

NEWS: Wisconsin Guard unit gets bang-up training in Florida

Date: February 5, 2010

It sounds like the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 724th Engineer Battalion will be having a real blast this weekend.

The battalion - Headquarters Company in Chippewa Falls, Company A (Forward Support) in Hayward, the 273rd Engineer Company (Sapper) in Medford and 950th Engineer Company (Clearance) in Spooner and Superior - is training at Camp Blanding, Fla., a National Guard facility, in preparation for its upcoming deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This weekend, that training includes explosives.

Military engineer units are often required to work with explosives for demolition missions, which can include clearing enemy landmines or fortifications.

The Camp Blanding Joint Training Center warned area residents that "louder-than-normal" explosions may be heard in the area surrounding a bombing range at the camp during daylight hours. The charges will be detonated in "safe, secluded areas posing no danger to the public," the alert stated.

Soldiers assigned to the 724th Engineer Battalion will report on active duty to their perspective armories in early March before traveling to Fort McCoy, Wis., where they will conduct several weeks of mobilization training before deploying overseas. The mobilization, including time scheduled for additional training at McCoy, is expected to last about one year. The Soldiers will spend about 10 months of the year-long mobilization in Iraq.

The 724th Engineer Battalion last mobilized to Iraq in March 2003 to July 2004 where they provided engineer support to coalition forces. Two subordinate units of the 724th recently returned from overseas deployments. The 829th Engineer Company (Vertical), with units in Chippewa Falls, Richland Center and Ashland deployed with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Iraq. And the 951st Engineer Company (Sapper) deployed to Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, every unit in the Wisconsin National Guard has deployed Soldiers and Airmen in support of the global war on terrorism.

- 30 -

Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10026.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

Wisconsin Army Guard brigade takes major step in transformation

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:45:00 CST

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

NEWS: Wisconsin Army Guard brigade takes major step in transformation

Date: February 5, 2010

By Sgt. Andy Poquette
157th Brigade Public Affairs

Changing missions can be difficult. Changing missions after 90 years can be extremely difficult, but that's exactly what the Soldiers of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) are doing. After 90 years as the 57th Field Artillery Brigade, the Soldiers of the newly transformed 157th MEB, headquartered in Milwaukee, are taking on new roles, new responsibilities, and new challenges.

"As a field artillery brigade, throughout the ' 80s and ' 90s, we had one mission - field artillery," said 157th MEB Command Sgt. Maj. Brad Shields. "Our annual training was the same each year - go to Fort McCoy and fire. Now, as a maneuver enhancement brigade, we have opportunities for those willing to breathe new life into the organization."

The maneuver enhancement brigade is a new Army concept that focuses on battlefield command and control. Unlike specialized units of the past, the MEB is able to own ground on the battlefield, thereby assuming responsibility of a piece of land. This responsibility can encompass everything from route clearance and military police to civil affairs and air space management.

"A maneuver enhancement brigade is an organization that is designed to provide command and control for a designated area," explained Sgt. Maj. Charles Kirchner, chief operations sergeant for the 157th MEB. "This can be during war or peace time. We are a unit comprised of subject matter experts in the areas of military police, CBRN [chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear], aviation, operations, area management, logistics and engineering."

The brigade began its transition in 2007 with a complete restructuring of the organization. Maintenance, chemical, signal and engineer units were created from previously existing field artillery battalions and brigade detachments. This restructuring presented new opportunities for Soldiers, and new training challenges.

"Our biggest challenge during this transition has been getting our Soldiers qualified in the new MOS skill sets that are required for the MEB," Kirchner said. "But it is important to remember that with this transition we are now more relevant to the current world situation both in peace and wartime."

Shields said that change is good.

"Change grows an organization," he said. "With this transition, Soldiers have the opportunity to become much more diverse in their skill set. While it has been a challenge for our Soldiers to get the required schools completed, you have to keep your eye on the end state.

"Each new job makes you more marketable both as a Soldier and civilian, and creates advancement opportunity," Shields continued. "For senior NCOs we are looking for a broad background. Understanding of other jobs is critical to advancement to a leadership position." With the change to a MEB, officer and senior NCO positions have nearly doubled at the brigade headquarters, and Soldiers have more opportunity to advance than ever before. Soldiers of the 157th can specialize in military police, chemical, air space management, public affairs, civil military operations, engineering, medical and liaison from the rank of private to colonel.

Recently Soldiers in the 157th MEB headquarters element had a chance to test their new specializations at the brigade's first warfighter exercise, held at Fort Leonard Wood's Maneuver Support Center. The week-long training exercise was designed to establish a baseline for how far the brigade has come in its transition.

"The exercise went very well," Shields said. "It was an opportunity for the MEB to exercise at its elementary stage, its tactical standard operating procedure. It's all been theory so far, and we really haven't had an opportunity to practice."

Shields said the exercise proved to be a major stepping stone which set benchmarks for the brigade.

"We have a plan, and now we have a base," he said. "We can work towards the plan and our goals. Without this, you don't have a clear picture."

This exercise was the first of many planned for the brigade, with a corps-level warfighter scheduled for next year. Going forward, the brigade plans to use what it learned at Fort Leonard Wood to refine its training plan, and rehearse the military decision-making process. Focus is now shifting from individual training to section-level training.

"Section training is key," Shields said. "The entire section needs to understand its role. For drill weekends, we plan to have staff members drill on Fridays once a quarter to handle administrative work so drills focus on section training. We also rewrote the operations order for the warfighter exercise to continue the fight at [the] armory. We will continue training from the exercise at a section level."

The transformation of the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade is part of the Army's strategic initiative to move towards a modular, multi-functional force.

- 30 -

Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10025.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

Wisconsin National Guard to assist Haiti relief efforts

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:00:00 CST

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

NEWS:Wisconsin National Guard to assist Haiti relief efforts
Date: February 3, 2010

When a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti last month, the U.S. rushed to provide assistance. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen here in Wisconsin and across the country made themselves available to provide humanitarian assistance. Beginning next week the Wisconsin National Guard will be among the relief workers.

Three members of the Wisconsin Joint Force Headquarters' Detachment 52, a C-26E fixed-wing aircraft unit, will head to Homestead Joint Air Reserve Base in Florida Feb. 9 to assume an operational airlift support mission for approximately one month. The small aircraft and crew will shuttle personnel and supplies between Florida and Haiti beginning Feb. 11.

Approximately one week later, a senior non-commissioned officer from the Milwaukee-based 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard will report for a 120-day tour to provide civil engineering assistance. In addition, several other Wisconsin Guard Soldiers and Airmen have volunteered their expertise, many in response to a request for troop availability from the National Guard Bureau.

"The Wisconsin Guard is in constant communications with the National Guard Bureau, and is ready to send a wide array of Wisconsin Guard assets to Haiti," said Maj. David May, liaison officer for the state Emergency Operations Center. Wisconsin is among at least 32 other states to volunteer National Guard assets for humanitarian assistance, he added.

A total of five Soldiers from Detachment 52 will serve in the relief effort, with two Soldiers relieving part of the initial crew. While the Guard members will be on active duty orders, this is not a conventional deployment, but rather an "operational use mission."

According to Col. Jeff Paulson, director of aviation and safety for the Wisconsin National Guard, the Department of Defense frequently tasks Detachment 52 with brief missions outside the continental U.S. The DoD's Operational Support Airlift Command has command and control of the 10 C-26 units in the National Guard, one of which is in Wisconsin.

Haiti falls within the area of operations for the U.S. Southern Command, which is based in Miami. Homestead JARB is located in the Miami suburb of Homestead. Southern Command has coordinated with the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development to assess how the Armed Forces may be of assistance.

Paulson said no special training is required for this particular mission.

The Wisconsin C-26 aircraft and crew will join relief efforts being conducted by thousands of military forces including Guard members from more than 20 states.

The last time the National Guard supported relief efforts in Haiti was 2008, when eight Air National Guard medical personnel were onboard the USS Kearsarge when it was diverted from its Continuing Promise mission to Haiti following Hurricane Ike.

Col. David Aycock, deputy chief of staff of operations for the Army Guard, said that the next few weeks may see a transition to reserve component units, including those from the Army Guard, taking the lead in Haiti.

"The Army has asked us to look at some alternative solutions to provide some options for either additional forces that may be required or to replace some of the forces that are already on the ground sometime in the near future," Aycock said. "My personal perspective is this thing is going to transition more and more to the reserve component-side of the house in the weeks ahead."

However, which units or types of units that would be activated have not yet been determined. "We've been asked to staff some potential options," Aycock said. "We don't have a hard requirement yet but we're looking at some organizational constructs of what we think would be the right force structure to go down there within the parameters we've been given."

Those parameters may change based on the needs on the ground and any mission plan would have to be first validated by Southern Command.

"We still have to go through the process of getting a validation from both Forces Command and Southern Command that the force mix we're working meets the requirement on the ground," Aycock said. "And we would need to put specific Army Guard solutions against that list, brief the leadership here and then engage with those states that own those units."

The National Guard Bureau contributed to this release.

- 30 -

Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10024.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

Two Wisconsin Air National Guard units among best in nation

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:45:00 CST

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

NEWS: Two Wisconsin Air National Guard units among best in nation
Date: January 29, 2010

By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue
Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs

Air Force officials announced Tuesday that two Wisconsin Air National Guard units would be among top Air Force units to receive the 2009 United States Air Force unit awards.

The Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing was one of only 31 units to earn the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Camp Douglas-based Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center was one of nine to receive the Air Force Organizational Excellence Awards.

"This is a tremendous accomplishment for the men and women of the Wisconsin Air National Guard," said Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. "These awards reflect the superb leadership at the 115th FW and the Volk CRTC, and the quality of our superb citizen- Airmen. It is a privilege for us to serve."

This is the sixth AFOUA for the fighter wing. Col. Joseph Brandemuehl, 115th FW commander, said the award is in line with the wing's motto of "Dedicated to Excellence."

"It's that motto that has built the culture of excellence we have today and that allows us to perform at such a high level," said Brandemuehl. "I think this award is validation that Wisconsin citizen Airmen are the best in the Air Force."

Col. Gary Ebben, Volk Field CRTC commander, credits a great staff, great work ethic and vast experience as the recipe for his unit's tremendous success.

Of only four CRTCs in the nation, Volk Field was the only one selected for the award in 2009. "All of the CRTCs provide a valuable service to our nation in supporting Guard, Active Duty, Reserve and interagency training and operational needs," said Ebben. "I can't speak to the specific tempo of the other CRTCs, but Volk Field has never been busier when all mission sets are considered."

A total of 40 units were recognized throughout the country.

The AFOUA was first authorized by the Department of the Air Force in 1954. It is awarded by the secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that have "distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units."

The AFOEA critiques nearly identical criteria but is awarded to units who are unique, unnumbered organizations that operate or perform missions like a numbered unit would.

Volk Field won the AFOUA in 2007 but National Guard Bureau determined the CRTC was more appropriately placed in the AFOEA category.

"This is a group of incredibly dedicated and committed individuals who collectively combine, forming an extremely effective team," said Ebben. "They do a tremendous job performing a very challenging mission."

- 30 -

Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10022.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

Governor honors Guard troops at State of State address

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:15:00 CST

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

NEWS: Governor honors Guard troops at State of State address
Date: January 27, 2010

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle paid tribute to members of the Wisconsin National Guard at Tuesday night's State of the State address in Madison.

"None of my duties as governor brings me more pride than being commander-in-chief of our Wisconsin National Guard," Doyle said. "Over the course of our history, and especially since the Sept. 11 attacks, our National Guard has been asked to make enormous sacrifices. Each time, they have responded with the same professionalism and courage that makes our state and our country so proud.

"Last year, we had the largest operational deployment of our Guard since World War II - more than 4,000 Wisconsin Soldiers and Airmen," the governor continued. "They have performed dangerous missions with bravery - and while 3,200 of them came home this month, many still serve."

Doyle thanked Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, and Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. The governor also recognized four returning Wisconsin National Guard veterans - Command Sgt. Maj. Ed Hansen, Manitowoc, and Lt. Col. Leah Moore, Monona, from the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team; Lt. Dylan Abler, Sussex, from the 951st Engineer Company (Sappers); and Lt. Col. Erik Peterson, Coloma, from the 115th Fighter Wing.

Command Sgt. Major Hansen's deployment with the 32nd Brigade was his fourth combat tour, his first being to Vietnam in 1969. He required a waiver to take part in this deployment and served as a senior enlisted advisor for the 3,200 soldiers deployed with the 32nd.

Lt. Col. Moore served as the commander of the Portage-based 132nd Brigade Support Battalion. While in Iraq running Camp Bucca, she led more than 850 Soldiers.

Lt. Abler returned in November from a one-year tour of duty to Afghanistan. Abler served as a platoon leader with the 951st "Sapper" Engineer Company, and fallen Guardsman Sgt. Ryan Adams was a member of his platoon. Their mission included searching for improvised explosive devices, scouting out key terrain features and bypass roads for major and alternative supply routes, and gathering biometric data - name, date and location of birth, home of record, iris scans and fingerprints - from local residents. The 951st earned more than 200 awards or medals for its service, including 100 Combat Action Badges and 15 Purple Heart medals, 21 Bronze Star medals, four Bronze Stars with Valor device, five Army Commendation medals with Valor device.

Lt. Col. Peterson recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq where he commanded nearly 300 Airmen and 12 F-16 fighter jets who supported ground forces in Iraq, providing non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions - essentially helping look for insurgents and roadside bombs - as well as convoy and troop support.

"I want to thank them - and all the men and women of our Guard and all our armed services - for going above and beyond the call of any citizen," Doyle said. "On behalf of everyone in Wisconsin, I am proud to welcome you home as our newest veterans."

Doyle also recognized Jason Matthys, a Wisconsin Army National Guard veteran who returned form Iraq in 2004 and used the Wisconsin GI Bill to earn a Bachelor's in secondary math education. Matthys is working on a master's degree in school counseling while teaching high school in Livingston.

"I'm incredibly proud that I'm Governor of a state that doesn't just say 'thank you, goodbye' to our veterans, but provides them with the most comprehensive veterans' benefits of any state in the nation - including a ticket to college, tuition free," Doyle said. Nearly 7,700 enrolled last year alone in the state program that defers tuition for state veterans at Wisconsin universities or technical colleges.

Doyle also paid respects to the eight Wisconsin service members who lost their lives in service to their country last year, including Wisconsin Army National Guard members Sgt. 1st Class Brian Naseman, 108th Forward Support Company, and Sgt. Ryan Adams, 951st Engineer Company.

Additional information on the units of Wisconsin National Guard members recognized at the State of the State address can be found online at:

http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/951st_deployed_Updates.asp
http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/115th_deployed_Updates.asp
http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/32nd_deployed_Updates.asp

- 30 -

Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10023.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

Department of Military Affairs furlough day set for Friday, Jan. 29

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:00:00 CST

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

NEWS: Department of Military Affairs furlough day set for Friday, Jan. 29
Date: January 26, 2010

Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (DMA) will operate on a limited basis Friday, Jan. 29, as state employees take one of 16 furlough days required for all state workers in the next two years. DMA will resume regular business hours Monday, Feb. 1.

The Department of Military Affairs includes Joint Force Headquarters-Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard, and the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management. Wisconsin National Guard federal employees are not furloughed.

Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, the adjutant general of Wisconsin, said the Wisconsin National Guard's Joint Operations Center (JOC) and the 24-Hour Emergency Management Duty Officer System will remain fully operational. Edward Wall, WEM Administrator, has ensured that if a disaster or emergency should occur on Jan. 29, there will be staff available to respond to the scene and to work in the state Emergency Operations Center.

- 30 -

Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10021.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

Wisconsin National Guard still active overseas

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:25:00 CST

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

NEWS: Wisconsin National Guard still active overseas
Date: January 26, 2010

The last group of Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers that deployed to Iraq with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team is now back in Wisconsin and demobilizing at Fort McCoy.

About 60 other Soldiers and Airmen also recently returned from the Central Command theater of operations, including the Madison-based 115th Security Forces Squadron, Wisconsin Air National Guard, and 18 Soldiers from Company B, 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion. ( http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010news/10018.asp)

However, the Wisconsin National Guard continues to play an active role in the global war on terror and other overseas operations, with hundreds of Soldiers and Airmen still deployed and many more preparing to deploy.

The Tomah-based Headquarters element of the 732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion remains at Camp Adder in southern Iraq, managing the loading and delivery of supplies for that region as well as overseeing the processing of equipment and materiel for return to the United States as part of the drawdown of U.S. forces there. The 732nd is expected to return to Wisconsin sometime in May.

A 16-man team of Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers, mostly from the Milwaukee-based 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, continues its year-long mission in Afghanistan as an embedded training team, working closely with the Afghan National Police on improving security there. The ETT is expected back in Wisconsin sometime in March.

Five Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers are deployed to Joint Task Force-Guantanamo in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Of those, three are expected to return to Wisconsin in March.

In March, nearly 400 members of the 724th Engineer Battalion will be ordered to active duty for a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The affected Soldiers are part of the Headquarters Company in Chippewa Falls, Company A (Forward Support) in Hayward, the 273rd Engineer Company (Sapper) in Medford and 950th Engineer Company (Clearance) in Spooner and Superior.

In June the Madison-based 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment will mobilize for a year-long tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, every unit in the Wisconsin National Guard has deployed Soldiers and Airmen in support of the global war on terrorism.

- 30 -

Full story and photos available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10019.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

Wisconsin Guard family readiness group leader to be First Lady's guest at State of Union

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:50:00 CST

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

NEWS: Wisconsin Guard family readiness group leader to be First Lady's guest at State of Union
Date: January 26, 2010

Janell Kellett has found that moving forward and giving back can bring satisfaction and purpose - and a special invitation to the nation's capitol.

Kellett, of Sun Prairie, learned last week that she had been selected to attend the State of the Union address Wednesday (Jan. 27) as the guest of First Lady Michelle Obama. Kellett will be among 23 guests, civilian and military, to sit with the First Lady as well as Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice- President Joe Biden.

"It's totally awesome," Kellett said. "If you would have told me four months ago, or even four weeks ago, that this was a possibility, I wouldn't have believed it."

Kellett's husband, Maj. Michael Hanson, recently returned from Iraq following a year-long deployment with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. While that 3,200-Soldier unit was training, mobilizing and deploying, Kellett served as the lead volunteer for the brigade's Family Readiness Group, where she coordinated the efforts of approximately 27 subordinate-unit Family Readiness Group volunteers. They launched a community service campaign called "Moving Forward, Giving Back" to bring together families of Soldiers who have deployed in the past with families experiencing their first deployment, as well as to provide a focus outside of deployment concerns.

The Wisconsin National Guard learned late last year that the 32nd Brigade's Family Readiness Group was named the best in the Army National Guard for 2009, and will be one of seven reserve component family readiness groups to receive a Department of Defense award next month.

Kellett contends that her volunteer work, both with the Family Readiness Group as well as other organizations, likely played a major role in receiving the invitation. For example, a food drive the 32nd Brigade Family Readiness Group conducted at Volk Field as Red Arrow Soldiers were returning from Iraq netted more than 2,000 pounds of food for the Mauston Food Pantry.

"Our leadership here in Wisconsin, as well as our leadership in Washington, support volunteerism and clearly support these efforts," she said. "It's a lot of hard work, but a lot of rewarding work. I truly believe our volunteers are serving the National Guard, definitely making an important contribution."

Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, agreed.

"We are very proud of Janell and grateful for her tireless efforts on behalf of the 32nd IBCT," Dunbar said. "She has a heart of gold and is the perfect choice to represent Family Readiness Group volunteers across the military.

"I am also very appreciative of the honor that the First Lady is bestowing to Janell and all volunteers who support our military family," he continued. "Clearly, our First Lady understands the importance of family support to our nation's warriors."

Kellett was nominated by Col. Steven Bensend, commander of the 32nd Brigade, as well as by Jan Van Kirk, lead volunteer for the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and by Lt. Col. Tammy Gross, director of the Wisconsin National Guard's Service Member Support Division.

She said her husband, who will watch the speech from the theater room of the White House while she is at the Capitol Building, jokes that he is the "and guest" part of the invitation. She disagreed.

"If it wasn't for him, I never would have been asked," Kellett, the only National Guard spouse to be invited, said. She described the invitation as a great honor, and said she struggled to justify why she was selected over other deserving candidates.

"At first I was excited, and then I was panicked, and then I was wondering why someone else wasn't picked," she explained. "Then I accepted that I was picked, and then I was excited again."

- 30 -

Full story and photos available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10020.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

60 Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers, Airmen return from deployments

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:00:00 CST

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

NEWS: 60 Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers, Airmen return from deployments
Date: January 25, 2010

Approximately 60 Wisconsin National Guard members from three different units returned over the weekend from overseas deployments.

This latest wave of homecomings began last Thursday (Jan. 21) when approximately 30 Airmen from the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Security Forces Squadron, based in Madison, arrived at the Dane County Regional Airport following a six-month deployment to Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyz Republic, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Airmen supported the 376th Expeditionary Security Squadron at Manas by performing airbase ground defense.

"Our job was security," said Staff Sgt. Philip Steffens, a member of the 115th SFS who worked in the armory while deployed. "We knew our job and did it well."

Their actions were acknowledged by the 115th Security Forces Squadron commander, Lt. Col. Brian Buhler, who welcomed them home.

"This is a wonderful example of quality Airmen successfully applying skills and techniques that they were exposed to in training at 115th FW," Buhler said. "Their accomplishments reassure us that our pre-deployment preparations were right on target and have adequately prepared our Airmen for real-world missions."

Operations at Manas began in December 2001 to support military's operational needs in Afghanistan while serving as a staging ground for the mission.

Upon returning, the Airmen promptly in-processed at Truax Field and headed home across the Midwest.

"It goes without being said that we missed the individual talent and skills of each and every security force member who volunteered for this deployment," Buhler said. "But thanks to the collaborative efforts of our traditional Airmen, full-time active guard reserve and state security officers, we were able to seamlessly fill the void of our deployed members."

The final band of Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers who deployed for the past year with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team returned from Iraq on Sunday (Jan. 24).

The Soldiers were greeted by Wisconsin National Guard leadership and the 132nd Army Band at the Dane County Regional Airport upon their return.

Just under 20 Soldiers assigned to a "trail party" remained in Kuwait to take care of administrative and logistical details concerning the brigade's redeployment to the United States. Twelve military intelligence soldiers, assigned to the Madison-based Company B, 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, also returned from Fort Lewis, Wash., where they conducted demobilization activities following their tour in Iraq.

Sunday's arrival brings to a close the year-long saga which began Feb. 1, 2009 when the 32nd Brigade, augmented by six other Wisconsin Army National Guard units, was ordered to active duty. The brigade deployed to Iraq in April and May following two months of training at Fort Bliss, Texas. During training and while in Iraq, the brigade was organized into 27 company-sized units. Rather than operating as a brigade, the 32nd was tasked with a variety of missions throughout Iraq.

These missions included forward operating base administration, base defense, area security, quick reaction forces, freedom of movement security support, detainee guard force operations at theater internment facilities, closing the largest internment facility in Iraq, transferring detainees, operating an academy to train Iraqi corrections officers, inspecting detention facilities, securing and administering the International Zone in Baghdad, and turning over U.S.-controlled properties back the government of Iraq. The brigade's Soldiers operated around the clock, most of them working at least 12 hours a day - day after day, week after week, for eight full months in Iraq.

The first wave of Soldiers who deployed with the 32nd Brigade returned to Wisconsin Jan. 5, but the majority of Soldiers returned on 11 flights between Jan. 11 and Jan. 18.

Sunday's returnees began their demobilization processing at Fort McCoy and are expected to be released from active duty the end of this week.

- 30 -

Full story and photos available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10018.asp<

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

More Red Arrow Soldiers expected home Sunday

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:00:00 CST

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

NEWS: More Red Arrow Soldiers expected home Sunday
Date: January 24, 2010

About 30 Wisconsin Guard members are expected to arrive in Madison Sunday (Jan. 24), having completed their tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The first flight includes approximately 20 Soldiers mostly from the 32nd Infantry Brigade headquarters who have spent the final days of their tour in Kuwait coordinating flights for the other more than 3,000 troops who returned to Wisconsin recently. Following an initial reunion with their families, Soldiers will travel to nearby Fort McCoy to begin about five days of demobilization processing before being released from active duty.

The second flight includes 12 Soldiers from the Madison - based Company B, 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion (Military Intelligence). While also members of the 32nd Brigade, these Soldiers spent their year of active duty in Iraq with the 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard. They returned to the U.S. last week and have been conducting demobilization activities in Fort Lewis, Wash.

While all Soldiers will be greeted by National Guard leadership and the 132nd Army Band, Company B Soldiers will then travel to Joint Force Headquarters, 2400 Wright St., Madison, for an official welcome home ceremony with family and friends - homecomings are not open to the general public.

The return of these two flights marks the completion of duty for almost all of the Soldiers from and deployed with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Approximately 10 Soldiers remained in theater, having volunteered for another tour of duty.

During training and while in Iraq, the brigade was organized into 27 company-sized units. Rather than operating as a brigade, the 32nd was tasked with a variety of missions throughout Iraq. These missions included forward operating base administration, base defense, area security, quick reaction forces, freedom of movement security support, detainee guard force operations at theater internment facilities, closing the largest internment facility in Iraq, transferring detainees, operating an academy to train Iraqi corrections officers, inspecting detention facilities, securing and administering the International Zone in Baghdad, and turning over U.S.-controlled properties back the government of Iraq. The brigade's Soldiers operated around the clock, most of them working at least 12 hours a day - day after day, week after week, for eight full months in Iraq.

Having accomplished their mission, each company began transferring responsibilities to units from the Texas National Guard's 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team at the end of December and will continue to do so as they prepare to return to Wisconsin in January. (For a detailed account of the 32nd Brigade's deployment see: http://dma.wi.gov/deployment )

- 30 -

Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10017.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

Team Wisconsin comes together to serve state's newest veterans

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:00:00 CST

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

NEWS: Team Wisconsin comes together to serve state's newest veterans
Date: January 20, 2010

As the approximately 3,200 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers who deployed with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team return from Iraq this month, one mission remains - and a team of state agencies are working to give Soldiers the tools they need to complete that mission.

To ensure success on this front, the Wisconsin Service Member Support Division joined forces with the state Department of Workforce Development and the state Department of Veterans Affairs, along with several other agencies, to help returning Soldiers and Airmen understand what rights and benefits they have earned as veterans - in particular, education, employment and health care, and the opportunity to file service-related Veterans Administration disability claims before leaving active duty.

This collaboration is a natural outgrowth for the SMSD, created in 2009 as required by Congress to combine the Badger Yellow Ribbon program, Wisconsin National Guard Family Program Office and the Joint Family Support Assistance Program (JFSAP). Run by the Wisconsin National Guard, the SMSD offers help previously available through a variety of programs through one office to families and employers of service members from all components, both active duty and reserve.

According to Jeffrey Unger, the transition assistance advisor for Wisconsin's Department of Military Affairs, many benefits veterans have earned go unused. Beginning Thursday (Jan. 14), he moderated "Wisconsin Day" - a detailed presentation to veterans back in the state less than 24 hours from a deployment to Iraq, acquainting them with their benefits. These briefings are considered crucial for returning service members.

"We want to make sure we introduce veterans to the core programs and services that are basically life-altering," Unger said.

Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen returning from overseas deployments have been briefed on such benefits in the past, during their demobilization as well as periodic "reintegration" sessions in the year following the end of their active duty tour. The idea for this type of presentation, Unger explained, was modeled after a similar effort last summer at Fort McCoy for the 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the Washington Army National Guard. Thursday was the test run for Wisconsin Day, which was scheduled for several days during the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team's demobilization.

"Reports from unit commanders [are] that this is the way to go," he said. Mike Hallquist, a representative with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) spoke to 32nd Brigade Soldiers about job security in an uncertain economy.

"Your employer cannot discriminate against you because you served your country," he explained. Soldiers have a right to return to the same or similar job at the pay rate they would have received had they not deployed, Hallquist said, and if they have been released due to downsizing at their job, they have a right to know their seniority status with the company to determine if their release would have occurred had they not deployed. These rights are spelled out under the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, or USERRA.

Hallquist cautioned Soldiers that they have certain responsibilities, such as providing their employers with adequate notice of their upcoming deployment and returning to work within 90 days following the end of that deployment. If the Soldier believes he or she has been treated unfairly by their employer, they are obliged to contact their chain of command, and then contact ESGR along with the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS). If the complaint has merit and ESGR gets involved, "then it's the U.S. government versus your employer," Hallquist said. "You can guess who will win that one."

Ken Grant, a representative from the state Department of Workforce Development, spoke to Soldiers about various workshops offered to help those without jobs reenter the workforce. "In these tough economic times, we want to make sure you're the best prepared job applicant," Grant said. "We'll also do all that we can to help you get the right job skills. We want you to be the best prepared and the best qualified."

Ray Perez, from the state Department of Veterans Affairs, outlined federal and state veterans' benefits available to returning Soldiers. Some of these include the Wisconsin G.I. Bill, veteran education grants, assistance to needy vets, retraining grants, veteran homes and cemeteries, and the "Mission: Welcome Home" program.

"Listen up, guys - you're duly entitled," he said. "You're eligible for these benefits, but more importantly, you've earned them."

Rebecca Boehlke spoke about Military OneSource, which provides a vast array of services to veterans and non-veteran service members alike. These run the gamut from free counseling sessions for family issues, programs for weight loss and stress relief, financial counseling, and free tax preparation with a professional service through Military OneSource.

"Don't go to H&R Block and bill Military OneSource," Boehlke quipped.

1st Lt. James Khile, the rear detachment chaplain for the 32nd Brigade, spoke to Soldiers about enrichment programs offered by the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs and administered by the chaplain program. There are programs for marriage enrichment (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program, or PREP), single enrichment (Premarital Interpersonal Choices and Knowledge, or PICK) and family enrichment. These weekend events are not counseling, but workshops to strengthen relationships and make wise relationship choices.

Jean Bardeen, a military Family Assistance Center representative, spoke about Wisconsin's Service Member Support Division.

"If you take nothing else away from today, know that we are the portal for all the agencies here today," she said.

Bob Curry, founder of DryHootch.org, a support group for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, also spoke to Soldiers Thursday.

"I have a lot of brothers and sisters who want to thank you," he said. "Your generation gave us our honor back."

Capt. Mike Brandt, the state behavioral health officer for the Veterans Health Administration, spoke compellingly about post-traumatic stress disorder - what it is, and what it is not.

"What most people come back with is not PTSD, but resiliency," Brandt said. "A war zone is a prime place to build resiliency - opening your mind, doing what is necessary for the mission and the Soldiers around you. And that will serve you well in civilian life."

PTSD, he explained, is first a physical phenomenon, a chemical reaction in the brain that affects how one feels. It is caused by repeated exposure to horrifying events accompanied by adrenaline, he said.

"In a combat zone that can happen on a daily basis," Brandt said. "The brain is not built to handle that amount of adrenaline."

As a result, those with PTSD release adrenaline inappropriately. This can mean reduced problem-solving ability as well as anger-management issues. PTSD also can result in high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, irritable bowel and psoriasis. Early treatment is crucial, he said, as delaying treatment translates into lengthier treatment.

"Every one of you have changed from the war zone - not everyone in a negative way," Brandt said. "Many of you have resiliency.

"The only barrier between you and mental health is you," he continued. "You will get information on where to get help. Don't put it off."

Following the briefings, Soldiers enjoyed a lunch served by American Legion volunteers and visited information booths for veteran service organizations, county veteran service officers and other veteran agencies.

- 30 -

Full story and photos available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10016.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Wednesday for Marine Lance Cpl. Jacob Meinert

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:00:00 CST

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

NEWS: Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Wednesday for Marine Lance Cpl. Jacob Meinert
Date: January 19, 2010

Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Wednesday, Jan. 20 in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jacob Meinert of Fort Atkinson, who was killed in action in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Jan. 10. The Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Jim Doyle.

EXECUTIVE ORDER # 309 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 Lance Corporal Jacob Meinert of the United State Marine Corps Who Lost His Life While Serving His Country in Operation Enduring Freedom

WHEREAS, on January 10, 2010, Lance Corporal Jacob Meinert, who was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, died while serving his country in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Jacob Meinert 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 Lance Corporal Jacob Meinert; and

WHEREAS, a memorial service will be held for Lance Corporal Jacob Meinert on Wednesday, January 20, 2010;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM DOYLE, 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 Wednesday, January 20, 2010, and ending at sundown 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 Lance Cpl. Jacob Meinert by lowering their U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff during the daylight hours on Jan. 20.

- 30 -

Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10015.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

Most 32nd Brigade Soldiers now back in Wisconsin

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:50:00 CST

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

NEWS: Most 32nd Brigade Soldiers now back in Wisconsin
Date: January 18, 2010

Shortly before noon on a brisk Monday (Jan. 18) morning, more than 280 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers arrived at Volk Field to the cheers and embraces of family and friends, bringing the year-long journey of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team - from Wisconsin to Texas to Iraq and back to Wisconsin again - almost to a close.

Approximately 20 Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers remained behind to take care of administrative and logistical details regarding the 32nd Brigade's departure from the Central Command theater of operations. They are expected to arrive in Wisconsin later this week. Still, as of Monday, most of the 3,200 Soldiers who had deployed with the 32nd Brigade had safely returned to Wisconsin.

"It feels great," said Command Sgt. Maj. Ed Hansen, 32nd Brigade Command Sgt. Major. "It's a relief - like a big weight's been lifted."

The first wave of Soldiers who deployed with the 32nd Brigade returned to Wisconsin Jan. 5, but the majority of Soldiers returned on 11 flights between Jan. 11 and Jan. 18.

Col. Steven Bensend, commander of the 32nd Brigade, said that senior leaders in Iraq - including Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Multi-National Forces in Iraq - have made numerous positive comments about Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers.

"Not one time did I ever have any top leaders asking me why my brigade did this or did that," Bensend said. "They said they were impressed, without exception. That's indicative of the leadership of these [Soldiers].

"From the sergeants, the staff sergeants, the company commanders, the focus was on getting the job done," he continued. "We have a culture in the brigade on leadership, on getting things done."

The 32nd Brigade, augmented by six other Wisconsin Army National Guard units, was ordered to active duty Feb. 1, 2009 and deployed to Iraq in April and May following two months of training at Fort Bliss, Texas.

During training and while in Iraq, the brigade was organized into 27 company-sized units. Rather than operating as a brigade, the 32nd was tasked with a variety of missions throughout Iraq.

"Some Soldiers left the wire every day," Bensend said. "Some never left the FOB [forward operating base]. Each job was equally important."

Capt. Daniel Hendershot, commander of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery - one of the final units to return to Wisconsin - thanked the families of his Soldiers.

"You were just as much a part of the deployment while we were overseas as we were," he said. Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, the adjutant general of Wisconsin, also recognized the families who supported their Soldiers during their year-long deployment.

"Soldiers, how great is it to be home?" he asked, drawing a chorus of "Hooah" from the audience. "Families, how great is it to have your Soldiers home?" he continued, prompting a jubilant cheer from family members that dwarfed the Soldiers' response.

Bensend and other Wisconsin National Guard senior leaders - including Dunbar; Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard; and Command Sgt. Major George Stopper, state command sergeant major - cautioned Soldiers that their mission was not quite over. Stopper urged Soldiers to pay attention to their demobilization briefings.

"You need to be able to use all those benefits you are eligible for," he said.

Bensend said the next step for the 32nd Brigade is to complete demobilization, be recognized for their deployment at an upcoming Freedom Salute ceremony, complete the reintegration process, and finally to "reset" the brigade - part of a three-stage process that prepares the brigade for its next mission. He stressed that the 32nd has not been identified for another deployment.

"We're just looking at getting the Soldiers back with their units and ease them back into a training cycle," he said.

More photos of the 32nd Brigade's homecoming can be found online at: flickr

- 30 -

Full story and photo available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10014.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

More than 1,300 Soldiers deployed with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team on the next wave of arrivals

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:20:00 CST

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

NEWS: More than 1,300 Soldiers deployed with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team on the next wave of arrivals
Date: January 16, 2010

Four flights of Soldiers deployed with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team will be arriving in Wisconsin Sunday through Monday, bringing home all but about 20 of the 3,200 Soldiers deployed with the 32nd Brigade.

Sunday's flights include Soldiers mostly from Battery A, 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery, Racine; the 108th Forward Support Company, Sussex; Company A (Engineer), 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Onalaska; and Headquarters and Headquarters Company , 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Appleton and Clintonville; Company A , 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Waupun and Ripon; and Company D, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Marinette.

Monday's flights include Soldiers mostly from Company A, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, Janesville; and Company D, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, Baraboo and Madison.

One additional flight is scheduled later in the week with about 20 Soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Brigade Headquarters who have spent the final days of their tour coordinating all the flights for returning Soldiers.

The entire brigade has been returning to Wisconsin in stages at all times of the day and night. Soldiers land at Volk Field where they are met by senior National Guard officials, a military band and family members - homecomings are not open to the general public. Following an initial reunion with their families and a brief official "welcome home" ceremony, Soldiers travel to nearby Fort McCoy to begin about five days of demobilization processing before being released from active duty.

Returning Soldiers of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team on Wednesday may come from units in the following Wisconsin communities:

Battery A, 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery - Racine

108th Forward Support Company - Sussex

32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion
Company A (Engineer),32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion - Onalaska

2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry
Headquarters and Headquarters Company , 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry - Appleton and Clintonville
Company A , 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry - Waupun and Ripon
Company D, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry - Marinette

132nd Brigade Support Battalion
Company A, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion - Janesville
Company D,132nd Brigade Support Battalion - Baraboo and Madison

1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery - Wisconsin Rapids
Battery A, 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery - Marshfield
Battery B, 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery - Stevens Point

- 30 -

Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10013.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

Another change in arrival time for some Wisconsin Guard Soldiers

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:36:00 CST

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

NEWS UPDATE 2: Another change in arrival time for some Wisconsin Guard Soldiers
Date: January 14, 2010

A flight scheduled to arrive Friday (Jan.15) has been delayed and will now arrive in Wisconsin Saturday with Soldiers mostly from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay; Company B (Support Maintenance), 257th Brigade Support Battalion, Kenosha; and some members of Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry, Madison and Troop C, Reedsburg.

The entire brigade is returning to Wisconsin in stages throughout January. All are scheduled to return to Volk Field where they will be met by senior National Guard officials, a military band and family members - homecomings are not open to the general public. Following an initial reunion with their families and a brief official "welcome home" ceremony, Soldiers will travel to nearby Fort McCoy to begin about five days of demobilization processing before being released from active duty.

During training and while in Iraq, the brigade was organized into 27 company-sized units. Rather than operating as a brigade, the 32nd was tasked with a variety of missions throughout Iraq. These missions included forward operating base administration, base defense, area security, quick reaction forces, freedom of movement security support, detainee guard force operations at theater internment facilities, closing the largest internment facility in Iraq, transferring detainees, operating an academy to train Iraqi corrections officers, inspecting detention facilities, securing and administering the International Zone in Baghdad, and turning over U.S.-controlled properties to the government of Iraq. The brigade's Soldiers operated around the clock, most of them working at least 12 hours a day - day after day, week after week, for eight full months in Iraq.

Having accomplished their mission, each company began transferring responsibilities to units from the Texas National Guard's 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team at the end of December and will continue to do so as they prepare to return to Wisconsin in January. ( (For a detailed account of the 32nd Brigade's deployment see: http://dma.wi.gov/deployment )

Returning Soldiers deployed with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Thursday and early Friday may come from units in the following Wisconsin communities:

2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry
Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry - Green Bay

257th Brigade Support Battalion
Company B (Support Maintenance), 257th Brigade Support Battalion - Kenosha

1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry (Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target Acquisition)
Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry - Madison
Troop C, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry - Reedsburg

- 30 -

Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10011b.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

National Guard Stands Ready to Help in Haiti

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:00:00 CST

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

NEWS: National Guard Stands Ready to Help in Haiti
Date: January 14, 2010
By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke
Special to American Forces Press Service

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Army and Air National Guard are prepared to help in the humanitarian relief effort in Haiti, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said today.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Haitian people, who have been devastated by this earthquake," said Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley. "The National Guard stands ready to work with the Army and the Air Force to provide humanitarian assistance to Haiti when called upon."

Specifically, the Puerto Rico National Guard, which is one of the closest U.S. territories in the area, has personnel and equipment on standby if they are needed.

The Puerto Rico Army Guard has alerted three UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the 1/111th Aviation Company along with 12 crew members, and the Puerto Rico Air Guard has called up two C-130 aircraft from the 156th Airlift Wing with 21 support personnel, said Army Capt. Paul Dahlen, the Puerto Rico Guard's public affairs officer.

He said the aircraft have anticipated deployment times, but officials are waiting for final approvals.

U.S. Southern Command is coordinating with the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development to assess the situation after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake left perhaps thousands of people dead and many more trapped beneath collapsed buildings, officials reported.

"If we are asked by the Department of State and the Department of Defense to provide assistance, we would do so in a supporting role," Southcom officials said in a written statement. The USAI D's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance is the lead U.S. government agency for U.S. disaster relief efforts, the statement noted.

Command officials said they will deploy a team of 30 people to Haiti today, including military engineers, operational planners and a command and control group and communication specialists on the two C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Puerto Rico Air National Guard. The team will work with U.S. Embassy personnel as well as Haitian, United Nations and other officials to assess the situation to provide follow-on support.

"With nearly 450,000 people throughout 54 states and territories, the National Guard can deploy and respond to any disaster as needed, anywhere," said Walt Debany, a spokesman for the National Guard Bureau.

According to news reports, the quake was felt in the Dominican Republic as well as Guantanamo Bay.

Arkansas and Rhode Island Guardsmen currently deployed to Joint Task Force Guantanamo felt the tremors from yesterday's earthquake in Haiti. Air Force Lt. Col. Denise Boyer, commander of the 474th Expeditionary Combat Engineering Squadron, which is made up of about 50 Air National Guard members, said she was in her tent when the earthquake hit yesterday after duty hours.

"The tent shook, the floor shook, everything kind of rumbled around," she said. "Honestly, it felt like a big 18-wheeler rolled by outside."

Boyer had experienced seismic activity before at Guantanamo, but "this was definitely bigger than what we had in the past."

The Navy engineers there are dealing with some water breaks, but Boyer said her engineers are not responsible for any hard structures on the base.

"Tents fare a lot better in an earthquake," she said.

(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke serves at the National Guard Bureau.)

- 30 -

Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/DOD_1-13-2010_Haiti.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

Update: Change in arrival times for some Wisconsin Guard Soldiers

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 CST

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

UPDATED NEWS: Change in arrival times for some Wisconsin Guard Soldiers
Date: January 14, 2010

Three more flights of Soldiers deployed with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team will arrive in Wisconsin soon.

One flight is scheduled to arrive late today which includes Soldiers mostly from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Fond du Lac; and some member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Appleton and Clintonville.

Two flights are now scheduled to arrive Friday.

The first flight, scheduled to arrive very early Friday morning includes mostly from the 829th Engineer Company, Chippewa Falls, Richland Center and Ashland; Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, Portage; and some members of Company A , 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Onalaska and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Appleton and Clintonville.

The second Friday flight, (originally expected Thursday), includes Soldiers mostly from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay; Company B (Support Maintenance), 257th Brigade Support Battalion, Kenosha; and some members of Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry, Madison and Troop C, Reedsburg.

During training and while in Iraq, the brigade was organized into 27 company-sized units. Rather than operating as a brigade, the 32nd was tasked with a variety of missions throughout Iraq. These missions included forward operating base administration, base defense, area security, quick reaction forces, freedom of movement security support, detainee guard force operations at theater internment facilities, closing the largest internment facility in Iraq, transferring detainees, operating an academy to train Iraqi corrections officers, inspecting detention facilities, securing and administering the International Zone in Baghdad, and turning over U.S.-controlled properties to the government of Iraq. The brigade's Soldiers operated around the clock, most of them working at least 12 hours a day - day after day, week after week, for eight full months in Iraq.

Having accomplished their mission, each company began transferring responsibilities to units from the Texas National Guard's 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team at the end of December and will continue to do so as they prepare to return to Wisconsin in January. ( (For a detailed account of the 32nd Brigade's deployment see: http://dma.wi.gov/deployment )

Returning Soldiers deployed with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Thursday and early Friday may come from units in the following Wisconsin communities:

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team - Camp Douglas

2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry
Headquarters and Headquarters Company (-), 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry - Appleton
Detachment 1, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry - Clintonville
Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry - Green Bay
Company C, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry - Fond du Lac

257th Brigade Support Battalion
Company B (Support Maintenance), 257th Brigade Support Battalion - Kenosha

829th Engineer Company (-) (Vertical - Chippewa Falls
Detachment 1, 829th Engineer Company - Richland Center
Detachment 2, 829th Engineer Company - Ashland

132nd Brigade Support Battalion
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion - Portage

32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion
Company A (Engineer), 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion - Onalaska

- 30 -

Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2010News/10011.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

More than 750 32nd Brigade Soldiers on next wave of arrivals

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:35:00 CST

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

NEWS: More than 750 32nd Brigade Soldiers on next wave of arrivals
Date: January 13, 2010

Three more flights of Soldiers deployed with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team will be arriving in Wisconsin soon.

Two flights are scheduled to arrive late Thursday.

The first flight includes Soldiers mostly from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Green Bay; Company B (Support Maintenance), 257th Brigade Support Battalion, Kenosha; and some members of Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry, Madison and Troop C, Reedsburg.

The second flight includes Soldiers mostly from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Fond du Lac; and some member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Appleton and Clintonville.

One additional flight is scheduled to arrive early Friday morning and includes mostly from the 829th Engineer Company, Chippewa Falls, Richland Center and Ashland; Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, Portage; and some members of Company A , 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Onalaska and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Appleton and Clintonville.