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Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Saturday for Army Spc. Nickolas Muelle 11/6/2009 Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Saturday, Nov.7, in honor of Army Spc. Nickolas Mueller, Little Chute, who died Oct. 26 of injuries received when the MH-47 helicopter he was aboard crashed in Darreh-ye Bum, Afghanistan. The National Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Jim Doyle. Read Full Story
Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin to honor fallen at Fort Hood 11/6/2009 Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff through sunset Nov. 11 in honor of the victims of the shootings at Fort Hood Nov. 5. The National Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Jim Doyle. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Air Guard's 115th Fighter Wing supports presidential visit 11/5/2009 The first visit by a sitting president to Madison in 59 years began at the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, based at Truax Field in Madison. Read Full Story
Bucca's best come out 'guns blazing' for competition 11/3/2009 CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq - With speed and precision, Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Benzshawel, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, 17th Fires Brigade took home top honors in this year's 3-Gun Competition at Camp Bucca Oct. 17. The Appleton native edged out the closest of 69 other competitors by 2.19 seconds. Airmen, civilians, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines from across Camp Bucca demonstrated their proficiency wielding a variety of weapons to include the M-9 pistol, M-4 carbine and M-500 shotgun in hopes of earning top bragging rights as the camp's top marksman. Read Full Story
Better late than never, World War II vet receives honors with family at side 11/2/2009 After 64 years, 12 U.S. presidents and two new states admitted to the union, 87-year-old Cpl. Bill Morstad accepted medals earned during his four years of service in the second Great War. A father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Bill was joined by three generations of family members for a Nov. 1 ceremony in Fond du Lac, where he was presented a shadow box containing five medals and a service pin. Read Full Story
President Proclaims Military Family Month 11/2/2009 President Barack Obama pledged his support of military members and their families and said Americans have a "solemn obligation" to preserve their well-being in his proclamation declaring November as Military Family Month. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard unit receives top Army award 10/29/2009 The 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment accepted the 2008 Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Excellence in Journalism Award for its work on The Wire, the official publication of Joint Task Force Guantanamo, at the annual National Guard Bureau conference Wednesday (Oct. 28). The Wire included features on units or individuals serving in the Joint Task Force, informational stories about voting while deployed or new education benefits, and coverage of the military court hearings for terrorism suspects such as Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Salim Ahmed Hamdan and Omar Khadr detained at Joint Task Force Guantanamo. Read Full Story
Postal Service Announces Holiday Mailing Guidelines 10/29/2009 U.S. Postal Service officials have announced recommended mailing dates for delivery by Christmas to U.S. servicemembers serving in Afghanistan and other overseas locations. First-class and priority mail for servicemembers stationed in Afghanistan should be sent by Dec. 4 for arrival by Christmas. The deadline for parcel airlift mail is Dec. 1, and space-available mail bound for Afghanistan should be sent by Nov. 21. Officials recommend that parcel post mail to all military overseas locations should be sent by Nov. 13. Read Full Story
Obama Declares H1N1 Influenza National Emergency 10/27/2009 President Barack Obama signed a national emergency declaration on H1N1 influenza over the weekend to accommodate American health care facilities' ability to address the pandemic. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard has key role in Baghdad's future 10/26/2009 With a few pen strokes and hugs, and two very large keys, the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team officially transferred two large properties inside Baghdad's International Zone back to the Iraqi government. "In terms of square footage of habitable structures, Essayons and Freedom Compound are the largest we've turned over so far," said the 32nd Brigade's Maj. Gregory Schlub, officer in charge of real properties for Joint Area Support Group-Central in Baghdad. The two properties, formerly used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, total 35 acres and about 380,000 square feet of building space. They include 650 apartments, three business towers, a museum and seven villas. Read Full Story
McKinley: Diversity critical to National Guard success 10/26/2009 Diversity is critical for the National Guard to compete in today's global environment, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said today. Read Full Story
Challenge Academy students help former cadet in need 10/23/2009 The cold and the rain could not dampen the enthusiasm in Spc. Jason Schulz's heart. A few yards behind Schulz, dozens of volunteers were helping construct a 2,350-square-foot home specifically designed for him by the non-profit Homes for our Troops. When completed, the home in an upscale neighborhood in Eagle will feature counters, showers, doorways and other amenities suited for a man with Schulz's challenges. Almost two years ago - Nov. 7, 2007 - Schulz was an active-duty Soldier, an Abrams tank mechanic returning from a vehicle recover mission in Mosul, Iraq when a roadside bomb ripped through the salvage and recover wrecker he was riding in. The blast nearly severed his right hand and took both legs. Read Full Story
Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Sunday for Army Spc. Kevin Graham 10/22/2009 Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Sunday, Oct. 25, in honor of Army Spc. Kevin Graham, a former Wisconsin resident, who died Sept. 26 of injuries received during an improvised explosive device attack in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The National Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Jim Doyle. Read Full Story
Deployed Tomah-based Guardsmen part of Tailgating with the Troops 10/21/2009 Even though Rachel Miller talks frequently with her husband, Staff Sgt. Scott Miller — deployed with the Tomah-based Headquarters Company, 732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Wisconsin Army National Guard — she wasn't about to miss the chance to do so again. Read Full Story
Food, fun and football link families with deployed Soldiers 10/21/2009 Families and friends of the Wisconsin National Guard gathered at the Alliant Energy Center Sunday (Oct. 18) to Tailgate with the Troops - the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, that is. Thanks to modern technology and lots of community support, more than 2,000 family members feasted on brats, hot dogs, pizza and chips and watched the Green Bay Packers cream the Detroit Lions - with their deployed Soldiers. The event, "Tailgating with the Troops" was sponsored by Serving the 32nd, a private organization whose mission is to bring together the people of Wisconsin to say "thank you" to the Soldiers and families of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Read Full Story
Challenge Academy cadets give back to local hero 10/20/2009 On Thursday, Oct. 22, approximately 30 Challenge Academy cadets will travel to Eagle, Wis. to pitch in and help build a home for an Academy alumnus wounded in Iraq. Spc. Jason M. Schulz graduated from the Challenge Academy, a no-cost alternative program for “at-risk” youth located at Fort McCoy, in June 2004. The Academy offers high school dropouts or habitual truants 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. Read Full Story
Officer Career Challenge paints possibilities for participants 10/20/2009 Many people dream about being an officer in one of the greatest militaries in the world, but not many actually know what path to take on their journey to becoming a leader. Wisconsin Army National Guard officer recruiters recently answered this question for about 60 current and potential Soldiers at Fort McCoy during this year's Officer Career Challenge event Saturday. Sponsored by Wisconsin Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention and hosted by the Wisconsin Military Academy, participants learned about commissioned and warrant officer opportunities and get a chance to participate in a variety of events and talk to people who know what it's like to lead. Bill Schroeder, a former wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, kicked off the event with a few words of wisdom. Read Full Story
Deployed Wisconsin Guard Soldiers connect back home in novel way 10/19/2009 Score it a virtual victory for four Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers currently deployed to Iraq, and their families, thanks to a non-profit organization and the Green Bay Packers. The organization Pro vs. GI Joe brought together four Green Bay Packers with four Soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in a battle of "Guitar Hero" and "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" despite the fact that they were thousands of miles apart. Four Soldiers deployed with the Janesville-based Company A, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion of the 32nd Brigade traveled from Camp Bucca, Iraq to Camp Virginia, Kuwait for the event to connect with Green Bay Packer's kicker Mason Crosby, running back Ryan Grant, nose tackle B.J. Raji and defensive end Jarius Wynn at Lambeau Field Atrium Friday, Oct. 16. Read Full Story
Coming off the backstretch: Around the 32nd Brigade 10/15/2009 IRAQ - The Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team continues its mission on the ground during a time of historic transition in Iraq. Soldiers there are deeply involved in turning territory back over to the Iraqis as well as building public works projects, sometimes with not much more than Wisconsin ingenuity, for Iraqi residents. Read Full Story
Executive Order Bans Texting While Driving for Feds 10/13/2009 In an executive order issued Oct. 1, President Barack Obama banned federal employees from text messaging while behind the wheel on government business. Read Full Story
Deployed Guardsman inducts friend into hall of fame 10/10/2009 When Ted Szymanski was notified he would be inducted into the Lakeland College Athletic Hall of Fame, he could think of only one person he wanted to deliver the induction speech - his best friend, Wisconsin Army National Guard Master Sgt. Mark Smith. But Smith is presently deployed to Iraq with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. So he recorded a video of the introduction speech and e-mailed it from Iraq. The video was played during the Hall of Fame banquet Friday, Oct. 9. Read Full Story
Nearly 400 Wisconsin Guard Soldiers to mobilize in March 10/9/2009 The Wisconsin National Guard received a mobilization order for the 724th Engineer Battalion. The nearly 400 Soldiers are ordered to active duty beginning in March 2010 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Read Full Story
Nearly 400 Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers alerted for possible active duty 10/8/2009 Nearly 400 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers in the 724th Engineer Battalion received alert notifications recently for possible mobilization to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 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. The alert notification directs the units and their Soldiers to begin preparing for a possible order to active duty. If these units are actually mobilized, affected Soldiers would expect to be on active duty for about 12 months. All Soldiers in the newly alerted units haven been notified of the possible mobilization. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Army Guard unit copes with loss 10/7/2009 As family and friends prepare to pay tribute to Sgt. Ryan Adams in Wisconsin, his friends and comrades-in-arms from the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 951st Engineer Company will pay tribute in a warrior's fashion - by continuing the mission. Read Full Story
Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Saturday for Wisconsin Army National Guard Sgt. Ryan Adams 10/7/2009 Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Saturday, Oct.10, in honor of Wisconsin Army National Guard Sgt. Ryan Adams, a native of Rhinelander, who died Oct. 2 of injuries received during a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Logar Province, Afghanistan. The National Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Jim Doyle. Read Full Story
Academy for struggling teens accepting applications 10/6/2009 A no-cost alternative program for "at-risk" youth, the Wisconsin Challenge Academy is accepting applications for its next class of cadets entering on Jan. 14, 2010. Located at Fort McCoy, Wis., the Academy offers high school dropouts or habitual truants 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. Read Full Story
128th Air Control Squadron returns from Southwest Asia 10/6/2009 Approximately 60 members of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Control Squadron returned to Volk Field early Monday afternoon, concluding a deployment to Southwest Asia that began May 13. "One-Two-Eight, welcome home," Brig. Gen. Donald Dunbar, adjutant general for Wisconsin, told unit members surrounded by cheering family and friends during a brief ceremony. The 128th ACS, an extension of the Theater Air Control System, augmented the active component 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron at the Combined Air and Space Operations Center in Southwest Asia. Read Full Story
Department of Military Affairs closed Monday, Oct. 12 10/6/2009 Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (DMA) will be closed on Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 as state employees take one of 16 furlough days required for all state workers over the next two years. Columbus Day (Oct. 12) is also a federal holiday. DMA will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Read Full Story
Statement by Brigadier General Donald P. Dunbar on the death of Wisconsin Army National Guard Sergeant Ryan Adams 10/3/2009 The entire Wisconsin National Guard family joins me in mourning the loss of Sergeant Ryan Adams, who died Friday in Logar Province, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit. Seven other Wisconsin Guard Soldiers were injured in the same attack and are receiving medical care as needed. The immediate families of all seven Soldiers have been notified. The Wisconsin National Guard will not be releasing names, or medical condition, of the injured Soldiers. Read Full Story
Guard prepared to help state in emergencies 10/1/2009 Throughout September, ReadyWisconsin and the Wisconsin Homeland Security Council have been encouraging organizations and individuals to prepare for disasters and emergencies as part of the annual nationwide Preparedness Month Campaign. Wisconsin Guard officials want citizens to know their hometown Soldiers and Airmen have also been getting ready - as individuals and an organization. Read Full Story
Are you ready for the flu? 9/30/2009 Medical professionals and experts are bracing for the return this fall of the novel H1N1 virus. Thousands of Wisconsin residents contracted the disease this year, resulting in 239 hospitalizations and eight deaths as of Sept. 11. What preventive measures should be taken to prevent the spread of the flu? Read Full Story
Governor Doyle Accepts Homeland Security Preparedness Report 9/29/2009 Governor Jim Doyle today accepted a report from Brigadier General Don Dunbar, Adjutant General of Wisconsin and Wisconsin's Homeland Security Advisor, on Wisconsin's overall homeland security readiness. The report outlines the efforts Wisconsin is taking to prevent and respond to potential emergencies including preparations to the H1N1 virus and threat of cyber terrorism. Read Full Story
Governor Doyle to Accept 2009 Preparedness Report from Wisconsin Homeland Security Council 9/29/2009 Governor Jim Doyle will receive an update on the state's emergency preparedness efforts by Wisconsin's Homeland Security Advisor Brig. Gen. Donald P. Dunbar and members of the Homeland Security Council tomorrow, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. at the Department of Military Affairs in Madison. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Army Guard supports Boy Scout Jamboree 9/28/2009 This past weekend's Boy Scouts Great Lakes Centennial Jamboree at the Experimental Aircraft Association grounds in Oshkosh brought back fond memories for Capt. William Kesselring. Kesselring, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 1157th Transportation Company, first experienced scouting much later than most - as a West Point cadet. The military academy hosted area Boy Scout troops each year at its training grounds, and cadets served as sponsors. Read Full Story
Hispanics vital to economy, communities 9/25/2009 Soldiers, Airmen and Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs employees gathered Thursday (Sept. 24) to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month - a month-long observation celebrating the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Read Full Story
Are you ready for a natural disaster? 9/24/2009 A popular saying in Wisconsin is that if you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes and it will change. But sometimes Wisconsin weather only allows a few minutes to seek safety. "Most people think they won't be impacted by a natural disaster," said Lori Getter, crisis communications manager for Wisconsin Emergency Management. However, Wisconsin averages 21 tornados each year, and also 20 severe blizzards. Additionally, each county in the state has experienced at least one major flood event in the past 20 years. Read Full Story
32nd Brigade leaders visit Arcadia, Onalaska Soldiers at remote base 9/23/2009 CAMP ASHRAF, Iraq - With 27 units spread throughout a country the size of California, the commander of the Wisconsin National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade, Col. Steven Bensend, can't just hop in a Humvee to visit his troops. Instead, he orders up a couple of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and takes key staff members along by air. Read Full Story
Are you ready to meet special needs in an emergency? 9/22/2009 A good emergency plan takes individual needs and abilities into account, improving the odds of successfully sheltering in place or evacuating in the event of an emergency. ReadyWisconsin recommends a three-step plan to help those with special needs and their caregivers to prepare now in case of an emergency. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Air Guard unit sends fighter jets to Iraq 9/22/2009 The 115th Fighter Wing launched 14 F-16 fighter jets earlier today (Sept. 22) as a part of the Wing's scheduled Air Expeditionary Force rotation that began last week when approximately 200 Airmen deployed to Iraq. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard Soldiers help close Camp Bucca 9/17/2009 What was once the largest detention facility closed this week at Camp Bucca, in southern Iraq, with help from the Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers deployed with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Read Full Story
115th Fighter Wing deploying to support Operation Iraqi Freedom 9/16/2009 Families and friends will bid farewell to approximately 200 members of the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing. Send-offs are scheduled for Thursday [Sept 17] at 5 p.m. and Saturday [Sept 19] at 10:00 a.m. at the Wisconsin Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters, 2400 Wright St., Madison. Immediately afterwards, the Airmen will depart as part of an aviation package deployment which includes F-16 fighter aircraft, pilots, aircraft maintenance specialists and support personnel. Read Full Story
Are you ready for a moment's notice? 9/16/2009 Early on a March morning in 1996, the small city of Weyauwega was jolted awake by a train derailment. The hazardous cargo, including liquefied petroleum gas, propane and sodium hydroxide, caught fire and burned for more than two weeks, requiring the emergency evacuation of about 2,300 people - including the 1,700 residents of Weyauwega - for 16 days. Jim Baehnman, Weyauwega fire chief, called that accident "the safest disaster in American history," in large part because there were no injuries or deaths resulting from the derailment or evacuation. Still, if such an event were to happen today, he would do some things differently. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Soldier of the year garners Lambeau honors 9/15/2009 Looking back, Spc. John Wiernasz may not have realized that becoming the Wisconsin Army National Guard's Soldier of the Year would be a year-long effort. Wiernasz, of the Spooner-based 950th Engineering Company, began preparing for the company-level Soldier of the Year competition back in January. He won the state competition at Fort McCoy in March, as well as the regional competition at Camp Atterbury, Ind. in May. In August he was one of seven Guard members to vie for the Army National Guard Soldier of the Year title at the Warrior Training Center, Fort Benning, Ga. Read Full Story
Lambeau Field honors Wisconsin Army Guard Soldiers 9/15/2009 Echoing applause greeted approximately 30 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers as they marched across Lambeau Field during the halftime of the Green Bay Packers' Sunday night game against the Chicago Bears. The Soldiers are the Wisconsin Army National Guard's newest commissioned officers and future leaders of the troops. The Soldiers have spent the last two-years attending training and completing educational requirements to qualify them for their new roles. Their hard work paid off Sunday as they took the oath of office on the field - pledging to the governor of Wisconsin and the president of the United States that they will faithfully carry out the duties assigned to them. Read Full Story
Caring and Sharing: Wisconsin program sends packages to deployed troops 9/10/2009 BAGHDAD - Hands frantically tearing at tape and cardboard; an ear-to-ear smile; the excitement of not knowing what is inside; the joy of knowing somebody cares enough to send something. It sounds like Christmas, but it's not. It's an eager soldier opening a care package. Troops all over Iraq get care packages from groups or anonymous individuals, but 2nd Lt. Johnathan Meyer, an officer who screens applicants for entry into the International Zone in Baghdad with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, has known the woman who sent this package since he was a toddler. Read Full Story
Governor Doyle Names Edward Wall Administrator of Wisconsin Emergency Management 9/10/2009 Governor Jim Doyle has named Edward Wall Administrator of Wisconsin Emergency Management. Wall has spent his entire professional career working in public emergency services, including more than two decades in law enforcement. Wall earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Management from Excelsior University. Read Full Story
National Guard Bureau Chief reflects on Patriot Day 9/10/2009 This Friday marks the eighth anniversary of terrorist attacks on American soil. We will pause and reflect in honor of those who perished on that fateful day. As we remember the events of September 11th let's also be mindful of the contributions our National Guard Citizen Soldiers and Airmen have made since then to the defense of the Nation. Read Full Story
Are You Ready, Wisconsin? Emergency kit can help 9/9/2009 We may not be able to predict an emergency, but we can all prepare for one. According to ReadyWisconsin and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, preparing for an emergency includes remembering the basic necessities for survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. A basic emergency supply kit can be a great help when an emergency requires you to evacuate or shelter in place. Ideally, the kit should allow the user to get through three days without access to traditional creature comforts such as electricity, plumbing or heating. Read Full Story
Are you ready to fight ID theft? 9/8/2009 September is Preparedness Month in Wisconsin, when residents are urged to take steps to prepare for the unforeseen - such as identity theft. Identity fraud continues to rise in the United States - up 22 percent in a February 2009 report by Javelin Strategy and Research - but there are measures that can reduce your chances of becoming a victim of information superhighway robbery. Read Full Story
WS senior's exit project has troops in mind 9/7/2009 West Salem High School senior Catey Greenwood is heading up an effort to let members of Wisconsin's 32nd Infantry Brigade - currently stationed in Iraq -know that they are not forgotten. Greenwood's efforts are part of her senior exit project. "I'm hosting a support group for teens whose family members are currently overseas and we are also creating care packages to send over to the 32nd Brigade by Christmas," Greenwood said. The brigade is in Baghdad, and it's deputy commander is her father, Col. Mark Greenwood. Read Full Story
Halfway point in Iraq: Around the 32nd Brigade 9/7/2009 More than seven months after they entered active duty in the U.S. Army - and now about halfway through the time they will spend in Iraq - the 3,200 men and women of the Wisconsin National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team are focused on missions ranging from transporting detainees from what was once the largest theater internment facility in the country... to securing forward operating bases... to furnishing a shabby school in Umm Qasr... to transferring Baghdad's International Zone back over to the Iraqi government. Read Full Story
Are You Ready, Wisconsin? Time to Get Prepared 9/3/2009 As we enter the month of September, many California families have been evacuated as wildfires continue to roar across Southern California, burning everything in their paths. The devastating wildfires highlight the need for all Americans to be ready for disasters and emergencies. September is Preparedness Month in Wisconsin, a statewide campaign promoted by Gov. Jim Doyle, Wisconsin Emergency Management, the Wisconsin Homeland Security Council and ReadyWisconsin that encourages all citizens to get a kit, make a plan and stay informed. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Army Guard school seeks stronger partnership with Fort Sill 9/2/2009 In field artillery parlance, massing fires means that multiple cannons aim at the same target for maximum effect. In much the same way, officials with the Wisconsin National Guard's Regional Training Institute at Fort McCoy hope that closer coordination with the U.S. Field Artillery School at Fort Sill - the Fires Center of Excellence (FCOE) - will result in can't-miss training for both Guard and active Army Soldiers. Read Full Story
Department of Military Affairs furlough day set for Friday, Sept. 4 9/2/2009 Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (DMA) will operate on a limited basis on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009 as state employees take one of 16 furlough days required for all state workers over the next two years. DMA will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 8 following Labor Day. Read Full Story
Are You Ready Wisconsin? September is Preparedness Month 9/1/2009 Are you Ready Wisconsin? Gov. Jim Doyle has proclaimed September as Wisconsin Preparedness Month, an annual campaign to remind citizens to be prepared for disasters and emergencies. Read Full Story
Suicide a serious subject for September 8/31/2009 The Wisconsin National Guard will join all branches of military service in September in the fight to prevent suicide as part of the Department of Defense' Suicide Awareness Week, Sept. 6-12, and the Army's Suicide Prevention Month. Read Full Story
Army Guard reaches end strength goal 8/28/2009 The Army National Guard announced today that it reached its congressionally mandated end-strength goal of 358,200 this week, a full month before the end of the fiscal year. In addition to achieving the end-strength goal, Army National Guard personnel readiness is at the highest levels in history. Read Full Story
Moving detainees: daunting task is just another day for Wisconsin Guard troops in southern Iraq 8/27/2009 Moving several hundred detainees across Iraq is a daunting task, but for two Wisconsin Army National Guard companies it's just another day. The two companies, Janesville's Company A, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, and Fond du Lac's Company C, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, stationed at Camp Bucca, in southern Iraq, are responsible for transferring detainees from Bucca to theater internment facilities further north. These movements are part of the consolidation of TIFs and the eventual turnover of operations to the government of Iraq. Once detainees are transferred they either continue serving their sentences or are released. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard unit ready to move beyond Afghan elections 8/26/2009 As the votes are tallied from the Aug. 20 presidential election in Afghanistan, the winner appears to be the democratic process. "All reports leading up [to election day] certainly indicated it was going to be a much worse day than actually happened," said Col. Tim Lawson, who leads a 16-man group of Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers serving a year-long deployment as an embedded training team. "They had a higher turnout than expected and much less violence than we expected. At the end of the day it was a victory." Lawson's team's mission is to advise the Afghan National Police in the western regional command, an area roughly 25 percent of the country bordering Iran. Much of the recent emphasis has been to ensure the elections were not disrupted by anti-government forces. Read Full Story
Wisconsin's Rock County Receives $786,934 FEMA Grant 8/26/2009 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $786,934 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Rock County, Wisc., for the acquisition and removal of five structures repeatedly damaged by flooding events. Read Full Story
Sibling Airmen share deployments 8/25/2009 When brothers and sisters spend their entire childhoods together, they normally want to go their separate ways when they reach adulthood. Some join the military, but most remain civilians. For some siblings, they not only join the military, they find themselves deployed to the same location more than 6,000 miles from where they grew up. Such is the case for the following Airmen from the Wisconsin Air National Guard, deployed here from Volk Field as part of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron. Read Full Story
Wisconsin National Guard launches Facebook site 8/25/2009 The Wisconsin National Guard is seeking fans - to its Facebook site, which just launched. "Our goal continues to be to communicate timely, relevant information to our Soldiers and Airmen and their families as well as our customers and stakeholders," said Wisconsin National Guard's Director of Public Affairs Maj. Jackie Guthrie. "Facebook is another tool in our toolbox that helps us accomplish that mission." The Wisconsin National Guard's Facebook site provides several points of entry for users to access information, including photos at Flickr site and videos on YouTube. But most importantly it provides a place for discussions between users. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guardsmen hold the hill in Iraq 8/24/2009 From atop one of the only hills in southern Iraq, a team of Wisconsin National Guardsmen keeps a watchful eye over the surrounding area. Soldiers of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, Fond du Lac, and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-127, Appleton, man an outpost on Safwan Hill, far from the comforts of nearby Camp Bucca. The soldiers on the hill provide security for communications towers there and have a birds-eye view to help other units in the area. Read Full Story
Local emergency responders train for large-scale chemical attack 8/21/2009 Rock County emergency responders held a drill Wednesday testing their ability to handle a large-scale chemical attack. The Wisconsin National Guard 54th Civil Support Team coordinated the mock incident to train local authorities for chemical attacks, said Maj. Tim Covington, commander of the civil support team. Read Full Story
Business leaders gain appreciation for National Guard training, mission 8/21/2009 More than 60 civic and business leaders from seven midwestern states took a trip to Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, Wis., Aug. 19 through 21 as part of Business and Industry Days sponsored by the National Guard Bureau. Read Full Story
Wisconsin National Guard builds relationships with commerce leaders 8/20/2009 More than 60 civic and business leaders from seven Midwestern states arrived at the Wisconsin National Guard's Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center Aug. 19 to take part in the National Guard Bureau-sponsored Business and Industry Days. The two-day event is designed to give business and industry leaders a better understanding and appreciation for the training and demands of the citizen Soldiers and Airmen that are employed in their respective states. Read Full Story
Marshfield High School grad teaching skills in Iraq to save lives 8/19/2009 As a graduating Marshfield High School student, Melissa Franz joined the National Guard so that her college tuition would be paid. She never expected by the time she was 26 years old, she'd have been deployed twice to Iraq. "I'm a senior medic. The work that I'm doing is helping to save lives on the battlefield," said Franz, who oversees and teaches a life saving course for all soldiers traveling in convoys. Read Full Story
32nd IBCT Soldier talks to a WXOW-TV reporter about his duties and responsibilities while being deployed 8/19/2009 One of the biggest struggles for deployed soldiers is staying in contact with their loved ones. News 19 was able to connect a local soldier from the 32nd currently stationed in Iraq with his wife from Onalaska through satellite technology. Through the help of satellite, Trina Barnett could speak to her husband stationed thousands of miles away. Read Full Story
115th Fighter Wing deploying to support Operation Iraqi Freedom 8/18/2009 More than 200 Airmen from the 115th Fighter Wing are preparing for their voluntary deployment to Iraq late next month in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 115th will deploy its Aviation Package, which includes a number of F-16 Fighting Falcons as well as pilots, aircraft maintenance specialists and support personnel as part of their scheduled Air Expeditionary Force rotation. Their mission is to support ground forces in Iraq with close air support or other combat capabilities directed by the combatant commander. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guardsman part of Best Warrior Competition 8/14/2009 A Wisconsin National Guard soldier recently competed at the Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Ga., with the best of the best during the Army National Guard's Best Warrior Competition for the coveted Soldier of the Year award. Spc. John Wiernasz, 950th Engineer Company, Spooner, earned his chance to compete at the national level after winning the state competition at Fort McCoy in March and the regional competition held at Camp Atterbury, Ind., in May. Read Full Story
Clearing roadside bombs perilous duty 8/13/2009 Members of the Wisconsin National Guard's 951st Engineer Company clutched cups of coffee and squinted into the early morning sun as Lt. Mark Bulinski, 28, and Sgt. First Class Chet Millard, 32, briefed on the day's mission: Find and disarm roadside bombs on one of Afghanistan's most lethal highways. By Jessica Weinstein THE WASHINGTON TIMES Read Full Story
All in the family: father, son deploy together 8/12/2009 Chief Master Sgt. Teddy Ostrowski and his son, Airman 1st Class Teddy Ostrowski Jr., are deployed from the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 128th Air Control Squadron, Volk Field, to the 71st Expeditionary Air Combat Squadron. As Guard members, the Ostrowskis have worked together for the past two years during weekend drills, but this is their first deployment together. Read Full Story
Wisconsin airmen provide security for critical supply, transit air base 8/12/2009 The 31 Wisconsin National Guard airmen deployed from the 115th Security Forces Squadron have integrated with their deployed counterparts and provided a smooth transition for operations as part of the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyz Republic. Read Full Story
Local Guard members complete Air Assault course 8/11/2009 Fourteen members of the Wisconsin Army National Guard recently completed Air Assault Course at the Warrior Training Center, Fort Benning, Ga. The soldiers were the second group from the Wisconsin Army National Guard to take part in a new initiative launched last December, as a cooperative effort between the Warrior Training Center and Army National Guard Strength Management, to provide unique and desirable training opportunities that would retain soldiers in the Army National Guard and attract new enlistments. Read Full Story
Deployed Wisconsin soldiers honor fallen Marine 8/10/2009 More than 100 service members and civilians honored the memory of a fallen Marine from Wisconsin by participating in the Jerabek Challenge memorial run Aug. 8 at Forward Operating Base Prosperity in Baghdad. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard unit plays role in forces drawdown 8/7/2009 The Tomah-based Headquarters Company of the 732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Wisconsin Army National Guard, has been in charge of their mission for less than a month, and already the unit is preparing for the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq. According to Maj. Kevin Gregar, executive officer for the 732nd CSSB, the battalion-sized element his unit oversees has already transferred approximately 110 pieces of equipment - vehicles, material handling equipment and storage containers - for return to the United States. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard general gains fire mission 8/5/2009 Since Aug. 1, the Fires Center of Excellence at Fort Sill, Okla. has had a Wisconsin connection. Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson will "dual-hat" as Wisconsin's deputy adjutant general, Army as well as the deputy commanding general-Army National Guard for the Fires Center of Excellence. Anderson will advise Maj. Gen. Peter Vangjel, Fires Center of Excellence Commanding General, on field artillery matters affecting fire brigades, regional training institutes and the Army National Guard. The Fires Center of Excellence includes both field artillery and air defense artillery. He will advise the Commanding General alongside Brigadier General Ross Ridge, the Commandant of the United States Field Artillery School located at Fort Sill, Okla. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard warned of personal information threat 8/5/2009 With the July 27 theft of a laptop computer from a National Guard Bureau contractor, jeopardizing the security of personal information for more than 1,700 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers, the need for all Wisconsin National Guard soldiers and airmen to safeguard against identity theft has never been more important. Read Full Story
Army Guard to inform members of data loss 8/4/2009 Members of the Army National Guard who could be affected by the theft of a laptop containing their personal data, will be notified through an official letter, National Guard officials said here today. About 131,000 former and current Army Guard members could be affected by the data loss, which occurred July 27 when a personal laptop owned by an Army Guard contractor was stolen, said Randy Noller, a spokesman for the National Guard Bureau. Read Full Story
Camp helps youths appreciate military service 8/4/2009 Since Sept. 11, 2001 more than 15,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines from Wisconsin have deployed in the global war on terrorism, but it's Wisconsin's youths who got a taste for military life this weekend at the 17th Annual Wisconsin National Guard Youth Camp. Hosted by the Service Member Support Division, or SMSD, of the Wisconsin Guard, the camp's mission is to teach youths about military life, the importance of relationship building and teamwork, as well as to boost confidence and develop a support network of friends and adults who can assist the youths when they have a friend or family member deployed. Read Full Story
Eau Claire-Based Unit Switches Focus to Training 8/2/2009 For many of the soldiers in the 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, their current deployment to Iraq is at least their second tour of duty in the war-torn Middle East nation. But that doesn't make it old hat by any means. This time around the Eau Claire-based unit's mission and the security situation are vastly different. In many ways, commanders said in telephone interviews last week from Iraq, it's like being in a completely different country from the one they patrolled from November 2004 to October 2005. Read Full Story
Not offset but online, Wisconsin National Guard press dispatches go digital 7/31/2009 Discontinuing publishing printed command information publications is part of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs and National Guard's communications plan to maximize use of limited resources while communicating essential, sometimes life saving, information to internal and external audiences. Read Full Story
Aerobatic pilot promotes the Air National Guard at EAA Air Venture 7/31/2009 Oshkosh, Wis. - In the shadows of the world's largest commercial airline and the very first commercial space vehicle, the greatest part at the Experimental Aviation Association's AirVenture event this year for some Wisconsin Air Guard members was an incentive ride in a Air National Guard sponsored stunt plane. Maj. John Klatt, a pilot from the Minnesota Air National Guard's 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth, Minn., is a civilian aerobatic pilot that partners with the Air National Guard to assist in their recruiting efforts at air shows across the nation. Read Full Story
Family support key to continued military operations 7/30/2009 The demand for National Guard units to continue deploying in support of the global war on terror shows no signs of slowing any time soon and supporting military families and the volunteers who help them are key elements of maintaining the nation's resolve during prolonged conflict, according to the Chief of the National Guard Gen. Craig McKinley. Read Full Story
Deadline Friday to Visit SBA Disaster Assistance Center 7/30/2009 The SBA has been staffing two disaster assistance centers in Racine and Kenosha Counties. Staff at the centers can help answer questions and assist in filling out disaster loan applications. Earlier this month, the SBA approved a request from Governor Jim Doyle to offer low interest disaster loans to residents in Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, Walworth and Waukesha Counties that may have sustained flood damage from June 18-19, 2009. Read Full Story
Wisconsin troops not leaving Iraq until mission complete 7/29/2009 Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said conditions in Iraq have improved, which may accelerate the U.S. combat brigade drawdown from the country, but that doesn't mean the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team is coming home earlier than planned, Wisconsin Guard officials told reporters in a live satellite feed today. Read Full Story
32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team LIVE from Iraq 7/29/2009 The 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Commander Col. Steve Bensend and Command Sgt. Maj. Ed Hanson will update Wisconsin on the brigade's missions in Iraq live via webcast today [Wednesday, July 29], 10 to 11:30 a.m. via the Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System ( DVIDS). Bensend and Hanson will field questions from preregistered Wisconsin media organizations about the more than 3,200 soldiers deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The soldiers deployed in February in the largest single overseas deployment of the Wisconsin Guard since World War II. The 32nd Brigade was mobilized in February and completed training at Fort Bliss, Texas, and Camp Buehring, Kuwait, before arriving in Iraq in early May. The brigade's 27 units expect to complete their missions in January 2010. Read Full Story
951st Sappers keeping the roads clear 7/28/2009 KABUL, Afghanistan - Thousands of miles from home the soldiers of the Wisconsin Army National Guard are saving lives by hunting for and destroying IEDs. See how the 951st Engineer "Sapper" Company from Tomahawk and Rhinelander conduct their route clearing mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Read Full Story
Nicaraguan defense chief visits Wisconsin 7/28/2009 The chief of defense and other top military leaders from the Republic of Nicaragua visited Wisconsin July 22 through 24 as part of Wisconsin's State Partnership Program. Gen. Moises Omar Halleslevens, head of Nicaragua's military (or ejercito), along with top ejercito air and army leaders, visited Wisconsin's Joint Force Headquarters, Truax Field, Fort McCoy, Volk Field, the 54th Civil Support Team and the state capital building. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard battalion is nation's best 7/27/2009 IRAQ - A Wisconsin Army National Guard infantry battalion currently serving on active duty in Iraq has been selected as the top battalion in the nation's National Guard. Eau Claire-based 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry will receive the Walter T. Kerwin Jr. Award for Readiness and Training as the outstanding National Guard unit for 2009. The award will be presented in October at the annual meeting of the Association of the United States Army in Washington, D.C. Read Full Story
SITUATION REPORT ON SEVERE WEATHER 7/24/2009 A series of severe thunderstorms moved across southwestern Wisconsin this evening, resulting in heavy rains, flash flooding, large hail, wind damage and downed power lines. The main impacted areas were Grant, Lafayette and Crawford Counties. Read Full Story
Project provides real-world training for Guard aviation units 7/23/2009 MERRILLAN, Wis. – The Wisconsin Army National Guard gained valuable real-world training experience by supporting Clark County with a sling load operation at the county's Bruce Mounds Recreational Area near Merrillan on July 21. Eight Guardsmen - seven from the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation, and one from the 832nd Medical Company - flew a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the 832nd to the ski area to lift a 2,600-lb. chairlift support tower onto a steep hill. The 832nd uses the "alpha" model helicopter, which was able to use the long sling required for the day's task. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Thomas Rogers of the 832nd flew the Black Hawk. Read Full Story
New GI Bill Transfer Options Take Effect Aug. 1 7/23/2009 The Post-9/11 GI Bill takes effect Aug. 1, but in the meantime, servicemembers may submit a request to transfer benefits to their spouses and children now. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guardsmen prepare for Afghan elections 7/22/2009 With the Aug. 20 presidential elections looming, Wisconsin Army National Guard Col. Tim Lawson is emphasizing one message to the Afghan National Police: The world is watching you. Lawson heads a 16-man group of Wisconsin Army National Guard soldiers who recently began a year-long deployment as an embedded training team, advising the Afghanistan National Police in the western regional command, an area roughly 25 percent of the country bordering Iran. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Air Guard hosts full-scale joint exercise 7/22/2009 Fort McCoy and Volk Field, Wisconsin's two largest military installations, are no strangers to extensive training exercises. However, it's rare when the bases get as many service members in one spot for one operation as they have now. For two weeks running through July 27, McCoy and Volk are conducting the Army and Air National Guard's annual international Operation Global Patriot exercise, hosting roughly 3,000 National Guard Troops from 45 different states and six different coalition nations. The exercise's overall training goal is for different coalition nations and National Guard units to work together in real-world scenarios. Read Full Story
Camp Cropper Theater Internment Facility 7/21/2009 32nd Brigade Sgt. Frank Merola shot video and produced a package on the Wisconsin Army National Guard troops working at the Theater Internment Facility (TIF). Video and photography inside TIFs is tightly restricted, so this cleared video footage offers a fairly rare look inside. Read Full Story
Remote ground radar keeps personnel, maintainers safe 7/21/2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA - Danger is ever present in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, but in Southwest Asia, U.S. and Coalition forces can rest easier knowing a squadron here is working around the clock to provide a complete snapshot of the battle space. Members of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron are keeping this and other locations around the AOR safe from hostile aircraft. Read Full Story
Wisconsin airmen recognized in theater 7/21/2009 Capt. Jeannie Horn, of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Control Squadron, received the "Company Grade Officer of the Month" award for June 2009 during a brief ceremony July 17. Col. David Been, commander of the 379th Expeditionary Operations Group, presented the award. Also recognized that day, Staff Sgt. Daniel Koepke, a ground radio technician with the 128th ACS, was promoted to Tech. Sgt. July 17. Fellow noncommissioned officers Tech. Sgt. Oleg Katsnelson and Senior Master Sgt. Charley Rydmark presented Koepke with his new rank. Read Full Story
Wisconsin airmen bring unique skills to mission 7/21/2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA - A ground theater air control systems unit from the Wisconsin's Air National Guard deployed here in May, bringing experience and expertise to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The 128th Air Control Squadron from Volk Field joined forces with their active-duty counterparts at the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron in Southwest Asia. "Our unit has a lot of experience, which is common among members in the Guard. For instance, I have 10 years active-duty experience and have worked on older systems that had some of the same components as the newer systems," said Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Pradarelli, 71st EACS ground radar systems technician noncommissioned officer in charge. "This knowledge gives us an edge in maintaining the new equipment." Read Full Story
Wisconsin service members honored at Dane County Fair 7/20/2009 The annual Dane County Fair at the Alliant Energy Center took a more patriotic approach this year with the addition of a Military Appreciation Day. The July 16 event was designed to show support for Wisconsin service members. Veterans, service members and their families, and even families of deployed service members were given free admission to the fair and a multitude of special offers on ride tickets and concessions. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guardsmen help build future for Iraq 7/20/2009 At the Iraqi National Training Academy, located on Victory Base Complex near Baghdad, Iraqi instructors are training four platoons of recruits to become the foundation of the Iraqi correctional system. This facility is the first of its kind, and this is the first class to be trained entirely by Iraqi instructors. "This facility, from the ground up, has been designed to be the leading edge of the American withdrawal of forces from Iraq," said 2nd Lt. Christopher Cahak, Company A, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry's officer in charge of training. "It's an incredibly important mission, we take it very seriously and this mission has been handed to the Wisconsin National Guard." Read Full Story
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Wisconsin Residents Affected By Severe Storms and Flooding 7/17/2009 Wisconsin residents and businesses affected by severe storms and flooding that occurred on June 18-19 can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Administrator Karen Mills announced today. Administrator Mills made the loans available in response to a letter from Governor Jim Doyle on July 9, 2009, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. The declaration covers Kenosha and Racine counties and the adjacent counties of Milwaukee, Walworth, Waukesha in Wisconsin. Read Full Story
FEMA Awards $1.9 Million Hazard Mitigation Grant to the City of Reedsburg 7/17/2009 The U.S Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $1,952,078 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the city of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, for the acquisition and removal of 20 structures. HMGP funds will be used to remove these homes from a flood-prone area, returning the area to open space in perpetuity. HMGP projects like this one are the cornerstone of disaster prevention efforts, and illustrate the importance of local, state and federal governments working together for the benefit of citizens. Read Full Story
Governor Doyle Announces Assistance for Flood Victims in Southeast Wisconsin 7/16/2009 Governor Doyle today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved his request for federal low-interest disaster loans for individuals and businesses impacted by the flooding that occurred last month in Kenosha and Racine Counties. Last week, Governor Doyle formally requested the federal disaster aid. Assistance in the form of low interest loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed homes. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Low interest loans are also available to businesses that sustained damage from the flooding as well as economic loss. Read Full Story
Update from Iraq: Around the 32nd Brigade 7/15/2009 BAGHDAD - They have endured frequent dust storms and intense heat. They've overcome language and cultural barriers. They've worked long days with little time off. They have missed the births of their sons and daughters. And they've been living and working in multiple locations in an active combat zone. They are the nearly 3,300 soldiers of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, two months into their 10-month missions in Iraq. Read Full Story
Patrol base named for Wisconsin Guard soldier turned over to Iraqi forces 7/14/2009 SAMARRA, Iraq — The changing role of U.S. forces in Iraq was evident across the entire country June 30, but in Samarra it also created a poignant moment for those who remembered Wisconsin Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Todd Olson. Olson, who died Dec. 27, 2004, of wounds he suffered in action in Samarra early in his tour with 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry, was honored at a ceremony turning a Samarra patrol base over to the government of Iraq. The outpost, Patrol Base Olson, had carried his name for more than four years. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard artillerymen stay on target 7/13/2009 The mark of a qualified artilleryman is if he can hit his target from a great distance, even if obstacles obscure the target. For the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 121st Field Artillery Battalion, the great distance was four years since the last live fire exercise. The obstacles included an overseas deployment which did not require artillery skills, supporting the pre-mobilization training for the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and losing personnel to attrition as well as to augment the brigade deployment. Read Full Story
Volk Field hosts international flying exercise 7/10/2009 Camp Douglas -- Approximately 3000 National Guard members and soldiers and airmen from all over the world are converging at the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center this week for the annual Patriot Exercise. The exercise began Sunday and ends July 27. Read Full Story
Governor Doyle Requests Disaster Assistance for Flooding in Kenosha and Racine Counties 7/10/2009 Governor Jim Doyle today requested disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for victims from last months flooding in Kenosha and Racine Counties. If approved, the SBA would provide federal low-interest loans to individuals and businesses that suffered damage. Read Full Story
Governor Doyle Announces Retirement of Johnnie Smith 7/9/2009 Governor Jim Doyle today announced the retirement of Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Johnnie Smith. Smith, of Sun Prairie, led the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management since October 2004. His retirement is effective July 29, 2009. Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, Adjutant General of Wisconsin, has announced that WEM's Deputy Administrator Steve Peterson will serve as Acting Administrator. Read Full Story
Soldiers' stories - Local guardsmen keep busy in Iraq 7/8/2009 From taking correspondence courses to learning Spanish and Web site design, local soldiers with the Wisconsin National Guard, Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, stationed in Iraq are finding ways to lessen the pain of separation from their families and pass the time. Read Full Story
Those left behind find many ways to cope with soldier's absence 7/8/2009 Brenda Christianson is a seasoned veteran. She’s not a soldier - but close. She is the leader of the Family Readiness Group supporting family and friends of soldiers deployed with the Fond du Lac-based Company C, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment of the Wisconsin National Guard. Brenda’s son is currently serving in Iraq. Her husband is scheduled for a second tour of duty in 2010. Read Full Story
Wisconsin soldiers complete Air Assault school 7/8/2009 Eight Wisconsin Army National Guard soldiers graduated from the U.S. Army Air Assault Course July 3 at the Warrior Training Center, Fort Benning, Ga. This was the first group of Wisconsin Guardsmen to attend the course under a new initiative. The National Guard Bureau opened the Warrior Training Center in January 2006. The center trains four 12-day classes of approximately 210 Guard soldiers each per year in such air assault skills as rappelling, setting up landing zones, and how to properly sling-load equipment. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard unit readies for mission 7/7/2009 ADDER, Iraq - The Tomah-based Headquarters Company of the 732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Wisconsin Army National Guard, is preparing to assume command of its mission in Iraq next week. The 732nd is settling into the routine at Forward Operating Base Adder and members are learning their new responsibilities, said Maj. Kevin Gregar, the 732nd executive officer. "At the mobilization station [Camp Atterbury, Ind.], we trained on common soldier skills and collective tasks," Gregar explained. "Now we're getting into the nuts and bolts of supporting subordinate units." Read Full Story
Wisconsin National Guard trains Iraqis to run prisons 7/7/2009 Prison reform was a hot topic in this year's state budget debate in Wisconsin. But it's even more of an issue in Iraq, where Wisconsin National Guard troops are training Iraqis to run detention facilities. The United States is preparing to hand over the detention facilities it's been running since soon after the war began to the sovereign Iraqi government. By Gil Halsted, Wisconsin Public Radio Read Full Story
Technology Helps Bring Military Family Together For Ultrasound 7/7/2009 Technology is helping a Rock County family share important moments while they're split a world apart. In May, John Bourdeaux deployed with the Wisconsin National Guard's 732nd Combat Sustainability Support Battalion. He's currently stationed in southern Iraq. His wife and 3-year-old son, Eli, are in Edgerton, and on Tuesday they all got a first look at the newest member of the family together. John Bourdeaux joined the family for the ultrasound via the Internet by videoconferencing on a laptop using Skype. Channel3000.com Read Full Story
Wisconsin soldiers run 5K in Iraq 7/6/2009 Approximately 30 deployed Wisconsin National Guard soldiers assigned to the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters, Camp Douglas, Wis., endured dust-filled air and early morning temperatures that soared into the 90s as they celebrated Independence Day by participating in the Red Arrow Independence Day 5K run July 4 at Forward Operating Base Prosperity in Baghdad. Read Full Story
Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Tuesday for U.S. Army Pfc. Steven Drees 7/6/2009 Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Tuesday, July 7, in honor of U.S. Army Pfc. Steven Drees, a native of Peshtigo, who died at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, June 28. The National Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Jim Doyle. Read Full Story
Guardsmen help make Rhythm and Booms a smashing success 7/1/2009 As residents across the state look forward to the Independence Day weekend, members of the Wisconsin National Guard got an early start on the nation’s holiday courtesy of the 2009 Rhythm and Booms celebration, held at Madison’s Warner Park. Rhythm and Booms fans have become accustomed to a dazzling fireworks display set to music. Wisconsin soldiers and airmen brought the heavy metal — cannons, Humvees, Black Hawk helicopters and F-16 fighter jets. Read Full Story
Governor Doyle Requests Damage Assessment 7/1/2009 Governor Jim Doyle today requested the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) assess flood damaged homes and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin following heavy rains that occurred in June. This assessment would be the first step to determine if there is enough damage to qualify for low-interest loans. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Airmen part of new battle initiative 6/29/2009 Three Wisconsin Air National Guard members are spearheading an initiative which would bring control of Afghani airspace to facilities in Qatar. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Airmen part of new battle initiative 6/29/2009 Three Wisconsin Air National Guard members are spearheading an initiative which would bring control of Afghani airspace to the Combined Air and Space Operations Center, Southwest Asia. Capt. Seth Kaste, Capt. Chris Divyak and Tech. Sgt. Travis Skowronski of the Volk Field-based 128th Air Control Squadron recently completed three weeks of air battle management training for the Operation Enduring Freedom area of responsibility at Khandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, with the intent of training an additional 50 airmen of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron, including additional members of the 128th. This training and certification will allow the 71st EAC to be the first unit in history to conduct Afghanistan’s air battle management from a remote location when it inherits the mission from the Royal Australian Air Force Control and Reporting Center July 1. Read Full Story
Soldiers on track for future service 6/25/2009 Five soldiers from the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, headquartered in Milwaukee, extended their enlistments during a public ceremony Saturday, June 20 at the Milwaukee Mile. Col. Mark Michie, commander of the 157th Brigade, presided over the reenlistment ceremony for Spc. Joshua Zimmerman, Sgt. Ryan Zinkle, Sgt. Kenneth Hudson, Sgt. James Tobin and Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Keeler. The 132nd Army Marching Band set the mood for the ceremony with service-specific songs and other marching music. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard leaders visit 32nd Brigade in Iraq 6/23/2009 The senior leaders of the Wisconsin Army National Guard visited many of the 3,200 Wisconsin troops of the state's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Iraq last week. Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, Army National Guard commander, and state Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper traveled to several forward operating bases that are home to Wisconsin Guard soldiers for the next eight months. Read Full Story
Nicaraguan partners observe Wisconsin Guard artillery 6/23/2009 Soldiers from Wisconsin and Nicaragua engaged in an artillery exchange recently - in a nonhostile way. Six artillery soldiers from the Nicaraguan Army - a major, captain, first lieutenant and three non-commissioned officers - interacted with their counterparts in the Wisconsin Army National Guard June 14 through 18 as part of the National Guard State Partnership Program. Last year Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, the Adjutant General of Wisconsin, and other state Guard members visited training in Nicaragua. Read Full Story
105th Cavalry takes charge of base defense and camp support operations at Camp Cropper 6/22/2009 CAMP CROPPER, IRAQ - A half dozen Wisconsin state flags fly in the dusty desert breeze over Camp Cropper, Iraq, where units of the Wisconsin National have taken over responsibility for base defense, camp support functions and other missions for the next eight months. Camp Cropper is located near the Baghdad International Airport west of the Iraq capital. The camp's mission includes development of trained Iraqi corrections officers and the care of detainees - a mission that requires support from about 900 soldiers assigned to eight Wisconsin Army National Guard units. Read Full Story
332nd ROC trains in South Korea 6/22/2009 Fourteen soldiers from the Army National Guard’s 332nd Rear Operations Center (ROC) based in Berlin, Wis. recently returned from a training exercise with active-duty Army troops in South Korea. The ROC took part in Key Resolve-Foal Eagle, an annual joint training exercise involving U.S. and South Korean ground, air and naval forces. The 332nd provided theater-level staff support for rear-area battlefield military operations. Read Full Story
Governor Doyle Pins Three Officers of the Wisconsin National Guard with Rank of Brigadier General 6/19/2009 Governor Jim Doyle today pinned three Wisconsin National Guard officers with the one-star rank of brigadier general in a ceremony at the State Capitol. Pinned today are: Brig. Gens. John E. McCoy, Dominic A. Cariello and Margaret H. Bair. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard assists in national emergency response exercise 6/18/2009 Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen hosted approximately 600 U.S. Army Reserve soldiers at the 128th Air Refueling Wing here for the 2009 Red Dragon Exercise, which began June 13 and ends June 27. Wisconsin National Guard support for the exercise came from the Milwaukee-based 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and airmen from Madison’s 115th Fighter Wing as well as Milwaukee’s 128th Air Refueling Wing. The Wisconsin National Guard’s Joint Staff coordinated the Guard’s role in the exercise. Read Full Story
Anticipation is Backbone of Homeland Defense, Commander Says 6/17/2009 WASHINGTON, June 16, 2009 - Anticipation is the key to readiness, Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr., commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, said today. When he took over the reins more than two years ago, he modified the Northcom mission statement to reflect this notion. Read Full Story
829th Engineer Company soldiers adapt to new mission in Iraq 6/15/2009 (CAMP CROPPER, Iraq) — Wisconsin Guard soldiers assigned to the 829th Engineer Company are busily engaged in a security mission at the theater internment facility at Camp Cropper, Iraq. The 829th is based in Chippewa Falls, Wis., with detachments in Richland Center and Ashland. The 829th’s mission for the next eight months focuses on guarding and escorting detainees. Read Full Story
Want a military blanket that reminds you of home? She has you covered 6/11/2009 The saga of a thousand camouflage quilts began with a single request from a soldier heading to war. In 2006 Sgt. 1st Class Todd Richter, then a sergeant with Bravo Battery of the 121st Field Artillery battalion, Wisconsin Army National Guard, was preparing to mobilize for his first deployment — a year of convoy escort duty in Iraq. He asked his mother-in-law, Plymouth resident Linda Wieck, to make him a quilt for that deployment. To date, Wieck and her growing band of volunteers have made nearly 1,600 quilts, which are now packaged with “cool-tie” neck bands and homemade cards. She estimates 75 percent of all quilts have been sent to National Guard members. Read Full Story
Face of Defense: Doctor Applies Traumatic Brain Injury Experience to Mission 6/11/2009 When Army Col. (Dr.) Kenneth Lee began evaluating more than 3,000 Wisconsin Army National Guardsmen called to duty last fall in the state’s largest operational deployment since World War II to ensure their medical readiness, he approached the task with unique and personal insights. Col. Lee, who holds the Wisconsin Guard’s top medical post as the state surgeon, had to determine the deployability of about 600 members of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team who had been classified on their medical records as “ambers.” Read Full Story
Keeping the roads safe in Afghanistan 6/11/2009 by Paul Knoff, WCCN Wisconsin Radio Network, WI Audio MP3 (1:09) Cpt. Brian Barth is leading over 100 soldiers of the 951st Sapper Company, Wisconsin Army National Guard. The 951st is based in Rhinelander and Tomahawk. Read Full Story
National Guard Challenge Academy will honor 102 graduates and four scholarship recipients 6/10/2009 The Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy at Fort McCoy will graduate 102 cadets from 39 counties in a 1 p.m. ceremony Friday, June 12. Contrary to usual practice, the ceremony will be private, to reduce the risk of transmission of H1N1 flu virus, which has recently affected several Academy cadets. All have recovered and no new cases have been reported since June 3. Read Full Story
Wisconsin soldier 'attends' daughter’s graduation through cyberspace 6/9/2009 BAGHDAD June 9, 2009 — Military service in a combat zone 6,294 miles from his home in Seymour, Wis., didn't keep Wisconsin National Guard Col. Martin Seifer from seeing his daughter graduate from her hometown high school June 1. Read Full Story
32nd Brigade troops at Camp Taji work to build better future for Iraq 6/9/2009 CAMP TAJI, IRAQ — At a desert outpost about 20 miles north of Baghdad, three units of Wisconsin National Guardsmen deployed with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team hope something will grow in the barren environment: Iraq’s future. The units, Company A, 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Onalaska; the 108th Forward Support Company, Sussex; and Battery A, 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery, Racine, assumed responsibility May 12 for several operations at the theater internment facility reconciliation center at Camp Taji. Read Full Story
President pins Purple Heart on Rhinelander native 6/9/2009 By John Diedrich of the Journal Sentinel An injured soldier from Rhinelander got a Purple Heart in Germany from President Barack Obama on Friday. Sgt. Matt Berth, a 26-year-old Army engineer with the Wisconsin National Guard, had the medal pinned on his chest during the president's two-hour visit to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, where many soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan are taken for treatment. Read Full Story
FEMA Chief, Northcom General Cite Military's Hurricane Response Role 6/8/2009 The National Guard is essential to hurricane response, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency told lawmakers here last week. W. Craig Fugate, FEMA administrator, and Army Maj. Gen. Frank Grass, U.S. Northern Command's director of operations, testified June 4 before an ad hoc disaster-response subcommittee of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Read Full Story
Overview of the 2008 Wisconsin Flooding/Tornadoes 6/5/2009 Several media outlets have requested information from last year’s flooding/tornadoes that hit Wisconsin in June. Below are some highlights from Wisconsin Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, and State Emergency Operations Center. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Sappers clearing routes in Afghanistan 6/4/2009 Capt. Brian Barth, commander of the 951st Sapper Company, Wisconsin Army National Guard, reports that all is well after four months in Afghanistan. Read Full Story
Two Wisconsin Guard women receive inaugural honor 6/4/2009 Two female Wisconsin National Guard officers were among the first to be honored as Military Women of Distinction by the Wisconsin Women in Government. Read Full Story
Wisconsin National Guard families give back to communities who support them 6/3/2009 As soldiers of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) move into place in Iraq, their families back home are doing anything but standing still. Volunteers from the 32nd IBCT Family Readiness Group have kicked off the "Moving Forward, Giving Back" campaign, a community service initiative of the family readiness groups to give back to their local communities while their loved ones are deployed overseas. Read Full Story
Wisconsin’s Heat Awareness Day – June 11, 2009 6/3/2009 Gov. Jim Doyle has proclaimed June 11, 2009 as Heat Awareness Day in Wisconsin. The campaign is to remind people of the dangers associated with extreme heat and to encourage citizens to take protective safety measures. Read Full Story
Mobilized Wisconsin Guard unit prepares to deploy 6/2/2009 The Tomah-based Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion is nearing the end of its mobilization training in preparation for its Iraq deployment. Once in Iraq, the 732nd CSSB will provide command and control of logistics operations in its assigned area. The unit was placed on alert in January 2008 and received its mobilization order Oct. 3. Read Full Story
Middleton Guardsman given hero's welcome 6/2/2009 Middleton native Staff Sgt. Troy Kleinheinz, Wisconsin National Guard, was named Wisconsin’s "hometown hero" by the Panther Racing Team at the Milwaukee Mile Indy Car Race May 31. Kleinheinz, a flight operations section manager for the 147th Aviation Battalion, was nominated by his supervisor, 1st Sgt. Jay Hanson. Read Full Story
Confirmed Case of H1N1 in Monroe County (as released by the Monroe County Health Department) 6/1/2009 The first confirmed case of (novel or swine like to distinguish from seasonal H1N1) H1N1 in Monroe County was reported to Monroe County Health Department officials on May 31, 2009. Sharon Nelson, Director/Health Officer, reports that a young male from the Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy in Monroe County was recently hospitalized and released from the hospital and is now recovering from H1N1. Read Full Story
Cash bonus to take place of Stop Loss for deploying Soldiers 6/1/2009 A new program that provides special pay for Soldiers deploying past their end-of-service dates is set to take affect Sept. 1 for the National Guard. The Deployment Extension Stabilization Pay program replaces the Stop Loss program and pays a cash bonus of up to $6,000 to Soldiers in units set to deploy who elect to stay in past their end-of-service date in order to deploy. Read Full Story
Wisconsin’s Town of Spring Green receives $4-million FEMA grant 5/29/2009 The U.S Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $4,033,218 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the town of Spring Green, Wisconsin, for the acquisition and removal of 28 structures. Read Full Story
Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Saturday for Army National Guard Master Sgt. Brian Naseman 5/29/2009 Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Saturday, May 30, in honor of Wisconsin Army National Guard Master Sgt. Brian Naseman, a native of New Bremen, Ohio and a resident of Racine, Wis., who died in Taji, Iraq, May 21. The National Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Jim Doyle. Read Full Story
32nd Brigade Headquarters assumes responsibilities in Baghdad's International Zone 5/28/2009 Col. Steven Bensend, commander of the 32nd Brigade, took command of the Joint Area Support Group - Central from the commander of the New Jersey Guard's 50th Brigade Combat Team, which had the mission since September 2008. The real estate is the International Zone, described as "a critical swath of urban terrain in the heart of Baghdad." Read Full Story
Governor Doyle Proclaims June 11 as Heat Awareness Day 5/26/2009 Governor Jim Doyle has proclaimed June 11, 2009 as Heat Awareness Day. Summer heat waves are the biggest weather-related killers in Wisconsin for the past 50 years, far exceeding tornado and other storm-related deaths. Read Full Story
Statement by Brigadier General Donald P. Dunbar on the death of Wisconsin Army National Guard Sergeant First Class Brian Naseman 5/24/2009 "The entire Wisconsin National Guard family joins me in mourning the loss of Sergeant First Class Brian Naseman, who died Friday in Taji, Iraq. While no words can soothe the pain of their loss, I pledge to the Naseman family the full support of the Wisconsin National Guard during the difficult days and weeks ahead." Sergeant First Class Naseman died of injuires sustained from a non-combat related incident. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. Prior to his recent mobilization with the 32nd Brigade, Sergeant First Class Naseman was a full-time National Guard soldier in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 257th Brigade Support Battalion, 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard earns Army Chief of Staff Communities of Excellence Awards 5/22/2009 The Wisconsin Army National Guard is among the Army’s best, judging by the Army Chief of Staff Communities of Excellence Awards (ACOE). The ACOE Awards follow 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 environment, facilities and services. Wisconsin was a Silver First Place winner in the 2008 ACOE Awards. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Army National Guard soldier heads to national contest 5/22/2009 The Wisconsin Army National Guard’s top enlisted soldier of 2008 will compete for national honors in August. Spc. John Wiernasz of Vadnais Heights, Minn., won the regional Soldier of the Year competition the week of May 11 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. Wiernasz is a member of Detachment 1, 950th Engineer Company, a Spooner-based unit that specializes in mine clearance. Sgt. Raymond B. Heilman of Spooner, the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s NCO of the Year for 2008, also competed at Camp Atterbury. Read Full Story
Gates Urges Participation in Memorial Day Moment of Silence 5/21/2009 In his annual Memorial Day message to servicemembers worldwide, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urges them to observe a moment of silence on the holiday to honor their fallen comrades. "At 3 p.m., your local time, on Monday, May 25, 2009, I would encourage you to join millions of your fellow Americans in a moment of silence to remember our fallen heroes." Read Full Story
Air National Guard Bands build 'bonds of friendship through music' 5/20/2009 Collectively they are armed with everything from bass guitars and drum sticks to keyboards and microphones. They are Airmen ... better yet, they are rock-band Airmen. Three Air National Guard Bands, totaling 30 Airmen, received pre-deployment training April 14 through 18 at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, Wis., in preparation for a deployment in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Read Full Story
115 Fighter Wing leads the way for clean energy 5/19/2009 The 115 Fighter Wing leads all Air National Guard units in the country when it comes to clean energy! In this video story, see the F16s in action and learn why the unit is determined to lead the way for clean energy. Read Full Story
GMFAA recognizes DMA employees for exemplary service 5/19/2009 The Greater Madison Federal Agency Association recently honored Wisconsin Army National Guard soldiers for their service. Staff Sgt. Dion Mani, a DMA employee since 2000, was awarded “2009 Federal Employee of the Year in the Support category. Col. Mark Bruns, Wisconsin National Guard deputy chief of staff for personnel, nominated Mani, citing his significant role in streamlining the Soldier Readiness Process to make the mobilization process much more efficient for deploying soldiers. Read Full Story
2009 Armed Forces Day 5/15/2009 Admiral M.G. Mullen's 2009 Armed Forces Day message. On Saturday, May 16th, we pause to commemorate Armed Forces Day and pay tribute to all active duty Service members, National Guardsmen and Reservists, who, through the thickest of wars and greatest of crises, have raised their hands high to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Read Full Story
128th Air Control Squadron departs for deployment 5/14/2009 The Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 128th Air Control Squadron shipped out for a deployment to Qatar May 13 following an afternoon send-off ceremony at Volk Field. For this mission the squadron, an extension of the Theater Air Control System, will be involved with command and control of the Central Command airspace. Read Full Story
Afghan tour ends for state Guard troops 5/12/2009 Wisconsin National Guard leaders welcomed home 17 soldiers from Afghanistan during a brief midnight ceremony Tuesday, May 12, at Fort Riley, Kan. The soldiers, mostly from the Milwaukee-based 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, just completed a one-year tour of duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 10 months in Afghanistan. There they served as part of Coalition Joint Task Force Phoenix comprised of active duty and reserve component soldiers and Marines, as well as military from other nations which trained and advised the Afghan National Police. Read Full Story
Soldiers Use Combat Lifesaving Skills During Casualty-recovery Exercise 5/11/2009 Despite the heavy smoke and loud blasts from simulated artillery rounds, Soldiers from C Troop, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, administered fluids into the veins of simulated casualties, controlled their bleeding, and treated their wounds and fractures during a casualty-recovery exercise April 22. Read Full Story
732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Sendoff 5/7/2009 Family, friends and state officials bid farewell to the headquarters unit of the 732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Wisconsin Army National Guard, in a 10 a.m. ceremony Saturday May 11, 2009. Approximately 80 soldiers of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, based in Tomah, will depart for about a month of training in Indiana before deploying to Iraq, where it will provide command and control of logistics operations in its assigned area. Read Full Story
Better-equipped National Guard Still Faces Critical Shortages 5/7/2009 Equipment critical to both domestic and warfighting missions and aircraft essential to guarding the nation's air sovereignty remain areas of concern for the National Guard. That was the message Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, director of the Air National Guard, and Army Maj. Gen. Raymond W. Carpenter, acting deputy director of the Army National Guard, gave members of the House Armed Services Committee's air and land forces subcommittee. Read Full Story
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards 5/6/2009 Governor Doyle has declared May 13, 2009 as NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards Awareness Day. The campaign is to encourage Wisconsin residents to keep ahead of severe weather by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, a 24-hour source of weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and non-weather emergency information provided by the National Weather Service and its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Read Full Story
Presidential Proclamation: Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage Month 5/5/2009 President Barrack Obama has officially proclaimed May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is a month to celebrate the contributions Asian/Pacific Americans have made to American history, society and culture. Read Full Story
128th Air Refueling Wing to host 2009 Military Display 5/4/2009 The Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 128th Air Refueling Wing, at General Mitchell International Airport, is the host for this year’s “Forward with our Armed Forces” Military Display. The display is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 9th and Sunday, May 10th. There will be no public parking on base. Instead, the public will be directed to the M.A.T.C. South Campus at 6665 South Howell Avenue to ride free shuttle buses to and from the display. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard bids farewell to Huey helicopters 5/3/2009 After more than 38 years of faithful service to Wisconsin, the National Guard’s well-known Huey helicopter performed its last flight Sunday. Wisconsin Army Guard aviators past and present honored the tough and versatile Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter — better known as “Huey” — Sunday, May 3 with an open house and a retirement ceremony at Army Aviation Support Facility #1, West Bend, home airfield of the Guard’s 832nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance). Read Full Story
Wisconsin celebrates military children in April 5/1/2009 The Wisconsin National Guard is doing its part to recognize the importance of children in military families by celebrating the Month of the Military Child in April. Read Full Story
Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week 4/13/2009 Gov. Jim Doyle has proclaimed April 20-24, 2009 as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. The campaign is to remind people of the dangers associated with tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding and hail and to encourage citizens to take protective safety measures. Last year, 38 tornadoes in Wisconsin were confirmed by the National Weather Services (NWS), including a rare twister in January in southeast Wisconsin. On January 7, 2008, two tornadoes touched down in Kenosha County. Officials estimated that nearly 100 homes and buildings were destroyed or damaged. Read Full Story
Three retired Guard members inducted into Army National Guard Hall of Honor 4/4/2009 Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton joined Wisconsin National Guard senior leaders in recognizing three outstanding former Guard soldiers during the Army Guard Hall of Honor induction ceremony at Sunday (April 5), in Witmer Hall at Joint Force Headquarters, Madison. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guardsmen train urban ops, put ‘face to the fight’ 4/2/2009 Wisconsin Guardsmen from the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team are conducting close-quarters combat and urban-operations training, employing the most current tactics, techniques and procedures to better prepare the Soldiers for deployment, unit officials said. Accompanied by simulated Iraqi security forces, the Guardsmen moved tactically between buildings, entering and clearing rooms safely. Whether the scenario presented a meeting with the local sheik, an urban patrol or a search for a high-value target, the Iraqi forces were part of the operations.Photo and Story by Maj. Deanna Bague, Fort Bliss Public Affairs Office Read Full Story
Wisconsin employers plunge into urban firefight while visiting Guardsmen 4/2/2009 Civilians Randall Hepp and Greg Koepel found themselves taking cover in a one-story structure in the middle of a simulated Iraqi village Saturday when a diplomatic meeting between a U.S. Soldier and a local sheik was disrupted by insurgent gunfire. Hepp and Koepel were part of a group of more than 80 employers from Wisconsin visiting their employees Guardsmen assigned to the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team as part of a program known as Boss Lift. Photo and Story by Maj. Deanna Bague, Fort Bliss Public Affairs Office Read Full Story
Wisconsin’s Red Arrow Soldiers tackle grueling desert marathon 3/31/2009 Uphill climbs, sand, high elevation and 26.2 miles make Bataan Memorial Death March one of the nation’s toughest. For most people, there aren’t too many tests of physical endurance tougher than a 26.2 mile marathon. But some of the 3,200 mobilized Wisconsin National Guard soldiers training at Fort Bliss, Texas, found something more than a little bit more challenging: the 26.2 mile Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Guard to help with North Dakota flood relief efforts 3/28/2009 Three Wisconsin National Guard helicopters and 17 soldiers are answering North Dakota’s call for help to assist with flood relief efforts. The aircraft and soldiers come from the West Bend-based 832nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance), the Madison-based 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation; and Detachment 1, Company B, the 248th Aviation Support Battalion (also in West Bend). Once in North Dakota they expect to conduct search and rescue operations and provide air transportation. They also have the ability to provide medical evacuation if needed. Read Full Story
Wisconsin employers visit 32nd IBCT at Fort Bliss, Texas 3/28/2009 More than 50 Wisconsin employers made the trip to see first-hand some of the 3,200 soldiers of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team who are training for deployment to Iraq. Read Full Story
MATES Readies Equipment for Training 3/27/2009 Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site (MATES) personnel are busy preparing equipment to be fielded and to be used for upcoming training at Fort McCoy. MATES, which is a tenant organization at Fort McCoy, serves as a central facility to receive, store, maintain and issue equipment for National Guard units so all units will have the best equipment with which to train. Read Full Story
Send-off ceremony March 26, 2009 for 16 Afghanistan-bound Army Guard troops 3/26/2009 Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton joined National Guard officials to bid farewell to 16 Wisconsin Army Guard soldiers bound for Afghanistan Thursday (March 26th) at Wisconsin National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters, 2400 Wright Street, Madison. Read Full Story
Wisconsin Army National Guard Names Soldier, NCO of the Year 3/26/2009 Two members of the same northern Wisconsin engineer unit were honored Sunday as the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s top enlisted troops of 2008. Spc. John Wiernasz of Vadnais Heights, Minn., won the annual Soldier of the Year competition; and Sgt. Raymond B. Heilman, Spooner, won the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year competition. Both are members of Detachment 1, 950th Engineer Company, a Spooner-based unit that specializes in mine clearance. Read Full Story
32nd IBCT Soldiers step into OC spray lane training 3/19/2009 In order for Guardsmen from the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team to receive the most realistic training possible and prepare them to perform one of the most challenging missions in theater, it is crucial for them to undergo oleoresin capsicum gas lane training, during which Soldiers are sprayed directly in the face with pepper spray. Read Full Story
112th MPAD Welcome Home Ceremony 3/19/2009 Fourteen members of the 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment returned to Madison Thursday afternoon March 19th where they were welcomed at Joint Force Headquarters-Wisconsin by their families and friends, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, Wisconsin National Guard leaders and the 132nd Army Band. Read Full Story
Civil Support Team gets new Commander 3/13/2009 Maj. Tim Covington assumed command of the 54th Civil Support Team from Lt. Col. Peter K. Anderson in a 1 p.m. ceremony at the unit’s armory on Wright Street. The unit’s flag was passed from Anderson to Covington in the traditional gesture for a change of military command. Read Full Story
32nd IBCT Soldiers Trained By Military Police Officers 3/13/2009 Military police officers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, are helping train Wisconsin National Guardsmen from the 32nd Infantry BCT mobilized here. Read Full Story
32nd IBCT Takes on No. 1 Killer 3/13/2009 Guardsmen from the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team trained on how to defeat improvised explosive devices, which, according to military officials, is the top killer of Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Read Full Story
New Commander at Air National Guard Wing 3/7/2009 Colonel Edward E. “Ted” Metzgar assumed command of the 128th Air Refueling Wing on Feb. 9, 2009. Read Full Story
3,200 Wisconsin National Guard troops Arrive at Fort Bliss, Tx. 2/21/2009 The brigade's Soldiers flew from Wisconsin to Texas over the course of nine days, beginning with the first flights from Volk Field on Feb. 21. Read Full Story
32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Send-off Ceremony 2/17/2009 Wisconsin sent off the Red Arrow with tears and smiles Tuesday, in the Wisconsin National Guard’s largest operational deployment since World War II. Read Full Story
Wisconsin's Military - Community Covenant 2/17/2009 At a Feb. 17 send-off ceremony for 3,200 deploying members of the Wisconsin National Guard’s 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, community, state and national leaders signed Wisconsin’s Military- Community Covenant,” pledging a joint effort to provide support and care for Wisconsin’s service members and their families. Read Full Story
National Guard soldiers and families to be honored at state send-off Tuesday 2/11/2009 Approximately 3,200 Wisconsin Army National Guard soldiers and their families will be honored at a send-off ceremony Tuesday (Feb. 17) at noon at the Alliant Energy Center Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Madison. The soldiers are deploying with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team for a tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ceremony participants include Gov. Jim Doyle, members of Congress, state legislators, mayors and National Guard officials. Read Full Story
Wisconsin National Guard will send off 19 soldiers Friday morning 2/10/2009 Wisconsin National Guard officials will send off 19 soldiers — an element of Madison’s Company B, Brigade Special Troops Battalion (Military Intelligence) — in a ceremony Friday (Feb. 13), 7 a.m., at the Guard’s state headquarters at 2400 Wright St., Madison. Read Full Story
32nd Brigade completes Florida training prepares to depart in late February 1/30/2009 The Wisconsin National Guard’s 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team has completed three weeks of training at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in Florida. More than 3,000 soldiers now will complete final preparations at local armories before departing for their mobilization station in late February, en route to Iraq. This is the largest operational deployment of Wisconsin Guard forces since World War II. Read Full Story
Wisconsin’s 32nd Brigade Combat Team and six other units ordered to active duty 9/8/2008 The Wisconsin National Guard’s largest unit, the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received a mobilization order this week that will call up as many as 3,500 soldiers for an active duty mission in Iraq. Mobilizing with the 32nd Brigade will be six other units whose soldiers will augment the brigade to meet the deployment’s specific mission requirements. Notification to soldiers, who had been on alert since December 2007, began Friday and continued through the weekend. Read Full Story

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