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VOLUME 7, NUMBER 2 "Managing Change Through Leadership" SUMMER 1994

812th Med. Co. (AA)»

Air crews rescue floodvictims from tree tops

By SSC Paul J. Sylvcst241st PAD

The ram slopped hours ago, but the waicrrose tjuicUyand the rapids intensified There wasno way out The last lime I climbed this tree I was10 > cars old I never imagined (hat I'd climb it againto escape the raging waters of a Hash flood

Water engulfed everything around me formiles Afcwlrcctops,chimnc\-sandboatswcrcallI could see

The path of the water was erratic, the cur-rents shiflcdas thoughthere was purpose fordestruction Thegrainelevators just down

i lhe road toppled overlike dominoes andv.ashed away with""1> oUwr UuJdmgjIthoughtvvcre perma-nent structures

The tropicalstorm entered the Gulfof Mexico in late Au-gust It had already done some damage in theCaribbean, but the chances looked slim that itwould come our way And even if it did, theweather forecast said it would move in and out Itmoved in, but didn't move out until days later

1 thought I'd be able to grab a couple ofthings from the house, but the water swept throughtoo quickly. Before I could think about what washappening. I was waist deep in water at (he top ofi tree holding on for dear life.

••*•••*•*•*•*•*•*••***••••

That wasa fictional account ofa man trappedin a flood In the event that something like thiscomes true, it would be nice to know someonecould gel you out, wouldn't it1'

If called upon for an emergency, the Louisi-ana National Guard will be ready to assist.

The 812th Medical Company (Air Ambu-lance), stationed at the Lakcfront Airport in NewOrleans, recently conducted rescue training exer-cises at Lake Buhlow near Camp Bcaurcgard inPine vi lie

I wasnl so sure this was a good idea, but thissoldier volunteered to jump into the lake in fullBDUs, even the boots For safety measures I also

"You can't simulate aviationin a classroom. It's important todo this kind of training annually,If not semi-annually,"

— CWO Lois Christensen

wore a life jacket, a helmet and gogglesAssisting in the rescue exercise was the

Rjpidcs Parish Sheriffs Department, who pro-vidcda boat to transport the makeshift flood victimsto the middle of the lake I hopped aboard their boatwith another soldier and then hopped into the lakeshortly after

There were three of us in the water, two"victims" and one safety swimmer. Chief WarrantOfficer Byron Hummel Hummel, a repair super-visor for the 812th, made sure that the victims wereproperly hooked up to the rescue collar

It seemedlike the naturalthing lo do so Ioffered to be res-cued first It wasapparent that theaviators from the812th knew whatthey were doingbecause I didn'tstay floating very-long-majbc threeminutes

The helicopter was flown by Chief WarrantOfficersLoisChnsieiiscnandRobcnSpit/cr Theyflew down to about 50 feel above the water andhovered over me And b> thai time, the rescuecollar was already being lowered by Sgt RodneyWest, the crew chief of this operation It only looka few seconds for them 10 position the collar w hereI could grab it.

I was instructed earlier on how to put it on byStafTSgt Clarence Lick Lickisthestandardi/auoninstructor for the 812th and the scrgcani-m-chargcof all high performance training.

After securing the collar around my body, Ilatched it on to the hook of the hoist cable I thenfastened a safety strap beneath the water

I was read) to be lifted so I extended my leftarm and gave a thumbs up it seemed as though Iwas nding an elevator cable, but I felt extremelysafe and secure It took less than a minute for Westto electronically hoist me into the helicopter As-sisting West with the rescue was Spec. MarkMarque/, a flight medic with the unit

As I buckled myself into a seat, the chopperwas circling around to pick up the next victim Thesame sequence of events took place for this rescueand we landed on the ground two or three minuteslater

BEAM ME UP, SCOTTY- SSG Paul Sylvat is "rescued" from Uke Buhlow duringannual training exercises conducted by the 812th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) nearCamp Beauregard. (Photo by SGT Lucas J. Ijtndreneau, Jr., 24la PAD)

The 812th, commanded by Maj Dennis JFavalora at the time, performed these exercises aspart of their two-week annual training 'I fedcomfortable with all 812th personnel operating theequipment," Favalora said.

"The technical expertise and professional-ism of Chief Warrant Officer William Girard andStaff Sergeant Clarence Lick are directly attribut-able to the successful accomplishment of the mis-sion,'1 he said.

G irard is the standardization instructor pilotand the unit standardization officer. He ensuresthat all 812 th personnel arc trained to standards andare proficient in their assigned positions

According to Lick, the 812th has six quali-

fied crew s A crew consists of two pilots, a crewchief and a flight medic

"Eight of nine crew chiefs and all of ourflight medics are qualified to do rescue missions,'Lick said

"You can't simulate aviation in a classroomIt's important to do this kind of training annually, ifnot scmi-annually," Chnstcnsen said

The operations officer for the 812th is Cap!John LcBlanc. "This is the most real. •• c trainingwe can get in a peacetime environment,* he said

There's no doubt that the 812th MedicalCompany (AA) is proficient in their missions I'dnever hang from a helicopter SO feet above theground without feeling perfectly safe

This newspaper is an Authorized Publication for members of theLouisiana National Guard. Contents of the TrmicinTin Guardsman arenet necessarily the official views ot endorsed by, the US GovernmentDepL of Defense, Dept of the Army, or the Louisiana National Guard.

BULK RATEU.S. Postage

PAIDOdarburg. WiP.rmrt NO. 199

P«ge2 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN SUMMER 1994 "Managing Change Through Leadership1

Army Communities of Excellence—

State's climb to perfection reaches new heightsBy CPT Maria L, LoVascoState PAO

When the Louisiana National Guardtook second place in the Army Communitiesof Excellence this year, guardsmen not onlybrought home another $125,000, but theymade Louisiana the first state lo place in thetop Ihrcc spots since reserve forces wereallowed to compete five years ago.

Last year's money was put toward thepurchase of needed equipment and renova-tions to existing facilities. Some of themoney was farmed out to the winners of thein-state ACOE competition.

Already, we're gearing up for 1995'snational and in-state competition, and thistime there arc a few changes.

— Brig. Gen. Edmund Gicring,deputy STARC commander, will bethis year's state program director.

— All organizations will receiveon-silc visits, not just the top finalistsin each competing /one

— At the company level therewil l be two award winners in eachmajor command, with the best of thesehaving a run-off for the top spots.

— A few units have been placedin different categories to make thecompetition more balanced.

— Also the third place award hasbeen eliminated from all categories,save the company level.

Quick response, safe landingDUE RECOGNITION- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Philip Cancienne (left) and Sgt.Randall Primes (secondfrom left) received citations from I-244th AIW Commander Lt.Col. Thomas J. Bourgeois for successfully landing a I'll-1 Huey helicopter during anin-flight emergency. The drama took place in April 1993. during a maintenance testflight when Canciennefirst noticed an abnormal gauge reading at 1,000feet. II 'ith smokefilling the cockpit and the engine compartment inflames, Cancienne safely landed theaircraft on a small cement slab in the Venetian Isles area of New Orleans East. Eventhough the landing took place only 200 feet from afire station and fire fighters quicklydoused the fire, the helicopter was a total loss. For his actions. Cancienne received aBroken Wing award. For his role in spotting the trouble and assisting the pilot in findinga landing site. Crew Chief Primes received a framed Certificate ofAppreciation. (Photoby CPT Maria L ls>Vasco, State PAO)

HELP WANTED! HELP WANTED! HELP WANTED!The Louisiana Guardsman Newspaper Staff is in search of photographers. We are a\ arc that

many Guardsmen take photos of unit activities throughout the training year. We'd like to sec \r workand give you the opportunity to get your work in print. You don't have lo be a professional, but yourphotos have to tell a story. Simply identify the individuals in the photo (by name and rank), explainwhat is going on in the photo and include the photographer's name, rank and unit. Send photos toLouisiana Guardsman, ATTN: Editor, SGT Kristi Graves, Bldg. 35. Jackson Barracks, New Orleans.LA 70146-0330.

Unit in-state plans arc due to the stateheadquarters in November. This is earlierthan in the past because the ACOE commit-tee plans to visit the best of the best duringtheir lour of Louisiana.

Therefore, the state winner* need lobe determined prior to the national visit inFebruary/March.

There is chauvinism in making thisdecision, as it implies that we arc alreadycounting on making the top five finalistsand earning a visit. If it's chauvinism, so beit . Louisiana hasn't placed five out of five forbeing mediocre.

Maj. Gen. Stroud's guidance for thisyear's national ACOE competition is elo-quent and simple:

Recapture 1st place

1-800-796-9699Desert Storm Hotline

For "mystery illness" symptomsufferers Call Monday - Friday 0800-2300

hours EOT lo report any symptoms resultingfrom Dcscn Storm service

Chief of StaffHotline

1-800-233-6796

State FamilyAssistance Office1-800-541-5860

159th FG honors own with coinBy SSG Samanlha Theriot159 FG

The 159th Fighter Group recentlyawarded the Louisiana National Guard Com-munity of Excellence Coin to 22 people forcontributions to the Guard and the commu-nity.

159th Commander Col. John H. BohJ r , presented the coins.

Sieve Jenkins. Rick touch. Al Eislcnand Bob Scdgcbccr, all support personnelfrom U.S. customs, and Master Sgt. RonAlexis and Sr. Master Sgt. Casmcar Larricuof the 159th, were recognized for the expe-dient response to a June 1993 F-15 crash insouth Louisiana.

Several people were rccogni/cd fortheir support of the 1993 159th family dayactivities.

Carrie Jones, Caroline Clark, JoanneDamarc, Jay Chcdvillc, Joyce Krail, JoelHclmcr, Iris Johnson, Shonic Bums, Mr.and Mrs. Sidney' Bourdais, Janice Misuraca.Capt. Tcna Moore and Capt. Romic Gallo-way were also awarded the Community ofExcellence Coin.

Other members of the 159th recog-nized for community service were Tech.Sgt Bobby Guillory and Staff Sgt LionelJones J r , coordinators of the Black HistoryMonth program, and Sr. Master Sgt. CharlesHclmcr for coordinating Air Guard partici-pation in the Kiwanis In te rna t iona l activi-ties.

PRESENTATION- COL John //. BohJr., commander of the 159th Fighter Group,presented some m uch deserved recognitionto members of his unit, their families andmembers of the community recently at anawards ceremony. Recipients wereawarded the touisiana National GuardCommunity of Excellence Coin for theiroutstanding contributions in variousactivities. (Photo by TSGT Greg Guerra.159th FG)

LOUISIANA GUARDSMANThe Adjutant General

La. Army and Air GuardMaj. Gen Ansel M Stroud, Jr

Chief of Staff (Army)Col. Paul D. Alford, Jr.

Deputy Commander (Air)Col Harry A TrosclairPublic Affairs Officer

Capt Maria L LoVasco

This newspaper is an authorized publicationfor members of the Louisiana Army and Air Na-l ionalGuard Contcnisoflhcl-ouisianaGuardsmanarc not neccssanly the official views, or endorsed by,the U S Government, Department of Defense,Department of the Army, or the Louisiana NationalGuard

Original articles pertaining to Louisiana Na-tional Guard units or individuals that would be ofinterest to the Guard community may be submitted10 La National Guard. Public Affairs Office. (AnnSGT Graves), Bldg 35, Jackson Barracks, NewOrleans. LA 701464330.

Guardsman Staff241st PAD

Commander MAJ James Fcllabaum

Print Journalists:ILTDavtdBarhamSSG Paul SyivcstSGT Lucas LandrcneauSGT Knsti Moon GravesSPC Karen Leger

First Sergeant MSG John SullivanBroadcast Journalists:

Copy Editor 1LT Pat SimonCopy Editor SFC David SmithJournalist SPC Sayicr WhinenEditor SPC Dann MannJournalist PVT Robert Whitakcr

"Managing Change Through leadership " SUMMER 1994 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN Page 3

159th FG sponsors inner city youthBy SGT Lucas J. Landrcncuu, Jr.241 si PAD

For the second time in as many yearsthe 159ih Fighter Group welcomed 25 innercity children from New Orleans-area hous-ing projects for a day of activities at theNaval Air Station in Belle Chase.

The program is an attempt by theGuard to combat the many problems thechildren face everyday in the inner city.

"We inform the kids of the problemsdrugs cause and iry lo present a positive sideof life," said Capt. Lorraine Pat i n. coordina-tor of the program. "We try to make themrealise they can do anything they want ifthey study and stay in school."

"We inform the kids of theproblems drugs cause and tryto present a positive side oflife. - Capt. Lorraine Patin, coordina-

tor for the program.

The children, who were joined by sixadult chaperons from their respectiveprojects, spent the day participating in manyactivities including a flight suit demonstra-tion, parachute and life support displays, aswell as aircraft and weapons displays. U.S.

Customs was also on hand to speak to thegroup about drugs and to give a demonstra-tion with a drug-sniffing dog.

For Kcntricl Clark, 14, a seventhgrader at McDonough 28, this was his sec-ond trip lo the airbasc under the program.Clark said he enjoyed seeing all of themilitary equipment, especially the jcls.

This year is better because we got towatch that dog tear up that box looking forthe drugs." Clark said. "We never had thatthe last time I was here," he added

The way things arc in the streets, it'sgood to have kids exposed to somcthi ng thatis positive," said Tech. Sgt. Lcs M. Durcttc,a Life Support Technician with the 122ndFighter Squadron who demonstrated to thekids some of the survival equipment fighterpilots arc trained to use.

"Hopefully, today will help the kidsrealize how important it is for them to stayin school and make something good out ofthemselves," Durct tc added.

Diana Batlistc, a Housing Authorityof New Orleans representative who coordi-nates activities for thcchildren said that "it'sgood to do something the kids really enjoy.Many of the programs we go to don't seemto keep the kids' attention as long as theactivities that arc put on here. They would beready lo come back tomorrow if you wouldlet them."

Second YCP class meets challeNGeBy CTT Marii L. LoVascoState PAO

A second class of high school drop-outs met the challenge of the YouthChalleNGe Program when they completedthe five-month course with a commence-ment ceremony held at Tioga Senior HighSchool in August.

Dressed in blue satin and mortar-boards, the 110 graduates ofYCP Class 2-94looked every bit the graduating high schoolseniors. All but two had earned their Gen-eral Education Development by the end ofthe course, and these two are scheduled totake the exam shortly.

This student body began five monthsago with a roster of 181 teenagers, but druguse and disciplinary problems pared thatnumber down by 70 candidates.

The daily regimented military envi-ronment proved to be more than some couldhandle, especially those who had becomeaccustomed lo sleeping late and loafing

through the day. But for many, fear, prideor a lack of anywhere to go, served asmotivators.

Those graduates who pursue furthereducational or vocational training will nowbe eligible for the $2,200 stipend offeredupon completion of the course. More impor-tantly, each graduate will be matched upwith a mentor who will provide him or herwith guidance and moral support for theupcoming year.

Back in 1993, the Louisiana NationalGuard received $4.9 million dollars fromthe Department of Defense to conduct twoclasses annually of the Youth ChalleNGeProgram. At$10,200pcrdropoutsomcmayquestion the value of this government pro-gram.

But for the hundreds of families andfriends who crowded into the Tioga HighScti -1 auditorium to sec a commencementceremony they'd only dreamed of, it is worthevery penny.

B O N D I N G - -(Top)TSGTLesM.Durette talks to agroup of inner cityyouth about his jobas a life supporttechnician and theequipment that AirGuardsmen wearto help protectthemselves.(Bottom) CPTJ.B.Waltermire talksabout his job as anF- i 5 fighter pilot.(Photos by SGTLucas J.Landreneau, Jr.,241st PAD)

GRADUATION, ALAS!-77i<r candidates of the National Guard's Youth ChalleNGeProgram cheer with excitement as they have just walked across their high school stage andgraduated. More than 100 high school dropouts received their GEDs in A ugust throughthe second rotation of the Department of Defense-funded program. (Photo by CPT MariaL LoVasco. State PAO)

In MemoriumIt is with profound regret that announcement is made of the untimely

deaths of the following Louisiana Guardsmen.

StarfSgt. Larry James Coleman, 43, diedAugust 22,1994.

Colcman served in the active Army fromJanuary 4,1973, through December 13,1975,and the USAR Control Group from December14, 1975 through July 25, 1976. His initialenlistment into the Louisiana Army NationalGuard was Jury 26,1976. During this period heserved as a tank commander. He was honorablydischarged from iheNauonal Guard January 26,1986.

Colcman then rccnlistcd inio the Louisi-ana National Guard November 26,1991. Heserved with Company A, 4ih Battalion 146thInfantry as a squad leader. The unit reorganizedto the 1083rd Transportation Company in Feb-ruary 1993, where he served with honor as aheavy vehicle driver.

His military awards and decorations in-clude the Army Service Ribbon, National De-fense Service Medal, Army Reserve Compo-nents Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Ser-vice Medal, Louisiana Commendation Medal,Louisiana Longevity Ribbon, Louisiana Gen*era! Excellence Ribbon, and the LouisianaEmergency Service Ribbon wilh two flcurde lis.

He is survived by his wife, Carlcstle M.Coleman,and sons Siegfried C.. Miklos R., andAudric R. Colcman.

Spec. Robert Shane Credcur, 22, diedAugust 12.1994.

Credcur enlisted into the Louisiana Na-tional Guard March 8,1990, and served withCompany C, 769th Engineer Battalion inGonzalcs.La .andDcl. 1, Company C, 769th in

Napoleon ville.He attended Basic and AIT at Fort

Leonard Wood, Missouri from August 10,1990,through December 8,1990, and graduated as acarpenter masonry specialist.

His military awards include the ArmyService Ribbon, National Defense ServiceMedal, Army Reserve Components Achieve-ment Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal,Army Reserve Components Overseas TrainingRibbon (3), Louisiana General Excellence Rib-bon, and the Louisiana Emergency ServiceRibbon.

He is survived by his wife, Jenny AlyssaTerrell Credcur.

Spec Gregory Lamar Williams, 22, diedAugust 20.1994.

He enlisted into the Louisiana NationalGuardJanuary 10,1990,into Del. 1. CompanyC, 527ih Engineer Battalion in Homer, La., andlater transferred to Del. 1, Company A, 527thwhere he served honorably as a carpentry/masonry specialist.

Williams attended Basic at Fort Jackson,South Carolina from June 13,1996. throughAugust 10, 1990, and ATT at Fort LeonardWood, Missouri from July 18,1991, throughSeptember 13.1991.

His military awards include the ArmyService Ribbon, National Defense ServiceMedal, Army Reserve Components Achieve-ment Medal, and the Louisiana General Excel-lence Ribbon

He is survived by his mother, CharlcncWilliams.

Members of the Louisiana National Guard mourn the deaths of thesefine soldiers and extend deepest sympathies to their families.

Page 4 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN SUMMER 1994 "Managing Change Through Leadership'

Louisiana Military Academy—

Consolidation makes academystronger, turns out better officers

BySSG PiulJ.Sylvest241st PAD

"Candidate, Ex-cuuuze me!" "Sir, yes sir!""Sir, no sir!"

These are popular phrases you hear at theOff icer Candidate School (OCS) at CampBaurcgard in Pincvillc, La Polite students7 Per-haps, but more likely it's the unquestioned obedi-ence which is all part of theprogram

"We purposely createa stressful environment forthe candidates because ourmam objective is to createfuture combat leaders," said1st Lt. Randall Bouky, se-nior TAG officer for the Loui-siana Military Academy"TAC" stands for teach, ad-vise and counsel, some of the basic principlesneeded to develop good leaders

The class at Camp Beaurcgard this summerconsists of 213 potential leaders from seven states,making up (he largest consolidated class in the 5thAmn region The consolidation includes seven ofthe eight states which represent the 5th Army Aita:Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Mis-souri, Oklahoma and Kansas The 5lh Army alsoincludes Nebraska, however their candidates arcassigned to an OCS program in a different region

Previous classes brought soldiers togetherfrom Louisiana, Texas and New Mexico Theoriginal consolidation began in 1985 with Louisi-ana and Texas

ThcconccpiwasspearhcadcdbyCol CalvinWashispack, the superintendent of the LouisianaMilitary Academy. "In February of tost year theNational Guard Bureau encouraged us to considerfurther consolidation and wt did," Washispacksaid. As chairman of the Stale Military AcademyAdvisory Council for Region 5, Washispack hadthe responsibility of getting the 5th Army statestogether to come up with a plan

With the cooperation of the other states inthe 5th Army region, the Louisiana Military Acad-emy has become a model for the training of pro-spective officers Throughout the year, three re-views are conducted to plan (he program "This is

TAG:

TEACH

ADVISE

COUNSEL

when wt iron out all the details for Phase I andPhase HI." Washispack said "It's also when wealign the programs of the 5th Army states," he said

The school is dividcdmto three phases whichspan 15 months The first phase is two weeks ofannual training conducted at the academy. Thestudents are addressed as junior candidates duringthis period which begins in August The soldiersare in a drill status for the second phase at their own

state academics Forthc thirdphase, (he students return toLouisiana as sen or candidatesand wrap up the end of theirtraining They graduate andreceive their commissions attheir own state academies

"There have beenother consolidations, but notto this magnitude,"Washispack said

"In Louisiana, we have evidence that we'rethe best in the nation," he added.

"We've received the 5th Army TrainingAward for the last three years, so I'm pleased withthe success we've had"

The National Guard Bureau directed mili-tary academies arouml me country to begin consoli-dating their programs last year. Louisiana had aheadstart, having merged with Texas many yearsago New Mexico joined the effort in 1989 anduntil this scar, the consolidation was limited (othese three states.

The integrated training within the state acad-emies is expected (o continue for at least two morescars More evaluation wi l l follow 10 determine theoverall effectiveness of the system. Washispacksaid, "Our recommendation to the Bureau is thatthe consolidation remain in the 5th Army area'

The first officer candidate class at CampBeaurcgard was offered in 1960. To date, theschool has graduated and commissioned 892 sol*dicrs

Twelve soldiers graduated in Class 34 thissummer. As thcs completed their final phase. Class35 was just getting started.

In each class, a small number of studentsfrom the top 10 percent of the senior class are hand

Continued on page 18

TEAMWORK- Cadets of the third YouthChalleNGe Program class get a taste ofwhat the next five months will be like, if theystick it out. (Photo by SSG Paul J. Sylvest.

\241stPAD)

GETTING BY— Officer candidates attempt to maneuver their way across one of theobstacles on the Leadership Reaction Course at Camp Beauregard. La. Over 200candidates from seven different states are vying for officer positions. Pictured are: (front)Andre'HerpinofSt. Martinville. La.; (standing) Ken Amarine of Mori anna. Ark,; (and onthe wall from left to right) Rodney Reeves ofFayetteville. Ark.; Joseph Shalabi of A ustin.Tex., and Jake \foore of San Marco, Tex. (Photo by SGT Lucas J. Landreneau.Jr.. 241stPAD)

Guard's response to educationcrisis provides direction for teensI By 1LT David B«tun

241st PAD

The National G uard is used to respond) ng toemergencies Hurricanes, floods, wars...

Now the education crisisMany people would agree the nation's south

arc m trouble in school Every eight seconds, a teendrops out of school, Louisiana's dropout rate ishovering around 12 percent; and most of those inprison today have no high school diploma

But the LouisianaNational Guard is attack-ing the problem

The Guard'sYouth ChallcNGe Pro-gram kicked off its thirdclass August 17 at CampBeaurcgard. Almost 250teens between the agesof 16and 18are trying toget General EducationDevelopment (GED) diplomas through the Guardprogram

Since September, 1993, the cadre in theYouth ChallcNGe Program have given hope to 22?teens.

And the Guard may be the best hopeformany teens

Ii'sexpensivc to have a residential program,"saidChicfWarrantOfficcrDouglasPetcrson. "It'scost prohibitive for schools" to run such a program

Peterson should know. He's spent most ofhis life in education and was the superintendent forschools in Bossier Parish for three scars It costsabout $10,000 to house, clothe and feed the teensfor a five-month course at Camp Bcauregard.Peterson said, and the public schools just amiafford il. The Guard received a federal grant to pay

for the program, but only the Guard has the build-ings and facilities for such an endeavor.

Officials at the special school hand-picktroubled teens from around the state and put themthrough a military-type training en vironmcnt wherethey are given leadership positions, physical train-ing, and more importantly, training to successfullycomplete the GED test

Leonard Vandcr Hoff, 16, of Shdcll. said hekept gctimg m trouble in high school But hewanted to gcttocollegc somehow. So, he joined the

Youth ChallcNGe Pn>

"/ came here on my own tontake something of myself I planon making it all the way through.I'm here to stay out of trouble. "-Leonard Vander Hoff.

gram

"I came here on myown to make somethingof myself." Vander Hoffsaid "I plan on making itall the way through. I'mhcrctosta> outoftroublc"

After completingthe course, the teens haveseveral option They are

given a $2,200 scholarship to pay tuition at acollege or a vocational school. Or they can use themoney to buy tools or clothing - depending on whatjob they land when they leave Camp Bcauregard.

But Peterson said the (ccns are also given asense of responsibility.

And the Guard doesn't leave them hangingonce they leave Camp Beaurcgard Each teen isassigned a home-town mentor Peterson said thementor guides the teen through job placement, andhopefully, the mentor and the teen become fncnds.

"What they do after they (complete theprogram) determines if they'll be successful,"Peterson said

To become a mentor, OF to get more infof'motion on the program, call 1-800-CAMP-KIDor (318) 641-3311.

"Managing Change Through Leadership' SUMMER 1994 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN

The PVT Joseph L. Nuzzolillo Scholarship Award

By CW3 Louis Joseph205lh Engr Bn

The parents of Pvt JosephNurzollilo. Anne Hock and JosephNuzzolillo. have chosen (o continuethe military spmt thai their son ex-emplified by starting a post second-ary scholarship in his memory to anyqualified soldier in the 205th Engi-neer Battalion. The J500 scholar-ship is set up by the Christ EpiscopalChurch In Covington, La. and willbe awarded annualN Their son wasa member of Co. A, 205th He waskilled in an automobile accident ear-lier this year

Pvt Nuz2olillo, an outstand-ing soldier, was awarded the ArmyAchievement Medal posthumouslyHis citation reads:

"Distinct service rendered 21July 93 - 14 May 94 for initiative,technical cxpcrti se, devotion to duty.competitive spint, and a high degreeof physical fitness, and served as rolemodel and inspiration for all other troops PvtNuzzolillo reflected great credit upon himself,the 205th Engineer Battalion. Louisiana Na-tional Guard and the United States Army."

The first scholarship was awarded toSgt Kenneth Wcichcrt of Co A who washonored m a special ceremony held on Sept10.1994. The parents presented the scholar*WupwWcicherlwnhLi Col HcnryA Boese,battalion commander, assisting in the cer-emony

Hock presented Pvt. Kevin Heck, Joey'sbest Army buddy, a framed poem entitledFriendship She also presented a framed set ofmusical notes entitled No 6 Extinguish Lightsto Sgt Evelyn Bums who played "Taps" at hisfuneral

The Nuzzolillo family will select futurescholarship recipients who meet the followingcriteria current drilling member of the 205th,

HONORING- (topphoto) Mr. Joseph Nuzzolillo andMrs. Anne Hock, (left), parents of the late PVT Joseph"Joey" Nuzzolillo of Co. A, 205th Engr Bn. donate aS500 college scholarship in remembrance of their son.(bottom photo) SGT Evelyn Bums recieves a gift fromJoey's mom for playing Taps" at his funeral. (Photosby CW3 Louis Joseph. 205th Engr Bn)

basic training and AIT graduate; no record ofdisciplinary action pending or otherwise, havesuccessfully passed his/her last regularly sched-uled PT test, must not be on the Army weightcontrol program, be a full-time college studentand have a minimum cumulative grade pointaverage of 2 5 on a 4 0 scale, be nominated byhis/her command, be enlisted in the grade of E-5 or below, have more than one year remainingon his/her current enlistment, must qualifywith his/her individual weapon annually andmust not have more than four periods ofequivalent training, split training, or absentleave in any one year period

Afler the ceremony, the family gath-ered with the soldiers of Co A Because of thisspecial bond with the family, A Co will in-clude them in all of its special occasions

Pvt. Nuzzolillo will be sadly missed butnever forgotten

Mrs. LouisianaGuardsman's wife is crownedMrs. Louisiana and Mrs. America2nd runner-up

By SFC Joseph Vandcrpool39th MP Co.Mrs. LorcttaS. Dunn, thcwifc of Staff

Sgt. Michael W. Dunn, was recently crownedMrs. Louisiana and Mrs America, 2nd run-ner-up.

Staff Sgt Dunn is a member of the39(h Military- Police Company and a full-time member of the Counter Drug Program.

On July 22 and 23, 1994, 17 contes-tants competed for the title of Mrs. Louisi-ana at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel in NewOrleans. Mrs. Dunn went on to compete asMrs Louisiana against 50 other contestantsin the Mrs. America Pageant held in FortWorth, Texas, September 8-10. 1994. Shewas selected as 2nd runner-up.

Mrs. Dunn credits her supporters:family, friends and coworkcrs for her suc-cess. Her supporters donated much of her

Region VI NCO Academy—

wardrobe and accessories for the events,pan of what made her so successful

While in Fort Worth. Mrs. Dunn'ssupporters wore buttons with her picture toboost her recognition

Second runner-up Mrs. America waspresented with a crystal trophy as a token ofher success.

Mrs. Dunn is currently employed bythe St. James Parish Sheriffs Office as ajuvenile detective. The Dunn's have beenmarried seven years and have two children.

PRESENTATION- MSG Michael Wilde (right) presents SFC Mark Walker with an ArmyCommendation Medal during a PLDC graduation in August. Walker and the otherinstructors and cadre members at the NCO A cademy at Ball. La,, recei ved recognition fortheir roles in making the Academy one of the best in the Army. (Photo by SSG PaulJ.Sytvest. 241st PAD)

Facilities and soldiersdeemed best in the Army

By SSG Paul J. Sylvcst241st PAD

The NCO Academy at Ball, La., is themost organized, well run facility of its kindaccording to the U.S. Army.

This assessment was made by theaccreditation team directed by the US. ArmyTraining and Doctrine Command. Theteam was sent from the Sergeant MajorAcademy which is located at Fort Bliss in ElPaso, Texas.

Command Sgt. Maj. John Morrow,commandant of the academy, said the fed-eral accreditation enables them to run theacademy.

The academy, also known as the mili-tary education center, offers PLDC, BNCOCand ANCOC for both the reserve and activeduty components. In training year '95, theacademy will offer numerous reserve andactive NCO development courses Thesecourses serve the needs of all 50 stales andfour U.S. territories.

The latest PLDC course graduated122 soldiers in late August. However, therehave been larger classes. "We had 365 inPLDC during Desert Storm," Morrow said.From 1984 through April 1994, the Acad-emy has graduated 14,168 students from itsmany courses, according to official records

The education center employs activeduty Guardsmen in addition to federal andstate technicians. There is also a smallnumber of soldiers serving in an active dutytraining status.

The Academy also has a developmen-tal counseling program which is one of thebest in the Army, according to the accredi-tation team They also considered the sclf-help improvement program exceptional andsaid that (he Academy gets belter with eachvisit.

Several of the instructors and cadremembers were recently recognized for theirdedication to and accomplishments at the

Academy."The willingness of the cadre to work

on projects at the facility indicates theirdesire to have the best NCO Academy in theArmy," Morrow said.

The Academy instructors and cadremembers who received awards are:

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL-

SFC Rkkey BraggSFC Crady Coulter

ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL

SFC John Brown, 3rd awardSSG Warren CurreySFC Roger Drake, 2nd awardSFC Daniel DucottSFC Eugene Earnest, 4th awardSSG Brian Jackson, 2nd awardSSG Gerald MartinSFC Gary Walker, 3rd awardSFC Mark Walker, 2nd award'SFC John Woods, Jr., 2nd aw ardSFC Ranier Woods, 3rd award

ARMY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL-

SSG Dolores Banks, 2nd awardSSG Michael Bell. 4 t h awardSSG Milton Billk-rn, 2nd awardSSG Michael Brjsndl . 2nd awardSGT Michael S. Cm lev, 2nd aw ardSFC James Grace, 2 nd an ardSSG Michael LaCourSGT Mathew Lejeune, 2nd awardSSG Triiy LejeuneSGT Timothy Livingston, 2nd awardSFC Jason Lot t, 2nd awardSGT Mark Matney, 2nd awardSSG Gary Ncwcomb, 2nd awardSSG Diaries Nichols, Sr., 2nd aw ardSGT William Nugent, 2nd awardSSG Joel Ortiz-Rosado, 2nd aw ardSGT Wilburn Sneed

Page 6 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN SUMMER 1994 'Managing Change Through Leadership"

i•4,

From paper to pop-ups—New record fire rangechallenges all soldiers

SPORTS* S - Slap the bottom of the magazine* P - Pull the charging handle* 0 - Observe the chamber* R - Release the charging handle* T - Tap the forward assist" S - Squeeze

By 1LT David Barham241st PAD

A camouflaged soldier stands in hisfighting position, looking out, waiting forthe expected attack from the enemy. Hisweapon is locked and loaded and he know sexactly what to do with it.

Suddenly, in his firing sector a squadof paper targets appears 25 meters awayThe enemystands verystill as thesoldier un-loads hisweapon.

Not avery likelyscenario.

That'swhy Louisi-ana ArmyN a t i o n a lGuard officials built the new record firerange at Camp Bcaurcgard. Soldiers beganqualifying at the pop-up target range inApril. The new range is more realistic thanshooting at the 25-meter paper targets. Theautomated targets arc only visible for a fewseconds, they arc located at different dis-tances and the closer they arc, the faster theymove

But there has been a major problemwith the range: bolos Officials say soldiersarc simply unfamiliar with the automatedtarget range.

"A soldier has to learn to shoot," saidSgt. Maj. Ronald Dcsson, a special projectsNCO for the Guard. "(The range) is de-signed to be challenging and to be realisticand to prepare that soldier for what he'll secin combat conditions."

One way to limit bolos is to get thetroops familiar with the range, Bcsson said.The 241st Public Affairs Detachment ismaking a video for troops to sec before theygo to the range.

And before qualifying, leaders shouldmake certain the soldiers have zeroed weap-

ons. Without a good zero, officials saysoldiers don't have a chance of hitting someof the distant targets

Sgt. 1st Class Roger Ruff, the rangetraining NCO. said soldiers arc required toshoot from a foxhole and from the unsup-ported prone position. The scoring doesn'tchange: a soldier with 36 hits in 40 shots isstill considered an expert and a soldier w i t hless than 23 hits docs not meet UK standards

The only newpart of the scor-ing is the com-puter that printsresults instantly.

The pop-up targets appearin 16lancsat50,100, 150, 200,250. and 300meters The 50-meter targetsslay up for about

three seconds and the 300-meter targets stayup for about 10 seconds.

Sometimes, more than one target willpop up in the soldier's lane. Shooters mustscan their firing lanes constantly.

Ruff said he won't hold up thccomput-cri/cd range for people with jammed u cap-ons. If there is a serious problem \wth theweapon (like a pop and no kick), the soldierwill have to qualify with another weaponlater. But if it's a simple jam. the soldier willhave to clear the weapon and keep firing.

Again, officials say that's realistic."In the real world, if an (enemy sol-

dier) is coming up the hill, you cant say.'Hey. 1 have an alibi!'" Bcsson said

Ruff said leaders should go over thebasics of marksmanship with unit membersbefore going to the range. Classes on zero-ing, breathing, SPORTS and the triggersqueeze should be review cd

Range officials said soldiers shouldn'tbe scared of the range, but they should bewell prepared

"It's a whole new ball of wax fromshooting at the paper targets," Ruff said

FIRE- Louisiana National Guardsmen fromaround the stale now have a firing rangethat wilt give them a true measure of theirmarksmanship proficiency. Pop-up targetsappearin I6lanesat50. 100.150, 200.250.and 300 meter intervals. (Photo by 241stPublic Affairs Detachment)

LTCDarreiil). White

Minuteman AwardLt. Col. Darrcll D White has been

selected as the 1993 Army National GuardJudge Advocate of the Year by the NationalGuard Bureau.

White was awarded the NGB Mi mile-man Award for his meritorious sen ice dur-ing 1993 He successfully secured the enact-ment of (he Louisiana Military' Justice Codeand the compilation, publication and distri-bution of the Louisiana National GuardMilitary Justice Manual.

White displayed outstanding leader-ship, initiative, and creativity with his un-selfish dedication and efforts which havegreatly enhanced the readiness of the Loui-siana National Guard

ALERT- An F-15 Eagle inside the alert pod at the Naval Air Station. Joint Reser\-e Base.Belle Chasse. La. (Photo by SbfSG Ken Barlow. 159th FG)

159th FG alert mission endsBy SSG Suzanne Chaillot159th FG/PAO

The regional air defense alert missionfor the 159ih Fighter Group ended in Au-gust after 34 years of service. This closurefor the Louisiana Air Guard is due to thecurrent trend in military downsizing.

The 159lh started the mission ofguard -ing the gulf coastal region on a 24-hourposture in 1960. Theywere equipped with theF-102 convair aircraft.This mission continuedthrough 1970, whenduring the conversionto lhcF-100 aircraft forthe 159th, alert ceasedfor a short period.

During this conversion time, a Cubanairliner landed at the New Orleans Interna-tional Airport This undetected landingcaused concern about the coastal radar cov-erage and air defense capabilities.

Because of this occurrence, air de-fense alert was reinstated and the responsi-bility fell to air dcfcnscumls from the Texas,Florida and Michigan Air National Guards

The 159th resumed the mission in1980 upon completion of the conversion t:

" We were always readyfor a quick response,"

- Lt Col Dusty Rhoatls

the F-4C Phantom. The Louisiana AirGuard has maintained the responsibility ofthe alert mission since then, except for ashort period when the Texas Air Guard tookover the mission during the 159th's conver-sion to the F-15 Eagle.

The 159th had the only general pur-pose F-15 aircraft to assume the role of airdefense alert in the country.

According to Li Col. Dusty Rhoads,159lh fighter pilot, thepersonnel assigned tothe alert mission nevermissed an intercept oran active air scramble.

"We were able tomaintain air sover-eignty for our area, of

responsibility," Rhoads said. "We werealways ready for a quick response."

Such quick responses included suchintercepts as assistance to commercial andnon-commercial aircraft flying off-track,identification of suspect aircraft and in-volvement in the countcrdrug mission.

The responsibility for the regional airdefense alert mission will fall to the Houstonand Panama City, Fla., areas to continue toinsure air sovereignty for the gulf coast andthe country. •

"Managing Change Through Leadership' SUMMER 1994 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN Page?

Louisiana National GuardFamily Assistance Program

Office of the Adjutant General, LANG - DPA - FS Jackson BarracksNew Orleans, LA 70146-0330

Family News In BriefLouisville means "team"to family support leaders

No matter wherethey are, Guardfamily members

know thatTogether Everyone

Achieves More

By SFC Robert MorrisclleArea Retention NCO

Lou-cc-villc. Lou-ah-villc, Lcwis-villc. Even Kcntuckians will argue overhow to pronounce t lie name of the city thatis home to the famous Louisvil le Slugger,Kentucky Fried Chicken and the annualKentucky Derby. But to the representativesof all 50 stales attending the Guard FamilyProgram Workshop, Louisville WTIS pro-nounced T.E.A.M.' TEAM stands for To-gether Everyone Achieves More, which wasthe theme for this year's workshop held July31 through August 4, 1994.

Louisiana was well represented andduhng the national roll call, proudly pro-claimed ourselves as an Army and Air ForceCommunity- of Excellence. Capt. RobertFink led the Louisiana delegation through ania/c of 28 different seminars and lecturesrangingfrom Marketing the National GuardFamily Program to Disaster Preparedness.

Iris Johnson and Nonna Williams,Louisiana Family Program civilian volun-teers, contributed personal concerns to theNational Guard Bureau representatives.Their ideas, along with ideas from otherstale volunteers, arc to be carefully consid-ered by the Family Programs section at thePentagon for implementation in the nearfuture Some of the major concerns in-cluded more support for soldiers sufferingfrom Southwest Asia Syndrome, low costmedical/dental insurance for all Guard mem-bers, unlimited commissary/PX privileges,and increased benefits for Active Guard andReserve and M-day soldiers.

A panel of National Guard Bureaurepresentatives and Family Program Coor-dinators participated in a discussion where

audience members were allowed to ask ques-tions. These coordinators came from Florida.California, and South Carolina, states thathave recently suffered from natural disas-ters and had to mobili/c their family assis-tance program. Their stones confirmed theidea that a good family support program isnot something to be put off, but must be inplace today in order lobccffcctivc wheneverdisaster occurs.

Special speakers during the five dayevent included Mr. Frank Rush, assistantundersecretary of National Guard and Re-serve Affairs Rush cmphasi/cd thai reten-tion has not suffered because of OperationDesert Storm, but recruiting has sufferedbecause of downsizing in the military Rushexpressed the importance of producing NewMember Welcome Packets containing in-formation important to a new soldier and hisor her spouse. He assured even one thai theSecretary of Defense is looking into a laxcredit for employers of Guardsmen, activa-tion insurance for professionals who maylose money in the event of mobilization, andmore importance placed on family programstatus within National Guard units.

Also speaking was Ms. Dorothy

The Secretary of Defense islooking into a tax credit for em-ployers of Guardsmen, activationinsurance for professionals whomay lose money in the event ofmobilization, and more impor-tance placed on family programstatus within Guard units.Ogilvy-Lee, NGB family program coordi-nator. Lcc discussed changes in the familysupport program over the past 10 years andhow nice it is to finally have the car of the topbrass at the Pentagon.

As the annual workshop wound to aclose we started making plans for the nextone, to be held in Portland, Oregon duringAugust 1995. It promises to be even biggerand better than this year's workshop. We arclooking forward to representing Louisianain Orcgun, Orcgawn. Orcgin

Local volunteer gets second national callMrs. Jan Washispack, family support

group leader for the Louisiana MilitaryAcademy and state volunteer, was recentlyselected again by the National Guard Bu-reau toattcnd ihc Army's 12th Annual ArmyFamily Action Plan (AFAP) Conference inWashington, DC. AFAP is a continuinginitiative to identify and prioritize soldierand family issues that assist the Army's topleadership in reshaping the Army.

Washispack was selected last yearduring the nationwide search, as one of only11 delegates to represent the entire NationalGuard. This year, based on her knou ledge

of family programs, and experience as aformer delegate, she has been asked to comeback again as part of the staff

Capl. Robert Fink, family programcoordinator, has also been selected to attendthis year as one of the 12 National Guarddelegates.

Considering that there arc 53 otherstates and territories vying for any one ofthese positions, Louisiana is once againlucky to have been selected for two

These selections are indicative of howwell the Louisiana National Guard's FamilyProgram is thought of at the national level.

IRS changes moving taxGood news for Army families. The

Internal Revenue Service clarifies policy onthe latest tax law on reimbursements forsoldiers' moving expenses, which will savesome military members up to thousands ofdollars in taxes.

Underthe 1993 Omnibus Budget Rec-onciliation Act, relocation allowances be-came taxable At first, the IRS applied thelaw to everyone - military' and civilian. Theresult would tax the temporary lodging ex-pense (TLE) and temporary lodging allow*ance (TLA), which hadn't been targetedbefore Then the IRS announced that the taxchange wasn't intended for the military alterall.

The reasoning refers to the basic al-lowances for quarters (BAQ) and subsis-tence (B AS). BAQ and BAS arc not taxableand since TLE and TLA arc paid to reim-burse the soldier for lodging and subsistence

during a move, these iwo arc just extensionsof an already non-taxable entitlement.

Army officials expect the IRS to fol-low up with more details on moving allow-ances, after further study. Meanwhile, mili-tary officials are pleased with the changeinterpretation.

"The act had the potential of creatingserious problems for up to 800,000 militarypersonnel," said Defense Secretary WilliamPerry. This announcement "resolves thedilemma we confronted concerning theseallowances The financial cloud over thehead of our military personnel has beenremoved."

For more information on IRS rules asthey develop, contact a local legal assistanceattorney or Army Community Service fi-nancial counselor. (Based on a report filedby ARNEWS, reprinted from ARMY FAMI-LIES, Summer 1994.)

National network provides helpful tips for womenStay-at-home women trying to enter

Ihc job market can get a free packet ofinformation on local job-readiness and (rain-ing programs, support groups, financial aidoptions, health insurance rights and childsupport agencies by calling the helpline ofWomen Work! the National Network forWomen's Employment. Call toll-free 1-800-235-2732. 24-hours a day. If you areoverseas, you may write to:

Women Work!1625 K St. N.W., Suite 300Washington, DC 20006

PageS LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN SUMMER 1994 "Managing Change Through Leadership

Keeping our families informedLocal family issue gets national attention AFTB COniCS to Louisiana

Al this year's Army Family ActionPlan (AFAP) Conference in Washington,DC, a locally generated issue will be receiv-ing national attention.

In July, Capt Robert Fink, the statefamily program coordinator submitted anissue statement to the National Guard Bu-reau which was considered to be of suchsignificance that it has been forwarded tothe Department of the Army as one of onlya hand full of issues to be discussed at thisyear's AFAP Conference in October.

The issue deals with the maximumamount of military leave that a reservecomponent soldier can return to the govern-ment in exchange for cash payment.

The Department of the Army has apolicy stating that soldiers can "cash-in" amaximum of 60 days of leave throughouttheir military career (active or reserve). Justlike active Army soldiers. National Guardsoldiers sometimes earn leave when theyperform active duty for extended periods oflime. In most cases, the Guard soldiers donot have the opportunity to use the leavewhile on active duty, and therefore have tocash it in. The problem occurs once thesoldier has cashed in 60 days ofleavc. Every

Colorful nutritional guideLinda Smith, who heads up child de-

velopment and youth programs within theOffice of Family Policy, Support and Ser-vices, says that program managers in (heServices continue to emphasize the impor-tance of nutrition in child development pro-grams.

Nutritional deficiencies were amongat-risk factors identified early on amongchildren in DoD's "Sure Start Program" - aprogram for selected pre-schoolers of mili-tary1 parents living overseas. Among thefirst 20 -student Sure Start class, several ofthe pre-schoolers were identified \ \ i t l i el-evated cholesterol levels (over 240) and onechild was discovered to have a protein defi-ciency. The screening convinced DoD offi-cials to take a hard look at children's nutri-tional issues in military communities.

A DoD-widc study of cholesterol lev-els in military families with pro-school chil-dren is scheduled to get underway later (hisyear.

Healthy nutritional habits arc impor-

day of leave earned after that can not becashed in. and is lost.

With the active Army continuing todraw down, many former Army soldiers arcentering the National Guard unaware thatihey may continue to earn leave. If notinformed, some soldiers will cash in themaximum amount not knowing the reper-cussions that may come about later.

Fink's proposal is to cither reset thesoldiers "cashcd-in" balance to zero upontheir initial enlistment into the Guard, or todo away with the 60 day rule for reservecomponents altogether.

We will continue to keep you postedon the outcome of this issue.

We would also like to hear from you.If this has happened to you or someone youknow, we would like to hear about it. Anyexamples that Capt. Fink can gather willhelp justify his point at the October confer-ence. Please send your stories to:

Louisiana National Guard

ATTN: Family ServicesJackson BarracksNew Orleans, LA 70146

available from USDAtanl for children of all ages, and good nutri-tion is underscored by educators throughoutthe Department of Defense.

A helpful booklet titled Building ofthe Future: Nutrition Guidance for the ChildNutrition Programs can be obtained at nocost by family centers, child care providers,and school officials The colorful 61-pageguide also could be a valuable resource forprograms related to parenting education

Nutrition Guidance, developed jointlyby the US Departments of Agriculture,Education, and Health and Human Ser-vices, is an inviting publication that is col-orfully illustrated. Installation newspapereditors may remind readers that they mayobtain a single, free copy by writing directlyto the Department of Agriculture.

For a copy, write the Food and Nutri-tion Service, USDA. Food and NutritionService, 3101 Park Center Dr.. Room 607,Alexandria, VA 22302. Ask for the guide byname and its identifying publication num-ber which is FNS-279

Commissary labels tell allTo reduce the risk of food-borne ill-

ness and help protect consumers from expo-sure to possible contaminants found in rawmeat and poultry, commissaries worldwidehave introduced new labeling on those items.

The labels provide information onhow to store and thaw those products, howto protect them from cross-contamination,and give cooking and leftover storage in-structions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture

Food Safety and Inspection Service requiresthe safe handling instructions and symbolson all meat and poultry that is not pre-cooked by manufacturers and retailers.

All military commissaries managedand operated by the Defense CommissaryAgency arc complying with the industry'snew food labeling standard, recently an-nounced by the Secretary of Agriculture.

Prices will not increase because of thelabeling requirement.

In the last issue wt reported that the Armyhad developed a new training package for familyprogram training called Army Family Team Build-ing (AFTB). Recently at a train-thc-traincr confer-ence in Washington, DC, Capt Fink and MrsBeverly Hefner, volunteer from the Louisiana Mili-tary Academy, were trained as Master Trainers inthis program.

The program consists of over 50 individualmodules separated into four levels of experience.Level One classes deal with basic military familyknowledge and are geared toward the family mem-bers of new soldiers. Level two deals with familymembers who have been around (he military for awhile and are starting to get involved in unit activi-ties. These classes deal with management typeskills and family support group activities. Levelthree classes arc geared toward the advanced vol-unteer These classes discuss topics such asmcnloringandconflictrcsoluuon The fourth levelis instructor training. These classes cover topicslike adult learning and communication skills.

According lo Hefner, the first step for Loui-siana is lo train other miners AFTB has been

developed by family members for family membersand is designed to be taught only by family mem-bers According to Fink, he will be assisting Hefnerby calling a special meeting of the State FamilyProgram Advisory council in order for Hefner lobegin training others

"With Mrs Hefner's help, our goal is tocreate a network of family member trainers at thestate, major command, and unit levels," Fink said."We hope to eventually have instructors in eachunit who could focus on Level 1 subjects to leachto unit family members. Levels two through fourwould be reserved for actual volunteers and wouldbe taught at the MACOM or state level," Finkadded

"The key to this program's success will be.the volunteers This is their program My purpose

in being trained is to facilitate (he program provid-ing the necessary coordination with the units andthe funding and supplies that will be needed to earnit out," Fink said.

Initial plans are being made now to start thetram-ihc-traincr sessions as early as October withthe major push starting at the first of the year

Planning for a successful family meeting* Announce the meeting far enough

in advance to ensure that families can placethe meeting properly in their already busyschedule.

• Send the invitations directly to thefamily members at their home address.

• Provide child care during the meet-ing if at all possible. Make sure that youinform the families of the child care in theirletter of invitation.

* Conduct the meeting in a clean andfriendly environment.

* Unless absolutely impossible, thecommander and the unit point of contactshould be in attendance to show commandsupport

• Try to have an organi/cd agenda.* In addition to the Family Support

Group meeting, provide information or aspeaker. Examples of subjects might befinancial management, drug awareness foryouth, etc.

• If possible, provide refreshments.Source: Wyoming [National Guard

Tests continue for Operation ReadyIn the last issue of Family News In

Brief, we reported that the Louisiana Na-tional Guard was selected as the only Na-tional Guard command in the country toparticipate in an Army wide field test of thenew "Operation Ready", family membertraining program.

Since then, Capt. Fink and two volun-teers. Mrs Carrie Morriscttc and Mrs. MaryBaird, attended a meeting in Dallas to makefinal plans for the test. The meeting wasdesigned to make final revisions to thematerial, as well as the next phase of theplanning and evaluation process.

The Louisiana National Guard will betesting(woof ihc segments mOctobcr Finkwill be presenting the Family AssistanceCenter (FAC) module at a gathering of AreaRetention NCOs at Camp BcaurcgardMorriscttc and Baird will be presenting theAdvance Family Support Group Subjectsmodule at a gathering of the State FamilyProgram Advisory Council.

During the two presentations, cvalua-tors from the Texas A&M Agricultural Ex-tension Service and the Army CommunityServices Organization will be in attendanceto see how well the information meets itsobjectives. Assuming all goes well here,and at the other five test sites, the materialwill get its final approval and should bedistributed nationwide starting in January.

According to Fink, Louisiana is tmlyfortunate to have had a voice in the finalrevisions and test process.

Additionally we arc fortunate to havethe advance copy to start using in the fieldnow. Fink hopes to start using portions ofthe package as soon as possible with gather-ings of unit leaders and family supportgroups.

The Operation Ready training pack-age consists of four main training modulescovering Family Support Groups, Pre- andPost- Deployment Planning and FamilyAssistance Center Operations

"Managing Change Through Leadership' SUMMER 1994 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN

Operation Four Corners—1994 Wrap-up

CHECKING- Crew ChiejSOT KonaltlMayofthe 159thFG (left), goes over the thru flightcheck with CPTStevt Saari, 159th pilot. (Photo by SSG Suzanne Chaillol. 159th FG)

159th FG gets face liftThe people,missions,equipmentandreadiness ofthe Groupenhancewith changes

By CPT RocnieGalloway159 SC/CCE

Forthclastluoyears, ihc 159thFighter Group hasendured numerouschanges. For ex-ample, due to defensebudget cuts I he 159thFighter Group hasgone through "Right

Si/ing", the closing of the 24-hour alertfacility and prepared for a Quality Air ForceAssessment

Also during this same period, the unithas gone through an aircraft conversion.MSIP or Multi-Singed Improvement Pro-gram, is the term used to describe the con-version of the F-15A to the F-15MSIP-Aand has involved almost every unit withinthe 159lh. To explain the conversion theshortest way possible is to say MSIP hasgiven the F-15A the ability to shoot the

AIM 120 Missile. However, until recently,the 159th has not had the opportunity to testits pilots, maintenance crews and upgradedairplanes \ulh live AIMI20s.

On Aug. 7-20, the unit participated ina WSEP or Weapons Systems EvaluationProgram WSEP is designed to determinethe overall effectiveness of weapons systemssuch as the AIM 120, in a realistic environ-ment The unit was tasked to participate inlive missile firings conducted over Air Forcetest ranges in the Gulf of Mexico Thetargets used in this exercise arc drones,which arc unmanned aircraft operated byremote control.

For a lot of the younger airmen andpilots in the unit, this was their first experi-ence wi th live munitions. According to 1stLt Ray Ros/louski. WSEP is importantbecause it gives some of the newer guys theopportunity to experience shooting live mis-siles versus relying on computer-simulatedmissile launches "Also, because we got toshoot the AIM 120 missile." Roszkowskisaid, "which WTIS an awesome experience."

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BUSTED- LouisianaGuardsmen and law enforcementofficials from att over the stateparticipated in one of the mostsuccessful marijuana eradiationefforts ever this year. Operationfour Corners 1994 coveredLouisianajrom corner to corner.

In spring, the jointteams searched fields andbackyardsfrom theairandon theground for newly planted crops.Once spotted, their locations wererecorded and often times,surveillance was set up to gatherevidence against the farmer.

As harvest timeapproached. Guardsmen againteamed up with law enforcementagents to eradicate their cropsright out from under their noses.From the air. pilots get a plant'slocation using a GPS. globalpositioning system Once thecoordinates are locked in. in amatterofseconds, the informationis used in one of two ways Eitherthe coordinates are relayed to

forces on the ground who willthen go in and eradicate or thehelicopter lands and the lawenforcement agents and possiblyGuardsmen find the plot anderadicate it

The ground teamsoften get to assist law enforcementofficials with searches, seizuresand gathering evidence that willassist in building cases againstthecriminals. who are often timescaught with their hands Jull

This year's operationwas scaled down tremendously

from last year's efforts, but stilljust as successful. Last yearGuardsmen flew VII-1 llueys.whereas this year they stuck withthe more fuel efficient and costeffective OH-$8s. We also flewmore missions with less aircraftand less people. The groundtroops also had less manpowerbut were still invaluable to theoverall marijuana eradicationmission. (Photos by SGT KristiM'Graves, 241st PAD)

Page 10 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN SUMMER 1994 "Managing Change Through

204TH ASG: SoldiersJRTC starts, stops with security

By SGT Lucas J. Landrcncau Jr.241st PAD

Usually, units at (he Joint ReadinessTraining Center at Fort Polk prepare forweeks before going into the realistic train-ing area called "the box" for combat train-ing.

But the 239th Military Police Com-pany from Baton Rouge didn't go into thebox as part of their annual training. It cameto them.

The MP's provided perimeter secu-rity, traffic control and mam gate securityfor the 25lh Infantry Division's Initial Stag-ing Base before the movement into the box.

During this lime, the MP's faced real-istic scenarios while providing security forthe base - especially at the main gate.

The MP's directed all convoying ve-hicles directly through to the gate wherethc>' would be stopped and identified. Allnon-convoying vehicles would be funnclcdthrough a maze of concertina wire, com-plete with spccdbumps made of sandbags, toa checkpoint in order to be identified.

Non-military drivers received a more

in-depth investigation complete \viiha thor-ough check of vehicles if identification wasquestionable.

"All non-government vehicles arcchecked carefully regardless of whether thepassengers arc in uniform," Sgt JackLightfoot of Lafayette said. '' We have a lotmore lo be concerned with since we arc notconfined to a field-type environment. Therearc a lot of civilians going in and out andthey must be checked carefully. This is likethe real world because you arc not surewho's playing ihc game, but you have lo actas if everyone who approaches the gate isplaying the game.'1

"JRTC makes this as real as pos-sible," Lighifool said. He said some of thec iv i l i an vehicles even had license platesidentifying them as automobiles from aforeign country.

The MP's also checked all outgoingmilitary vehicles for passes in order to makesure each was leaving the base on officialbusiness.

'' 1 just got out of basic where I learneda lot in classes. But here, I am able to putwhat 1 have learned into action," Pvt.Patricia Arnold of Baton Rouge said.

Kegerreis climbs to top of 773rdBy SGT Lucai J. Landrcneau Jr.241st PAD

A f t e rserving 10years with the773rd Mainte-nance Battal-ion, Maj. Wil-liam R.Kcgcrrcis hasassumed com-mand of theunit from LtCol. John WMclnnis.

Kcfpros'previous posi-tions at the773rd includedcommander ofthe hcadquar- L —tcrs detach-ment, battalion maintenance operations of-ficer and battalion executive officer.

He received an associates degree fromValley Forge Military College and a bach-elors degree from Liberty University. He isa graduate of the Command and GeneralStaff College.

His awards and decorations includethe Meritorious Service Medal, the Army

COMMAND- MAJ William R. Kegerreis (right/acceptsthe 7 73rd Maintenance Battalion 'sguidonfrom MG Ansel M. Stroud. Jr.(Photo by SGTLucas J. Landreneau, Jr.. 241st PAD)

Commendation Medal, the Army Achieve-ment Medal and the Humanitarian Sen-ice

Medal.Mclnnis.

who commandedthe 773rd forthree years willbecome the ex-ecutive officer forthe 204Ih AreaSupport Group.

He is also agraduate of theCommand andGeneral StaffCollege. Hisiwards and deco-rations includethe MeritoriousService Medal.the Army Com-m e n da t i o nMedal. Special

Forces Tab, Master Parachutist Badge andPathfinder Badge.

" It has been an honor and a privilegeloscrvcinthe773rd,"Mclnnissaid- "Iwillbe leaving my position in good hands."

In his first address lo the men andwomen of the 773rd Kcgerreis said, **Ichallenge each of you to do your best as Ipromise you I will do mine."

Phatta by SG T Lucas J. LanJrtneau Jr.. 24ltt PAD

On the move with soldiersat the Joint Readiness

Training Center.

Training todayfs soldierBy SPC Karen E. Lcger241st PAD

The Joint Readiness Training Center(JRTC) located at Fort Polk for the past year,uses real world scenarios to train soldiers inlight infantry operations, both war and otherthan war.

JRTC is one of four training centersthat train in real world scenarios. The othersinclude the National Training Center (heavymechanized training in desert terrain); theCombat Battle Center (computer battle simu-lations); and in Ger-many (mountain ter-rain training).

JRTC is set upto train troops in alltypes of realistic sce-narios includingspecial operations, deployment and plan-ning operations. Troops arc introducedtactically into an area of operations and fightin low to mid-intensity scenarios, all ofwhich have positively reinforced trainingfor the National Guard especially for the204th Area Support Group, headquarteredat Jackson Barracks.

The JRTC conducts 10 rotations ayear with each rotation receiving a differentmission to accomplish. During each rota-tion approxi matcly 5,000 soldiers arc presentat Fort Polk to take part in the real worldenactments. Active, Guard and Reservecomponents from all branches of the U.S.military and national organizaitons partici-pate.

"JRTC is a demanding andvaluable real world trainingexperience."

•Capt Donna Lajoie

This year's rotation 94/9 was logisti-cally organized by the 204th which providedsupport for the 25lh Infantry Division sta-tioned at Schocficld Barracks, Hawaii.

The objective of the 204th's trainingwas to enforce a fragile peace agreement inthe buffer zone area between two warringnations on the fictitious island of Aragon,which is really Fort Polk. A Joint TaskForce, with soldiers from all over Ihc UnitedStates, Australia, Britain. Denmark, andlocal civilians, conducted operations for a30-day period in support of a United Na-

tions''agreement.The exercise in-

volved deployment ofU.S. forces to enforce aUnited Nations negoti-ated cease fire in the war-torn country of Cortina -

located on Aragon. ThcCortiniansandthcAcadians, from another country' also locatedon Aragon, claimed the same historicalterritory causing conflict between the twocountries.

The 204th provided command andcontrol of the logistical operation of theentire exercise, which included transporta-tion, maintenance, food rations, supplies,medical, military police, billeting and manyother necessities that were needed for theAugust rotation.

According to Capt Donna Lajoie ofthe 204th, the task, while demanding for ourtype of organization, was not impossible."We're a very flexible organization," shesaid. "Based on the needs of units operating

'Managing Change Through Leadership" SUMMER 1994 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN Page 11

Supporting SoldiersGuardsmen run resort community for visiting soldiers

By CPT Maria L, LoVascoSlate PAO

There arc no luxuries on the island ofCortina.

Actually, there's no water surround-ing it cither.

Cortina is a fictional nation at theJoint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) atFort Polk where 4.000 troops of the 25thI n f a n t r y jDivision's2nd Bri-gade par-ticipatedin a" peace en-f o r c e -m c n t "mission.

The2nd Bri-g a d cc a m efrom atrue is-land. Ha-waii Butfor twow e e k sthey werethe guests of the 773rd MaintenanceBattalion's "downtown resort" at the Inter-mediate Staging Base (ISB) set up in anenclosed area at England Air Park in Alcx-

COME AND GET IT- Members of the 773rd MaintenanceBattalion used these mobile kitchen trailers to prepare meals forthe 4,000 troops of Hawaii's 2nd Brigade before they plungedfull force into JRTC at Fort Polk. (Photo by CPT Maria LLoVasco. State PAO)

andnaAlthough the ISB served as a holding

station whi l e the troops arrived from abroadand awaited further transportation to FortPolk, it was not exempt from playing (hegame.

Capt David Dclaunc. S-3 and ProvostMarshal for the staging base said that theMPs from the 239lh Military Police Com-pany, Baton Rouge, had been alerted thatpotential terrorists and other unfriendly

1 nat ivesmight at-tempt topenetratesecurity.A zig-zaglane ofconcertinawi re atthe frontentrancewas con-structedto stoppotentialg a t ecrashers.Troopswere alsow a r n e dthat the

native Cortinian food cart vendors (theAAFES on wheels) could be possible spiesor saboteurs. Despite this, Dclaunc had (oremove grenade simulators he had placed

in our areas we can put together whateverlogistical support is required." The 204thproved to be a very dynamic group which iscapable of handling the logistical needs ofbetween 15,000 and 30.000 soldiers.

The 204th -vas commended by Brig.Gen Law son W. MacGrudcr, HI. for has inga "0" dollar loss, meaning the organizationas a whole wasted no money, had no damageto (he environment nor did they lose anyequipment at the Intermediate Staging Baselocated at England Air Park where the 773dMaintenance Battalion operated as the basesupport battalion.

"JRTC is a demanding and valuablereal world training experience,"Lajoie said."As a trainer on drill weekend there is onlyso much training you can do at home station,but when you can be in an environmentwhere you can put all that training togetheryou gain full exposure of your unit's capabil-ity.

The future ofJRTC is positive. As themi I nan continues to rccogni/c the need formore realism in today's soldier training, theneed fora site wi th the necessary resources,as well as a location where any unit cantrain, the JRTC will continue to grow.

SOLDIERING- LTC William R. Hilborn. right, commander of the 204th ASG lakestime for common task training with SPC Paul Meeker during annual training. (Photoby 204th ASG PAO)

CO M FO RT- Comfort is exactly what these soldiers at theIntermediate Staging Base were searching for. with theirmosquito bars draped over their cots in central La. (Photobv CPT Maria L LoVasco. State PAO)

along the weaker areas of his perimeter,because an international incident could havebeen sparked if a friendly Cortinian walkedtoo close to the fence and blew himself upForce used only in self defense is whatcharacterizedthis scenarioas a pence en-forcing mis-sion as op-posed to ahostile one.

B c -sides sccurihfor the troopsand theirequipment ,the 773rdlsother mis-sions in-cluded pro-viding food,showers andlaundry fa-cil i t ies for the4,000 menand women housed in huge blue and whilefestival tents.

Normally a real-world mission woulddictate how long a unit could wai l in astaging area, but the Hawaiian brigade hada definite window to make at the JRTC. Sowhile their vehicles and equipment arrivedand were loaded onto C-14 Is for the flightto Fort Polk, they spent the long hourscleaning their weapons, practicing tacticsand getting to know every inch of the ISB ontheir interminable road marches.

They didn't question where the foodcame from or how it was prepared. Theydidn't wonder how their laundry was beingsorted or if the port-o-johns were beingemptied. They didn't ponder if they w^rcsafe under the blue and white canvas at 3o'clock in the morning. These were theconcerns of Lt Col John Mclnnis, 773dBattalion commander, and his staff It wastheir responsibility to make the operation ofthe ISB seamless and incidental. Not beingnoticed was the mark of a smooth operation.The cooks rose before (he crows, the MPspatrolled by moonlight, and the medics sleptwith gauze and bandages by their side.

Involved in the 24-houroperation weresoldiers of the 3673d and 3671st Mainte-nance Companies, the 239th and 39 Mih-lary Police Companies, the 1090th Trans-portation Detachment, the 2222nd MedicalClearing Company, the 2226th Transporta-tion Terminal Service Company and Head-quarters of the 773rd Maintenance Battal-ion. Also invoked were the 229th FieldServices Company from Fort Polk and the769th Transportation Detachment of theNorth Dakota Army National Guard.

When these units arrived on July 31.all they found were the showers and tents inplace It was their job, in the next four days,to turn this hardscrabblc compound intohome-sweet-home for a small city, popula-

tion 4.000.

Whilethe JRTCr o t a t i o nwould ulti-mately re-sult in anevaluationfor the 2ndBrigade, thereport cardfor the7 7 3 r dM a i n t C 'nance Bat-talion wasc o m i n gfrom theISB

A n dwhen it did,

the unit got all A'sBrig. Gen Law-son Magrudcr. III.

commander of JRTC and Fort Polk, pre-sented the 773rd with three coins. One wasgiven to Maj William Rcgcrrcis, ISB com-mander Another was presented to Battal-ion Sergeant Major Cliff Warner, who alsoreceived a second one to present to thelowest ranking soldier of the operation.

This individual returned the coin to beframed and presented to the entire organiza-tion.

When the 2nd Brigade cleared thecompound, the 773rd soldiers inventoriedthe 4,000 cols, mobile kitchen trailers andcountless other pieces of equipment that hadkept the machine running. A day later theyalso left the island of Cortina, just as theyhad found it - desolate.

For Battalion Commander Lt. ColJohn Mclnnis it was a bittersweet departureThe ISB mission marked his last as battal-ion commander.

Before a crowd of battalion represen-tatives and special guests at CampBcaurcgard he turned command over toMaj. Kcgcircis.

Establishing and operating an inter-mediate staging base is not a normal func-tion of a maintenance battalion, but it is onethat all battalions, in this era of down-sizing, need to be prepared to do.

The 773rd Maintenance Battalionproved the> arc equal to the task Magrudcrrecognized and rewarded it, but more im-portantly, so did 4,000 soldiers from Ha-waii.

Not by clapping and cheering -just bynot noticing.

Pige 12 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN SUMMER 1994 "Managing Change Through Leadership"

Louisiana National Guard Counter Narcotics—

Guardsman redefines operations at DEABy SSG Paul J. Sytvest241st PAD

He's a soldier on the move and aGuardsman with a mission. And his missionis drug related, bul don't look Tor him in arehab clinic. Sgl. Dial Johnson is a Louisi-ana Guardsman who works for the DrugEnforcement Administration at the NewOrleans Field Division.

With a year and a half on the Guard'sCounter Drug Program, Johnson has of-fered the kind of support thai has made himindispensable at the DEA.

Louisiana Guardsmen have made atremendous impact in the war on drugs.Presently, there arc about 140 soldiers andairmen assigned to over 60 local, state andfederal law enforcement agencies through-out Louisiana.

Agencies who benefit from Guard as-sistance include: the DEA, the US CustomsService; Louisiana State Police; LouisianaSheriffs' and Police Department and di-verse narcotics task forces located across thestate

In 1989, the US congress mandatedNational Guard counter drug programs inthe SO states and four U S territories. Sincethat lime, in Louisiana alone, tens of mil-lions of dollars in drug money has beenseized; a number of automobiles, weaponsand drugs have been confiscated; and nu-merous drug suppliers arc behind bars.

One of the few federal agencies whereguardsmen arc assigned is the New OrleansField Division of the DEA. About 15 Guards-men support three DEA offices in Louisi-ana; two in Baton Rouge, two in Shrcvcportand the remainder in New Orleans.

Johnson, a member of (he 41 Sth Mili-tary Intelligence Battalion in Baton Rouge,is one of the many guardsmen who makes adifference supporting federal drug enforce-ment.

Louisiana National GuardCountcrdrug Coordinator Lt. Col. LarryDcBlicux said,

"The rewarding part of myjob is being able to work withhigh caliber, young soldiers andairmen, like Sgt Dial John-son"-Lt Col Larry DeBlieux.

Thcrcwardingpartofmyjobisbcingable to work with high caliber, young sol-diers and airmen like Sgt. Dial Johnson,"said DcBlicux. "He represents the essenceof this program's mission, which is to gettrained National Guard personnel to applytheir military skills in support of drug lawenforcement agencies."

Much of Johnson's time and effortshave been devoted to two large drug cases,one of which recently resulted in ten federal

grand jury indictments. The indictmentsfollowed a 16-month investigation.

Johnson assisted in this case by iden-tifying organizational members and prepar-ing a link diagram which showed the struc-ture of a large drug organization. With aflow chan illustration, he identified thedrug dealing mastermind and then linkedall of his associates depicting the relation-ships of midlcvcl traffickers directly to thestreet loci dealers.

The chan was used in federal court todisplay the size and structure of this crimi-nal organization. Johnson also procuredpictures of the suspects through communi-cations with various law enforcement agen-cies.

A substantial amount of informationwas obtained through administrative sub-poenas, another critical clement of the neverending paper trail.

Taking pride in his work, Johnsonsaid,

"It's a good feeling to seea case result in arrests andindictments." - Sgt Johnson.

"It's a good feeling to sec a case resultin arrests and indictments." Johnson said. "1get a rush when I sec individuals arrested ina case I've beenworking on "

Johnsonreceived aBachelor's de-gree in CriminalJustice fromLouisiana StateUnivcrsityinBa-lon Rouge. Andwith the help ofthe LouisianaNational Guardand the DEA,he's been fortu-nate enough tosucceed in his vo-cation.

Johnson'smilitary career,however, beganwhen he was 14.As a freshman atBclaire High School in Baton Rouge, hesigned up with the Junior R.O.T.C. pro-gram

In his four years of high school, herose to the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Coloneland became the battalion commander, thehighest command position of JuniorRO.T.C.

In his junior year, he enlisted in theU.S. Army Reserve to become an engineerfor the 245th Engineer Battalion in BatonRouge. In 1991, Johnson transferred lo the415th Military Intelligence Battalion.

ON THE MOVE- SGT Dial Johnson preparesresearch for D.E.A. agents who are involved in alengthy drug investigation. (Photo by SSG Paul J.Sylvesl. 241st PAD)

After receiving the required trainingin his military occupational specialty, John-son became a qualified Spanish linguist.

His National Guard training is instru-mental in his work at the D.E. A. where he'sinvolved in sustained operations.

He's presently occupied in anotheron-going drug investigation which began18 months ago. Much like the last investi-gation he worked with, Johnson has spent alot of time conducting research, gatheringinformation and writing reports.

Johnson's familiarity with the caseenables him to forward pertinent informa-tion to the investigating agents so they canfollow up on the latest leads

Johnny Phclps. special agcnt-in-chargc of the New Orleans Division, said,"The Louisiana National Guard is the firstorganization we've allowed to work withinour agency. Guardsmen contribute greatlyin administrative work as well as providinganalytical and technical assistance."

The variety of duties Guardsmen per-form for the DEA cannot be underratedTheir responsibilities cover the gamut ofdrug enforcement.

"We've placed Guardsmen in everyarea short of making the actual arrests."Phclps said.

Although thoroughly involved in themaintenance of equipment and other tech-

nical support,one of the mostvital functionsGuardsmen per-form is the es-sential paperwork associatedw ith a case.

M a n yD.E.A. agents,for instance,rely on Johnsonand otherGuardsmen toprovide themwith critical in-formation per-taining to on-goinginvcsti ga-uons. "It is ap-propriate thatthe Guardsmenarc behind the

scenes here." Phclps said.In a letter to Maj. Gen. Ansel M.

Stroud J r , the adjutant general of the Loui*siana National Guard. Phclps wrote of thetremendous impact Louisiana Guardsmenhave had at the New Orleans Field Division.

Phclps informed Stroud that the secu-ri ty system at their new location had notbeen installed at the time construction wascompleted. This meant thai a security detailwould be needed to protect a variety ofevidence, files, equipment and firearmsGuardsmen provided security for nine

months for a total of 2,900 man-hours.

"The Louisiana NationalGuard is the first organizationwe've allowed to work withinour agency..."

-Sp. Agent Johnny Phelps

"Had the Guard not provided thatsupport," Phclps said, "D.E A. specialagents would have been reassigned frominvestigative duties to the security detail."

Hccsumalcdlhat 1.4 man-years wouldhave been required for special agents toprovide the security.

Phclps wrote, "Using conservativeestimates, that means that 28 individualsthat were arrested for drug trafficking wouldnot have been arrested."

Phclps said that he was impressedwith the' 'extremely high quality of person-nel selected from the National Guard towork for the D.E.A."

If it were not for a federal hiringfreeze, Phclps said many of the guardsmenwould be considered as prospective appli-cants.

Johnson endeavors to work for theDEA one day, but is pleased to have theassociation through the National GuardEven in his spare lime Johnson can't getaway from the Guard.

He plays second base for the NationalGuard Softball Team Athlete's Choice.

Johnson's team is presently in thirdplace, but there's consolation. In August,the\l participate in the National Guardtournament.

The team will travel to Battlecrcck.Mich., where teams from across the country-will participate.

This will be Johnson's third long tripin four months. On May 7. 19V4. Johnsonlied the knot wi th the former Lauryn Salassiof Baton Rouge.

The ncwlywcds travelled to Jamaicafor a tropical honeymoon and most recentlyreturned from a trip to Branson, Missouriwhere they spent the 4th of July weekend

In addition to his work and travels,Johnson participates in volunteer civic ac-tion projects, too. In conjunction with the415th Military Intelligence Battalion, John-son provided language support for theKiwanis Club International Convention atthe NcwOrlcans Convention Center. Usinghis Spanish language skills, Johnson trans-lated for those who spoke little English.

It's evident that keeping bus)1 isn't aproblem for Johnson His only obstaclesmight be whether to sacrifice a pop fly in agame or to admit to his wife that he doesn'tknow where he is during their travels.

At any rate, don't get in his way; at6*2", 200 Ibs, Sgl. Johnson is a soldier on themove. *

"Managing Change Through leadership" SUMMER 1994 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN Page 13

New health care standards for military hospitals

Radial keratotomy may barmembers from enlistment

i

Dr. Stephen Joseph, assistant secre-tary of defense for health affairs, has askedall military hospitals to meet new standardsfor active duty health care by August 1995.Officials will phase in the same standardsfor care of family members and retirees byalater date.

Here are the standards:PREVENTIVE SERVICES** More than 75 percent of all adults

must have had their cholesterol levelsscreened within the last five years.

* * More than 80 percent of all womenbetween the ages of 40 and 49 must have hadtheir base-line mammogram.

** More than SO percent of all women50 and older must have an annua l

mammogram.** More than 85 percent of sexually

active women 18 and older must have anannual Pap smear test.

** Mammogram and Pap smear re-sults must be available within two weeks.

TREATMENT** Appointments for nonurgent pri-

mary care must be available within oneweek.

*• Urgent care appointment must beavailable within 24 hours.

*' More than 90 percent of patientsmust be satisfied with the quality of theircare and availability of appointments.

•• More than 90 percent of specialtyappointments must be available within thetime requested by the referring doctor.

Military looks at diet supplementsto enhance combat performance

By Jim GaramoneAFIS

An old Warner Brothers cartoon hada scientist elect recharging a carrot. BugsBunny ate it and became Super Rabbit.

While sen ice members arc not goingto get super powers, military scientists arclooking at food supplements to give combatpersonnel physical and mental edges. By1996 scientists at the U S Army Institute ofEnvironmental Medicine in Natick, Mass.,want to show they can enhance physical ormental performance by diet or diet supple-ments.

"This is just a demonstration projectnow," said Col Wayne Askew, chief ofnutrition research at the institute. "We arcnot adding supplements to the rations now.We want to demonstrate it's possible, thenit becomes an operational decision to con-tinue."

The Army asked the National Insti-tute of Medicine in Washington to look atwhet her certain supplements could improveservice members' performance in stressfulconditions. Army officials wanted a thirdparty to verify their plans. A committeerecommended a few promising supplements"We're not lalkingabout doublinga soldier'sperformance," said Askew, who holds adoctorate in nutritional biochemistry- "We'dbe happy with a five to 20 percent improve-ment.

Scientists have long known somesupplcnicntsdocnhanccpcrformancc. Caf-feine, for example, can keep service mem-bers alert. Natick researchers arc looking ata caffeine-laced chocolate bar as a way ofgetting the substance into personnel (fewersoldiers drink coffee these days).

Marathon runners have long knownof the benefits of carbohydrate loading.Military rations already contain a high per-centage of carbohydrates. The committeerecommended supplements to give a quick

extra 100 or 200 grams of carbohydratesservice members can cat during stressfulperiods like combat operations. The com-mittee report highlighted glucose, becausethis form of sugar may further improvemental functions, too.

Army scientists have already studiedcarbohydrate loading. They tested SpecialForces soldiers and found a group takingcarbohydrate supplements performed 17percent better than a group taking a placebo.

Another substance the committee rec-ommended was cholinc found in egg yolks.This substance is not well understood, Askewsaid. "In one test it helped marathoncrsshave five minutes off their times for a 20-mile run," he said. "We need to examinethis and ask if a substance can helpmarathoncrs, is it something we really needfor soldiers?"

Tyrosinc is an amino acid that mayhelp service members in high-stress situa-tions. "Soldiers in cold- and high-altitudeareas experience a degradation of perfor-mance (because of the weather)." Askewsaid. "Soldiers getting a lyrosinc supple-ment do not experience this performancedrop.'' He said tests do not show improvedperformance, but will stop the degradation.

Less promising is a chemical calledcamitinc. "You sec ads for this in maga-zines all the tune." Askcu said "Il'sbillcdas a fat oxidizcr - meaning it helps the bodyburn fat off. Our tests don't show this."

Askew said even if the diet supple-ments arc approved, not all service memberswould receive them. "We're not going toput this in 400,000 rations." he said. But,he noted, a small special operations forcemight need them.

Askew said the supplements will be infood,too,rathcrthanaspills. "Wcwantourpeople to cat the rations," he said. "Wedon't want them to get the idea that all theyhave to do is pop a couple of pills and theirnutritional needs will be met for the day."

No military service acceptsindividuals who have had

the surgery.

By Evelyn D. HarrisAFIS

Ads promising the end to a life behindglasses or contact lenses arc springing up innewspapers and magazincslikc wild/lowersafter a ram But, say all the service surgeonsgeneral offices, any photorcfractivc surgerybars individuals from enlistment and, ifunsuccessful, could end a member's career.

No service accepts individuals whohave had the surgery -also known as radialkcratotomy (RK)- for enlistment, commis-sion or flight training, including entrance tothe service academics. The Army and theAir Force warn active duty members theymay have to pass a medical board to remainon active duly after the surgery.

Navy regulations prohibit the surgeryfor active duty personnel in certain fields,such as diving and aerospace. Navy andMarine corps personnel should check withtheir m i l i t a r y doctors before getting thesurgery.

R a d i a lkcratolomy wasrefined in 1972by a Russianophthalmolo-gist. In theformer SovietUnion, the op-eration quickly became more common thanprescriptions for glasses. In the UnitedStates, however, the surgery is still contro-versial, according to Air Force officials.

Most health insurance plans, includ-ing CHAMPUS and those for federal civil-ians, consider it cosmetic surgery and do notcover the cost, which can range from $ 1,000to $3,000 per eye.

Radial kcratotomy corrects ncarsight-cdncss with tiny incisions in the cornea thatflatten it and change the way it focuses. Theincisions radiate outward like wheel spokesfrom a central area of the cornea that re-mains untouched. But the incisions must beprecise. If the cornea if flattened too much,the eve will become farsighted. If it is notflattened enough, the patient will still benearsighted.

The surgery' is tricky and requires askilled surgeon; results arc not consistent.A U.S. government-funded study followed435 nearsighted people who had operationsin 1982 and 1983 in teaching hospitals Fiveyears later the majority still had improvedeyesight, although many did not achieve 20/20 vision. A sizable minority still neededglasses, and about three percent sufferedworse vision than before the operation.

Col. John Burkins, a flight surgeon atAir Force Reserve Headquarters at RobinsAir Force Base. Ga , is concerned about theincreased popularity of the operation. Hesaid the Air Force disapproves of radialkcratotomy for several reasons.

"There can be a loss of night vision,severe glare problems in sunlight and severeday-to-day fluctuations in visual acuity."Burkins said. Because of these fluctuations.

some patients found their vision was fine inthe morning but deteriorated to 20/70 orworse later in the day.

The cornea is weakened by these pro-cedures, which increases the possibility of anipt ureof the eye during any physical trauma,he said The operation also increases therisk of a retinal detachment.

The Air Force surgeon general's of-fice also advised Air Force doctors to warnteen-age dependents considering the opera-tion that it will prevent them from joiningthe military Since not all flying positionsrequire 20/20 or better uncorrectcd vision,the Air Force wants young people to beaware of all career options before gettingsurgery.

A new surgery may provide a ray ofhope for people who have trouble wearingglasses or contacts. Navy Li. Cdrs. SteveSchallhorn and Chris Blanton arc testingthe procedure, called photorcfractivckcratcctomy (PRK), at Naval Medical Cen-ter San Diego.

T h cNavy study ispan of Foodand Drug Ad-m i n i s t r a t i o nresearch. Ifall goes wellin the study,

FDA may approve the procedure this year ornext.

The new surgery' uses a laser to flattenthe cornea's contours. Researchers arc op-timistic that this surgery may be safer thanradial kcratotomy, because the laser docsnot weaken the eye. Also, the procedure ishighly automated, with a computer doingmuch of the work. Because of this, resultsmay be more predictable and consistent,Schallhorn said.

An ophthalmologist. Schallhorn is"cautiously optimistic" about the surgery'If FDA approves the surgery, he said theNavy may change its policy.

"Some individuals have problemswith glasses and contacts For these people.PRK may lead to improved performance,"he said. "It could be very useful for Navy-divers or Marines in the field whose glassesor contacts may become contaminated orscratched."

Schallhorn said both RK and PRK arcsuccessful only for individuals whose near-sightedness is not severe He would notadvise cither surgery for someone with se-vere nearsighted ness -a lens prescription ofmore than six to 10 diopters.

Army Col. Francis La Piana, an oph-thalmologist at Walter Reed Army MedicalCenter in Washington, agrees withSchallhorn that people who have problemswith glasses should wail for the PRK re-search results.

"Radial keratotomy permanentlyweakens the cornea, "La Piana said. "Mili-tary life is eye-hazardous in peace or war,and military members should not jeopardizetheir eyesight."

Page 14 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN SUMMER 1994 "Managing Change Through Leadership"

DoD chooses quality of life over equipment

Every child will be con-fronted by crisis. Whetherif s caused by bullies, drugs,violence in the schools, abuseor other trauma, crisis is anatural part of growing up.

Crisis is a turning point,as well. How you respondat the moment of crisis candetermine whether its out-come will be positive orotherwise.

From this side of thefishbowl, I see parents try-ing to do their best to guidekids through crisis... butnot always knowing how.

You can help your childDURING crisis by being

prepared right now.

Know your child. Thebest way you can pre-pare is to see the crisiscoming. But you won'tsee the crisis coming ifyou don't know yourchild. Crisis causeskids to change whatthey say, how they feeland how they act'Know what behavior isnormal for your childso you can recognizethe change.

Find out more about howyou can help your childthrough the rough times.Please call for your FREE75 Ways to Htlp Your KidsThrou^i Crisis brochure today:

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Tnaty the GMftfh. M urn m ournatKTUillv frlrtttt-rf PSA, o (V offtf*t"ipnJu-sft-Jt" for KiJ«/*nKr t pntmtc.im-far-pmfa ivvanizdrmn thai 'u> (vrnHALTING. HELPING * HFAUNGthe pain of Amrrtt* i kid* in cntaunrr 1M2.If you nffd aitormMtttm or hrta nrktN0w. M Ar US. t*a 1-400- U4~4K7nSmrn dfy* * wetk. 24 htmn a jgy.

Watch for more Tips fromTrusty the Goldfish:

By Jim GaramoneAPIS

DoD will look at reducing, cancelingor stretching out several major weapon sys-tems. Deputy Defense Secretary' John Dcutchtold reporters Aug. 23.

"Bill Perry and I believe that we mustidentify additional dollars over the five-yeardefense planning period lo support readi-ness, military pay increases and quality oflife improvements for our troops," Dcutchsaid.

DoD has asked for $20 billion over thenext five years to fund military pay raisesand other readiness issues. However, DoDdocs not believe the money will becomeavailable.

"Unless we get more money fromCongress, which we doubt will happen, westill have to reduce some of our outycarmodernization programs, "Dcutch said. "Insum, this message is, money is light, andwe're choosing people oxer systems. Forexample, if we must delay chemical lasers inspace in favor of housi ng for enlisted people,then Bill Perry and I will do so."

Among the programs Dcutch is ask-

Air Guardexperiments witheducation plans

By CPT Lorraine M. Palin159th FC/PAO

Three Louisiana Air National Guards-men recently graduated from the pilot Squad-ron Officer School Aug. 6.

Capl. Patrick Griffin, from Headquar-ters; Capt. William Doran and Capt LorrainePatin, both of the 159th Fighter Groupattended the seven week course that wascompressed into a four week experimentalcourse with 12 hour days, six days a week,at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

This was the Air Force's first attemptat conducting company grade officer Pro-fessional Military Education for both acmeand reserve members Members attendingthe course were from all branches of the AirForce. The active Air Force, Reserves andNational Guard split the enrollment in thirds.The course training included officership,force employment, leadership and commu-nication skills. Studies included the prin-ciples of war, group interactions, history,strategic thought, written and oral commu-nications, physical conditioning, team lead-ership practice and war games. Guest lec-turers from all branches of the Air Forceshared their experiences with the class mem-bers.

The course w i l l be offered annuallyand school officials plan to increase enroll-ment to 300 at the next session.

ing the services to look into arc the AirForce's F-22 fighter, the Marine Corps' V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft and the Army'sComanche helicopter. The Navy may haveto build fewer ships and submarines or delaythem.

Dcutch stressed while the list ofweapon systems under consideration forcancellation, delay or reduction is "awe-some," nothing has been decided yet.

"There will be an extensive period ofprocess for consultation with the services,with the Joint Chiefs," Dcutch said He saidthis has been an interactive process with thecivilian leadership, the administration andthe chiefs from the beginning. Perry has

visited all of the regional commanders inchief.

"In each one of these places he hasbeen speaking with the officers and enlistedmen and women about what is importantfrom the war fighters' point of view tomaintaining readiness and strength of ourforces," he said Dcutch also stressed thisdocs not mean any change in the forcestructure under the Bottom-up Review.

He said issues like military pay, qual-ity of life, child care, adequate operationsand maintenance funding and good housing willmake the difference in effective forces, and "thafswhy the investment is being made now at theexpense of postponing needed modernization"

Corps De L'Afrique Association of Louisiana, Inc.The Corps DC L'Afrique Association

is an organization formed by African-Ameri-can members of the Louisiana NationalGuard to serve our communities throughachievement and excellence in military andcommunity service, AND to serve as a ve-hicle for professional and social interactionfor our members.

The concept of African-Americansachieving excellence through military andcommunity service in Louisiana is not a newone. Our participation as citizen-soldiers inthe Louisiana Militia dales back to the POO'S(the time of Spanish rule in Louisiana).

The "Free Men of Color" were free.African professionals, craftsmen, and la-borers of New Orleans and southeast Loui-siana who volunteered to serve in the Loui-siana Militia. These companies and laterbattalions were an integral part of the Loui-siana Militia.

Today, those same traditions of serv-ing the community through military servicecontinue as African-Americans account formore than one third of the Louisiana Na-tional Guard - more than 4,000 men andwomen.

In December 1993, a few African-American members of the Louisiana Na-tional Guard met with Maj. Gen. Ansel M.Stroud Jr., to present the idea of forming thisorganization. Slroud was receptive andsincerely enthusiastic in pledging his sup-port Slroud said the lime for such anorganization was indeed overdue. Thus, the

Corps De L'Afrique was born.PURPOSES & OBJECTIVES:The organizational purposes arc:1. To contribute materially to our

communities through achievement and ex-cellence in military and community service.

2. To educate the community aboutAfrican-American achievement in Louisi-ana and American Military' history.

3. To recognize and promote a posi-tive image of African-American militaryservice, history and involvement.

The organizational objectives arc:1. To serve our communities through

achievement and excellence in military andcommunity service.

2. To serve as a vehicle for profes-sional and social interaction among ourmembers.

MEMBERSHIPMembership is open to any Louisiana

resident who is an active or retired memberof any armed service of the Uniicd Stales, ormember of the Inactive National Guard orInactive Ready Reserve and who supportsour purposes and objectives

CAN AN ORGANIZATION LIKEOURS BE OF SERVICE TO YOU?

CAN YOU SERVE IN AN ASSO-CIATION LIKE OURS?

If your answers are yes, fill out theinformation below and mail it to us at theaddress below. We'll be contacting yousoon.

CORPS DE L'AFRIQUE MEMBERSHIP FORMCorps De L'Afrique Association of Louisiana, Inc.

650 Poydras Street, Suite 2700New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Phone 1-800-915-5358

NAME!

ADDRESS:

RANK-PARISH:PHONE:

UNIT:UNIT LOCATION:COMMENTS:

MEMBERSHIP Dl'ES ARE $10.00 ANNUALLY

'Managing Change Through Leadership" SUMMER 1994 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN Page 15

Employers visit256th Brigade

" We can't make this train-ing happen without you, theemployers of our Guardsmen."

Lt Col. Glenn Kent

By PFC Dawn Butler256th Inf Bde PAO

Evcna boss needs a lift now and then,and that's exactly what several units didduring AT'94. The Employer Support ofthe Guard and Reserve group brought sev-eral loads of employers for the AT '94 BossLift

The program is designed to put em-ployers in touch with how their employeestrain and contribute to the defense of thenation. The ESGR isavoluntary'organiza-tion that educates civilian employers aboutthe need to be supportive of soldiers in theGuard and Reserves.

The reason is simple," said retiredArmyCol. EmilcSt. Pierre of New Orleansand ESGR representative. The numberone goal of ESGR is to work to protect therights of pan-time soldiers and assist innuking employers familiar with the type oftraining these soldiers receive."

Boss lifts arc one of the many pro-grams in place (o achieve this goal.

"I am pleased with the program turnout (his year," Si Pierre said "It's a realcyc-opcncr for the employers. Many ofthem have no idea what their employees dofor these two weeks of summer camp."

During a short briefing before thegroup headed out to the field Brig GenFrank Catalano, the brigade commanderaddressed the group.

"1 want to personally thank each of

Photo by PFC Dawn Butter

you for attending our training this year,"Catalano said. The boss lift provides theopportunity to demonstrate the training anddemands placed on soldiers It also gives youa great idea on how your tax dollars arc bci ngspent."

Employers were guided through train-ing sites and every c^orl was "^cto link UPthe employer with the employee. At onetraining site Capi Paul Vorcnkamp, com-mander of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 141slField Artillery of New Orleans asked em-ployers for suggestions on how the Guardcould aid the ESGR support effort

Scott Giror said that knowing trainingdates in advance is very useful in coordinat-ing work schedules and shifts.

Sidney Prcndcrgast, a Navy veteranwho served aboard the USS Arkansas at D-Day said, "Not enough people realize howmuch and w hat these soldiers do here in sucha short time."

New armory combines units' homesBy SSC Paul J. Sylvcst241st PAD

A sla(e-of-thc-art Nalional Guard ar-mory is expected loopcn at Fort Polk in earlyNovember.

This $2 1 million facility is located atK Avenue and 13ih Street on (he north fortand wilt house two units: Del. 2. Co. B,199lh Support Battalion and Co. A, 3/156thInfantry.

Thearmory will replace two old build-ings which can no longer accommodate theneeds of these uniis. The detachment of the199(h is presently located at Fort Polk in atemporary facility which served as a WorldWar II administrative building. Co. A, 3/156th Infantry will move from an old ar-nwry in Lccsvillc which was buill just afterWorld War II.

This new facility is expected to add to(he training, storage and administrative as-pects and help the Guard complete its mis-sions. Construction began in September1993 by Mclnnis Brothers Construction,Inc., of Mindcn, La. The building wasdesigned with energy conservation in mind

by Barron, Heinberg and Brocato, an archi-tect and engineer firm from Alexandria.They arc also providing inspection servicesto ensure that proper building specificationsarc met.

The 200-man armory will have twelveadministrative offices and two additionalareas which will be available for generaladministrative purposes These offices werepurposely aligned to ensure the most effi-cient use of energy.

The armory, which measures 30,000square feet, is equipped with arms vaults forboth units. It also has a modern kitchen andspacious storage areas. Each platoon willhave its own supply room rather than onelarge storage area.

The armory is being buill next to amobilization and training equipment site tobetter serve the units* needs. Also close tothe armory is a mobile conduct fire trainerwhich is used by soldiers for simulator)exercises in shooting and maneuvering.

Selective elements of this armory arebeing used as prototypes for similar facili-ties which arc under design in Napoleon vilieand Baton Rouge.

Federal Technicians—OPM proposes ending

AF1SFederal employees would be eligible

for much quicker promotions under pro-posed rules recently announced by the Of-fice of Personnel Management.

The change is part of Vice PresidentAl Gore's National Performance Review.Officials said the change would make em-ployees eligible for promotion based onperformance rather than time in grade. Theproposed rules appeared in the June 15Federal Register and arc subject to a 60days' public comment before OPM issuesthe final rules.

"Abolishing the limc-in-gradc regu-lations will eliminate unrealistic expecta-tions of guaranteed promotion after oneyear," said OPM Director James B. King."Now employees will know that advance-ment hinges on their performance and skilllevels."

Since 1951 employees have been rc-

promotion restrictionsquired to spend one year in a general sched-ule pay grade before being eligible for pro-motion, regardless of skill level and experi-ence, he statutory basis for the requirementexpired in 1978. OPM continued the re-quirement under its regulatory authority

OPM officials said the change wouldbe most useful in situations where a personwith a master's degree or other strong quali-fications accepts a low grade position to"get in the door" of federal governmentUnder current rules such people would bestuck at that grade even if positions open upthat arc better suited to their qualifications.

The National Partnership Council,made up of labor and management repre-sentatives, approved the change. However, -the council recommended retaining time-m-gradc requirements for bargaining unitsin which unions have exclusive rights

Timc-m-gradc requirements coulddrop later if these unions agree to the change.

Selective Service streamlines operationsThe Selective Sen-ice System, the fed-

eral agency that maintains draft registrationrecords and remains prepared to draft menfor military sen-ice in a crisis, is cutting itssi/c and streamlining operations.

The agency closed its regional head-quarters offices in San Francisco. Dallas,and Philadelphia, and consolidated opera-tions at existing offices in Denver, Chicago,and Atlanta in August

In May, President Clinton notifiedCongress that continuing draft registration,and providing funding to operate the standbySelective Service System, is "essential toour national security."

In letters to the House and Senate,President Clinton wrote that the SelectiveService System and the peacetime registra-tion of all young men must be retained as a"hedge against unforeseen threats and arelatively low cost 'insurance policy'." To

end draft registration now, he noted.' 'couldsend the wrong signal to our potential en-emies.**

The U.S. House of Representativesvoted on May 23. and the Senate on July 1.to continue the requirement for all men toregister with Selective Sen-ice upon reach-ing age IK Since July, 1980, draft registra-tion has been an obligation of virtually allmen age 18 through 25 Federal law re-quires thai every man must register within30 days of his 18th birthday Registrationforms are available at any post office.

Men who don't register are in viola-tion of federal law. Non-registrants can beprosecuted, and they are ineligible for fed-eral student financial aid, most federal jobs,and federal job training programs. The lawapplies to most male aliens residing in theU.S.,as well as all male citizens, IS through25 years old.

ARMORY— This state-of-the-art armory wilt house two elements of the 256th InfantryBrigade (M) at Fort Polk upon its completion sometime in November. Its construction isbeing used as a model for similar armories for other Louisiana National Guard units.(Photo by SGT Lucas J. Landreneau, 341st PAD)

Page 16 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN SUMMER 1994 'Managing Changf Through Leadership"

205th Engineers--

Building on annual training\toff? ftjffi

Throughstorms ofrain La.engineersgive whatit takes

ByCWJ Lou ii Joseph2<t5th Engr Bn

The 205th EngineerBattalion, headquarteredin Bogalusa, experiencedanother interesting andoutstanding annual train-ing period. Lt. Col. HenryA. Bocsc, battalion com-mander for the last three

years, is extremely pleased with the accom-plishments of his unit. He gives credit to theofficers and enlisted soldiers who workedhard during drills and the 15 days of AT.

Bravo Company ofFranklinton was assigned projectsat Camp V Bar, a Boy Scout campin Sellers, Miss. They constructedtwelve sites for archery set ups, abaseball field and an activity cen-ter that required the removal ofgrub covering from four to fiveacres and leveling the field. Theproject also required the construc-tion of a two mile road that hadI L i l l e or no preliminary work doneprior lo Bravo Company's arrival.Needless to say, the weather be-came a factor which limited thescope of the work. However, thisproject will be completed duringdrill weekends.

The vertical platoon pouredthe pads for three lecpccsas well asthe pad for a look-out tower/imita-tion castle. The platoon erectedtwo of the three teepees leavingsome minor work to be done ondrill weekends. This project wasexcellent training for the soldiers.It also provided a service lo thecommunity and the Boy Scouts ofAmerica.

Alpha Company was respon-sible for six projects, both hori-/onial and vertical. Horizontalprojects included Marco pondswhich consisted of work on onetwenty acre pond and two threeacre ponds. Their primary respon-sibilities were excavating andmoving 32,000 cubic yards of dirtin a (wo week period. Basicallythis was a dozer and scraper project withbrand new troops w ho did an excellent job inspile of adverse weather conditions.

The Lccsvillc project consisted ofbuilding baseball fields for the city ofLccsvillc Thctroopsworkcdthrccdiffcrcntfields al one time The members of CharlieCompany who did not go to Jordan withtheir unit, assisted with the project.

The Arrow head Road project at CampBcaurcgard was the third horizontal task.This project consisted of a 4,100 yard roadthat was basically a wooded area. Thesoldiers put in culverts, shaped and com-pacted iwo-thirds of the road.

The vertical projects consisted of reno-vating Building 565 at Camp Beaurcgardwhich will be used as apartments. In orderto do this, they had lo frame up walls, andbuild smoke and draft walls. It also calledfor the installation of a sewer system, elec-trical wiring, panel boxes and erect siding.Thc> also put in piers for the outside porch.

Another project was the constructionof the parking lol for the chapel at CampBcaurcgard. Alpha Company's scope was toconstruct the entire form and prepare for 12'% 60' pours. The troops completed all fivepours and the project

COOKING- Behind the sews. SPC Doss Cummings, CoA (•). 205th Engr Bn, cooks Jrench fries on a burner unitduring annual training. (Photo by SGT Ronnie Eleser. Co.A (•). 205th Engr Bn)

The last project was the confidencecourse, which was very taxing. The weatherwas a major factor but troops ended up veryclose to their scope. Many young troopslearned a lot because they received majortraining in all phases of carpentry that in-cluded plumbing, electrical and wood work.The horizontal project allowed them full useof all types of equipment - scrapers, dozers,road graders, and compactors.

To put the horizontal projects intoperspective, imagine moving 75,000 cubicyardsofdirtintwowccks This was no smallfeat accomplished by the soldiers of the205th Engineer Battalion.

Leader's POV counseling guidancePURPOSE:The purpose of Uus guidance is to

provide leaders with suggestions on how loconduct an effective counseling session thaiwill contribute to the success of the POVaccident prevention effort.

BACKGROUND:Thiscounsclingis part of a program to

reduce POV accidents. Army POV acci-dents, injuries, and fatalities continue to bea major problem, causing hundreds of sol-dier deaths and thousands of soldier inju-ries, not to mention the millions of dollars in

lost workdays and reduced productivity. Itis important to create the understandingamong soldiers that accidents don't justhappen, they arc caused by dangerous driverbehavior.

YOUR ROLE:As a leader, your role is to contribute

to a positive change in driver perception bycounseling all accident-involved drivers ina way that causes them to change theirattitude and behavior. To do this, the coun-seling session should have the followingelements:

DRIVERS INVOLVED IN AT-FAULT, INJURY-PRODUCING ACCIDENTS-** Inform the driver that a records review of his or her overall performance was

conducted as a result of the at-fault accident. Inform the soldier of the results of this reviewand the actions to be taken.

** Discuss briefly with the driver his or her injury-producing close call with death.** Inform the driver that he or she is being referred for specialized counseling and

the reason why.

DRIVERS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS OR MOVING VIOLATIONS-• * Ask the driver what is causing the dangerous behavior and if t here is anything that

you as a leader can help with. Stimulate as much as possible an honest exchange ofinformation. Stress that such behavior is unnatural and dangerous because it is potentiallyself-destructive.

** Ask the soldier's supervisor lo follow up with similar counseling.

RELATIONSHIP OF THE COUNSELING PROGRAM TO MILITARY/CIVIL JUSTICE PROCESS-Thiscounsclingisindcpcndcntofany disciplinary actionstaken under military or civil justice proceedings. It is recommended that the counselingprocedure follow any such proceedings unless action will be unduly delayed.

- From TranSafe. U.S. Army Safety Center

205th Battalion commander moves onBy CPT Timothy Chastain205th Engr Bn

The 205th Engineer Battalion (Com-bat Heavy) conducted a change of commandceremony Saturday, Sept. 10, 1994. MajorJoe L. Price assumed command from Lt.Col. Henry A Bocsc at the unit's headquar-ters in Bogalusa, La.

During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. AnselM. Stroud Jr.. the adjutant general, praisedBocsc for his contributions lo the improvedreadiness of the 205lh and the LouisianaArmy National Guard. Stroud awardedBocsc the Meritorious Service Medal for hisperformance as the 205ih's commanderThe award cited Bocsc for his calm, effec-tive leadership, his devotion to duty,and hisperformance during the Hurricane Andrewcleanup operation.

He now moves on to the 225th Engi-neer Group as the executive officer.

Bocsc, who is the state civil engineerwith the Directorate of Facilities Engineer-ing at Jackson Barracks will be moving onin his full-time career as well. In (he nearfuture he will become the Director of Secu-rity and Training. He feels that his experi-ence as an engineer battalion commanderwill help him with his new job but he islooking forward to all he has to learn.

Being battalion commander was awonderful opportunity to have over 700people working for you with several hun-dred thousand dollars worth of equipmentat your disposal, Bocsc said. "It was likeowning your own construction company,like Boh Brothers, except you don't have toworry about profit loss," he added.

"It is satisfying to sec the people whowork for me progress and become quiteskilled at their chosen profession That's themost rewarding to me," Bocsc reflected

Price is a 1977 graduate of the Loui-siana Military Academy's Officer Candi-date School He has completed the EngineerOfficer Basic and Advanced Course and iscurrently enrolled in the Command andGeneral Staff College During his career hehas served as an engineer platoon leader, .company executive officer, company com-mander and in various staff positions withthe 527th Engineer Battalion He also wentto Desert Storm with the 527th. His morerecent assignments include service as themaintenance officer and construction man-agement ofliccrfor the 225th Engineer Groupand executive officer of the 205lh.

Price resides in Shrcvcport, La., withBarbara, his wife of 27 years. The Price'shave five children: Pamela, Donald,Vencssa. Joe Jr., and Gregory. *

"Managing Change Through Leadership1 SUMMER 1994 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN Page 17

LOADING- TSGTsMichaelBartel. Larry-Garnett and Gerald Raynel. weapons load crewfor the 159th Fighter Group, secure a missile to the wing of an F-15 during an integratedcombat turn exercise. (Photo by SSG Suzanne Chaillot. 159th FG/PAO)

159th FG participatesin worldwide exercise

A test to see who isthe most accurateand precise teamin the Air Force

By SSG Suzanne M. Chaillot159th FG/PAO

The pilot guides the F-15 fighter to anabrupt halt. The ground crew hurriedlyplaces bright yellow chocks on cither side ofthe aircraA's wheels to keep them fromrolling. As the jet engines hum to a stop, thecrew begins to position missiles into placebeneath the body and wings of the mightyjet Within minutes, the eight missiles arcin place and the engines start to roar onceagain. Chocks arc pulled away from thewheels, and the jet rolls toward the runwayfor takeoff.

This integrated combat turn is just oneofthc many exercises members of the 159ihFighter Group have practiced in preparationfor Air Combat Command's William Tell'94 competition held at Tyndall Air ForceBase, Panama City, Fla., Oct. 12-22.

The 159th has been selected as therepresentative for the Air National Guard inthe F-15 category This worldwide air-to-air meet tests all phases of air superiorityand air defense in a live-fire environmentconducted over the Gulf of Mexico

The meet will allow ihc 159th todemonstrate their capabilities of fighterweapons systems, evaluate air-to-air tacticsand team coordination. The competitionwill also give the unit the opportunity toinform the public of the ro!c of air-to-air

forces, enhance esprit dc corps and to in-crease the unit's training efficiency.

The competition is divided into fourmajor exercises for the 159th: One missilelive-fire profile involving two fighters ver-sus two drones, a live gun fire exercise withtwo fighters against a towrd target system,an area defense sortie invoking four fight-ers versus 15 bombers, (B-1, B-2, learjct andF - l l ) . and a defense scramble with twofighters versus four targets.

The unit will be judged on their per-formance and the meet winner will be theteam acquiring the most points in air crewperformance, weapon control, maintenanceand munition load team performance.

Five Louisiana Air Guard F-l 5s andmore than 50 personnel will deploy to TyndallAFB for the competition.

There will be local and internationalmedia coverage during the competition andthe 159th has designated their team song,"Dreams" by Van Halcn.

Competing teams are chosen fromUS AF units from around the world as wellas from the Canadian Air Force. Thoseparticipating arc: F-15 units from the 1stFighter Wing . Langlcy AFB, Va.; 18thWing Group, Kcdcna AFB, Japan; 33rdFighter Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla.. 52nd FighterWing. Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany;and the 159ih Fighter Group, New OrleansF-l6 units from the 119th Fighter Group,rargo, N.D. and the 158th Fighter Group,South Burlington, Vt. An F-18 unit fromBagotville, Canada will represent the Cana-dian Air Force.

The 159th's objective is to be the mostaccurate and precise team in the U.S. AirForce as well as the Air National Guard.

WILLIE & .101!'3*

It's a habit Joe picked up in Rome.

»v« t* wta • *iilh ... Pri . • Wttfc Mi f Know*

w • •dN*rM e«rt*on«

rvic* in«fnfc«f» ot all br

M*w Mand Jo* 10 th«

Wa'va mada calling for halptalar than avar.

If you're an employer with employees inche Notional Guard end Reserve, and you need help.

give us a calt. We'll answer any questions youmay have concerning your responsibilities, es well

as your employee's. Or if you simply have aquestion, we'll help you with that, too.

So give us a call at 1-*OO-336-4590. it's that easy.

AP.1 .

Page 18 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN SUMMER 1994 "Managing Change Through Leadership "

Military savesmarine lifeenvironment

Tanksdumpedinto oceanformartificialreefs

By 1LT David Barham241st PAD

Tanks arc used forkilling And blowing thingsup. And running over ob-staclcs. And helping theenvironment.

Helping the environ-ment?

A new Army Program is designed tomake old out-of-date tanks do just that.

Old tanks that can only be used forscrap metal arc being used for a higherpurpose. Military officials - including sol-diers with the Louisiana Army NationalGuard - arc dumping the tanks into the Gulfof Mexico to create artificial reefs.

The artificial reefs wi l l boost marine-life populations, officials say, and help getrid of equipment that can't be used for anyother positive purpose.

Capt. Keith Kingston, the Louisiana

National Guard contract coordinator, saidthe tanks arc environmentally safe. Thehatches and doors arc welded open for safetyand all of the fluids in the engines arcdrained before they arc dumped inthc ocean.

Eventually, the old machines will behome to small fish. Bigger fish will follow,and then bigger fish -all the way up the foodchain.

Kingston said people who fish in theGulf fish near the oil rigs because that'swhere the algae, barnacles and other fishfood gather.

"They've been dumping trucks andbuses and cars" in the ocean, Kingston said"REEF-EX is adding areas for that type ofgrowth."

The Army started the REEF-EX pro-gram in September of 1993, officials said Ayear later, Louisiana Guardsmen, along withother reservists, were dumping tanks about10 miles offshore near Mobile, Ala.

The tanks are gathered from aroundthe nation and shipped to the Gulf ports.Guardsmen then load them up on barges andship them to points in the Gulf and simplydrop them over the side

The federal Environmental Protec-tion Agency signs off on everything in theexercise, Kingston said

The program is ongoing and Louisi-ana Guardsmen will stay involved, Kingstonsaid.

Louisiana Military Academy continued from page 4

picked to serve as training advisers to the juniorcandidates Senior Candidate Mike Mdancon isassisting with this year's junior class

Mclancon said, "Junior candidates can onlyaddress the T ACs formally so the senior candidatesserve as liaisons.'

"We take them to the PX, to use the phones,to wash clothes - the essentials, basically"

Mclancon was a member of the Army Re-serve for three years before he transferred to theLouisiana National Guard in 1992 Hcisamcnibcroflhe256thInfantryBrigadc(M) Upon receivinghis commission. Mclancon will be assigned to theOfficers' Corps in the Infantry Branch

Applicants to the officer candidate schoolmust have at least 60 hours of college credit and 90hours by the time they graduate and receive theircommissions

Junior Candidate Ronald Patrick ofDcQuccn,Arkansas, isastudenlinClass3S. Patrickhas an undergraduate degree in Speech and Com-munications from the University of Texas He ispursuing a leaching certificate in math and speechand Baylor University in Waco, Tex. "I guess youcan call me a degree holder and a certificationseeker," Patrick said.

Academic requirements arc essential, how-ever the candidates arc also expected to meet in-tense physical challenges. The leadership reactioncourse at Camp Bcaurcgard is one such challengeIts purpose is to improve the leadership ability ofyoung soldiers

The course measures the degree of certainleadership dimensions cmplo)'cd by the candidatesIt offers an opportunity for sclf-evaluauon andenable the students to more accurately determinetheir strengths and weaknesses

Capt Greg Myers, company commander of3/156th Infantry is a guest instructor for the acad-emy. He supervises the candidates is they negoti-

ate the reaction course and the stream crossingAlthough both tasksinclude competitive team build-ing exercises, Meyer said, "It also gives them anopportunity to cool their heels and have a little fun'

Many candidates who've attended the acad-emy have reached their goals Washispack, forinstance, was a student of Class 5, he graduatedfrom the academy in 1965. He was promoted tocolonel in 1993, but just recently received federalrecognition He has worked full-time at the acad-emy for more than a decade This is his fourth yearas superintendent

Others commissioned at the academy in-clude: Col. Bennett Landrcneau, commander ofthe 225th Engineer Group, Col Thomas Rodngue,Director of Military Support, and Lt. Col ClydeGuidry, commander of the 3/156th Infantry.

Maj Gen Ansel M Stroud, Jr . adjutantgeneral of the Louisiana National Guard, addressedthis year's graduating class of second lieutenants"You have chosen lobe leaders Your training hasbeen intense, but it's just the beginning," Stroudsaid

"Asofficcrs,society will expect more ofyouYour greatest contribution as an officer will be as arole model and mentor," Stroud said

Senior Candidate Wesley Pickens ofCollinsvillc, Miss, waschoscn to be this year's classspeaker In his address, Pickens said.

"Integrity is the foundation of thearmy officer.

As officers, we must know our mis-sion, know our equipment and know oursoldier*. It's also paramount that we con-sider our soldiers' welfare.

These simple, yet profound con-cepts will serve as our guide."

By TSGT Jcannine Minor-Welch159 FG/CES

they have all the skills necessary to surviveand operate.

The I59th Civil Engineer Squadron,Services Flight and Disaster Preparedness

Silver Flag Certification at Tyndall AFBhome units. All personnel must be certifiedbefore leaving the Silver Flag training site toproved that in a war or contingency situation

Have you ever been to central Floridain mid summer? There arc definitely threethings there: heat, mosquitoes and SilverFlag. Silver nag? Thai's right, the U.S. AirForce Silver FlagCertification tookthe place of BaseRecovery After At-tack (BRAAT). It'snot a bad change ci-ther

Silver Flag isa biannual eventhosted by TyndallAir Force Base.Unfortunately, beaches arc not part of thescene in this part of Florida, but bull dozersand AM2 malting arc At Silver Rag, eachof 31 critical Air Force Specially Codes getsto show just what they've learned at their

arrived ready for any situation they* mightencounter led by Maj. Mike Hatcher. Eachcritical AFSC was represented and certi-fied. This means that the core personnel canlead and train their Prime BEEF teammates.

159th FG hosts quality awareness courseBy MSG Justin Jones159 FG/QA

The Louisiana Air National Guard's159th Fighter Group, located at the NavalAir Station in New Orleans, recently hosteda Senior Leadership Quality AwarenessCourse to coincide with the beginning of itsQuality Improvement Initiative.

The three day course, held Aug. 23-25, was taught primarily by instructors fromthe National Guard Bureau's Directorate ofProductivity and Quality. The course wasdesigned to orient senior leaders, both offi-cer and enlisted, to the concepts, tools andtechniques that arc the foundation of thequality movement.

Other Air Guard units representedwere: 122nd Air Control Party from CampBeau regard, 236lh Combat Communica-tions Squadron from Hammond; Headquar-ters, La. Air Guard; and the Air NationalGuard Combat Readiness Training Center

in (iuirport. Miss.Quality management, also known as

Total Quality Management (TQM) or TQLeadership, is a method of conducting day-to-day operations that constantly seek toanalyze and improve operating efficiencyand productivity, while reducing waste andredundancy. As part of the Louisiana AirGuard's commitment to quality improve-ment, the 159th's commander has hired afull-time quality advisor to help implementthe unit's quality objectives.

The first task at hand will be to edu-cate the nearly 1,200 members of the unit inthe Basic Quality Awareness course. Othermore in-depth classes will begin in early1995. Unit members will ultimately incor-porate the tools and techniques they learninto their own day-to-day operations as theyidentify process improvement opportuni-ties

Twenty-four Air Guardsmen from allover Louisiana attended the first course

tltoio by S.WSO' Ken Barlu*, ISVth t'G

Quality Awareness Course Attendees

'Managing Change Through Leadership SUMMER 1994 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN Page 19

156th Army Band--

Annual training '94 dedicated to CW3 Leon Anderson

CW4 Douglas Peterson Youth ChalleNGe Program Graduation

I remember..,

Bastille Day,Downtown New Orleans

I remember the 21st day of May in 1977when we both enlisted in the Louisiana NationalGuard I was 17 and fresh out of high school. Hewas W and (aught high school.

I remember reporting for basic trainingtogether, both of us unsure of what awaited usduring our sta> at Fort Jackson. South Carolina Hewas so much older than (he rest of the company thateveryone called him "mister" instead of "private"

I remember how the old man had to strugglelo keep up with the younger trainees The horizon-tal bdda gave him the nwst trouble The ladderwas suspended parallel to the ground about ninefeet high, but (he rungs were not set m place andthey rolled in your hand w hen you tried to grab holdand hang on The object was to complete as manyrungs as possible before falling

1 remember that the old man could not doeven one rung before falling and he had trouble justhanging from the ladder I began to think thai hewasn't going to make it. But at (hat point, I didn'tknow the old man very well

I remember that he went to the PX andbought some hand exercisers to help increase hisgrip. At first I was skeptical, but my vicwschanged.Dunngcvcry spare moment the old man would pullout those exercisers and use (hem

I remember falling asleep every night to the

sound of those exercisers groaning in the dark as heworked while (he younger guys rested

But most importandyj remember that at theend of basic training the old man could accomplishmore rungs on the horizontal ladder man I could Itwas my first glimpse of how he would endure,persist, and finally triumph After returning home,the old man continued to endure and persist until hetriumphed with an appointment to commanderWe had known each other Tor some 17 years now,and I was no longer skeptical The old man hadproven that hard work docs pay off

I remember how enthusiastic he was uponassuming commandoflhc 156th Army Band. Theold man had great expectations for the future, butthat was lo end just two short weeks later

1 remember where I was w hen they told me(hat he had been killed in an automobile accident

And I remember the pain and sorrow I feltMr. Leon Anderson was many things (o

manypcoplc Nowheisgoncandwcmisshim Wemust never forget the good times and the way heshared so much of himself with others for they arethe things that bring us comfort and give us strength

That is why I remember.

-SFC Terry Nlcholi15(>th Army Band

New Orleans' ZephyrsBaseball Game

Jazz Night at Rowbatham Hall Concert in the Oak Grove at Jackson Barracks

Page 20 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN SUMMER 1994 'Managing Change Through Leadership"

225th Engineer Group—

Louisiana engineers give work, get cultureBy LTC James R. McCall225th ENGRGRP andSGT Kristi M Graves241st PAD

Soldiers of the 225th Engineer Groupwho deployed to the Kingdom of Jordan inSouthwest Asia for some serious construc-tion missions gained far more than justengineer experience as they became part ofa multi-national team.

The 225th led the planning and coor-dination for the exercise while the fourengineer battalions deployed a company-size clement with the necessary equipmentto complete their projects.

The units involved included:

225th Engineer Grp205th Engineer Bn527lb Engineer Bn528th Engineer Bn769th Engineer Bn

As the units rotated in and out ofcountry, each picked up where the other leftoff The advance parry set up the task forcebase camp, as their equipment arrived byboat, and the trail party dismantled it andmoved the equipment back to port for thejourney home.

This was the most desolate place IVcever been," Command Sgt. Maj. Julius J.White of the 205th said.

Once the base camp was up and run-ning, the mission involved four main con-struction projects The first was a SpecialForces Training Facility with four assaultlanes and a centrally located control tower.The finished product provided a resource topractice Military Operations in UrbanizedTerrain skills using individuals or teams ina live fnc environment.

The Special Forces Training Facilityw as constructed with concrete masonry unitsand the hand grenade trainer utilized earth-filled tires to form the 'rubber room'. AJIevents included electronic pop-up targetsactivated from the control tower. This closecombat range required an engineer platoonfrom each rotation to devote its efforts tocompleting a portion of its construction.

"'Additionally, soldierswere able to experience a partof the world with great Biblicalsignificance, in the Dead Seaand Ml Nebo." - Maj. Gen.Ansel M. Stroud Jr.

Another project included a parachutedrying tower. This 50-foot structure al-lowed the Special Forces riggers to hoist 36parachutes simultaneously in a protected,open air environment. The design involvedplacing 12, 50-foot telephone poles upright

DESERT AIR- MAJ Joe Chesnut (center right), 168th Engrs. Mississippi NationalGuard, explains to A/G Ansel M. Stroud Jr.. (center left) and Royal JordanianEngineers how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has developed building materials outof recycled plastic trash. Louisiana engineers used these plastic resources in variousstages of construction in the confidence course and base camps they erected duringtheir stay in Jordan (Photo by CPTMichael Toney, Charlie Co.. 205th Engr Bn.)

CONSTRUCTION WORK --Engineers of Charlie Co., 205th EngrBn construct a steel arched structurewhich ultimately became range centralfor Special Operations Training duringtheir annual training in Jordan. (Photoby CPT Michael Toney. Charlie Co.,205th Engr Bn)

with a deck, roof and pulley system Thistask tested the capability of the Bravo Com-pany, 769th soldiers because of the closeproximity to other buildings and the need tointeract with host nation special forces andcrane operators with some communicationbarriers.

The third challenging task was toconstruct range central, a steel arch struc-ture with a height of 40-fcet and measuring120x60 feet in length and width. Thisproject involved platoons from CharlicCom-pany of both the 205th and 527th Battalionsover two rotations. The finished productentailed a vehicle and personnel door ateach end, a concrete floor, electrical wiringwith outlets and overhead and outside light-ing throughout the building.

The Louisiana engineers from CharlieCompany, 528th, built a confidence courseThe course consisted of 22 various obstaclesplaced ina four-leaf clover pattern with eachleaf designed with increasing degrees ofdifficulty. The obstacle construction tested

the unit's ability to work with metal andwood. And they passed the test.

The Commanding General of the416th Engineer Command Brig. Gen. JamesW. Warr said, "Due to the commitment andhard work of the 225th Engineer Group andits subordinate engineer battalions, the ex-ercise was a huge success All projects wereconstructed to standard and completed aheadof schedule."

"Due to the commitmentand hard work of the 225thEngineer Group and its sub-ordinate engineer battalions,the exercise was a huge suc-cess.11 - Brig. Gen. James W.Warr

Each project was completed ahead oftime and each rotation was still able to give

a little 'lagniappc' to their hosts TheJordanians got a little something extra fromour Louisiana soldiers, including a helipad,a hand-to-hand combat trainer, a door andwalkway, and demolition pits to name a few.They also gave of themselves and formedLis t ing friendships with the Jordanians.

"From the military side,this was excellent training fora contingency mission - shouldit be necessary in that part ofthe world." - Maj. Gen. AnselM. Stroud Jr.

Sgt. 1st Class Jim D Rumpf of the769th, said he recently received a letter froma warrant officer friend he made while work-ing there. "I worked with him everyday andinteracted wi th all of them well. We alldeveloped a very good rapport with (theJordanians)," Rumpf said.

The geographic region tested the iwn-uil and physical capabilities of the soldierswith temperatures ranging from 50 to 110degrees, wind gusts of 25-40 miles per hourand the blowing sand of the Syrian Desert.

Rumpf said, "I was able to workjackhammcring in 120 degrees and almostnot sweat," because it was so dry. "It'sdefinitely more comfortable there than it ishere."

This exercise also provided an excel-lent opportunity for Louisiana engineers towork with soldiers from Illinois, Atlanta,Texas, Mississippi and Jordan. A big treatwas working with and getting to know thesoldiers from the Jordanian Special Forcesand Engineers and touring their land Thelanguage barrier did not proem U.S. andJordanian soldiers from exchanging tech-niques and understanding cultural differ-ences as they worked together and visitedplaces like the ancient city of Pctra. knownto most as the c i ty in the movie "IndianaJones and the Last Crusade". Our engi-neers also got to visit the city of Jcrash, anancient buried Roman city that was discov-ered in the 1920s; the Dead Sea, and Ml.Nebo. where it is believed that Moses isburied.

Louisiana's Adjutant General Maj.Gen. Ansel M. Stroud Jr., said that "Fromthe military side, this was excellent trainingfor a contingency mission should it be nec-essary in that part of the world. It also gaveLouisiana National Guard soldiers the op-portunity to sec the living conditions, cus-toms and culture of Jordanians, while at thesame time allowing them to belter appreci-ate their philosophy of life that is basedupon a very strong religious influence."

"Additionally, soldiers were able toexperience a part of the world with greatBiblical significance, in the Dead Sea andMl. Nebo." .