Deployment...Deployment... A FAMILY AFFAIR

INNOVATIVEREADINESS

TRAINING

TSgt Josh Florea

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 1

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Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 1

Governor Brian Schweitzer

The Adjutant GeneralBrigadier General

John Walsh

Governor

Brian Schweitzer

The Adjutant General

Brigadier General John Walsh

Executive Editor/State Public Affairs Offi cer

Major Tim Crowe

Managing Editor

Sergeant Stacey Scotson

State Public Affairs StaffMajor Lori Hampa-Chamberlin

2nd Lieutenant Dan Bushnell

CW2 Mathew Rowley

Sergeant First Class Tom Steber

Intern - Kevin Moran

State Public Affairs Offi cePublic Affairs Offi ce

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59636-4789

Bob U linPublisher

Justin RitterGraphic Designer

Marie LundstromEditor

Chris KersbergenDarrell GeorgeAdvertising Sales

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C O N T E N T S

www.montanaguard.com

Published by AQP Publishing, Inc., a private fi rm in no way connected with the Montana Department of Mili-tary & Veterans Affairs, or the Montana National Guard, under written contract with the Montana Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. This Montana Department of Military & Veterans Affairs magazine is an authorized publication for employees, families and military mem-bers of the Montana Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. Contents of this publication are not necessarily the offi cial view of, or endorsed by, the state of Montana, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense or the Montana National Guard.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute

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All content is either edited, prepared or provided by the Offi ce of Public Affairs, Joint Force Headquarters – Montana and/or the Montana Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. All photographs and graphic devices are owned and copyrighted by the Montana Department of Military & Veterans Affairs unless otherwise indicated.

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The Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard

Montana Secretary of State

West Yellowstone Summer Biathlon

The Backbone

2

45

11

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Deployment... A family affair 6

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Origin and early history of the Warrant Offi cer Corps 9 ▼

Montana Drug Demand Reductionexpands needed prevention teams12

▼ The Brothers Clement

15

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Social Media Update

16

▼20 The 186th Aero Squardron in World War I

Part 3 of a Series

▼An Airman’s Life: TSgt Josh Florea24

▼26Master of Readiness Award for 2009

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30Constant Vigilance II

Annual Training Overview

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18

32The only bombing of the Continental U.S.

28Innovative Readiness Training

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 3 2 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 3

The Adjutant GeneralMONTANA NATIONAL GUARD

Tough choices lie ahead for the world’s greatest military. Not surprisingly, they involve money.

This, in a nutshell, was Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ message in a speech May 8 that was his declaration of war on bloated military bureaucracy. It’s a battle, he said, that must be won to ensure troops in the fi eld are adequately equipped in the diffi cult fi nancial times ahead.

In all, he wants to cut $100 billion over the next fi ve years, beginning with excessive overhead that he says consumes 40 cents of every defense dollar. Others would like to go further. A small, bipartisan group of lawmakers last month called for slash-ing nearly $1 trillion over the next decade.

And with a record federal defi cit and sluggish economy, there are sure to be more calls for deep cuts in defense spending, even as we combat real threats to the United States from all over the world.

Some view the talk of cuts as a reason for concern. Oh, no, here we go again. Others of us, however, see opportunity, a chance to do something good for America.

We believe Secretary Gates is right in targeting duplicative functions, excessive overhead and waste.

As the secretary said, young offi cers, from captains to colonels, are making critical decisions with strategic consequences every day on the battlefi eld. They are the ones who need the resources.

The layers of excess command structure above them often are of little assistance. Some of them could be eliminated with no adverse impact on the front lines. In fact, some such cuts might even help.

Our troops have experienced this in combat and stateside. Many of them also work in the corporate world, which long ago streamlined organizational charts to free up resources and improve effi ciency.

Living in more than 3,000 communities nationwide, we also know the impact today’s economic woes are having on American families and businesses.

Indeed, many in our ranks are themselves struggling. So we know that we cannot ask the taxpayers for one dollar more than we really need to defend their lives and liberties. And we know that we must seize every opportunity to do more with less.

Part of the solution to the secretary’s problem is right in front of him. In fact, it is in the Pentagon, in more than 40 countries around the world and in those many communities across the country.

It’s us. The National Guard.We’re half of the Army’s combat power and one-third of the

Air Force’s capability. Yet, we come with a much smaller price tag. The Pentagon could put four or fi ve Guardsmen on the payroll for the same money it takes to pay, feed, house and train one active-component troop.

Secretary Gates is looking for bold new ideas. We have bold ideas, but some of them are not exactly new.

In fact, here on my desk is a newspaper article from 1965proposing exactly what I’m about to suggest.

Let’s integrate the Army and Air Force Reserves into the National Guard.

Sound radical? Not really. The newspaper article reports that the Air Guard and Air Reserve were only waiting for an announce-ment from Defense Secretary Robert McNamara to become one force back during the Johnson Administration. The article talks about the move eliminating duplication and increasing effi ciency and combat readiness.

And in 1997, the Congressional Budget Offi ce reported that $500 million annually could be saved by making the Army Reserve and Army Guard into one force. The CBO mentioned, too, the increased resources that would be available to a governor if such a plan was enacted.

We don’t know why these actions were never carried out.Perhaps there were good reasons.

We do know, however, that the nation wasn’t fi ghting two wars and facing the level of economic crisis it has today. We know, too, that our Guardsmen have never been busier at home.

And we know the reasons for the dialogue back then are still valid. Eliminating duplication. Improving readiness and effi ciency. Providing the governors with more assets.

Imagine the capability of a force that added the 74,000 Air Force Reservists and the 205,000 Army Reservists to our already proven organization. Imagine, too, the simplifi ed command and control, or what defense leaders today refer to as “unity of effort,” for disaster response.

Look at the types of units in the Army Reserve: medical, engineer,water purifi cation, transportation, civil affairs, among others.

Don’t they sound like perfect fi ts for our domestic mission? The fi nal report from the Commission on the National Guard

America’s solution: more or lessIntegrating the Army and Air Force Reserves into the Guard is one way for the nation to get something it needs now more than ever

and Reserves noted as such two years ago. A merger would make Army Reserve assets available to the governors for the increasing missions at home.

The Air Guard and the Air Force Reserves are almost carbon copies of each other. They would go together like a hand in a glove. And here again, our suggestion would make more airlift, rescue, security and medical assets available for our domestic mission.

Some Reservists may balk at integration, ofcourse. Each had his or her reason, after all,for making a particular decision. And we respect that.

But Reservists should consider that our proposal would make them eligible for a multitude of state benefi ts. They also gain representation in the Pentagon by a four-star general.

Moreover, an integrated force would offer greater career opportunities across the board by widening the room for advancement. And it would put more of us under one personnel system, which translates into cost savings.

This would also give every Army and Air Force Reservist, from privates and Airmento lieutenant generals, the chance tocontribute to one bigger and better force.A unifi ed force.

And we would not integrate all Reservistsinto a unit structure. The Army and Air Force will have a continuing need for Individual Mobilization Augmentees. The programworks and we need to retain the things that work and that are not improved through integration.

What we really are talking about is the integration of two great teams. We are allCitizen-Soldiers or Airmen. We proudly share the same minuteman heritage and iconic fi gure—the Concord minuteman. Many of us have lifelong friends separated only by the title Guardsman or Reservist.

In the long run, the new, larger Guardwould be more streamlined with fewerheadquarters, headquarters personnel andfacilities. That’s where we’ll fi nd even more savings, which will be considerable and is what America needs.

We’ll all have to work together to trans-form all this into reality. The easy part and a good place to start is the consolidation of the National Guard Bureau with the Offi ce of the Chief, Army Reserve and the equivalent in the Air Force Reserve. They would integrate into the NGB leadership.

Written by Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting

Brig. Gen. John E. Walsh

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 32 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 3

The Adjutant GeneralMONTANA NATIONAL GUARD

and Reserves noted as such two years ago. A merger would make Army Reserve assets available to the governors for the increasing missions at home.

The Air Guard and the Air Force Reserves are almost carbon copies of each other. They would go together like a hand in a glove. And here again, our suggestion would make more airlift, rescue, security and medical assets available for our domestic mission.

Some Reservists may balk at integration, ofcourse. Each had his or her reason, after all,for making a particular decision. And we respect that.

But Reservists should consider that our proposal would make them eligible for a multitude of state benefits. They also gain representation in the Pentagon by a four-star general.

Moreover, an integrated force would offer greater career opportunities across the board by widening the room for advancement. And it would put more of us under one personnel system, which translates into cost savings.

This would also give every Army and Air Force Reservist, from privates and Airmento lieutenant generals, the chance tocontribute to one bigger and better force.A unified force.

And we would not integrate all Reservistsinto a unit structure. The Army and Air Force will have a continuing need for Individual Mobilization Augmentees. The programworks and we need to retain the things that work and that are not improved through integration.

What we really are talking about is the integration of two great teams. We are allCitizen-Soldiers or Airmen. We proudly share the same minuteman heritage and iconic figure—the Concord minuteman. Many of us have lifelong friends separated only by the title Guardsman or Reservist.

In the long run, the new, larger Guardwould be more streamlined with fewerheadquarters, headquarters personnel andfacilities. That’s where we’ll find even more savings, which will be considerable and is what America needs.

We’ll all have to work together to trans-form all this into reality. The easy part and a good place to start is the consolidation of the National Guard Bureau with the Office of the Chief, Army Reserve and the equivalent in the Air Force Reserve. They would integrate into the NGB leadership.

And other Reserve leaders would become part of the senior leadership teams of the Army and Air Guard. Their skills, experience and input would be critical to maximizing the potential of this new organization.

This entire idea has been floated before, as I said, and never took hold. But the time for bold ideas has never been more critical, as Secretary Gates pointed out.

No one can argue that the Guard and the Reserve have not proven themselves on the battlefield. Guardsmen and Reservists have served side by side in Iraq and Afghanistan and distinctions between them have been blurred by their common goal.

Events, then, have pushed us toward this idea of one force with a constitutional dual mission and we have seen that it can work.

With this integration of forces would come the cost-effectiveness of the Guard, but with a larger force.

We have people now serving in the two wars, keeping peace in the Sinai and Kosovo, rebuilding Haiti, battling an oil spill in the Gulfof Mexico, keeping watch on our southern border and fighting floods.

That’s all happening today and it is just

a fraction of our missions. We need more people for these many tasks.

Reliance on a larger Guard could only increase. And that will save money. Don’t forget, that’s the bottom line of this idea.

And we are an accessible force. The gov-ernor signs an order, we go. The president signs an order, we go.

The Guard delivers a potent punch when it is needed on the battlefield and a tender touch on the homefront when responding to a wide variety of disasters.

Our purpose here is to offer this proposal and our ideas in the right spirit, because the nation requires sensible and innovative ideas. And this idea makes dollars and sense for America.

We expect opposing views and competing ideas. In fact, we welcome any new dialogue aimed at the cost savings our country needs while retaining the capabilities our people expect.

In the end, the nation needs an open conversation about the secretary’s plan with only one goal in mind—what is best for the United States of America.

Let’s begin that conversation now.

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 5 4 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010

I have been on the road a lot this summer, attending one national event after another and within the state visiting units along the Hi-line and eastern seaboard. I must admit that my trips to Lewistown, Malta, Glasgow, Miles City and the Powderville Road projectwere the most enjoyable and the mostproductive. The chance to interact with Montana Soldiers and Airmen will always be my fi rst choice over interacting with national leadership.

Last year, during my fi rst year as your Senior Enlisted Leader, I went to many national events. Everywhere I went, the term “Year of the NCO” was thrown around. I per-sonally think that every year is the year of the NCO, so I didn’t really give it a lot of thought. This year, even though it is the “Year ofDiversity,” the term that is being tossed around is the word “Resilience.” I have heard speech after speech, endured PowerPoint afterPowerPoint and participated in discussion panels on resilience until you would think that I should be a resident expert on the termresilience and how it relates to Soldiers and Airmen. But, sadly, I am not. I have come to the conclusion that I am not an expert, because I have not met anyone who is an expert. I have dealt with many folks who think they might be, but they have not convinced me. I have not met with anyone who could tell me exactly how I can train all of my Soldiers and Airmen to be resilient. Therein lies the problem. As an NCO, if I am presented with a problem, I feel the need to fi x it. I have been trained during my career that I need to be a fi xer of issues. I don’t have the concrete answer to this resiliency thing and it is troubling me. Maybe some of you smarter young NCOs and enlisted folks out there can help meout here.

I will give you a little background on this subject and then give you my viewpoint. At the end of the article, I will post my email

address and I am asking you to send meyour views and thoughts on the subject of resiliency. The dictionary defi nition forresiliency is “tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.”

The term resilient became a buzzword within the services due to the high rate of suicides currently within the armed forces. For example, the National Guard has already surpassed last year’s suicide numbers with three months left in the year. Leadership throughout the Guard is looking for answers and fi nding few. There was not a dispropor-tionate number of males than females taking their lives. Race and ethnicity did not seem to factor in. About the same number ofservice members who had deployed some-where along the way committed suicide as those who have never deployed at all. It is all very confusing. Somewhere along the line of all these studies and amidst all of the statistics, someone coined the term “resilient.” Today’s Soldiers and Airmen just don’t have the skills to be “resilient.” That’s what the experts are saying. I see this as a bit of a shotgun blast at all Soldiers and Airmen. I have met hundredsof Montana Soldiers and Airmen and, if they are anything, they are resilient. So, my opinion is that there are a small number of Soldiers and Airmen who may have an issue with resiliency and as NCOs, we need to identify them and give them the coping skills so that they, too, can be resilient.

Maybe our culture has changed to a point where some things we took for granted a couple of decades back no longer exist. For example: Some children’s sports leagues no longer keep score, so that no one’s feelings and self-esteem get bruised by losing. Some competitions hand out 24th and 25th place ribbons versus the old blue, white and red ribbons for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. What color is a 24th place ribbon anyway? Would you proudly display it along side your team photo from the league that kept no score? It has been

my experience that failure to win is the best teacher of resilience. When you get knocked down, you get up and try harder. When you don’t get a ribbon because you place 4th in an event, you work harder to do better the next time. When your team loses 3-2 in overtime, you work that much harder to win the next time. In our military culture, if you fail a PT or Fit test, you work hard to pass the next time. If your NCOER or EPR is less than you would expect for yourself, you need to work every day to improve it. That being said, I am sure that we have a few service members in our ranks that have not had the opportunity to fail and learn from failure the way we did 20 and 30 years ago. They do not know that the perceived failure is okay. The world did not stop for lack of their success. These are the Soldiers and Airmen that we as NCO’s need to seek out and help. I think that the best way to establish self-esteem is to try something, fail at it and retrain on it until you are good at it. Ninety-eight percent of Montana’s Soldiers and Airmen believe that. I am sure of that. It’s the one or two percent that we need to keep an eye open for and then help them learn the skills of resilience so that they might be as successful as the rest of us.

You now have my opinion on the term “resilience.” It’s a huge word within theleadership of the National Guard right now. No one is sure of the fi x. So, I am ready to enlist the help of my fellow Montana Guardsmenand women. Especially the thoughts of ouryounger Soldiers and Airmen. Please sendyour thoughts to me at bill.cooper@us.army.mil. I will build a folder for all of your input, digest it and maybe together, we can presenta workable solution to helping our battlebuddies and wingmen who struggle with resilience to get back up off the fl oor and try again. Thank you for effort in this and thank you for all that you do. Until next time, know that I am proud to serve with you. Train hard and be safe!

Command Sgt. Maj. William Cooper

Greetings to all of Montana’s fi nest Soldiers, Airmen, families and retirees. I hope that the summer treated you well and that you are on your way to being ready for the fall season and all that it offers those of us in this great state.

The BackboneVoting is one

of the most fun-damental rights

we share as citizens of this great state and nation. It provides us an opportunity to voice our opinions and to have our voices be heard. Whether you fi nd yourself at home, or in another place on Election Day, I am committed to helping you cast your ballot.

The Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act

Congress passed the MOVE Act in 2009 to protect the voting rights of overseas and military electors. The Act requires that each state make voter registration and absentee voting materials available electronically. We are working to successfully implement the Act in Montana so that military and overseas voters can vote, and know that their vote has been counted.

How to Register to Vote and Request Absentee Ballots

Registering to vote and requesting absen-tee ballots in Montana is easy for military and overseas electors. The Federal Post Card Application form is used both for voterregistration and to request absentee ballots forall state and local elections in the associated calendar year, along with the following two federal elections.

You can obtain a Federal Post Card Application in several ways:• Print a Federal Post Card Application

Military and Overseas Electors Voting InformationGeneral Election November 2, 2010

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 5 4 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010

my experience that failure to win is the best teacher of resilience. When you get knocked down, you get up and try harder. When you don’t get a ribbon because you place 4th in an event, you work harder to do better the next time. When your team loses 3-2 in overtime, you work that much harder to win the next time. In our military culture, if you fail a PT or Fit test, you work hard to pass the next time. If your NCOER or EPR is less than you would expect for yourself, you need to work every day to improve it. That being said, I am sure that we have a few service members in our ranks that have not had the opportunity to fail and learn from failure the way we did 20 and 30 years ago. They do not know that the perceived failure is okay. The world did not stop for lack of their success. These are the Soldiers and Airmen that we as NCO’s need to seek out and help. I think that the best way to establish self-esteem is to try something, fail at it and retrain on it until you are good at it. Ninety-eight percent of Montana’s Soldiers and Airmen believe that. I am sure of that. It’s the one or two percent that we need to keep an eye open for and then help them learn the skills of resilience so that they might be as successful as the rest of us.

You now have my opinion on the term “resilience.” It’s a huge word within theleadership of the National Guard right now. No one is sure of the fi x. So, I am ready to enlist the help of my fellow Montana Guardsmenand women. Especially the thoughts of ouryounger Soldiers and Airmen. Please sendyour thoughts to me at bill.cooper@us.army.mil. I will build a folder for all of your input, digest it and maybe together, we can presenta workable solution to helping our battlebuddies and wingmen who struggle with resilience to get back up off the fl oor and try again. Thank you for effort in this and thank you for all that you do. Until next time, know that I am proud to serve with you. Train hard and be safe!

O ct 23 - Carroll College football game - Montana Army National Guard Day, (Helena)

Nov 4-7 - DECA Commissary Case Lot sale, Fort Harrison (Helena)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nov 2-30 - 2010 MTNG Photo Expo Display at U.S. Bank, (Helena)

Jan 20-28 - 2010 MTNG Photo Expo Display at State Capitaol Rotunda

Spring 2011 - Photo Expo Presentation at Helena College of Technology

Voting is one of the most fun-damental rights

we share as citizens of this great state and nation. It provides us an opportunity to voice our opinions and to have our voices be heard. Whether you fi nd yourself at home, or in another place on Election Day, I am committed to helping you cast your ballot.

The Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act

Congress passed the MOVE Act in 2009 to protect the voting rights of overseas and military electors. The Act requires that each state make voter registration and absentee voting materials available electronically. We are working to successfully implement the Act in Montana so that military and overseas voters can vote, and know that their vote has been counted.

How to Register to Vote and Request Absentee Ballots

Registering to vote and requesting absen-tee ballots in Montana is easy for military and overseas electors. The Federal Post Card Application form is used both for voterregistration and to request absentee ballots forall state and local elections in the associated calendar year, along with the following two federal elections.

You can obtain a Federal Post Card Application in several ways:• Print a Federal Post Card Application

form, fi ll it out and mail it to your local elections offi ce. Forms are available online at sos.mt.gov/Elections.

• Visit your local elections offi ce on week-days between the hours of 8 a.m. and5 p.m. and complete a Federal Post Card Application form.

• Contact the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP), which has forms and tips on registration and voting. You can reach the FVAP by phone at 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or online at fvap.gov.

How to VoteAs soon as you are able to do so, return

your voted ballot by mail in the envelope provided by your county Election Admin-istrator. Election Administrators also allow electors serving in the military to receive and return their ballots by fax or by email. CountyElection Administrator contact information can be found online at sos.mt.gov/Elections. You can track your absentee ballot by access-ing “My Voter Page” on the Secretary of State’s website at sos.mt.gov/Elections.

An alternative to voting a regular ballot is voting a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot. The Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot is pro-vided to absent military and overseas electors who did not receive their regular ballot on time. This type of ballot is valid as long as it is received in the local elections offi ce no later than the Monday after Election Day.

Late RegistrationIf you return to your Montana residence

too late to register for an upcoming election, you may register for the purpose of voting at the next election between the date of your return and noon on the day before the election.You may also vote under the provisions of Montana’s late registration law, which allows you to register up to and on Election Day.

How to Update Your Mailing Address When You Return Home

When you return home after beingstationed outside of the country, you may need to update your mailing address to vote and receive election information. The quickestway to do this is to fi ll out a new voter registration form and send it in to your local elections offi ce.

Montana’s General Election is November 2, 2010

Whether you have questions about regis-tering to vote, updating your mailing address or voting absentee, my offi ce and your local elections offi ce can help.

As military men and women you know that many people living outside this country do not always share the fundamental rights that some Americans may take for granted. Voting for the people who make and uphold our laws is one of the simplest ways tosupport our democracy. I look forward to helping you in any way that I can.

Thank you for your service to our state and nation. Please don’t forget to register and vote in the General Election on November 2, 2010.

Military and Overseas Electors Voting InformationGeneral Election November 2, 2010Linda McCullochMontana Secretary of State

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 7 6 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 7

to help my mom out because we knew it was especially hard for her.

The day came when my dad got home. Of course we were all excited. To me, it seemed like he somehow changed. His appearance was an obvious change, but he also seemed different in the way he acted. We were told that this was likely to happen. It took some time and he gradually started to go back to the way he was before he left. Not exactly the same, but that is understandable under the circumstances he faced while deployed. We are all very happy that my dad is back and love him very much.

Kasey (daughter age 14) –When my dad left, it was very hard and

upsetting for me. After he left, I didn’t feel like doing anything because I was too upset, but then I realized that if I did more things and fi lled up my day, that the time would pass by much faster. So with each day, I did things that I loved to do and I got to talk to him on the phone and I wrote him letters. Before I knew it, it was the day he got to come home. I was excited and kind of ner-vous at the same time. I didn’t know what it would be like. When we got to the airport and he fl ew in, I grew very anxious. As he walked down, I gave him a hug and knew he was back home to stay. I knew our family would be whole again.

Mackenzie (daughter age 10) –I’m Mackenzie Hash and I am ten years

old. I was eight when he left. When my dad was gone I was one of the saddest people

Sandy (spouse) –When Dan was deployed, I remember thinking that we would

just slide back into our normal routine when he got home and that was that. I remember Misti (Dauenhauer) telling us that when your spouse leaves, you are both at point A and when he comes back, he is still at point A and you are at point B and nothing could be truer. Our fi ve daughters grew another year older, one graduated from high school and one became a new teenager. Then they leave. You, as a spouse, go into super gear and take care of everything that has to do with the house, kids, vehicles, yard, etc. If you are like me, you hate to ask anyone for help, so you just do it and you realize you can do a lot of things you had not previously thought you could before. You become quite independent. After a year of doing it, it was hard to change after Dan got back. I found myself getting the yard ready this summer, turning on the irrigation system and kind of forgetting that Dan is home now, he can do some. The girls had a hard time adjusting, they pretty much came to me for everything after he got back. When he was gone, we didn’t want to worry him with any problems that arose at home, so we pretty much just talked about positive things going on here, so I think that carried over after he got home too.

When he fi rst got home, he told me about his tour, and I was grateful for that because I think it helped me to understand a little better what he was going through. For the fi rst couple months, he would get irritated quite easily and he still wakes up in the middle of the night and can’t go back to sleep. I guess one of the biggest things to remember when you come home after a deployment is that both you and your spouse’s paternal instincts kick in and you want to make sure the kids are bonding and taken care of, but the foundation of a family begins with your marriage, so take the time to spend some time together as a couple, go on dates again. I believe something good comes out of everything and Dan has come back from his deployment a more patient and understanding person and I believe he appreciates life much more. Welcome back to all of you and thank you, the Soldiers for your service and the families for your sacrifi ces. God Bless, Sandy Hash.

Halie (daughter age 19) –When my dad came back from Afghanistan I fi nally felt relieved.

I felt like everything was back in its place, I felt secure and at peace,

no more worries. Of course it was very different, obviously I had changed and he had changed. There was a wide gap between our lives that we missed out on, a piece was missing. I was a freshman in college when he got back and it felt like he kinda didn’t under-stand that I was older, and I was used to doing things on my own. It was hard for me to understand that he still felt like I was in high school; it was really frustrating at times. There were a few instances when I would get angry with the rules and boundaries he set for me. Although he gave them to me with good intentions, I wanted him to realize that I needed to start doing things on my own, and learn from my own experiences and mistakes so that I could grow up and discover who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. It was hard but now I think he fi nally understands that I am older and that I can handle making my own decisions with a little bit of help here and there.

Brittany (daughter age 17) –This past year, I was involved in an experience that had a great

impact on my family and me. My dad went to Afghanistan for a year. When he told us the news, we were very upset. I didn’t know very much about the war in Afghanistan, but from watching the news and reading the newspaper, I knew it was going to be dangerous and that worried me.

The night before my dad left I couldn’t get much sleep. I was think-ing to myself that this is going to be the last night for a while that I will hear my dad snoring all the way down the hall. I never thought I would miss that. The day he left, our house was silent, except for the sound of my little sisters crying. My mom, older sisters and I were trying to hold ourselves together and comfort them. While he was away, nothing was the same. It was hard to get used to. My sisters and I worked together

Lt. Col. Dan Hash and FamilyJoint Force Headquarters

Lt. Col. Dan Hash was deployed to Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009.

Deployment...Deployment...Deployment...Deployment... A FAMILY AFFAIR

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 7 6 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 7

to help my mom out because we knew it was especially hard for her.

The day came when my dad got home. Of course we were all excited. To me, it seemed like he somehow changed. His appearance was an obvious change, but he also seemed different in the way he acted. We were told that this was likely to happen. It took some time and he gradually started to go back to the way he was before he left. Not exactly the same, but that is understandable under the circumstances he faced while deployed. We are all very happy that my dad is back and love him very much.

Kasey (daughter age 14) –When my dad left, it was very hard and

upsetting for me. After he left, I didn’t feel like doing anything because I was too upset, but then I realized that if I did more things and fi lled up my day, that the time would pass by much faster. So with each day, I did things that I loved to do and I got to talk to him on the phone and I wrote him letters. Before I knew it, it was the day he got to come home. I was excited and kind of ner-vous at the same time. I didn’t know what it would be like. When we got to the airport and he fl ew in, I grew very anxious. As he walked down, I gave him a hug and knew he was back home to stay. I knew our family would be whole again.

Mackenzie (daughter age 10) –I’m Mackenzie Hash and I am ten years

old. I was eight when he left. When my dad was gone I was one of the saddest people

on earth. I was kind of scared too. But of course when he came back I turned out to be the happiest person on earth! And now that he’s home I can now be HAPPY!!!

Brenna (daughter age 7) –My name is Brenna. I’m 7 years old. When

my Dad was gone I did not have fun seeing all of the other dad’s, when he came home I had a dream come true.

no more worries. Of course it was very different, obviously I had changed and he had changed. There was a wide gap between our lives that we missed out on, a piece was missing. I was a freshman in college when he got back and it felt like he kinda didn’t under-stand that I was older, and I was used to doing things on my own. It was hard for me to understand that he still felt like I was in high school; it was really frustrating at times. There were a few instances when I would get angry with the rules and boundaries he set for me. Although he gave them to me with good intentions, I wanted him to realize that I needed to start doing things on my own, and learn from my own experiences and mistakes so that I could grow up and discover who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. It was hard but now I think he fi nally understands that I am older and that I can handle making my own decisions with a little bit of help here and there.

Brittany (daughter age 17) –This past year, I was involved in an experience that had a great

impact on my family and me. My dad went to Afghanistan for a year. When he told us the news, we were very upset. I didn’t know very much about the war in Afghanistan, but from watching the news and reading the newspaper, I knew it was going to be dangerous and that worried me.

The night before my dad left I couldn’t get much sleep. I was think-ing to myself that this is going to be the last night for a while that I will hear my dad snoring all the way down the hall. I never thought I would miss that. The day he left, our house was silent, except for the sound of my little sisters crying. My mom, older sisters and I were trying to hold ourselves together and comfort them. While he was away, nothing was the same. It was hard to get used to. My sisters and I worked together

This article is sponsored by the Montana Family Programs Advisory Council (FPAC) to increase awareness and understanding of the impact of programs and services avail-able to support Montana Military families. If you have a suggestion for a future article please call Karen Putnam at 449-3476, email mtngfpac@hotmail.com or contact any council member.

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 9

The rank of warrant officer has a long history. For example,evidence suggests that Napoleon used warrant officers as communica-tions links between his commissioned officers and the Soldiers.

The military grade of “warrant officer” dates back two centuries before Columbus, during the fledgling years of the British Navy. At that time, nobles assumed command of the new Navy, adopting the Army ranks of Lieutenant and Captain. These royal blood officers often had no knowledge of life on board a ship, let alone how to navigate such a vessel or operate the guns. They often relied on the technical expertiseand cooperation of a senior sailor who tended to the technical aspects of running the ship and operating the cannons. These sailors,sometimes referred to as ‘Boat Mates’ or ‘Boatswain’s Mates’ becameindispensable to less experienced officers and were subsequently rewarded with a Royal Warrant. This Royal Warrant was a specialdesignation, designed to set them apart from other sailors, yet not violate the strict class system that was so prevalent during the time.

In the U.S. Navy, warrant officers have traditionally been technicalspecialists whose skills and knowledge were an essential part of the proper operation of the ship. The Navy has had warrant officers among its ranks, in some form or another, since its conception. For the U.S. Army, we can trace the lineage of the warrant officer back to 1896, specifically to the Headquarters Clerk (later designated the Army Field Clerk).

The Act of August 1916 authorized the Army Field Clerk (formerlyHeadquarters Clerk) and the Field Clerk, Quartermaster Corps(formerly Pay Clerk). Although initially considered civilians, the Judge Advocate General eventually determined that they held military status. The Act of July 1918 introduced the rank and grade of warrantofficer. It established the Army Mine Planter Service in the CoastArtillery Corps and directed that warrant officers serve as masters, mates, chief engineers, and assistant engineers of each vessel. There were three varying levels of pay authorized.

In World War I, the Coast Artillery Corps was responsible for mine defenses in major ports. Vessels, ranging in size from small motor-boats to 1,000-ton ocean-going ships, laid and maintained minefields. Conflict between Soldiers and civilian employees who manned these vessels revealed the need to ensure that military personnel manned the vessels.

Officially, the birth date of the Army Warrant Officer Corps isJuly 9, 1918, when Congress established the Army Mine PlanterService as part of the Coast Artillery. This action assured thatexclusively Army personnel manned the vessels. The Army openeda school to train their mariners at Fort Monroe, Virginia, commandedby an officer who had graduated from the Naval Academy.

The official color of the warrant officer corps is brown, as warrant officers in the Mine Planter Service wore simple bands of brown cloth on their uniform sleeves as their insignia of rank. Warrant officers served in four positions aboard the vessels: masters, mates, chief engineersand assistant engineers. Masters wore four bands. Deck officers also wore an embroidered brown fouled anchor above the braid, while

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 9

The rank of warrant offi cer has a long history. For example,evidence suggests that Napoleon used warrant offi cers as communica-tions links between his commissioned offi cers and the Soldiers.

The military grade of “warrant offi cer” dates back two centuries before Columbus, during the fl edgling years of the British Navy. At that time, nobles assumed command of the new Navy, adopting the Army ranks of Lieutenant and Captain. These royal blood offi cers often had no knowledge of life on board a ship, let alone how to navigate such a vessel or operate the guns. They often relied on the technical expertiseand cooperation of a senior sailor who tended to the technical aspects of running the ship and operating the cannons. These sailors,sometimes referred to as ‘Boat Mates’ or ‘Boatswain’s Mates’ becameindispensable to less experienced offi cers and were subsequently rewarded with a Royal Warrant. This Royal Warrant was a specialdesignation, designed to set them apart from other sailors, yet not violate the strict class system that was so prevalent during the time.

In the U.S. Navy, warrant offi cers have traditionally been technicalspecialists whose skills and knowledge were an essential part of the proper operation of the ship. The Navy has had warrant offi cers among its ranks, in some form or another, since its conception. For the U.S. Army, we can trace the lineage of the warrant offi cer back to 1896, specifi cally to the Headquarters Clerk (later designated the Army Field Clerk).

The Act of August 1916 authorized the Army Field Clerk (formerlyHeadquarters Clerk) and the Field Clerk, Quartermaster Corps(formerly Pay Clerk). Although initially considered civilians, the Judge Advocate General eventually determined that they held military status. The Act of July 1918 introduced the rank and grade of warrantoffi cer. It established the Army Mine Planter Service in the CoastArtillery Corps and directed that warrant offi cers serve as masters, mates, chief engineers, and assistant engineers of each vessel. There were three varying levels of pay authorized.

In World War I, the Coast Artillery Corps was responsible for mine defenses in major ports. Vessels, ranging in size from small motor-boats to 1,000-ton ocean-going ships, laid and maintained minefi elds. Confl ict between Soldiers and civilian employees who manned these vessels revealed the need to ensure that military personnel manned the vessels.

Offi cially, the birth date of the Army Warrant Offi cer Corps isJuly 9, 1918, when Congress established the Army Mine PlanterService as part of the Coast Artillery. This action assured thatexclusively Army personnel manned the vessels. The Army openeda school to train their mariners at Fort Monroe, Virginia, commandedby an offi cer who had graduated from the Naval Academy.

The offi cial color of the warrant offi cer corps is brown, as warrant offi cers in the Mine Planter Service wore simple bands of brown cloth on their uniform sleeves as their insignia of rank. Warrant offi cers served in four positions aboard the vessels: masters, mates, chief engineersand assistant engineers. Masters wore four bands. Deck offi cers also wore an embroidered brown fouled anchor above the braid, while

engineer offi cers wore an embroidered brown three-bladed propeller in a similar position.

The Act of 1920 expanded use of warrant offi cers, authorizing appointment of warrant offi cers in clerical, administrative, and bandleading activities. This Act authorized 1,120 warrant offi cers, provided for appointments in the Army-at-large rather than in specifi c branches and established warrant offi cer assignments in various headquarters and tactical units. Perhaps the most signifi cant motive for the expansion was:

“. . . a desire to reward enlisted men of long service and also to reward former commissioned offi cers of World War I who lacked either the educational or other eligibilityrequirements necessary for continuance in the commis-sioned status.”

In 1921, warrant offi cers were excluded from performance ofsummary court offi cer, defense counsel, offi cer of the day, and assistantadjutant because enlisted personnel were prohibited from performingthose same duties. During this time, only one pay grade existed except in the army Mine Planter Service.

Warrant offi cers of the Tank Corps fi rst wore the distinctive insigniaapproved on May 12, 1921. It consists of an eagle rising with wings displayed, standing on two arrows and enclosed in a wreath. It was adapted from the great seal of the United States, with the arrowssymbolizing the military arts and science.

“The Eagle Rising”“An eagle rising with wings displayed standing on a bundle of two

arrows, all enclosed in a wreath.”In 1922, the warrant offi cer strength authorization dropped from

1,120 to 600, exclusive of the number of Army Mine Planter Service warrant offi cers and Army Bandmasters. Consequently, there were no warrant offi cer appointments other than Bandmasters and Army Mine Planter Service personnel between 1922 and 1935. Laws subsequent to 1922 authorized the appointment of additional classes of personnelwith certain qualifi cations, above the 600 authorizations.

In 1936, the Army held competitive examinations to replenish lists of eligibles for Regular Army appointment. The Army appointedwarrant offi cers against vacancies from this 1936 list until the beginningof World War II.

In 1939, warrant offi cers who were qualifi ed as pilots were declared eligible for appointments as air corps lieutenants in the Regular Army.

In 1940, warrant offi cers began serving as disbursing agents.At this time, warrant offi cer appointments began to occur in

signifi cant numbers for the fi rst time since 1922. However, a large number of warrant offi cers transferred to active duty as commissionedoffi cers, causing a continuing decrease in warrant offi cer strength until 1942.

Next - Early History of the Warrant Offi cer Corps –Expansion 1941-1947

Origin and early history of the Warrant Offi cer Corps – 1940 and EarlierStory provided by Chief Warrant Offi cer John Purpuro

The word biathlon conjures up ideas of bone chilling temperatures, cross country skiing, and accurate rim fire rifles. However, this summer Guardmembers participated in a warmer, yet still challenging summer biathlon.

Biathlon at its root means an event incorporating two events. Traditionally, biathlon is a winter event incorporating cross country skiing with shooting. During the summer, the events include either running, mountain biking or roller skiing.

As many know, the National Guard has a program that provides funds to Soldiers and Airmen to travel and compete in biathlons around the country. For those who are not familiar; this program is available to all National Guard members regardless of MOS, rank or skill level.

“I’m surprised with the number of opportunities available in the MontanaNational Guard, such as biathlon and shooting, that more people aren’t involved,” says Captain Kelly Williams. “They’ve got plenty of gear and depend-ing on the year, they have plenty of funding to get us out to do things.”

This year in West Yellowstone, five Montana National Guard members attended the summer event. The total turnout for the event was around 70 competitors over half of whom were Army and Air National Guard Soldiersand Airmen.

Summer and winter biathlons are great ways to get out and get exercise. It is also a great way to improve on marksmanship.

If you are interested in participating in the Montana Biathlon Program,contact Colonel Steven Martinka at 406-324-3200.

West YellowstoneSummer Biathlon

Story and photos by CW2 Mat Rowley

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 11

The word biathlon conjures up ideas of bone chilling temperatures, cross country skiing, and accurate rim fi re rifl es. However, this summer Guardmembers participated in a warmer, yet still challenging summer biathlon.

Biathlon at its root means an event incorporating two events. Traditionally, biathlon is a winter event incorporating cross country skiing with shooting. During the summer, the events include either running, mountain biking or roller skiing.

As many know, the National Guard has a program that provides funds to Soldiers and Airmen to travel and compete in biathlons around the country. For those who are not familiar; this program is available to all National Guard members regardless of MOS, rank or skill level.

“I’m surprised with the number of opportunities available in the MontanaNational Guard, such as biathlon and shooting, that more people aren’t involved,” says Captain Kelly Williams. “They’ve got plenty of gear and depend-ing on the year, they have plenty of funding to get us out to do things.”

This year in West Yellowstone, fi ve Montana National Guard members attended the summer event. The total turnout for the event was around 70 competitors over half of whom were Army and Air National Guard Soldiersand Airmen.

Summer and winter biathlons are great ways to get out and get exercise. It is also a great way to improve on marksmanship.

If you are interested in participating in the Montana Biathlon Program,contact Colonel Steven Martinka at 406-324-3200.

West YellowstoneSummer Biathlon

Story and photos by CW2 Mat Rowley

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 11

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 13

For 21 years the Montana National Guard Counterdrug Program has been supporting community based organizations and law enforce-ment agencies throughout Montana. Until this year, Montana’s programremained one of the smallest counterdrug units across the nation. With the help of Montana’s Senators, Representative and support of senior National Guard leadership, the Montana Counterdrug Program was able to increase its personnel and boost their efforts to teach youth throughout Montana about the perils of drug abuse. These additional Soldiers have been trained by veteran prevention specialists to prepare them to handle a classroom and spread the message about living a healthy life without abusing drugs and/or alcohol.

The Drug Demand Reduction section aims to help youth make the right decisions when it comes to engaging in drug use, alcohol abuse and other risky behaviors. Classes are taught to students start-ing in elementary school and ranging all the way to high school. The goals of the Drug Demand Program are to prevent abuse by expanding

Montana Drug Demand Reductionexpands needed Prevention Teams

knowledge with facts about drugs, build confidence and self-awareness through teambuilding and interact with students showing them you can achieve anything if you are drug free. Research shows that many kids understand the harm drugs can do and yet still choose to use. The students learn that using drugs will take small bits of your dreams, aspirations and decrease your ability to achieve their full potential. They learn that drugs or over indulging in alcohol can change your life and many people regret their behaviors for the rest of their lives.

The Montana Guardsmen are role models in their communities and understand what teamwork, dedication and education are all about.The uniform alone represents a person who is willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. The structure of the classes does include some interactive presentations about the perils of drug use. The students are soon out of their chairs and involved in an activity designed to build self confidence and to show them reasons to stay clean by living a life that does not tolerate drug abuse.

Front row: Pfc. Jenilee Hayes, Sgt. Terri Nelson, Pfc. Auttem Osborne Back row: Sgt. McKenzie Harriman, Pfc. Koby Callahan;Sgt. Erin Sanderson; Sgt. Christopher Thomas;and Spc. Randall AndersonPhoto: Lt. Daniela Ragen

By Lt. Col. Garth Scott, MTNG Counterdrug Commander

Students respond very well to Soldiers and Airmen because they represent core values of thiscountry. The Montana program uses severalcurriculums including the nationally knownscience-based program called “Stay On Track”which is tailored to middle school students.The program allows instructors to engage withstudents and help them see the facts so they canachieve their goals. This creates a sense of pride thatruns deep in both the student and the instructor.The Montana Counterdrug Program believesthat each person carries their own set of “keys”for success and it’s the choice you make that isthe difference. With the current rise in drug use and high school drop outs, prevention education is paramount.

We are sometimes asked, why are National Guardsmen teaching prevention education in theschools? The answer is simple. We currentlyhave the resources and the support from ourcommunities and elected officials to make adifference in a student’s life. It may be difficultto understand that a Soldier or an Airman canmake a difference right here at home, but it is one of the missions that we know is important. We live here and we want our own communities to be safe and drug free.

The National Guard serves communities on many levels. For some it is a voluntary basis servingon service boards, working with schools, present-ing to clubs and participating in the community. Many Guardsmen are leaders and have the skills to contribute whether they wear a uniform or not. However, for members of the Counterdrug Drug Demand Reduction Team, it is “their” mission to give back to communities and add strength and resource for our youth and coalitions to succeed.

There is no doubt that the Montana Counter-drug Team has its work cut out for them, but the calling to help youth runs deep into the hearts of the Counterdrug program. With drug use on the rise,mixed media messages, and constant bombard-ment of pressure, our communities need as muchhelp as they can get to see our youth achieve their greatest potential. As we continue to grow as a nation and turn this country over to our youth,we must be reminded of the vision that our most precious and valuable commodity in this nation is our youth. And we need our youth smart, sober and focused on succeeding. Drug abuse has no place in this vision.

If you would like more information aboutthe Montana National Guard Drug DemandPrevention program, please call at (406) 324-3178or locally in Great Falls at (406) 792-0255,in Kalispell at (406) 324-5174 and in Billingsat (406) 655-6200.

12 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 13

knowledge with facts about drugs, build confidence and self-awareness through teambuilding and interact with students showing them you can achieve anything if you are drug free. Research shows that many kids understand the harm drugs can do and yet still choose to use. The students learn that using drugs will take small bits of your dreams, aspirations and decrease your ability to achieve their full potential. They learn that drugs or over indulging in alcohol can change your life and many people regret their behaviors for the rest of their lives.

The Montana Guardsmen are role models in their communities and understand what teamwork, dedication and education are all about.The uniform alone represents a person who is willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. The structure of the classes does include some interactive presentations about the perils of drug use. The students are soon out of their chairs and involved in an activity designed to build self confidence and to show them reasons to stay clean by living a life that does not tolerate drug abuse.

Students respond very well to Soldiers and Airmen because they represent core values of thiscountry. The Montana program uses severalcurriculums including the nationally knownscience-based program called “Stay On Track”which is tailored to middle school students.The program allows instructors to engage withstudents and help them see the facts so they canachieve their goals. This creates a sense of pride thatruns deep in both the student and the instructor.The Montana Counterdrug Program believesthat each person carries their own set of “keys”for success and it’s the choice you make that isthe difference. With the current rise in drug use and high school drop outs, prevention education is paramount.

We are sometimes asked, why are National Guardsmen teaching prevention education in theschools? The answer is simple. We currentlyhave the resources and the support from ourcommunities and elected officials to make adifference in a student’s life. It may be difficultto understand that a Soldier or an Airman canmake a difference right here at home, but it is one of the missions that we know is important. We live here and we want our own communities to be safe and drug free.

The National Guard serves communities on many levels. For some it is a voluntary basis servingon service boards, working with schools, present-ing to clubs and participating in the community. Many Guardsmen are leaders and have the skills to contribute whether they wear a uniform or not. However, for members of the Counterdrug Drug Demand Reduction Team, it is “their” mission to give back to communities and add strength and resource for our youth and coalitions to succeed.

There is no doubt that the Montana Counter-drug Team has its work cut out for them, but the calling to help youth runs deep into the hearts of the Counterdrug program. With drug use on the rise,mixed media messages, and constant bombard-ment of pressure, our communities need as muchhelp as they can get to see our youth achieve their greatest potential. As we continue to grow as a nation and turn this country over to our youth,we must be reminded of the vision that our most precious and valuable commodity in this nation is our youth. And we need our youth smart, sober and focused on succeeding. Drug abuse has no place in this vision.

If you would like more information aboutthe Montana National Guard Drug DemandPrevention program, please call at (406) 324-3178or locally in Great Falls at (406) 792-0255,in Kalispell at (406) 324-5174 and in Billingsat (406) 655-6200.

12 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 15

By Kevin Moran, Public Affairs Intern

The Montana National Guard’s Social Media Initiative is continu-ing apace, with all four of our websites up and fully operational. Since our last issue of the Big Sky Guardian, the Montana Guard, via the Public Affairs Office, has established a presence on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Flickr, all of which are now receiving regular news and content updates. Furthermore, the PAO has completed a uniform social media SOP for the use of our sites, which will be available shortly.

Thus far, our use of these sites has proved to be an effectivestrategy for increasing the Guard’s media presence, as well ascommunicating with Guard members and the general public in an efficient, timely and inexpensive fashion. What’s more, it has allowed the Guard to effectively distribute the growing body of news andmultimedia content produced by the Public Affairs Office.

Below is a brief rundown of the addresses, access methods and content of the Montana Guard’s current array of social media sites:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MTGUARDOFFICIAL

The main hub for our online social media presence, the Official Montana National Guard Page is regularly updated with print and multimedia updates covering areas like news stories pertaining to the Guard, upcoming events, Guard produced stories pictures and videos, as well as important messages for our internal audience.

Access is fast and simple, consisting of creating a user account

SOCIAL MEDIA Update

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 15

By Kevin Moran, Public Affairs Intern

The Montana National Guard’s Social Media Initiative is continu-ing apace, with all four of our websites up and fully operational. Since our last issue of the Big Sky Guardian, the Montana Guard, via the Public Affairs Offi ce, has established a presence on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Flickr, all of which are now receiving regular news and content updates. Furthermore, the PAO has completed a uniform social media SOP for the use of our sites, which will be available shortly.

Thus far, our use of these sites has proved to be an effectivestrategy for increasing the Guard’s media presence, as well ascommunicating with Guard members and the general public in an effi cient, timely and inexpensive fashion. What’s more, it has allowed the Guard to effectively distribute the growing body of news andmultimedia content produced by the Public Affairs Offi ce.

Below is a brief rundown of the addresses, access methods and content of the Montana Guard’s current array of social media sites:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MTGUARDOFFICIAL

The main hub for our online social media presence, the Offi cial Montana National Guard Page is regularly updated with print and multimedia updates covering areas like news stories pertaining to the Guard, upcoming events, Guard produced stories pictures and videos, as well as important messages for our internal audience.

Access is fast and simple, consisting of creating a user account

via the form on the Facebook homepage. Once you have signedup, simply enter “Montana National Guard” into the search fi eld and click on the Montana National Guard Offi cial Page. Click “Like” on the Guard’s page to begin receiving instant updates directly from the Guard’s offi cial page.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MONTANAGUARD

A repository of all Montana Guard produced videos, as well as videos about the Guard from local, state and national news organi-zations. Simply enter the above address and click on the displayed videos to begin viewing. Unlike Facebook, signing up is not necessary to view the Guard’s video content.

Flickr: http://www.fl ickr.com/photos/montanaguard/

The Montana Guard’s offi cial photo-sharing website, Flickr allows you to view high-quality images from some of the Montana Guard’s award-winning military photographers. Click on our individual photos to view or download high resolution versions.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MTGUARD

Still a work in progress, our Twitter site provides the Guard with the capability to send instant news and updates to a wide audience via web or text message. Look for live mobile updates from public affairs and leadership personnel coming soon.

SOCIAL MEDIA Update

16 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 17

By Kevin Moran, Public Affairs Intern

This spring, the 163rd Cavalry Regiment learned they would be returning to Iraq early in the fall of this year. With their departure date now rapidly approaching, the 163rd is gearing up to move to CampShelby, Mississippi, for training prior to their departure overseas.And while the hundreds of Soldiers deploying with the unit are all partof the larger Montana Guard family, the Clement brothers have the unique perspective of being four siblings deploying with the same unit.

Multiple family members serving in the Guard is nothing new, but Tommy, Nick, Justin and Josh Clement said having four brothers in the Guard, with three of them currently in the same unit, has made for an interesting Guard experience.

“I truly believe we’ve become closer, as siblings,” said Captain Josh Clement. The oldest Clement brother, Josh joined the Guard 10 years ago, following fi ve years as an active duty armor NCO. He said thatdue to his siblings’ diverse range of occupations, Soldiers in the MontanaGuard usually run into at least one Clement brother eventually. “People know our family name pretty quick if they’re associated with the Guard, because of our full-time jobs in the recruiting and retention offi ce, Yellow Ribbon program and the Human Resource Offi ce.”

With all four brothers in the Guard, Sergeant Thomas “Tommy” Clement said people commonly assume he comes from a long line of military service. “The one question we always get is ‘Were your parents in the military?’ and the answer is no, neither of my parents were in the service.” The question is understandable. There are actually seven

Clement siblings, with all but one currently in the military. In addition to his three brothers in the Montana Guard, Sgt. Clement has two sisters that are in the Air Force and Air Guard, respectively.

Although currently part of the 639th QM Supply Company out of Kalispell, Tommy’s older brother Specialist Justin Clement is hoping for a transfer to the 163rd in order to deploy with his siblings. “Josh has talked about it a lot, he thinks it would be really neat if all four of us were over there together,” Tommy said. Currently working as a recruiter in Helena, Justin joined up following college, where he received his BA in business administration. Bored with an average nine-to-fi ve job, he joined the Guard while pursuing his master’s degree in public administration. “I was just looking for somethingfun and interesting to do,” he explained.

At 20 years old, Private First Class Nick Clement is the youngest of the four brothers. Having joined less than a year ago, he recently completed his armor training at Fort Knox, going into the same 19K MOS as his brother Josh started out in. Looking for a new experience after graduating high school, Nick decided to follow after his broth-ers, especially after seeing Justin join up after college. “I fi gured if hecould do it, I can do it too,” he said.

On Deploying Together

“Every one of them is excited about it,” said Josh. He cited some of the advantages of deploying with his siblings, like his and Tommy’s complementary skills in human resources and personnel.

“I’m lucky because he [Tommy] works in the same career fi eld, so I’ll be working with him on a daily basis. He’s got a good skill set to help that one company.”

Tommy said he was glad they had each other there to help plan for the deployment and to support each other’s families. “We’ve just been picking each other’s brains on what’s the best way to do it and cope with it, and it will be nice to be able to talk to them while we’re over there,” he said.

“Being away from family will be tough,” explained Nick. “But I’ll also have quite a bit of family over there with me.” Overall however, he said he was looking forward to the chance to go overseas. “I’m excited for an adventure,” he said, “to see the outside world a little bit, I think it will be a good eye-opener for me,” he added.

The brothers have also found mutual support from each other and from the larger Guard organization in facing some of the hardships of a deployment overseas to a combat zone. With the exception of Nick, they will all be leaving spouses, and in the case of Josh and Tommy, children as well.

Tommy, for instance, has his wife and three young children back at home. “They’re getting ready for it, as ready as you can. All the family help from the National Guard has been real nice because the family support has movies geared towards kids, like an Elmo movie explain-ing what’s going on,” he said.

On the same subject, Justin highlighted how their different spouses and in-laws can help while the brothers are deployed. “His [Tommy’s] wife being left with three kids under fi ve...she’s going to need a lot of help from her family and from our family.”

The brothers said they can also rely on support from their parents

Photo provided by the Clement brothers

THE ROTHERS LEMENT ROTHERSROTHERSBROTHERSROTHERS LEMENTLEMENTC

16 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 17

Clement siblings, with all but one currently in the military. In addition to his three brothers in the Montana Guard, Sgt. Clement has two sisters that are in the Air Force and Air Guard, respectively.

Although currently part of the 639th QM Supply Company out of Kalispell, Tommy’s older brother Specialist Justin Clement is hoping for a transfer to the 163rd in order to deploy with his siblings. “Josh has talked about it a lot, he thinks it would be really neat if all four of us were over there together,” Tommy said. Currently working as a recruiter in Helena, Justin joined up following college, where he received his BA in business administration. Bored with an average nine-to-fi ve job, he joined the Guard while pursuing his master’s degree in public administration. “I was just looking for somethingfun and interesting to do,” he explained.

At 20 years old, Private First Class Nick Clement is the youngest of the four brothers. Having joined less than a year ago, he recently completed his armor training at Fort Knox, going into the same 19K MOS as his brother Josh started out in. Looking for a new experience after graduating high school, Nick decided to follow after his broth-ers, especially after seeing Justin join up after college. “I fi gured if hecould do it, I can do it too,” he said.

On Deploying Together

“Every one of them is excited about it,” said Josh. He cited some of the advantages of deploying with his siblings, like his and Tommy’s complementary skills in human resources and personnel.

“I’m lucky because he [Tommy] works in the same career fi eld, so I’ll be working with him on a daily basis. He’s got a good skill set to help that one company.”

Tommy said he was glad they had each other there to help plan for the deployment and to support each other’s families. “We’ve just been picking each other’s brains on what’s the best way to do it and cope with it, and it will be nice to be able to talk to them while we’re over there,” he said.

“Being away from family will be tough,” explained Nick. “But I’ll also have quite a bit of family over there with me.” Overall however, he said he was looking forward to the chance to go overseas. “I’m excited for an adventure,” he said, “to see the outside world a little bit, I think it will be a good eye-opener for me,” he added.

The brothers have also found mutual support from each other and from the larger Guard organization in facing some of the hardships of a deployment overseas to a combat zone. With the exception of Nick, they will all be leaving spouses, and in the case of Josh and Tommy, children as well.

Tommy, for instance, has his wife and three young children back at home. “They’re getting ready for it, as ready as you can. All the family help from the National Guard has been real nice because the family support has movies geared towards kids, like an Elmo movie explain-ing what’s going on,” he said.

On the same subject, Justin highlighted how their different spouses and in-laws can help while the brothers are deployed. “His [Tommy’s] wife being left with three kids under fi ve...she’s going to need a lot of help from her family and from our family.”

The brothers said they can also rely on support from their parents

during the deployment. “My dad is pretty strong,” said Nick, “My mom...she’s a little worried, but she knows I’m in good hands, got the Captain [Josh] watching me.”

“They understand why we joined the Guard, to defend the country, and they’re very supportive of it,” added Justin.

Their parents also look to Josh to keep an eye on his youngerbrothers. “Normally I get the wicked eyebrow...[they’re] making sure Itake care of my younger siblings,” explained Josh. “That’s my challengeas the oldest, to say ‘everything is gonna be good, we’ve got good equip-ment, we’re well protected and have a great team over there,” he said.

Spouses

Spouses and in-laws also play a large part in helping deployedfamilies during their loved one’s absence. In addition to his three brothers, Captain Clement will also be deploying with his brother-in-law, Spc. Nick Little. He’s one of two brothers-in-law the captain currently has serving in the military.

Josh added that he sees this kind of camaraderie and support between his brothers refl ected in the larger Guard organization, too. “It’s four of us that are together, but if you look at the dynamic of the Montana Guard, they all come together as brothers to execute amission,” he said.

Adding, “Any time we go somewhere, people recognize theMontana guys. We’re all Montanans, we’re Citizen Soldiers and we have families that know each other. You can’t ask for a better group...they come together and come across as a family and they’re going to take care of each other.”

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 19

ANNUAL TRAINING OVERVIEW

The fi refi ghters of the 1049th-1052nd Engineer Detachmentsfollowed a frantic pace this AT, dividing their time between a rigorous week-long fi re inspector course and a rapid-fi re series of exercises testing their fi re, medical, rescue and disaster skills. The two weeks culminated in a grueling 72-hour continuous operation that saw everything from structure fi res and plane crashes to injured hikersand spilled radioactive material. “Myself and Sfc. Kolman have exposedthese Soldiers to what I consider to be a very arduous training schedule,”said Lt. Dan Bushnell, unit commander for the 1049th-1052nd.

As for going three days with little rest and constant activity, unit member Spc. Greg Pishotta of Bozeman said the exercise was a good refl ection of the hectic operational tempo he’s experienced as a full time fi refi ghter and part time EMT. “The tempo is pretty realistic and forSoldiers who haven’t had that experience, it’s good practice for them,” said Pishotta. He also noted that the hectic pace in the fi eld wasn’t the only major challenge during this year’s training: “The most challenging for me has been...the 40 hours of classroom, it’s long, arduous, there’s lots of info and they really cram it down your throat.” The in-classroom work appears to have paid off, though, with the unit achieving a 100% pass rate on the nationally certifi ed fi re inspection exam.

After passing their classroom course, Soldiers of the 1049th-1052nd were eager to get into the fi eld. In the days that followed, the unit saw a wide variety of scenarios designed to test and hone their skills. Medical incidents included a hiker that had fallen into a ravine and sustained a serious compound fracture. Members of the 1051st detachment had to rig climbing ropes down an embankment in order to descend to the injured hiker (in this case represented by a 200 lb dummy), and then winch the casualty to the top on a back-board.

Elsewhere, the author was fortunate enough to play the part of a mortally wounded motorist in an multi-vehicle accident exercise.

This year’s Annual Training saw the 1063rd Surface Maintenance Company getting out of the shops and into the fi eld for a diverse series of combat and security exercises. The usual routine of practicing maintenance on a variety of vehicles—M113 APC’s, FMTV’s and HMMV’s—was broken up this year with activities like clearing houses at the MOUT site and practicing unarmed combat techniques.

A sub-unit of the 190th CSSB out of Billings, the 1063rd normally provides a wide range of mission critical vehicle and structural main-tenance support. However, due the non-traditional nature of the confl icts in Afghanistan and Iraq, training in areas like convoy security and urban combat operations played a larger role in this year’s AT. For many in the company, the increased scope of this year’s training was an exciting change from the norm.

“I know a lot of the guys were looking forward to this training for sure,” said Sgt. Phillip Thomas of Bozeman. “[Combat operations] training is something we don’t get a lot of because we’re a maintenance company,” he added.

Sgt. Adam Knepper of Billings agreed, adding he was impressed with the unit’s fl exibility in taking on unfamiliar tasks. “This is the fi rst time a lot of them have been exposed to this environment,” said Knepper, “but they’re fast learners.”

A favorite amongst the 1063rd has been the assault training at the Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) site on Fort Harrison.“I think the highlight [of this year’s AT] has been the MOUT site,” said Lt. Emily Miller. Scenarios at the site included assaulting buildingsand clearing rooms, as well as exercises in hostage rescue.

In talking to the unit, there seemed to be a defi nite split between older and younger members regarding the toughest part of this year’s train-ing. “The most diffi cult part of this year’s AT was defi nitely the convoy training because it was new to me,” said Lt. Miller; “But we had greatinstructors and got a lot of practice, so we were able to overcome it with a lot of practice and good training,” she added.

Older members like Knepper and Thomas, however, tended to focus on a different challenge: “The toughest part had been the earlywake-ups,” said Sgt. Knepper; “Like Knepper, I’d have to say the toughest part has been the early wake-ups,” agreed Thomas.

Despite being relatively new, the 1063rd is a tight-knit unit and the atmosphere at this year’s training was decidedly upbeat. “The 1063rd is a great unit, high morale, everywhere you look they’re trying to make plans come together,” said Lt. James Mabry of Anaconda.

Other members, like Sgt. Nick Eulen, said the outstanding attitude of the unit makes the rest of the year easier too: “I love this group. I totally enjoy every drill, and this AT has been great, probably the best of the four years I’ve been in the Guard.”

631st Chemical Company

1049th-1052nd Engineers

1063rd Surface Maintenance Company

Stories and photos by Kevin Moran and CW2 Mat Rowley

With only a year away from their training rotation to the NationalTraining Center next summer, the 631st Chemical Company, headquarteredin Missoula, with a detachment in Anaconda, completed their annual training at Fort Harrison. The two weeks of training consisted of Army warrior tasks and battle drills, convoy operations, urban operations andoperating in a Forward Operating Base (FOB). In addition, the 631st

conducted a series of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear(CBRN) related training in preparation for full spectrum operationsat the NTC.

The CBRN FTX training integrated the company reconnaissanceplatoon with the company’s decontaminate platoons. The reconnaissance platoon was tasked to conduct chemical reconnaissance of a contami-nated site, as well as gather intelligence and identify various chemical andbiological agents. All decontaminate platoons were staged to conduct thorough decontaminate upon their return from the area. An additional CBRN FTX, facilitated by the 83rd Civil Support Team (CST), challenged the reconnaissance platoon with conducting reconnaissance of a mockbiological and nuclear weapons lab.

While at the FOB, the 631st also conducted training to protect the force. The training consisted of platoon sized elements working in a “round robin” format, learning and carrying out tasks associated with the follow-ing responsibilities, Entry Control Point, Quick Reaction Force, React to Chemical Attack, React to Indirect Fire and establish a Traffi c Control Point. The FOB training culminated in a company force protection exercise.

The annual training, lasting from June 5, 2010 to June 19, 2010refreshed the company on basic battle drills, further developed itsability to identify and contain CBRN threats and exposed the unitto the tactics, techniques and procedures employed by the CST.Through the training environment at Fort Harrison, the 631st fullyprepared themselves for full spectrum operations. With only one year leftbefore NTC, it is safe to say that Montana’s 631st Chemical Company is poised for a successful train-up and rotation to the NTC.

18 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 19

The fi refi ghters of the 1049th-1052nd Engineer Detachmentsfollowed a frantic pace this AT, dividing their time between a rigorous week-long fi re inspector course and a rapid-fi re series of exercises testing their fi re, medical, rescue and disaster skills. The two weeks culminated in a grueling 72-hour continuous operation that saw everything from structure fi res and plane crashes to injured hikersand spilled radioactive material. “Myself and Sfc. Kolman have exposedthese Soldiers to what I consider to be a very arduous training schedule,”said Lt. Dan Bushnell, unit commander for the 1049th-1052nd.

As for going three days with little rest and constant activity, unit member Spc. Greg Pishotta of Bozeman said the exercise was a good refl ection of the hectic operational tempo he’s experienced as a full time fi refi ghter and part time EMT. “The tempo is pretty realistic and forSoldiers who haven’t had that experience, it’s good practice for them,” said Pishotta. He also noted that the hectic pace in the fi eld wasn’t the only major challenge during this year’s training: “The most challenging for me has been...the 40 hours of classroom, it’s long, arduous, there’s lots of info and they really cram it down your throat.” The in-classroom work appears to have paid off, though, with the unit achieving a 100% pass rate on the nationally certifi ed fi re inspection exam.

After passing their classroom course, Soldiers of the 1049th-1052nd were eager to get into the fi eld. In the days that followed, the unit saw a wide variety of scenarios designed to test and hone their skills. Medical incidents included a hiker that had fallen into a ravine and sustained a serious compound fracture. Members of the 1051st detachment had to rig climbing ropes down an embankment in order to descend to the injured hiker (in this case represented by a 200 lb dummy), and then winch the casualty to the top on a back-board.

Elsewhere, the author was fortunate enough to play the part of a mortally wounded motorist in an multi-vehicle accident exercise.

This year’s Annual Training saw the 1063rd Surface Maintenance Company getting out of the shops and into the fi eld for a diverse series of combat and security exercises. The usual routine of practicing maintenance on a variety of vehicles—M113 APC’s, FMTV’s and HMMV’s—was broken up this year with activities like clearing houses at the MOUT site and practicing unarmed combat techniques.

A sub-unit of the 190th CSSB out of Billings, the 1063rd normally provides a wide range of mission critical vehicle and structural main-tenance support. However, due the non-traditional nature of the confl icts in Afghanistan and Iraq, training in areas like convoy security and urban combat operations played a larger role in this year’s AT. For many in the company, the increased scope of this year’s training was an exciting change from the norm.

“I know a lot of the guys were looking forward to this training for sure,” said Sgt. Phillip Thomas of Bozeman. “[Combat operations] training is something we don’t get a lot of because we’re a maintenance company,” he added.

Sgt. Adam Knepper of Billings agreed, adding he was impressed with the unit’s fl exibility in taking on unfamiliar tasks. “This is the fi rst time a lot of them have been exposed to this environment,” said Knepper, “but they’re fast learners.”

A favorite amongst the 1063rd has been the assault training at the Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) site on Fort Harrison.“I think the highlight [of this year’s AT] has been the MOUT site,” said Lt. Emily Miller. Scenarios at the site included assaulting buildingsand clearing rooms, as well as exercises in hostage rescue.

In talking to the unit, there seemed to be a defi nite split between older and younger members regarding the toughest part of this year’s train-ing. “The most diffi cult part of this year’s AT was defi nitely the convoy training because it was new to me,” said Lt. Miller; “But we had greatinstructors and got a lot of practice, so we were able to overcome it with a lot of practice and good training,” she added.

Older members like Knepper and Thomas, however, tended to focus on a different challenge: “The toughest part had been the earlywake-ups,” said Sgt. Knepper; “Like Knepper, I’d have to say the toughest part has been the early wake-ups,” agreed Thomas.

Despite being relatively new, the 1063rd is a tight-knit unit and the atmosphere at this year’s training was decidedly upbeat. “The 1063rd is a great unit, high morale, everywhere you look they’re trying to make plans come together,” said Lt. James Mabry of Anaconda.

Other members, like Sgt. Nick Eulen, said the outstanding attitude of the unit makes the rest of the year easier too: “I love this group. I totally enjoy every drill, and this AT has been great, probably the best of the four years I’ve been in the Guard.”

Replete with fake blood and hanging intestines, he watched as fi re-fi ghters extinguished vehicle fi res, used hydraulic jaws to extract trapped victims and provided emergency medical care to the injured (sadly the author was informed that he had died on the scene).

Responding to a report of a man trapped in a sewer pipe, members of the 1052nd detachment arrived to fi nd the victim (again played by a decidedly downcast looking medical dummy) at the bottom of a man-hole, having been overcome by toxic fumes. Donning respirators and rescue gear, members of the 1052nd worked their way through a series of low tunnels before reaching the victim and pulling him to safety.

Watching from the sidelines, Sfc. Jason Kolman of Bozemancommented on his Soldiers’ performance this year: “I’m really impressed with my guys and their capabilities. The commander and I are pleasantly surprised with where we’re at. We couldn’t be happier with the way they’ve performed,” he said.

Following the tunnel rescue, members of the 1050th raced to the siteof a hazardous chemical spill elsewhere on the fort. The responding unit was greeted with a pair of upended barrels leaking an unknown green substance. Keeping their distance, the fi rst responders were told by their commander that the chemical was radioactive, whereupon they proceeded to send an understandably reluctant Soldier to take a closer look. Having determined that the substance (in this case corn meal and green dye) was not a serious threat, the rest of the team moved in and secured the area.

For unit leaders like Kolman and Bushnell, watching their Soldierscome together and solve the above scenarios constitutes the best partof annual training. Said Kolman, “My favorite part is after eight months of planning, and a lot of thought going into it, seeing all the smiling faces of the Soldiers when they get realistic training, when they’re high-fi ving each other in the station, that’s my favorite part.”

The fi refi ghters of the 1049th-1052nd Engineer Detachments

1049th-1052nd Engineers

This year’s Annual Training saw the 1063rd Surface Maintenance Company getting out of the shops and into the fi eld for a diverse series of

1063rd Surface Maintenance Company

18 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010

20 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 21

By Lt. Col. Michael A. Buck, 186th Fighter Squadron

The 186th Aero Squadron in World War I

Although the 186th Fighter Squadron began its service with the Montana Air National Guard in 1947, Montana Guardsmen may be surprised to learn that the 186th fi rst took to the skies during World War I. Nov. 16, 2009, marks the 92nd anniversary of the Squadron’s creation. This article is the third in a series that tells the story of how the 186th Aero Squadron was fi rst organized, trained, deployed to Europe and ultimately saw aerial combat in the skies over France in The Great War.

Part 3 of a series

The 186th left Le Havre, France, by rail on the morning of Aug. 29, 1918. The men rode in box cars, which they jokingly called “side-door Pullmans.” Most of the men did not know their destination. After two days of travel they arrived in St. Maixent, often called the “Purgatory of the Air Service.” Upon their arrival, Lt. Guenther was relieved of commandby Lt. John C. Kennedy, who four weeks earlierhad transferred from the 12th Aero Squadron to become the permanent commander of the 186th Aero Squadron.

Though not yet 23 years of age, Kennedy’s experience made him an “old head” when compared with most men of the 186th. A New York City native, he had attended Fordham University. In 1916 he joined the Army Reserve as a private in the Signal Corps and rose to the rank of corporal while serving in a coastalbattery. Kennedy’s background made him a strong candidate for a commission when the U.S. entered the war April 6, 1917. Kennedy’senlisted service ended Aug. 15, 1917, when he and 300 other university men became aviation cadets as part of the “Toronto Group.”

The Royal Flying Corps had received permission to establish airfi elds in Texas to conduct RFC fl ying training year round.

In exchange, the RFC had agreed to train U.S. Air Service men at bases in Canada until winter shut down fl ight operations. Kennedy and his fellow cadets were sent to Camp Borden in Leaside, near Toronto. Kennedy wasassigned to the 27th Aero Squadron under the command of Maj. Harold E. Hartney. Hartney had become an “Ace” with the Royal Flying Corps, earning fi ve confi rmed victoriesover German aircraft during numerousphotographic and bombing missions.

On October 26, the 27th departed Leasidefor Camp Hicks, Texas, 15 miles outside Fort Worth. Hartney immediately recognized that the simple “banks on turns” fl ying training programat Hicks was not challenging enough to pre-pare the 27th for combat, so he took it uponhimself to increase the program’s diffi culty.Emergency landings, aerobatics, and simulated dogfi ghts were added to increase the odds that a pilot’s fi rst encounter with the enemy would not also be his last. On Jan. 11, 1918, Kelly Field Special Orders Number 9 directed the 27th to proceed to New York City and then to England for further training. Having earned

The Old Man and the New PlaneAug. 28 – Oct. 30, 1918

The 186th deploys to France, acquires aircraft,but has too few pilots and observers his wings, Kennedy was commissioned as a

fi rst lieutenant of the Aviation Section of theOffi cer’s Reserve Corps on Jan. 11, 1918.

The 27th arrived in England March 5. Hartney took advantage of an opportunity to proceed immediately to France, bypass-ing the drawn-out training in England that the 186th and other U.S. squadrons would later encounter. The 27th began its combat training in the Nieuport 27 on March 29. On April 20 Hartney was in Paris on squadron business when, without Hartney’s approval, Kennedy and several other offi cers were trans-ferred out to augment other units. Kennedy was sent to the First Air Depot in Colombey, France, and on May 20 he was assigned to the 12th Aero Squadron at Ourches under the command of Maj. Lewis H. Brereton. From June 6 to July 15, Kennedy saw action in the Ile-de-France campaign, followed by the July 15-18 campaigns in Champagne-Marne and July 18-30 campaigns in Aisne-Marne. By August, Kennedy had acquired the valu-able combat experience that most American Airmen lacked, and also had demonstrated the maturity needed for command. On Aug. 1, 1918, he was selected to command the 186th Aero Squadron, now designated as an Aero Observation squadron. Kennedy left for John C. Kennedy’s draft registration card, dated June 4, 1917

Capt. John C. “Jack” Kennedy, First Operational Commander,186th Aero Squadron(Photo circa 1932)

Hicks Field, Texas

20 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 21

The 186th Aero Squadron in World War I

Although the 186th Fighter Squadron began its service with the Montana Air National Guard in 1947, Montana Guardsmen may be surprised to learn that the 186th fi rst took to the skies during World War I. Nov. 16, 2009, marks the 92nd anniversary of the Squadron’s creation. This article is the third in a series that tells the story of how the 186th Aero Squadron was fi rst organized, trained, deployed to Europe and ultimately saw aerial combat in the skies over France in The Great War.

his wings, Kennedy was commissioned as a fi rst lieutenant of the Aviation Section of theOffi cer’s Reserve Corps on Jan. 11, 1918.

The 27th arrived in England March 5. Hartney took advantage of an opportunity to proceed immediately to France, bypass-ing the drawn-out training in England that the 186th and other U.S. squadrons would later encounter. The 27th began its combat training in the Nieuport 27 on March 29. On April 20 Hartney was in Paris on squadron business when, without Hartney’s approval, Kennedy and several other offi cers were trans-ferred out to augment other units. Kennedy was sent to the First Air Depot in Colombey, France, and on May 20 he was assigned to the 12th Aero Squadron at Ourches under the command of Maj. Lewis H. Brereton. From June 6 to July 15, Kennedy saw action in the Ile-de-France campaign, followed by the July 15-18 campaigns in Champagne-Marne and July 18-30 campaigns in Aisne-Marne. By August, Kennedy had acquired the valu-able combat experience that most American Airmen lacked, and also had demonstrated the maturity needed for command. On Aug. 1, 1918, he was selected to command the 186th Aero Squadron, now designated as an Aero Observation squadron. Kennedy left for

Capt. John C. “Jack” Kennedy, First Operational Commander,186th Aero Squadron(Photo circa 1932)

Maj. Harold Evans Hartney

St. Maixent the next day to prepare for the squadron’s arrival. The 1st Army was createdon August 10 with Gen. John “Blackjack” Pershing in command. Kennedy’s task was to ensure that the 186th was combat-ready in time for 1st Army’s rumored big fall offensive.

On August 28, the same day that the 186th arrived in France, Col. William “Billy” Mitchellhad issued General Orders Number 1 in preparation for the planned offensive against the San Mihiel salient. This operation, due to start in two weeks, was described by Mitchell as “one of the largest air forces yet brought under a single command on this front.” Because the 186th was new to the “Zone of Action,” it was not included in the order. This meant that the squadron would receive no new Airmen and scant equipment until that campaign was over. On Sept. 7 the 186th was again loaded in the boxcars and after two days of monotonous riding

arrived at Air Service Production CenterNo. 2, located in Romorantin, France. This had to be a frustrating time for Kennedy and his men. From September 12-16, the fi ghting raged near St. Mihiel, and Kennedy watched as his former squadron fl ew missions that included visual reconnaissance, surveillance, infantry contact patrols, and adjustment and control of artillery fi re. They also provided Alert aircraft for special missions, performed various photographic missions as required by the 1st Army Corps, and protected allied tanks from hostile airplanes. Hard work and luck would be needed for the 186th to be readyto fl y such missions in the next offensive.

After one week at Romorantin, the 186th travelled by rail to Colombey-les-Belles, arriv-ing September 17, and from there proceeded via trucks to the Autreville Aerodrome. There Kennedy expected to draw supplies, receive aircraft, and replenish his cadre of pilots and observers. It was hoped that the squadron’s stay

Hicks Field, Texas

186th personnel relaxing in the French sunshine (and enjoying the French mud)

The Salmson 2a2

22 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 23

at Autreville would be short. Unfortunately,there were five other squadrons in the vicinityalso looking for new flyers, and nearly all available pilots and observers in Colombey-les-Belles had been funneled to established squadrons to support the St. Mihiel offensive. It would ultimately take six long weeks to acquire just ten pairs of pilots and observers.

While waiting at Autreville, the squadron did finally receive its eighteen Salmson 2a2 aircraft, each equipped with radios and guns. The 2a2 was widely regarded to be the finest observation aircraft of the war, superior to

the U.S.-made DH-4 “Liberty,” which was referred to by many pilots as the “Flaming Coffin” for its lack of self-sealing fuel tanks.

Lt. Kennedy had accumu-lated ample combat experiencewith the Salmson 2a2 during his tour with the 12th Aero Squadron. He and his fellow pilots had developed great confidence in this new aircraft.It had a wingspan of 38’ 7,” a height of 9’6,” and was 27’ 8 ½” long. Empty, it weighed 1,543 lbs. Fully loaded, it tipped the

scales at 2,840 lbs. with a 683-lb. payload, which could include 500 pounds of bombs for ground attack. It was equipped with a single fixed Vickers machine gun for the pilot and twin Lewis machine guns for the observer. The nine-cylinder Salmson 9Za radial engine of 1146 cubic inches displacement produced 260 hpat 1600 rpm. The Salmson cruised at 103 mph,with a maximum speed of 116 mph. Itcould climb to 6,500 feet in 8 minutes, passing13,000 in 20 minutes. Its service ceiling was just over 20,000 feet. Carrying 441 lbs. of fuel and oil, it had a combat range of 300

The Four MEs – Top Sergeants – of A, B, C, and D Flights.(Left to right) John L. Kavanaugh, John M. Holder,Mosie T. Killingsworth, and Reuel R. Remington

miles and could remain aloft for 3 hours and 20 minutes. The Salmson thus provided asubstantial increase in performance overprevious types and possessed the maneuver-ability and firepower to fend for itself.

The 186th had the aircraft it needed to begin work on the front, but the shortage of aviators continued. On Oct. 1, 1918, the 186th still had just one pilot and one observer assigned. Shortages of other equipment also persisted, particularly trucks. One member recalled, “One truck was placed at the disposal of the squadron to draw all the material from Colombey-les Belles, and then for only about six hours a day.” Additional supplies were drawn, including radio equipment, armament and spare parts. All of the radio equipment was new and untried, so airborne radio tests were conducted.

Lt. Kennedy was promoted to captain Oct. 3, 1918. Slowly the roster of pilots grew, adding several experienced pilots. On October 27, the 186th was assigned to the 1st Army Observation Group, and onOctober 29 moved to 1st Army Headquartersin Souilly, where preparations continued for the squadron’s first missions over enemy lines. Look for Part 4 in the next issue!

22 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 23

miles and could remain aloft for 3 hours and 20 minutes. The Salmson thus provided asubstantial increase in performance overprevious types and possessed the maneuver-ability and firepower to fend for itself.

The 186th had the aircraft it needed to begin work on the front, but the shortage of aviators continued. On Oct. 1, 1918, the 186th still had just one pilot and one observer assigned. Shortages of other equipment also persisted, particularly trucks. One member recalled, “One truck was placed at the disposal of the squadron to draw all the material from Colombey-les Belles, and then for only about six hours a day.” Additional supplies were drawn, including radio equipment, armament and spare parts. All of the radio equipment was new and untried, so airborne radio tests were conducted.

Lt. Kennedy was promoted to captain Oct. 3, 1918. Slowly the roster of pilots grew, adding several experienced pilots. On October 27, the 186th was assigned to the 1st Army Observation Group, and onOctober 29 moved to 1st Army Headquartersin Souilly, where preparations continued for the squadron’s first missions over enemy lines. Look for Part 4 in the next issue!

24 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 25

TSgt Josh Florea

Excellence can be measured in many ways. In the state of Montana we are lucky to have a force structure fi lled with outstanding Soldiersand Airmen. The majority of us working as Citizen Soldiers and Airmen struggle to maintain a balance between civilian employment and our duties as a Soldier or Airman and ensuring that our families are taken care of on top of it all. It’s a lot of responsibility and is some-times overwhelming. So we ask ourselves what drives Soldiers and Airmen to continue to make the sometimes life-changing choices to continue serving in the Montana National Guard? And the answer is simple for one Montana Air National Guard Airman … Family.

In an effort to both provide for and support our families, we continue to make sacrifi ces to satisfy our commitments. Even if that means driving thousands of miles each month to drill and spending time away from our loved ones.

For one Montana Air National Guardsmen, TSgt Josh Florea, familyis the driving force behind every choice he makes. Currently residingin Nebraska while his wife attends college, though there are Air National Guard units that are geographically closer for him, he has chosen

to remain a member of the coveted Montana Air National Guard’s219th REDHORSE unit. “After deploying with the REDHORSE, weare like a family, I would travel any distance to be with them and plan to retire out of this unit. I will stay as long as they’ll have me,” says Florea, who has been a member of the unit for almost seven years.

Florea joined the active duty Army at age 17 to get away from the small town life and see the world.

He worked in the fi nance fi eld at the Defense Finance andAccounting Offi ce in Cleveland, Ohio. However, he wanted to be a military policeman.

After serving four years he felt an immense desire to be his own boss and to follow in his father’s footsteps, which led him back to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he attended a two year college and learned how to construct houses. After satisfying his desire to fulfi ll the goal of owning his own business, it didn’t take long for him to begin missing the camaraderie he once had with the military. So in the year 2000 he joined the Nebraska Air National Guard again in the fi nancial fi eld which eventually led him to his calling, civil engineering.

Florea’s strong sense of self and family has continued to be a guide for him throughout his life and career. After discovering his love of snowboarding, he then moved to Big Sky Montana to work with a construction crew building the infamous Yellowstone Club and trans-ferred to the Montana Air National Guard and became a member of the 219th REDHORSE unit.

He deployed to Iraq in 2005-06 in support of Operation IraqiFreedom, and upon returning home he learned that his sister had become pregnant and decided to move closer to be with her and his new niece or nephew back in Nebraska with the mantra that family is more important than fulfi lling such personal gratifi cations as snow-boarding. This was yet another testament to his strong devotion to family.

Upon his return to Nebraska in 2006 he began to pursue his degree as a civil engineer. So despite moving back to Nebraska,Florea still remained a member of the 219th REDHORSE in the Montana Air National Guard. When asked why he doesn’t justtransfer back to the Nebraska Air National Guard, he claimed that after deploying and working with fellow Soldiers in the 219th, they are like family to him and he will continue to drive thousands of miles for drill for as long as he needs.

When describing his unit, Florea says, “The 219th is unique in the sense that everyone gets along, and there are virtually no individuals, only teamwork is displayed.”

On July 4th of 2010 Florea was married and still has nocurrent plans to move to Montana, but his heart is always with the 219th. Though his wife has never met any of the other members of the 219th, Josh says, “They all feel like they already know each other, that’s how close we are.”

On Florea’s second deployment to Iraq in 2007-08 is where herealized his biggest accomplish-ment. Though he had beendeployed before, he wasn’t sure what to expect for this one. Once in country he was given the oppor-tunity to take part in a project called the Village of Hope, where he became part of a training team that taught local Iraqi nationals job skills that they could applyto living in the current Iraqieconomy. Florea jumped at the chance and so it began.

The experience was eye open-ing, as he and other Soldiers and Airmen formulated class mate-rial along with translators and began teaching local nationals everything from building, electrical work, and plumbing. During this process friendships were forged as the Iraqis showed true appreciation for the skills they were being

The locals showed me how to properly wet down a wall for applying plaster bygetting a palm branch, wetting it, and beating it against the wall. A few of thestudents had masonry experience beforehand, so we learned their way as well as them learning our way.

My family at a Royals baseball game. My parents are on the right, my brother and sister with their spouses and kids, and my littlest sister is there too. However, one of my sisters couldn’t make it to the game.

Story by Sgt. Stacey ScotsonPhotos provided by TSgt. Josh Florea

24 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 25

to remain a member of the coveted Montana Air National Guard’s219th REDHORSE unit. “After deploying with the REDHORSE, weare like a family, I would travel any distance to be with them and plan to retire out of this unit. I will stay as long as they’ll have me,” says Florea, who has been a member of the unit for almost seven years.

Florea joined the active duty Army at age 17 to get away from the small town life and see the world.

He worked in the fi nance fi eld at the Defense Finance andAccounting Offi ce in Cleveland, Ohio. However, he wanted to be a military policeman.

After serving four years he felt an immense desire to be his own boss and to follow in his father’s footsteps, which led him back to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he attended a two year college and learned how to construct houses. After satisfying his desire to fulfi ll the goal of owning his own business, it didn’t take long for him to begin missing the camaraderie he once had with the military. So in the year 2000 he joined the Nebraska Air National Guard again in the fi nancial fi eld which eventually led him to his calling, civil engineering.

Florea’s strong sense of self and family has continued to be a guide for him throughout his life and career. After discovering his love of snowboarding, he then moved to Big Sky Montana to work with a construction crew building the infamous Yellowstone Club and trans-ferred to the Montana Air National Guard and became a member of the 219th REDHORSE unit.

He deployed to Iraq in 2005-06 in support of Operation IraqiFreedom, and upon returning home he learned that his sister had become pregnant and decided to move closer to be with her and his new niece or nephew back in Nebraska with the mantra that family is more important than fulfi lling such personal gratifi cations as snow-boarding. This was yet another testament to his strong devotion to family.

Upon his return to Nebraska in 2006 he began to pursue his degree as a civil engineer. So despite moving back to Nebraska,Florea still remained a member of the 219th REDHORSE in the Montana Air National Guard. When asked why he doesn’t justtransfer back to the Nebraska Air National Guard, he claimed that after deploying and working with fellow Soldiers in the 219th, they are like family to him and he will continue to drive thousands of miles for drill for as long as he needs.

When describing his unit, Florea says, “The 219th is unique in the sense that everyone gets along, and there are virtually no individuals, only teamwork is displayed.”

On July 4th of 2010 Florea was married and still has nocurrent plans to move to Montana, but his heart is always with the 219th. Though his wife has never met any of the other members of the 219th, Josh says, “They all feel like they already know each other, that’s how close we are.”

On Florea’s second deployment to Iraq in 2007-08 is where herealized his biggest accomplish-ment. Though he had beendeployed before, he wasn’t sure what to expect for this one. Once in country he was given the oppor-tunity to take part in a project called the Village of Hope, where he became part of a training team that taught local Iraqi nationals job skills that they could applyto living in the current Iraqieconomy. Florea jumped at the chance and so it began.

The experience was eye open-ing, as he and other Soldiers and Airmen formulated class mate-rial along with translators and began teaching local nationals everything from building, electrical work, and plumbing. During this process friendships were forged as the Iraqis showed true appreciation for the skills they were being

The locals showed me how to properly wet down a wall for applying plaster bygetting a palm branch, wetting it, and beating it against the wall. A few of thestudents had masonry experience beforehand, so we learned their way as well as them learning our way.

TSgt Josh Florea (second from left) stands with some of the students and another instructor during Village of Hope Project in Iraq.

taught so they could support their own families. Florea’s deployment was over just prior to the fi rst class graduating. However it was anexperience he will never forget.

“Every boy’s hero is his dad,” says Florea when asked who hasbeen his mentor and had a signifi cant impact on his choices. My

dad owned his own business as a mechanic and I really looked up to him.

Each Soldier and Airman we encounter has their own unique character which is guided by their personal value system. Each one of us has our own goals, challenges and accomplishments. For TSgt Josh Florea, he has truly left no question that his priority is family, which has led him on a path of great success and fulfi llment. TSgt Josh Florea has allowed his love of family to serve as his moral compass when making diffi cult choices or overcoming any challenges along the way. On the sur-face Florea may appear to be an ordinary Airman fulfi lling his duties like the rest of hisfellow Soldiers and Airmen,

however his continuous devotion to his family from the start ofhis career and throughout has resulted in a strong family bondfull of support.

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 27

26 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010

Master of Readiness Award for 2009

• C ol. L. Neil Thurgood, Project Manager Utility Helicopters (Presenter)

• M aj. David L. Shute, XO 1-189th GSAB, Aviation Maintenance Offi cer (MTARNG AASF)

• S gt. Jennifer S. Gerondale, D Company 1-189th, Aircraft Technical Inspector (Deployed in 2009 w/TF Raven)

• S taff Sgt. Steven T. Green, A Company 1-189th, Crew Chief (Deployed in 2009 w/TF Raven)

• C W2 Kasey D. Kuntz, A Company 1-189th, Maintenance Test Pilot (Deployed in 2009 w/TF Raven)

• M aj. Jon P. Murphy, C Company 1-189th, Commander (SDARNG)

The Master of Readiness Award for 2009 was presented to the Montana Army National Guard, 1-189th General Support AviationBattalion, in August of 2010. The award reads: “For the Highest Average Fully Mission Capable Rate In Calendar Year 2009”

“Therefore as a Battalion we kept our FMC rates high while performing a full spectrum of missions and training ... Pretty goodstandards for being all over the globe,” said Major Dave Shute the Maintenance Offi cer for the Army Aviation Support Facility.

The Montana National Guard 1-189th General Support Aviation Battalion received this award for the fi rst time in 2007.

Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 27

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Master of Readiness Award for 2009

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Story by Major Lori Hampa-ChamberlinPhotos by Kevin Moran, Public Affairs Intern

Members of the National Guard serve 48 days per year; two days for each month and 15 days of Annual Training, usually in the summer. Forty-eight days is not a lot of time for a Soldier to become a master at her craft, especially if in her civilian life she works in an areacompletely different from her military specialty.

In the National Guard there are many ways to train a Soldier, ranging from Basic Training marching and shooting to the standard classroom environment. But, once a troop has acquired a skill, the question is how does the National Guard help them maintain their new skills?

For example, construction workers in the National Guard may be classroom teachers in their civilian life. How does a school teacher retain drywall skills he needs for his military job in which he serves only 48 days a year? This is an interesting dilemma that we’vegrappled with for decades.

One unique program in the National Guard (NG) is the InnovativeReadiness Training program, or IRT, which utilizes public projectsto train Soldiers and/or help them retain their specialized skills. TheIRT program puts that teacher / Soldier on a public constructionproject through which he practices and hones his construction craft.

The IRT program is a DoD process which matches military units and personnel with community projects that fit their specific mission. The goal is to conduct essential training activities that also benefit communities. It builds relationships between the civilian communitiesand the military. Because military troops feel they are helping thegeneral public, it also enhances unit morale.

The types of IRT projects can include engineering, construction, medical / healthcare / human services, and transportation.

Particular organizations qualify for IRT programs. These include Federal, regional, State and local governments. The Secretary of Defense has also identified sixteen youth and charitable organizations specified in Secton 508, Title 32, U.S. Code, which qualify. These including Girl and Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, Young Men’s and Women’s Christian Organizations, U.S. Olympic Committee, Camp-fire Boys and Girls, Special Olympics, 4-H, Police Athletic League, Youth Challenge, Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs. Other charitable organiza-tions and non-profit groups may qualify on a case-by-case basis.

For example, let’s say a small town in Montana needs the public swimming pool repaired because it cracked over the winter. The City may qualify for an IRT project and would need to contact theMontana National Guard Operations and Planning Division.

INNOVATIVEREADINESSTRAINING

The IRT approval process is lengthy in most cases. For most large projects it takes 18 months; for those requiring less than 100 man hours, the approval length is less. There is also a stringent set of qualifying criteria. For example, the requested project cannot be for private use. Further, the National Guard cannot compete with the private sector. If a private company is available to do the project, the requester must demonstrate a financial need that would preclude the private sector being hired. Other criteria apply and may be obtained through the National Guard.

While the vetting and approval process may not be a “walk in the park,” the end results can be a great benefit. Counties, cities, and towns acquire a completed public project at little cost to them, the general public benefits when problems are fixed, and Montana National Guard troops gain meaningful, real-world training which helps them master their craft.

Recently, the residents of Custer County enjoyed the benefit of an IRT project in their ‘neck of the woods’.

Along the Powderville Road, near the Tongue River, lies a onethird mile stretch that turned sharply on a steep grade. This road is heavily used and during winter months the 1/3 mile was a most treacherous stretch. In the past there had been many accidents.

Unable to afford to fix the road, county officials worked with theMontana National Guard for nearly two years and received an approved IRT project to fix the problem.

In a joint venture between Air and Army National Guard units, troops worked together on the project. From June 5-19, 2010, the 260th Engineer Army National Guard unit, located in Miles City, and the 219th Red Horse Air National Guard Construction unit, of

Members of the 260th Engineers Army National Guard unit and 219th REDHORSE Air National Guard Unit work together to level out the steep gradealong the Powderville Road in Custer County.

28 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 29

The IRT program is a DoD process which matches military units and personnel with community projects that fit their specific mission. The goal is to conduct essential training activities that also benefit communities. It builds relationships between the civilian communitiesand the military. Because military troops feel they are helping thegeneral public, it also enhances unit morale.

The types of IRT projects can include engineering, construction, medical / healthcare / human services, and transportation.

Particular organizations qualify for IRT programs. These include Federal, regional, State and local governments. The Secretary of Defense has also identified sixteen youth and charitable organizations specified in Secton 508, Title 32, U.S. Code, which qualify. These including Girl and Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, Young Men’s and Women’s Christian Organizations, U.S. Olympic Committee, Camp-fire Boys and Girls, Special Olympics, 4-H, Police Athletic League, Youth Challenge, Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs. Other charitable organiza-tions and non-profit groups may qualify on a case-by-case basis.

For example, let’s say a small town in Montana needs the public swimming pool repaired because it cracked over the winter. The City may qualify for an IRT project and would need to contact theMontana National Guard Operations and Planning Division.

The IRT approval process is lengthy in most cases. For most large projects it takes 18 months; for those requiring less than 100 man hours, the approval length is less. There is also a stringent set of qualifying criteria. For example, the requested project cannot be for private use. Further, the National Guard cannot compete with the private sector. If a private company is available to do the project, the requester must demonstrate a financial need that would preclude the private sector being hired. Other criteria apply and may be obtained through the National Guard.

While the vetting and approval process may not be a “walk in the park,” the end results can be a great benefit. Counties, cities, and towns acquire a completed public project at little cost to them, the general public benefits when problems are fixed, and Montana National Guard troops gain meaningful, real-world training which helps them master their craft.

Recently, the residents of Custer County enjoyed the benefit of an IRT project in their ‘neck of the woods’.

Along the Powderville Road, near the Tongue River, lies a onethird mile stretch that turned sharply on a steep grade. This road is heavily used and during winter months the 1/3 mile was a most treacherous stretch. In the past there had been many accidents.

Unable to afford to fix the road, county officials worked with theMontana National Guard for nearly two years and received an approved IRT project to fix the problem.

In a joint venture between Air and Army National Guard units, troops worked together on the project. From June 5-19, 2010, the 260th Engineer Army National Guard unit, located in Miles City, and the 219th Red Horse Air National Guard Construction unit, of

Great Falls, worked that corner and steep grade. Using heavy road equipment, the nearly 100 troops moved over 50,000 tons of dirt to straighten out the road while also leveling out the grade, making it a more gradual slope.

The benefits are clear. At little cost to the county, residents and other travelers now enjoy a much safer journey along that route,especially in winter. The National Guard troops worked a joint Air and Army project, which is not typical, and acquired valuable training and real-world experience.

If you have an interest in an IRT troop program, inquire with the Montana National Guard at 406-324-3000. It could be worth the effort; just ask Custer County.

Members of the 260th Engineers Army National Guard unit and 219th REDHORSE Air National Guard Unit work together to level out the steep gradealong the Powderville Road in Custer County.

Story by Major Barry Gilman, J5/7

What was initially planned as a local county test of first responders and their preparedness, soon turned out to be a full scale exercise that involved several agencies and organizations converging in the Northeast corner of this state in Fort Peck, on June 9th. Primarily this exercise happened because of the character of personnel, their knowledge, commitment to this exercise and the partici-pating agencies’ and organizations’ vision to serve and protect Montana’s citizens.

This exercise, the coordination, planning and execution followed the guidelines within the Homeland Security Exercise and Evalua-tion Program (HSEEP). HSEEP is a capabilities and performance based exercise program which provides a standardized policy, methodology, and terminology for exercise design, develop-ment, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning.

As much as Army training and training management becomes second nature for us wearing the uniform, the Incident Command System (ICS) and HSEEP is the way our civilian counterparts act and operate. They

have performed their roles and missions in this manner since shortly after the horrific events of 9-11. So if you have been asked to take or have taken courses from within the ICS, you now know that our involvement in local, state or federal emergencies will have us performing roles and mission from within this National Response Framework. It obviously becomes essential to learn how they operate as we will be working with or alongside an incident commander and his staff utilizing the ICS.

The agencies and organizations partici-pating were Valley and McCone County first responders, (Fire, Law Enforcement, Emer-gency Medical Services (EMS), Valley and McCone Counties Disaster of Emergency Services (DES), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Bureau of Investigators (FBI), Depart-ment of Homeland Defense – Border Patrol, State Attorney General’s Office and the Montana National Guard consisting of the 189th Aviation Battalion, 83rd Civil Support Team (CST), and Quick Reaction Force (QRF).

The primary objectives of this exercise consisted of:

• Focus on prevention and field response• Participants’ ability to span the functional spectrum (Incident Command, Fire, Law Enforcement, HAZMAT, EMS), Dispatch, Hospital, Medical Examiner, and Public Affairs.

• Reaction, coordination and execution of the Master Scenario Events List (MSEL) drafted by the lead planner Mr. Mark Gruener

• Hazard Assessment / Protective Actions • Communication• Decontamination procedures and issues• Agent identification and use of the

Montana National Guard’s 83rd CST

• Patient management, hospital prepared-ness and mass casualty evacuation

It was noted early in the planning process that the 189th Aviation Battalion would be doing a portion of their annual training during this exercise just north of the Glasgow Airport and would participate. This would provide Lt. Col. Waldorf, Joint Task Force Commander for this exercise a great opportunity to train and exercise his staff in real world scenarios and missions. It was also a great opportunity for the 83rd CST and the QRF teams from both the Army and Air Guard to participate and train with local authorities in this part of Montana. The 83rd CST and the QRF com-mand relationships allowed them to receive operational instructions, and logistics support from the 189th JTF Commander in a joint area of operations.

While sparse with limited population in this vast space and open land, it is an area that has infrastructure that make it a formidable target for terrorists. The area possesses two power generating plants, an earth filled dam and Fort Peck Lake that has more shoreline than the coast of California. A successful breach of any one of these infrastructures would be catastrophic.

The scenario and exercise was building as we approached the morning of June 9 through periodic intelligence reports that uncovered and tracked unusual activity in surrounding counties. It allowed a jump start to the exercise by providing real world situational awareness for everyone participating in the exercise.

I was selected to serve as the Liaison Officer (LNO) for the exercise and worked alongside Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Vaughn, an LNO for the 189th. I supported the requests and information requirements of the incident commander and maintained communication with the Battle Staff assembled in Helena. CW3 Vaughn worked in conjunction with

the 189th Aviation Battalion S3, Major Kevin Settle and his staff coordinating aircraft.

The exercise controller, Mr. Mark Gruener had the (MSEL) preloaded and provided the following scenarios for all players to react to in a fast and furious manner. A chemical agent was left by a terrorist inside one of the power houses, a shootout occurred north of Glasgow involving injured sheriff deputies, and several barrels of chemical agents. An envelope was delivered to one of the Fort Peck administration buildings by someone claiming it contained a white powered sub-stance, and the exercise concluded with a plane flying into the Fort Peck Theatre was occupied with those in attendance for a play.

These events and this exercise tested the training, capabilities and coordinating and communication abilities of the 189th Aviation Battalion, the 83rd CST and the QRF. I feel that there was a lot of knowledge gleaned from National Guard personnel as well as our civilian counterparts on what each of our capabilities are or aren’t, what the process is to request them, and the costs associated.

In the future, our goal within the J5/7 arena in conjunction with Lt. Col. Scott Smith –

30 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 31

Constant Vigilance II

• Patient management, hospital prepared-ness and mass casualty evacuation

It was noted early in the planning process that the 189th Aviation Battalion would be doing a portion of their annual training during this exercise just north of the Glasgow Airport and would participate. This would provide Lt. Col. Waldorf, Joint Task Force Commander for this exercise a great opportunity to train and exercise his staff in real world scenarios and missions. It was also a great opportunity for the 83rd CST and the QRF teams from both the Army and Air Guard to participate and train with local authorities in this part of Montana. The 83rd CST and the QRF com-mand relationships allowed them to receive operational instructions, and logistics support from the 189th JTF Commander in a joint area of operations.

While sparse with limited population in this vast space and open land, it is an area that has infrastructure that make it a formidable target for terrorists. The area possesses two power generating plants, an earth filled dam and Fort Peck Lake that has more shoreline than the coast of California. A successful breach of any one of these infrastructures would be catastrophic.

The scenario and exercise was building as we approached the morning of June 9 through periodic intelligence reports that uncovered and tracked unusual activity in surrounding counties. It allowed a jump start to the exercise by providing real world situational awareness for everyone participating in the exercise.

I was selected to serve as the Liaison Officer (LNO) for the exercise and worked alongside Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Vaughn, an LNO for the 189th. I supported the requests and information requirements of the incident commander and maintained communication with the Battle Staff assembled in Helena. CW3 Vaughn worked in conjunction with

the 189th Aviation Battalion S3, Major Kevin Settle and his staff coordinating aircraft.

The exercise controller, Mr. Mark Gruener had the (MSEL) preloaded and provided the following scenarios for all players to react to in a fast and furious manner. A chemical agent was left by a terrorist inside one of the power houses, a shootout occurred north of Glasgow involving injured sheriff deputies, and several barrels of chemical agents. An envelope was delivered to one of the Fort Peck administration buildings by someone claiming it contained a white powered sub-stance, and the exercise concluded with a plane flying into the Fort Peck Theatre was occupied with those in attendance for a play.

These events and this exercise tested the training, capabilities and coordinating and communication abilities of the 189th Aviation Battalion, the 83rd CST and the QRF. I feel that there was a lot of knowledge gleaned from National Guard personnel as well as our civilian counterparts on what each of our capabilities are or aren’t, what the process is to request them, and the costs associated.

In the future, our goal within the J5/7 arena in conjunction with Lt. Col. Scott Smith –

Joint Director of Military Support (JDOMS) and the State DES is to coordinate and plan one full scale exercise within one of the six Montana regions each year. The culmination of this training and test of learning will be Vigilant Guard.

Overall, I was quite impressed with all agencies involved and the manner in which they performed to play out this full scale exercise. The people involved in emergency

disaster services and those involved in a first responder role, show continually through their dedication that supporting and pro-tecting the needs of those in this great state are job one. In this exercise the personnel from Valley and McCone Counties acted and performed admirably and should be com-mended as they role played an exercise that was realistic, quite complex and one that took all players out of their comfort zone.

30 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010 Summer 2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 31

Constant Vigilance II

32 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010

By Robin Schneider, The North Platte Telegraph 1/29/2005

Earl Tagge looks at pictures in his scrap-book of Miles City, Mont., in 1944. Tagge, along with a pilot and crew of eight, used 250-pound bombs launched from a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress to clear an ice jam on the Yellowstone River, saving the town from flooding.

On a cold March morning in 1944, Miles City, Mont., Mayor L.S. Keye put out an urgentand unique request through the governor’s office: Send in the bombers. What would happen next would be reported as the only aerial bombing of a community during wartime on U.S. soil, a mission that would involve North Platte resident Earl Tagge.

On March 21, the residents of Miles City, located where the Tongue River enters the mighty Yellowstone River, awoke to find their quaint little town in danger of being completely submerged under frozen water. Ice jams were backing up on the Yellowstone River, and the flow from the Tongue River raised the ice packs even higher until the rivers overflowed their banks.

The reading at the city’s pumping plant was reported as being 16.3 feet on Tuesday morning, according to the day’s issue of The Miles City Star. Normal flow for that time of year was usually in the 4.3-foot range. Freezing water and large chunks of ice were filling the town, forcing people to evacuatetheir homes. Keye called in explosives experts from a nearby town to drop several 50-pound homemade bombs on the frozen Yellowstone River in an effort to break up the ice, but to no avail. Keye’s only other option was to contact the military in hopes they could find a solution.

Back in Rapid City, S.D., 20-year-old Army Air Force Staff Sergeant Earl Tagge was sitting in his barracks marking timefollowing training for high-altitude bombing and gunnery practice. He was scheduled to ship out to New Guinea in a matter of days.

When officers approached the troops asking for volunteers to aid in the unusual mission, Tagge accepted and was quickly at work fusing and loading the 250-pound bombs onto the World War II B-17 Flying Fortress.

Within a matter of hours, Tagge, along with pilot Richard F. Ezzard and a crew of eight, flew the B-17 in the middle of a blizzardheaded for Miles City. “We had to fly by instruments for about the first half hour because we couldn’t see out of the cockpit,” Tagge said. The original plan was for the group to take the bombs to Miles City, where they would be transferred to a dive-bomber, who would then drop the bombs.

“After we landed in Miles City, the ceiling was too low, it was 1,000 feet. They changed the plan and we dropped the bombs,” Tagge said. Ezzard had planned on dropping the bombs at an altitude of 10,000 feet, but was unable to get that high because of cloud cover. Instead, Ezzard was forced to fly at 2,600 feet.

At 7:30 p.m., the crew, with the addition of a local man who knew the area well, went back up to begin the mission. The crew could see from the air that theYellowstone River was jammedfor at least two miles on each side of the river’s bend. After a few initial passes, the crew released a test bomb.

“It seemed to go in the right place, but you couldn’t really tell it did anything,” Tagge said. The crew madetwo more passes over theriver, dropping six bombson each pass. Hundredsof onlookers stood by hold-ing their collective breathin suspense, waiting for the inevitable loud blasts they had assumed would come from the bombs. “People thought they would make a lot of noise,” Tagge said. “We had them triggered to detonate underwater.”

The Only Bombing of the

Continental U.S.What happened instead was a tornado-

like effect that swirled upward, carrying mud, water and ice 150 feet into the air,as reported in the Miles City Star. Withinan hour, Tagge said, the ice loosened upand the water began to flow down. The mayor and several other dignitaries stoodon the Seventh Street Bridge, watching the improving flow.

“There were big pieces of ice hitting the bridge,” Tagge said, with a chuckle. “I guess it was pretty shaky, and they got off it real fast.” The reading at the pumping plant on Wednesday morning was 6.3 feet, a drop of 10 feet from the previous day.

The crew was put up in a local hotel for thenight and fed steak dinners in appreciationfor their efforts. The next day, as the crewbegan their flight home to Rapid City, Ezzardflew over Miles City at 50 feet, tippinghis wings from side to side, a gesture that everything was well.

32 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Summer 2010

The Only Bombing of the

Continental U.S.What happened instead was a tornado-

like effect that swirled upward, carrying mud, water and ice 150 feet into the air,as reported in the Miles City Star. Withinan hour, Tagge said, the ice loosened upand the water began to flow down. The mayor and several other dignitaries stoodon the Seventh Street Bridge, watching the improving flow.

“There were big pieces of ice hitting the bridge,” Tagge said, with a chuckle. “I guess it was pretty shaky, and they got off it real fast.” The reading at the pumping plant on Wednesday morning was 6.3 feet, a drop of 10 feet from the previous day.

The crew was put up in a local hotel for thenight and fed steak dinners in appreciationfor their efforts. The next day, as the crewbegan their flight home to Rapid City, Ezzardflew over Miles City at 50 feet, tippinghis wings from side to side, a gesture that everything was well.

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