Arkansas Minuteman May 2010

May 2010 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN 1 188th Fighter Wing in Afghanistan page 4 Fort Chaffee barracks get make over Army Aviation unit page 8 Arkansas Guard “Penns” heads out new Brigadier page 10 page 6

2 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN May 2010 Advertisement

May 2010 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN 3 ARKANSAS FROM THE ADJUTANT GENERAL MINUTEMAN Editorial staff Capt. Chris Heathscott State Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Keith Moore Agriculture Development Team A safe summer is a great summer Capt. Heath Allen Public Affairs Officer Summer is fast ap- Northwest Office proaching and there will Sgt. 1st Class Chris Durney be a significant increase in Public Affairs Specialist Adrienne Brietzke outdoor activities such as Public Affairs Specialist boating, camping, grilling, Donna Shelton swimming, and ATV and Information Officer motorcycle use. I’ll certain- Garrick Feldman ly be doing some of them Editor & Publisher Christy Hendricks myself. Managing Editor But, we all know too How to reach us well that with an increase 404 Graham Road in outdoor activities there Jacksonville, Ark. 72076 will be a greater possibility Ph: 501-982-9421 of accidents. Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford, Fax: 501-985-0026 Historically, off-duty the adjutant general of arkansasminuteman@arkansasleader.com Arkansas fatality rates increase from Advertising: April through September. ber 30, focuses on “playing arkansasminutemanads@ In fiscal year 2009, almost it safe” this summer. Proac- arkansasleader.com 40 percent of accidents in- tive, prevention focused, risk Story ideas volving Guard personnel mitigation is stressed during chris.heathscott@us.army.mil occurred during this time- these summer months, and christopher.durney@us.army.mil should be used as a counter- Arkansas Guard frame, with car and mo- measure to all hazards. torcycle accidents leading News the way. We should all be very fa- Published by Leader Pub- miliar with the Compos- lishing, Inc. 404 Graham Road, More accidental fatalities ite Risk Management pro- Jacksonville, AR 72076, phone involving National Guard cess: Identify the hazards, number (501) 982-9421, a pri- personnel occur in private- assess the potential risks, vate firm in no way connect- ly owned vehicles or on mo- ed with the Arkansas National develop controls and make Guard, under written contract torcycles than any other your decision, implement with the Adjutant General of single factor. All Depart- these controls, and follow the Arkansas National Guard. ment of Defense personnel through with supervision Graph courtesy of Knowledge, the official safety magazine of the U.S. Army. This civilian enterprise Na- must be aware that the use and evaluation. Take the tional Guard newspaper is an of hand-held devices is pro- time to get involved. Risk obey, the laws concerning when skiing and boating to you as commanders, su- authorized publication for the hibited while driving any management isn’t just a seatbelts and car seat use prevent drowning. pervisors, Soldiers and members of the U.S. military for children. Ensure that if In order to lower the Airmen to integrate safe- services, published under the vehicle on or off duty. good idea; it’s something provisions of AR 360-1, AFI 35- All deaths, including ac- that we must integrate into alcohol is consumed a des- risk of accidental injury ty into every aspect of your 101 and the Arkansas Military cidental ones, represent our daily work habits, as ignated driver is utilized. and death, I ask each of lives. Department. Contents of the a tremendous loss to our well as our personal activi- Wear personal protective Arkansas Minuteman are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. govern- families, the local commu- nity and to the National ties, if we are to reduce our exposure to the increased equipment when riding motorcycles and ATVs; it Sherwood Moose Lodge ment, the Department of De- Guard. hazards of summer. will help prevent injury and 4000 E. Kiehl • Sherwood • 835-1200 fense or the National Guard. The 2010 Safe Summer Remember that seat- may save your life if you are The appearance of advertising Campaign, which runs from belts save lives. Please pay involved in an accident. Use in this publication, including in- April 1 through Septem- particular attention to, and personal flotation devices serts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the National Guard or Leader Pub- lishing Inc. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication ON THE COVER shall be made available for pur- chase, use or patronage without MISSING HIM ALREADY. Approxi- regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mar- mately 60 Soldiers with the Arkansas Army National Guard’s 77th Theater EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT ital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any oth- Aviation Brigade departed Camp Robin- Doors Open Up to $7500 er non-merit factor of the pur- at 5:00pm Payout Nightly son for their mobilization station April chaser, user or patron. Editorial Minipacks 6:00pm Includes up to 2 photos unless otherwise noted. 14, 2010. Headquarters, Headquarters ($1000 Progressive Jackpots) Hardpacks 7:00pm The Arkansas Minuteman re- Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Avia- serves the right to edit all items. Coupon Editorial content is edited, pre- tion, and Detachment 1, Company F, pared and provided by the Pub- 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation, mobi- Good For One FREE lic Affairs Office of the Arkan- sas National Guard. All photos lized in support of Operation Enduring Back Up Pack are Arkansas National Guard Freedom. Limit 1 per person. Expires 06/11/10 Photo by Capt. Chris Heathscott, unless otherwise noted. Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office Advertisement

4 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN May 2010 188th Airmen supporting missions in Afghanistan Unit deployed on first Air Expeditionary Force rotation since converting to A-10s Story and photos by PREFLIGHT CHECK. Sr. Lt. Col. Keith Moore Airman Stephen Boggs, a On deployment with the Arkansas crew chief on A-10 aircraft Agriculture Development Team from the 188th Fighter Wing KANDAHAR AIR BASE, of the Arkansas Air National Afghanistan – Nearly 300 Guard, prepares the cockpit members of the Arkan- for the pilot during preflight sas National Guard’s 188th checks on Monday, March Fighter Wing from Fort 21, 2010, at Kandahar Air- Smith deployed here in ear- field, Afghanistan. ly March to begin their por- tion of an Air Expeditionary Force rotation as a component of the 451st Fighter Group. The Arkansas unit is fulfilling the second two months of a four month rotation that was begun by a sis- ter A-10 unit from the Mary- land Air National Guard. The current rotation will last through May. This is the first deployed GETTING READY. (TOP) AEF rotation overseas for Maj. Brian Ahlert, an A-10 pilot the “Flying Razorbacks” since the unit made its con- from the 188th Fighter Wing of version from the F-16 to the Arkansas Air National Guard the A-10 aircraft in April of examines the weapons mount- 2007. But from all indica- ings during his preflight “walk tions the unit members, air- around” of the aircraft before a OFF TO WAR. A-10 pilots Lt. Col. Mark Anderson (left) craft and crews were ready. flight on March 19 from Kanda- and Lt. Col. Charlie Holden (right) from the 188th Fighter “We had a good train up har Airfield, Afghanistan. Ahlert Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard walk to their air- before coming here, both at is among nearly 300 members of craft in preparation for a mission to provide close air support Davis Monthan Air Force the 188th deployed as part of an to troops near Kandahar on Monday, March 21, 2010. Base in Arizona and at the Air Expeditionary Force rotation, Green Flag exercise in Ne- vada, so we were ready to be doing exactly what we and is assigned to the 451st Fighter Wing. (LEFT) Master Sgt. Jay Greer, an aircraft crew chief STAYTON & ASSOCIATES 405 E. THIRD ST. S • PRESCOTT, AR 71857 are doing here in southern from the 188th Fighter Wing but- Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. 870-887-0550 • 870-397-4014 (Cell) Mark Anderson, one of the tons up a wing pod on an A-10 188ths A-10 pilots. aircraft before takeoff. • Practicing law for 26 years. The A-10 mission in southern Afghanistan is to • Primary areas of practice are fly close-air-support in re- Criminal, Family (Divorce), and sponse to ground troops who may be in contact with Personal Injury cases. the enemy, or to escort con- voys in particularly hostile us feel like we are contribut- • Over 200 jury trials. on the outskirts of a vil- them to assist ground forces areas. When not supporting lage near Marjaf. Two of the as necessary. ing to the fight to make sure • Two Deployments, 2004-2005, Rowe Stayton ground troops, the aircraft 188th’s pilots fired approx- From a maintenance per- those planes are ready to go will patrol designated sec- for each and every mission. and 2008 OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM imately 250 rounds each spective things also seem to tors and provide aerial re- If our guys on the ground • (11B) Team leader, Squad Leader, and Platoon Sgt connaissance on locations with their Warthog’s .30 be going well for the 188th mm Gatlin guns. After com- as Master Sgt. Justin Lik- need the air cover, it’s our job of interest to ground com- pleting two passes over the ens, an aircraft crew chief , to make sure they are ready in 1/153, 39th BCT manders. “We fly 12 to 16 sorties a battle, the Airmen received points out. to fly.” • Pilot in USAF and Air National Guard 1973-1987 the ‘all clear’ from the Ma- “The aircraft have done The 188th is currently day, around the clock,” An- rines on the ground. very well since we got here one of three units from the (T-37, T-38, F-15, A-7) 2400 hrs. derson said. “Sometimes we get to do some low lev- Typically, flight missions despite the dusty conditions. Arkansas National Guard el shows of force. And they range from two to five hours. You see the minor, normal that is working in south- “I have a unique perspective always result in the enemy Pilots will either be tasked stuff, but no major system or ern Afghanistan. In addi- to approach my representation breaking contact with forces to support specific ground equipment failures,” he said. tion there are approximately on the ground.” units and operations, or Fellow crew chief, Mas- 200 members of the 1037th of soldiers and airmen. I am Anderson’s comments they will be on patrol check- ter Sgt. Jay Greer echoed the Route Clearance Company always available for a free were made just days being sectors with one to 10 upbeat sentiment of the de- of the 875th Engineer Bat- fore the 188th’s opportu- points of interest for recon- ployment. talion from Jonesboro and consultation. Call me anytime.” nity came knocking with a naissance. At any time dur- “Most of the guys I have another 60 Soldiers and Air- Rowe Stayton call for low level support to ing a patrol a weapons sys- talked to are glad to be men with the Arkansas Agri- a Marine unit pinned down tem controller may divert here,” said Greer. “[It] makes culture Development Team. Advertisement

May 2010 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN 5 Guard team establishes base camp in Southern Afghanistan FOB APACHES, Af- ghanistan – The Arkan- sas Agriculture Develop- ment Team arrived here on April 5, 2010, establishing a footprint and beginning its mission in southern Afghanistan. The ADT is the first unit of its kind in the Arkansas National Guard, made up of volunteers from both the Army and Air Guard who are trained in, and dedicated to, agricultural development in support of Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chris A. Durney, Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office A HEART FROM THE HEART. Col. Patricia Anslow, the Operation Enduring Free- former commander of the 875th Engineer Battalion of the dom. Arkansas Army National Guard, congratulates former combat Arkansas is among medic Michelle Donovan after pinning the Purple Heart on her 10 states with National Photo by Lt. Col. Keith Moore, Arkansas ADT Public Affairs Officer during a ceremony April 21, 2010 at Hot Springs Village. Guard teams deployed to ESTABLISHING BASE CAMP. Members of the Arkansas Agriculture Development Team work to get their base of operations set up at Forward Operating Base Apache in Afghanistan to assist in southern Afghanistan. The unit reached its base camp on April 5, 2010. agricultural redevelop- Former Guard medic ment, training and education. The Arkansas team receives Purple Heart is the first to be assigned to the Regional Com- during tearful ceremony mand-South. Now that the ADT is established in its area of HOT SPRINGS VIL- can Revolution and well operations, the unit is co- LAGE, Ark. – Former wishers looked on as she ordinating with repre- Arkansas Army Nation- received the honor. Many sentatives of the Afghan al Guard medic Michelle in the crowd wiped away government, the U.S. De- Donovan received her be- tears as she spoke after partment of Agriculture lated Purple Heart at a the pinning. and the provincial re- special ceremony April 21, Donovan was a medic construction team to ap- 2010, courtesy of the Mil- with the 875th’s 131st En- itary Order of the Purple gineer Company on Au- ply knowledge and expe- Heart. gust 21 when the vehicle rience in support of local Donovan and four oth- she was in struck an IED, farmers and herdsmen. ers were injured by a road- leaving everyone in the side bomb in August 2007 vehicle injured, includ- while serving with the ing Donovan. She was still Arkansas Army National able to render aid to her Guard’s 875th Engineer fellow Soldiers following Battalion. Due to an ap- the incident, but her in- parent paperwork glitch at juries have since required the brigade level in Iraq, a medical discharge from Donovan never received the National Guard. her Purple Heart. Members of the Hot That was remedied Springs Village chapter of when the former com- the MOPH discovered the Photo by Lt. Col. Keith Moore, Arkansas ADT Public Affairs Officer mander of the 875th, Col. oversight and began the RAZORBACK PRIDE. Patricia Anslow, pinned campaign to get Donovan THE Arkansas Agriculture the familiar medal on her recognition. During Development Team proudly Donovan during the cer- the ceremony she was in- displays the “Hog Head” emony at the Veterans’ ducted into Chapter 783. emblem on their vehicles as Memorial at Hot Springs The 875th was deployed they maneuver throughout Village. Donovan’s fam- in support of Operation their area of operations in ily and a cadre of MOPH Iraqi Freedom from Oc- southern Afghanistan. members, veterans, tober 2006 to September Daughters of the Ameri- 2007. Advertisement

6 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN May 2010 Soldiers depart for Kosovo de CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, Ark. – Approximately 60 Soldiers with two units of the Arkansas Army National Guard’s 77th Theater Aviation Brigade left for mobilization training April 14, 2010, in anticipation of a deployment to Kosovo. Soldiers with Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Aviation (Security and Support), and De- tachment 1, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation (Air Ambulance), said goodbye to their loved ones and boarded buses early in the morning at Camp Robinson. The units are deploying to Kosovo in support of the on- going peacekeeping mission there, Operation Joint Guard- ian. They are slated to serve the yearlong deployment together as the command element for Task Force Grifﬁn, a general support aviation battalion. “It’s an honor to take these guys over, especially with the mission we have,” said Capt. Louis Hawkins, commander of Det. 1, Co. F. “It ﬁts right in tune with the peacekeeping Photo by Capt. Chris Heathscott, Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs mission; we’re going to be the ‘911’ over there. DON'T GO. Emotions ran high as members of the 77th “It’s about saving lives, it’s about being there and an- Theater Aviation Brigade’s Headquarters, Headquarters swering the call when it comes in,” said Hawkins. Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Aviation (Security and Sup- The units were given a special sendoff ceremony the port), and Detachment 1, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 238th morning of April 13 at the 233rd Regiment Regional Train- Aviation (Air Ambulance) prepared to depart for their mobi- ing Institute’s General Instruction Building on Camp Rob- lization station prior to a yearlong deployment to Kosovo. inson. “I’m excited, I’m nervous, but I want to make everybody proud,” said Sgt. Tammie Rather, a member of HHC, 1st of the 114th. “I hope that I can be one of the best leaders that I can be, especially in taking care of my Soldiers.” There are currently no other Arkansas Guard units deployed to Kosovo, but approximately 500 Arkansas Guard members are currently deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Arkansas Nation- al Guard has mobilized over 12,000 Soldiers and Airmen since September 11, 2001. Photo by Capt. Chris Heathscott, Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs LAST HUGS. A young family spends some quality time together before this Soldier departs for his mobilization station prior to a yearlong deployment to Kosovo. Photo by Capt. Chris Heathscott, Arkansas National Guard Pub

May 2010 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN 7 eployment U.S. Army Photo by Capt. Chris Heathscott, Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs (ABOVE) GETTING ON THE BUS. Maj. Gen. William Wofford, the adjutant general of Arkansas, thanks members of the 77th Theater Aviation Brigade’s Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Aviation, as they board a bus headed to their mobilization station. The 114th and members of the 77th’s Detachment 1, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation, are deploying to Kosovo. (LEFT) FLAG AND BUS. Members of two units of the 77th Theater Aviation Brigade prepare to depart Camp Rob- inson for Camp Atterbury, where they will undergo pre-mobilization training prior to a yearlong deployment to Kosovo. (RIGHT) LAST HUG. Soldiers get a last chance to say goodbye to their loved ones before boarding buses bound for Camp Atterbury, where they will prepare for a yearlong deployment to Kosovo. blic Affairs U.S. Army photo by Capt. Chris Heathscott, Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs

8 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN May 2010 Fort Chaffee barracks renovations to provide Soldiers upgraded facilities, more personal space By Capt. Heath Allen Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs officer Soldiers undergoing training at Fort Chaffee Ma- neuver Training Center can expect a more pleasant stay as the post nears completion RENOVATED. A view of one of the newly renovated bar- of Phase I of an extensive racks buildings at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center. barracks renovation project Arkansas National Guard officials along with civilian archi- involving the overhaul of 35 tects and construction contractors recently completed a structures. series of substantial completion inspections to turn over While the intent of the the new structures to the Arkansas National Guard. The overhaul is not to rival the structure is one of 35 barracks slated to begin housing per- posh atmosphere of a four- sonnel for training June 12. Eight more barracks are sched- star hotel, the upgraded fa- uled for renovations beginning June 1. cilities at Fort Chaffee will be an improvement over share them,” Parks said. “In It’s one of the final phases of the conditions in which the this day and age, just about the project before each build- Soldiers training at the post every Soldier has a laptop ing is deemed ready to house have been accustomed. and a cell phone. Now ev- training Soldiers. “I’m an old-time Soldier eryone will have the ability “These improvements and I’ve been coming here to plug in their electrical de- represent our commitment since 1978,” said Command vices.” to Soldier care and to the Sgt. Maj. Thomas Parks. “I’ve Arkansas National Guard continual improvement of lived in these old barracks FINAL INSPECTION. Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Parks, right, and Chief Warrant Of- ficer Four Rickey Johns examine new wall lockers in newly renovated barracks building officials along with the civil- Fort Chaffee,” Embrey said. the old way. I think once the ian contractors conducted a “The renovations and im- 1425 during a substantial completion inspection with civilian architects and construction Soldiers see these new bar- substantial completion in- proved layout provide more racks they will feel like the contractors April 2 at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center. Parks is the project man- spection April 2. This exami- space per individual Soldier Arkansas National Guard ager for the Arkansas Army National Guard Deputy Chief of Staff of Engineering and post nation of the barracks is a key and offer a higher degree of cares not just about their command sergeant major for FCMTC. Johns is a facilities management specialist with the step in the process toward en- privacy. Our Soldiers will quality of training but their Arkansas National Guard. Thirty-five of 43 barracks scheduled for renovations are slated suring each structure meets now have a safe, clean and quality of life. That’s going to to begin housing personnel for training June 12. the plans, specifications and comfortable place to rest be the biggest impact. When plan to renovate 35 barracks Fort Chaffee command- “Before in our old bar- intent of the Arkansas Na- and relax after a hard day of they see this they will realize in seven groups of five with er and Arkansas Army Na- racks we had to put as many tional Guard, said Embrey. training.” someone spent a lot of mon- an estimated cost of $1.5 tional Guard Deputy Chief as 70 Soldiers in them,” ey and went to a lot of work million per group. The av- of Staff, Engineering. “We Parks said. “Now there will to give them a better place to live while training.” Parks, who is the project erage cost, though, was $1.2 million per five barracks, said Parks. should also see a significant reduction in energy con- sumption, which will lower be only 34 Soldiers in each building. We wanted to im- prove the quality of life here VETERANS manager for the Arkansas the operational costs of the for our Soldiers while on post Army National Guard Dep- uty Chief of Staff, Engineer- The National Guard Bu- reau authorized “repro- gramming” of bid savings, training site.” The renovation project is because we feel that they de- serve that.” BENEFITS ing, and Fort Chaffee’s post extensive and includes ad- In the past, 40 Soldiers command sergeant major, said his office budgeted which permitted the remod- eling of eight additional barracks. Parks said the work ditional insulation as well as the replacement of out- were forced to share 22 wall lockers in the downstairs APPEALS $10.5 million to renovate the on the final eight barracks dated plumbing fixtures, in- open-bay area. The Arkan- barracks. will begin after the initial 35 stallation of new energy-ef- sas Army National Guard According to Parks, the have been completed. ficient light fixtures, water remedied that by installing American Recovery and Re- Parks said the goal is fountains and reconfigured new individual wall lockers investment Act of 2009 pro- to have Phase I of the bar- entries, stairwells, interior throughout the barracks. vided an opportunity for the racks renovation complete walls and floor coverings. Now every Soldier will have Arkansas Army National and ready for the tradition- New, spacious wall lockers a secure place to store their Guard to submit candidate al annual training cycle in and many safety features personal belongings. “We projects for consideration late May. While many units are also being installed. tried to give them more No Charge Mike Smith and funding that exceeded space and make things more the base budget. Projects nationwide train at Fort Chaffee, the Arkansas Army The restoration project places a high priority on the convenient for the Soldiers Attorney that demonstrated a poten- National Guard is the pri- Soldiers’ well-being, personal when they’re not training,” for 425 W Capitol Avenue #3700 tial reduction in energy con- mary group utilizing the fa- space and privacy. Open-bay Parks said. That also includ- Consultations Little Rock, AR sumption and improved the cilities. showers, which were origi- ed providing one electrical quality of life for Soldiers re- “These improvements nally constructed in 1942, wall outlet per Soldier. (501) 375-9151 ceived the highest priority will positively impact Sol- were replaced with three “Before there were a lim- msmith@ddh-ar.com consideration. dier readiness and morale,” separate shower stalls, each ited amount of outlets for Arkansas submitted a said Col. Robert Embrey, equipped with curtains. the Soldiers and they had to Advertisement

May 2010 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN 9 Guatemalan dentists visit Arkansas National Guard By Donna Shelton in the National Guard State Members of MEDCOM more accurately. Both military and civil- sociation assembly, where Arkansas National Guard Public Partnership Program. detailed the medical in- Ruhland of the 189th ian organizations can par- they were formally intro- Affairs Since 2002, the part- take procedures, and Air- Medical Group stressed ticipate in the state part- duced by Col. Robert Ma- nership has been a means men of the 19th AW gave the importance of ade- nership program. son, the state surgeon for According to Senior to share information re- demonstrations on state- quate dental care and how Giron and Paredes were the National Guard, and Master Sgt. Billy Ruh- garding healthcare, emer- of-the-art equipment used dental problems can affect also able to attend the Ar- the president-elect of the land of the 189th Medical gency operations, disaster to detect dental issues deployment readiness. kansas State Dental As- ASDA. Group, the biggest medical response, humanitarian issue that can cause a ser- assistance and more. vicemember to be placed “In my country, I am an in a non-deployable status exception. I am a dentist on is preventable dental dis- the active duty side in the ease. military and as a civilian Preventing dental dis- dentist with my own prac- ease is also a major con- tice. This partnership is cern for the country of important because it gives Guatemala. In October of 2009, the 189th Medical Group trav- eled to Guatemala and treated over 4,900 pa- me an opportunity to seek education and training that have been beneficial in your country. I hope to do Offering Families Award Winning Services the same in Guatemala and tients, including extract- break barriers in my own ing several hundred teeth country,” said Giron. while in the district of Baja Giron and Paredes vis- Verapaz. ited the medical units at Lt. Col. Antonio Adon- the Arkansas Army Na- fo Barrientos Giron of the tional Guard’s Medical Guatemalan military, and Command, the 189th Air- Dr. Juan Jose Paredes, a lift Wing of the Arkansas civilian dentist, came to Air National Guard and Arkansas on April 8, 2010, to observe the dental prac- the 19th Airlift Wing of the U.S. Air Force during SERVICES tices of our military medi- the Dental Professionals cal units. Largest Arkansas Behavioral Health Facility Exchange program of the Guatemala is the part- Specializing in Ages 5-17 SPP. ner country for Arkansas Acute and Residential Inpatient Services for ages 5-17 – Pinnacle Pointe Hospital in Little Rock Outpatient services for all ages School-based services in Conway, Mtn. View, Stuttgart, North Little Rock, Lakeside Hot Springs & Clinton Day Treatment Services – Little Rock Only Tricare-certified residential program in Arkansas serving children of active duty and retired military personnel. AWARDS 2007 Residential Facility of the Year Therapeutic Recreation Facility of the Year Silver Sponsor of the Children’s Protection Center, a Children’s Advocacy Center Photo by Donna Shelton, Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs 11501 Financial Centre Parkway • Little Rock, AR 72211 DENTISTA. Dr. Juan Jose Paredes and Lt. Col. Antonio Adonfo Barrientos Giron, visiting from Guatemala, watch as Col. Richard Bedinghaus of the 19th Medical Group de- (501) 223-3322 • Toll Free 800-880-3322 scribes and demonstrates a modern piece of equipment Web: www.pinnaclepointehospital.com used in their dental offices. Advertisement

10 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN May 2010 ANG “Penns” newest Brigadier General By Pfc. Stephanie Deiters 119th Mobile Public Affairs from family members, Detachment friends and bosses,” said CAMP JOSEPH T. ROB- Penn after his wife Mary INSON, Ark. – Assistant placed his new star on Adjutant General for the his uniform. “Sometimes Arkansas Army National they pushed me, some- Guard, Kendall W. Penn, times they pulled me. And was pinned a brigadier sometimes they gave me a general during a ceremo- good swift boot. ny April 17, 2010 at Camp “And, most important- Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chris A. Durney, Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Joseph T. Robinson. ly is the support from the THE ORDER’S NEWEST MEMBER – Col. (retired) Brig. Gen. Kendall Penn Soldiers I’ve served with Frankee Sears is presented the Order of Military Medical was born Jan. 11, 1964 in day in and day out,” con- Merit Apr. 16, 2010 by Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford, the Benton, Ark, and gradu- tinued Penn. “These Sol- adjutant general of Arkansas. ated Harmony Grove High diers are guys and gals School in 1982. He began that have carried me on their backs for all these Retired Guard nurse his military career in 1982 and was commissioned a years and have done the hard task, even when it second lieutenant when receives medical honor he graduated from the Reserve Officer Training was some ungodly hour or some ungodly weather CAMP JOSEPH T. ROB- to the betterment of Army Corps in 1985. condition. They went out INSON, Ark. – Col. (retired) medicine. The combat veteran there and did the job and Mary F. Sears was inducted Sears began her mili- most recently command- didn’t complain.” into the Order of Military tary career in 1976 and, ed the Arkansas Army Na- He received his feder- Medical Merit during a spe- along the way, served with tional Guard’s 39th Infan- al recognition as a briga- cial ceremony here Apr. 16, the 875th Engineer Battal- try Brigade Combat Team dier general on March 20. 2010. ion and deployed to Desert during a yearlong deploy- Photo by Spc. Walter Guthrie, 119th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment The ceremony took place Better known as Fran- Shield/Desert Storm. She ment in support of Oper- KENDALL W. PENN waits to be pinned Arkansas’ new- at the 233rd Regiment Re- kee, Col. Sears received a was the first female officer ation Iraqi Freedom. The est Brigadier General. Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford, the gional Training Institute’s special Order of Military in the Arkansas Army Na- new General Instruction 3,000 person brigade re- adjutant general of Arkansas, and Penn’s wife Mary were Medical Merit – known tional Guard to graduate Building on Camp Robin- turned home in December on the stage with him during the Apr. 17, 2010 ceremony as O2M3 – medallion and the U.S. Army War College, son. plaque from Maj. Gen. Wil- and received a Legion of 2008. at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, Ark. liam D. Wofford, the adju- Merit upon her retirement “Honesty, dedication, tant general of Arkansas, from the Guard in 1997. commitment, tactical and during the brief ceremony. In earning her induction technical competence, Her husband, Col. (retired) into O2M3, Sears was rec- and someone who lives Don Sears, Col. Robert Ma- ognized for her many con- the warrior ethos is how son, the Arkansas Nation- tributions in the medical I would describe general al Guard state surgeon, arena in Arkansas, includ- Penn,” said Maj. Gen. Wil- and a room full of friends ing the development of Op- liam Wofford, the adjutant and family applauded her eration Care in 1995 that general of Arkansas. achievement. provided needed medical “General Penn is a man The order is a unique, services to over 3,000 Ar- of character,” said Wof- private, organization kansas veterans in a peri- ford, “but, Kendall, I have founded by the command- od of three days. The pro- to caution you that with ing general of the U.S. gram was conducted again this great job comes great Army Health Service Com- 1996, earning her recog- responsibility. To whom mand in 1982 to recognize nition from the 5th Army much is given, much is ex- excellence, and promote ex- commanding general for pected. cellence and esprit de corps her significant humanitari- “I’ve had a lot of support among Army medical de- an efforts for area veterans. partment personnel. According to the orga- State Farm® nization’s web site, mem- Providing Insurance and Financial Services bership in the Order recog- Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710 nizes those individuals who have clearly demonstrated the highest standards of in- tegrity and moral character, displayed an outstand- ing degree of professional 1011 W. Main St. Jacksonville, AR 72076-4301 competence, served in the Bus: 501-982-1200 Army medical department www.joemorphis.com with selflessness, and made sustained contributions Advertisement Advertisement

May 2010 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN 11 Army Aviation Brigade welcomes new commander By Pfc. Stephanie Deiters 119th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON - The Arkan- sas Army National Guard’s 77th Theater Aviation Bri- gade welcomed Lt. Col. (promotable) John Payne as its new commander during a change of command ceremony April 17, 2010. Payne assumed command of the Camp Rob- inson based brigade from Col. Karen Gattis, who assumed command of the Marksmanship Training Center later that same day. “I know that you’re prepared and will do well. I know that throughout Photo by Spc. Walter Guthrie, 119th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment your career you’ve had ACCEPTING THE COLORS. Lt. Col. (P) John Payne accepts command of the Arkansas challenging positions in Army National Guard’s 77th Theater Aviation Brigade as he accepts the unit colors from the past, but none more Brig. Gen. Roger McClellan, land component commander April 17, 2010. challenging than this,” said Brig. Gen. Rodger L. next level. John, you have on the tarmac of the Army rights come certain privi- McClellan, the Arkansas the controls,” said Gattis. Aviation Support Facility leges. Among those priv- National Guard land com- “Soldiers of the 77th, on Camp Robinson. ileges is the privilege of ponent commander. “Col. we’ve all agreed to support “We take on that duty command. General Wof- Gattis will be a hard act the constitution. That’s because we want to pro- ford, General McClellan, to follow; she’s done very a duty that we’ve agreed tect those rights that are thank you for the privi- well. I know that you’re Photo by Spc. Walter Guthrie, 119th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment upon collectively and vol- guaranteed by the consti- lege that your giving to me up to that challenge.” NEW COMMANDER AND FAMILY. Lt. Col. (P) John unteered for,” said Payne tution for the citizens of today,” said Payne. Payne is the distin- Payne, the new commander of the Arkansas Army National to his troops assembled the US. Along with those guished military gradu- Guard’s 77th Theater Aviation Brigade, enjoys some time with ate of Henderson State his family following a change of command ceremony April 17, University’s ROTC class 2010 at the Camp Robinson Army Aviation Support Facility. of 1988, and of the Army Aviation Flight School in 1989. Shortly after grad- uation from flight school, Payne served a tour of duty in the Republic of Panama as an air ambulance platoon leader with the 214th Medical Detach- ment, 228th Aviation. His tour in Panama included service during Operation Just Cause. Payne left active duty in 1992 and has been a mem- ■ ber of the Arkansas Army ■ National Guard for over 17 ■ years, serving in a variety ■ ■ of positions in the 77th Photo by Spc. Walter Guthrie, 119th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment ■ and the 87th Troop Com- ROBINSON ARMY AIRFIELD. The Arkansas Army Na- ■ ■ mand. He is a graduate of tional Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility at Camp Jo- the Command and Gen- seph T. Robinson hosted a change of command ceremony ■ eral Staff Officer Course, April 17, 2010 for the 77th Theater Aviation Brigade. Lt. and is enrolled in the U.S. Col. (P) John Payne accepted control of the unit from Col. Army War College class of Karen Gattis. 2012. He is qualified as a pilot Test Pilot course in 1991. and pleased that I’m hand- of the OH-58, Kiowa, and “I know you will build ing it off to you. I have the the UH-60, Blackhawk, on to this unit and the utmost respect and confi- and was the honor graduate talent of this brigade. I dence in your abilities to of the UH-60 Maintenance couldn’t be more proud bring the brigade to the Advertisement

12 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN May 2010 Top Guard shooters in state named CAMP JOSEPH T. ROB- INSON, Ark. – The top shooters in the Arkansas National Guard were named April 25 after more than two days of firing a variety of weapons in the 2010 The Ad- jutant General’s Marksman- ship Sustainment Training Exercise. Camp Robinson hosted TOP SHOOTER. Tech. Sgt. Chad Niccum accepts his the event which tested more award from Brig. Gen. Travis Balch, chief of staff, Arkansas Air National Guard. than 130 Soldiers and Air- men from all over the state OVERALL TEAM. From left, Master Sgt. Mark McDaniel, Tech. Sgt. Chad Niccum, in pistol, rifle and sniper dis- Brig. Gen. Travis Balch, chief of staff, Arkansas Air National Guard, Master Sgt. Ron ciplines. White, Jr., and Senior Airman Westly Wagner. Overall top marksman is Tech. Sgt. Chad Niccum Spc. Mat Murray Sosebee Tech. Sgt. Chad Niccum of Master Sgt. Ron White, Top rifle marksman is Master Sgt. Gregory the 188th Fighter Wing Jr. Master Sgt. Ron White, Jr., Palmer Overall top novice is Sgt. Sniper open and novice of the 188th Fighter Wing Master Sgt. Michael Jeff Scoggins of the 39th divisions is Sgt. 1st Class Neil Top rifle novice is Staff Ritchie Infantry Brigade Combat Badger of the 39th IBCT Sgt. Evan McGuyer of the Top pistol marksman is Team. Sniper team is from the 142nd Fires Brigade Tech. Sgt. Chad Niccum Overall team is Team Red 1038th Horizontal Con- Top rifle team is Team Top pistol novice is Sgt. of the 188th Fighter Wing: struction Company: White of the 188th Fighter John Grant of the 39th Senior Airman Westly Sgt. 1st Class John Cum- Wing IBCT Wagner mings Chief Master Sgt. Gary Top pistol team is Team OVERALL NOVICE. Sgt. Jeff Scoggins of the 39th IBCT Master Sgt. Mark Mc- Pfc. Ernest Gonzales Taylor Red of the 188th Fighter accepts his award from Brig. Gen. Travis Balch, chief of Daniel Pfc. James Burrow Senior Airman Nathan Wing staff, Arkansas Air National Guard. Advertisement

Arkansas Minuteman May 2010

by Donna Shelton

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