Tennessee Air National Guard mother, daughter share Thanksgiving together overseas

By Air Force Master Sgt. Cynthia Dorfner
376th Air Expeditionary Wing

MANAS, Kyrgyzstan - This holiday season as deployed troops serve far from their family and friends at home, one Air National Guard member will see a familiar face here - that of her daughter, also in the Air National Guard.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Terri Gill and Air Force Senior Airman Audrey Gill, assigned to the Tennessee Air National Guard, will be together for the second deployment. The first was in 2008 in Southwest Asia.

When people around the Transit Center, where Terri works, learn of their family connection, the notion seems a bit strange.

"People ask, 'how did get you get to deploy together?' or say they don't think they could handle going with a parent or child," Terri said. But for her, leaving home with her oldest daughter just seemed natural.

In fact, they seek out occasions to go together. For this one, Terri learned of the opportunity and called Audrey, the oldest of her three children, who eagerly volunteered.

"We're a close-knit family," Terri said. "And the military commitment runs through us."

It was Audrey's father who suggested his daughter join the service when she mentioned she wanted to go to college. Terri's husband understands their service. Having spent 26 years in the military - half as active-duty Air Force and the other half in the Army National Guard - he's always supportive when they volunteer to go.

This six-month deployment even has the pair working in the same section as security escorts in the 376th CES. They work different shifts, however, and despite the fact they live together at home in Bean Station, Tenn., they don't share a room here.

"We asked to share a room, but because I'm an [noncommissioned officer] and she's an Airman, they thought it better we didn't," said Terri.

When talking about rank, Terri is almost shy to acknowledge she's in charge because of her rank, but audibly beamed when parlaying that experience into one she knows well – mom.

"A big part of my job here is looking out for everyone," she said "That's easy. I'm a mom!"

She said when she sees younger folks outside in the cold without a jacket, she tells them they need one.

"They tell me they're not cold and I tell them I'll watch their [contractors] while they go put on their jackets. Then, they say 'OK, Mama Gill.'"

Audrey said wherever they go, those who surround them end up as part of their family. Around other security escorts, it's almost like being at home.

"If I do anything, someone will say 'I'm gonna tell your mama!'" Audrey said. "It's just like having a lot more brothers and sisters."

When Audrey decided to join the Air Force in 2008, she put a twinkle in her father's eye, Terri said. Audrey said she plans to stay in at least until her mom retires. She loves the fact that her mom is higher ranking and can give her advice. And, she said it's nice having someone here who knows her so well.

"One day, I forgot my jacket and I was about to call mom because it was raining, when all of a sudden, she came running," said Audrey.

"I saw the weather and had a feeling she didn't have her coat, so I found her, got her key and took it to her," said Terri.

Even though they work opposite shifts, the two have dinner together every evening and see each other in the mornings. When Audrey plays in sporting events here, Terri is there in the crowd, cheering on her daughter.

"It definitely helps with not being so homesick, to have not only someone I know here, but that person is my mom," Audrey said.

In the dorm dayroom, Audrey and Terri sit on the couches - each doing her own thing. A friend walks in and there's the feeling if this were the Gill house back in Tennessee, this is exactly how it would be - all of Audrey, Tony and Kimmi's friends just hanging out.

"It is like this at home," Audrey said. "Our friends are always coming over - never knocking. We're all just one big family."

While mom and daughter will miss being home for the holidays with the rest of their family, they'll have dinner together and call home.

They said they'll spend Thanksgiving being thankful for what they're doing here and the bond they share as airmen.

"We may not be on the front lines," Terri said, "but we love the honor of being able to wear this uniform."

Afghanistan: Delaware Governor Markell visits deployed Guard members

By Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Matwey
Delaware National Guard

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (11/22/11) -- As part of the Governor's Delegation Program, a 2004 initiative which allows state governors to visit deployed service members overseas, the Governor of Delaware embarked on a world wind trip to spend time with deployed Guard members from his state.

Meeting a Delawarean recovering from war wounds at a military hospital in Maryland, getting a tour of several expansive military facilities in Southwest Asia, seeing massive human trauma in a military hospital in Afghanistan and meeting Delaware National Guard members serving in combat zones has filled the week for Gov. Jack Markell.

The trip which started on Nov. 14 had Markell, along with Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, visiting the Pentagon to meet with Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta for briefings, the initiation to their Pentagon-sponsored trip to Southwest Asia.

After leaving the Pentagon, Markell visited with wounded soldiers getting physical and occupational therapy at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

There he met three Delawareans whom he called "impressive and inspiring," and observed the amputee center. Markell said that one Delawarean he met, a Soldier, had undergone 31 surgeries to his arm. "He is so devoted to his service," Markell said.

Adding, he saw troops courageously doing the therapy and learning to walk. "It is certainly a reminder to all of us of the danger to all who are serving."

By Nov. 15 the governors were at a military camp in Southwest Asia, where Markell dined with a couple Delawareans then headed off to visit the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing at another location.

On Nov.16 the governors flew to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, and spent the day visiting the base and talking with people. That evening Markell participated in a video interview via satellite, talking about his experiences, conversations and impressions after his first two days overseas.

"I've met, literally, people from all over the country. The morale is high. They are proud to be here. They are proud to show off their capability, they are proud to show off what they're doing," he said.

“They are very clear and cognizant of the dangers but they take their work so proudly." He added, "Members of the military from Delaware and from around the country are doing a spectacular job."

The main impression I have here is just one of incredible devotion, capability, skill, loyalty and patriotism on the part of the folks who are here from all over the United States."

The first stop at Bagram Air Base was a visit to the military hospital, where the governor said he had an incredible experience. "A few hours earlier a Soldier came in who had lost both legs. And it just made it all so real, to see the dedication of the people in the field and the dedication of the people in the hospital," Markell said, adding he would not forget the scene of the injured Soldier.

The governor then visited Delaware service members deployed in support of U.S. military operations. He met several with several Airman, including Air Force Colonel Mike Feeley, deputy operations group commander, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, who is deployed from his home station position where he is commander of the 166th Operations Group of the 166th Airlift Wing, in the Delaware Air National Guard.

Asked why he came to the combat zone, Markell said, "There is no more pressing issue first of all than to make sure that all Americans thank the members of the military who are working so hard and so bravely on our behalf, and also important that when they come home, we not just thank them, but that we also hire them in jobs because we certainly want to put our veterans to work."

"I really appreciate the opportunity to be here, especially to thank the people from Delaware and certainly including the people from the Delaware National Guard.

"I've said often that the proudest part of being governor is to be the commander-in-chief of the Delaware National Guard. All of us back home should be so proud. We've got a couple hundred people in Afghanistan now and of course there are other Delawareans here as well."

Markell said he wanted people "to realize how real this is every single day," and talked about families. "A lot of these people are leaving spouses and kids for many months on end, not just from Delaware, but across the country." The governor said via satellite, "It seems so far away, but these are our neighbors, our coworkers who are literally putting themselves at risk on our behalf."

He spoke of the members of the Delaware National Guard who have deployed. "We've had hundreds and hundreds and hundreds over the last several years and while everybody back at home goes about their work, they're living under very difficult conditions, putting themselves at risk, really fighting on our behalf and on behalf of the country."

Addressing the conflict in Afghanistan, Markell said, "Obviously this is a mission that started 10 years ago after 9/11. It's one that obviously the president has indicated an interest, as have others, to wind down, when possible," and the governor added that troops are being withdrawn.

He also talked about the work of the Connecticut troops whose job it is to operate entry control for many vehicles coming onto the Bagram Air Base to keep the population safe from harm, and all of the U.S. forces on duty he saw in Southwest Asia and in particular in Afghanistan. "Every single person I talked to in [Southwest Asia] and Afghanistan has very much believed in what they are doing.

"They are focused on doing their job in an excellent fashion every minute of every day. You know, these men and women, there isn't much of a social life here. They're basically working all the time," he said. "A lot of times they'll have an opportunity to go to the gym on a daily basis, but otherwise they're working. They take it seriously, they're proud of it, and they're going to keep doing it until they are told otherwise."

Seeing Delawareans was a highlight for the governor.

"They had maybe a couple hours notice that I was coming. They asked me to get in touch with family back home which I certainly look forward to doing. Most importantly, it is important for them to know that they are remembered -- that people back home are thinking about them or praying for them," he said. "I bring them, especially the folks in the National Guard, the greetings and good wishes of [Maj.] General [Frank] Vavala, [the adjutant general, Delaware National Guard], who is just thinking about them and advocating for them every single day."

"I can't wait until they come home, safely, that's what it's all about.

"These are not just great Soldiers, and Airmen, and folks from the Navy and other forces. These people have amazing skills," Markell said. "One of the things I love about visiting the people of the National Guard - 2,500 of them from Delaware - their skills are tremendous and we can do so much with them back home building the economy, building jobs, helping them build careers. That's of course what I'd love to see them doing. In the meantime they have a mission to do and they're doing it incredibly well."

Commander Notes Afghan Forces’ Progress, Insurgent Failures

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – Afghanistan’s national security forces are gaining strength and skill in the eastern part of the country as insurgent groups there fight among themselves and increasingly botch attempted attacks, the commander of Regional Command East said today.

Army Maj. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn spoke with reporters here via digital video conference from his headquarters at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, where he and the men and women of the 1st Cavalry Division assumed authority in May.

“Our main effort continues to be partnership with and development of the Afghan security forces to achieve security primacy for the approximately 7.5 million Afghans in the 14 provinces and 160 districts” of Regional Command East, Allyn said.

While working with the Afghan army, police and border police, Allyn, who commands a combined team of eight U.S., French and Polish task forces, said they have seen “rifts and friction” among multiple insurgent groups across the region.

“That has increased as the summer campaign has continued into the fall,” the general added, “and we can see increasingly desperate actions as they attack civilians, murder tribal elders and resort to increased intimidation to try to get support for their continued operations here in Afghanistan.”

Allyn said his team continues to see indications that Afghan security forces and coalition forces have disrupted security threats.

“During last month's Operation Shamsheer, Afghan security forces and coalition forces captured or killed a dozen Haqqani leaders and captured dozens of fighters,” he said.

The operation involved nearly 2,000 soldiers, 60 percent of them Afghans, and postured Allyn’s troops “to keep the pressure on the enemies of the people of Afghanistan this winter,” the general said.

This fall, he added, insurgent attacks “have failed miserably across the board.”

Examples in the last two months include suicide bombers who failed in an Oct. 16 attempt to attack the Paktia governance center in the Gardez district. One attacker died when he detonated his device, and Afghan police stopped the other three attackers.

On Nov. 10, insurgents tried to attack the Chamkani district center in Paktia, but Afghan police and security forces killed eight of them.

Coalition forces also killed multiple insurgents during two failed complex attacks on Combat Outpost Marga in Paktika province in October and November.

Most recently, despite public sentiments of intent to use insurgents to attack the traditional loya jirga -- a grand assembly of tribal elders -- “the Afghan national security forces provided a secure environment for [that] historic gathering this past week,” the general said.

Over the past 90 days, he added, insurgent violence has caused 85 percent to 90 percent of Afghan civilian casualties, despite a directive by insurgent leader Mullah Omar to stop targeting civilians.

“Because of the enemy's continued violence against the Afghan people, we see increased cooperation between the Afghan people, the local governments and the security forces who serve them,” Allyn said.

During the first full fighting season with all surge forces on the ground, the general said, “we can clearly see the impact that it had on denying the insurgents any opportunity to regain lost ground … in the south, the southwest and also in the areas that we wrested from their control during the summer campaign.”

Allyn said the quickest way to accelerate the development of Afghan security forces is by putting the world's best army on the mission.

“That’s what we've been doing with our embedded partnership with the tolis and kandaks, [which are] the companies and battalions of the Afghan security forces,” he said.

Such partnerships have created a marked improvement in Afghan troop skills, and confidence and competence in their leaders, Allyn said, adding that security force assistance teams are also part of the development effort.

With 68,000 Afghan security forces and just over 29,000 coalition forces, he added, about half of the security forces have an embedded partnership arrangement.

Regional Command East shares a 450-mile border with Pakistan, and Allyn said cross-border fire has tapered somewhat in the past several weeks.

“We've had some very good cases in the last three weeks of the [Pakistan military] coordinating with us to respond against those cross-border fires and that coordination occurs with every event that happens,” the general said.

The situation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border has also been helped by military-to-military cooperation, the general said, including complementary efforts to maneuver forces to deny insurgent infiltration.

“Our counterparts on the other side of the border have also adjusted positions at our request,” he said. “This is a very positive step forward, and really was a direct result of the regional border coordination meeting that the Afghans held with the 11th Corps of the Pakistan military in Kabul a little over a month ago.”

Communications exercises with the Pakistan and Afghanistan border forces are another positive sign, the general told reporters.

“The goal here is that Pakistan military and Afghan military secure that border in a bilateral way,” Allyn said, “and we are increasingly allowing them to do the majority of that coordination.”

On the ground in his command, the general said, morale is high and troops are confident and excited about the capacity that’s developing in their Afghan security force partners.

“We've made great progress with our Afghan security force partners over the last several months in some very, very hard fighting, and we have hard fighting yet ahead. But increasingly, Afghan security forces are leading that effort,” Allyn said.

“And I know that you'll keep us in your prayers over this Thanksgiving holiday period, and particularly our families,” he added, “as they continue to serve selflessly at home and support us while we serve here.”

Face of Defense: Marine Beats Cancer, Gains New Outlook

By Marine Corps Cpl. Katherine M. Solano
2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – At age 18, many men are thinking about their first year of college, their high-school sweetheart, their favorite sports team or even their impending adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it. For many, the furthest thing from their mind is a cancer diagnosis. For Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel Botero, it was a reality.

The Colombia, South America, native said he decided that at 18, he was going to give back to the country that has given him hope and opportunities in life by enlisting in the U.S. military. With a four-year commitment on his shoulders, Botero already had done more than most of his peers.

But just as he was about to begin training to become a combat engineer, Botero was faced with a prospect that some adults cannot even fathom. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in February 2009.

On top of that, doctors told him the cancer had spread to his liver, lungs and brain. As a new Marine and a new adult, Botero added new cancer patient to his life’s résumé, while putting his Marine Corps career on hold. He began an aggressive course of chemotherapy that left him weak, without hair and unable to do simple tasks without tremendous effort.

After his first surgery, neither Botero nor his doctors were sure if he would make it through a necessary second surgery. “I was so weak from the chemo, we didn’t even know if I would survive the anesthesia,” he said. “I told them I needed a month to just rest, eat and try to gain some strength. My odds were still bad going into the second surgery.”

In July 2009, doctors successfully completed his second surgery. Fourteen months later, his doctors told him his cancer was in remission.

Botero finally could begin his life as a Marine, a life that only a year earlier held no guarantees. In less than two years, he had become a Marine, been diagnosed with cancer, and had faced the very real possibility of dying before his 21st birthday. Now, he was a cancer survivor.

He jumped back into his Marine Corps training with zeal. With most of his family still living in South America, he said, the Marine Corps had become his family.

“The Marine Corps was all I knew, so I just wanted to get back into it,” Botero said. “I begged them to give me something to do while I was in treatment.”

That’s how he became involved with the Wounded Warriors Battalion at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. While working with the wounded warriors, Botero said, he developed an even more positive outlook while surrounded by those he came to consider as family.

The common bond that the Marines formed by enduring various injuries, diseases and treatments is one he will cherish forever, Botero said.

“The whole thing was a good experience, because I appreciate every little thing now,” he added. “Instead of always being mad, we learned to be thankful. Everything is glorious.”

When he left the Wounded Warriors Battalion and began his work as a combat engineer, Botero took what he learned with him on his deployment to Afghanistan with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group’s Combat Logistics Battalion 1 Embedded Partnering Team. The positive attitude he had before his cancer diagnosis has only expanded since then, he noted.

“I’m a joker -- always smiling,” he said. “That is what held me up through all of this.”

Botero said his outlook on life has improved, but that the biggest change came in his outlook on the Marine Corps. “It made me realize the Marine Corps is a path, not just a job,” he explained.

His appreciation for the Marine Corps and life itself is evident as he discusses the harder days of treatment.

“Going through this changed my outlook on everything,” Botero said. “I realize you have to enjoy every minute. A lot of people think of their future, but I believe in living your future as you’re building it.”

A Thank You Letter to Our Troops

By Elaine Sanchez
Nov. 23, 2011

Dear deployed service member:

Last night, I packed my suitcase for a trip to see my family. The last time you packed your bags, it was for a yearlong trip away from yours.

We’ll soon crowd into our car and head to my parents’ house at the shore. You’ll step into a Humvee and convoy through a combat zone.

Tomorrow I’ll sit down for a Thanksgiving feast at a table surrounded by my loved ones. You’ll join your battle buddies in a dining facility.

At night, I’ll lay my son down in his bed for the night. You’ll lay down your rifle to catch some sleep in between missions.

I’ll check on my children one last time before I head to bed. You’ll blow a kiss to yours through a computer screen.

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for your service. For being among the 1 percent of Americans willing to part from your family for up to a year and put yourself in harm’s way for me and my family.

Even though you’re thousands of miles away, rest assured your sacrifices don’t go unnoticed. It’s my family’s tradition to say what we’re thankful for at our holiday dinner. This year, I’ll be sure to say how thankful I am for you.

Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Zachary C. Reiff, 22, of Preston, Iowa, died Nov. 21 of wounds suffered Nov. 18 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 1st Marine Division public affairs office at 760-725-8766.

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pvt. Jackie L. Diener II, 20, of Boyne City, Mich., died Nov. 21 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

For more information the media may contact the Fort Drum Public Affairs at 315-408-3087 or email bruce.m.drake@us.army.mil .

Iraq: National Guard units make room for exodus as drawdown nears

By Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Daniel McGowan
34th Red Bulls Infantry Division

CAMP VIRGINIA, Kuwait  – Before the drawdown from Iraq was announced, the 134th Brigade Support Battalion at Camp Virginia in Kuwait, was hard at work preparing temporary housing for Soldiers and units coming out of Iraq.

"We're expecting tens of thousands to come through Camp Virginia in a matter of a few months," said Army Lt. Col. Brian Bobo, the 134th BSB commander.

 As convoys arrive, gear, ammo and personal equipment is off-loaded. Units are escorted to tent areas for housing. Those who fly in also follow these same procedures. Military property unloaded at Camp Virginia is stripped of all add-on equipment and processed by property book officers for redistribution back to the U.S. or to another theater.

 Redeploying soldiers drop their gear and “enjoy three hots and a cot with all the amenities here at Camp Virginia until they are scheduled to fly home,” said Army Chief Warrant Officer Chad Gould, the billeting officer in charge.

 Next, units move into their temporary home for anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. This makes forecasting available billeting more of an art than a science.

When units announce their redeployment date is changed, Gould says, “we do whatever we can to accommodate their needs.” Light sets are moved in to light up transient areas, and extra water is delivered to the areas as well.

Units are free to leave Camp Virginia after they clear their area with the pads noncommissioned officer-in-charge, Army Sgt. 1st Class Allan Jorgenson. Once he has given the green light, the keys are returned to billeting, and the unit is free to redeploy back home.

The 134 Brigade Support Battalion, 1/34 Brigade Combat Team, is expected to redeploy early next summer.

Iraq: Guard member has not so typical deployment in Iraq

By Army National Guard Sgt. Scott Raper
149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade

BAGHDAD - At Victory Base Complex here several civilian companies work to assist the military with the basics of what is essentially a fully functional city. The cooperation is vital and someone must be the go-between to keep up the relationship.

Coordinating the operation of a military base between civilians and the military overseas is not an easy task, and there is only so much a Soldier can do to handle such a job, but that is where Army 1st Lt. Geremy Harper comes into play.

“It’s my job to ensure that necessary services are provided and maintained by the contractors on VBC,” said Harper, a member of Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

Harper’s position falls under the Directorate of Public Works in the brigade. He is responsible for the interaction with a contractor that provides such services as plumbing, electrical and construction. Their employees respond to problems ranging from a burnt out light bulb and faulty air conditioners to water main breaks on the base perimeter.

Harper must be aware of all the issues that the contractor deals with to ensure coordination with military assets to fix the problem.

His daily assignments include formal proposals for minor construction and repair projects. He also must include plans and applicable budget concerns to meet the needs of the military and the base.

Administrative work keeps him busy, but as he said, “something interesting happens every day. The best day is a boring day. It’s our job and theirs to keep life, health and [the] safety of Soldiers in mind.”

Soldiers of the 149th MEB have not been in Iraq long, but Harper is amazed at the amount of work his section has had to do. As soon as they become accustomed to the workload things change, as VBC shrinks in preparation for the redeployment of U.S. Forces from Iraq. Harper said as ideas of the shutdown shift, so does his operation – and it is not always a smooth transition.

“The hardest part of the drawdown is that we can’t fix everything that needs to be fixed,” he said.

As an engineer officer back home, he said he is usually doing all the work, from making the plan to executing it. However, he is grateful for the help that the contractors provide, calling them great people to work with. It can sometimes be a struggle he said, especially missing his three-year-old daughter, but being part of something historical means a lot to him.

He credits his fellow Soldiers such as Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason Brown for the camaraderie on the job day in and day out.

“Every time I leave the office, I take my radio because we are on 24/7, but it is the job satisfaction that makes me enjoy it. It is fun and exciting work.”

ISAF Commander Praises Afghan Security Forces

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Nov. 22, 2011 – The commander of the International Security Assistance Force praised Afghanistan’s national security forces in a message released today.

Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen commended Afghanistan’s army, police and national security units for their performance during the recent loya jirga, or grand council, in the Afghan capital of Kabul.

“Your outstanding performance of the security mission during this important event successfully provided the many delegates an opportunity to meet and discuss the important issues facing Afghanistan,” he wrote. “We are confident that the members of the Afghan security forces, with constant vigilance, will continue to provide the government, and most importantly, the people of Afghanistan, with the safe and secure environment they so richly deserve.”

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed on insurgent and detained several others while searching for a Taliban leader in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

-- A combined force detained one suspect during a search for a Taliban leader in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. The leader plans suicide-bomb attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the region.

-- In the Qalat district of Zabul province, a combined force detained a suspect during a search for a Taliban leader who directs the placement of roadside bombs and plans attacks.

-- A combined force detained multiple suspects while searching for a Taliban leader in the Panjwai district of Kandahar province. The leader purchases supplies for insurgents and plans attacks against Afghan forces.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban leader and detained another suspect in the Sayyidabad district of Wardak province.

-- In the Sabari district of Khost province, a combined force detained two suspects during a search for a Haqqani network facilitator.

-- A combined force detained numerous suspects while searching for a Haqqani network leader in the Lajah-Ahmad Khel district of Paktia province.

-- A combined force captured a Haqqani network leader in the Zarghun Shahr district of Paktika province.

West Bend Soldiers return home, end era in Iraq for Wisconsin Guard

By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue
Wisconsin National Guard

Nearly 30 West Bend-based Soldiers returned home to family and friends Saturday, marking the end of their year-long mobilization and the end of an era for the Wisconsin National Guard.

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 135th General Aviation Support Battalion left Iraq early this month and spent the last several days demobilizing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. Gov. Scott Walker, Wisconsin National Guard leaders, family and friends, and other veteran supporters welcomed home Wisconsin's newest combat veterans during a ceremony at the West Bend armory Nov. 19.

"I want you to know this is the last Wisconsin National Guard unit to come home from Iraq," said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, drawing applause from the crowd. "They were safe, they were smart, and they did a great job."

The Soldiers, who spent about nine months in northern Iraq providing medevac support, hail from detachments of companies C, D and E of the 2nd Battalion, 135th GSAB - which is comprised of National Guard Soldiers from several states.

"I was just with those guys for a whole year and I shared everything with them," said Capt. Mark Sier, medevac pilot. "It means a lot and makes me very proud."

Capt. Randall Ramm, officer in charge of the Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers on the deployment, extended thanks to the Soldiers' family and friends.

"Over the last 52 weeks, your Soldiers have accomplished an extraordinary amount," Ramm said.

Walker recognized the Soldiers' great work as well - citing the unit's quick six-minute daytime and nine-minute nighttime response from when they received a call for help to the time they were in the air.

"You got up and made sure someone's life was saved," Walker said. "Thank you for the incredibly well done job."

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, praised the Soldiers for their work overseas, and also recognized the job families and friends did at home.

"They could not do what they had to do without your support over these last 52 weeks," Anderson said.

Part of that support was made possible by members of the West Bend Family Readiness Group, which supports the families of all four aviation units in West Bend. The FRG kept in touch with families throughout the deployment process - at one point creating an event on Facebook dubbed, "Deployments suck, let's eat." The lighthearted humor goes a long way to pulling together as a bigger family.

"Knowing there is somebody else who understands is half the issue right there," said Mya Brown, an FRG volunteer.

There was a multitude of support shown at the ceremony. In addition to leadership, family and friends, members of the Patriot Guard, Civil Air Patrol, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and the 132nd Army Band were all present to welcome home the Soldiers.

The Wisconsin National Guard has deployed nearly 10,000 Soldiers and Airmen in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn since 2003.

"As a leader, I believe what we've accomplished in Iraq … has been extraordinary," Dunbar said.

Although the West-Bend service members are the state's last to serve in Iraq, nearly 10,000 Soldiers and Airmen have deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Since 2003, Wisconsin Guard members have conducted numerous missions in Iraq – including medevac transport, route clearance, detainee operations, base defense, close air support for ground operations and in-flight refueling missions. In the eight years since operations began in Iraq, nine Wisconsin Guard members made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, every unit in the Wisconsin Guard has deployed forces in support of the global war on terror, many more than once. While operations in Iraq are drawing to a close, the Wisconsin National Guard still has more than 350 Soldiers and Airmen on active duty, including approximately 60 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and about 180 heading to Kosovo for the NATO-led peace keeping mission there.

But for the Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 135th GASB, their mission is complete.

"We got out of there and did something that's never been done before - closing down Iraq." Ramm said.

RC-East Commander to Brief Live from Afghanistan

Army Maj. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, ISAF Regional Commander East (RC-East) and commanding general of the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10:30 a.m. EST, Nov. 22, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.

Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Program Global Shield keeps bomb-making chemicals out of terrorists' hands

Common chemicals like ammonium nitrate, also used as lawn fertilizer, can be transformed into improvised explosive devices (IEDs). We've seen instances of this in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people and the 2005 bombing of London's transportation system where more than 50 people died. IED attacks are on the rise, especially in Afghanistan, where IEDs continue to be the top killer of U.S. troops. In 2010, insurgents planted more than 14,000 IEDs — resulting in the deaths of 368 foreign soldiers and wounding more than 3,000 others.
 
Program Global Shield is an international effort to eliminate the smuggling of chemicals used in attacks like these. Conceptualized by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2010, the program is being led by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in partnership with Interpol (International Police Bureau) and the United Nations' Office on Drugs and Crime.
 
"It is an unprecedented multilateral law enforcement effort aimed at combating the illicit cross-border diversion and trafficking of precursor chemicals used by terrorist and other criminal organizations to manufacture improvised explosive devices by monitoring their cross-border movements," said Kumar Kibble, ICE deputy director.
 
More than 70 countries participated in the pilot program, which took place from Nov. 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011. The information-sharing that has ensued has been priceless. Global Shield marks the first time that police and customs officials from around the world have joined forces to keep these bomb-making precursor chemicals out of the hands of terrorist and criminal organizations. To date, Global Shield partners have seized more than 33 metric tons of material used to produce IEDS and made 19 arrests in various countries across the globe. Those chemicals could have manufactured thousands of IEDs.
 
In June 2011, the WCO and its 177 members approved a proposal for the pilot project to become a long-term program, allowing global activities to continue indefinitely.

Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Joshua D. Corral, 19, of Danville, Calif., died Nov. 18 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 1st Marine Division public affairs office at 760-725-8766.

Coalition, Afghans Seize Weapons, Capture Insurgents

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2011 – Coalition and Afghan forces today seized weapons and drug caches in southern and eastern Afghanistan following two days of multiple engagements with insurgent fighters, military officials reported.

A coalition security force discovered a weapons cache while conducting a patrol in the Marja district of Helmand province today. The cache consisted of 700 7.62 mm rounds, nine 9 mm rounds, two assault rifles and five magazines. The weapons were seized by the security force to be destroyed later.

In the Maiwand district of Kandahar province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force destroyed a 550-pound cache of marijuana while on patrol.

Another combined force, acting on a local Afghan’s tip, found and destroyed 17 80 mm mortar rounds in the Bagram district of Parwan province.

On Nov. 19, a combined force captured a Taliban ammunition and explosives supplier in Zabul province’s Qalat district. An additional suspect was detained.

In other Nov. 19 operations:

-- A coalition force detained numerous suspected insurgents in Marja after receiving information that insurgents were at a compound in the area. After the force called for the men to come out peacefully, the insurgents emerged and were detained without incident.

-- In Helmand’s Kajaki district, a combined force detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation in search of a Taliban member who coordinates the movement of supplies for insurgents there. The security force confiscated roadside bombs and bomb-making materials.

-- A combined force operating in Paktia province’s Zurmat district captured a Taliban roadside bomb coordinator and an additional suspect.

-- In the Behsud district of Nangarhar province, a combined force detained numerous suspected insurgents during an operation in search of an al-Qaida member who transports insurgent fighters and supplies from Nangarhar to Kunar province.

In Nov. 18 operations:

-- During a combined operation to search for an al-Qaida trainer and courier in the Sayyidabad district of Wardak province, a shooter engaged the security force with small-arms fire from inside a building. The force returned fire, killing the man, then detained two suspected insurgents and destroyed multiple weapons, including bomb-making materials, firearms, grenades and ammunition.

-- A coalition force acting on a tip in Marja found and seized five rocket-propelled grenades, 40 rounds of small-arms ammunition and 30 feet of detonation cord.

-- A Taliban leader planning large-scale attacks in Kandahar province was captured there by a combined Afghan and coalition security force.

-- International Security Assistance Force officials are investigating a firefight that broke out in the Ghazni district of Ghazni province when insurgents fired on a combined Afghan and coalition security force at an Afghan security forces checkpoint. Engaged with rocket-propelled grenades, mortar and small-arms fire, the force requested air support. After multiple attempts to identify themselves as friendly forces, the force was unable to stop the threat and engaged the checkpoint in self-defense, killing two people. Afghan police responded to assess the situation and render medical care. Three additional personnel were wounded.

-- A coalition patrol in Helmand’s Kajaki district found and destroyed an 82 mm mortar and 17 rocket-propelled grenades.

-- A combined force captured a Haqqani network leader who planned suicide-bomb attacks in the Bak district of Khost province. The security force detained two additional suspects.

-- In Khost’s Terayzai district, a combined force detained multiple suspected insurgents and seized various weapons during an operation in search of a Haqqani network coordinator.

-- A combined force in Khost’s Sperah district detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation in search of a Haqqani network leader who directs the movement of senior Haqqani leaders and distributes weapons, vehicles and munitions.

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Pfc. Adam E. Dobereiner, 21, of Moline, Ill., died Nov. 18 at Kandahar province, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 8th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

For more information, the media may contact Fort Hood public affairs at 254-287-0106 or via the internet at www.forthoodpresscenter.com.

Prayer Request

We are asking everyone to say a prayer for "Darkhorse" Battalion 5th Marines and their families. They are fighting it out in Afghanistan & they have lost 9 marines in 4 days. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE the message spread if more could pass it on.

Justin Allen, 23, Brett Linley, 29, Matthew Weikert, 29, Justus Bartett, 27, Dave Santos, 21, Chase Stanley, 21 Jesse Reed, 26, Matthew Johnson, 21, Zachary Fisher, 24, Brandon King, 23, Christopher Goeke, 23, Sheldon Tate, 27.

All are Marines that gave their lives for YOU this week.

Iraq: Short haul, long night for Minnesota Guard's "Drifters"

By Army National Guard Spc. Bob Brown
1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Red Bull Infantry Division

IRAQ  – The 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor's Delta Company are nicknamed the "Drifters," a fitting title considering the unit's role as a Convoy Security Team, or CST, in the drawdown of American forces in the slowing Iraq War.

As the number of troops in Iraq dwindles, so does the amount of equipment that has played a part in sustaining nearly a decade's worth of war.

The Drifters and other companies throughout the Minnesota National Guard's 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division earn their keep by providing convoy route security for both military and civilian trucks as they navigate the still dangerous roads of Iraq.

The convoys leaving Kuwait typically include empty flatbed trailers that are loaded with equipment once they arrive in Iraq.

Before a convoy can leave Kuwait, there is a laundry list of things to do. First, the Drifter's Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, or MRAP, vehicles that are tasked with providing security, must ensure all of their radio and communication equipment is functional.

Checking this equipment provides the Drifters with the ability to communicate with other MRAPs on their convoy.

After those checks are complete, the civilian truck drivers are briefed on the mission and what is expected of them on that night's convoy.

In order to bridge the language gap, the truck commander will go through a series of large posters written in both Arabic and English.

Following the briefs, drivers and Soldiers board their vehicles and depart for Iraq.

The first stop is the border checkpoint known as "K-Crossing." Upon arriving at K-Crossing, the MRAPs are topped off with fuel and staged for the drive north.

As the CST for this particular convoy, their mission is to ensure that the route to Camp Adder is free of threats. Typically they are looking for hidden explosives on the side of the road and suspicious vehicles that might be carrying insurgents.

The Drifters move slowly and meticulously up the Iraqi highway using high powered lights to scan the side of the road for anything unusual, whether it is a rock that appears out of place or an unnatural part of the landscape that could be hiding an explosive device.

The CSTs travel through areas that have seen previous threats. The driver, Army Pfc. Adam Erb, a tanker from Minneapolis, Minn., keeps the speed down to provide the truck commander, Army Staff Sgt. Scott Whittemore, a tanker from Pequot Lakes, Minn., a clear view of the road.

The same can be said for gunner Army Sgt. Chad Swenson, another tanker, from Elk River, Minn. Swenson pokes out of the top of the truck's turret and scans the road with sophisticated optics mounted to his machine gun.

In addition to darkness, Swenson must also deal the elements of the harsh Iraqi desert.

"It is hot in the summer, but don't ever let anyone tell you the desert isn't cold!" He said after temperatures dropped to 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

While this group of Drifters is well focused on the mission at hand, they also keep the mood as light as possible. It is not uncommon to hear laughter mixed in with some of the chatter going on over the vehicle's intercom radio system.

Three hours out of K-Crossing seemed like just as good a time as any to pullover and get a count on the semi-trucks in the convoy. It is common for the truck drivers to make wrong turns and occasionally break down, making it imperative to account for all vehicles on the convoy.

Swenson counts aloud over the radio from his gunner's hatch so Whittemore is assured every vehicle is where it is supposed to be. If a truck does fall out of the convoy, it may be up to one of the Drifters to go track it down, making for an even longer night.

Fortunately all of the trucks were accounted for and after a short break the Drifters were ready to make the final push to Camp Adder.

For Whittemore, commanding a CST takes on a form of art. "Clearing the route for other vehicles to follow really paints the picture for the entire convoy," he said. "I can do whatever I feel is necessary to ensure the security of the convoy behind us."

After nearly six hours on the road the sun begins to rise in southern Iraq. The Drifters roll through gate at Camp Adder with everyone on the convoy safe and accounted for.

From here the Drifters will fuel up their vehicles and grab some breakfast chow before heading to cramped transient housing for some well-deserved sleep. It is now 9 o'clock in the morning.

When the Drifters wake, they will start the process all over again – only this time they will be heading south to Kuwait to await orders for their next mission.