Minuteman Newspaper - The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the Arkansas National Guard. This civilian enterprise National Guard newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services, published under the provisions of AR 360-1, AFI35-101 and the Arkansas Military Department.

1. 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. 2 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN May 2010
Advertisement

3. 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. 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 compo-
nent of the 451st Fighter
Group. The Arkansas unit
is fulfilling the second two
months of a four month rota-
tion 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 be- ing 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

5. 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, estab-
lishing 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 educa-
tion. 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. 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 to-
gether 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 de-
ployed 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 sta-
tion prior to a yearlong deployment to Kosovo. Photo by Capt. Chris Heathscott, Arkansas National Guard Pub

7. 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 mem-
bers 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-mobi-
lization 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. 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 bar-
racks. 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

9. 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. 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®
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11. 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 dur-
ing a change of command
ceremony April 17, 2010.
Payne assumed com-
mand 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 pre-
pared 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 ambu-
lance 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. 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.
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