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. Volume 5, Number 2 April 2011
Top Soldiers, Former TAG passes
NCOs and Airmen
page 5
Soldiers run shadow marathon
named page 6
page 8
Artillery unit fires new guns
page 10

2. 2 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN April 2011
AFCU
not in yet
Connect with AFCU
AFCU.org
Advertisement

3. April 2011 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN 3
ARKANSAS FROM THE TOP
MINUTEMAN Arkansas National
Editorial staff
Capt. Chris Heathscott
State Public Affairs Officer
Lt. Col. Keith Moore
Sexual assault Guard
Mission Vision and
Values
‘hurts one, affects all’
Air Guard Public Affairs Officer
Sgt. 1st Class Chris Durney
MISSION
Public Affairs Specialist To provide trained,
Adrienne Brietzke ready professionals
Public Affairs Specialist
and units responsive to
Donna Shelton
Information Officer As nature and the Clifford Stanley, Un- the needs of the nation,
Garrick Feldman
world around us awaken April is der Secretary of Defense state, and community.
to new life and warmer for Personnel and Readi-
Sexual Assault Awareness
Editor & Publisher
VISION
Christy Hendricks weather, the Department ness may have said it best.
Managing Editor Arkansas National
of Defense, the Nation- “Commanders and senior
How to reach us
404 Graham Road al Guard Bureau and the Month enlisted leadership must
Guard military and civil-
ian professionals, work-
Jacksonville, Ark. Arkansas National Guard set the tone in their units
72076
are asking everyone to be ing as a team, building
Ph: 501-982-9421
many forms such as ver- sault affects not only the to prevent this crime and
Fax: 501-985-0026
“awake” to a problem that not damage the trust that the finest reserve military
arkansasminuteman@arkansasleader.com bal harassment, intimi- individual, but the entire
hurts one, but affects all. our military members organization serving the
Advertising: dation, unwanted sexual National Guard Family by
arkansasminutemanads@
April is Sexual Assault contact, rape, attempt- destroying our sense of have in their leaders and nation, state, and com-
arkansasleader.com Awareness Month, with a ed rape and child sexual trust in our Soldiers and their peers.” munity.
Story ideas mission of addressing the abuse. It affects people of Airmen. Leadership at all Taking this one step VALUES
chris.heathscott@us.army.mil damage sexual assault any gender, age, ethnic- levels must remain dili- further, every Arkansas
christopher.durney@us.army.mil INTEGRITY
causes – not only to an ity, sexual orientation or gent when it comes to this National Guard service
Arkansas Guard (Honesty, Candor, Ethics,
individual, but also to our ability. And perpetrators crime.” member, federal employ-
News overall readiness and unit Morals, Accountability)
can be friends, acquain- This is especially true ee, state employee and Ac-
Published by Leader Pub-
lishing, Inc. 404 Graham Road,
cohesion. tances, family members for the Arkansas National tive Guard and Reserve COMMITMENT
Jacksonville, AR 72076, phone According to the Na- or strangers. Guard. We are successful personnel has the respon- (Loyalty, Caring, Trust,
number (501) 982-9421, a pri- tional Violence Against It is clear that all of us and work well in our as- sibility to learn the signs Teamwork)
vate firm in no way connect- have an important role in signed missions because
Women Survey, as pub- of a potential sexual as-
ed with the Arkansas National PROFESSIONALISM
Guard, under written contract lished by the U.S. De- preventing sexual assault, we function as a Family, sault and to learn how to
with the Adjutant General of partment of Justice’s Of- in protecting victims, in and we count on each other (Selfless Service, Empow-
safely intervene and pre-
the Arkansas National Guard. fice on Violence Against changing attitudes and in to be strong, focused and erment, Stewardship, Ex-
This civilian enterprise Na- vent it.
Women, one in six Ameri- reporting incidents. responsive. When sexu- cellence in all we do)
tional Guard newspaper is an Remember, it’s up to
authorized publication for the can women has been the As Gen. Craig McKin- al assault occurs, it harms
all of us not to let even WARRIOR SPIRIT
members of the U.S. military victim of rape or attempt- ley, the chief of The Na- one of our own and dimin-
services, published under the one person down, because (I will always place the
ed rape. tional Guard Bureau ishes our ability to function
provisions of AR 360-1, AFI 35-
writes, “One sexual as- that lets everyone down. mission first. I will never
101 and the Arkansas Military Sexual assault takes proficiently as a team.
Department. Contents of the
So, let’s take to heart this accept defeat. I will nev-
Arkansas Minuteman are not year’s message for Sexual er quit. I will never leave
necessarily the official views of, Assault Awareness Month a fallen comrade.)
or endorsed by, the U.S. govern-
ment, the Department of De-
and “Don’t let your Guard
fense or the National Guard. down.”
The appearance of advertising
in this publication, including
inserts or supplements, does
not constitute endorsement by
ON THE COVER
the National Guard or Leader READY T O
Publishing Inc. of the products
or services advertised. Every-
ATTACK. Warriors
thing advertised in this publi- THERE’S A WAY TO RECLAIM YOUR LIFE. in the 2011 Arkansas
Army National Guard
cation shall be made available
for purchase, use or patronage For more than 25 years, The BridgeWay has reconnected people with their Soldier a nd N CO of
without regard to race, color, families and communities by helping them overcome their emotional and the Year c ompetition
religion, sex, national origin, addictive problems. In addition to being a leader in treating substance square of f during a n
age, marital status, physical abuse, we also offer treatment for depression, anxiety and panic Army combativ es
handicap, political affiliation
disorders, , and tournament Ma rch
or any other non-merit factor
stress disorder (PTSD). Contact The BridgeWay today to learn how you can 11. S pc. A lec B ald-
of the purchaser, user or pa-
reclaim your life or help someone you love. win ( on t he l eft), o f
tron. Editorial photos unless
otherwise noted. The Arkan- the 8 7th Troop Com -
sas Minuteman reserves the mand, e merged a s
right to edit all items. Editorial the Soldier of the Year
content is edited, prepared and Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chris A. Durney.
following four days of
provided by the Public Affairs
Office of the Arkansas Nation- tough competition. Staff Sgt. Brandon Shaw, of the Nation-
al Guard. All photos are Arkan- al Guard Marksmanship Training Center, bested a fi eld of
No-cost assessments for adults, adolescents and children are available .
sas National Guard unless oth- No physician referral required; most insurance plans accepted. four to take the NCO of the Year honors. The two Soldiers
erwise noted.
Advertisement
will compete at the regional level in Kansas in May.

4. 4 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN April 2011
Arkansas ANG welcomes new commander
Vilonia resident accepts munities, their state and
their nation. And they do it
command over state’s 2,000 well.”
Among many other chal-
Air National Guardsmen lenges faced during Porter’s
tenure, the Base Realign-
ROBINSON MANUEV- ly face that with mixed emo- ment and Closure initia-
ER TRAINING CENTER, tions. But he has had a suc- tive of 2005 left the 188th
Ark. – Brig. Gen. Travis D. cessful command, one that Fighter Wing with the loss
“Dwight” Balch, of Vilonia, he should be proud of.” of the state’s F-16 mission.
Ark., assumed command of General Wofford went The wing maintains a flying
the Arkansas Air National on to talk about many of the mission today however, af-
Guard in a ceremony here challenges faced by the Ar- ter winning the fight to gain
today. Balch replaces Brig. kansas Air National Guard its new mission aircraft, the
Gen. Riley Porter, who com- during Porter’s tenure. Dur- A-10 Thunderbolt II.
manded the state’s 2,000 ing Porter’s time in com- While Porter moves on to
Airmen over the past five mand, the men and women take on his new role as com-
years. of the Arkansas Air Guard mander of the state’s Air Co-
“This is a great day for the participated in multiple de- ordination Group, Wofford
Arkansas Guard,” said Maj. ployments in support of Op- expressed his confidence in
Gen. William D. Wofford, erations Iraqi and Enduring Balch as the incoming com-
the adjutant general of the Freedom. They supported mander of the Arkansas Air
Arkansas National Guard the communities of Arkan- National Guard.
and senior commander over sas with state emergency “You bring to the com-
both the state’s Army and response in the face of win- mand an outstanding record
Photo by Staff Sgt. Julian Johnson, 189th Airlift Wing public affairs
Air National Guard forces. ter weather, tornados and of accomplishments and I’m
“It’s a sad day for Gener- flooding. They also mobi-
ACCEPTING COMMAND. Brig. Gen. Travis D. “Dwight” Balch (center), accepted the confident that you will lead
Colors of the Arkansas Air National Guard from Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford, the adjutant
al Porter,” Wofford added as lized intelligence personnel the Arkansas Air National
general of the Arkansas National Guard and senior commander of both the state’s Army
he addressed over 300 in at- in response to hurricanes in Guard to even greater suc-
and Air forces.
tendance at the ceremony. the Gulf, the earthquake in cesses,” said Wofford. “I’m
“Anytime an officer gives Haiti, and the oil spill in the “The Arkansas Air Na- forward quickly and profes- been called on,” said Wof-
up a command you certain- Gulf among other things. tional Guard has stepped sionally every time they’ve ford. “They serve their com- See NEW, page 5
Camp Robinson welcomes Smothers as new post commander
ROBINSON MANUEVER nent troops who pass through the
TRAINING CENTER, Ark. – New- 32,000 acre post annually for train-
ly promoted Col. Robert Smothers ing.
assumed command of one of the “But it goes much deeper and
National Guard’s premier training much broader than that,” said Brig.
sites here on Sunday, March 5, 2011. Gen. Richard Swan, chief of staff
Smothers, who was pinned as for the Arkansas National Guard’s
a full colonel just moments before Joint Force Headquarters which is
formally accepting command, re- located at Camp Robinson. “In to-
places Col. Walter Jones as the new day’s new operational force of the
post commander for the Robinson Guard, Robinson Maneuver Train-
Maneuver Training Center – bet- ing Center [Installation Support
ter known as Camp Joseph T. Rob- Unit] has done more, and does
inson. Jones, who originally took more today, than just taking care of
command of the post in October an installation.
2007, is retired from the Arkan- “They’ve been full partners and
sas National Guard lMarch 25 after participants whenever we’ve pro-
over 35 years of service. vided military support to civil au-
Smother assumes this tradi- thorities for disasters and emer-
tional command assignment, while gencies. And Robinson Maneuver
continuing to work for the Arkan- Training Center has certainly not
sas National Guard in his full time been untouched by mobilizations
capacity as the deputy chief of since the global war on terror be-
staff for information management. gan.”
With this command, Smothers’ Swan went on to thank Col.
gains responsibility of the instal- Jones for a job well done in both his NEW COMMANDER. Freshly-pinned Col. Robert Smothers stands ready to accept command of the Ar-
lation’s year round operations and command and his career, and fol- kansas National Guard’s Robinson Maneuver Training Center from Col. Walter Jones. Jones, who retired after
maintenance. lowed by expressing his confidence 35 years of service, passed the installation colors to Brig. Gen. Richard Swan, the chief of staff for Joint Force
While there are less than 140 in Col. Smothers as the new instal- Headquarters, who then passed the colors to Smothers.
Soldiers assigned to his new com- lation commander.
units as well as the citizens of the tions,” said Smothers. “To the unit, working with you to ensure we are
mand, the unit supports over “It’s the highest privilege to serve
great state of Arkansas during di- I’m deeply honored to serve as your ready, trained and resourced to ex-
30,000 active and reserve compo- the needs of deploying troops and
sasters and other domestic opera- commander and look forward to ecute our mission.”

5. April 2011 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN 5
Guard mourns the passing of former adjutant general
Maj. Gen. (R) Charles H. Wilson of Governor Winthrop
Rockefeller in November,
Lieutenant Governor and
Medal of Honor recipient
served under Gov. Rockefeller 1966, Colonel Wilson was Footsie Britt.
ROBINSON MANEU- country south of Jackson- selected as his Adjutant General Wilson as-
VER TRAINING CEN- ville and settled into rais- General for the Arkansas sumed duties as Adjutant
TER, Ark. – The Ar- ing a family. National Guard. After be- General of the State of Ar-
kansas National Guard General Wilson’s voca- ing notified of his selec- kansas National Guard in
mourned the passing of a tion was automobile me- tion he rushed home to January 1967 and served
former adjutant general, chanics. He started work dress for a press confer- during Governor Rocke-
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Charles as an automobile mechan- ence announcing his ap- feller’s two terms. He re-
H. Wilson. General Wil- ic and worked his way to pointment. His wife had tired from the military as
son died the evening of service manager at sever- previously packed all his a Major General and was
March 7, 2011 at the age al automobile dealerships military clothing and had awarded the Legion of
of 99. in the Little Rock Area to get his clothing out of Merit along with numer-
General Wilson, who before retiring from Rus- storage. She only had ous awards and decora-
served as adjutant gen- sell Chevrolet in 1976 as time to press the collar tions for his 43 years of
eral from 1967 to 1970, their service manager. and cuffs of his shirt be- military service.
passed away due to natu- General Wilson joined fore he had to appear at Survivors include his
ral causes at his home in the Arkansas Nation- the State Capitol. son Col. (Ret.) Charles
Arkadelphia, Ark. He was al Guard in 1937 as an Governor-elect Rock- “Hank” Wilson and wife
the son of Charles H. Wil- enlisted member of the efeller had asked the Of- Lela of Arkadelphia,
son and Eva Perry Wil- 154th Observation Squad- ficers Association and and his daughter Rosa-
son. He was preceded in ron. He remained in the the Non-Commissioned lyn Huddleston and hus-
death by his parents; his 154th until 1940 when he Officers Association for band Billy of Arkadelphia.
wife of 59 years, Eloise was discharged as a pri- a list of five officers to Other survivors include
Sears Wilson; two sisters, vate. be considered as Adju- four grandchildren: Steve
Arlene Aldridge and Dor- He joined the U.S. tant General. Col. Wil- Huddleston and wife Jen-
Maj. Gen. (R) Charles H. Wilson
othy Mc Donald; and two Army two weeks after son’s name was on both nifer of Arkadelphia, Car-
brothers, Seth “Bill” Wil- Dec. 7, 1941.. As a re- 264th Medium Mainte- until the unit was dis- lists. After all were inter- rie Huddleston of Dallas,
son and Burley Wilson. sult of his prior service, nance Company, which banded after the War. He viewed, they were asked Texas, Charley Wilson of
General Wilson was he was commissioned as was primarily made up was discharged after the if they were not selected, Austin, Texas, and Christy
born November 7, 1911, in a first lieutenant in the of mechanics from Ar- war as a major. who they would recom- Teague and husband Bri-
Turner, Kansas. His fam- Ordinance Corp. This is kansas, with fill-ins from Major Wilson then mend. All replied that an of Fayetteville, Ark.; a
ily moved to North Little very unusual, as most of- other states. The unit joined the Arkansas Army Col. Wilson would be sister-in-law Mrs. Burley
Rock, Arkansas in 1915. ficers begin their career was deployed to Oki- National Guard and later their choice. The commit- Wilson, and numerous
He graduated from North as a second lieutenant and nawa where the 264th commanded the 739th tee was chaired by the late nieces and nephews.
Little Rock High School are later promoted to first maintained weapons and Ordinance Battalion as a
in 1930 and married his
high school classmate El-
lieutenant.
After joining the Army
equipment to support the
fighting forces until the
lieutenant colonel for 17
years. He had other as-
Sherwood Moose Lodge
oise Sears, the daughter he and two other officers end of the war in August signments and retired
4000 E Kiehl • Sherwood • 835-1200
E. 835 1200
of Tim Albert and Rosa toured automobile dealer- 1945, and returned home from the Arkansas Na-
Lee Sears, in their home ships throughout Arkan- in early 1946. General tional Guard as a colonel
on January 1, 1937. They sas. They recruited me- Wilson commanded the in 1966.
soon built a home in the chanics and formed the 264th from its formation Upon the election
New
Arkansas Air Guard, Gen- are not that many com- mand and were respect-
▼
eral Balch assumes respon- manders of the Arkansas ed leaders who laid a sol-
sibility of its subordinate Air National Guard,” said id foundation for us today,”
Continued from Page 4 units to include the 188th Balch, who formerly served said General Balch. “My
confident that the Arkan- Fighter Wing at Fort Smith; as the commander of the pledge to you is that I will
sas Air National Guard will The Marksmanship Train- 189th Airlift Wing from continue to build on that
respond to your leadership. ing Unit – Air at the Rob- August 2003 to Novem- foundation. I’m going to
I’m confident that you will inson Maneuver Training ber 2007, and most recent- lead with integrity. I’m go-
continue to provide those Center; and the 189th Air- ly served as the Air Guard’s ing to take care of the Air-
outstanding leadership ex- lift Wing, 123rd Intelli- chief of staff to General Por- men who serve.
amples and the drive that gence Squadron, and 154th ter. “To be included in that “I’m blessed, I’m hon-
is needed, as we continue Weather Flight at the Little group is a phenomenal ored, and I’m humbled to
to face the challenges of the Rock Air Force Base. thing for me. have been chosen the com-
21st century.” “If you look back in our “All of these men were mander of the Arkansas Air
As commander of the history, you’ll see that there uniquely qualified to com- National Guard.”
Advertisement

6. 6 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN April 2011
Arkansas Army National Guard names to
Spc. Baldwin, Staff Sgt. Shaw move on to regional competition
Photos and story by gional competition in Kansas in May. The region-
Sgt. 1st Class Chris A. Durney al winners compete at the National Guard Bureau
level, with the NGB Soldier and NCO of the Year
ROBINSON MANEUVER TRAINING CEN- competing for the active Army crown in October.
TER, Ark. – Nine Arkansas Army National Guard This year’s Arkansas Army National Guard
Warriors were put to the test over four days here in Soldier and NCO of the Year competition be-
March during the 2011 Soldier and Noncommis- gan with an Army Physical Fitness Test early on
sioned Officer of the Year competition. the morning of March 8, and wrapped up with
Spc. Alec Baldwin of the 87th Troop Com- an appearance before a board of command ser-
mand proved that Army journalists can be fierce geants major the morning of March 12. Along
warriors in beating out three others for the Sol- the way, the warriors endured weapons quali-
dier of the Year title. Staff Sgt. Brandon Shaw fication, essay writing, warrior task training, a
of the National Guard Marksmanship Training mystery event, day and night land navigation, a
Center set his sights on the NCO of the Year title, tough 12-mile road march and a spirited Army
besting four other competitors. combatives tournament.
Joining Baldwin in the Soldier of the Year cat- “I’m convinced that the Arkansas Nation-
egory were Spc. Christopher Brunner of the 39th al Guard has some of the best Soldier and Air-
Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Sgt. Travis Fun- men in the country, and these young men and
derburg of the 77th Theater Aviation Brigade, women prove just that,” said Maj. Gen. William
and Spc. Michael Hobbs of the 142nd Fires Bri- Wofford, the adjutant general of Arkansas dur-
gade. Private 1st Class Vincel Jones of the Rob- ing the awards ceremony and luncheon March
inson Maneuver Training Center was unable to 12 at RMTC.
compete due to deployment. Each competitor was awarded an Army
On the NCO side, Shaw was challenged by Achievement Medal along with gift certificates
Sgt. Joshua Dickerson of the 87th TC, Staff Sgt. from the Arkansas National Guard Morale
Melissa Geving of the 77th TAB, Sgt. Ralph Tan- Welfare and Recreation fund. Baldwin and
ner of the 39th IBCT, and Staff Sgt. Timothy Ten- Shaw were each awarded the Arkansas Dis-
nel, Jr., of the 142nd FB. tinguished Service Medal, and an additional
The two Arkansas warriors move on to the re- MWR certificate. DYNAMIC DUO. Spc. Alec B aldwin (l eft), 1 19th M obile Pu blic Af fairs D etachment,
87th Troop Command was named the 2011 Arkansas Army National Guard Soldier of the
Year. Staff Sgt. Brandon Shaw, National Guard Marksmanship Training Center, was named
the 2011 Arkansas Army National Guard NCO of the Year.
(ABOVE) A RUNNING START. Soldier and NCO of the Year competitors begin a two-mile run.
(LEFT) FRAG OUT. Sgt. Joshua Dickerson of the 87th Troop Command aims a grenade at a ta
Year competition.

7. April 2011 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN 7
op Soldier, NCO
BALDWIN HONORE D.
Soldier of the Y ear Sp c.
Alec Baldwin, an Arkansas
Army National Guard pho-
tojournalist with the 119th
MPAD, receives an Arkan-
sas D istinguished S ervice
Medal from Maj. Gen. Wil-
liam Wofford, the adjutant
general of Arkansas.
SHAW HONORED. NCO
of the Year Staff Sgt. Bran- PLOTTING A COURSE. Each Soldier and NCO underwent a day and night land navigation challenge in
don S haw o f t he National the backwoods of Robinson Maneuver Training Center.
Guard Marksmanshi p T rain-
ing Center receives the Ar-
Arkansas National Guard
kansas D istinguished S er-
vice M edal fr om Maj. G en.
William Wofford.
Airmen of the Year Honored
ROBINSON MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER – The 2011 Arkansas Air National Guard Airmen of
the Year were announced during a Soldier and Airmen of the Year luncheon and awards ceremony here
March 12. Senior Airman Twila Ocapio was named Airman of the Year. Tech. Sgt. Jeremiah Brewer was
named the NCO of the Year. Master Sgt. Bradley Orr was named the Senior NCO of the Year. Master
Sgt. Greg Qualls was named the 1st Sergeant of the Year. Master Sgt. Jillian Churchill was named the
Air Guard Honor Guardsman of the Year.
arget during the warrior task training section of the Soldier and NCO of the

8. 8 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN April 2011
Soldiers run Little Rock Marathon in Kosovo
Story and photos by Sgt. Jerry Boffen boards around Arkansas,”
130th Public Affairs Detachment May said. “There wasn’t a
CAMP BONDSTEEL, al Guard’s 77th Theater marathon scheduled [on
Kosovo – Since 2003 the Aviation Brigade served Camp Bondsteel] while
city of Little Rock, Ark., as the command element we were here and I want-
has hosted the annual for Task Force Griffin in ed to do the half-mara-
Little Rock Marathon, a Kosovo. thon portion of the race
run that takes competi- According to Renee Fa- in Arkansas when we got
tors through scenic down- vors, MWR program spe- home from this deploy-
town Little Rock, passing cialist at Camp Bondsteel, ment. When I realized
such landmarks as the Ar- a shadow run typically that we wouldn’t be home
kansas State Capitol, the starts at the same time in time, I started thinking
Little Rock River Market as the official marathon, it’d be a good idea to do a
District, the Clinton Pres- even though it’s in a dif- shadow run here.”
idential Center and the ferent location. The Little May said that he and
Governor’s Mansion. Rock Marathon shadow 1st Lt. William Northern
This year, several Ar- run was started five hours of Birmingham, Ala., de-
kansans, stationed in ahead of the official start U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jerry Boffen, 130th Public Affairs Detachment cided to bring the idea
Kosovo with Multina- to allow the Kosovo run- (FROM LEFT) 1ST Lt. William Northern, Sgt. Dan Akers, Spc. John Vorrath, Capt. Pat to Favors, who worked
tional Battle Group East ners enough time to finish May o f t he A rkansas A rmy N ational G uard, S taff S gt. J oktan N oble, a nd Ca pt. C harles on the marathon logis-
as part of the NATO-led the race during daylight Wesley, who are all deployed to Kosovo as part of a NATO-led peacekeeping mission, pose tics such as planning the
peacekeeping mission hours. together before competing in the Little Rock Marathon Shadow Run at Camp Bondsteel, route, providing water
here, ran the race thou- Of the 37 runners that Kosovo, March 6. points and a timer, etc.
sands of miles and several competed in the Little same rewards as those Arkansas Army Nation- joked. They also contacted Ge-
time zones away, amidst Rock Marathon shadow who ran in Arkansas, in- al Guard. “Some people May played a large role neva Hampton, the Little
a mountainous Balkan run at Camp Bondsteel, cluding the official 2011 don't run the marathon in having the Camp Bond- Rock Marathon Executive
backdrop, as the Camp seven were officially reg- Little Rock Marathon because the medal is so steel MWR host the run. Director, about having
Bondsteel Morale, Wel- istered as contestants medal and a certificate of big, they're afraid they'll “I knew about the run See MARATHON, page 10
fare and Recreation held in the actual Little Rock completion. get back problems,” he from seeing signs and bill-
the Little Rock Marathon Marathon in Arkansas. “We really wanted to
Shadow Run, March 6. The seven who offi- do the race officially so we
Approximately 60 Sol- cially registered with the could get the medal,” said
diers with two units of the race organization in Lit- Capt. Pat May of Ward,
Arkansas Army Nation- tle Rock qualified for the Ark., and a member of the
Advertisement Advertisement

9. April 2011 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN 9
Theater aviation brigade prepares for combat mission
By Sgt. Deanna M. Shelton staff, ensuring they can leaders and having a tac- important things a unit expected them to be at this “We will definitely get
777th TAB Public Affairs provide proper command tical standard operational can do.” point.” them where they need to
and control of aviation op- procedure that everyone “The 77th TAB is par- “The mission given to the be before they leave to go
DALESVILLE, Ala. erations in a deployed en- knows and understands tially trained right now,” 77th Theater Aviation Bri-
– Members of the 77th into country,” Madkins
vironment. It also brought is the best starting point Col. Lawrence Madkins, gade is a mission for a com-
Theater Aviation Bri- together two of the battal- in preparation for this commander of the 166th bat aviation brigade … this confidently stated.
gade, from Camp Robin- ions that will fall under training,” Lashbrook said. Aviation Brigade from Fort staff had never faced many The 77th TAB is slated
son, Ark. came together 77th TAB command while “Having all of your staff Hood, Texas, explained of the tasks needed for this to travel to Fort Hood to
to make self-assessments in theater, so as to develop working together with one during the after action re- mission before the training continue training through-
during an Aviation Train- synchronized operations accord is one of the most view, “but that is where we began, Madkins said. out April.
ing Exercise, at Fort Ruck- throughout all staff sec-
er, Ala., Mar. 9, 2011. tions.
All members of the “The Aviation Train-
brigade, including four ing Exercise Facility here
support battalions, par- at Fort Rucker is the best
ticipated in simulated avi- training facility in the
ation missions in prepa- world, for an aviation bat-
ration for a deployment to tle staff,” explained Lt.
Iraq. Among the support Col. Rob Lashbrook, 77th
battalions were the 1st
Offering Families Award Winning Services
TAB operations officer in
Battalion, 151st Attack Re- charge.
connaissance Regiment, Lashbrook stated that
Company B of the 1st Bat- the type of technology,
talion, 111th General Sup- network connectivity, avi-
port Aviation Regiment, ation cockpit training, as
1204th Aviation Support well as the support from
Battalion, and 1st Battal- subordinate units and sub-
ion, 108th Assault Heli- ject matter experts, could
copter Regiment. only come together here at
According to Fort Ruck- the Battle Simulation Cen-
er evaluators, the train- ter at Fort Rucker.
ing validated the brigade “Identifying your key
SERVICES
Largest Arkansas Behavioral Health Facility
Specializing in Ages 5-17
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
Photo by Sgt. Deanna M. Shelton, 77th Theater Aviation Brigade Public Affairs
Only Tricare-certified residential program in Arkansas
(ABOVE) L EARNING serving children of active duty and retired military personnel.
THE ROPES. Soldiers from
the 7 7th T heater A viation
Brigade p ersonnel an d a d-
AWARDS
ministration section pre -
pare re ports needed f or a 2007 Residential Facility of the Year
simulated e xercise during Therapeutic Recreation Facility of the Year
their Aviation Training Exer-
cise March 9. Silver Sponsor of the Children’s Protection
(RIGHT) 1 ST ARMY Center, a Children’s Advocacy Center
BRIEF. C olonel L awrence
Madkins, f rom t he 1 66th
Aviation Brigade Fort Hood, 11501 Financial Centre Parkway • Little Rock, AR 72211
Texas, g ives co nstructive
criticism to the members of
the 7 7th Theat er A viation
(501) 223-3322 • Toll Free 800-880-3322
Brigade during a unit wide Web: www.pinnaclepointehospital.com
after action re view on the Photo by Sgt. Deanna M. Shelton, 77th
March 9. Theater Aviation Brigade Public Affairs
Advertisement

10. 10 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN April 2011
39th Brigade readies for mobilization
with systems integration training
Ensuring a common operating picture through a ‘system of systems’
CHAFFEE MANUEVER tical.” the network,” said Pierce. “I think
TRAINING CENTER, Ark. – The WIN-T is the newly fielded com- everybody’s really pleased with
39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team munications system which provides what’s happened here this week.”
participated in an exercise here 14- secure video, data, imagery, and The exercise included the de-
25 March in order to ensure the full voice services for the battlefield. It ployment of the brigade’s massive
collaboration of its various com- is the latest addition to the 39th’s Deployable Rapid Assembly Shel-
munications, central power, battle digital inventory which began to ter (DRASH), which is a quick erect
command, and command post sys- grow when the brigade mobilized shelter system complete with its own
tems. for Iraq in 2004. At that time the lighting, heating, cooling and power.
The Battle Command Systems of 39th fielded the latest collaborative With the setup and integration of all
Systems Integration Training (BC- software system called the Com- systems, the brigade was then able
SoSIT) event gave the 39th the op- mand Post of the Future (CPOF) to validate their ability through var-
portunity to validate their abil- which gave brigade-level command ious simulated battlefield scenarios.
Photo by Spc. Prentis Grayson, 39th IBCT. ity to operate with its multiple and staff the ability to monitor the The brigade walked away success-
STEEL ON TARGET. Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 206th applications in a unified effort down battlefield more closely. ful, but far from through with this
Field Artillery got the chance to fire their new M119A2 towed through the battalion level. “We had one CPOF when we were kind of technological training.
howitzers as a unit for the first time March 18. The 39th In- “This is the first time we’ve in- in theater in 2004, 2005 – one at “By the time we’re through with
fantry Brigade Combat Team battalion retired their Vietnam-
tegrated all the command archi- brigade,” said Pierce, who serves as [the National Training Center],
era M102 towed howitzers in June 2010.
tecture,” said Capt. Marcus Pierce, the chief signal officer for the 39th I think we will be [well-trained]
Battalion fires
referring to the various software Brigade. “Now we have, I think across the board,” said Col. Kirk
systems throughout the brigade there are 17 in brigade alone. Van Pelt, commander of the 39th
from intelligence, artillery, com- “The brigade commander can vi- Brigade. “After that, we’re going
new 105 mm
mand and control. “It’s the first sualize the battlefield, and each one to have to bring this stuff up every
time we’ve implemented all those of the battalion commanders can vi- drill. You’re going to have to. You’ve
systems though the WIN-T, Warf- sualize the battlefield, and they can got to touch it. All these skills are
weapons system
ighter Information Network – Tac- all share information throughout perishable.”
CHAFFEE MANUEVER TRAINING CENTER, Ark. –
Marathon
Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery exercised
▼
their ability to put “steel on target” here March 18, 2011, as they
fired their first rounds from the unit’s new towed howitzers.
The unit, part of the Arkansas National Guard’s 39th Infan- Continued from Page 8
try Brigade Combat Team, turned in their Vietnam-era M102 contestants register with the actual
howitzers last year and fielded the new M119A2. While both marathon in Arkansas.
weapons systems launch 105 millimeter artillery rounds, the “Geneva was able to get the regis-
new system can connect with targets at much greater distances tration fee for us reduced, and gave
on the battlefield. us a code to use when we registered
“The capability of the M119 provides us with a greater range,” that identified us as participants in
said battalion commander Lt. Col. Mike Spraggins, comparing a shadow run, but still allowed our
the M119 to the older system’s range of 11.5 kilometers. “With times to be included in the official
our rocket assisted projectile, ‘RAP’ round as we refer to it, it will results,” May said.
now get up to 19 and a half kilometers. So that provides a lot They’ll also get the coveted Lit-
more lethal fires deeper into the fight to support the 39th In- tle Rock Marathon finisher’s med-
fantry Brigade.” al, though they’ll have to wait until
The battalion, which is currently preparing for deployment they return stateside to receive it.
with the 39th in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, For both May and Northern, the
fielded 15 of the new howitzers and have been working on new run was a milestone. May ran the
equipment training and certifications ever since. half-marathon, which was the lon-
The unit fired the final rounds from their M102’s on June 19, gest distance he’d ever run, finishing
2010, as Spraggins took command of the 1st Battalion from out- in 1 hour, 50 minutes, 30 seconds.
going commander, Lt. Col. Damon Cluck. Northern, a member of the Army
“I can’t brag enough,” said Spraggins. “Everywhere, down Reserve, completed his first ever
to the lowest ranking Soldier that I have in the battalion, we’ve marathon, with a time of 3 hours, 29
got a great attitude. We’ve got a great team. And I expect that minutes, 45 seconds. This earned
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jerry Boffen, 130th Public Affairs Detachment
there’s going to be lots of good things coming out of the 1st and him fourth place in the overall mar-
athon portion of the shadow run,
SOLDIERS FROM MULTINATIONAL Battle Group East take off running to start
206th. the Little Rock Marathon Shadow Run at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, March 6. The run,
The 206th is headquartered in Russellville, with subordi- first among the seven competitors
which included approximately 40 competitors from Poland, Ukraine and the U.S., was
nate units in Morrilton, Perryville, Dardanelle, Paris and North who registered with the Little Rock
held in conjunction with the 9th Annual Little Rock Marathon, held in downtown Little
Little Rock. Marathon. Rock.

11. April 2011 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN 11
PROMOTIONS
E2 Loomis, Kathryn A.
Loughridge, Andrew S. E3 Green, Montana A.
Grimsley, Joshua E.
Canser, Jasmine A.
Green, Curtis J., Jr.
39TH IBCT
Akens, William R., Jr.
87TH TC
Canerday, Heather N.
142ND FA Loy, Micah D. 142ND FA Hayes, Justin T. Mauldin, Ezekiel D. Anderson, Cody M. Dreyer, Timothy J.
Findley, Richard A. Marlow, Dwayne A. Alley, Thomas E., Jr. Hundhausen, Michael J. Prewitt, Spencer K. Boyd, Tommy L. Farley, Lauren B.
Franklin, Christopher Martin, Michael R. Arconati, Charles J. IV Ingram, Jesse W. Brown, Eric K. Henderson, Gier A.
Bowen, Bobby O. 87TH TC
S. McAdoo, Deshona L. James, Jonathon E. Charlton, William Z. Cecil, Graig M. Hildebrand, Blake W.
Hisek, Greggory E. Pate, Alisa D. Brown, Victoria L. Jones, Christopher C. Childers, Nathaniel A. Hunt, Jared W.
Dobson, Philip E. Humble, Darren C.
Jones, Koury G. Pruitt, Anthony D. Jones, Jay J. Kerley, Jared P. Cross, Steven L. Mann, Alec W.
Kahana, Andrew K. Roberts, Gavin E. Hittner, Michael B. Lankford, Michael D. Fulmer, Robert E. Shea, Martin G., Jr.
McCallister, Jonathan Pillow, Jonathan G.T.
Marroquin, Denys E. Rubier, Dante U. MacDonald, Jacob W. Rodriquez, Miguel A. Hardenford, Charles A. Shipman, Pharis M.
Stokes, Kyle B. Sandoval, Rick D. W. McCoy, Daniel N. Helms, Zachary T. Smothers, Joshua L.
McKibben, Kendell W. Schraml, Timothy M.
Wigley, Joseph A. Stacker, Christopher D. McDaniel, Mason E. Taggart, Jeremy C. Hennagan, Joshua D. Snyder, Thomas K.
Wilson, Tippin S. Steelman, Jesse M. Murphy, Steven D. McLaughlin, John W. Johnson, Nicholas F.
Stell, Christopher J. Quinn, Jonathan L. III CMTC Landsperger, Hugh CMTC
39TH IBCT Sullivan, Dannie L. Ramasanto, Nicho- Mercer, Calon C. Drewry, Michael E. E., Jr. Carter, Emily M.
Allison, Justin A. Sykes, Terrance D. las A. Merritt, Terry D., Jr. Ferguson, Derek A. Magers, Royce L. JFHQ
Amos, Marquel D. Thibodeaux, Dakota L. Talley, Thomas A. Parks, Angelo D. Wilson, Matthew R. McCulough, Wesley L. Burns, Jerod S.
Bednarski, Thomas Toudouze, Robert M.
J., Jr.
White, Tyler O.
Wilcox, Joshua D. Wells, Carl D.
Pigg, Christopher L.
Priddy, Mackenzie A. E4 Nesbitt, Wesley M.
Peterson, Gregory L.
Priddy, Jonathan W.
Bower, Aaron N. Wesson, Ryan J. RMTC
77TH TAB Rankin, Johnathan A. 142ND FA Pierce, Christopher R.
Boyd, Christopher L. Whorton, James K. Raper, Partrick L. Hadley, Shameka S.
Haley, Sherin M. Austin, Joshua G. Ready, Dakota W.
Boyette, Scott A. Williams, Travis P. Rickett, Jody A. Krause, Daniel R.
Molden, Cameron T. Bogle, Brett s. Smith, Nicholas T.
Bradley, William E.
Campbell, Robert D. Thomas, Darrell K., Jr. 39TH IBCT
Anderson, Jordan D.
Roland, George E.
Satterfield, Timothy L.
Dean, Michael J.
Hobbs, Michael D. II
Smith, Tommy L.
Turner, Michael H., Jr. E5
Cooper, Tracy S., Jr. 87TH TC Seaton, Matthew J.
Coppock, Dustin T. Brothertonhauser, Holmes, Justin M. Washington, Vergile Q. 142ND FA
Cornman, Jeremy L. Randy A. Smith, Paul A., Jr. Howard, Tyler D. Wilkerson, Daniel W. Campbell, Sean M.
Cotroneo, Ryan M. Liddell, Laquation J. Waddell, Andrew T.
Brown, Shieisha M. Lish, Michael L. 77TH TAB Pace, Eli Howell
Elmgren, Sean E. Walker, Justin
CMTC Combs, Cody D. Mayse, Bradley J.
Foshee, Jeremy N. Wallen, Robert A., Jr.
Clark, Bobby L. 39TH IBCT
Dunigan, Tyler W. Conde, Robert A. Najera, Oscar, Jr. Harris, Dolores R.
Gibson, Riley K. Wertz, William W. Coleman, John F., Jr.
Huskey, Thomas W. Dailey, Jerimiah J. Nash, Phillippe I. Horton, Paul R., Jr.
Graves, Casey S. Wilson, Shaniqua D. Hanning, Tony M.
Thomas, Garrett L. Davis, Samantha L. Posey, Zachary E. Moore, Patrick M.
Guerber, Thomas A. Jones, Henry A.
Whitmer, Wesley D. Edwards, Jerry W.J. 77TH TAB Reed, Tyler G. Musteen, Christopher
Hutson, Connan H. Nelson, Nicholas R.
Faris, Daniel S. Bart, Michael R. Scleiff, Eric A. A.
Jackson, Brittany N. RMTC Zackious, Gomez E.
Staples, Mark J.
King, Nathaniel J. Faucette, Eric B., Jr. Braswell, Christopher Oliver, Ashley D.
Post, Timothy G.
Gray, Ethan K. See Promotions, page 12
Stay Connected AFCU iPhone App Mobile.AFCU.org
Wherever Life Takes You
Even if you’re thousands of miles
from the nearest branch, you’ve got the power
Check Account
of Arkansas Federal right at your fingertips! Balances
Download Arkansas Federal’s iPhone App Transfer Money
or go to Mobile.AFCU.org Pay Bills
to stay connected to your credit union! And more!
Connect with AFCU
AFCU.org
Advertisement

12. 12 ARKANSASMINUTEMAN April 2011
Promotions
▼
Continued from Page 11
77TH TAB
Sanders, David S.
87TH TC
Branch, Angela D.
Chaloner, Betty K.
Jones, Dwight J.
Veasey, Brittany R.
MEDCOM
Johnson, Jovonna K.
RRC
Ragan, Jackie G.
E6
142ND FA
Blakley, Jeremiah J.
Bowen, Brandon D.
39TH IBCT
Erisman, Shandy K.
Lakin, Joshua F.
Webb, William W.
77TH TAB
Hawkins, Erin B.
NGMTC
Farrar, Justin C.
Sykes, Hunter C.
RRC
Lawson, Leland C.
E7
189TH AW
Travis, Jassen C.
Hammons, Shannon A.
Ware, Eric S.
Wesley, Tamira D.
87TH TC
Banks, Valerie S.
Wilson, Daniel E.
NGMTC
Marchland, Micah M.
E8
142ND FA
Williams, William J.
189TH AW
McElyea, Melvin E.
Siever, Victor J.
E9
188TH FW
Fredrick, Donald E.
O3
39TH IBCT
Hogue, Jason P.
O4
233RD RTI
Terry, Edward E.
O5
77TH TAB
Zega, Steven S.
Advertisement