MAGAZINE OF THE OHIO NATIONAL GUARD ~ Vol. 35, No. 5
Volume 35, No. 5 September/October 2017
FOCUS ON HISTORY LINEAGE LINK UP A closer look into the origins and lineage of the Ohio National Guard’s 135th Military Police Company, which began in Chardon, Ohio. HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHT During World War I, 2nd Lt. Albert Baesel’s actions earned him the Medal of Honor. Basel was a member of the 37th Division, which had eight Medal of Honor recipients, and celebrates 100 years of service to Ohio and the nation this year.
THE OHIO NATIONAL GUARD he appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the Ohio Adjutant General’s Department. Everything advertised in this publication will be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the Public Affairs Office will refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation has been corrected.
LEADERSHIP MESSAGE Command Sgt. Maj. Rodger Jones emphasizes that the best Army units have disciplined leaders who hold their followers to high standards and hold people accountable (including themselves) at all times.
RETENTION REPORT The Recruiting and Retention Battalion is looking for highly motivated Soldiers to become part of the Ohio Army National Guard recruiting team. Recruiters are the face of the Guard, entrusted with the mission of filling the ranks with qualified members. Find out what it takes to become one.
200th RED HORSE: Helping in Hawaii Through the Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training program, the 200th RED HORSE Squadron led a multiservice team of engineers in the construction of an elevated boardwalk to help provide a safer, more direct route to connect citizens living near the Kauai Path in Kapaa, Hawaii. 178th, 121st Medical Groups: Balancing Training, Real-World Missions A 33-member team from two Ohio Air National Guard wings worked with the Army to conduct joint training and real-world medical support at a military training area situated in the high plateau between the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanic mountains in Hawaii. On Target: Aviation Soldiers Conduct Aerial Gunnery Soldiers of 1-137th Aviation must qualify on their weapons just like every unit; theirs just happen to be mounted to a helicopter, which poses unique challenges while in flight. For the crew chiefs on the Black Hawk, that means the M-240H machine gun. Annual Training: MPs Hone Skills, Build Cohesion Members of the 437th Military Police Battalion traveled to Camp Grayling, Michigan this summer for annual training, bringing together all the different skills they train on during the year and putting them into one culminating exercise to test their readiness. Sabre Guardian 17: Ohio Units Work with State Partner The Ohio Army National Guard sent units to Hungary to take part in Saber Guardian, an annual multinational training exercise that is the largest to occur in the Black Sea Region, spanning three countries. It was another opportunity for Ohio to work with one of its State Partnership Program countries.
Commander in Chief Gov. John Kasich Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman Director, Government and Public Affairs Lt. Col. Dan Roche Public Affairs Officer (Federal) 1st Lt. Jordyn Sadowski Public Information Officer (State) Ms. Stephanie Beougher Editor Mr. Steve Toth Layout and Design Ms. Cindy Ayers Hayter Army Historical Content Sgt. 1st Class Josh Mann Contributors - Army and Air National Guard Photo/ Broadcast Journalists - Unit Public Affairs Representatives (UPARs) - Ohio Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion Marketing Office The Buckeye Guard is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense (DOD). Contents of the Buckeye Guard are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the DOD, the Departments of the Army and Air Force, or the Ohio Adjutant General’s Department. The Buckeye Guard is published bimonthly and is available for viewing at ONG.Ohio.gov/buckeyeguard.html . The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Public Affairs Office (NGOH-PAO), Ohio Adjutant General’s Department, 2825 West Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235-2789. Direct communication is authorized to the editorial staff at 614-336-7003 or ng.oh.oharng.mbx.pao@mail.mil. Guard members, Family and other interested persons are encouraged to submit any articles and photos meant to inform, educate or entertain Buckeye Guard readers. Submitted content, if approved for usage, may be used additionally or exclusively on the Ohio National Guard website, ONG.Ohio.gov, official Ohio National Guard social media sites, or in other Public Affairs Office products. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the Ohio Adjutant General’s Department. Everything advertised in this publication will be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the Public Affairs Office will refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation has been corrected.
FEATURES
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Command Sgt. Maj. Rodger M. Jones, then command sergeant major for the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, during a visit to Soldiers deployed for an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team rotation, Afghanistan, March 2012.
The best Army units have disciplined leaders who hold their followers to high standards and hold people accountable (including themselves) at all times. This is an example of good military discipline. On the other hand, sub-standard units have weak leadership and poor military discipline. As a result, Soldier morale is low and performance is worse. No one wants to follow a weak leader or serve in a unit where Soldiers can do whatever they want. At least, I’ve never met anyone who wanted that. Instead, Soldiers want discipline. They want to follow a warrior. That’s one of the reasons they joined the military. A few well-disciplined Soldiers are worth many times more than a much larger number of undisciplined individuals who are nothing more than an uncontrollable mob with weapons. History has shown us that without discipline, no body of troops can hold its own against a well-disciplined and well-directed enemy. Army leaders, especially noncommissioned officers, must insist on perfection in what appears to be minor details, such as wearing the uniform correctly, addressing superiors, etc. Focusing on seemingly minor details ends up saving lives in combat. Soldiers will meet the standards only when sergeants enforce them. It takes moral courage to walk up to someone who is wrong and say “Soldier, fix it.” That is the job of a leader. No matter what type of training we do, it instills discipline. The purpose of our training is to teach us obedience, loyalty, team play, personal pride, pride in your organization, respect for the rights of others, love of the flag and the will to win. Taking care of Soldiers entails creating a disciplined environment where they can learn and grow. By doing the right thing, you will earn your Soldiers’ respect. Discipline does not mean you are being punished. It means you are learning to place the mission of your unit — and the Army — above your personal comfort and welfare. Discipline allows Soldiers to learn to obey promptly and willingly the orders of our NCOs and officers so that even when they are not present, the Soldiers will carry out their orders to the very best of their abilities. When Soldiers have learned these things, and prompt and cheerful obedience has become second nature to them, then you have a disciplined unit. The kind of motivated and disciplined unit that will save lives and win battles. The kind of unit Soldiers are proud of and want to remain a part of. Discipline is the foundation of success in any Soldier or military unit. The best units and Soldiers maintain a high level of discipline and hold people accountable for their actions. Discipline could be an Army Value, because it really is what being a Soldier is all about.
Command Sgt. Maj. Rodger M. Jones assumed the duties as the eighth Ohio Army National Guard state command sergeant major on Sept. 17, 2012. Jones has spent over 31 years with the U.S. Army, serving in a variety of leadership positions from scout to command sergeant major. As state command sergeant major, Jones serves as the principal enlisted advisor to the assistant adjutant general for Army. He observes training and all matters concerning the more-than 10,000 enlisted Soldiers of the OHARNG and their Families. Jones was born in Marysville, Ohio, and entered the Army in January 1981.
CSM Rodger M. Jones State Command Sergeant Major - Army
Disciplined leaders set the standards for their units to follow, be successful By Command Sgt. Maj. Rodger M. Jones, State Command Sergeant Major
In legendary Ohio State Football head coach Woody Hayes’ mind, leadership boiled down to two things: hard work and people. His own hard work set the standard for his people, and that gave rise to his often heard quote, “You win with people!” How hard are you working? Are you winning with your people? Work as hard as you can and strive to take care of people! You Win With People is a book for the football fan, but also highlights the importance of leadership and how leaders need to be forward thinking and prepared for the changes and challenges of the future. Writes Hayes in the book’s foreword: “Many writers refer to the 1968-70 period as the “Golden Age” of Ohio State Football. As coaches we must never accept this, for football teams, like nations must always look to the future for the challenge of their Golden Age.” See the Adjutant General's full reading list on the Ohio National Guard website.
The Adjutant General’s Department Diversity & Inclusion and Equal Employment Office provides opportunities for Ohio National Guard members to enhance their professional development and embrace diversity and inclusion. Among those opportunities is a reading list suggested by Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman, Ohio adjutant general. With football season upon us, this issue’s featured title is
Woody Hayes: You Win With People By Woody Hayes TPC, 1975
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KAPAA, Hawaii — The Ohio Air National Guard’s 200th RED HORSE Squadron led a multiservice team of engineers this summer in the construction of an elevated boardwalk to help provide a safer, more direct route to connect citizens living near the Kauai Path. Airmen from the 200th RED HORSE (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer) Squadron teamed with Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25 in Port Hueneme, California and Marines from the Engineer Services Company in Springfield, Oregon to conduct an Innovative Readiness Training mission in Kapaa. Established by the Department of Defense, Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) provides opportunities for military units to build proficiency and readiness while addressing public and civil-society needs — such as infrastructure, health care, transportation and cybersecurity — that align with military mission essential training requirements. These types of missions are conducted to strengthen the bond between American citizens and the U.S. military, while fostering a spirit of service and volunteerism among all partners and the communities they serve. The IRT mission here was to construct the Kawaihau Elevated Boardwalk, an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant path that will provide a safe connection between lower and upper portions of the Kawaihau Spur. This summer’s iteration was the third phase of construction out of six phases. The Kauai Path extends about 20 miles along the eastern coast of the island. There are three schools, elderly housing, a library, swimming pool and the largest bedroom community in the area that will be better connected due to the installation of the elevated boardwalk. “Not only do we get great comprehensive training, to include logistics, engineering and construction skills from missions like these but we get to give back to communities and leave a positive impact for the community; an impact that lasts long after we are gone,” said Lt. Col. Joe Logan, 200th RHS deputy commander. IRT projects on Kauai first started a few years back when the Kauai District Health Office successfully applied to the Pentagon for support from military medical professionals to help provide free, basic health services to citizens who need it, under a program dubbed Tropic Care. The elevated boardwalk construction project is, in a sense, an extension of the medical support mission as the Kauai District Health Office is promoting walkways, like the Kawaihau Elevated Boardwalk, as a means to increase awareness of and encourage healthier living and fitness choices. The path provides for the community of walkers, joggers, runners and bicyclists a route to reach the Kauai Path where people on the island go for fitness and physical exercise. It will provide a path that is safer and more accessible than the existing local roads and informal trails. The path features more than 1,000 feet of 12-foot wide boardwalk, with the framing, decking and railings made of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). This IRT mission and others like it help provide mission-essential training to military members. And, with the versatile capabilities of the 200th RED HORSE Squadron, projects such as these allow the unit’s Airmen to receive training on horizontal and vertical construction that they cannot replicate at home. “We can only do so much training in garrison because our capabilities allow us to literally build bases in the middle of nowhere,” said Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Barron. “Since we don’t have the space at home, we have used these missions to build schools, hospitals, etc., so our Airmen can be proficient when it comes time to forward deploy.”
Story and photos by 1st Lt. Paul Stennett, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Ohio’s 200th RED HORSE teams with Navy, Marines to help Hawaiian community
OHANG Wing Medical Groups Balance Training with Real-World Medical Care in Hawaii Story and photos by 2nd Lt. Lou Burton, 178th Wing Public Affairs
POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii — Television, movies and Instagram pictures usually depict the Hawaiian Islands as a tropical paradise with ideal weather and crystal blue coastlines. While those images are accurate, it is only a partial snapshot of an island chain that hosts 11 different ecosystems. For 33 members from the 178th Wing Medical Group, based in Springfield, Ohio, and the 121st Air Refueling Wing Medical Group, based in Columbus, Ohio, the tropical image of Hawaii was replaced with a barren, rocky terrain when they ascended more than 6,800 feet above sea level to participate in joint medical training June 10-23 at the U.S. Army Garrison Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA). The group was composed of various specialties engaged in providing real-world medical assistance, bioenvironmental and public health services, and joint services medical training. Medical Assistance The 132,800-acre PTA hosts more than 2,000 military members and comprises 23 training areas, with 22 live-fire and four non live-fire fixed ranges, seven airborne drop zones and more than 100 field artillery and mortar firing points. The PTA employs almost 200 civilian and military personnel, but no permanent medical staff for the thousands of Soldiers temporarily assigned there. The Air National Guard medical team — consisting of providers, nurses, and technicians — helped cover sick call hours for Soldiers in the field. Dental and optometry exams were also provided in the field to Soldiers, in order to help assess those who could remain on site or would need to be moved for immediate medical care. “The assistance provided by having an Air Force medical team here has been invaluable,” said Army Lt. Col. Richard Moriyama, a physician’s assistant with 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment. “The assessments, recommendations and training help keep our Soldiers here in the fight.” Bioenvironmental/Public Health After arriving at PTA, real-world reports of stomach issues were reported from service members. The biomedical and public health team began investigating possible areas of health concerns. “One area of concern that can cause health issues are the water buffalos (large water trailers),” said Capt. Jim Riehl, 178th Medical Group bioenvironmental engineer. “We reviewed their sanitation processes and tested the drinking water.” The Airmen shared their findings and provided recommendations. The team also inspected mobile food kitchens and reviewed best practices for sanitation with the Soldiers operating them. Joint Medical Training The Army provided a variety of training scenarios to include mass-casualty exercises, live-fire training and emergency evacuation procedures. Airmen were able to test their medical knowledge while triaging simulated medical patients and responding to enemy fire. Airmen were also instructed on proper medical evacuation of patients loading and unloading on an Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter. The Air Force provided training for the Army on cardiac health, infection control, glucometers, splints, blood pressure, respiratory treatment and a variety of areas for clinical care. “This training has been invaluable to our Airmen,” said Col. Matthew Moorman, 178th Medical Group commander. “So much of what we practice here helps prepare and train our Airmen to respond just as they would in a deployed location.”
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Michael Carden, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs CAMP GRAYLING, Mich. — The low thrum of the rotor blades is heard before the helicopter comes into view above the trees. As it crests a ridge, the sharp chatter of machine gun fire erupts. Lines of tracers leap from the hovering aircraft, lancing out to strike the silhouettes of targets on the ground. “Flying and shooting is something unforgettable,” says Spc. Stephanie Dampney, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief with Company B, 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment. “The sheer force and power behind it, you feel limitless.” The Soldiers of 1-137th Aviation must qualify on their weapons just like every unit, theirs just happen to be mounted to a helicopter, which poses unique challenges while in flight. For the crew chiefs on the Black Hawk, that means the M-240H machine gun. “The weapon system isn’t nearly as stable as firing on the ground,” said Sgt. Devon Vincent, a flight instructor and crew chief with Company B. “The aircraft is shaking, it’s moving, the crew still has to be communicating.” To combat these issues, training begins in the classroom, going over the weapon system and crew commands until they become second nature. Firers then move to the range, first firing from the ground at stationary targets to ensure proficiency before moving to the aircraft. “As an instructor, you aren’t there just to help them qualify,” Vincent said. “You are also there to make sure everyone is safe. It’s stressful but it’s very rewarding. It’s a profession that I love, I don’t think I would choose anything else.”
Video by Staff Sgt. George Davis, Ohio National Guard
AVIATION SOLDIERS on the mark during aerial gunnery
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Michael Carden, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs
CAMP GRAYLING, Mich. — The hustle and bustle of a crowded marketplace moves around the armed Soldiers as they speak with the town’s elders. Shopkeepers urge passersby to examine their wares. An idyllic scene found the world over. Suddenly, machine gun fire echos out from the edge of the village, the meeting is at an end as Soldiers rush to take defensive positions and engage the insurgent attackers. Is this Iraq or Afghanistan? No, it’s Camp Grayling, Michigan and the Soldiers under attack are with the Ohio National Guard’s 437th Military Police Battalion conducting key leader engagement exercises during annual training. “We provide them with the most realistic training possible,” says Capt. Richard Harris, a training officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 437th Military Police Battalion and one of the training evaluators. “So when they see this overseas, it’s a matter of saving lives when it counts.” The training is designed to bring together all the different skills the military police Soldiers train on during the year and put them into one culminating exercise. While units are given the scenario and mission, how they carry out the mission is decided internally, with changes being made on the fly. “This gives them the best opportunity to operate organically at the platoon or company level,” Harris said. For an additional twist, the MPs worked with Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment and the 155th Chemical Battalion to add new facets to their training. “It’s probably the first time a lot of the younger Soldiers have had a chance to actually operate, calling in a nine-line medevac for the Black Hawk (helicopter) to come in and get them,” Harris said. “So they may never get a chance to do this again until it counts for real, so this gives them a good chance to practice.” During a brief pause in training, Soldiers and insurgents could be seen smiling and evaluating and planning their next engagements. “It’s very exciting to see a lot of the MP companies come in and train in an environment they aren’t used to with resources they haven’t had in the past,” Harris said.
GYOR, Hungary — U.S. and Hungarian forces conducted a tactical bridge and water crossing of the Mosoni-Duna River here in early July, as part of Szentes Axe, a Hungarian national exercise that concentrated on tactical bridging and water crossing operations to enable the U.S. Army 2nd Cavalry Regiment’s freedom of movement from its home station of Vilseck, Germany through Hungary and into Romania for more training opportunities. The exercise fell under the larger Saber Guardian, a U.S. European Command Joint Exercise Program. The annual, multinational exercise was the largest to occur in the Black Sea Region, spanning three countries. During Szentes Axe, which spanned June 26-July 7, engineers from the Ohio Army National Guard’s 837th Engineer Battalion (Brigade Engineer Battalion) and Hungarian Defence Forces' 37th Engineer Regiment operated bridging assets to allow the regiment to cross safely and move on to further joint operations. The Ohio National Guard has been paired with Hungary since 1993 through the National Guard State Partnership Program, which links U.S. states with a partner country for the purpose of improving bilateral relations with the United States, as well as promoting regional stability and civil-military relationships in support of U.S. policy objectives. Years of exchanges between the Ohio National Guard and Hungary include serving together in Afghanistan and multiple training exercises in Hungary and in the U.S. “For a small unit out of Wooster, Ohio, it’s really a great opportunity to be a part of something so big like this with so many nations contributing to the overall (Saber Guardian) exercise,” said 2nd Lt. Justin Dean, platoon leader with Company A, 837th BEB. “It is a very exciting opportunity for all of us who came.” Dean’s platoon learned how to operate the Soviet-era PTS Amphibious Cargo Vehicle and PMP Floating Bridge. “We got a few days training and the guys picked it up really quick,” he said. “The (Hungarian engineers) guided us at every step and it was just a lot of fun. Everything came together for us.” Their job was to ferry vehicles and equipment across the river. With the U.S. and Hungarian engineers working side by side, they guided the vehicles onto the floating bridge, brought the ramps up, unhooked anchors and took them to the opposite shore. Once there, anchors and cables secured the platform to shore, the ramps were lowered and the vehicle disembarked. The amphibious vehicle worked basically the same way, but the driver can just drive out of the water when the mission is complete. A few hundred meters down the river, other Company A Soldiers were working alongside their Hungarian counterparts on the static bridge that enabled vehicles to drive from shore to shore on their own. “They showed us what to do and we jumped in and we worked together from then on,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Milenkovic, a squad leader with Company A. “We have become more proficient as time goes on.” The Ohio Soldiers’ job was to connect several sections of the PMP Floating Bridge together to create a continuous, stable platform, enabling vehicles to cross safely and efficiently. “This is the first time we have an engineer unit from the Ohio National Guard and we could practice specific engineer training together with them,” said Brig. Gen. Gabor Horvath, commander of the HDF’s 25th Infantry Brigade. “I think this is a success story and this should be continued.” Second Lieutenant Gaspar Palagyi, an engineer in HDF’s 37th Engineer Regiment, worked closely with the Ohio National Guard Soldiers. “This group has been awesome. We usually don’t build bridges with the newcomers,” he said. “They did a very disciplined job, they were always up to every task. They really wanted to know what we are doing. They were not just blindly following orders, they were curious about how we do these things. “I am most satisfied and I guess I can say, on behalf of my superiors, too, that we are very happy with the results of this cooperation, it means a lot to us,” Palagyi added. “I truly hope that all of us, both Hungarian and American, go home with something new that they have learned.” Staff Sgt. Robert Flickinger, a squad leader with Company A, said he was very grateful for the opportunity to learn how to operate the bridge and meet the Hungarian engineers. “We’ve had a lot of time to just interact with the Hungarians here and just working with these guys is doing so much for us to understand them as a people and their culture,” he said. Enabling events like Szentes Axe 17 and many smaller U.S. and European-national exercises in the Black Sea region this summer enabled Saber Guardian 17’s objectives — the execution of the full range of military missions that reinforce the security and stability in the region. All the missions provided an opportunity for working with partners and allies, to build or improve relationships within NATO. “The NATO Alliance is one of the most successful, oldest alliances in history,” said Maj. Gen. John Gronski, deputy commanding general, Army National Guard, U.S. Army Europe. “It’s important for the NATO Alliance to continue to train together to improve interoperability, to improve freedom of movement, and also to show any adversaries of ours that we are willing to stay together, united to defend our sovereignty.”
SZENTES AXE 17: ONG engineers help construct bridge during US, Hungarian forces tactical river crossing
Story by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Bunn, 2nd Cavalry Regiment & Shiloh Capers, 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Brave Warrior 17: Ohio cavalry Soldiers work with Hungarian state partners, strengthen bonds
VÁRPALOTA, Hungary — Soldiers of Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 107th Cavalry Regiment traveled to Hungary this summer to participate in Operation Brave Warrior 17, a multinational joint live-fire exercise led by the Hungarian Defence Forces. The exercise fell under the larger Saber Guardian, an annual U.S. European Command Joint Exercise Program. Brave Warrior 17 took place in Várpalota, a training installation 90 kilometers southwest of Budapest. Several nations partnered with the U.S. and Hungary for the exercise: Poland, Slovakia, Czechoslovakia, Romania and Great Britain. Given Ohio’s National Guard State Partnership Program pairing with Hungary, the exercise afforded another opportunity for Ohio Guard members to get to know and value the strengths of the Hungarian military members. Through SPP, the National Guard conducts military-to-military engagements in support of U.S. defense security goals with more than 70 partnerships with nearly 80 countries around the world. Soldiers of Troop A, 2-107th Cav and the Hungarian Defence Forces came together to build bonds in an operational environment. Both parties gained knowledge on how the other operated, to further assist with combat readiness if the two were ever to join on the battlefield together, as they previously did for several years partnering for joint Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) rotations in Afghanistan. “I felt a certain sense of pride in that we lived and ate right beside our Hungarian counterparts,” said Maj. William Palmer, head of the 2-107th Cav squadron operations section. “Sure, there were some issues with communication and coordination that turned out to be difficult, but that is precisely why it is necessary to train like this — together. There is no better way to prepare to face combat with our allies than to seek out opportunities to experience training in the field with them. “Range operations are one thing, but 24-hour operations that require life support and forcing leaders to tackle the challenges associated with moving troops and equipment on foreign soil, through unfamiliar processes, and across borders and language barriers is simply invaluable experience in preparation to fight alongside NATO partners.” In addition to being able to train alongside NATO allies, Ohio Soldiers who had never participated in an overseas training exercise were able to do so in a non-combat environment. This gave Soldiers the opportunity to learn more about their allied partners, not only on a military level, but also on a personal level. Many of the Soldiers of Troop A had not previously been outside the U.S., so this exercise was an opportunity to broaden their cultural awareness. “The chance to deploy to a foreign country and work with allied Soldiers was an invaluable experience for our troopers,” said Capt. Eric Brown, the Troop A commander. “Nothing can replace the experience of spending time in a foreign county, interacting with foreign forces.” Both parties formed camaraderie, because they were working together to one common goal — uniting together so that they can successfully combat potential future threats against their countries. During Brave Warrior 17, 2-107th Cav troopers had to adapt to new terrain and conduct 24-hour operations to accomplish mission-related tasks. Troop A Soldiers performed mounted and dismounted cavalry scout operations so that members of the unit could to develop working relationships with one another and understand everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. “This experience showed me the troopers of the 2-107th Cav are as adaptable as they come, and they have tenacious enthusiasm for the training environment to ensure they are some of the best reconnaissance troopers in the United States Army,” said 2nd Lt. Andrew Copas of Troop A. Hungary was far from home for most of these the Ohio Soldiers, however, in a few short weeks they were able to operate in country as if it was their second home. They welcomed the teachings of others, so they could expand upon their own knowledge, and have insight to what their allies may be inclined to do within the battle space. “Operation Brave Warrior provided an excellent opportunity for the 2-107th Cav to establish and showcase its reconnaissance capabilities in a real-world training environment,” said 1st Lt. Jason Wallace of Troop A. Brave Warrior 17 wasn’t an average annual training for the Ohio Soldiers, but it was one that allowed the Ohio National Guard and members of Troop A to develop stronger bonds with their Hungarian counterparts while making a contribution on an international stage.
Story and photos by 2nd Lt. Kenneth Herron 2nd Squadron, 107th Cavalry Regiment
Cav Soldiers flying high in the sky
Participants at Ohio Military Kids Camp Kelleys Island, a camp for children of military service members, form the outline of Ohio with “OMK 17” inside to welcome Ohio National Guard senior leaders and other VIPs flying in via a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to visit Aug. 9, 2017, at Kelleys Island, Ohio. The annual weeklong camp is a partnership between The Ohio State University Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program, the USO and the Ohio National Guard Family Readiness and Warrior Support Program. Ohio National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Carden READ MORE
Always Ready, Always There
Combatives Championships
Ohio Military Kids Camp Kelleys Island: a summer success
The sun rises over a C-130H Hercules on the flight line at the 179th Airlift Wing July 19, 2017, in Mansfield, Ohio. The 179th maintains a fleet of C-130Hs, among the most versatile aircraft in the Air Force inventory, capable of being utilized as troop, medevac and cargo transport aircraft for worldwide missions or when needed to support domestic operations in the U.S. Ohio National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Megan Shepherd
More than 80 Soldiers traveled from across Ohio to fight their way to claim the championship belts in this year’s Ohio Army National Guard Combatives Tournament, Aug. 26, 2017, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Soldiers battled in six weight class divisions, from lightweight to heavyweight, engaging in hand-to-hand combat techniques taught through the Modern Army Combatives Program. Ohio National Guard photos by Sgt. Christine Lorenz READ MORE
Coming home from Kosovo
Ohio National Guard’s birthday, 100 years of the 37th IBCT
Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman (center), Ohio adjutant general, is assisted by Edgar Moorman (left), a World War II veteran of the 37th Division, and Pfc. Gabrielle Babbitt, a heavy vehicle driver with Company A, 237th Support Battalion, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, in making the first cut in the cake during the 229th Ohio National Guard birthday celebration July 25, 2017, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. In a long-standing military tradition, the oldest (Morman, 98) and youngest (Babbitt, 20) Soldiers present at the event assist with cutting the cake. Ohio National Guard photos by Bill Pierce READ MORE
The Ohio National Guard
Capt. Tate Atkinson kisses his wife upon his unit’s arrival at a welcome home ceremony for Headquarters, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, July 29, 2017, in Gahanna, Ohio. The 37th IBCT was deployed to Kosovo for Operation Joint Guard-Kosovo Force (KFOR), a United Nations peacekeeping operation. Ohio National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Carden READ MORE
A new day begins at the 179th Airlift Wing
Soldiers with 2nd Squadron, 107th Cavalry Regiment are hoisted more than 300 feet in the air by a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction (SPIE) system training. Learn more about this high-flying mission on the Ohio National Guard YouTube channel and see more photos on flickr. Ohio National Guard video by Staff Sgt. George B. Davis
PARENT UNIT Battery C, 179th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH 14 September 1955, Chardon, Ohio MISSION To provide military police (MP) support to an assigned area of operations and is employed to execute all MP functions. CAMPAIGN CREDIT War on Terrorism Iraq – Transition of Iraq, Iraqi Sovereignty DECORATIONS Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered IRAQ 2003 Army Superior Unit Award, Streamer embroidered 8 OCTOBER 2001 TO 24 JULY 2002
1991: A Soldier from the 135th Military Police Company waves to the crowd during the Cleveland Desert Storm homecoming parade.
View a more detailed lineage of the 135th Military Police Company
2015: Pvt. James Nelson of the 135th Military Police Company fires his X-26 Taser during qualification May 17, 2015, at Camp Ravenna Joint Military Training Center in Newton Falls, Ohio.
2002: A sergeant with the 135th Military Police Company conducts a guard mount inspection during the unit’s mobilization to Fort Bragg, N.C. for Operation Noble Eagle.
2009: Wounded Warrior Sgt. Corwin Fawyer (seated) visits his fellow Soldiers with the 135th Military Police Company as they celebrate their return home to Chagrin Falls, Ohio from Iraq on Oct. 18, 2009. He asked to leave Walter Reed hospital and take a break from therapy to be with his comrades. Fawyer was wounded on patrol in Iraq with the 135th in May 2009.
THE OHIO NATIONAL GUARD LINEAGE LINK UP featuring 135th Military Police Company Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Apply Today for the Ohio Guard’s Most Rewarding Job
Eligibility Requirements Must meet height and weight standards of AR 600-9. Must be able to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). Must not be under current suspension of favorable personnel actions. Minimum GT score of 100 and ST score of 96 on ASVAB tests administered on and after 2 January 2002; or minimum GT score of 100 and ST score of 100 on ASVAB tests administered prior to 2 January 2002. Soldiers under GT/ST score minimum(s) are highly encouraged to consider ASVAB retesting to improve line scores. ASVAB retesting is typically available weekly and is worked through a Soldier’s assigned unit and the state Education & Incentives Office at (614) 336-7275. Must be medically qualified under the provisions of Chapter 3 of AR 40-501 Retention Standards. Applicants who have voluntarily resigned from the AGR program are NOT eligible to reenter for one (1) year from date of separation. Soldiers who have voluntarily resigned from the AGR program in lieu of adverse personnel actions or have been involuntarily separated from the AGR program are not eligible to reenter the program If any PULHES indicator that reflects three or higher an MMRB (Medical MOS Review Board) must be accomplished before AGR start date is determined. Must meet the criteria of applicable regulations to obtain MOS/AOC. Initial Entry Qualifications: Must meet entry requirements of AR 135-18, NGR 600-5, and AR 40-501 Chapter 3. On-Board AGR Qualifications: Must continue to meet requirements of AR 135-18 and NGR 600-5. Must have or be able to obtain a Security Clearance. Must have or be able to obtain a favorable National Agency Check (NAC) and an Ohio National Guard Computer Network User Account.
The Recruiting and Retention Battalion is looking for highly motivated Soldiers to become part of the Ohio Army National Guard recruiting team. Recruiters are the face of the Guard. They are entrusted with the mission of filling our ranks with qualified civilians that present the promise of becoming successful Soldiers. As a Recruiter, you will work flexible hours in order to visit high schools and attend sporting events, community fairs and other local activities that provide a good platform to speak about the value and benefits of serving in the Army National Guard. You will also have the responsibility of leading and mentoring new Recruits during Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) drill weekends. RSP teaches new Recruits the fundamentals of being a Soldier, and prepares them for basic combat training.
Here are just a few of the advantages to serving as an OHARNG Recruiter Salary: Earn active duty pay as an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Soldier ($41,760 /year for E6 with over 10 years of service) Additional Compensation: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) - varies by location and dependents Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) - $357.55/month Special Duty Pay (SDAP - $375/month after completing SQ14). Health Insurance: Tricare (at no cost) Vacation: Earn 30 days of leave annually Paid Time Off: Federal holidays off Retirement: 20-year active-duty retirement with applicable pay and benefits Honorable Service: The privilege of wearing the uniform every day and growing future generations who will serve the Ohio Guard proudly.
FILLING THE RANKS
The OHARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion is accepting applications from current Soldiers in good standing who have a strong work ethic and are driven to make the organization better. If the rewards and challenges of this unique career piques your interest, contact: Command Sgt. Major Steve Stormes 614-376-5074, steven.c.stormes.mil@mail.mil for more information.
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Back issues of the Buckeye Guard (1976 to present) Watch us on the Ohio Channel Watch our companion, the video Buckeye Guard, on the Ohio Channel, a service of Ohio’s Public Broadcasting Stations. Ohio Channel web site | Past Episodes Need help from the PAO? If you would like to request public affairs support or guidance for your upcoming training event or unit activity, contact Stephanie Beougher, state public information officer, at 614-336-7369 or Stephanie.K.Beougher.nfg@mail.mil Have a story to tell? Guard members, Family and other interested persons are encouraged to submit any articles and photos meant to inform, educate or entertain Buckeye Guard readers. Submitted content, if approved for usage, may be used additionally or exclusively on the Ohio National Guard website, official Ohio National Guard social media sites, or in other Public Affairs Office products. How to submit photos/articles Call the editor at 614-336-7003 with any questions or concerns.
On Sept. 27, 1918, 2nd Lt. Albert Baesel of Company B, 148th Infantry, 37th Division was killed while trying to rescue a wounded Soldier near Ivoiry, France. For his heroic actions that day, Baesel was awarded the Medal of Honor.
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHT September 2017
MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION War Department General Order 43, 1922 Upon hearing that a squad leader of his platoon had been severely wounded while attempting to capture an enemy machinegun nest about 200 yards in advance of the assault line and somewhat to the right, 2d Lt. Baesel requested permission to go to the rescue of the wounded corporal. After thrice repeating his request and permission having been reluctantly given, due to the heavy artillery, rifle, and machinegun fire, and heavy deluge of gas in which the company was at the time, accompanied by a volunteer, he worked his way forward, and reaching the wounded man, placed him upon his shoulders and was instantly killed by enemy fire.
ONG.Ohio.gov
Volume 35, No. 5 - September /October 2017
