Big Sky Guardian Winter 2010 Edition

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Winter 2009-2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 1

Governor Brian Schweitzer

The Adjutant GeneralBrigadier General

John Walsh

Governor

Brian Schweitzer

The Adjutant General

Brigadier General John Walsh

Executive Editor/State Public Affairs Officer

Major Tim Crowe

Managing Editor

Sergeant Stacey Scotson

State Public Affairs Staff

Major Lori Hampa-Chamberlin

2nd Lieutenant Dan Bushnell

Sergeant First Class Tom Steber

Intern - Kevin Moran

State Public Affairs Office

Public Affairs OfficeP.O. Box 4789

Fort Harrison, MT59636-4789

Bob UlinPublisher

Justin RitterGraphic Designer

Marie LundstromEditor

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Published by AQP Publishing, Inc., a private fi rm in no way connected with the Montana Department of Mili-tary & Veterans Affairs, or the Montana National Guard, under written contract with the Montana Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. This Montana Department of Military & Veterans Affairs magazine is an authorized publication for employees, families and military mem-bers of the Montana Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. Contents of this publication are not necessarily the offi cial view of, or endorsed by, the state of Montana, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense or the Montana National Guard.

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Yellow Ribbon Program makeshomecoming betterThe Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard

Why we serve

Family pride and tradition

MWR: Recreation specials benefit military families

The Backbone

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Montana Guard shoots & skisin biathlon competitions 6

▼20The 186th Aero Squardron in World War I Part 2 of a Series

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NCO Holiday BreakfastA Montana Guard tradition 8

▼Year of Diversity: 2010 Officer Symposium14 ▼

Williams Street bridge helps training17 ▼

A fish out of water18

▼24The University of Montana:GRIZ ROTC

▼Adjutant General gets first-handlook at the MTANG’s F-15s 26

▼28Employer support for National Guard members

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2 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / Winter 2009-2010

On January 24th of this New Year, Montana’s Big Sky enthusiastically wel-comed the presence of Diane, an aircraft that carried over 60 of the Montana National Guard’s 1-189th General Sup-port Aviation Battalion after a one-year deployment in Iraq. Governor Schweitzer, Adjutant General Walsh, and I were all on hand to greet the Soldiers as they landed in Helena. Friends, family and even a couple of four- legged family members gathered for the homecoming.

Montana has a long history of mili-tary service and tradition. Montana has over 100,000 veterans and a remark-able military participation rate of almost 14% according to U.S. Census Bureau 2006 statistics.

As Montanans know all too well, this proud tradition of military service comes with a price. For generations of Montana families, the price has been the loss of a father or son, mother or daughter, brother or sister. Most of those lost died in battle, but some, like Chris Dana, a young Mon-tana National Guard Soldier, commit sui-cide. In response to Chris Dana’s death, Governor Schweitzer ordered then Adju-tant General Mosley to begin an imme-diate effort to ensure no other Montana

National Guard family suffered as Chris Dana’s had.

The Montana National Guard devel-oped and has fully implemented under the leadership of Adjutant General Walsh, a Yellow Ribbon Program, which has since been adopted nationally. The YRP is a comprehensive effort to address deployment issues facing our citizen Soldiers, their families and employers throughout the deployment cycle. An aggressive regimen of assessment, edu-cation and resource coordination for Sol-diers, and for all levels of National Guard leadership, has resulted in an acute awareness of the challenges of deploy-ment and the application of effective strategies to mitigate and resolve those challenges. Montanans can be proud that the United States Congress and the Department of Defense in Washington have looked to our Montana Yellow Ribbon Program as the blueprint for the national response to these issues.

Montanans understand the value of service, service to our country, our state, our community and to each other. The military experience holds many valuable lessons. I, for one, was a head-strong young man when I enlisted in the

U.S. Marine Corps in 1955. The Corps taught me the lessons of commitment and discipline.

Our Montana citizen Soldiers, mem-bers of the Montana National Guard, apply that same commitment and dis-cipline to their service in the Guard, whether it be national wartime deploy-ments, responding to an emergency here at home or responding to international relief efforts. But our citizen Soldiers also bring that same commitment to their civilian lives. Our citizen Soldiers raise families, build communities and contribute to our Montana economy. Please join the governor and me in thanking them for accepting the call to service at home and abroad. Further, let me ask that you thank their fami-lies and their employers. Mothers and dads, kids and grandkids and generous and understanding bosses are vital to the Montana National Guard and its mission. Thank you for your commit-ment to making the YRP a success, such a success that it is now the national model, making a difference for thou-sands of men and women in uniform. Thank you, all of you, from the bottom of my heart.

UPCOMING EVENTS

17 MAR - St. Patrick’s Day Lunch, (Fort Harrison)

27 MAR - Carroll College Dining Out (Helena)

14 APR - Military Museum Wine Fair (Helena)

16–18 April - Devils Brigade Warrior Challenge

UPCOMING EVENTS

17 MAR - St. Patrick’s Day Lunch, St. Patrick’s Day Lunch, 29 APR –1 MAY - PX Tent Sale

14–17 MAY - Military Photographers Photo Expo (Holter Museum)

TBD (Late Winter) - New PX Opening

TBD - New Chapel Open House

By John Bohlinger, Montana Lieutenant Governor

Yellow Ribbon Program makes homecoming better


Warriors,

We are in our ninth year of the Overseas Contingency Operation, and our Soldiers, Airmen and their families need to know that as an organization we continue to do great things and that our state and nation appreciate the personal sacrifices and the challenges we face as our units deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Endur-ing Freedom. We welcomed 2010 in by welcoming home Soldiers from the 639th Quartermaster Supply Company and Company A, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation. Unfortunately we also had to say farewell to Soldiers of the 103d Public Affairs Detachment and Detachment 3, 230th Engineer Company. Over the next 10 months we will say farewell to as many as 1100 Soldiers and Airmen who will leave families and employers here in Montana to deploy around the world to provide support to the Overseas Contingency Operation.

Our increased operational-tempo since the beginning of the Overseas Contingency Operation has brought on many additional stressors that can affect the physical and mental health of our Service members as well as on their families and employers who remain on the home front. As your Adjutant General, I will do everything possible to ensure that these special members of the Montana National Guard family have the necessary assistance available while we wait for our Sol-diers and Airmen to return. With the improvements, we continue to incorporate into the Montana National Guard’s “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Campaign” I have the highest level of confidence that we will be successful in supporting the family members of our deployed Soldiers. Our ability to reach out and directly assist the family members has never been more important, and as we continue to deploy more Soldiers and Airmen throughout the year, we must continue to look for new ways to enhance the support systems for our service members, their families and their employers.

While we train our Soldiers and Airmen to take the fight aggressively to the enemy, we are also expected to be ambas-sadors of America’s values and humanitarian principles. This takes strong leadership at all levels. The Army Values,

the Warrior Ethos, and the Soldier’s Rules (AR 350-1, Army Training and Leader Development, January 2006) establish a baseline standard of conduct that must be understood and embraced by every Soldier, Airman and leader in the Montana National Guard - those currently in the fight, those preparing to deploy and those of us in a supporting role - must ensure that our Soldiers and Airmen clearly under-stand the strategic importance of our actions and are trained to act within our core values while deployed in a combat environment as well as here at home. I also expect every leader, once aware that something might be amiss, to follow up aggressively, determine the facts, and take appropri-ate action. This includes keeping the chain of command informed in an expeditious manner.

I recently emphasized these important principles to our leaders during our Leadership Symposium that was held in Bozeman on Feb. 6, 2010, and I have asked them to reinforce my message throughout the Montana National Guard force. The world views the United States of America through our actions, and our citizens hold us accountable to the highest standards of legal, moral and ethical behav-ior. We must continue to earn our Nation’s trust each and every day.

I am extremely honored to serve as the 24th Adjutant General for the Montana National Guard. The Soldiers and Airmen currently serving as well as those that have served over the years truly are the best that Montana has to offer. I am immensely proud of each and every one of you for your service and sacrifice, and I thank you for your commitment and service to the great state of Montana and the United States of America.

The Montana National Guard stands more ready, reliable, essential and accessible today than at any time in our exis-tence due to your commitments. I can’t thank you and your families enough for your service to our state and nation and I wish you the best in 2010.

God Bless!

Respectfully, Brig. Gen. John E. Walsh

The Adjutant General

The Adjutant GeneralMONTANA NATIONAL GUARD


the State Command Sergeant Major. As many have asked; “State CSM, then what is CSM Bill Cooper? CSM Cooper is the State Senior Enlisted Leader, the senior enlisted member and NCO of the Montana National Guard, which includes both the Army and Air components. I am the senior NCO for the Montana Army National Guard; as Command Chief Master Sergeant Mitch Brush is for the Montana Air National Guard. As I travel across the State and the Nation, I am constantly impressed by the tremendous Montana Soldiers and Airmen I meet. Their missions, responsibility, dedi-cation and performance are second to none. I’d like to address the following items:

This is not the sameMontana National Guard

The strategic reserve is now an operational force…asymmetric non-linear battle fi eld…combined operations…purple force, all the terms that we were unfamiliar with a few years ago, but are common place in today’s National Guard. Active Duty and Reserve Component Soldiers and Airmen are doing the same missions these days while deployed and the same training that prepare them for those deployments. I expect all Soldiers to be profi cient in combat skills and at the ready, as contact with the enemy can happen anywhere, any time. We now deploy along side our Active Duty brethren without a dif-ference in missions and most importantly without a difference in performance. The Army and Air Force routinely work side by side in all nature of operations while in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the Infantry Bat-talion deployed to Iraq, our lives depended on Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), their explosive detecting dog teams, and their Close Air Support teams.

In state, out of state, internationally, peace time and combat, the new Montana National Guard stands ready. Elements of the 1-163rd Combined Arms Battalion quickly responded after the explosion and

fi re in downtown Bozeman. The 189th Aviation helped blizzard stricken South East Montana and fl ood ravaged North Dakota. The Montana Air Guard rapidly sent a team aiding victims of the Haitian earthquake. 143rd MPs, 639th QM and Task Force Raven (189th) just returned from success-ful deployments in Iraq. As I write this article, units are deploying and preparing to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan.

This is not the same leaderThese recent deployments of our Sol-

diers and Airmen reminded me again of our most entrusted obligations and duties as leaders in uniform. Many things come to mind, but I would like to talk about what I simply call leaders taking care of Soldiers and Airmen. But it’s more than just our individual Soldiers and Airmen. Taking care of our people also involves taking care of their families, employers and communi-ties. In this article, I would like to focus specifi cally on our service members them-selves and what we can do to take care of them as leaders. Leaders at all levels have greater and greater demands placed on them. Currently, we assign more respon-sibility, especially at junior levels, and we expect more from their results. BG Walsh recently pointed out in the Summer 2009 Big Sky Guardian the leadership traits we need in today’s Montana Guard. All Mon-tana leaders need to read this great article. We must be mentors in all we do, more than with words, with deeds. NCOs have the Warriors Ethos, NCO Creed and the Army Values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Self-less-Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage) to guide us. We are useless as leaders if we don’t “walk the walk”. We are entrusted with a sacred honor as NCOs. We are expected to carry out and enforce policies and standards, especially in con-duct, appearance, training and perfor-mance. In common terms we must always do the hard right over the easy wrong.

Do the hard rightover the easy wrong

An example of doing the hard right over the easy wrong is performance assessments. However, far too often we as an organization fall short and the results range from disap-pointment to tragedy. From fi rst line lead-ers to the top of the food chain, sergeants to the Secretary of Defense, recognize the need for honest, clear, fair and timely evaluations. Whether as counseling, NCOERs, promo-tions, assignments or awards, we in fact are taking care of our people. At a minimum, it eliminates surprises, especially negative ones. It is not fair when subordinates have to guess what right looks like and think they are doing what right looks like. Appropriately, it identifi es the substandard, or the familiar “getting by must be good enough.” At worst failing to do the hard right over the easy wrong in evaluations can lead to disaster. We are familiar with disasters on the battlefi eld throughout history due to incompetent or inexperienced overwhelmed leaders. Sadly, however, it can lead to what was seen this year at Fort Hood. In reaction to the Fort Hood shootings, the SECDEF ordered former Army Secretary Togo West and retired Admi-ral Vern Clark to chair a seven week review. In response to the review Army Times quoted Defense Secretary Robert Gates, “One of the core functions of leadership is assessing the performance and fi tness of people honestly and openly. Failure to do so or kicking the problem to the next unit or the next installa-tion may lead to damaging, if not devastating, consequences.” His comments show how the alleged shooter’s inaccurate evaluations lead to tragedy. Erroneous evaluations in and of themselves do not always lead to disaster; they do, however, lead to decreases in moral, readiness and retention. For generations we have referred to NCOs as “The Backbone of the Army”. The backbone keeps us upright, it allows us to pick up and carry heavy bur-dens. As leaders, we must always do the hard right over the easy wrong in all that we do.

Take care.

Command Sgt. Maj. James Irvine

would like to thank Command Sergeant Major Bill Cooper for the privilege to write this Big Sky Guardian’s “The Backbone” and introduce myself. I am Command Sergeant Major James “Larry” Irvine, a Traditional Guardsman from Belt, Montana, who was recently appointed as

the State Command Sergeant Major. As many have asked; “State CSM, then what is CSM Bill Cooper? CSM Cooper is the State Senior Enlisted Leader, the senior enlisted member and NCO of the Montana National Guard, which includes both the Army and Air components. I am the senior NCO for the Montana Army National Guard; as Command Chief Master Sergeant Mitch Brush is for the Montana Air National Guard. As I travel across the State and the Nation, I am constantly impressed by the tremendous Montana Soldiers and Airmen I meet. Their missions, responsibility, dedi-cation and performance are second to none. I’d like to address the following items:

fi re in downtown Bozeman. The 189th Aviation helped blizzard stricken South East Montana and fl ood ravaged North Dakota. The Montana Air Guard rapidly sent a team aiding victims of the Haitian earthquake. 143rd MPs, 639th QM and Task Force Raven (189th) just returned from success-ful deployments in Iraq. As I write this article, units are deploying and preparing to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan.

This is not the same leaderThese recent deployments of our Sol-

diers and Airmen reminded me again of our most entrusted obligations and duties as leaders in uniform. Many things come to

Do the hard rightover the easy wrong

An example of doing the hard right over the easy wrong is performance assessments. However, far too often we as an organization fall short and the results range from disap-pointment to tragedy. From fi rst line lead-ers to the top of the food chain, sergeants to the Secretary of Defense, recognize the need for honest, clear, fair and timely evaluations. Whether as counseling, NCOERs, promo-tions, assignments or awards, we in fact are taking care of our people. At a minimum, it eliminates surprises, especially negative ones. It is not fair when subordinates have to guess what right looks like and think they are

Command Sgt. Maj. James Irvine


the State Command Sergeant Major. As


The Backbone


I was in a convenience store the other day, waiting to buy a few things. As I turned to walk out, a man in his late 40’s stopped me, stuck his hand out and said, “Thank you for serving. I truly appreciate it.”

I was in a restaurant eating lunch after church with my family about a year ago and as we fi nished and I prepared to pay, the waitress informed me that the family that had just left the restaurant had paid for our lunch. When I inquired why, she handed me a note, that the family had all signed that said: “Thank you for serving our country and keeping us safe.” They had all signed with only their fi rst names so I still don’t know who they are and was never able to thank them.

These small incidents happen to me almost weekly as I go about my everyday life in uni-form. It gives me pause every time. To them, my 22 years is a sacrifi ce of unparalleled com-mitment and dedication to a set of ideals. To me it has meant a lifetime of adventure and interest-ing challenges that continue even as I write this. But why is that recognition so prevalent now? Why is it now that the average Montanan and American so ready to thank the service member they see in a store or getting gas? Where was that appreciation as our brothers and sisters returned from Vietnam? What changed?

As the son of a retired Montana Army National Guard Soldier, I have lived my life surrounded by Soldiers and Airmen. I thought that his two-week absence annually was how everyone lived; that when that time came, inevitably, the water heater would go out or a tire would go fl at. I thought that when all kid’s dads came home from trips they brought them home something “special”.

Maybe my view of the world is somewhat skewed having grown up in that environment, as I too, now have hundreds of people that I consider friends that I have served with both locally and throughout the United States, active, Guard and Reserve; Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines. Some I’ve never met, only spoken to via email or on the phone; others have trained me, corrected me and mentored me. Others have shaped me without knowing it due to their inabilities.

Winter 2009-2010 /

However, it all begs the question in my mind: “Why is it we serve our country and fellow man?”

What is it that drives us to do our job for our service? To miss the birthdays, anniver-saries, holidays and events that others won’t? What makes us special, or are we?

I’m proud to say that I serve my country as a member of the Montana National Guard, U.S. Army and as a Montanan. However, that isn’t what prompted me to join nor to stay. It’s fair to say that events throughout those 20-plus years have challenged my desire to stay and have affected my performance as such. I’m proud that I help to defend the greatest nation, state and federation of free people on the face of this pebble we call Earth. I’m proud that I can do that as a person, a single father of two and as a son and brother.

However, I would challenge all that wear my uniform, or one similar to it, to ask them-selves the same question. Why do I wear this, whether every day or two days a month. Why? Why the sacrifi ce? Why the time away; willingly and without a thought? Why do we do it? Knowing that we will all have to board a plane at some point for a deployment, regard-less of rank, stature or personal sacrifi ce?

For me, the reasons have been many; right now, it’s because I am in a position that I am able to share my experience with some of Mon-tana’s youngest and brightest Soldiers, so that they too can someday carry on the proud tradi-tion and lighten the burden of their fellow ser-vice member. I do it to give back to an organi-zation and to people who took the time when I needed it as a young man; who believed in me, when I didn’t always believe in myself. I do it because I believe that what I have to offer does make a difference, both now and in the future, in defending this state and nation.

My fellow service members rarely do it for the money, the fame, or the glory or even the recognition that is so graciously extended in a convenience store line. However, that extended handshake and that pat on the back has meant more to me than any medals or accolades that I have ever received because it was genuine. Genuine recognition of a

Winter 2009-2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 5Winter 2009-2010 /

lifetime spent protecting a nation and a way of life, just as those millions have done before us. Regardless of our jobs or our specialty, our contribution is signifi cant.

Maybe more importantly, I see now a true patriot spirit in Montanans and America as a whole that has been lacking, in my eyes, for many years. A true vision of what it means to be an American. I see this in the turn-outs for the return of Montanans from deployments, whether in Opheim or Anaconda. I believe the spirit of Montana and the nation is returning to one of patriotism; a true, heart-felt spirit. Politics and beliefs of right or wrong don’t play into that, only true emotion of what it means to be in a community, state and nation that is free and the recognition that it requires sacri-fi ce by a few.

So, I count myself amongst the less than one percent of Americans that serve with heart-felt pride. Although my contribution may seem insignifi cant to others who serve, my sacrifi ce and challenges are no less or greater. How-ever, my contribution is the same, no less or greater, in the scheme of life. I feel that as a nation, we are stronger and more patriotic, moving in a direction that we once were due to the sacrifi ces of a few.

When my daughters lay their heads down on their pillows at night, I know there are friends, peers and colleagues holding up that fl ag of freedom. When my turn comes to hold the edge of that fl ag, I do it proudly and without regret or remorse; but with tears of pride and determination as have so many before me.

I challenge each of us that wears a uniform to think about why they serve because those that don’t, do.

When you are approached in the coming days by a citizen who thanks you, thank them back and get to know them. It matters not their station in life, only that they too have caught the spirit of what it means to live in the greatest state and nation in the world. They understand that it takes someone fi ghting a fi re, building a building or protecting a convoy to continue to have freedom. In my humble opinion, isn’t that what freedom is all about?

Story and photo by 2nd Lt. Dan Bushnell

I was in a convenience store the other day, However, it all begs the question in my lifetime spent protecting a nation and a way lifetime spent protecting a nation and a way

Story and photo by 2nd Lt. Dan Bushnell

Why we serve


The fi rst organized competitions took place in Norway in 1776. International competition in biathlon skills came with the fi rst Winter Olympic Games in 1924 at Chamonix, France, in the form of a mili-tary race. The United States introduced the modern form of biathlon competition in the Olympic Games at Squaw Valley in 1960 and hosted the biathlon events in the Winter Olympic Games at Lake Placid in 1980 and again in 2002 at Salt Lake City.

Major Andrew Parson, the National Guard biathlon coordinator from the Ver-mont National Guard, said the U.S. Army

hosted a biathlon program following World War II at Fort Richardson, Ark., and Camp Hale, Colo. U.S. Army Soldiers repre-sented the United States in Winter Olympic from1950-1970. Parson said the program was handed over to the Vermont National Guard in 1972 -1973. Since its introduc-tion to the National Guard in 1973, the Montana National Guard has been able to fi eld a biathlon team every year. In the mid 1980’s the Montana National Guard had a stand out athlete by the name of Pam Nordheim. According to the history books, Pam went to the World Championships

T he Biathlon is a winter Olympic sport which combines cross country skiing with pre-cision target shooting, and a summer version of biathlon which replaces skiing with running. The biathlon race can be traced back as early as 3000 BC, by researchers

who have found paintings on rocks in Norway depicting a hunter with a bow and arrow sliding on two timbers. Historical descriptions of warriors on skis date back mil-lenia and traditional military patrol races came into being in the Middle Ages. Skiing regiments were also active in Scandinavia and Russia in the 1500s and by the end of the 19th century, Germany, Austria and Switzerland also had Soldiers on skis.

By Sgt. 1st Class Tom Steber

Photos: Tim Swingle


from 1985 to 1988 and continually placed in the top twenty or better. Since 1988, National Guard Soldier-athletes have provided the majority of the biathlon competitors for the U.S. winter Olympic Games.

In 2005 the world changed and the Montana National Guard became a vital force in protecting our freedoms. The biathlon team took a big hit when fi ve of its strongest athletes were deployed with the 163rd Infantry Battalion in support of the Overseas Contingency Operation.

Since 2005, the Montana National Guard team has had its highs and lows, never know-ing who will be deployed or be available to participate, says Race coordinator, Col. Steve Martinka. Martinka said that this year the Montana National Guard has one of the larg-est teams ever with 12 competitors, but due to military obligations and other situations, rarely is the entire team at one race. Sgt. 1st Class Bob Evans has been the coach for the last four years. He said each year begins around Thanksgiving with a training weekend at West Yellowstone. Then they swiftly get into the season with the Western Regional Biathlon races which place all the western states in competition for the fi rst time of the year at West Yellowstone.

Evans says it is a balancing act with mili-tary athletes, “These biathletes are Soldiers fi rst, and a biathlon does not take the place of drill or any other military duty. When we lose biathletes due to military duty, it creates the opportunity to give others a chance to try and make the team.”

In December, 2009, the Montana National Guard biathlon relay team consisting of Capt.Dale Black, Capt. Ernst Vischer and Chief Warrant Offi cer Two Tim Swingle took home the third place trophy in the relay race, Spc. Joel Shanight took second place in the novice race and Capt. Clay Bird took third place.

“We lost a couple of really good biathletes in the last couple of years, but they have been replaced by some good talent that just needs some experience. A couple of guys are coming off injuries, and they should be able to compete in the Chief of National Guard Bureau competitions in February in Minne-sota,” Evans said.

This year’s competitors include Lt. Col. Garth Scott, Maj. Dean Roberts, Capt. Dale Black, Capt. Kelley Williams, Chief Warrant Offi cer Two Tim Swingle, Warrant Offi cer Brian Lovaas, Maj. Jim Kelly, Spc. Shane Mundt, Spc. Joel Shanight and Spc. Andy Yetter.

Evans says he expects to take about eight of the biathletes to the Chief of National Guard Bureau competitions (CNGB) in February at Camp Ripley, Minn. In order to qualify for the CNGB competition, biathletes have to have competed in at least one race earlier in the year. This competition determines the best of the best in the United States National Guard. The winner of this competition normally will go on to compete at a higher level, the National Championships, and in some cases even the Winter Olympics. If you would like to be on the biathlete staff or become a biathlete, call Lt. Col. Steve Martinka at (406) 324-3200.

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http://www.uiu.edu/ng


The 16th Annual noncommissioned offi -cer Holiday Breakfast starts out early, with the fi rst cooks arriving at the Fort Harrison Train-ing Center around 5:30 a.m. With hundreds mouths to feed, they need all the lead-time they can get to prepare.

Each year the Helena NCOs (Army and Air) prepare and serve an estimated 350 breakfasts to fellow service members, retirees and civilian employees. It’s their way of saying, “Thanks for all you do.” The preparation starts out in October, with 55 NCOs volunteering to shop for groceries, serve coffee, cook and serve the food and clean up afterwards.

Everyone gets together, pitches in and has a great time. It’s a pleasure for Helena’s NCOs to see and serve their retired fellow service members, many of whom continue to show up year after year. It’s a time to visit with old friends and enjoy the Holiday season.

Retired Sgt. Maj. Dave Lake keeps coming back year after year, to cook his world-renowned SOS (no explanation needed for Army folks). Made with the help of several assistants, his special recipe is a perennial hit with everyone. Altogether, this team cooks up 12 cases of hash browns, 70 lbs of sau-sage links, 70 dozen eggs and one case of egg

beaters, along with ham and cheese omelets, eggs to order, muffi ns and pancakes with blueberries or chocolate chips.

Their goal is to serve a great breakfast in a fun friendly atmosphere. At the breakfast there is a roster for retirees to update their e-mail addresses, which are then forwarded to the National Guard. This allows the National Guard to e-mail retirees periodically with information about retiree functions.

Digging through some old fi le folders shows that the fi rst breakfast was headed and coordinated by Sgt. 1st Class, now Master Sgt., Cavanaugh (at gun point, the

NCO Holiday

Breakfast A Montana Guard tradition

By Master Sgt. Carol Giese,Visual Information Specialist

Soldiers, retirees and DA civilian employees fi lled the dining facility at the 2009 NCO Holiday Breakfast organized by the Montana National Guard senior noncommissioned offi cers.


fi le claims) in 1994, at the behest of the Human Resources Offi ce (HRO). The fi rst breakfast required RSVPs and money up front. That money became the seed money for future breakfasts. Despite HRO’s recommendation that the fi rst breakfast be run by senior NCOs, the next year warrant offi cers and lieutenants, the third year captains and majors and the 4th year by lieuten-ant colonels and colonels. The senior NCOs enjoyed it so much, they decided they’d just keep running it. Command Sgt. Maj. Rhonda Scott coordinated the breakfast from 1998 through 2008. Last year she turned it over to the author, Master Sgt. Carol Giese.

This is a breakfast where all the Helena NCO’s from different services come together to support Helena-area service men and women, as well as local retirees and fellow civilian workers. So if you’re in the area next December, stop in and enjoy a wonderful Holiday breakfast.

NCO Holiday

Breakfast A Montana Guard tradition

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. David Lake cooks up his famous SOS on the grill in the early morning hours of the NCO Holiday Breakfast.


Vacation, time off, holidays, personal time, annual leave, whatever you call it we all love to have the time to do the things we want to do with the people we want to spend time with. Morale, Welfare and Rec-reation is an integral part of life, not only because we enjoy recreating, but because we NEED to take time off.

Let’s face it, nobody likes to be around Ms. or Mr. Crabby every day. We’re health-ier when we take time away. But travel can be expensive, I know. Understanding all of this, two of Montana’s largest ski resorts offer signifi cant ski discounts to military personnel and their families.

Recognizing the value of these dis-counted offers for military families, Mon-tana’s National Guard Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. John Walsh, recognized both

resorts this season for their support of the military. On Dec. 19, 2009, and Jan. 16, 2010, the Montana National Guard pub-licly recognized Big Sky Ski Resort and Whitefi sh Mountain Ski Resort, respec-tively, with well-attended outdoor ceremo-nies commending the general managers and their staffs for their appreciation of the military and what we do.

Here are their discount offers. Big Sky Ski Resort, south of Bozeman,

jump-starts its winter season each year with a military appreciation weekend, when military personnel and their families are encouraged to take advantage of pristine slopes, all the while enjoying spectacular discounts. This began eight years ago after general manager Taylor Middleton hired a 20-year Air Force retiree, who convinced

them that supporting military was good both for business and for the community.

Essentially the weekend package includes free skiing for military personnel and retir-ees, dependents ski at reduced rates, and the Huntley Lodge and equipment rentals are discounted. This 2010 season, the resort is extending modifi ed military discounts through the end of March. This includes $40 skiing for military personnel and retirees, $69 for spouses, and children 10 and under ski free. Lodging at the Huntley Lodge is discounted as is rental ski equipment. Please note that military identifi cation is required.

Whitefi sh Ski Resort at Big Mountain, under the new management of general man-ager, Dan Graves began offering military spe-cials two years ago. All-season long, White-fi sh Mountain demonstrates its appreciation for military service with extensive discounts which includes 50 percent off lift tickets for military personnel, retirees and all depen-dents. Rental equipment is free and speci-fi ed lodging and ski schools are discounted. Again, be sure everyone has their military ID. Just call Whitefi sh Mountain reserva-tions and ask for the military specials.

Beside special deals offered through independent companies, today’s military personnel can easily access travel and dis-counted vacation information through Mili-tary Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs. Today, MWR is available at 300 military posts in 30 countries and boasts 12 million participants. Its mission, “to enhance readiness, retention and productiv-ity,” is accomplished through the promotion of recreation, fi tness, sports, cultural arts and other leisure activities. It is well known that these kinds of pursuits result in positive self-esteem and esprit de corps which is vital for personal and professional success, improved personal well-being and strong families.

MWRRecreation specials benefit military familiesBy Maj. Lori Hampa-Chamberlin

Photos: Maj. Tim Crowe and Jen Rook

Vice Chief of the Joint Staff, Col. Ken Switzer presents a certifi cate of appreciation to Taylor Middleton during the Big Sky Military Appreciation.


Well balanced and healthy personnel means a better functioning work force. Know well that military leaders fully support MWR.

Fortunately for military families in Mon-tana, MWR is also available here. Most of us would agree that we are in the enviable posi-tion of living in some of the most beautiful country in the nation. Flushed with snow capped mountains, pristine rivers, unlimited fi shing and camping, and spectacular vistas alive with abundant wildlife, Montana offers a wide expanse of recreational opportunities. It’s right at our fi ngertips. But, as beautiful as Montana is, travel can be expensive, and when it comes to tourism, fi nding a good deal can be challenging. Military MWR resources offer great vacation deals here too.

In Montana, MWR can be easily accessed through Malmstrom AFB, in Great Falls, or the Internet. Their Web site is an excel-lent resource for general seasonal recreation opportunities in Montana. In addition, Malmstrom Outdoor Recreation offers afford-able equipment rentals, classes, and trips. Even if you don’t live in Great Falls, you will be surprised with what they have to offer.

The U.S. Military also offers several MWR vacation programs accessible through the internet. Several great sites include Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC) and Military One Source. Also, each military branch of service maintains its own MWR websites, all of which are full of general MWR infor-mation, including travel and leisure.

For example, U.S. Army MWR contains a ‘travel’ tab on the home page. There you can access a bevy of travel information, such as specifi c Armed Forces Recreation Centers and Resorts. While each of these fabulous resorts are located in beautiful, high demand destinations, all are wonder-fully affordable for military personnel and their families. These include the Shades of Green at Walt Disney World, the Hole Koa in Honolulu, Hawaii, the Edelweiss in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in the Bavarian Alps of Germany, the Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, S. Korea, and the Cape Henry Inn in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia.

The Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC) is another exceptional resource. You will fi nd a Web site full of wonderfully enticing

accommodation offers. It includes infor-mation about Space-A (space available), vacation specials, MWR in general, travel resources, and resorts worldwide. There are resorts in Europe, Northern Africa, Central and South America, Asia, the Caribbean, the U.S. and Canada. Interested in journey-ing through India, Venezuela and Finland? There are AFVC resorts in all three

AFVC has locations in Montana, as well. On their Web site search for the great state of Montana and you will fi nd the following resorts: Meadow Lake Resort in Columbia

Well balanced and healthy personnel means The U.S. Military also offers several MWR accommodation offers. It includes infor-

Lt. Col. Mark Boettcher of the Montana National Guard shakes hands with Big Mountain Ski Resort general manager Dan Graves after presenting him with a certifi cate of appreciation for their continued support of the military.

Armed Forces Vacation Club: www.afvclub.com

Malmstrom AFB MWR: www.341services.com

MWR Branch: www.mwr.navy.mil www.usmc.mccs.org

Military One Source: www.militaryonesource.com

http://www.afvclub.com

http://www.341services.com

http://www.mwr.navy.mil

http://www.usmc.mccs.org

http://www.militaryonesource.com


Falls and Ptarmigan Resort in Whitefish, both of which provide easy access to Big Mountain Ski in Whitefish, beautiful Flathead Lake and Valley and Glacier National Park. You will find Glacier Wilderness Resort, which borders the Park. This location offers great wilderness adventures. There is also Aspen Townhomes, in Red Lodge, Mont., if you are looking for Western style outdoor vacation adventures in all four seasons.

The Military OneSource MWR Web page also includes links to other travel sites which offer very specific information. These include the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Travel.State.Gov, as well as the Armed Forces Vacation Club discussed ear-lier. The TSA link takes you to the homepage where you will find information about travel requirements, changes and restrictions.

These are not the only ways in which to find deals. There are many organizations and companies that offer discounts to mili-tary and do not advertise. You served your country and many appreciate it, so when making plans and while on vacation, simply ask. For example, the Hi-Country Trading Post in Lincoln, Mont., offers 10 percent dis-counts, but they don’t advertise. You need to

ask at check-out. Recently, I was in West Yel-lowstone and over the course of my stay, 50 percent of the businesses I asked provided a military discount; none of them advertised. Make your vacations as affordable as pos-sible. Ask for military discounts and shop around prior to leaving via the internet and other MWR resources for affordable deals.

It’s important that we take our time off. It provides us a respite from the daily grind and helps us become healthier in every way. While travel can be expensive, discounts for military personnel are abundant. Do your research … actually it’s pretty simple. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Bon Voyage!

Whitefish, Mont.

http://umary.edu/sade


On Dec. 22, 2009, Molly O’Niell became the third generation of O’Niells to join the military. Her father, Maj. Dan O’Niell, most recently joined the Montana Army National Guard in January 2008. With family members looking on, O’Niell swore in the youngest of his fi ve children and they became another of the many families in Montana with multiple members serving in the Guard.

Molly comes from a family with a strong military background. She had two great-grandparents who served in the Army and one grandparent who was a colonel in the Air Force – all of whom were recently buried at Arlington National Cemetery. While she is well aware of her family’s tradition, she joined the Montana Army National Guard looking for challenge and adventure. “I like to try new things, and this sounded like something I would really like,” she said. So after doing some online research and discussing her options with her dad, she decided to enlist. “My dad defi nitely infl uenced my decision,” she said. Molly subsequently contacted Sgt. 1st Class Joe Buffa in the Butte Recruiting Offi ce, and the rest is history.

O’Niell is understandably proud of his daughter and feels she made the right decision. He said offi ciating at her swearing-in ceremony was very special. “It was a nice surprise to be given the opportunity,” said O’Niell. “It was an honor and a privilege.” According to O’Niell, Molly was exposed to adventure even while growing up. She accompanied her dad on several medical missions to Central America. This exposure to a medical background most of her life certainly played a role in her desire to work in this fi eld as an adult. She plans to start classes at Carroll College in the fall of 2011, majoring in Nursing or Physical Therapy. Did Molly display leadership qualities as a child and young adult? O’Niell seems to think so stating that she believes in leading by example. These leadership qualities have helped her excel in high school athletics such as tennis, swimming and soccer. It also is why she joined the Mon-tana National Guard. When asked what serv-ing in the military meant to her, she responded, “Serving my country and being a leader.”

Molly will graduate from high school this spring and head to basic training on July 6,

and after that will attend AIT; fi nishing her training in the fall. With our military cur-rently fi ghting two wars, the decision to join a military organization is not to be taken lightly. The possibility of deployment is ever present, however Molly states, “My eyes are wide open.” She understands she could be deployed at any time, but still plans to attend college and earn her degree, while taking full advantage of the education benefi ts offered by the Guard. She will be attached to the DET 1

631st Chemical Company in Anaconda and her MOS is Chemical Specialist.

Her experience with the whole process has been a positive one, and she looks for-ward to completing her training and starting college next fall. The decision to join the Montana Army National Guard was a per-sonal choice and by doing so, she follows in the footsteps of her dad and past generations of O’Niells – proud members of our country’s military service.

Family pride and traditionBy Cindy Zimmerman

Photos: Provided by Montana National Guard Recruiting and Retention


Brigadier General John Walsh, the Adjutant General for the Montana National Guard, stated the annual symposium is designed to enhance the Montana National Guard’s internal communications while providing a clear vision for military leaders on the future and the overall mission of the MTNG. In doing so, he declared 2010 a “Year of Diversity.”

There were many issues and topics that were discussed with key areas including proper training of Soldiers and Airmen prior to deploying overseas, Soldier care, the transformation from a strategic force to an operational force, family care while troops are deployed

and emphasis was placed on the re-integration of Soldiers upon returning home from deployment.

“As leaders, we have to be willing to accept change or, as an organiza-tion, we will be left behind,” Walsh stated, with regard to the change in our force and our mission. This was par-ticularly relevant as he discussed the number of deployments overseas for the Montana National Guard and those in the near future. The issues related to recruiting, training and retaining a functional, mission-ready force must remain a focus.

Additionally, Walsh spoke of the three integral missions of the National

The 2010 Offi cers Symposium held in Bozeman, Mont., during February drill began bright and early, with offi cers and senior enlisted personnel traveling from across the state to gather with their peers to attend the annual sympo-sium designed to inform and update them on current and future issues.

The 2010 Offi cers Symposium held in Bozeman, Mont., during February drill began bright and early, with offi cers and senior enlisted personnel traveling from across the state to gather with their peers to attend the annual sympo-sium designed to inform and update them on current and future issues.

Year ofDiversity

Story and photos by Sgt. Stacey Scotson

Brig. Gen. John Walsh addresses the offi cers and senior enlisted in attendance at the 2010 Offi cer Symposium.

2010 Offi cer Symposium


Year ofDiversity

Guard: federal, state and local. “We must always train and be ready for the call; ready to go, whether called by the President of the United States, the governor or a local leader. We must always be ready,” Walsh said during the address.

Walsh also spoke about the Montana National Guard increasing its focus on fami-lies. The success of the National Guard’s new programs Yellow Ribbon and Survivor Outreach are defi nitely going to enhance the ability to continue to improve Family Care, he stated. Although family support and proper training are integral for each deploy-ment, one of the most important phases of deployment is the reintegration of Soldiers upon returning home.

Walsh also discussed the importance of right and wrong, integrity, communication and values to the Montana National Guard and as a service member. “We must have integrity in all that we do. Without it, we as an organization fail,” said Walsh.

Nearing the end of his address, Walsh stated we must capitalize on our momentum over the last couple of years. “We must strive to be one team, one fi ght, one mission.”

Keynote speaker, Gen. Victor Renuart, commander of U.S. NORTHCOM, gave a large-picture vision on exactly what role the Montana National Guard has played, and will play, in the worldwide, United States

and home state operational picture. Gen. Renuart lightened the mood and invited all new warrants and lieutenants up to the front of the room, asking them to stand in a line. One by one he went down the line with a microphone and asked each new offi -cer, “Why are you here?” The answers to the questions varied, from some saying they wanted to serve their countries, to family lin-eage, to wanting to provide for their families and some just needed to get out of a small town and be a part of something. No matter what the reason, it was clear diversity truly is a small, but powerful, piece that makes the Montana National Guard what it is today.

Staff Sgt. Ryan Brubaker, a Co. B, 1-163rd Combined Arms Battalion Soldier and the NCO of the Year for the Army National Guard and Montana Army National Guard, was asked by Command Sgt. Maj. William Cooper and Brig. Gen. Walsh to share with leaders of the Montana Guard what he as an NCO, expects from his leaders. Not a task taken lightly, Brubaker sought out the opinions of fellow Soldiers and NCOs from his battalion, and sprinkled them throughout his speech. He offered not only his personal thoughts and ideas but was able to synthesize the opinions of Soldiers from the ranks; informing the 475 senior enlisted and offi cers in attendance of what the average Soldier wants or needs from their leaders.

Brubaker spoke of “real” training, and referred to innovative, creative and real training that engages Soldiers. “Soldiers are bored during drill week-ends and are tired of sitting around; they want stuff to do and want to learn their jobs. Create a scenario that involves their MOS and make the training fun and realistic. Sometimes it becomes a challenge for leaders to give their Soldiers an opportunity to get out and utilize all the resources the Guard has to offer for training,” he said. Another expectation was to “listen.” “When a Soldier comes to you as a leader and discusses issues at home that may be affecting his perfor-mance at work, or just needs someone to talk to ... take the time and really listen to them,” said Brubaker.

Brubaker admitted that at times he too struggles to really listen, but that he has learned a great deal from his Soldiers and makes an effort to foster those relationships. Understanding

a Soldier’s home life and circumstances can help you be a better leader for that indi-vidual, which will in turn, give everyone in the platoon or unit the opportunity to work together more effectively. Instead of counsel-ing a Soldier for poor performance, you may discover some major underlying issues that you can work through together.

Counseling was another point brought up by Brubaker, he talked about Soldiers feeling like they only get counseled when they do something wrong. “Make an effort to recog-nize Soldiers who are doing the right thing and going above and beyond in some way ... whether through an award or just a public recognition during formation or through a professional genuine NCOER,” said Brubaker.

At the end of the day, Walsh expressed his concern about the statistics of deaths among Montana Guardsmen. “In the year 2009 we have lost more Soldiers to suicide or a vehicle-related death than we have lost in the War on Terror. That is a failure,” said Walsh. He urged all leaders to enforce and pass on to their Soldiers and Airmen the importance of not driving if you have been drinking and how seat belts can be the difference between life and death.

He concluded by thanking each and every member of the Montana National Guard. “Thank you for your service and what you do for this organization,” said Walsh.

Gen. Victor Renuart, Commander of NORTHCOM asks young offi cers a question during his address at the 2010 Offi cer Symposium.

2010 Offi cer Symposium


http://www.aqppublishing.com

mailto:[email protected]


In America, the year 1894 was marked by labor unrest, as Coxey’s Army marched to Washington D.C., and New York City experi-enced strikes protesting sweat shop working conditions. In the same year, history made its mark in Helena, Mont. The construc-tion of Fort William Henry Harrison neared completion and construction of the Williams Street Bridge was beginning.

On Sept. 11, 2009, after 114 years, the oldest pin-connected Pratt pony truss bridge remaining in Montana the Williams Street Bridge, was moved from its place near the Broadwater Mansion on Ten-Mile Creek to Fort Harrison, to be placed as a fixture in the new Improvised Explosives Device Training Lane.

Limited to foot traffic, the bridge will be used as an overpass for role-players to hide on and under. It spans far enough so vehicles can go under it, said Maj. James Hesterberg, the construction and facility management officer at Fort Harrison.

“We want to have it available as soon as we can for Soldiers who are preparing to deploy to get the training value,” he said.

Williams Street Bridge will be used as a place to conceal fake IEDs and for enemy forces to hide during a unit’s use of the IED lane, said Montana National Guard facilities project manager Al Brainard..

The bridge measures at 38 feet wide, 100 feet long and 13 feet 6 inches tall allowing for multiple positions to hide the IEDs and have a different scenario each time a unit goes through the training, he said.

Montana National Guard facilities project manager Al Brainard said normally the bridge would have been adopted by a citizen or orga-nization, with a substantial amount of money going to the adopter to pay for building abut-ments and help pay for moving the bridge to its new location.

Though the bridge now resides on Fort Harrison’s training area, the county retained

ownership and paid to move it, explained Brainard.

Relocating the Williams Street Bridge was accomplished with the help of both Tamietti House Movers and Construction of Whitehall and Dick Anderson Construction of Helena. The companies moved the structure along U.S. Highway 12, to Country Club Ave., onto Wil-liams Street, then on Barrett Road before ending up at the training area of the fort. To navigate the bridge along the roads, a member of Tami-etti guided the truck carrying the historic piece around signs, trees, and telephone poles to avoid damaging the bridge or property.

Fort Harrison will build the abutments for the structure, paint and take care of the bridge during its time on the fort, said Brainard.

As more units receive their warning orders this year, the training lane is hoped to be finished no later than spring. Units can then use it for their pre-mobilization training and be better pre-pared for their deployment, said Hesterberg.

By Spc. Britney Bodner

Williams Street bridge helps training Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Roger Dey


Montana Air National Guardsman Senior Airman Shay Shaulis left for Basic Training at age 17. Unbeknownst to either Shay or his parents, Theda and Zane, Shay would expe-rience his fi rst deployment with the Montana Air National Guard Security Forces to the country of Kyrgyzstan at only 19 years old. “Times have changed. Maybe we weren’t being realistic, but we really weren’t expect-ing our son to be deployed as soon as he was,” said Theda.

Deployments bring on a host of emo-tions. “Other Guardsmen showed empathy and concern for Shay and our family. They understood what we were going through and made it known that they were there to lean on. We truly felt like family and that Shay was one of their own. It was especially help-ful when Capt. Ben Royer personally took the time to explain the deployment alleviat-ing many of our concerns. We felt assured our son would be well cared for and would return home safely,” said Theda.

Upon returning, Shay was a different young man. “Getting our son back was a way more diffi cult process than we had expected;

little did we know that his stepping off that plane would only be the beginning. He had seen and experienced things his peers had not. It was as though Shay was a fi sh out of water, and he wasn’t quite sure how to go about getting back into the sync of swimming with his peers again,” said Theda. “We didn’t know what Shay had gone through while he was deployed, but he came home different. He was agitated, angry and impatient with those around him. He was operating in ‘take charge’ mode. It was as though he had been blindsided with adult responsibilities and needed to learn how to be a kid again.”

It was through the MTANG Family Readi-ness Group and the reintegration “Yellow Ribbon” programs that Shay and the Shau-lises received positive direction. “We are grateful for the breadth of information they provided, and it was useful information that we could use in situations we were facing every day. It’s realistic information with results,” said Theda. The Shaulises are especially grateful for the VA Upward Bound education program; counseling sessions; VA medical information as well as the time Shay

spent decompressing with his fellow Airmen through the reintegration period.

The Upward Bound VA education program offered transitional courses free of charge, enabling Shay to complete the education prerequisites needed for acceptance into the university system. Having successfully com-pleted his courses, Shay is now enrolled in the only state-offered curriculum for power plant operator located at MSU Billings.

Shay also took it upon himself to accept the counseling sessions offered by the pro-gram. Shay utilized the counseling to come to terms with his experience and reconcile his new life with his old one. “The counseling did tremendous things for Shay,” said Theda. “He’s back to the reasonable young man he was when he left.”

The Shaulises are especially appreciative and impressed with the efforts to ensure that Airman do not experience re-integration on their own. Shay was encouraged to stay along-side his troops during this process. “It was diffi cult for Shay to stay focused, enjoy going to work and to remain tolerant of others after returning from Kyrgyzstan,” said Theda. “It

spent decompressing with his fellow Airmen through the reintegration period.

OUTOFOUTOUTOFOFA fi sh water

By Col. Jeff Ireland, MTNG Director of Manpower and Personnel


was especially helpful for Shay to hear others share the same emotions and frustrations. It was crucial for him to know that he was not alone in the adjustment,” she said.

During Shay’s VA benefi t briefi ng, the Shaulises received more good news. As it turned out, Shay’s father, a Vietnam Veteran, was entitled to an increase in VA benefi ts. The result was increased assistance and a better quality of life for Shay’s parents.

Shay, now a 20-year-old Veteran, is cur-rently assigned to the MTANG 120th Security Forces Squadron and began taking his col-lege classes at MSU Billings in January. Today, Shay is fi nally enjoying the life of an average 20-year-old, thanks to the dedication of his family, Family Readiness Group programs and his peers.

This article is sponsored by the Montana Family Programs Advisory Council (FPAC) to increase awareness and understanding of the impact of programs and services avail-able to support Montana military families. If you have a suggestion for a future article please call Karen Putnam at (406) 449-3476, e-mail [email protected] or contact any council member.

Families who lose a service member now have a guardian angel. That guard-ian angel is the new Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) coordinator for the Mon-tana National Guard, Joe Warren. He is the subject matter expert on all local, state and federal benefi ts and entitlements for surviving families. The SOS coordinator will act as the “go to” referral source to ensure that families receive long term support in the areas of fi nancial planning, budget-ing, grief counseling and peer support in addition to benefi ts and entitlements. The SOS coordinator helps the surviving family negotiate their new life and to continue as a part of the greater military family if they so choose. This relationship is available for as long as the family desires.

Joe retired from the Montana Army National Guard with 28 years of military service. He has an offi ce in the Joint Force Headquarters at Fort Harrison and also in the Butte National Guard Armory. He works Monday and Tuesday in Helena, and Wednesday through Friday in Butte. Joe is prepared to sit down with surviving fami-lies, assess their needs, point them toward the right resources that will help them most, and then follow up to ensure they get their entitled services. Surviving family members include those whose loved one died while on active duty, was a member of the Guard or reserves, a retiree or veteran.

You can contact Joe at (406) 324-3243 or (406) 558-9213 or by e-mail: [email protected]

New Survivor OutreachServices Coordinator

turned out, Shay’s father, a Vietnam Veteran, was entitled to an increase in VA benefi ts. The result was increased assistance and a better quality of life for Shay’s parents.

Shay, now a 20-year-old Veteran, is cur-rently assigned to the MTANG 120th Security Forces Squadron and began taking his col-lege classes at MSU Billings in January. Today, Shay is fi nally enjoying the life of an average 20-year-old, thanks to the dedication of his family, Family Readiness Group programs and his peers.

This article is sponsored by the Montana Family Programs Advisory Council (FPAC)

A fi sh water




By Lt. Col. Michael A. Buck, 186th Fighter Squadron

The 186th Aero Squadron in World War I

Although the 186th Fighter Squadron began its service with the Montana Air National Guard in 1947, Montana Guardsmen may be surprised to learn that the 186th fi rst took to the skies during World War I. Nov.16, 2009, marks the 92nd anniversary of the Squadron’s creation. This article is the second in a series that tells the story of how the 186th Aero Squadron was fi rst organized, trained, deployed to Europe and ultimately saw aerial combat in the skies over France in The Great War.

Part 2 of a series

Immediately upon the squadron’s arrival in Liverpool, three men were admitted to the hospital, two for measles and the other for suspected meningitis. The remainder left Liverpool the same day, proceeding to Camp Woodley in Romsey, England, arriving late that night. The squadron spent the next 10 days under quarantine. While at Romsey, the squadron was split into four fl ights, A, B, C, and D, and sent to different posts in England to receive training by the Royal Air Force.

B Flight traveled to Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, in command of Lt. Walker. During the fl ight’s stay in Castle Bromwich, mumps developed and the entire fl ight was placed under quarantine for three weeks, during which time they were put to work on a farm. Flight members participated in the Allied parade in the city of Birmingham, given in honor of the Red Cross.

C and D Flights were sent to Rendcombe Aerodrome, near Cirencester, in command of Lt. Lindall, where they were turned over to Lt. Herbert F. Guenther, offi cer in charge of all American personnel stationed there. On April 5, 1918, B Flight joined C and D Flights at Rendcombe. These three fl ights next trans-ferred to Cheltenham, England, July 4 and were

entertained by the towns-people. While at Chel-tenham, a baseball game was played between the 186th and the 199th Aero Squadrons, both guests of the town.

Still under the com-mand of Lt. Zapf, A Flight was initially stationed at Lilbourne, near Rugby. On April 5, 1918, A Flight was transferred to Port Meadow Aero-drome, Oxford, England, at which time Lt. Zapf was relieved of command of the 186th by Lt. Ray Traxler. By the time the 186th arrived, Port Meadow was the site of feverish training activity. It was here that 186th aero squadron’s mechanics and pilots, whose only experience was with trainers, would learn to maintain and operate combat aircraft.

For centuries, Port Meadow had been used as common grazing land. The Great War was not considered suffi cient cause to upset that tradition, so the fi rst job every morning was to drive the cattle off the airfi eld and onto

“We landed a bit short” – A less-than-textbook landing in an Avro: 186th Aero Squadron training at Oxford, England.

“To the King!”Feb. 16 – Aug. 27, 1918

The 186th trains in England for combat, then deploys to France

Pvt. Hans Hundorp, 186th Aero Squadron, bought this postcard of Birmingham, England


Wolvercote Common to allow fl ying to begin. As trainees could eventually fi nd themselves in any combat role, the basics of all aspects of aerial combat were covered, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and observation. For air-to-ground fi ring, the silhouette of an airplane, complete with German crosses fashioned from planks, was laid out on the meadow in chalk lumps.

Even more than today, fl ying was a risky business. In all, thirteen aviators would die in training at Port Meadow during the war. Many deaths were due to inexperience, but death came to even the most seasoned combat vet-erans. The Scottish Ace, Capt. George Edwin Thomson of Number 46 Squadron, scored 15 of his 21 victories in March 1918 alone and had been awarded the Military Cross. He was returned to England and assigned to Port Meadow as an instructor because of his expe-rience and to grant him a well-earned rest. On May 23, 1918, he was killed during takeoff at Port Meadow when his aircraft caught fi re and crashed in full view of 186th personnel.

Such mishaps prepared the men for casu-alties – the casualties of combat. Future Cana-dian Ace, 2nd Lt. Patrick Manley, a graduate of Niagara University in New York, was a Port Meadow trainee when the 186th arrived. He wrote in a letter to his parents: “Was at the ‘drome today, when one of the best pilots looped three times and on his third loop pulled the bally machine apart. Wings came off, the engine is sunken about four feet in the ground. It caught fi re, of course; the pilot and

the passenger didn’t have a show. Tonight at the mess everything was as usual. A stranger would never guess that the most popular member of our mess had been done for just two hours previous – the same old chatter, the same kidding and joking, and nothing sad or morbid. It wasn’t heartlessness or carelessness – just a mere disregard for things like that. We can’t think about them. Personally, it never bothered me. I guess I must be used to it all. I was shooting clay pigeons at the time, saw the loops and result, but went on shooting, and other machines kept ascending and fl ying about the same as always. My only thought was a little prayer that God might have pity on them, and a greater resolve to be prepared.”

Despite the hectic pace and frequent fatali-ties, the Royal Flying Corps maintained its sense of decorum, and American pilots found themselves immersed in British military cul-ture. Lt. Amos Matthews recalled, “The instruc-tion squadron that I was attached to was very nicely quartered, and lived like gentlemen. We had our meals together in a big dining room; the staff would sit at the head table. About once a week, on some ceremonial occa-sion – somebody’s birth-day, or some anniversary or something – we would all be assembled and the major would raise his glass and say “Gentlemen: to the king.” And we’d all drink to the king, and sit

down very solemnly. Sometime later in France, a friend of mine ran into a little diffi culty with his top brass, a colonel, who said “Don’t you know anything about military courtesy?” and this fellow clicked his heels and said, “Sir, I was trained by the British, and all I know about military courtesy is how to drink to the king.”

While the squadron was in England they received instruction with different types of English planes – Bristol Fighters, B.E.2E, Avro 504s, D.H. 6s, Sopwith Camels and Pups, S.E. 5s and R.E. 8s. A mechanic remarked, “This instruction was all practical; the men worked on the planes and were made responsible for their upkeep and effi ciency.”

Amos Matthews had fond memories of the R.E. 8. Decades later, he recalled, “The fi rst combat plane I had a ride on – I had any instruction on – was an R.E. 8. The “R.E.” stood for “Reconnaissance Experiment,” and it was a very successful observation plane

The 186th Aero Squadron inWorld War I

Top Sgt. John L. Kavanaugh playing catch outside his barracks

Port Meadow Aerodrome at Oxford, England.

Capt. Butler of the Royal Flying Corps provided seasoned instruction to the 186th.

An R.E. 8 sits idle between sorties at Port Meadow


Still, the men’s health must have been excel-lent, because Erwin wrote home that he had “covered almost the entire island on fur-loughs.” He described the country as “beauti-ful and interesting, if not made more so by historical attachments.” He also noted the food shortages with which the British people were quietly coping, due to the needs of the war effort and also to the relentless German submarine attacks on Allied shipping. In

fact, the men of the 186th were so struck by the hardships suffered by the citizens of their host country that the squadron adopted as its mascot a bright, curly-headed English boy named Loveridge, whose parents had been killed in an air raid in October 1917.

While the 186th was being readied for war, the needs of the operational squadrons fight-ing in France slowly drained the unit’s cadre of aviators and medics; ultimately all of the flying and medical personnel originally assigned to the 186th were transferred out. It was hoped that they would be replaced soon after the squadron’s arrival in France.

In anticipation of the difficulty that could lie ahead in finding enough qualified officer aviators to fully man the squadron, Pvt. Gus Beck, along with other enlisted men of the 186th, was given familiarization rides and rudimentary training in the tasks expected of an observer. Beck became known as “The Flying Dutchman” and walked away from more than one crash during his training at Port Meadow.

On August 17, 1918, all flights were reas-sembled in Winchester and equipped for duty in France. The squadron handed the task of watching out for the young orphan Loveridge to the 153rd Aero Squadron. The 186th then traveled to Southampton on Aug. 23, where they awaited transportation across the Chan-nel. The squadron embarked on board the S.S. Yale on Aug. 27, 1918, and disembarked at Le Havre, France, the next morning. One squadron member wrote, “The trip was un-eventful: no submarines, no German Fleet, no sea monsters.”

– mapping, and observing and that sort of thing – because of her great stability. Stories were told of pilot and observer being killed, but the R.E. 8 ran level until it ran out of gas. Then it gently let itself down, being found behind the English lines with the pilot and observer both shot to death, but with the plane intact.”

Due to a shortage of English doctors, 186th surgeon Lt. Harry F. Erwin found that he was the only physician at Port Meadow available to care for the men of the squadron.

Pvt. Gustav “Gus” Beck climbs aboard an Avro.

S.S. Yale, in “Dazzle” paint, carried the 186th to France.

Look for Part 3 in the next issue!

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In 1893, what we now call the University of Montana-Missoula was chartered at the same time as the state land grant college, which is located in Bozeman. Both Montana schools were just 23 years old when the National Defense Act of 1916 created the Reserve Offi cer Training Program. The Grizzly Battalion has been a part of the University of Montana ever since. It is still located on Missoula campus, in Schreiber Gym, its home since 1926.

Since its inception in 1918, the University of Montana ROTC program has commis-sioned 1,771 second lieutenants, produced 10 general offi cers, and provided a steady

In 1893, what we now call the University of

By Maj. Mark McGinley

supply of quality offi cers for service in active duty, National Guard and U.S. Army reserve units throughout the United States. The University of Montana “Grizzly Battalion” is one of more than 270 ROTC host programs nationwide.

The idea of ROTC grew from a simple and novel concept promoted by Capt. Alden Partridge. He wanted to provide a quality source of Army offi cers, separate from the very limited environment of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Partridge, a former superintendent at West Point, founded the American Literary, Scientifi c

and Military Academy in 1819 at Northfi eld, Vt. This was the fi rst American institution of higher education to prescribe military training as a required part of the curriculum. Norwich University, as it is known today, is still in existence.

Other colleges and universities began to offer military training based on the model provided by Partridge. In 1862, Represen-tative Justin Morrill of Vermont sponsored legislation providing land grants for Agricul-tural and Mechanical Arts (A&M) colleges to meet a growing demand for Army offi -cers as the result of the Civil War. Military

By Maj. Mark McGinley

THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA:

GRIZ ROTC

Photos: Provided by University of Montana ROTC


accepted their commissions this past Decem-ber still have much in common with their counterparts from 1922. The methods of war may have changed, but the principles of leadership are a constant throughout history. The Army still requires a reliable source of quality offi cers.

In 2001, the Grizzly Battalion demon-strated its continued commitment of provid-ing quality Army offi cers to serve the nation by establishing a partnership program with Carroll College in Helena. Of the 1,771 Army offi cers commissioned to date, 21 of these lieutenants are the result of this part-nership. Over the course of past 87 years, the University of Montana ROTC has excelled in

providing an invaluable service to the nation. Based on this exemplary performance, the GRIZ will continue to produce quality Army offi cers for the next 87 years as well.

training was a requirement of these “land grant” colleges and provided the basis for what would later become ROTC. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act into law July 2, 1862.

The second Morrill Act, of 1890, initiated an annual source of appropriations, to sup-port, and to insure the continued success of the land grant colleges. The Morrill Act of 1890 provided specifi c support for 17 his-torically black colleges, and 30 American Indian colleges. The legacy of the colleges and universities created as the result of this land grant legislation is most visible today in the continued success of ROTC programs nationwide.

ROTC has come a long way. The lieutenants of 1922 were only a few short years removed from the trench warfare of World War I. They could not have imagined jet airplanes and heli-copters, intercontinental ballistic missiles and satellite communications, or the myriad issues we now call asymmetric warfare. The Army now, as well as the world in which we operate, is an amazingly different place.

Although the world has changed, the young men and women who recently

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(Left) Montana Adjutant General Brig. Gen. John Walsh shakes the hand of F-15D pilot Col. Matt Lynde following Walsh’s orientation fl ight Oct. 23, 2009.

(Right) Montana Adjutant General Brig. Gen. John Walsh gives the “thumbs up” signal prior to taking his orientation fl ight in an F-15D assigned to the 120th Fighter Wing of the Montana Air National Guard. Photos: Senior Master Sgt. Eric Peterson

Adjutant General gets first-hand look at the MTANG’s F-15s

By Maj. Rick AndersonMontana Air National Guard Public Affairs Offi cer

The commanding general of the Montana National Guard fl ew in the back seat of an F-15D Eagle in Octo-ber 2009 to experience fi rsthand the mission of the 120th Fighter Wing.

With all of the state-of-the- art equipment within the Montana National Guard, Brig. Gen. John Walsh had never fl own in a tactical fi ghter.

“It was a great experience to see what it’s really like,” said General Walsh. “It gave me a better idea of what a pilot and the men and women on the ground do to get a sortie in the air.”

His pilot, Col. Matt Lynde, 120th Fighter Wing vice-wing commander, fl ew him over the skies of Montana

on a standard incentive ride profi le - a dedicated fl ight to show all of the F-15’s capabilities.

“It was truly an honor to fl y the commanding offi cer of the Montana National Guard,” said Lynde. “It was a chance for the general to see what the fi ne men and women of our unit and our state do.”

Walsh said it was immediately apparent at take off that he was in for a new experience, and before the hour-long sortie concluded he had pulled more than 7 Gs, fl own close to supersonic speed and experienced a variety of aerobatics.

“To be able to sustain that [G forces] in combat and be able to maintain your situational awareness is pretty

amazing,” said Walsh. The general said he was

impressed by the speed at which the F-15 can climb and was astonished by the sensitiv-ity of the fl ight controls. Wing maintainers were equally impressive during his visit.

Winter 2009-2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 27BIG SKY GUARDIAN / 27Winter 2009-2010 / BIG SKY GUARDIAN

Adjutant General gets first-hand look at the MTANG’s F-15s

“The maintainers do hard work, and I really appreciate the effort. The pilots can’t do anything if those guys don’t do their jobs. It gave me an appreciation for what the maintenance guys do,” said the general.

Walsh is the Adjutant General for the state of Montana,

commander of the Montana National Guard and the direc-tor of the Department of Military Affairs. He manages the day to day activities of Montana’s Army National Guard, Air National Guard, joint programs and the Emergency Management Division.

Montana Adjutant General Brig. Gen. John Walsh fl ies in the back seat of an F-15D assigned to the 120th Fighter Wing of the Montana Air National Guard. He took an orien-tation fl ight with the unit Oct. 23, 2009.


“Employers are the unsung heroes in the reserve components,” said the Montana State chair of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Mike Flaherty. Almost half of our nation’s military strength resides in the National Guard and reserve. These brave men and women perform critical roles in our nation’s defense and disaster relief. Their ser-vice would not be possible without support from their employers.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency that seeks to develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees by recognizing outstanding employers, increasing awareness of the law and resolving conflicts through mediation.

“Employers are the ones that employ the traditional Guardsmen and reservists and they don’t get a lot of recognition,” said Fla-herty. “What ESGR does is give that recogni-tion to employers of our country that employ our national asset called Guard and Reserve component members.”

ESGR operates via a network of approxi-mately 4,500 volunteers with 56 Field Com-mittees throughout the United States, territo-ries and the District of Columbia.

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (ESERRA) is the federal law that establishes rights and responsibilities for members of the National Guard and Reserve and their civilian employers. USERRA affects employment, reemployment and retention in employment when employees serve in the uniformed services. ESGR informs and educates service members and their civilian employers regarding their rights and respon-sibilities governed by USERRA.

ESGR does not have the statutory author-ity to enforce USERRA but serves as a neutral, free resource for employers and service mem-bers alike. ESGR’s 800 trained ombudsmen, located in all states, provide no-cost media-tion for issues relating to compliance with USERRA. Over the last several years, ESGR has maintained a high success rate in media-tion, with over 70 percent of cases resolved through ESGR mediation. Most problems result from poor communication between employers and their employees or from a lack of familiarization with the rights and respon-sibilities of each as defined by law. ESGR has resources available for both parties.

“Employees are the backbone of our com-pany, and we go to great lengths to support them and their families as they serve their country,” said David Gibson, Qwest presi-dent for Montana.

Qwest Communication in Helena has signed a Statement of Support from Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) as a “Five-Star Employer” in Montana. This is the highest honor ESGR awards to com-panies for their support of employees in the National Guard and Reserve.

“There are nearly 6,000 Guard and Reserve members across Montana,” said Fla-herty. “Employers are a key reason the Guard and Reserve maintain their enlistment.” Of the 7.4 million employers in the United States, 120,000 of them employ Guardsmen and Reservists.

For more information about the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, please contact the toll free number at 1-866-615-4439. Or you can contact these representa-tives directly: Tina Whitaker at (406) 324-3128 or Carla Lott at (406) 324-3021.

Employer support for National Guard members

T o g e t h e r w e a l l s e r v e

By Maj. Rick AndersonESGR Public Affairs Officer

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Big Sky Guardian Winter 2010 Edition

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