wvarng unit deploys for middle east rotation with 30th abct
bidding farewell
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LEADERSHIP MESSAGE West Virginia Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, discusses the importance of resiliency and looking out for one another across the force. SNAPSHOTS 130th AW members mentor Student Flight WVARNG prepares for new ACFT 119th Sapper Company conducts force on force training Remembering SSG Billy Friese
NEWS AND FEATURES WVARNG Soldiers depart for Middle East deployment with 30th ABCT State's top warrant officer promoted, steps into new role 130th airlift wing civil engineers conduct deployment for training in hawaii WVANG, Qatari Air Force complete current operations SMEE Airmen ingenuity makes deicing process safer and faster 167th AW leads the charge in electrostatic discharge procedures airman finds support through air force wounded warrior program wv, new jersey team up for tccc exchange in qatar GOld Star weekend promotes healing, camaraderie for gold star families
Volume 19 Issue 4
Commander in Chief Gov. Jim Justice Adjutant General Maj. Gen. James A. Hoyer State Senior Enlisted Leader Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip Cantrell State Public Affairs Officer/Editor Maj. Holli Nelson Contributors 130th Airlift Wing Public Affairs 167th Airlift Wing Public Affairs 153rd Public Affairs Detachment The Mountaineer Defender is an authorized publication of the West Virginia National Guard. Contents are not necessarily the official views of, nor are they endorsed by, the United States government, the Department of Defense, the West Virginia National Guard or the state of West Virginia. Publication of material is determined by available space and reader interest. The staff reserves the right to edit all material. The Mountaineer Defender is published quarterly. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Public Affairs Office (WVNG-PAO), 1703 Coonskin Drive, Charleston, W.Va. 25311. Direct communication is authorized to the editorial staff at 304-561-6762 or holli.r.nelson.mil@mail.mil. Guard members, family and other interested persons are encouraged to submit any articles and photos meant to inform, educate or entertain Mountaineer Defender readers. Submitted content, if approved for usage, may be used additionally or exclusively on the West Virginia National Guard website, official WVNG social media sites or in other public affairs office products.
West Virginia Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, discusses the importance of resiliency and looking out for one another across the force.
There is no question that serving in today’s military is challenging. It is even more so when you couple that service with balancing the unique factors of being a member of the National Guard. Our Nation has been at continuous war for nearly two decades, the world is fraught with discord, and we face new tests as we work to develop a fighting force to address future conflicts. While these are merely a few examples of the military-centric issues we face as a National Guard, the Soldiers and Airmen who make up the nearly 6,500-strong West Virginia National Guard are tested daily with their own struggles and challenges. I’m here to let you know that you are not alone. September is a month set aside to focus on resiliency and suicide prevention in the United States, and particularly in the military. But, 30 days is not enough for us to tackle some of the greatest issues facing our men and women in uniform. This topic must be a constant conversation for everyone throughout the year. Having served in the Army for nearly 39 years, I’m no stranger to the highs and lows that come with the job. Many of the problems that face our force today are not necessarily military related – it may involve relationships, financial issues, difficulties in balancing work and school, or any number of factors that a person deals with on a daily basis. Suicide and mental health treatment are complex issues with individualistic factors, but together we can overcome setbacks, recover and grow from adversities to thrive on a daily basis. One of the greatest benefits of service in the National Guard is that we are more than just Soldiers and Airmen who put on the uniform; we are a family and family takes care of one another. Every person who I serve with in the West Virginia National Guard is important, not only to me, but also to their unit, their friends, their family and to the overall mission of the organization. We could not be as successful as we are without you! As a family, I want to encourage everyone to be an advocate for positive change. This can be accomplished by being there for your peers, serving as a mentor, reaching out to those in need and assisting people with being connected to help. In order to change, we must help erase the stigma associated with seeking treatment for mental health or other circumstances in a service members life. There are numerous resources available within the West Virginia National Guard for service members and their families. From mental health services to financial counseling and employment assistance, we have people available any time to assist you or your family when you need it most. Our goal is for every Soldier, Airman and family member to have the resources available to make it through any tough times and to know that they are not alone. As we move toward closing out another busy year for our force, I’m reminded daily of the exceptional work being carried out by each one of you. Myself and the rest of the Army and Air Force leadership are inspired by your willingness to accept any challenge thrown your way, the tenacity you display and the ingenuity you utilize when accomplishing the mission. I couldn’t be more proud to serve alongside each and every one of you. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, I urge you to get connected with one of the resources below: WVARNG Crisis Hotline – 304-561-6640 (on call 24/7) Veteran and Family Crisis Hotline – 800-273-8255 WVARNG R3SP - 304-561-6816 WVARNG Chaplain – 304-561-6490 Director of Psychological Health (130th AW) – 304-341-6516 Director of Psychological Health (167th AW) – 304-616-5939 Family Readiness – 304-561-6826 Sexual Assault Response Coordinator – 304-561-6681 WVNG Financial Counseling – 304-561-6784 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve – 304-201-3579 WVNG Education Office – 304-561-6370
leadership message
"Every person who I serve with in the West Virginia National Guard is important, not only to me, but also to their unit, their friends, their family and to the overall mission of the organization. We could not be as successful as we are without you!"
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wvarng soldiers depart for middle east deployment with 30th abct
story and photos by: jfhq public affairs
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It was a bittersweet atmosphere recently as family members, friends, leaders from both the West Virginia and North Carolina National Guard and Gov. Jim Justice bid farewell to the Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment during a Yellow Ribbon deployment event. More than 500 Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment; 1st Battalion, 201st Field Artillery Regiment; and D Company, 230th Brigade Support Battalion will join the North Carolina National Guard’s 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) for a deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield in the coming months. The 30th ABCT consists of 4,200 National Guard Soldiers from four states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia. The West Virginia National Guard’s Commander-in-Chief, Gov. Jim Justice, thanked the Soldiers for their continued support to the State of West Virginia in times of need and also discussed the important role of taking care of families while their loved ones are deployed. “This is an unbelievable group of men and women,” said Justice. “I cannot say enough about your bravery, your honor and your courage. I know just a portion of what your families feelings are - I know they’re worried, I know they’re concerned, and I know they love you. But I also know they’re really proud. We owe everything we have to you.” This deployment, the third for members of the 1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment since 9/11, is a part of a regular rotation of forces in the region. Soldiers will carry out the mission of sustaining theater readiness to conduct unified land operations and will support partner nations in making the region safer. The unit has been training for more than a year in preparation for this mobilization, which has included two large scale training exercises in Ft. Bliss, Texas, last year, and most recently, Ft. Irwin, California, in June. Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, the Adjutant General of the WVNG, talked specifically of the sacrifices of military families and the inherent danger that service members sign up for when they join the military, whether deployed or not. He thanked the men and women who will soon depart to represent the West Virginia Guard on a global scale and reminded those in attendance of the importance of taking care of family members at home. Maj. Gen. Gregory Lusk, North Carolina National Guard Adjutant General, imparted his words of wisdom on the troops in attendance stating, “If it were easy, they would have contracted someone else to do it.” He continued, “I know your mission will be a little bit different this time around from previous deployments. Your mission is to go over there and prevent war. You are going to be on the forefront of preserving peace and stability in the region and therefore you have to be prepared for the entire spectrum of operations. I know that the 30th ABCT will not be successful without the significant contributions of the 1-150th Cavalry Regiment.” Soldiers in attendance noted their readiness to accept their mission overseas and looked forward to gaining valuable experience in their military occupational specialties while serving their state and nation. Up next for the deploying unit is follow-on training at Ft. Bliss, Texas, where they will ensure final preparations are in place before departing for the Middle East. With this deployment of Soldiers, the WVNG will have more than 700 troops deployed in contingency locations around the world.
story AND PHOTOS BY: JFHQ Public Affairs
West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG) State Command Chief, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Daniel Hutchins was promoted to Warrant Officer 5 Aug. 19, 2019, at the Joint Forces Headquarters in Charleston, West Virginia. Hutchins, a native of Marietta, Ohio, assumed responsibilities as the state’s warrant officer corps leader in February of 2019 after 19 years in the WVARNG and 28 years in the military. State Command Chiefs are tasked with keeping the Adjutant General informed and makes recommendations in matters related to warrant officer accessions, training, education and welfare. Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, said that in a Joint Forces environment like the WVNG, he looks for leaders who not only live up to the service’s values, but epitomize them. “We know the Army values by the acronym LDRSHIP – loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, personal courage – and across the Air Force they talk about integrity first, selfless service, duty before others,” Hoyer said. “If you look at those Army Values, and you look at the Air Force Values, and you look at Daniel Hutchins you would say he epitomizes those values across the spectrum.” Hutchins began his speech with a reading of the Code of the United States Army Warrant Office, which is how he lives and serves. He went on the quote the philosopher James Allen – “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” Hutchins used an engineering metaphor to thank those who he said are behind his ability to be at the pinnacle of his career. First we have to have a plan, and he would have to thank God for capabilities and all things, he said. Next, you have to have a solid foundation, he said. For him, family is the true foundation. His rich heritage of military service, as well as the support of his mother, mother-in-law, and wife, who he said is the most courageous woman he knows. After the foundation, you have to think about the structure and framework. Hutchins said for him, those are his senior leaders – officers and NCO - who have shown him their mentorship, hard work, and guidance. Finally, it’s the finishing, the components that finish a home, that complete a project. Hutchins said it has to go to every man and woman he has met, mentors, and leaders he has worked with along the way, in uniform and in civilian capacity. “I can stand here today and be humbly grateful for you, for this to be provided to me,” Hutchins said. “With that, I thank you all for coming out here today. I appreciate you all.” Hutchins enlisted in the Army in 1992 and from there served a four-year tour in Europe culminating in a tour to the Balkan’s under Kosovo Force (KFOR). Then, he was reassigned to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, where he served his remaining time on Active Duty with army aviation prior to being accepted into the Counter Drug program with the Georgia Army National Guard. Hutchins served with the GAARNG from 1997 through 2000, when he was accepted and transferred to the WVARNG CD program. In June of 2001, Hutchins was accepted into Army Aviation Rotary Wing Flight School and graduated September 2002. He has served with the WVARNG in aviation until his recent promotion to state command chief.
stATE'S TOP WARRANT OFFICER PROMOTED, STEPS INTO NEW ROLE
130th airlift wing civil engineers conduct deployment for training in hawaii
Airmen from the 130th Civil Engineering Squadron attended Deployment For Train (DFT) Aug. 4-18 at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii. A DFT delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness, in addition to, providing key services such as health care, construction, transportation and cybersecurity with lasting benefits to local communities. Through the DFT, 130th CES Airmen have completed multiple projects at Schofield Barracks. “Being prepared to answer the call of the nation is always a priority, so it’s great to be able to train in a different place other than West Virginia,” explained Lt. Col. Stephen McCollum, 130th CES Commander. “Different environments present different challenges, so we must be ready to perform the mission at any place in the world at any time.” The Airmen completed five main projects: building an office for the 289th Air Defense Group, renovating and extending a privacy wall that protects vital 289th ADG equipment, and a complete renovation of three bathroom/wash facilities. These projects tested each Airman’s skills in carpentry, plumbing, masonry, electrical work and other Civil Engineering disciplines. Most of the Airmen used this project as a chance to learn more and challenge themselves in other types of work than they were trained for and were comfortable with. Many of the Airmen were presented difficult challenges requiring them to operate outside of their specialty in the squadron, therefore becoming more versatile as a squadron. “Being young and fairly new to the unit, this has been an awesome experience and I’ve learned a ton,” said Airman 1st Class Dakota Miller, a Water and Fuels Specialist assigned to the 130th CES. “For the first few days I couldn’t do any plumbing work, so I was helping out and learning other skills and trades, and also have built better relationships with my coworkers.” Approximately half of the Airmen attending the training have returned from a deployment within the past six months, so being able to train and serve in Hawaii also doubles as a reward for them. “Most of them have either returned from deployments or have been away for multiple training exercises, and in some cases both, so it’s great to be able to come to a beautiful place like this to train,” said McCollum. “They’re here busting their tails to get these projects done, so why not put them in somewhere that they can enjoy after their workday is over to reward them for all they’ve done.” The Airmen received high praises for the projects they completed during their stay in Hawaii. “The amount and quality of work they’ve done in the short amount of time they’ve been here is impressive, to say the least,” said Master Sgt. Kevin Stewart, 289th ADG Communications Focal Point Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge and Facility Manager. “They’ve all been very professional and to someone who doesn’t have much knowledge in civil engineering, the knowledge and skills they’ve displayed is awesome!”
story, photos and video by: senior airman caleb vance
STORY by: jfhq public affairs
wvang, qatari air force conduct current operations smee
Four members of the West Virginia Air National Guard's (WVANG) 167th Airlift Wing (167th AW) and 130th Airlift Wing (130th AW) recently took part in a current operations subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Aug. 18 - 22, 2019. The week-long event was a part of the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program (SPP) partnership between West Virginia and Qatar, which has been continually building for over a year and a half. Capt. Ryan Day, C-17 pilot and chief of current operations, and Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Windle, a C-17 loadmaster, both from the 167th AW, joined Capt. Shawn Porter, C-130 pilot and chief of current operations, and Master Sgt. James Harper, a C-130 loadmaster, for the trip. The WVANG cohort worked alongside members of the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) for the SMEE. Over the course of the exchange, the WVANG experts shared information on mission planning, scheduling, aircraft and airport loading, as well as contingency planning for changes and weather. "This was a great opportunity for both the QEAF and the WVANG to develop important relationships among the pilots and loadmasters who may be working alongside one another as our partnership flourishes," said U.S. Army Capt. Allen Jordan, SPP coordinator - Qatar. "This meeting also allowed for our militaries to determine best practices concerning air force current operations that will effectively improve operational efficiency for both organizations and create future opportunities for interoperability." "This SMEE provided the 130th and 167th the opportunity to understand the basic architecture of how the Qatari Operations Cell develops, designs, and executes missions for the C-17 and C-130 Squadrons," said Porter. The QEAF currently operates both the C-17 Globemaster III and the C-130J Super Hercules, among other aircraft in their inventory. "The meetings with our partner, the Qatari Air Force, were very informational and important to both our organizations moving forward," said Harper. "I particularly enjoyed the informal discussions where we could just sit and discuss techniques, practices, and have an open line of communication. We all left the meetings encouraged by the progress and looking forward to next time we could work together." This SMEE was the second WVANG-QEAF partnership meeting to be held since the announcement of the new partnership in May 2018, which marked the second partner nation for the WVNG and the sixth SPP country in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility for the National Guard. Through the partnership with Qatar, the WVNG seeks to increase military and diplomatic cooperation, develop and expand defense capabilities and mutually beneficial training interactions. In addition, the two entities work closely together to increase interoperability of forces and deter and disrupt criminal and terrorist activities in the region.
The West Virginia Army National Guard's 156th Military Police Law and Order Detachment has maintained a strong, professional force in Afghanistan by providing 24-hour operations since January 2018. These Soldiers operate at two of Afghanistan's largest bases, Bagram Airfield (BAF) and Kandahar Airfield (KAF), and provide support to smaller outlying bases while giving direct support to the Base Defense Operations Center. "All of our Soldiers have been doing outstanding work and we have received numerous accolades from various leaders around BAF for our professionalism as Military Police," said Capt. John Kiser, commander of the 156th MP Co. and BAF provost marshal. Law and order operations being conducted by the 156th MP Co. include conducting patrols, issuing traffic citations and conducting investigations. Since arriving in country, the Soldiers have written more than 500 citations for various offenses on BAF. Romanian, Georgian, and Czech soldiers are partners with the 156th MP Co. in Afghanistan and assistance from their international partners has allowed them to accomplish the mission. The 156th MP's Romanian counterparts assist in handling internal security, jurisdictional quandaries, and law enforcement within BAF while Georgians and Czechs provide in and outside the wire securities. Numerous nations besides Afghanistan, Czech Republic, Georgia, Romania, and the United States are a part of the communities of BAF and KAF. Service members from Australia, Britain, Bosnia, contractors from Bosnia, Kosovo, U.K., Uganda, Zimbabwe, and others are also present. For many members of the West Virginia National Guard's 156th MP, it is their first time out of country. "I think this is a great broadening experience for them, working with so many different cultures, militaries, civilians, etc." Kaiser says. In just a little over six months the 156th MPs have not only maintained law and order operations on BAF and KAF but conducted training alongside multiple international militaries, including the Bosnian Guardian Angels Soldiers. Over this course of time, they have shared knowledge and skills in formulating better law and order practices that they can bring back to West Virginia and enhance the overall readiness of the entire organization.
It’s been said, the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. This certainly rings true for a recent change to 167th Airlift Wing’s process for filling aircraft deicing trucks with deicing fluid, improving both efficiency and safety. Aircraft deicing trucks are mounted with a crane lifted basket. The operator sits in the basket and controls the deicing fluid sprayer. Deicing provides protection against ice build-up and snow contamination of critical control surfaces, engine inlets, and sensors on an aircraft prior to launch. “I could never understand why it was so dangerous to fill a deicer and why we continued to accept the risk of injury to someone,” said Chief Master Sgt. Randy Gray, 167th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent. To fill up the deicing truck with the propylene glycol and water mixture, aircraft maintainers drive the deicing truck up to the 30,000 gallon glycol tank in the Petroleum, Oils and Lubricant, or POL yard. The old process required a maintainer to climb on top of the 10-foot tall deicing truck, while another maintainer climbed a set of stairs next to the glycol tank. From the top of the stairs a hose from the tank was swung over to the top of the trucks deicing fluid tank hatch, and then caught and guided into the tank by the maintainer on the truck. This typically happens when there is snow and ice on the ground, which creates yet another hazard for the process. Gray said he knew there had to be a better, safer way to get the job done. He dug into the deicing truck’s technical order and found they were designed to be filled from the bottom up. “In fact, the technical order had a warning stating ‘Do not fill from the top,’” he said. Gray said that the top-filling process has been passed down, maintainer to maintainer, and that he’s never seen the deicing trucks filled any other way. Furthermore, the glycol tank’s pump system had been built to top fill the trucks. Gray said it was Tech. Sgt. Brian Patton, a crew chief for the 167th AMXS, who really lit the fire under him to take action. “Tech. Sgt. Patton was training some technicians on deicing and came into my office stating that he was scared watching the technicians getting on top of the deicer when refilling just hoping no one fell off and was severely injured,” Gray said. Gray made some phone calls and found himself speaking directly to the engineer of the pump for the glycol tank. They did some calculations and determined what piping, hoses, elbows and fittings would be needed to bottom fill the trucks. The one part that couldn’t be purchased, a flange to fit a two-inch coupler, was manufactured on base in the machine shop. “Finally, on Aug. 28 everyone crowded around as we hooked up the new plumbing configuration and crossed our fingers. To our surprise, not only did it work but the deicer filled in a fraction of the time than when top filling,” Gray said. Top filling the aircraft could take up to an hour. The new process takes 15-20 minutes, and could be completed by just one maintainer. Gray said he is excited about the success of the new process and hopes to tackle a few more projects before his retirement next year.
storY and photos by: senior master sgt. emily beightol-deyerle
airmen ingenuity makes deicing process safer and faster
When an aircraft is no longer in production, the importance of preserving spare parts cannot be overstated. Such is the case for the 167th Airlift Wing, operating C-17 Globemaster III which haven’t been manufactured since 2015. Recently, two 167th Airlift Wing Airmen, led the charge to ensure aircraft parts, specifically electrostatic discharge sensitive (ESDS) items, are protected through proper wrapping, shipping and storage processes Air Force-wide. Senior Master Sgt. Jim DeCicco and Chief Master Sgt. Mike Gregory collaborated with the program manager for the ESDS item process to rewrite the technical order guiding the electrostatic discharge (ESD) control measures. “There’s always been a requirement to ship the ESD parts this way,” said DeCicco, the section chief for the 167th Logistics Readiness Squadron’s customer and maintenance support. “We really didn’t change the T.O., we just made the information more accessible and brought it to the attention of AMC.” T.O.00-25-243, change 9 was published in June and the Air Mobility Command recently issued a directive to all AMC logistic readiness squadrons to complete an ESD inspection and correct improper packaging by the end of September. “Resetting this program now will play a huge part in the preservation and serviceability of these spare assets for years to come,” said Maj. Christopher Tusing, 167th LRS commander. Tusing said Gregory and DeCicco have been championing this battle for two to three years. Electrostatic discharge sensitive parts could potentially become damaged by 30-50 volts of static electricity. “Not properly handling electronic parts, assemblies and equipment items can cause ESD damage or degradation when an ESD event occurs or when exposed to electrostatic fields. Items are vulnerable during shipping and storage.” explained Gregory, the quality assurance supervisor for the 167th Maintenance Group and currently serving at the National Guard Bureau as a weapons system manager. “We work hand in hand with maintenance. Any parts that get issued, tracked or turned in, go through us,” DeCicco said. 167th maintenance was often refusing ESD parts because they weren’t wrapped properly. ESD parts that could not be bench-tested at the wing would be sent back to the sender, increasing shipping costs and delaying aircraft maintenance and missions. “Anytime maintenance receives a part that isn’t wrapped properly they need to make the decision whether or not to accept it. The T.O. says they shouldn’t and if they do take it, it could compromise the safety of the mission,” DeCicco said. “That’s really the key point here, to keep the iron moving, since we’re no longer in the production phase of these airframes.” Tusing said.
167th airlift wing leads the charge in electrostatic discharge procedures
As Capt. Heather Wright waded through the muddy waters of the medical evaluation board process, she found her way to the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2), joined the Air Force Warrior Games Team and earned an impressive collection of medals. Wright competed at the Air Force Trials at Nellis Air Force Base, in March, alongside 150 fellow wounded, ill, and injured service members for a spot on the 2019 Air Force Warrior Games team. At the trials, she participated as an Ultimate Champion, competing in all eight individual sports- swimming, shooting, rowing, cycling, field, track, archery, and powerlifting. She finished in third place. In June, Wright represented the Air Force in the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Tampa Bay, Fla. She competed in 12 events in five sports and brought home seven medals for Team Air Force. “For the second year in a row, Team Air Force dominated the overall medal count,” Wright said. The Warrior Games were established in 2010 as a way to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, ill and injured service members and introduces them to adaptive sports. This year, more than 300 athletes from the U.S. Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, U.K. Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force and Canadian Armed Forces competed in the Warrior Games. But Wright stresses that AFW2 does far more than introduce Airmen to competitive adaptive sports. The program takes care of seriously wounded, ill and injured Airmen, caregivers and their families. The goal is to leave them well-equipped to manage challenges, regardless of injury or illness. “They provide family style care and are with you through your journey; whether you are returned to duty or transition to temporary or permanent retirement,” Wright said. “They truly embody care beyond duty.” Wright, who enlisted into the 167th Airlift Wing’s emergency management and then went on to commission as a critical care nurse, was encouraged by her mother, Barbara Wright, to self-refer to the AFW2 program. Soon after being accepted into the program, she was assigned a Recovery Care Coordinator who traveled from Dover Air Force Base to Martinsburg, W.Va., to meet with her and explain the advocacy and support that she would receive through the AFW2 program. AFW2 offers six CARE events at various Air Force locations each year. CARE is an acronym for Caregiver Support, Adaptive Sports and Ambassador Workshop, Recovering Airmen Mentorship Program and Resiliency Program, and Empowerment in Training. These are the support elements of the AFW2 program. Wright attended her first CARE event with her mother in August 2018 and trained to be a mentor through the Recovering Airman Mentorship Program. They plan to attend another CARE event in November where they will receive training to become ambassadors, “equipping us to share our story and encourage others,” Wright said. For more information about the Air Force Wounded Warrior program visit their website at https://www.woundedwarrior.af.mil/
STORY & photos by: senior master sgt. emily beightol-deyerle
airman finds support through air force wounded warrior program
A team of nine medical experts from the West Virginia and New Jersey National Guards recently took part in a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) at the Qatar Emiri Land Force Artillery School in Al Rayyan Municipality, Qatar, Sept. 8-12, 2019. This weeklong event provided an opportunity to share knowledge and best practices on TCCC with the Qatari Emiri Land Forces (QELF), Qatar’s largest branch of military, to better enhance their performance and understanding of basic lifesaving techniques. Eleven QELF members were trained during the engagement, many of whom had no prior knowledge of basic first aid or combat medicine. Over the course of the exchange, West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG) Lt. Col. John Snedegar, Sgt. 1st Class Bradley Hill and Staff Sgt. Christal Miller, along with five medics from the 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry, New Jersey Army National Guard (NJARNG), shared their medical knowledge and the basic principles of TCCC with the QELF. “It was very rewarding to work with our Qatari partners,” said Snedegar. “While we are different in many ways when it comes to our culture and language, as soldiers, we have a kindred spirit when caring for the wounded. This opportunity to share best practices between us allowed everyone involved to be prepared to participate in coalition operations.” The course included hands-on instruction and practical application exercises to build confidence for the course participants. “Working with the Qataris and our West Virginia counterparts has been a great experience,” said Sgt. Joseph Fiore of the 114th Infantry, NJARNG. “Being able to come together shortly after meeting and being able to work together to train our host nation is a true testament to the training and professionalism shown by both states.” WVARNG Capt. Allen Jordan, State Partnership Program Coordinator – Qatar, explained that many of the QELF soldiers had minimal experience with combat medicine and were highly inquisitive and appreciative of the combined efforts of West Virginia and New Jersey. He also stated that they SMEE team was able to highlight important medical procedures like a needle decompression or explain a tension pneumothorax, which the Qataris had never seen or heard of before the training. “It’s been a wonder experience getting to share knowledge and skills with the Qatari soldiers,” said Hill, who works at the WVNG’s Medical Detachment. “I was not sure what to expect being a female, but found our Qatari partners to be open and welcoming during the entire exchange, which was a great opportunity and learning experience for me.” “The barriers of nationality were broken down and we accomplished the mission based on our common purpose of saving lives,” said Miller, who also works for the WVNG’s Medical Detachment. This SMEE is one of many recent West Virginia-Qatar State Partnership Program meetings to be held since the announcement of the new partnership in May 2018, which marked the second partner nation for the WVNG and the sixth SPP country in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility for the National Guard. Through the partnership with Qatar, the WVNG seeks to increase military and diplomatic cooperation, develop and expand defense capabilities and mutually beneficial training interactions. In addition, the two entities work closely together to increase interoperability of forces and deter and disrupt criminal and terrorist activities in the region.
story by: jfhq public affairs
wv, new jersey team up for tccc exchange in qatar
The West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) hosted the annual Gold Star Families Retreat at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, West Virginia, Sept. 27 through 29, 2019, for more than 400 attendees, including WVNG members, supporters and families of 59 fallen service members. The Gold Star Families retreat is hosted each year by the WVNG to honor the service and sacrifice of Gold Star Families - those who have lost a family member in military service. This year’s attendance nearly doubled in size compared to last year’s retreat. During the weekend, various events were sponsored to promote healing, camaraderie and remembrance of the family’s lost loved one. This year on Friday and Saturday, family members - parents, spouses, siblings, children, loved ones - were invited to join in activities such as fishing, archery, equine therapy, yoga and crafts, as well as having more than 20 vendors on site to assist with everything from financial questions and insurance to beekeeping and ways to stay connected. Sunday, a prayer breakfast and naming ceremony was followed by a Missing Man ceremony performed by the Greenbrier High School JROTC in honor of Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. The weekend was completed with a rose laying and balloon release, with the Patriot Guard Riders acting as color guard. "First when I got here and saw everybody walking around with these badges on, it was overwhelming that there were so many people here who had suffered a loss,” said Cathy Teehan, mother of Sgt. William Friese, a West Virginia Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 821st Engineer Company who passed away in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, from a non-combat related incident July 18, 2019, while serving in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. “And then one of the ladies talked to me and she had lost her son in 2008 and said, ‘Oh, I see you're new to all this,’ and I got to cry a little bit. Billy always wanted to give us things. He was just so giving. And it felt like this might be something he wanted for us to do and come and enjoy, and also I felt like it was a chance to keep his memory alive and honor him just a little bit more.” Gold Star Families from every era are welcomed to attend the event, from World War II to the current conflicts in the Middle East including Afghanistan and Iraq. “Gold Star weekend is one of the most significant events we do as a National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard. “West Virginia is known as a state that takes care of its veterans and service members, but one of the most important jobs we have is to support our Gold Star Families through events such as this. It’s truly an honor for us to come together and provide a place of healing and comfort for those families who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation.” The annual Gold Star Families retreat is held the last weekend in September each year, in conjunction with national Gold Star Mother’s and Gold Star Family’s day, which is celebrated on the last Sunday in September.
gold star weekend promotes healing, camaraderie for gold star families
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West Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers have been training recently for the Army's new combat fitness test, which goes into effect Oct. 1, 2019. Video by Sgt. Davis Rohrer
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REMEMBERING SSG BILLY FRIESE
Sgt. William Friese, a West Virginia Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 821st Engineer Company, 1092nd Engineer Battalion, 111th Engineer Brigade, Summersville, West Virginia, passed away in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, from a non-combat related incident July 18, 2019, while serving in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Friese was a light-wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 821st Engineer Company. He joined the West Virginia Army National Guard in 2008 and served with the 821st Engineer Company or 1092nd Engineer Battalion for his entire 12-year career. He was on his second deployment serving in support of Operation Inherent Resolve at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. He had previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 for a yearlong tour with the 1092nd Engineer Battalion. He is the recipient of the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Afghanistan Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, West Virginia Emergency Service Ribbon, West Virginia State Service Ribbon, and numerous other awards and decorations. He was a resident of Parkersburg, West Virginia and a native West Virginian. He is survived by his wife, children, mother, sisters and grandparents.
