Pennsylvania Guardians: Winter 2008 · “The drills were always challenging, but this one really knocked me off my feet,” said Phillips. “Something just wasn’t right.” In

Winter 2008 / GUARDIANS / 1

This unofficial magazine is an authorizedpublication for members of the PennsylvaniaNational Guard. Contents of the magazine arenot necessarily the official view of, orendorsed by, the U.S. Government, theDepartment of Defense, Department of theArmy and/or the Air Force or the PennsylvaniaNational Guard. The appearance of advertis-ing in this publication does not constitute

endorsement by the State of Pennsylvania,Pennsylvania National Guard, DoD, AQPPublishing Inc., the Department of the Armyand/or the Air Force or the publisher of thismagazine of the firms, products or servicesadvertised.

Pennsylvania Guardians magazine ispublished by the Pennsylvania National Guardto keep its members, the Guard command

and public officials, better informed on theissues and events affecting the PennsylvaniaNational Guard.

Editorial content is edited, prepared andprovided by the Office of Public Affairs, JFHQ-PA. All photographs and graphic devices arecopyrighted to the Pennsylvania NationalGuard, unless otherwise indicated.

GovernorEdward G. Rendell

Bob Ulin, PublisherSusan Harrington, EditorGloria Schein, Art Director

Darrell George, Advertising Sales

GovernorEdward G. Rendell

The Adjutant GeneralMaj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright

Executive Editor/State Public Affairs OfficerLt. Col. Christopher Cleaver

Managing Editor1st Lt. Jay Ostrich

State Public Affairs StaffJoan NissleyKevin CramseyCapt. Cory AngellSgt. Damian SmithSgt. Matt Jones

State Public Affairs OfficePennsylvania National Guard

Fort Indiantown GapBuilding 8-41

Annville, PA 17003

www.dmva.state.pa.us

Toll Free: (866) 562-9300Fax: (907) 562-9311

Web: www.AQPpublishing.com

The Adjutant GeneralMaj. Gen.

Jessica L. Wright

www.dmva.state.pa.us

Brushes with greatness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Survival school . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Decade of devotion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Distinguished gentlemen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Above and beyond the skies of Iraq

Fini flight? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Willow Grove completes possibly last A-10 deployment

United we stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Neighbors helping neighbors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Headed home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Legal eagles taking aim at gray zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Holiday message from the Adjutant General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Air Newsmakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Army Newsmakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Curator’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Features:

Departments:

ON THE COVER: Chief Warrant Officer Richard G. Adamsstands alongside his AH-64 Apache used to destroy theenemy and preserve the lives of a disabled patrol nearthe Euphrates River, Iraq. Adams was awarded theDistinguished Flying Cross for valorous actions.

FROM THE ADJUTANT GENERAL

As we approach this most sacred of seasons, it is a bittersweet time for many in ourorganization. We welcome back the 3/103rd Armor from their combat tour inAfghanistan and the 1/104th Cavalry from their peacekeeping mission in the Sinai. Bothorganizations performed superbly.

During this holiday season, I ask all of you to remember our fallen who gave the lastfull measure of devotion. We must honor their memory and keep their families in ourthoughts and prayers. We also should keep in mind that many of our fellow Guard members will not be able to sharethis holiday season with their loved ones. Our nation’s call to duty comes with great sacrifice, and many of them willspend the holidays ensuring our safety here at home.

In closing, Chuck, Mike and I extend warmest wishes and holiday greetings to you and yours. We are so fortunate tobe part of the Pennsylvania National Guard and Military and Veterans Affairs family.

Happy Holidays,

Jessica L. Wright, MG, PAARNGThe Adjutant General

Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright


Holiday Message

Members of the 1-104th CAV meet up with PresidentGeorge W. Bush during his May visit to the Sinai, Egypt foran economic conference. The 1-104th has now returnedfrom support of the 25-year mission to maintain the peacetreaty between Israel and Egypt.

Command Sgt. Maj. James Staub Jr., “coins” Dale Earnhardt Jr.,before the Pocono 500 in Long Pond, Pa. Earnhardt drives thenumber 88 National Guard car. He finished fourth in the race.

Celebrities, politicians and TV stars love to brush withgreatness in the Pennsylvania National Guard. If youhave a photo with a well-known personality brushingwith your greatness while in uniform, let Guardiansmagazine know by contacting:

Lt. Jay Ostrich at [email protected]

But unlike hercomrades who are readying

for deployment to Iraq with the56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team,

the terrorists are inside her. It’s called rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of juvenile

cancer, and this former Pennsylvania NationalGuard member is waging a war against it to save

her life.Meet 18-year-old Lara Phillips of East Pikeland

Township, Pa., who up until last January was looking forwardto typical teenage rights of passage like prom and graduatingfrom high school. But unlike some of her peers, she also hada strong sense of patriotism and a military family background.This led her to enlist where she was excited about doing com-puter encryption for Stryker and helping fight the GlobalWar on Terror.

“I just wanted to be a part of something much bigger thanmyself,” said Phillips, who described herself as rebellious toauthority and an unlikely soldier. “People told me I’d nevermake it in the Army and the Guard, but I knew that’s what Iwanted, and I was going to fight for it.”

During her weekend drills with the Recruit SustainmentProgram, Phillips took a shine to her new-found profession byfinding comfort in camaraderie and strength in her Soldier’sHandbook. In it she would embrace core values like personal

courage and duty. She took a particular liking to the Soldier’sCreed, especially the words, “I will never accept defeat. I willnever quit.”

“I loved being in uniform and the sense of pride and teamthat went along with it,” said Phillips. “Rules started to allmake sense, and I was looking forward to boot camp anddeploying with Stryker.”

Little did she know her deployment to war was alreadyat hand.

Receiving a missionAfter a particularly challenging drill shortly before her 18th

birthday, Phillips returned home to rest.“The drills were always challenging, but this one really

knocked me off my feet,” said Phillips. “Something justwasn’t right.”

In the process of recovery, she discovered a subcutaneouscyst on her pelvis that suddenly grew to the size of a softball.Alarmed by the growth and unusual sense of fatigue, Phillipswent to the doctors to have tests done.

Only a short week after her birthday, the biopsy returned.It was cancer.

Subsequent tests revealed tumors throughout her entirebody. Her doctors confirmed the diagnosis as a cancer commonly referred to as “rhabdo,” which according to theNational Cancer Institute is a fast-growing, highly malignant

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Catharine Baker Knoll hosted a lunch forLara Phillips on the capitol’s portico June 30. Also in atten-dance were Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright, the adjutant general,and Senator Andy Dinniman. Sadly, Lt. Gov. Knoll lost her battlewith cancer Nov. 12. Photo: Courtesy of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

4 / GUARDIANS / Winter 2008

SurvivalSchool

Don’t be fooled by her sweet, welcoming smileand calm, easygoing demeanor. There’s a war ragingaround this soldier – the enemy is at the gate, andit’s trying to kill her every second of the day.

By 1st Lt. Jay Ostrich

attack on the body’s connective tissue.It often attaches to muscle or wrapsaround intestines but can prey practi-cally anywhere in the body.

Her initial prognosis was poor, ifnot defeating – a 5 percent chance of survival. In an instant, Phillips wentfrom battling the trials of boot camp to battling for her life.

So others can liveDefeating a foe where you are given

less than a 5 percent chance of prevail-ing is daunting enough to make mostpeople surrender. Not Phillips.

Her sadness centered only on return-ing her uniform to her unit, who told herto keep it throughout her battle.

“But I probably won’t be this weightagain,” joked a grateful Phillips, whothanked her fellow soldiers before turn-ing to greater concerns.

She jumped headlong intochemotherapy during her senior year ofhigh school. When others urged her to

quit and concentrate onhealth, she redoubledher academic focus andgraduated with her classon time, even delivering aninspiring commencementspeech to urge her colleaguesto never give up on their goalsand dreams.

But the war was not over. Thebattles raged on as the cancerkept a steady attack against hersystem, often leaving her weakand teetering toward defeat. Butlike any good soldier, Phillips keptfaith in herself and with what she hadbeen taught by her instructors. She knewthat to win the war you need a good battle buddy.

Enter her mother, Amy, whose fatherrose to the rank of lieutenant colonel inthe Air Force and worked under the legendary hero Brig. Gen. W.W. “Bill”Spruance, who taught from personal experience thousands of Airmen how tosave lives in perilous situations.

Amy knew it wouldn’t be easy, but withthe dogma of a drill sergeant and the loveof a doting mother, she and Lara set out tokill the cancer and beat the odds.

The “Phillips Army” developed a hard-core daily regimen that would put any basic


I am an American Soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first.I will never accept defeat.I will never quit.I will never leave a fallen comrade.I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert, and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American Soldier.

The Soldier’sCreed

The Soldier’sCreed

(Continued on next page)

training plan to shame. Every aspect ofher day, from what to eat to when to restwas mapped out and followed precisely.They even plotted on spreadsheets andcharts variations in strength or when thetherapy would make her weak – that wayLara never got discouraged when the painand bad times came.

But as of late July, greater dangerslay ahead. The experimental 54-weekstudy and treatment was about to inten-sify. With seven high-dose chemicalsand constant radiation, this new andunproven treatment was designed totake her white blood cell count to zero,thereby killing the cancer, but leavingher vulnerable to virtually any diseasepresent.

“I have to be disciplined with this, soit’s just like boot camp,” said a hopefuland smiling Phillips. “They are going totear me down to build me back up. Butattitude is everything – you can still havefun with something that’s awful. I knowif I let the little things get to me, I’mgoing to lose.”

Just hours before entering into treat-ment at A.I. DuPont Hospital forChildren in Wilmington, Del., Phillipsreflected on her days in uniform, theSoldier’s Creed and the strength theywould give her in battle.

“I’m going to beat this, and I amgoing to fight until I can’t fight any-more,” said a weakened Phillips. “Failurejust isn’t an option – I will not fail. I mustwin this fight so others can live.”

To hell and backAnd fight she would. Through an

intense battle with pain and weakness,Phillips pressed on even as six of her fellow juvenile cancer warriors passedaway beside her.

“It hit home what cancer was allabout,” said Phillips who knows her success in this experimental study canbring hope and life to many. “But I wasdetermined to finish what I started.”

For her mother, it was during thesedarker moments that she became thank-ful Lara had experienced the militarylifestyle.

“Every time she gets down, she sitsand writes the Soldier’s Creed,” saidAmy, who admitted that she was reluc-tant at first for Lara to join the military.

“We put it up on her hospital wall tokeep her going. It’s been her mantra –it’s the only way to survive the battleshe’s in now.”

For Lara, the handbook and creedwill never be just words on paper orsomething to blindly memorize.

“I know it sounds strange, but thewarrior ethos keeps me going. There aregood lessons in there for every day life,”said Phillips. “They drill those into yourhead when you train so you don’t forget.There’s no way I’ll ever forget them.”

Her dedication to military values andsheer determination would result in bit-tersweet news received shortly afterVeterans Day. Just hours after her friendand admirer Lt. Gov. Catherine BakerKnoll lost her battle against cancer, herlatest tests would reveal a tumor-freebody for Lara – it was a tactical win asplanned and a road to victory.

Along with Knoll, Maj. Gen. Jessica L.Wright, Pennsylvania adjutant general, metLara at the state capitol this past summerand was moved by her grit and persever-ance. The news of Lara’s success so farcould not have come at a better time.

“I marvel at the bravery and courageshown by the Soldiers and Airmen of thePennsylvania National Guard, and Larahas shown these same attributes in thisvery intense battle with this life-threaten-ing cancer,” said General Wright. “Herindomitable spirit and determination aretruly inspirational to me.”

Leaving a legacyPhillips can’t tell you many details

about her particular cancer – to her theyaren’t important. She just concentratesevery day on what she needs to do tosurvive and return home permanently,free of the terror trying to take her life.

At only 18, Lara Phillips, now as thin,hairless and tired as a basic trainingrecruit, cannot tell you the meaning oflife, but ask her a question about survivalor reaching goals, and she is quick toreveal the meaning in life.

“People will tell you, you can’t do it,”said Phillips. “Heck, people told me Iwouldn’t make it in the Guard. They toldme I wouldn’t beat cancer. You just needto fight with what you want in life, nevertake it for granted and never give up.”

Like many returning warriors, Phillipswants desperately to leave behind a legacyknowing that the pain and sacrifices shemade were not made in vain. Remindedby continuing therapy and her lovingmother that she isn’t home free yet, shepermits herself moments to think beyondthe cancer battlefield.

Her dreams include returning to theGuard and earning a bachelor’s degreein office management or accounting –hopefully somewhere down south whereit is warmer, Phillips muses.

But if you really want to see the twin-kle in her bright blue eyes, ask her abouther fellow Soldiers in the PennsylvaniaNational Guard or the young childrenwho share her war on cancer.

“If there’s anything I do with my life,it is going to be helping others who suffer from this,” said Phillips. “I want touse what happened to me to bring childcancer awareness and motivate othersalong the way.”

Ask anyone who has come in contactwith her and not surprisingly you findPhillips is well on the way to reachingher goals.

“I look forward to the day when shecan return to the Guard and share thetremendous gifts she has to offer,” saidGeneral Wright. “She is a Soldier wecan all learn from and a person we canall admire.”

But for today, Phillips simply reachesinto her beloved Army Combat Uniformand pulls out the now tattered Soldier’sHandbook, thumbing through the well-annotated and worn pages for anothernugget of inspiration. Like any warrior,she is now ready to turn the page, comeback from her war and start writing anew chapter in life. �

As of this publication date, Lara Phillipsis still undergoing the rigors of her 54-weekexperimental treatment at Alfred I.DuPont Hospital for Children. To followher progress and support her fight,more information can be found atwww.caringbridge.org/visit/laraphillips.


Flipping through well-worn and annotated pagesof her Soldier’s Handbook, Lara Phillips constantlyuses the information she learned in the RecruitSustainment Program to battle through cancer.Photo:1st Lt. Jay Ostrich



By Lt. Col. Chris Cleaver

Under deep blue skies and briskwinds, military officials, legislators andfriends gathered on Oct. 18 to celebrate,recognize and honor the accomplish-ments made at Fort Indiantown Gapafter a decade of Pennsylvania NationalGuard management.

With the theme “A Decade ofExcellence and Service to Community, Commonwealth and Country,” theinstallation showcased its programs andhardware to some 2,000 visitors.

“Today we celebrate the monumentalachievements and investments made atFort Indiantown Gap since 1998,” saidLt. Col. Grey Berrier II, the garrisoncommander. “With limited resources, butunlimited energy, a coalition of electedofficials, military and civilian personnel,and community leaders forged aheadwith a bold vision to build, maintain andoperate one of the best National Guardtraining sites in the nation. We are wellon the way to achieving this mission,”he added.

In 1998, the Base Realignment andClosure Commission closed the activeArmy’s presence here and handed theinstallation over to the PennsylvaniaNational Guard.

Today, the Gap is the second busiestNational Guard training site in thenation, with more than 150,000 peoplepassing through the gates annually.

“One would have to venture back toWorld War II to witness the level of construction and training this post has experienced during the last severalyears,” said retired Col. Joe Laneski, the

first Guard garrison commander. StrykerBrigade, Lakota Light Utility Helicopter,Combined Arms Collective TrainingFacility, Post Exchange, BattalionTraining Complex and Unit TrainingEquipment Site are all new programsand facilities on the installation.

With the investments in training andconstruction, and a full-time workforce that doubled to more than 2,000 employees, the Gap is a primary economic engine for Lebanon County.“Lebanon County and Fort Indiantown

Gap are by far the commonwealth’slargest beneficiaries of the NationalGuard’s and Department of Military andVeterans Affairs’ dollars with an annualimpact of more than a half-billion dollars,” said Berrier. �

Cadets from Scotland School provided the colors before the opening ceremony. Keynote speakersCongressman Tim Holden and State Rep. RoseMarie Swanger both thanked the Guard for theirtremendous accomplishments and the advancements made at Fort Indiantown Gap.

Top: An artillery salute punctuated the morningair during the Oct. 18 ceremony recognizing thePennsylvania National Guard’s accomplishmentsin managing programs at Fort Indiantown Gapfor a decade. Some 2,000 people visited the different displays and events during the day-long program.


We all get a bit tired of ancillary training. It seems tedious.It seems repetitive. Is it truly necessary to go over the samethings over and over again? Don’t we already know this stuff?

This is a question we should ask Master Sgt. Spencer J.Schulz, maintenance supervisor, and Senior Master Sgt.Christopher S. Shull, basic services specialist, for the193rd Special Operations Wing. They found out justhow necessary and useful supplementary trainingactually is. In fact, their ancillary training may havesaved a woman’s life.

These Airmen did not set out to practice theirskills on the civilian world. They were just hungry andhad gone separately to McDonald’s to grab a quicklunch. They never did eat that day because while they stoodat the counter con sidering their choices, they heard a commo-tion coming from the back of the restaurant.

The normal din of the fast food restaurant was over -shadowed by several people shouting, “She needs help!She’s having a seizure!” Surprisingly, these weren’t the voicesthat stood out to Schulz. Instead, it was one tiny voice

crying, “What happened to my grandma?” that caughthis attention.

“The little girl seemed to be the same age as my daughterand hearing her that upset really affected me. I acted

immediately. I wanted to help,” Schulz said.When he reached the woman’s side, Shull was

already there assessing the situation. The two menhad never met before that day, but immediatelybegan to work as a team.

After ascertaining that the woman was notbreathing, they began to administer CPR until

paramedics arrived.Shull’s supervisor, Lt. Col. James E. Marshall,

193rd SOW Services commander, believes that his performance embodies what being a trained Airman actuallymeans. “This was truly commendable. It is remarkable thathe reacted with immediacy and competence,” Marshall said.

Both Shull and Schulz say that their reaction was auto maticand felt that when you are put in that situation, you do whatyou are trained to do.

AIR NEWSMAKERS

Airmen assist ailing diner, save lifeBy Senior Airman Vicki Angell

Senior Master Sgt. Christopher S. Shull andMaster Sgt. Spencer J. Schulz perform Self Aidand Buddy Care skills on 193rd’s own ‘LittleAnne.’ The CPR mannequins are used to teachAirmen proper CPR techniques, the same tech-niques used to help save the life of local diner.Photo: Tech. Sgt. Culeen Shaffer;Photo illustration: Tech. Sgt. Erin Heiser

Senior Master Sgt. Christopher S. Shull andMaster Sgt. Spencer J. Schulz perform Self Aidand Buddy Care skills on 193rd’s own ‘LittleAnne.’ The CPR mannequins are used to teachAirmen proper CPR techniques, the same tech-niques used to help save the life of local diner.Photo: Tech. Sgt. Culeen Shaffer;Photo illustration: Tech. Sgt. Erin Heiser


TAMPA, Fla. – Do the names MikeDitka, Gale Sayers and Jack Youngbloodmean anything to you?

They are gridiron greats – pro foot-ball’s finest. But even if you don’t enjoythe game, you can appreciate how specialit is to be the very best at what you do. Itrequires hard work, overcoming adversity,sacrifice and a whole lot of teamwork.

Come to think of it, it sounds a lotlike being in military special operations.That’s why as of Nov. 12, Ditka and morethan 100 football legends and Hall ofFamers are teaming up to support U.S.Military Special Operations personneland their families through the SpecialOperations Warrior Foundation.

But like any great team, members ofthe special operations community arenot casually sitting on the sidelines wait-ing for Gridiron Greats Assistance Fundfounder Ditka to draw up a great play.

Airmen from the 193rd SpecialOperations Wing, Middletown, Pa.,eagerly took the ball and ran with itduring their annual golf tournamentand SOWF Benefit Pig Roast. The wingwas able to raise more than $12,000 andpresented the checks to the foundation.

The money that the 193rd has raisedthis year and in the past is just a smallportion of what the (Special Operations)Warrior Foundation needs, said Capt.Dave Earhart, pilot at the 193rd SOW.Seeing these sports legends raise theirhands to help families of fallen membersof the SOF community-is impressive tosay the least. Together we are going tomake a difference.

This is great news to an organizationthat is eager to score a touchdown withthese much needed funds.

After the 1980 failed attempt to freehostages of the Iranian embassy, theCol. Arthur D. “Bull” Simmons Scholar -ship Fund was created to help providecollege educations to the 17 children

193rd Airmen team up with Gridiron GreatsBy Tech. Sgt. Matt Schwartz

of the nine men killed. Twenty-eightyears later, the foundation continues the tradition of helping the children of fallenor injured Soldiers, Airmen, Seamenand Marines of Special Operations.

The week leading up to the SuperBowl, there will be a series of events inthe Tampa area to support the GGAFand the SOWF, highlighted by memora-bilia auctions. The 100 gridiron legendswill donate two items each, one forGGAF and one for SOWF.

“Both the special operations com -munity and the Gridiron Greats share abond of brotherhood like no other,” saidDitka, board member of the GGAF. “Itis with this strong sense of spirit thatretired professional football players andspecial operations vow to take care oftheir own and have formed this very special relationship.”

After the presentation, many partici-

pants took a tour of a 193rd SOW aircraftto better understand the mission of thisone-of-a-kind unit. The unique aircraftcalled Commando Solo is a piece of thatteam the Gridiron Greats are reachingout to help support.

“Whether they knew the 193rd mission or not, I think they have a betterunderstanding of what role we take bothcivilly and in combat. It is a truly uniquemission,” said Earhart.

And so is the new mission of the193rd SOW, GGAF and SOWF wherethey are driving as a team into the endzone to score a victory for the specialoperations warrior family.

For more information on the GridironGreats or the Special Operations WarriorFoundation, log onto their respective Websites www.gridirongreats.org orwww.specialops.org.

Capt. Dave Earhart demonstrates the capabilities of Commando Solo to Gridiron Greats Mike Ditka andJack Youngblood during a recent trip to donate money to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

A family member of the woman they saved believes theircontribution was much more than an automatic reaction.

“The Airmen’s actions gave my mother-in-law the bestchance of maintaining brain function. Our family is extremelyappreciative of their efforts,” said Renee Barnes.

So the next time you are sitting in self aid and buddy caretraining (or any other kind of ancillary training) for whatseems like the hundredth time, make sure you really do “knowthis stuff.”

Your knowledge and competence could save a life.

They may not have known each other before, but hundreds of PennsylvaniaArmy National Guardsmen from various units across the state are joining forcesto fight together in Iraq with the deploying 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team ofthe 28th Infantry Division.

The Soldiers trained as part of Operation Atlas, held at Fort Indiantown Gapin September, and came from a medley of units across the state, and will act asreinforcements and fill in vacancies in the 56th SBCT force. The two-week-longexercise gets those Soldiers up to speed on the needed skills and training, such asurban operations and weapons familiarization, before being sent to Camp Shelby,Miss., to join the rest of the 56th SBCT later in the month.

“[Operation Atlas] is a way to train the division backfills on all the tasks and training that the 56th went through at annual training,” said Staff Sgt. ChristopherLohr, the non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the urban operations course.“It makes the transition into the 56th easier for them.”

Storming into mock buildings, reacting to ambushes and firing their weapons, theSoldiers pick up the pace in order to catch up with the rest of the main force, whichhas been conducting this sort of training for months in preparation for deployment.

“We’ve got our plates full,” said Spc. Justin Schulmeister. “It’s a much fastertraining tempo than normal drills.”

Coming here for Atlas, however, may well give these Guardsmen the extra advantage that they need.

The training here as part of Operation Atlas demonstrates the proactiveapproach that the 56th SBCT has taken toward preparing Soldiers, said Lohr.Getting them familiar with the training, as well as each other, before heading toMississippi is very important, he added.

With Soldiers coming from many different units, it’s good to get familiar withthe people you will be deploying with, remarked Schulmeister, who is leaving forhis first deployment.

More than 4,000 strong, this deployment of the 56th SBCT is the largest com-bat deployment for the Pennsylvania National Guard since World War II. And

having the only National GuardStryker unit in the nation is a point ofpride for the Keystone state.

“It’s one of the bigger moments inhistory for the 56th,” saidSchulmeister.

By Spc. Shawn Miller

Soldiers attached to the 56th Stryker BrigadeCombat Team take part in Operation Atlas atFort Indiantown Gap. Atlas prepared reinforce-ment Soldiers on training skills before joiningthe 56th SBCT on their deployment to Iraq insupport of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photo: Spc. Shawn Miller

ARMY NEWSMAKERSStrangers no more

CAMP SHELBY, Miss. – Nearly 300Soldiers of the Pennsylvania NationalGuard’s 56th Stryker Brigade CombatTeam attended the University ofSouthern Mississippi’s game againstBoise State as part of the fourth annualMilitary Appreciation Day hosted byUSM alumni and local citizens.

Retired Col. Ed Kauchik, a USMalumnus and Pennsylvania native, organ-ized the event at USM’s Pride Field withthe assistance of fellow alumni, universitystaff and Camp Shelby Joint ForcesTraining Center’s Morale, Welfare andRecreation department.

Kauchik addressed the troops dur-ing the pre-game activities, and said,“I want to tell you one thing; keep yournose clean and work hard! I retiredfrom the military at the age of 43, andI’ve been drawing retirement pay for 38years, so stay clean and work hard.”

The event was a welcome opportu-nity for the Soldiers to relax and social-ize with fellow football fans, andincluded a pre-game tailgate lunchserved by volunteers from the universityand local community. USM PresidentMartha D. Saunders said, “I just wantto welcome you all here. We’ve reallylooked forward to this day and weappreciate all you’ve done.”

Sgt. 1st Class Jason Fisher, ofTremont, Pa., said, “We really appre -ciate them putting on this spread forus. It’s nice to get out of the barracksfor a little while and talk to people weusually don’t get a chance to talk to.They’re really nice people here.”

Former Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post3036 Commander Jimmy Mordica (center)joins Soldiers of the 56th Stryker BrigadeCombat Team as they watch the opening playsof the USM vs. Boise State football game atM.M. Roberts Stadium.

Winter 2008 / GUARDIANS / 13Winter 2008 / GUARDIANS / 13


By Sgt. Maj. Walter S. Zapotoczny Jr.

You wouldn’t know it just by looking, but PennsylvaniaArmy National Guard Chief Warrant Officers Rich Adams andJohn Fefolt have something in common with the likes of JimmyDoolittle, John Glenn and Amelia Earhart.

But it’s not just that they fly, it’s how they do it.They are all members of a special club, made up of heroes

of the skies. Movies have been made about their stories –it’s the stuff of legends. Whether pioneers in aviation, astro-nauts or combat pilots, they and very few others like them,have risked all in the skies and received the DistinguishedFlying Cross for their actions.

To be awarded the DFC, the performance of the act ofheroism must be evidenced by voluntary action above andbeyond the call of duty. The extraordinary achievement musthave resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and out-standing as to clearly set the individual apart from his comradesor from other persons in similar circumstances.

While the achievements of Glenn, Doolittle and Earhart,and others are well known, the actions of Adams and Fefoltmay not be as familiar. In short, both of these PennsylvaniaGuardsman went to Iraq and distinguished themselves beyondthe call of duty.

RIVER PATROLAdams heroically distinguished himself by

exceptional valorous conduct in the face ofthe enemy as pilot in command of an Apachehelicopter as part of the 149th AttackReconnaissance Battalion Attack WeaponsTeam in Balad, Iraq.

While conducting reconnaissance andsecurity near Ramadi, Iraq, on Feb. 11, 2007,CW3 Adams’ attack weapons team was directed to a patrol boat operating on theEuphrates River. Intelligence reports indicatedthat insurgents were using the river to cacheweapons, mortars and improvised explosivedevice-making materials along the banks andon the islands in the river, where they thentransported them via small vessels.

Coalition boat teams were tasked withsearching the islands and banks of the riverfor signs of this activity. After several daysof searching, the insurgents grew wise tothe patrols and placed a water-borne IED,which disabled one of the patrol boats,which sub sequently came under directattack from the enemy.

The patrol boat’s sister ship hooked on andbegan slowly towing the boat to the only

area suitable for its recovery, approxi-mately three miles to the west. Whileenemy fire on the two Dam Security

Unit-3 boats continued and intensified,Adams’ attack weapons team was called

to assist and escort the damaged boat team. About a half mile from the recovery point, the boats began

taking fire from both sides of the river from what was a bridgeconstruction site. Because of the nature of the construction,the site provided enemy cover and made a natural choke pointfor the river.

For exceptional valorous actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chief Warrant Officer ThreeRichard G. Adams’ bold decisive and valorous actions contributed to the overwhelming successof the command’s mission. On 1 1 February 2007, CW3 Adams courageously placed himself inthe direct line of enemy fire in order to protect a disabled waterborne patrol in the EuphratesRiver near Ramadi, Iraq. As his attack weapons team audaciously flew close combat attackmaneuvers, he effectively covered the lead Apache, then engaged and destroyed the enemy, preserving the lives of, and preventing further damage to, the disabled patrol. His actions arein keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit uponhimself, Charlie Company, the 1-149th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion,the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade and the United States Army.

A DSU-3 patrol boat, calleda Small Marine RiverineCraft, is 40-feet-long by10-feet-wide, and is powered by twin 440-horsepower racing engines.The SMRC can easilyexceed 40 knots, and isboth quick and highlymaneuverable. Because itis jet driven and not pro-peller driven, the SMRCcan go into waters as shallow as nine inches. Itholds a crew of five, andcan carry up to 13 Marinesfor an assault.Photo: Courtesy of CW3 Adams

The citation accompanying Chief WarrantOfficer Adams’ award reads:


By Sgt. Maj. Walter S. Zapotoczny Jr.

The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) medal is awarded toany officer or enlisted person of the armed forces of the UnitedStates who shall have distinguished her/himself in actual combat insupport of operations by heroism or extraordinary achievementwhile participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to Nov. 11, 1918.The decoration may also be given for an act performed prior toNov. 11, 1918, when the individual has been recommended for, buthas not received the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross,Navy Cross or Distinguished Service Medal.

The Distinguished Flying Cross, authorized by an Act ofCongress of July 2, 1926, (amended by Executive Order 7786 onJan. 8, 1938), was awarded first to Capt. Charles A. Lindbergh, ofthe U.S. Army Corps Reserve, for his solo flight of 3,600 milesacross the Atlantic in 1927, a feat which electrified the world andmade “Lindy” one of America’s most popular heroes. The first DFCto be awarded to a Navy man was to Cmdr. Richard E. Byrd, ofthe U.S. Navy Air Corps, on May 9, 1926, for his exciting flight toand from the North Pole. Both these famous aviators also receivedthe Medal of Honor with the Distinguished Flying Cross. AviatorAmelia Earhart also received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Herswas the only such award, as an executive order on March 1, 1927,ruled that the DFC should not be conferred on civilians.

Elizabeth Will and ArthurE. DuBois designed theDistinguished Flying Cross. It isa bronze cross pattee, with raysbetween the arms of the cross.On the main front surface is a propeller of four blades, with oneblade in each arm of the cross andin the inward pointing angles ofthe cross are rays, which form asquare. The cross is suspendedby a rectangular-shaped bar andcentered on this is a plain shield.The reverse is blank and suitablefor engraving the recipient's nameand rank.

The ribbon has a narrow redcenter stripe, flanked on eitherside by a thin white stripe, a widestripe of dark blue, a narrow whitestripe and narrow dark blue at theedge of the ribbon.

Subsequent awards of theDistinguished Flying Cross areindicated by oak leaf clusters forArmy and Air Force personnel and

by additional award stars for members of the naval services. For more information about the Distinguished Flying Cross

and the citations of many of the recipients, visit The DistinguishedFlying Cross Society’s Web site at http://www.dfcsociety.org. �

Sgt. Maj. Walter S. Zapotoczny Jr. is the command historian for the28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard,Harrisburg, Pa.

The Distinguished Flying Cross Medal

Adams’ team arrived on scene and was unable toidentify the enemy individuals due to the precariousnature of the concrete construction site. The insurgentswere located in the pre-fab concrete bridge sections. Inan effort to draw fire away from the vulnerable, dam-aged and slow-moving patrol boats, the air weaponsteam positioned themselves between the waterbornepatrol and the suspected enemy position.

Adams’ aircraft applied suppressive fire and positioneditself to draw fire away from the boats. They remainedclose enough to give the insurgents a more lucrative targetand drew fire while the boats slowly got out of range.The aircraft conducted numerous passes, continuously changing flight profile and airspeed while executing closecombat attack maneuvers in order to evade enemy fire.

The bold and decisive maneuvering in direct line ofenemy fire diverted the enemy’s attention away from thevulnerable waterborne patrol to the aircraft. Once theboats were through the kill zone the attack weapons teamreturned to the bridge and made positive identificationof the shooters. They attacked the enemy with 30mm cannon, then returned to escort the boats the rest of theway to their recovery point with no further incident. �

Chief Adams is currently serving with Company B,1-104th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion located at FortIndiantown Gap, Pa.

CW3 Rich Adams, right, and his crew chief Sgt. Hugo Montejo fromthe Texas National Guard stand in front of their Apache Helicopter.Photo: Courtesy of CW3 Adams


These words are printed on CW2 Fefolt’s award:

FALLEN ANGELChief Warrant Officer John A. Fefolt heroically distin-

guished himself by exceptional valorous conduct in the face ofthe enemy as pilot of a Black Hawk helicopter.

On Jan. 20, 2007, CW2 Fefolt’s 1st battalion, 131st AviationRegiment aircraft was one of a flight of two Black Hawk helicopters en route from Logistical Support Area Anacondato Liberty Helipad at Victory Base Complex in Baghdad,Iraq. Shortly after departing Anaconda, they encounteredanother flight of Black Hawk helicopters en route from Taji toLiberty Helipad.

After establishing visual contact and radio communications,the two flights maintained approximately a four-kilometer

separation. At approximately 2:15 p.m., one of the aircraft in thesecond flight was engaged by enemy surface-to-air fire. The pilotin command of the engaged aircraft announced by radio that hehad been struck by enemy fire and was attempting to land.

At this time, the pilot of the other aircraft in Fefolt’s flightnoticed what appeared to be smoke on the horizon. Theydetermined that the smoke was coming from the helicopter infront of them. That aircraft ultimately impacted on the ground.

As a “Fallen Angel” call was made on the radio, the twoaircraft in Fefolt’s formation continued toward the impactarea to provide assistance. In doing so, they went above andbeyond the call of duty by voluntarily exposing themselves toenemy fire.

Upon arrival at the scene, they established visual contactwith enemy elements and, after confirming the disposition of asingle white truck and the occupants within it, as well as locatinga suspected anti-aircraft gun, they began a series of combatmaneuvers to neutralize the enemy. Over the course of theengagement, Fefolt’s aircraft and the other one in his flightcompleted several figure eight patterns over the engagementarea, demonstrating exceptional aviation prowess.

The door gunners of each aircraft actively engaged theenemy. The cargo doors of Fefolt’s aircraft were opened forSpecial Forces operators to engage the enemy with their personal weapons.

During this engagement, the crew chiefs and gunners onboth aircraft successfully engaged and neutralized enemy combatants who were using what was believed to be small arms,

To all who shall see these presents, greeting: This isto certify that the President of the United States ofAmerica, authorized by act of Congress, July 2, 1926, hasawarded the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief WarrantOfficer Two John A . Fefolt, United States Army,for heroism while participating in aerial flight.

The crash scene of the Black Hawk helicopter as seen from CW2 Fefolt’scompanion flight. Photo: Courtesy of CW2 Fefolt


IN PERSPECTIVEMerriam-Webster Dictionary defines heroism as “heroic

conduct especially as exhibited in fulfilling a high purpose orattaining a noble end.” Pennsylvania Guardsmen have beendoing just that since 1747. Some things are timeless and heroism is one of those things.

A poignant reminder of this can be found in the poemThe Medal by L. C. “Buck Private” McCollum from his bookHistory and Rhymes of a Lost Battalion Doughboy, publishedin 1919:

Sgt. Maj. Walter S. Zapotoczny Jr. is the command historian forthe 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard,Harrisburg, Pa. �

rocket propelled grenades, man-portable air defense systemsand an anti-aircraft gun.

Once that threat was neutralized, the two Black Hawkpilots widened their security circle and found another heavymachine gun hidden in a clump of trees. The helicopters’door gunners fired on that enemy position and put it out ofoperation. Apache helicopter gunships arrived on the sceneand Fefolt landed his Black Hawk near the crash scene toprovide help on the ground, however, they were unable torecover any personnel from the downed aircraft. When thearea was secure, a large cache of weapons was found. U.S.forces speculate that the insurgents planned to not onlyshoot down the first helicopter, but to bring down other aircraft that arrived to help.

In his report, Fefolt wrote that by being in the vicinitywhen the first helicopter was shot down, he and the otherpilot flying alongside him may have surprised the insurgentsand possibly stopped them from firing on the downed aircraft’ssister ship or on U.S. troops who responded to help. �

Chief Fefolt is currently serving with Detachment 1, CompanyC, 1-169th Aviation in Johnstown, Pa.

CW2 John Fefolt in the cockpit of his Black H

awk helicopter.

Photo: Courtesy of CW3 Adams

‘Tis not the bit of bronze and metal,That tells the time-worn tale,Of some act of heroism

Where bullets whine and wail.Nor are the colored ribbons,

Pinned on some strutting chest,Always truthful indicators,

Of the men who fought the best.Nor do gold stripes upon the arm

Always tell the story,Of men who have seen actionOr fought their way to glory.These are outward indicationsMade by the hand of man,

Way they’re sometimes passed about,Is hard to understand.

They will tarnish with the weather,In the plush or on the shelf,

For the real and lasting medal, Is the soul within yourself.

Did you do your best when called on,In the air or torn shell-hole,

You’ve got some real satisfaction,Buried deep within your soul.

No bit of bronze or ribbon bright,Or words of praise high spoken,

Can change the [thoughts] that lie within,They are genuine tokens.

Telling the tale as long as you live,And the truth of how you fought,

If you played the game with all you had,You’re the medal that can’t be bought.

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (AFPN) — ThePennsylvania Air National Guard unit stationed at Naval AirStation Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, Pa., will be transition-ing to a joint interagency installation as a result of theDepartment of Defense’s 2005 Base Realignment and Closurerecommendations. With the new mission coming onboard, the111th Fighter Wing is scheduled to lose its fleet of A-10Thunderbolt IIs beginning in the spring of 2009. As they wrap uptheir current deployment to Bagram Air Field, it could very wellbe their last combat deployment with their beloved “warthog.”

During their 45-day rotation here, the 103rd ExpeditionaryFighter Squadron, part of the 111th FW, gave it their all asthey dropped more than 30,000 pounds of ordnance and firedmore than 25,000 30 mm rounds while supporting the close-air-support mission over Afghanistan.

Lt. Col. Mike Shenk, 103rd EFS assistant director of operations has deployed six times with the 111th FW and iscompleting his second rotation at Bagram.

“As far as kinetic ops, we are much busier this time,” he said,comparing this deployment to his previous one in December2002 and January 2003. “Everyone in the squadron has been apart of a mission that dropped bombs or shot the gun.”

It’s not dropping bombs the aircrew likes to do; it’s havingthe opportunity to help troops on the ground.

“The A-10 air-to-ground mission gives us the opportunityto go out and do something specifically to help the guys on theground. To be able to go out, take the pressure off, or get theenemy off of their back for even a little while is real gratifying,”Shenk said. “It’s not too uncommon to walk into the BX andrun into some ground guys who ask us if we fly the A-10.They routinely tell us how much they appreciate us taking careof them.”

Despite being the last A-10 deployment for this unit, spiritshave remained high.

“It’s been pretty impressive,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Fennell,103rd EFS mission planning cell chief. “Everyone focuses on thetask at hand and the things we can control versus those we can’t.”

Fennell, who has flown the A-10 for 10 years and is alsoon his second deployment to Bagram, sites one mission inparticular as testament to the focus of the squadron. Two traditional Guardsmen, who work as commercial pilots themajority of the time, responded to a “troops in contact” callfrom French troops.

The reality that this could be the last time they will fly theA-10 in combat is not far from the pilots’ minds.

“It saddens me that they are eliminating a combatsquadron - a very capable one,” said Fennell. “It’s been one ofthe best combat squadrons I’ve been with.”

That same sentiment can be heard from the 111th FWmaintainers deployed to the 455th Expeditionary AircraftMaintenance Squadron.

“It’s kind of sad in a way,” said Master Sgt. GregoryFarnack, an A-10 crew chief. “We’ve always done a good jobeverywhere we went.”

Many of the 111th FW maintainers volunteered to deploythis time - for the chance to work on the A-10s in combat onelast time.

“In case it is the last time, we wanted to come and go outon a high note,” Farnack said.

This deployment has been more rewarding than challengingfor many of the maintainers.

“The airplanes like to fly,” said Master Sgt. Anthony Miller,the maintenance production superintendent who has been withthe unit for 20 years. “The more they fly the less they break.It’s a good feeling.”

Miller said it is also a good feeling when he sees the jetscome back with no bombs.

“To me, I see the Air Force as planes,” he said. “Everybodyhad the mind frame that we have a job to do. Seeing the air-planes come back after dropping ordnance, we know we have apurpose. We know that every airplane we have up in the air ispotentially saving someone’s life.”

As much as the pilots and maintainers enjoy working withthe A-10, many of them said they will stay with the 111th FWeven after the aircraft leaves.

“I’ve got no regrets,” Fennell said. “The things I’ve wantedto do, I’ve accomplished.”

“It’s been a lot of deployments for me,” Shenk said. “I’mlooking forward to spending more time at home.”

Even for those who will leave the unit, they can be proud ofwhat they’ve accomplished during this deployment. The entire111th FW team on the ground and in the air put forth theirbest effort in supporting Operation Enduring Freedom withA-10 close air support. �

By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Lt. Col. Thomas Fennell climbs aboard an A-10 Thunderbolt II prior to amission at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Sept. 12. Fennell finished upwhat will most likely be his last combat deployment with the A-10.Photo: Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez, U.S. Air Force


Willow Grove completespossibly last A-10 deployment

Fini Flight?Fini Flight?

By Senior Airman Ted Nichols

United we stand, divided we fall.That’s good food for thought and so wasthe large turnout for the first ever “UnityDay” at Fort Indiantown Gap Sept. 18,which celebrated the great diversityamong our fighting force.

The event sought to share the Guard’smessage of seeking a diverse workforce toachieve diversity of thought and new ideasto better support our missions. Tables representingmany different countries wereset up by various units and offices at theGap in the Main Conference Room atBuilding 8-80. The event featured multicultural displays, food samplings andspecial performances by Miss USO 2008.

The event was chaired by DeputyAdjutant General-Air, Maj. Gen. StephenM. Sischo, who praised it as a big success.

“It was meant to expose attendees to a multitude of culturesand get you to stop and think a little more about diversity thanif you just ate lunch at the same place you always do,” saidGeneral Sischo.

Sischo added that he was pleased with the enthusiasm ofindividuals manning the tables and supporting the variety ofcultures showcased.

“This exceeded all expectations for the first incarnationof such an event,” said General Sischo.

Organizers have begun to make arrangements for theevent to become an annual happening. Employees, Soldiersand Airmen in the Pennsylvania National Guard can lookforward to another cultural and stomach-filling eventnext year. �

UNITEDwe stand

Culture and food from the Asian Pacific Region is shared with attendees at 2008 Unity Day. Over adozen cultures were represented at the event. Photo: Senior Airman Ted Nichols II



By 1st Lt. Ian Hurbanek

It had not even been 72 hours sincewe all said goodbye to our loved ones inPittsburgh, and we were already workinghard on the other side of the world. Wewere all members of the 171st AirRefueling Wing, but for a brief time inhistory we would be “Liberandos” as partof the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing,Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. A largegroup of members from all sections ofthe 171st ARW were mobilized anddeployed as part of the unit’sAir Expeditionary Force

obligation in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and coalition operations inAfghanistan. We were all excited and filled with anticipation for what was, for some of us,an old routine, but for others, our first combat missions.

Along with aircraft commander Lt. Col. Jeff McKee and boom operator Tech. Sgt.George Meszaros, I served as co-pilot for one of our deployed KC-135s. Our missionswould consist of a six-hour flight from Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, to the skies ofAfghanistan where we offloaded on average 60,000 pounds of fuel to U.S. and coalitionforce aircraft. Our first flight could not have been more exciting. After an air refueling with

“All Pennsylvania all the time,” could easily have beenthe theme as the 171st Air Refueling Wing refueled

fighters from the 111th Fighter Wing who inturn supported the 3/103rd Armor on the

ground. The Pittsburgh tanker crewwas comprised of Lt. Col. Jeff

McKee, 1st Lt. Ian Hurbanekand Tech. Sgt. GeorgeMeszaros.

This mission wasan awesome

repre sentation of thePennsylvania

National Guardworking together, theimportance of the

KC-135, and our state’scommitment to the

Global War on Terror.


a B-1, KC-10 and a flight of F-15s, we weretasked to refuel a flight of A-10s.

If you have ever seen an A-10, you knowwhat they were built for. It was not speedor looks, but rather fire power. The menac-ing aircraft carries an 18-foot-long Gatlinggun and a wide assortment of rockets andbombs. It’s named the Warthog and is commonly used for close air support forthe Army.

Through the hectic chatter on the radios,we began our descent into the mountainousregion of northeastern Afghanistan headedtoward the Pakistan border. Moments later,out of the clouds surrounding the mountaintops, the flight of A-10s approached our aircraft to receive their offload of fuel.These pilots could not have felt more athome. At 210 knots, the A-10s were quicklyapproaching a familiar sight – the boom ofa “Team Pittsburgh” KC-135 Strato tanker.The A-10 pilots were Guardsmen from the111th Fighter Wing, Willow Grove.

With a quick “hello” over the radio, ourboom was quickly at work orchestrating therendezvous and fuel offload. Col. McKeementioned, “This was just like flying overthe skies of Pennsylvania.” The WillowGrove pilot quickly informed us that he hadjust come from providing close air supportto Pennsylvania Army National Guardsmenfrom the 1st Battalion of the 109th InfantryRegiment deployed to Methr Lam ForwardOperating Base in eastern Afghanistan.When our troops needed extra fire power,they called on the A-10s for air support.As long as the men and women on theground remained in need of A-10s, wewere there to keep the A-10s in the fightwith our fuel.

This mission was an awesome repre -sentation of the Pennsylvania NationalGuard working together, the importanceof the KC-135, and our state’s commitmentto the Global War on Terror. I could nothave been more proud to be a Guardsmenand tanker pilot. With the assistance ofthe other deployed unit members, I was flying a tanker and supplying fuel to oneof our own A-10s, which was protecting fellow Pennsylvania Army Guardsmen onthe ground.

These Army Guardsmen could havebeen a neighbor, co-worker or even a relative. This was probably one of themost important and personally rewarding missions I will ever fly. My thanks to allthe unit members who helped make that mission a success. Without your hard work,our Army Guardsmen may have had to gowithout that day. “Without” is not anoption, especially when it’s for the safetyof a fellow Pennsylvanian. �


While the 56th Stryker Brigade walksout the door to deployment, they areholding it open for their fellow stateGuard members in the 103rd ArmorRegiment, who are returning after theirtour of duty in Afghanistan.

When the members of the 103rdwere notified last year about the deploy-ment, Afghanistan was taking a backseat to Iraq in national media coverage.But during their time in country, the103rd were witness to a surge in insurgent activity in the region thatbrought the country to the forefrontonce again.

The following stories are a few examples of what the 103rd has beendoing in Afghanistan since its deploy-ment began early in 2008.

COMPANY COMMANDER BRIEFS GENERALPETRAEUS ON AFGHAN OPERATIONS

Eight company commanders metwith then-Multi-National Force – Iraqcommanding general, Gen. David

Petraeus on Bagram Air Field and discussed operations in the RegionalCommand-East area of operations.

Capt. Chris McLaud, maneuver company commander for Task ForcePacesetter, briefed the general on coun-terinsurgency operations.

Specifically, McLaud discussed thestrategy and the effect it has on the localpopulace. Each mission the maneuvercompany conducted was aimed to disruptinsurgent activity, develop the capabilityof Afghan National Security Forcesand support the governance and devel-opment objectives of the government ofAfghanistan.

One effective and consistent methodused by the company is patrolling regularly with Afghan National Armyand Afghan National Police forces tovarious villages to allow for face-to-facecontact with local leaders and villagers.The company vonducted key leaderengagements in more than 100 villagesthroughout the province.

“Routine and regular contact allowstrust to be built up in both the govern-ment of Afghanistan and its securityforces,” said McLaud. “People areencouraged to report immediate securityconcerns to the provincial governmentand to work through the governmentalprocess to address development and economic needs.”

The company, with its ANSF partners, has successfully encouragedthe reporting of suspected improvisedexplosive devices and weapon turn-insthrough various programs available tothe people of the province.

McLaud concluded his remarks bystating that although erratic enemy activity does continue throughout thebattle space, much progress has beenmade.“Several quality of life improve-ment projects have been completed orare under way to include wells for severalremote villages, the construction of smallbridges, construction of schools andnumerous agricultural projects,”

Headed homeBy Sgt. Matthew E. Jones

Headed home


After McLaud completed his briefing,Petraeus made comments recognizingthe great contributions that the 28thInfantry Division has made toward theGlobal War on Terror. He presented twoof his coins to McLaud; one for his personal contributions and another totake home with the unit in recognitionof their collective accomplishments.

REWARDS PROGRAMREDUCES MUNITIONS

The impact of the Small RewardsProgram is anything but small. Theprogram essentially offers rewards toindividuals for turning in dangerousmunitions to Americans in exchangefor money.

Approximately 24,000 flyers contain-ing information about the program weredistributed, with impressive results.

“The flyers we distribute help get theword out and advertise the program alot better than just having Soldiers goout and tell people about it,” said Capt.John Bilski, information officer, 103rdArmor Regiment.

As a result of the program, two children soon turned in an Improvised

Explosive Device in the QuargehayDistrict, and a truck carrying a weaponscache was turned in as well.

The truck contained 31 107 mm rock-ets and 20 rocket propelled grenades.

Taking these weapons off the streetshas a direct impact on them, said Sgt. 1stClass Jody Brissette, 1st platoon leader,527th Military Police Company. Thesewere weapons that could have been usedagainst them.

The program yielded RPGs, handgrenades and even suicide vests, saidDavid Lemoine, a member of the LawEnforcement Professionals.

“The cooperation from everyone hasled to us recovering moreartillery than the rest ofAfghanistan combined,”Lemoine said.

PURPLE HEART, CABAWARDED FOR MULTIPLECOMBAT ENGAGEMENTS

Spc. ChristopherSweder, a vehicle driverwith the 3rd Battalion,103rd ArmoredRegiment, was awarded

a Purple Heart and a Combat ActionBadge in August for separate combatengagements.

On May 7, Sweder earned the CABwhile engaging anti-Afghan forces nearCombat Outpost Najil. The CAB isawarded to Soldiers who personallyengage or are engaged by the enemy.

On July 21, Sweder was wounded bymortar fire while manning an entry con-trol point. During the latter attack, hesuffered shrapnel wounds to his left legand left shoulder. The Purple Heart isawarded to any service member who hasbeen wounded or killed in action againstan enemy of the United States. �

Innovative weapons confiscation programs haveyielded big gains for coalition forces. Above, Spec. Christopher Sweder receives a PurpleHeart for a wound sustained in a mortar attack.

Innovative weapons confiscation programs haveyielded big gains for coalition forces. Above, Spec. Christopher Sweder receives a PurpleHeart for a wound sustained in a mortar attack.

And so it goes. Actually, not really. In the last decade the profile of military attorneys has markedly risen. The overall

military optempo has substantially increased, and with it the number of legal issues.Oh, and that show on CBS where the former pilot gets into all sorts of adventures hasprobably helped as well.

While an “it depends” answer like those above could clearly be frustrating, if youthink about it, it is almost always correct. A good judge advocate, however, obviouslydoesn’t stop with “it depends.” The seasoned judge advocate gathers all of the relevant facts, processes them and then provides an answer, solution or just guidance.In that sense, military decision-making is quite similar to thinking like a lawyer. Welawyers are already wired to plan for all possible options and outcomes and choosethe “best” answer because sometimes there are no “right” answers. That best answerthen is used to litigate a case or choose a course of action in each respective arena.

Judge advocates are not usually asked to field the ground balls and answer theeasy questions. Most Soldiers and Airmen generally know what conduct is consideredcriminal, and at least what is prohibited by the Uniform Code of Military Justice,Pennsylvania Code of Military Justice and many regulations and instructions. Mostare likewise aware of the Law of War, particularly as incorporated within our StandingRules of Engagement. The lawyers, however, live in gray areas.

There may have been a criminal act, but what is the actual proof and how wasit gathered? We can use lethal force to defend against a hostile act, but what if the targeted person committing or attempting to commit the hostile act is within a protected place or is using civilian shields?

We do not “torture” detainees, but what precisely is permissible during an inter-rogation of a detainee or a high value detainee? These and many other questionsrequire an “it depends” response until more relevant facts are known. To be pre-pared for these types of head-scratchers, and a wide variety of others, judge advo-cates must con tinuously “train” on their specific mission as well. Our respectiveservices provide numerous training opportunities each year, and we of course spend

By Capt. Matthew Fogal,Chief, Military Justice, 28th ID HQ

Commander: Shoot or don’t shoot?JAG: It depends...Commander: You’re just not helpful.

Commander: Spend or not spend?JAG: It depends…Commander: Please go away.

Commander: Punish or not punish?JAG: It depends…Commander: I think I hate you.

our IDT assemblies or UTAs andmany personal hours researchingand consuming new developmentsor “lessons learned” in legal jour-nals. But this year, uniquely, bothour Air and Army judge advocatesgathered at Fort Indiantown Gap tolearn more about how each serviceoperates, similarly or otherwise,with respect to the legal mission and procedures.

On Aug. 23-24, approximately40 PANG judge advocates attendedthe 2008 PANG Joint Legal

Conference. The over arching theme ofthe weekend, says State Judge Advocate(Army) Col. Jeffrey Elliott, was to,“emphasize the ‘Jointness’of the PANG and begin to foster a working relationship in order to preparefor coordination in future operationsand missions.”

State Judge Advocate (Air) Col.Robert Burns added, “This conferenceallowed the staff to become acquaintedand begin reviewing issues where ourprocess and procedures may be differentand how to resolve those differences.Additionally, the joint judge advocateswere able to address areas of concernfor dealing with disaster relief andinvolvement with other organizations.”

The conference opened with theAdjutant General of the PennsylvaniaNational Guard, Maj. Gen. Jessica L.Wright, providing opening remarks. Sheexplained she was “extremely pleasedthat the Pennsylvania National Guardjudge advocates have held this event.”

Without question, the highlight of theconference occurred on day two. Maj.Gen. Stephen M. Sischo, deputy adjutantgeneral (Air), opened the session byproviding his view of the value of judgeadvocates. He was followed by Lt. Col.James Stuhltrager from the 112th AOS,who explained the legal aspects of theJoint Air Operations Center.

“It was extremely helpful to discussthe operational law issues that directlyimpact both ground forces and air operations,” said Stuhltrager.

In the afternoon, the attendees weregiven a Rules of Engagement (ROE)briefing. While all attendees haveexhaustively studied ROE, and mosthave actually presented numerous ROEbriefs themselves, all agreed that theconference presentation given by Lt.Col. David “Bo” Bolgiano was the bestthey had observed.

(Continued on next page)

So as we judge advocates

understand we will continue to

get only the tough questions,

the 2008 PANG Joint Legal

Conference is but one example

of how we continuously,

carefully and vigilantly prepare,

and constantly strive to provide

what will be the “best answer”

to all future comers.



Sgt. Joseph Pape, Annville, watches from the door of hisPennsylvania Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter as theyprepare to lift a New Jersey Guard UH-60 Black Hawk. The Black Hawk had mechanical problems and had to land in theenvironmentally sensitive Pine Barrens. To prevent any environmentalimpact, the Fort Indiantown Gap-based crew agreed to lift the aircraftto nearby Lakehurst Naval Station. Chief Warrant Officers PatrickDonohue, Hummelstown, and Paul Devincenzo, Harrisburg, flew theCH-47 aircraft.

The strength of Bo’s ROEbrief was two-fold. First, he isclearly a leading expert in thisfield. He is the state judge advo-cate for the Maryland AirNational Guard and a U.S. ArmyWar College student (resident).He formerly served in various crit-ical positions where heresearched, drafted and trainedothers regarding ROE.

Immediately after Sept. 11,2001, Bolgiano deployed toTyndall Air Force Base, Fla.,where he helped draft the Rulesof Engagement for OperationNoble Eagle. He then twicedeployed to Afghanistan, Qatarand Iraq as legal adviser to the commander of Special OperationsCommand Central duringOperations Enduring Freedomand Iraqi Freedom.

Bo’s approach was unique toother ROE briefs, inasmuch as his military experience and experienceas a law enforcement officer, alongwith his field research, enabledhim to tailor his brief to morethan a simple statement of theprinciples of ROE. His was a morepractical analysis describing stud-ies of how individuals physicallyreact in life threatening situationsand how that reaction impacts theapplication of ROE in those split-second, critically tense moments.

So as we judge advocatesunderstand we will continue to getonly the tough questions, the 2008PANG Joint Legal Conference isbut one example of how we con-tinuously, carefully and vigilantlyprepare, and constantly strive toprovide what will be the “bestanswer” to all future comers. �

LEGAL EAGLES

CURATOR’S CORNER By Charles Oellig

In honor of our 2008 WorldChampion Philadelphia Phillies, we seea 1951 photograph with Lt. EugeneHaas, Sgt. Curt Simmons and Lt.Richard Seiverling, Public AffairsOfficer. Haas was the coach of the“Keystoners,” the 28th InfantryDivision baseball team.

Curt Simmons was born in 1929 inMeadowbrook, Pa., played his minorleague ball in Wilmington, Del., andwas brought up by the PhiladelphiaPhillies at the end of 1947. In 1950, the“Whiz Kids” won the National Leaguepennant where he had a very strong17-8 record.

Simmons was drafted into theArmy in 1951 and was assigned to the28th Division where he joined the teamat Camp Atterbury, Ind. By 1952 he wasback with the Phillies where he had a14-8 record. He went on to pitchalmost a dozen more years beforeretiring from baseball. Note the key-stone on the front of Curt Simmons’uniform.


Documents

Pennsylvania Guardians: Winter 2008 · “The drills were always challenging, but this one really knocked me off my feet,” said Phillips. “Something just wasn’t right.” In