Wednesday, March 31, 2010
April is Month of the Military Child...
Hello--
Soldiers' Angels honors April as Month of the Military Child!! This little poster child for Soldiers' Angels is a North Dakota Army National Guard HOOAH baby!! Sgt Daddy is deployed to Kosovo. http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=528&cntnt01returnid=15
Governor Hoeven has signed the state proclamation http://governor.nd.gov/proc/docs/2010/04/201004c.pdf.
Shelle Michaels
Soldiers' Angels National Communication Officer
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is becoming a common wound of modern warfare.
| Posted: 20 Mar 2010 05:00 AM PDT  Traumatic Brain Injury in the Military While TBI is becoming more prevalent in wartime activity, many service men and women continue to go undiagnosed. Institutions, like the US Department of Veterans Affairs, are working to make quick and accurate diagnoses in order to prescribe appropriate and effective treatment. TBI is caused by forced trauma to the head, either by being shaken or hit. The severity of a TBI varies from case to case, but symptoms range from mild concussions to a debilitating state. The majority of TBI's acquired by military personnel are classified as mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI). Initial symptoms of MTBI consist of loss of consciousness, disorientation, loss of memory, headache, and temporary loss of hearing and vision. They are often partnered with anxiety, irritability, difficulties processing information, limited concentration amongst other problems experienced down the road. While MTBI is most common amongst the men and women of the armed forces, more severe cases of TBI are happening much more frequently and often require the victim to attended specialty rehabilitative nursing centers, like CareMeridian. The most common cause of a TBI in the military is due to blasts. There are three degrees of blast injuries where a TBI is common; Primary (due to blast itself), Secondary (due to objects being propelled by a blast) and Tertiary (due to a collision with a third party object). According to the Veterans Health Initiative, active male members of the military from the ages 18-24 are hospitalized with a TBI at a rate of 231 per 100,000 and females 150 per 100,000. Based on military force projections this would mean that 4,141 military personnel are hospitalized on average each year with a TBI, and these numbers often rise during wartimes. The best prevention for veterans to avert the long-term effects of a brain injury is to recognize the symptoms of a TBI. Once the symptoms are identified an individual should take basic precautionary measures in order to begin the healing and recovery process until a more specific diagnosis can be made. Service men and women give so much to protect this country and they deserve to come home to a happy and healthy life. Creating awareness about TBI will help ensure their long term health. By helping our veterans, their friends and their families recognize the early warning signs of a TBI, treatment can be sought as early as possible. This post was submitted and sponsored by Care Meridian |
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Saturday, March 27, 2010
March 30th Free Sneak Preview of first Amercian War Drama filmed in Vietnam
| Sneak Preview of the first American War Drama ever allowed to shoot on location in Vietnam.
"21 and a Wakeup" is the true story of the final days of the 24th Evacuation Hospital at Long Binh, the last major Army Hospital remaining in Vietnam as America left Southeast Asia.
"21" is very much a women's drama, showing the enormous courage and dedication of brave women in almost unimaginable circumstances. It will have a powerful appeal to Soldier's Angels.
It has a terrific cast, including Faye Dunaway, Danica McKellar, Amy Acker, Tom Sizemore, JC Chasez, Wes Studi, Ed Begley Jr, Andre Royo, Kieu Chinh and Ben Vereen.
I'd love to have as many Soldier's Angels attend for free next Tuesday evening as possible.
We've shown this film at Fort Lewis for the Army Nurse Corps; at the Navy Memorial in Washington, and Bethesda Naval Hospital, among others. I was privileged to speak to part of the graduating class at West Point about the film by special invitation.
This Sneak Preview will be shown free to 300 Vietnam Vets at 6 PM next Tuesday March 30th at the Whittier Village Cinema on 7038 Greenleaf Avenue, immediately after the traveling wall leaves.
The trailer and more information are available on our website www.21andawakeup.com.
Please let me know if you'd like to attend. If you are able to forward this invitation, any of your members may guarantee themselves good seats by emailing wakeuptix@aol.com
Free Tickets are of course available at the door on a first come, first served basis.
Best Regards,
Chris McIntyre Writer/Director USMC 1967-71
Vietnam-era movie now playing locallyFlick details work of medical personnel during forty year old conflictBy J.M. Simpson on March 4, 2010 Dr. Roland Trenouth, left, and Dr. Marvin Wayne, center, are portrayed in Director Chris McIntyres Vietnam movie 21 And A Wakeup. The pair joined McIntyre, right, at a screening for 300 Veterans at Fort Lewis. The movie "21 And A Wakeup" honors the work of doctors and nurses who served in Vietnam. The film takes place during a four-day period at the 24th Evacuation Hospital, the last hospital to close during the final days of America's involvement in Vietnam. Director, Writer and Producer Chris McIntyre produced his film to cast a different and accurate light on Army medical personnels lives in Vietnam. Unlike most war movies that show the devastation of war from the soldier's view, the film dramatizes the real life story of three nurses, one of whom is days from returning home. "Their stories have not been told on the big screen," said McIntyre, a Marine who served from 1967 until late 1971. "Nurses did heroic work; they had the most contact with the wounded." The movie is the first filmed in Vietnam since its fall to the communists in 1975. McIntyre attributes persistence for his success persuading the still-Communist government to allow him to film in Vietnam, along with the Vietnamese governments own reverence for accurate history. Opposed to the war during his college years, McIntyre was drafted, and then elected to enlist in the Marines. He soon fell in love with Vietnams country, and its brave and wonderful people. As the draw down occurs in Iraq and soon Afghanistan, McIntyre noted the 40-year-old parallel. "21 And a Wakeup" opened in Chicago, and continues its rollout across the US in 2010. The film digs deep to encompass a dozen true incidents, including those of Dr. Marvin Wayne, a top surgeon at the 24th Evacuation Hospital in 1971 and 72. Wayne accompanied McIntyre at a showing at Fort Lewiss Carey Theater Tuesday evening. Standing next to Wayne was Dr. Roland Trenouth, a physician who was badly injured in a helicopter crash. He was rushed to the 24th Evac Hospital, and then worked on by Wayne. "I compressed my years of service along with Dr. Wayne's into a single 96-hour period," said McIntyre. "Every event and every major character has a basis in a real event and true story." The title references the 21 days left in the lead nurses' tour of duty; the average age of a nurse reporting for duty in Vietnam; and the years (1954-1975) America was involved in Vietnam. Amy Acker (television's "Angel and Alias") stars as Caitlin Murphy, an Army nurse who undertakes a difficult and dangerous journey up the Mekong River to Cambodia in order to save a young Vietnamese-American girl before the American bombing of Cambodia. Like all events in the movie, Murphy's trip is based on a true story. The film also stars Faye Dunaway ("Network," "Chinatown," "Bonnie and Clyde"); JC Chasez (N'Sync, in his first film role); Danica McKellar ("The Wonder Years," "The West Wing"); Ed Begley, Jr. ("St. Elsewhere," "The West Wing"); Tom Sizemore ("Saving Private Ryan," "Blackhawk Down"); Wes Studi ("Heat," "Last of the Mohicans"); Andre Royo ("The Wire"); and Ben Vereen ("Pippin"). "It's irreverent. It occasionally portrays officers in a less than flattering light, like M*A*S*H. It shows the parties and clubs," said Wayne. "Its reality - we lived, partied, cried and saved lives." A self-described rebel whose sense of care and concern for patients has only grown with time, Wayne says the movie is very real, and tries to honor those it portrays. "I may occasionally have been a poor officer, but always tried to be the best doctor," he said. This film is about real people I knew, who worked very hard to save our soldiers lives." |
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
MHS Military Medical Digest
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Limited Edition Saint Michael Archangel Shirt
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Monday, March 22, 2010
Need state leads in the following states
Please send this out to all teams ASAP---- I have been trying to fill these state leaders for 3 months and no one is standing up!
Do we not have any troop supporters in Hawaii, Idaho, Mississippi, Utah, West Virginia, or Wyoming? Day of the Deployed still needs captains for these listed states. Assistants appreciated in ALL 50 states. Must sincerely commit. Please contact DayoftheDeployed@SoldiersAngels.org WE NEED YOU TO BE A PART OF HISTORY IN THE MAKING!
www.facebook.com/dayofthedeployed
we are taking this movement to congress. We need you to take a state leadership position to ensure we have all states sign on this year.
Soldiers' Angels started a day to honor deployed heroes and their families on October 26, 2006 called Day of the Deployed. We asked Americans to reaffirm their patriotism and allegiance to our flag and country, and to honor our brave men and women in uniform who are selflessly putting their lives on the line to protect and preserve our way of life and to support the families left behind.
· This honor was first signed as a proclamation by Governor John Hoeven of North Dakota. http://governor.nd.gov/proc/docs/2006/10/20061026.pdf
· Hoeven proceeded to sign the proclamation again the second year along with Governor Pawlenty of Minnesota. http://governor.nd.gov/proc/docs/2007/10/20071026.pdf
· The third year a dozen governors from around the United States signed the proclamation for their state. http://governor.nd.gov/proc/docs/2008/10/20081026.pdf
· And in 2009 nearly forty governors from across America signed the proclamation standing behind the troops from their state. http://governor.nd.gov/proc/docs/2009/10/20091026.pdf
On October 26, 2010 the volunteers at Soldiers' Angels vow to have every governor from every state across the nation, sign their very own state proclamation.
Proclamation - Day of the Deployed - October 26
WHEREAS, this nation is kept strong and free by the loyal citizens who preserve our precious heritage through their positives declaration and actions; and
WHEREAS, our deployed service members have courageously answered their nation's call to service by defending our freedoms on foreign lands; and
WHEREAS, Americans are encouraged to reaffirm their patriotism and allegiance to our flag and country, and honor the brave men and women currently deployed to protect and preserve our way of life; and to reach out and support family members left behind to bear the weight alone at home, and
WHEREAS, since 2006 Soldiers' Angels has honored our deployed heroes and their families with a day set aside in recognition of their hard work, dedication and commitment to the United States of America; and
NOW, THEREFORE, Soldiers' Angels hereby proclaim October 26 as DAY OF THE DEPLOYED throughout the United States of America and wherever our service members are serving.
Patti Patton - Bader, Founder
Shelle Michaels, National Communication Officer
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Both Air and Army Guard Family of the Year are Awarded (UNCLASSIFIED)
Both Air and Army Guard Family of the Year are Awarded
BISMARCK, N.D. - Both the Air and Army Guard Family of the Year were honored
today at a volunteer luncheon that took place at the Adjutant General's
Symposium on Families at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck. Each year, a family
is chosen from each branch of service that has served the military community
in an outstanding capacity. The two families were nominated by their peers
due to their support of the Guard as well as their activities and volunteer
efforts.
Tech. Sgt. Francisco "Frank" Gonzalez and Senior Airman Kelly Gonzalez, of
Minot, received Air Guard Family of the Year and Sgt 1st Class Richard and
Tess Haugen, of Dickinson, received Army Guard Family of the Year. The
Gonzalez family was unable to attend due to participation in the flood fight
efforts, but the Haugen family was on hand to receive the award.
Presenting the award was Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National
Guard adjutant general. He said, "These awards are to recognize families
that have gone above and beyond. Thank you for all you do for our military.
Families are a huge reason why we are able to be successful as an
organization."
Frank Gonzalez is currently assigned as the non-commissioned officer in
charge of training for the 219th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) located at
Minot Air Force Base. According to the Gonzalez nomination form, "Frank
constantly seeks greater responsibilities within the squadron and strives to
enhance his already immense professional knowledge base. The family
significantly volunteers time and efforts in helping out squadron members
during times of need. Numerous examples include moving, snow removal, home
repairs and chaperoning field trips for children. This family's selfless
service and sacrifices have been instrumental without measure in ensuring the
success of a complex and difficult nuclear security mission." Frank and Kelly
Gonzalez volunteer numerous hours to help other Airmen and participate in
professional events to enhance the overall image of the Guard.
"I was definitely surprised by the award. For Kelly and I to be recognized
for our contribution is not only gratifying, but also humbling because we
work with so many amazing Airmen and families," said Tech. Sgt. Francisco
Gonzalez.
Commander of 219th SFS, Lt. Col. Tad Schauer, said, "It is important that we
recognize our Airmen and their families for their contributions. The fact
that the 219th Security Forces Squadron has had a family receive this
prestigious award two years in a row speaks volumes about the high caliber of
Airmen in our organization. Both Francisco and Kelly are excellent examples
of outstanding Hooligans."
Army Guard winner, Sgt. 1st Class Richard Haugen, member of the 816th
Engineer Company, and his wife and three children were nominated due to their
positive impact on their community and care and concern demonstrated for
Soldiers. According to the nomination form, "Richard volunteers for
additional duties to include: Suicide Intervention Officer, Casualty
Notification Officer, Equal Opportunity Representative as well as teaching
"mini-lessons" to local Elementary School students. Joining Richard in
demonstrating genuine care and concern is his wife Tess. As the leader of the
Family Readiness Group, she has been instrumental in organizing activities
for the Soldiers', spouses' and children year-round. Care, concern, devotion
and training are all great attributes for one to have. Finding a family
where these attributes are shared by all, make them a great choice."
Haugen said he and his family were honored to be recognized. "It means a lot
to us. We are in this together. It's all about being part of a great National
Guard family," he said.
--
Monday, March 15, 2010
MOPH Calls All Combat Wounded Veterans to Branson, Missouri
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC, March 15, 2010
MOPH Calls All Combat Wounded Veterans to Branson, Missouri
For the second straight year, The Military Order of the Purple Heart is proud to encourage all of its members to participate in the special salute to Purple Heart veterans by Branson.Com on April 22-24, 2010, and to invite all veterans to join them in this special event..
This special "Hand in Hand" event takes place over three fun-packed days and features a wide variety of dining, entertainment and sporting events designed specifically for combat wounded veterans. As one Purple Heart recipient said after last year's event, "I never felt so personally honored or more patriotic than I did in Branson."
On Thursday, April 22, the weekend kicks off with registration in the morning, followed by an Opening ceremony at the Hamner Barber Theatre, Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. The ceremony includes a special program of music and comedy entertainment as well as a panel of experts from the Military Order of the Purple Heart who will present a "Town Hall Meeting" on how veterans and their families can get their benefits. In addition to a Question and Answer period, these experts will be available for private consultations. The Military Order of the Purple Heart will be represented by National Commander Jim Sims, Senior Vice Commander Clayton Jones and the Department of Missouri. The evening will be open to enjoy the many dining and entertainment experiences available in Branson.
On Friday morning, those patriots who pre-registered online at Branson.com, will cast-off with their personal guide to participate in a Fishing Tournament. In the afternoon all will return to the Hamner Barber Theater for an entertainment extravaganza. Finally, the day will close with a traditional southern "Fish Fry."
On the way out And the winner is . . .
On Saturday, guests are invited to the "Missouri Wine Festival" at Chateau on the Lake, followed by a "Hillbilly Posse Motorcycle Run" to honor Purple Heart recipients. In the evening, everyone is invited to Branson Landing for a "Purple Majesty Twilight Ceremony" that is guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes, and fill your chest with pride.
A tasting at the Wine Festival Twilight Ceremony at Branson Landing
All activities are free of charge to all veterans and their families, with the exception of a minimal charge for the fish fry. For details, please visit the website "Branson.com" to pre-register online for all events. If you have any questions, call 417-334-2360 and please keep checking back on the website for any changes. For discount shows and lodging please call 1-800-619-5708 or go to www.BransonTourismCenter.com
The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes.
Friday, March 12, 2010
ESGR Thanks Employers at 'Breakfast with the Boss' (UNCLASSIFIED)
ESGR Thanks Employers at 'Breakfast with the Boss'
FARGO, N.D. - North Dakota's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
or ESGR, thanked area employers today during
a "Breakfast with the Boss" event. The 7 a.m. gathering recognized 13
businesses and organizations with the Patriot Award
.
"Employers in this area are very patriotic," said Kevin Iverson, of Bismarck,
North Dakota's ESGR director. "They get the need for military service, and we
appreciate that. ... We wanted to take an opportunity to thank employers with
recognition for the outstanding support they provide their service member
employees."
Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, Air National Guard director, Maj. Gen. Raymond
W. Carpenter, acting Army National Guard director, and Maj. Gen. David
Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, also were at the event to thank
the employers.
"As you know, our Soldiers and Airmen have been tremendously successful over
the years at adding value to our state and communities, but that wouldn't be
possible without you," Sprynczynatyk said. "... We're all citizen-Soldiers,
citizen-warriors, citizen-Airmen and most of us have another job within the
community."
>
For the award, ESGR committee members presented a framed certificate and
> lapel pin to the employers, who were nominated by an employee who serves in
> the National Guard or Reserve.
"We cannot recognize an employer without the participation of that employee
service member," Iverson said.
>
Businesses awarded today included the City of Fargo Street Department, which
was nominated by Army National Guard Sgt. Travis Kane; the City of West
Fargo, nominated by Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Michael Reitan;
Express Employment Professionals, nominated by Army National Guard Sgt. Jacob
Payson; Fargo Jet Center, nominated by Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Mandi
Hagen; Fargo Police Department, recognized by Air National Guard Capt. Joseph
Anderson; West Fargo Public Schools' Sheyenne 9th Grade Center, nominated by
Air National Guard Master Sgt. Rollin Swedberg; MeritCare Cardiac
Rehabilitation, nominated by Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Nathan Nieman;
American Family Insurance, nominated by Air National Guard Master Sgt. Bruce
Karevold; Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney, nominated by Army National Guard
Spc. Shane Spieker; CATCO Parts & Service, nominated by Army National Guard
Spc. Bernard Fischer; Industrial Builders Inc., nominated by Army National
Guard Spc. Kevin McKenzie; Magnum Companies, nominated by Sgt. Bryan Hovland;
and Union Storage and Transfer, nominated by Army National Guard Master Sgt.
Kyle Heidenreich.
Many of the Soldiers who nominated their employers are currently deployed
overseas and were not able to attend with their organization.
The West Fargo Police Department and Fargo Park District also were recognized
today for their continuing support of service members. Both were nominated
for the 2010 Freedom Award.
Each Patriot Award recipient will now be considered for a higher award from
ESGR, the highest of which including the Employer Support Freedom Award,
which is given by the secretary of defense.
ESGR is a Department of Defense volunteer-based organization that seeks to
promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the
> military service of their employees. ESGR's mission is to gain and maintain
employer support for members of the National Guard and Reserve by recognizing
outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflict
through mediation.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
ND Excels in National Guard Bureau Media Awards (UNCLASSIFIED)
News Release 10-033
For Immediate Release March 11, 2010
Contacts:
Rick Smith at 701-333-2007 (office) or 701-426-0190 (cell)
Amy Wieser Willson at 701-451-6130 (office) or 701-412-6895 (cell)
Penny Ripperger at 701-451-2195 (office) or 701-238-6944 (cell)
North Dakota Excels in National Guard Bureau Media Awards
FARGO, N.D. — The North Dakota Army National Guard received more print media awards than any other state in the 2009 National Guard Bureau Media Contest. Winners were announced today and Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Rudl, contest administrator, said North Dakota took the lead with eight awards. The North Dakota Air National Guard excelled in the Air Force photography categories, coming out with four awards.
"The successful results of this important media competition reflect the professionalism and competence of our public affairs team," said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. "Whether conventional print, broadcast or new media, our public affairs specialists continue to do a great job telling the story of the outstanding citizen-Soldiers and citizen-Airmen of the North Dakota National Guard."
North Dakota Guardsmen at home and abroad earned recognition in the competition. As a team, the North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office took first place in the Special Achievement in Print Media category for the special flood edition of the North Dakota Guardian. The team also placed first in the Outstanding Initiatives in New Media category for their use of social media tools to tell the North Dakota National Guard story. North Dakota's 116th Public Affairs Detachment, which is deployed to Kosovo, placed second in that category.
"It has been a pleasure to work with such a talented group of Soldiers and Airmen this past year," said Lt. Col. Rick Smith, North Dakota National Guard public information officer. He replaced Capt. Dan Murphy, who deployed last year.
Murphy, of Bismarck, who serves as the public information officer for Multi-National Battle Group-East in Kosovo, addressed members of North Dakota's 116th Public Affairs Detachment in Kosovo and the full-time public affairs staff in North Dakota in an e-mail, saying, "You all should be very proud of your efforts and hard work. Each of the awards are well-deserved."
Sgt. Eric Jensen's writing talents stood out in the contest, earning two first-place awards, one for a feature article titled "The Party Crashers" on the National Guard's involvement with Zip to Zap in 1969, and the other for a commentary about online communities. Jensen, of Mandan, is the North Dakota Guardian editor. Smith, of Bismarck, placed third in the commentary category for a piece titled "The Art of Caring Leadership Through Attitude." Additionally, Staff Sgt. Amy Wieser Willson, of West Fargo, placed third for an artist-inspired story series that included pieces titled "The Art of War," "Brush with Greatness," and "Carving a Niche." Spc. Tiffany-Iris Heflin, of Lincoln, N.D., a unit public affairs representative with the 191st Military Police Company, earned a third-place award in the Contribution by a Stringer-Photographer category for a photo titled "Down Range."
On the Air Guard side, Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp, of Fargo, took home four photography awards. He placed first in the Sports Photo category and earned three third-place awards in the Photojournalism, Pictorial Photo and Picture Story categories.
"It's no surprise the Dave brought home so many awards again," said Capt. Penny Ripperger, 119th Wing public affairs officer. "His photography talents are well-known throughout the National Guard and the Air Force, and we're very fortunate to have someone of his skill on staff with us."
Judges reviewed 406 entries from the Army National Guard and 290 from the Air National Guard before making their decisions.
"The overall quality of entries was the best that I have seen in some time," Rudl said.
Lipp's winning Air National Guard entries will now move on to the Air Force Media Contest, an Air Force-wide competition. North Dakota's Army National Guard entries will advance to the Keith L. Ware Contest, an Army-wide competition.
To view the winning entries, go to www.ng.mil/features/MediaAwards/entries.aspx. Additionally, the North Dakota National Guard's main social media sites that earned recognition are www.facebook.com/NDNationalGuard, www.youtube.com/NDNationalGuard, www.flickr.com/photos/NDGuard and www.twitter.com/NDNationalGuard. The 116th Public Affairs Detachment Kosovo-related social media sites that were awarded are www.facebook.com/KFOR-Mulit-National-Task-Force-East, www.youtube.com/KFORPAO, www.flickr.com/photos/kfor and www.twitter.com/KFOR_PAO.
——
Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized more than 3,500 Soldiers and more than 1,800 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Currently, about 800 North Dakota Guardsmen are serving overseas. With a total force of about 4,400 Soldiers and Airmen, sufficient forces remain in the state for emergency response and homeland defense.
-30-
Cutlines
High-resolution photos to accompany this release are available on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard. Navigate to the photo set titled "NGB Media Awards."
Sports.jpg: While covering the North Dakota High School State Wrestling Tournament for the North Dakota Army National Guard recruiting team, Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp captured this photo of a referee with two young competitors in February 2009. The photo took first place in the sports photography category of the National Guard Bureau Media contest.
PictureStory.jpg: This collage of photos from the spring 2009 flooding across North Dakota placed third in the National Guard Bureau Media Contest. Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, of Fargo, is the multimedia manager for the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing and took the photos as he traveled the state covering the Guard's efforts in the flood fight.
Pictorial.jpg: As sandbaggers strived to reach a seemingly insurmountable goal to fill enough sandbags at the FargoDome to stop the rising floodwaters last spring, Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp photographed the efforts of community members working alongside Guardsmen in an effort to win together. The clock in the background kept ticking — 7:23 p.m. March 24, 2009 — for a contest of a different kind then what usually plays out at the Dome. Lipp earned third place in the National Guard Bureau Media Contest with this photo.
Photojournalism.jpg: Just one of several photos entered by Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp in the Photojournalism category of the National Guard Bureau Media Contest, this photo became an iconic representation of the Guard's flood-fighting efforts. It has since been used in numerous publications. It shows Staff Sgt. William Griffin, of the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (Devils Lake, N.D.) driving a high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (Humvee) on a road flooded by water from the Sheyenne River April 15, 2009, in Fort Ransom, N.D. Griffin and Spc. Jessica Sandberg, of the 132nd Quartermaster Battalion (Rugby, N.D.), were making a welfare visit to a rural civilian resident at his home, which was surrounded by the flood water.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Happy Hooligans win JOSAC Squadron of the Year
Happy Hooligans win JOSAC Squadron of the Year
Fargo, N.D. – A prominent Department of Defense award was recently bestowed on the North Dakota Air National Guard. The Happy Hooligans' 177th Airlift Squadron received the 2009 Joint Operational Support Airlift Center (JOSAC) Squadron of the Year award for the U.S. Air Force in the small aircraft category.
"This is a prestigious award and speaks volumes about the talents and abilities of the Happy Hooligans. These Airmen were the best in the world when they flew fighters, and now, after only a couple of years into their new mission of the C-21 Lear Jet, they have once again proven that they are the best in the nation," said N.D. Gov. John Hoeven.
JOSAC is the airlift branch of the U.S. Transportation Command, headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, Ill, that specializes in air transportation of senior defense officials within the continental U.S. Currently, 89 units support JOSAC, with the Happy Hooligans being one of them. Units are comprised of aircraft squadrons from all branches, to include the Marine Corps, Army, Navy and Air Force.
"The Happy Hooligans continue to excel in all their missions," said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, N.D. adjutant general. "The 119th Wing, through a multitude of aircraft, continues to demonstrate superior performance worthy of Department of Defense recognition. These Airmen ensure that the North Dakota National Guard leads the way in excellence for the entire nation."
After the Happy Hooligans ended their 60-year fighter mission in January 2007, they started the new mission of the C-21A Lear Jet. In 2008 they began supporting missions for JOSAC, providing airlift to dignitaries all over the U.S.
"JOSAC is a unique mission for us because our pilots get to interact with so many individuals on a daily basis. You can be sure that the Happy Hooligans and the great state of North Dakota are recognized by our customers," said Lt. Col. Rick Omang, 177th Airlift Squadron commander.
The Happy Hooligans have been in the lead since October 2009 for the number of missions they have flown for JOSAC. From October to February, they flew 997 hours, which is 141 hours more than any other unit in their category flying for JOSAC in the nation.
"Our customers often request us to fly for them because we keep our aircraft in excellent condition, we're well-trained at what we do, and we treat our passengers with the Midwest hospitality that the Happy Hooligans are known for," said Omang.
In a letter announcing the JOSAC Squadron of the Year award, Navy Capt. Peter R. Davenport, chief of JOSAC, stated, "The 177th Airlift Squadron's dedication and professionalism set the mark for all other C-21 units in the Department of Defense. We sincerely appreciate the superior effort of your Happy Hooligans, crews and support personnel alike, while performing the OSA (operational support airlift) mission."
The N.D. Air Guard has embraced the C-21 mission and made it their own. The Happy Hooligans made Air Force history by creating a military maintenance program for the C-21 aircraft at the 119th Wing. This was the first of its kind program for the entire Air Force since the maintenance of C-21s had previously been done by civilian contractors. Because of this program, N.D. Airmen were able to keep their maintenance jobs while waiting for the new C-27J Spartan aircraft mission that is expected to arrive in about 2012.
In addition, last summer the Happy Hooligans deployed several of their C-21 Lear Jets, to include pilots and maintenance personnel, to Qatar, which was another first for the 119th Wing. Never before had the Happy Hooligans deployed their aircraft into a theater of war. Within two months of being deployed, they won 'Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit of the Month' in June 2009.
The Happy Hooligans have been making a name for themselves from the start with the C-21 mission and they don't plan on stopping anytime soon, leaders say.
"Regardless of what we're flying, whether it's the current mission of the C-21 or our future mission of the C-27, we will do everything we can to ensure that we are the best at it. That's what being a Happy Hooligan is all about," said Omang. "It's still early, but we're already ahead for the most JOSAC flying hours for March. Hopefully we'll keep it up and take the lead for the sixth month in a row."
The JOSAC Squadron of the Year award will be formally presented at the N.D. National Guard Professional Development Workshop taking place at the Holiday Inn on Friday in the Great Hall at approximately 11 a.m.
Distinguished visitors expected to attend the award presentation include N.D. Gov. John Hoeven; Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, director of the Air National Guard; Lt. Gen. Robert R. Allardice, 18th Air Force commander at Scott Air Force Base; Maj. Gen. Raymond W. Carpenter, acting director of the Army National Guard; Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, N.D. adjutant general; and Brig. Gen. Patrick Martin, N.D. deputy adjutant general.
For more information about this news release, please contact Penny Ripperger at 701-451-2194.
Media is invited to attend the ceremony presentation. C-21A Lear Jet b-roll and high-resolution photographs are also available upon request.
Photo Captions:
C-21: Maj. Jon R. Wutzke, 178th Fighter Squadron, pilots a North Dakota Air National Guard C-21 aircraft during take-off at Hector International Airport, Fargo, N.D. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp) (Released)
OMANG: Lt. Col. Rick Omang, 178th Airlift Squadron commander, North Dakota Air National Guard, performs a preflight inspection before conducting combat operations July 26, 2009 while deployed in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller/Released)
What: Happy Hooligans receive JOSAC Squadron of the Year award- official award to be presented during the N.D. National Guard Professional Development Workshop
Where: Fargo Holiday Inn, 3803 13th Ave S, Fargo
When: Friday, March 12 at approximately 11 a.m.
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