Fort Irwin community members came out to support Autism Awareness month during a walk here, April 2. April was Autism Awareness Month and the Exceptional Family Member Program held an awareness walk as an opportunity to educate the community about autism. Participants showed their support by wearing blue. What is Autism? According to www.autism-society..org, “Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects the normal functioning of the brain. Individuals with autism may have very distinct capabilities, but they can learn and develop with appropriate treatment. For more information contact Evelyn Sandoval-Villalobos, Exceptional Family Member Program manager at 380-3698.

Photo by Gustavo Bahena, NTC and Fort Irwin Public Affairs

Staff Sgt. Daniel Hurtado, with Eagle Team, Operations Group here, brought his two dogs, Sue and Pumpkin, to the Denim Day Walk on Fort Irwin, April 10. Soldiers, family members, civilians and pets were part of the procession that symbolized solidarity with victims of sexual assault.

A sea of blue jean-covered legs filled streets on Fort Irwin as Soldiers, Families and civilians donned their denim in support of victims of sexual assault, April 10.

The 2014 Fort Irwin Denim Day Walk provided the community, here, an opportunity to walk while wearing jeans to show solidarity with victims of a crime that affects women and men. Soldiers from every unit at the National Training Center and Fort Irwin assembled in formations with unit guideons at the front, waving in the breeze. Family members brought babies in strollers and doggies on leashes. The entire group walked on several streets, passing two schools and getting high-fived by students.

The event was part of the Army-wide program, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention, which is implemented at Fort Irwin. Because sexual harassment and sexual assault violate everything the United States Army stands for, including Army Values and Warrior Ethos, the service aggressively addresses sexual assaults by first focusing on prevention through education and training.

According to www.denimdayusa.org, Denim Day was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court in 1998 when a rape conviction was overturned, because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, women in the Italian parliament arrived to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Since then, wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault. Communities across the nation can make a social statement with their fashion by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual assault.

Photo by G.A. Volb, NTC and Fort Irwin Public Affairs

Soldiers, family members and civilians of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin walk on Inner Loop Road here, April 10. The Denim Day Walk showed support and empathy to victims of sexual assault.

Just before the procession, NTC and Fort Irwin Chief of Staff Col. Richard Wilson addressed the crowd and reminded them that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year’s theme

is “Speak Up! A voice Unheard is an Army Defeated.” Wilson stated that the reporting of sexual assaults has increased throughout the Army and at Fort Irwin. The key to reporting is dependent on trust, said Wilson.

In a KNTC radio interview, NTC and Fort Irwin Commander Maj. Gen. Ted Martin mentioned that the Army is confronting the problem of sexual assaults directly.

“We recognized there was a problem and we went on the offensive,” Martin said. “This is an Army operation, so we’re not going to sit on the defense – we’re going on the offense.”

The Denim Day Walk on Fort Irwin spanned 1.3 miles and took approximately a half-hour to complete. At the end, units reconvened and conducted SHARP briefings. The units assigned to Installation Management Command, here, gathered around Lt. Col. Jose Naputi, Fort Irwin Provost Marshall. He thanked the group for supporting the event and explained that getting informed is critical to reducing incidents of sexual harassment and assaults.

“Take the information home and share it with your families,” Naputi said.

The NTC and Fort Irwin SHARP coordinator, Lt. Col. Heather Levy, explained during a KNTC radio interview that leader training includes instruction on how to respond to sexual assaults. She explained that company commanders and first sergeants must be knowledgeable in policy, be aware of their command climate, and understand what actions are required when responding to an incident.

Photo by G.A. Volb, NTC and Fort Irwin Public Affairs

Leadership and Soldiers of units at the National Training Center and Fort Irwin participated in the 2014 Denim Day Walk, April 10. The event encouraged Soldiers, family members and civilians to wear jeans and walk 1.3 miles to show support to victims of sexual assault.

Levy also talked about the type of help a victim can expect when reporting an assault through the 24-hour hotline, (760) 401-3074.

“You will get someone, professional and caring, 24-hours a day, seven days a week,” Levy said. “They’re not going to ask your name or start calling your company commander. They’re going to ask how they can help you and they’re going to show you what we offer and what this post offers to assist you in overcoming this trauma, seek an investigation and justice – if that’s what you want.”

Ongoing

Army & Air Force Exchange provides “You Made the Grade” coupon booklet for free products and discounted offers for students in grades 1-12, who maintain a “B” or better average. Contact the Fort Irwin Exchange at 386-1500 for information on how to obtain the booklet.

Signups for Operation Kids Camp at Camp Nawakwa in the Barton Flats Area of the San Bernardino Mountains. June 22-27. Open to youth 8 to 14 years of an active duty or retired family member; $395 fee. Fort Irwin personnel receive a 25 percent discount. Archery, cookouts, team building, swimming and more. Go to www.campfiretoday.org.

May 8

National Day of Prayer and Chapel Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Samuel Adams Grille. Uplift our nation and military in prayer and recognize amazing chapel volunteers. For ticket information contact David Deguzman at 380-4807.

May 14

Spring Stable Days. 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. 11th ACR Horse Detachment stables on Goldstone Road. Fort Irwin community is invited to cavalry demonstrations, dunk tank, bounce castle, food and drinks.

May 14-16

Racquetball Tournament. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Freedom Fitness Center. Sign up by May 10. Singles and doubles events for men and women. Contact Richard Sanchez at 380-6735 or
fortirwinsports@yahoo.com

May 15

Ribbon cutting ceremony for customers of AbilityOne Base Supply Center. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The Lighthouse for the Blind will host a ribbon cutting ceremony and barbecue for the BSC at South Depot Road and Inner Loop Road. The center provides supplies for government agencies, whose purchases support the employment of people who are blind.

May 22

Consolidated College Graduation Ceremony. 6-8 p.m. Contact the Fort Irwin Education Center for more information at 380-4218.

May 26

Memorial Day observances in the High Desert: Desert View Memorial Park, 11500 Amargosa Road in Victorville; Sunset Hills Memorial Park, 24000 Waalew Road in Apple Valley; Mountain View Cemetery in Barstow.

School Events

Lewis Elementary School
May 8 – Transitional kindergarten and kindergarten round-up, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The school is located at 1800 Black Hawk Drive and the phone number is 386-1900. Requirements include: parent/guardian contact information and two local emergency contacts.
Enrollment packets will be available and representatives from Mary Walker Clinic and DENTAC will be there to schedule appointments for physicals or dental screenings. For more information go to http://www.silvervalley.k12.ca.us/lewis/.

Photo by G.A. Volb, Public Affairs Office

Personnel with Southern California Edison work on an electrical transformer during a scheduled power outage here, April 5.

A scheduled power outage at Fort Irwin was completed, April 5, with major work on infrastructure improvements made to the electrical distribution system.

According to Chris Sayer, Fort Irwin Directorate of Public Works utility engineer, work included the replacement of two electric poles, five transformers and two power switches.

“The poles were replaced due to age and to prevent power outages like last year, which took place when four poles failed due to high winds,” Sayer said. “We took advantage of this power outage to replace the transformers, because they were at their end of their life cycle. We also took the time to replace the older switches with more efficient, easier maintained and more environmentally friendly switches.”

The work took place during the second scheduled outage in six months; the last in November saw the replacement of two poles, several switches and a couple of other transformers.

Sayer said the long-term goal was to replace 30 poles in the next few years.

“The biggest challenge in scheduling outages to perform the work is working around mission-related schedules and other needs of the installation,” he said. “The weather is the other factor. When the weather is cooler like it is now, the crews can work faster and accomplish more.”

Aside from the major work done, two crews completed routine pole maintenance off base, repairing a spliced section and installing additional lightning arrestors. Once all the work is complete, it takes about an hour to test and re-energize the system to bring everything back on line.

There were six crews total working to get the power back up at the installation.

“We’ve negotiated with Southern California Edison to perform two power outages a year to complete the necessary work,” Sayer said. “Another outage is scheduled for the fall at which time we’ll continue to replace additional poles and some transformers.”

Fort Irwin’s water permit requires Fort Irwin to notify the public quarterly of the following:

This is an alert about your drinking water and a cosmetic dental problem that might affect children under 9 years of age. At low levels, fluoride can help prevent cavities, but children drinking water containing more than two milligrams per liter (mg/L) of fluoride may develop cosmetic discoloration of their permanent teeth (dental fluorosis). The domestic use water provided by the Fort Irwin water system has a fluoride concentration ranging from of .8 mg/L to 16 mg/L.

Dental fluorosis may result in a brown staining and/or pitting of the permanent teeth. This problem occurs only in developing teeth, before they erupt from the gums. Children under 9 should use the reverse osmosis water to avoid the possibility of staining and pitting of their permanent teeth. You may also want to contact your dentist about proper use by young children of fluoride-containing products. Older children and adults may safely drink the water.

Drinking water containing more than four mg/L of fluoride can increase your risk of developing bone disease.

Some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of the MCL over many years may experience skin damage or circulatory system problems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. The domestic use water provided by the Fort Irwin water system has an arsenic concentration ranging from non-detected µg/L to 34 µg/L.

For more information, contact the Water Resources Manager, Fort Irwin DPW, at 380-4987 or P.O. Box 105085, Fort Irwin, CA 92310-5085 (located at building 602 on 5th Street). If you have questions concerning Fort Irwin Water System operations contact CH2MHill at 386-9706. Some home water treatment units are also available to remove fluoride from drinking water. To learn more about available home water treatment units, you may call the California Department of Health Services Water Treatment Device Unit at (916) 323-5600.

 
Fort Irwin’s Chapel Youth Program opened the doors to “The Rock” after a ribbon cutting ceremony here, May 14. National Training Center and Fort Irwin commander Maj. Gen. Ted Martin and United States Army Garrison commander Col. Jon Braga cut through a ceremonial ribbon signifying the opening of the youth center. The post Chapel spearheaded the remodeling of building 317, which now includes a band stage, video game room, a common area, kitchen, and a leisure area. The walls are covered in California-themed murals. Military spouse and volunteer Carolyn McLain designed the layout and murals, and supervised the work performed by volunteers. Installation Chaplain (Col.) Terry McBride quoted a verse and described the center “as a rock of refuge to which I can always go.”
 

United States Army Medical Department Activity Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge Rodriguez rolls up the guideon of Warrior Transition Unit/Company A (WTU-A) during an inactivation ceremony here, May 23. As the unit’s last commander, Major Luis Rodriguez held the guideon as it was cased and then passed it to MEDDAC commander Col. Cheryl Taylor-Whitehead (right), signifying relinquishment of the WTU-A command and responsibility.

United States Army Medical Department Activity conducted an inactivation of Warrior Transition Unit/Company A (WTU-A) during a ceremony here, May 23.

The military tradition of “casing of the colors” was performed by the company commander, Maj. Luis Rodriguez, and the command team of MEDDAC. A guideon’s significance is crucial as a symbol of responsibility, authority, and spirit of the unit. It is proudly displayed in front of the unit whenever the unit commander is present, and in the absence of the commander, the guideon and the unit are the responsibility of the company first sergeant.

Keeping in line with the Army’s force restructuring, Rodriguez held the WTU-A guideon as MEDDAC Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge Rodriguez cased the colors. As tradition dictates, the cased guideon was then passed to MEDDAC commander Col. Cheryl Taylor-Whitehead, signifying relinquishment of the WTU-A command and responsibility.

On that sunny afternoon, WTU-A 1st Sgt. Tony O’Neal highlighted some of the previous members of the unit, such as Staff Sgt. Tommy Rodriguez, Spc. Jemelah Forju and Lt. Col. Jorge Renteria. As he called each name, the lone voice of a WTU-A cadre member could be heard to respond, “Successfully transitioned, first sergeant!” And perhaps more poignantly, when the names Sgt. 1st Class Renica Gober, Sgt. James Cranford and Spc. Randell Douglass were called, the voice came back, “Still in the fight first sergeant!”

Throughout its history, WTU-A provided command and control and medical management for more than 390 Soldiers. Two hundred Soldiers had been deployed to combat; of those, 30 were wounded in action. Over the course of seven years, WTU-A facilitated more than 200 medical evaluation boards successfully transitioning those servicemembers to the civilian work force. Other WTU-A Soldiers remained on Active Duty and still serve today in formations across the Army.

The unit was established Dec. 6, 2007 to provide command and personnel accounting control for warriors in transition. This included active duty, Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers attached or assigned in a medical holding status during their hospitalization and/or convalescence, in accordance with Army regulations 40-400 and 600-8-6.

 
Visitors to Barstow’s Tanger Outlets Mall have the opportunity to view a recent addition to its welcome center.

Mall management has been working closely with representatives of the large military community in the area and has now included a display highlighting Fort Irwin’s National Training Center.

“We strive to maintain a positive, strong relationship with our friends at Fort Irwin as we know what a great benefit we can be to each other by cross promoting and supporting each other where appropriate,” said Jennifer Rodriguez, the mall’s general manager.

Rodriguez said that educating, reminding and informing customers about the military and supporting events on post are of utmost importance.

The mall’s welcome center is visited by some 25,000 tourists and shoppers each month, according to staff. Many of them stop at the displays available to gain insight into the local area.

“They love it,” said Rodriguez, referring to the NTC display. “We hear a lot of ‘I didn’t know it was that big.’ And ‘this is cool.’ It’s nice to hear the families talking about how they’ve had family or friends deploy to Fort Irwin.”

She said the display is viewed multiple times each day by curious shoppers from all walks of life.

The welcome center is one of just 20 official California welcome centers, providing outlet shopper’s insight into local area events, maps, sight-seeing destinations and history.

“More than half of our stores offer a military discount, plus we offer a free Tanger coupon book to all active-duty personnel and their families.”

The mall is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Battle Staff NCO Course 12-14 graduates: (Top row) Sgt. 1st Class Catherine Jones, Sgt. 1st Class Robert Nolan, Sgt. 1st Class Arkadiy Yeliseyev, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Everett, Sgt. 1st Class Shayne Henricksen, Sgt. 1st Class Eduardo Luna, Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Hubacek and Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Pulver; (bottom row) Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Arnold, Sgt. 1st Class Oscar Ayala, Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Espinosa, Sgt. 1st Class Bobby Burch, Sgt. 1st Class Marlon Thomas, Staff Sgt. Sarah Robinson, Sgt. 1st Class Blanca O’Daniel and Staff Sgt. Al Nacpil.

 
Sixteen non-commissioned officers assigned to this installation graduated from an intense, fast-paced course at a ceremony here, April 30.

The NCO’s – staff sergeants and sergeants first class – completed Battle Staff NCO Course 12-14 through video teleconference broadcast from Fort Bliss, Texas. The 22-day course is administered by the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy and prepares NCO’s for staff operations at battalion-level units and higher. According to the USASMA, the training helps sergeants become familiar with the duties of other staff sections. It provides NCO’s with an understanding of the processes of tactical planning and operations, so they can assist in all functions within a tactical operations center.

The USASMA Web site list of topics covered in the BSNCOC includes mission command, staff operations, urban operations, contemporary operational environment, graphics and overlays, military decision making process, and sustainment and support operations. Course attendees completed a staff exercise as a culminating event prior to graduation.

Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Freeman, top non-commissioned officer with 916th Support Brigade, gave a graduation address, congratulating the NCO’s. He described battle staff duty as very hard work and necessary for the success of units. Unit commanders rely on battle staff personnel for winning on the battlefield and the survival of Soldiers, Freeman explained.

“Make no mistake, the greatest commanders in the world cannot be successful without the efforts of their battle staffs and battle staff non-commissioned officers,” Freeman said.

Freeman spoke about an experience while deployed to Afghanistan and how battle staff operations were crucial in saving Soldiers’ lives in combat. Soldiers in a battle relied on personnel in the TOC to provide air support from the U.S. Air Force and reinforcements by coalition paratroopers.

“That stuff does not happen on accident and it doesn’t happen without a great deal of planning and urgency and an organized, well trained, very professional battle staff who understood that the lives of Soldiers were on the line; and it was their action that was going to win the day and their action did win the day,” Freeman said.

Sergeant 1st Class Blanca O’Daniel, course graduate and NCO-in-charge of personnel for Regimental Support Squadron with 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, served with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division during a deployment to Iraq in 2009. Her duties involved the accountability of personnel that would be conducted in a TOC. With her new training, she better understands the entire spectrum of operations managed inside a TOC, she said. The course had some elements that were very challenging, said O’Daniel, whose husband is also a senior NCO and serves with Operations Group here.

“The most challenging part was intelligence preparation of the battlefield and military decision making process,” said O’Daniel, who has served 17 years.

Freeman expressed to the NCO’s that the experience gained from BSNCOC will benefit the warfighter. He thanked them and their families for their service.

“You need to be very proud of what you do,” Freeman said. “I am honored to be amongst your ranks.”

A class 1 (food) supply convoy driven by the 138th Quartermaster Company approaches a M1 Abrams main battle tank on Langford Lake main supply route at the National Training Center, April 25. The 138th supported the class 1 supply mission for 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division (out of Fort Riley, Kan.), who was training here.

The wind and dust was relentless, as truck convoys filled with food were delivered to a brigade of Soldiers scattered across 1,200 square miles of Mojave Desert.

Those convoys belonged to the 138th Quartermaster Company from Brazil, Ind., and they traveled along rough, dirt roads known as main supply routes here, April 25. The National Guard unit (under the 519th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion at Terre Haute, Ind.) supported two weeks of training in the field for the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Riley, Kan. While providing the brigade with class 1 (food) supplies, the 138th also trained in their logistics specialty and convoy operations. It was the first time at the NTC for the company, said Capt. John Moore, commander for the 138th.

The quartermaster company normally manages an area called a supply support activity, where Soldiers handle several classes of supply, according to Moore. The automated logistical specialists normally receive supplies from outside sources and then direct the transport of those supplies to units in forward areas.

However, during this NTC training rotation, the 138th took on the mission of delivering food to approximately 5,500 Soldiers on rotation, said 1st Lt. Ryan Short, executive officer of the 138th.

“We bring food to Soldiers,” Short said. “We will not fail in that endeavor.”

One logistician, Pfc. Vannessa Callas, is from Terra Haute, Ind., and has been in the National Guard for a year and seven months. She described her duty as providing security for the people and vehicles of the convoy, and “taking out the enemy if necessary.” Her role was quite different from her usual duties, she stated. It wasn’t her first time providing convoy security in training situations, she said, adding that the 138th was getting better at convoying and constantly making improvements.

The training at the NTC has been excellent, said Sgt. Tabitha Dixon, a logistics non-commissioned officer with the 138th. Dixon, from Terra Haute as well, supervises four Soldiers and stated that the training has definitely tested her as an NCO, requiring her to be flexible and able to adapt on short notice. She also appreciates the opportunity for deployment-type training.

“This is probably the closest that my unit can provide me with overseas training,” Dixon said. “Our leadership has been great, [with] people who have been deployed teaching us younger Soldiers exactly what we need to do, things we need to look out for – here and overseas.”

Moore said that junior Soldiers were appointed as convoy commanders, giving them opportunities to learn from the experience and from NCO’s who have years of service. During convoy operations, junior Soldiers received courses of action from the NCO’s and were allowed to implement them without too much interference.

The Honorable Katherine Hammack (right), Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, visits the Child Development Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., April 23. The CDC facility is certified gold in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). It was completed in 2011 and received the gold certification from the United States Green Building Council. The CDC LEED building has resulted in a 34.4 percent reduction in energy costs and a 52.1 percent drop in water use. The CDC can accommodate up to 250 children, ages 6 weeks to kindergarten age.

The Honorable Katherine Hammack, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, visited several locations here, April 23. She met with installation personnel from Directorate of Public Works and Fort Irwin leadership. Currently, DPW manages nine energy conservation measure projects, said Muhammad Bari, director of DPW. The projects save energy and conserve natural resources, which helps sustain the Army’s National Training Center and the fort, said Bari.

One of Hammack’s first stops was at the Child Development Center, which is certified gold in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The CDC facility was completed in 2011 and received the gold certification from the United States Green Building Council. According to the USGBC Web site, buildings receive LEED certification when they are constructed using strategies that will save money, conserve energy, reduce water consumption and improve indoor air quality. According to the USGBC, LEED certified buildings reduce energy and water bills by as much as 40 percent.

The CDC can accommodate up to 250 children, ages 6 weeks to kindergarten age, said Jenepher Wilson, assistant director for the CDC. The building’s 15-room layout and aesthetics are very beneficial to the CDC mission of providing care, education and meals to children, according to Wilson.

Bari told Hammack the CDC LEED building has resulted in a 34.4 percent reduction in energy costs and a 52.1 percent drop in water use.

Hammack also toured the site of a future waste-to-energy facility.

“The facility will convert trash to electricity through incineration,” said Hossam Kassab, resource efficiency manager at Sain Engineering. “The technology used by the facility would be a first for the Army and California.”

The facility would be another example of Fort Irwin using newer technology to reduce electricity usage, which translates into cost savings for the installation.

“In the long run we are saving money and reducing energy consumption,” Kassab said.

The waste-to-energy power plant is scheduled to be online by mid 2015, Bari said. By 2017, the goal is for Fort Irwin to recycle or convert all of its waste to electricity, and become net-zero waste.

“Nothing goes to waste, waste will be re-used,” Bari said.

At the rotational unit field maintenance area and along Fort Irwin streets, Hammack was able to view LED light fixtures that replaced older, less efficient bulbs. Rotational Soldiers work on vehicles at this site in which LED lights have led to an annual decrease of 672,000 kilowatt hours for a savings of $87,360, according to Bari’s brief.

With the replacement of high pressure sodium lights with LED fixtures, and installation of fixtures with solar-powered panels, the fort has significantly reduced the consumption of coal-generated power from the over-stressed California grid, according to Kassab. By combining low-wattage LED technology with grid-independent photovoltaic cells, the project contributes to an estimated average energy reduction of .5 million kilowatt hours per year and avoids the release of 3,734 metric tons of greenhouse gases. Kassab stated that the retrofit provides an advantageous payback and typifies the very concept of pursing the “lowest hanging fruit.” Fort Irwin earns thousands of dollars in billing credits for the LED lights; in addition, millions was pocketed by retrofitting instead of installing new electric poles, high-voltage wires, and transformers.

Gustavo Bahena

Alexander Ziegler uses his palm to hit a board held by Col. Todd Kimura, commander of United States Army Dental Clinic Command here during a ceremony at Fort Irwin, May 7. Alexander was demonstrating karate skills learned in the program SKIESUnlimited. The program instructs children and youth, ages six weeks to adolescence, in sports, arts, life skills and academics, and provides opportunities to perform their proficiency.

Fort Irwin celebrated Asian American Pacific Islander heritage month with a ceremony here, May 7.

This year’s theme, “I am Beyond,” was envisioned by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center in Washington D.C. The theme captures Asian Pacific American experiences across the nation and the American spirit that calls everyone to overcome barriers. The monthly observance provides an opportunity to recognize the rich and complex past, present, and future of Asian Pacific American communities, organizations, leaders and innovators, artists, musicians, teachers and students, youth and elders – Asian American Pacific Islander people from all walks of life.

At the ceremony, guest speaker Col. Todd Kimura, commander of United States Army Dental Clinic Command here, stated that Asian American Pacific Islanders have found the wide-open spaces of America to be a land of promise, and an opportunity for jobs and a better way of life. They have also contributed to this nation’s security.

“The Army, and specifically here at Fort Irwin and the National Training Center, has benefitted from the many Asian American and Pacific Islanders –who have served across the full spectrum of military and civilian operations,” Kimura said.

Gustavo Bahena

Hannah Kimura (right) and Rhonda Kimura perform a traditional Hawaiian mele dance during an Asian American Pacific Islander celebration at Fort Irwin, May 7. Rhonda is the spouse of Col. Todd Kimura, commander of United States Army Dental Clinic Command here, and Hannah is his daughter.

Kimura explained that the first official record of Asian Pacific Islanders serving in the U.S. military was a group called the Manila Men fighting during the war of 1812 to defend New Orleans.

“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have fought in the Civil War and every other American war since,” said Kimura, who initially enlisted, and served in the Army as a combat medic from 1988 to 1989.

After graduating from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1996, Kimura studied general dentistry at Fort Benning, Ga., and later trained in orthodontics. He said that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have helped to shape the world in the fields of arts and sciences.

“Finally to sum up the question of how Asian American and Pacific Islanders excel beyond the challenges of equal opportunity, it is like every other people group – by a strong sense of family values, honoring your words, a strong emphasis on education, faith, grace and a hard work ethic,” Kimura said.

After his address, Kimura participated in a demonstration of karate with children from the SKIESUnlimeted program here. The program instructs children and youth, ages six weeks to adolescence, in sports, arts, life skills and academics, and provides opportunities to perform their proficiency. The demonstration was followed by a performance of Hawaiian mele and chant dancing by Rhonda Kimura and Hannah Kimura, spouse and daughter of Col. Kimura.

The white creamy icing was slathered on “guinea pig cakes” with enthusiasm – much of it building up around the edges leading to sweet tempting stalagmites.

A group of cake-decorating connoisseurs of confectionary craftsmanship focused on provided instruction to mold creations into works of sugar-coated art.

The small-room of students attending “Cake Decorating 101” at the post commissary recently received a basic introduction to the art.

Provided by a team from the Military Deli and Bakery Services, students soon realized the art of decorating cakes was a bit more involved than most might have thought.

Like auto body specialists who work to remove dents and touch up paint on vehicles, the ability to turn the basic cake into a masterpiece takes talent. To do so, students used tools of the trade to produce shells, flowers, bubbles, and balloons for their anti calorie-conscious concoctions.

On the positive side, according to instructors, the icing contained zero trans fat, which was a good thing for students who found themselves “stealing” samples between sessions or destroying the evidence of poor design in a similar fashion – one swipe of a finger removing any remnants of poor craftsmanship into the mouth of the artist.

Adrienne Colloton practices making daisies with icing during a cake decorating class at the Fort Irwin Commissary, June 10.

“I have 10 grandchildren,” said Shanna Bennett, a cake decorating student and produce manager at the commissary. “So every month there’s a reason to make a cake. There’s always a monthly celebration.”

Bennett said, “I’ve never experienced anything like this. This is really a treat.”

According to instructors, the ability to craft extremely detailed, professional decorations can take anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks to learn – depending on how quickly a student catches on.

Tools of the trade to include the many tips used to make designs, tubs of icing, and various “sculpting” gear ranges in price but are not exorbitant.

Red signal smoke floats by the front of a M1070 heavy equipment transport truck during the “Truck Roadeo” competition here, June 3.

When rotational units need a tank or Stryker vehicle moved at the National Training Center there are certain Soldiers who can take their call – truckers – or motor transport operators, to be exact.

At the NTC, operators drive some of the biggest trucks the Army uses – M1070 heavy equipment transport (HET) trucks and the M1000 trailers attached to them. To demonstrate operator skills and provide friendly competition for transportation crews, the 2nd Transportation Company here has hosted “Truck Roadeo” events the past two years, with the most recent taking place June 2-4.

Taking part in the competition were 11 teams (two Soldiers per team) from: 2TC; Supply and Transportation Co., 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and; 699th Maintenance Co. All teams competed in Warrior Tasks and a timed, light vehicle category; six went on to compete in an additional timed, heavy (HET and trailer) category.

Private Ryder Wilson, a transport operator with 2nd Transportation Company, secures a 70-ton M1 Abrams tank on a trailer during a “Truck Roadeo” competition here, June 3.

“The Truck Roadeo tested operators on their basic Warrior Tasks and Skills, knowledge of vehicle systems, ability to drive and navigate through rough terrain, reacting to an [improvised explosive device], conducting tactical casualty care, and calling in a [nine-line medical evacuation],” stated 2nd Lt. William Wilson, 4th Platoon leader with 2TC and officer-in-charge of the contest.

The “Best Trucking Crew in the High Desert” honors went to Sgt. Santos Arana and Staff Sgt. Jonathan Dejesus, both with 2TC, with a time of 2:27 hours. They received an Army Commendation Medal, said Wilson.

Most teams consisted of a Soldier and NCO, who served as a truck commander. One participant, Sgt. John Young – a HET operator with 2TC – said the competition was an opportunity for young Soldiers to demonstrate, not just knowledge of their vehicles and equipment, but their communication skills as well. Junior Soldiers should be learning from NCO’s to ask for guidance and to also provide suggestions, Young said.

Wilson explained that the event gave younger Soldiers an opportunity to work on a battle buddy team with experienced NCO’s.

“The competition helped them to develop skills and confidence under a stressful competitive environment,” Wilson added.

Specialist Juan Reyes, heavy equipment transport operator with Supply and Transportation Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, guides a M1 Abrams tank onto a trailer during a loading phase of the competition.

During a loading phase of the heavy category, Staff Sgt. Sauafiafi Ahsue, a squad leader with 4th Platoon, 2TC, and Pvt. Ryder Wilson, a HET operator in the same unit, combined efforts to properly secure a 70-ton M1 Abrams tank on a trailer. Using thick steel chains and a ratcheting system, the pair finally got the six chains tensioned.

Ahsue said it was challenging working in the desert heat, but the process of chaining down a tank was not unusual. If you can tie-down a tank, you can pretty much load anything, she said. Private Wilson added that strapping down a tank was not much different than loading an Army M88 recovery vehicle.

After being graded on loading the main battle tanks, heavy category competitors drove HET vehicles through a training lane where they encountered several tests. Three of the test stations evaluated them on how they responded to: having a flat tire on their trailer in hostile conditions; encountering an IED threat, and; calling for a medical evacuation.

All competitors received a certificate of participation. Light and heavy category winners received an Army Achievement Medal.
 

Staff Sgt. Sauafiafi Ahsue, a squad leader with 4th Platoon, 2nd Transportation Company, uses a wrench to tighten chains securing a tank during a loading phase of the “Truck Roadeo” competition here, June 3.

Truck Roadeo Results
Best Trucking Crew in the High Desert
Sgt. Santos Arana
Staff Sgt. Jonathan Dejesus
2nd Transportation Company
Warrior Tasks, light category, and heavy category times
combined for 2:27 hours

Heavy Category Winners
Sgt. John Young
Spc. Ryan Diedrich
2nd Transportation Co.
Time – 40 minutes

Light Category Winners
Spc. Carlos Blackmon
Sgt. Aaron Jones
2nd Transportation Co.
Warrior Tasks and light category times
combined for 1:42 hours
 

Sergeant Carlos Robles, heavy equipment transport operator, checks a trailer tire during a test station of the “Truck Roadeo” competition here, June 3. He and his partner, Pvt. Curtis Johnson – a HET operator with the same unit – drove through a training lane where they were evaluated at several stations.

Specialist Raymond Persinger, a transport operator with Supply and Transportation Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, places track guides on a trailer for loading a M1 Abrams tank.

 
Traffic flow and road accessibility will be impacted on some roads of Fort Irwin, July 7-20. Signs will inform motorists of 1) Local traffic only access. 2) Local traffic and hospital only access, and 3) Intersection will be closed. The red numbers on the map correspond to the three access levels described.

Photo by Gustavo Bahena, Public Affairs Office

Wayne Taylor rides on the way to a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans ceremony at Fort Irwin. Taylor, an avid rider, rode his Harley in the motorcycle procession through the installation for the annual event that honors Veterans of the Vietnam War era.

The long and, at times, winding road taken by the former deputy garrison commander here comes to an end this July after more than 40-plus years as a Soldier, contractor and civil service civilian in support of our nation.

Embarking on a life in the Army in 1970, Wayne Taylor joined the service after graduating from high school and studying at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina. There he attended school on a four-year ROTC scholarship, earning a regular Army commission on graduation in 1974.

Four-plus decades later, Taylor looks back on a career that’s taken him on quite the ride – one he’s proud to have been on.

He speaks highly of his time with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, while stationed in Fulda, Germany; as a senior logistics trainer with the Operations Group during his first tour here; his time at Fort Bragg and several other assignments.

On many occasions, he said, he was lucky enough to work with both officer and enlisted leaders alike who provided the type of insight and skills necessary to be successful in his own career.

He said certain lessons he’s kept with him throughout, such as past commanders and senior NCOs who highlighted the need to “treat people fairly, to uphold standards” and not rush to judgment where people are involved.

On mentors:

Taylor pointed to several mentors he benefited from during his career. Gen. William G. T. Tuttle, Maj. Gen. James Wright, Gen. Scott Wallace, Col. Phillip Saulnier, and 1st Sgt. Harrison D. Tompkins – his first first sergeant as a company commander – all provided critical insight at various times during their career that he’s used successfully over the years.

Tuttle and Saulnier taught Taylor that continuing to develop intellectual knowledge; learning more and developing intellectual skills was just as essential as the physical and tactical skills that he found so much more fun to do. “They helped me to see that exercising and developing all of your skills was important … if you were going to be as successful as you wanted to be and accomplish everything you wanted to accomplish. They also taught me that there was rarely just one way to view” something.

Wallace taught me how to bring diverse groups together for a singular focus to accomplish his vision. I think “he was an artist” at bringing people together.

Wright, he said, “was an amazing man on so many fronts. His ability to use his energy, personality, focus and intensity to help people perform at a higher level than they believed they could achieve — I learned a huge amount from him about the art side of leadership.”

And Tompkins “taught me more about what you needed to do to be a leader … than was imaginable. He was a Soldier of the old school who believed being a soldier was the core to what you are as a person. ”

On change at Irwin:

“The mission stays the same,” said Taylor. “The mission is to prepare Soldiers to survive in combat. How that gets done and what the installation is couldn’t be more different than 20 years ago. The housing here compared to what it was in the mid 90s, well, there’s no comparison. It’s incredible, both in quality and quantity. That is one of the most apparent changes the minute you drive through the gate and start down the hill into the post proper.

“Another big change is the commissary and Exchange are both much larger than they were,” he said. “They’ve both been increased in space, I’d say, by more than a third.

“There’s now a place where you can put your dogs in a kennel on post,” he continued. “When I was stationed here in the 90s, we had to drive to Apple Valley to find a kennel to look after our dogs.

“There’s a pizza hut on post and two starbucks now,” he said. “Main Street didn’t exist back then; there wasn’t a town center. Things like that make just an incredible difference in quality of life. It’s amazing the amount of investment to improve quality of life on the installation for our Soldiers and families.”

On family:

“What you start with when joining the Army, for the vast majority of us, and what you have left when you leave is family,” he said. “Family has always been the constant in my life. With that amount of investment into the profession of being a Soldier, my family became the bedrock that I went back to; it became what anchored me; what gave me a center; what gave me the confidence required to deal with the challenges that life brings to you, whether you chose life as a Soldier or some other profession.”

On retirement:

A country boy who grew up 12-miles outside Greenville, South Carolina, where he played high school football and baseball, his plans now include a return to his roots where the Taylor family ancestors settled back in 1903.

Now heading into his second retirement, Taylor sees himself being active in veteran’s affairs. It’s a passion he said he wants to devote more time to – of promoting that which is good for our nation’s vets.

He also said his wife, Susan, and he are going to take time to see the nation.

“We’re going on a four-corner’s ride,” he said, referring to a coast-to-coast, north-to-south adventure on his Harley Tri-glide to see all that America has to offer.

“I was actually surprised,” he said, when Susan suggested they move back to South Carolina. Then again, he offered, it has been as much a home-away-from-home for her as it has for him. In fact, the nearly 14 years they’ve spent at Irwin is the longest they have spent anywhere together, so it has become their second home.

“My wife and I always liked Fort Irwin – we enjoyed our tour here the first time,” he said. So when he was looking for a bit more of a challenge after retiring from the Army in 2002, he thought of two places – Fort Bragg and Fort Irwin; he had fond memories of both.

Like many assignments overseas, he suggested, there is a special bond shared by those stationed at Irwin. So when the opportunity presented itself shortly after retiring, he jumped on it and returned to the deserts of Southern California in 2003.

“I’m going to remember the people of Fort Irwin,” he said, looking back on his tenure here. “I’ve had the opportunity to work on amazing teams, with some truly amazing people to accomplish a unique mission.”

Those new, shiny buses you might have seen on post can take you in air-conditioning comfort to lunch and to your next meeting.

The Logistics Readiness Center here, recently introduced two new vehicles as the Tiefort Shuttles on two routes that operate Monday through Friday (except federal holidays) from 7:50 a.m. to 4:03 p.m.

Besides taking you near Taco Bell, the shuttles can take riders to Weed Army Community Hospital, the Reception Campus, NTC headquarters, USAG headquarters, DFAC 1 and 2, and other locations. For a full schedule, refer to NTC/Fort Irwin Facebook photos for images of the schedule.

Jerry Walsh, director of LRC, said that the routes are convenient for the commuter population who do not drive personal vehicles on post. The shuttles can accommodate 26 riders; they are very maneuverable and greener, since they have a cleaner, diesel-type engine. They are more efficient than the older 44-passenger buses and correspond with DoD’s fleet-vehicle streamlining.

All active duty personnel and their dependents and all civilians – DOD and civilian contractors – are eligible to ride the Tiefort Shuttle. For more information, call the LRC/Transportation Section at 380-3385/3816.

Fort Irwin Logistics Readiness Center operates a medical shuttle weekdays (except on federal holidays) to outlying hospitals in San Diego, Camp Pendleton and Loma Linda. All active duty personnel are eligible to be transported. Family members and military retirees may ride on a space-available basis. All reservations must be received before 2 p.m. for the next day’s shuttle.

Pick-ups will start at Fort Irwin at the Weed Army Community Hospital emergency room facing the helipad; departure is at 3:30 a.m. The shuttle stops in Barstow at Frosty’s doughnut shop on E. Main Street just before the I-15 entrance, and in Victorville – at the park-and-ride lot near the I-15 Bear Valley Road exit. If you have a medical appointment in hospitals in these areas, call the Transportation Office at the following numbers to reserve your space: 380-3385, 3412 or 3816.

The new commander of Operations Group: Col. Jeffery Broadwater.

The National Training Center’s Operations Group has a new commander.

Colonel Jeffery Broadwater took command of the battalion-size unit during a ceremony, July 1.

Teams of the unit, including Bronco, Cobra, Scorpion, Tarantula, Eagle, Raven, Wolf, Sidewinder, Goldminer, Dragon and Vulture stood in formation, along with A Company, during the change of command. The sequence of events consisted of presentation of flowers to Alicia Broadwater, an inspection of troops, honors to the nation, and passing of the unit colors.

Martin explained that Broadwater brings a “wealth of combat and operational experience to the job.”

“I know that he has exactly what it takes to lead this great organization,” Martin said.

The leadership position was relinquished by Col. Paul Calvert. His wife, Traci, received red roses as a symbol of gratitude for her contributions to the unit and installation.

Martin expressed his appreciation for the Calvert’s leadership and caring of Soldiers and families.

“Paul, Traci, you’ve done everything I have ever asked of you, and more,” Martin said. “Operations Group, under the command of Paul Calvert, is leading our Army back to the golden age of tough, realistic training and combat readiness. It has not been easy. And Traci Calvert has been the linchpin of Paul’s success. Traci, thanks for all you have done for us, for the families and for your husband.”

Calvert conveyed his pride about the unit he led for two years.

“You all know how I feel about you, the importance of our mission and my deep appreciation for the difference that you make every day,” Calvert said during his remarks. “I hold you in the highest regard and today I simply say, thank you.”

Broadwater said he is privileged to be leading an organization that is committed to pursuing excellence and making a positive difference every day.

“It is truly a very humbling honor to be back at the National Training Center and being part of the most important mission of training our military to be ready to face any challenge when our nation calls,” Broadwater said.

Broadwater previously served here with Cobra Team in Operations Group as the senior armor and reconnaissance trainer (Cobra 07), and with Bronco Team as the senior brigade combat team trainer (Bronco 07).

New commander of the 916th Support Brigade, Col. Matthew Ruedi, takes hold of the brigade’s colors from National Training Center and Fort Irwin Commander Maj. Gen. Ted Martin. The change of command ceremony took place here, June 25.

The 916h Support Brigade at the National Training Center and Fort Irwin welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony here, June 25.

Colonel Matthew Ruedi and his family were received to the installation during a ceremony that included presentation of flowers to Lucinda Ruedi and gifts to the Ruedi children, honors to the nation, and the passing of the brigade colors.

Commander of the NTC and Fort Irwin, Maj. Gen. Ted Martin, took hold of the colors from outgoing commander, Col. James Kazmierczak, and handed them to Ruedi during the ceremony.

Martin – on his and wife Stephanie’s behalf – welcomed the Ruedi’s during his remarks.

“Matt has deployed multiple times and earned his credentials as a leader and expert logistician on the battlefield,” Martin said. “Cindy has been there every step of the way and knows what it takes to keep, both the home fires burning and the families well cared for. Their reputation as a dedicated and caring command team precedes them. You are assuming command of a top-notch unit. I’m sure that together you’ll take them to new heights of excellence.”

Martin praised Kazmierczak and his spouse, Anita, for their contributions to the brigade’s Soldiers, families and civilians.

“Today we bid farewell to a great Army family – Jim and Anita Kazmierczak,” Martin said. “Together they have set such a wonderful example and provided outstanding and inspiring leadership these past 24 months to the men and women of the 916th Support Brigade.”

The commanding general described the responsibilities of the 916th as being diverse and critical to the NTC’s mission of preparing brigade combat teams to be successful on the battlefield.

Kazmierczak stated that it was a true honor and privilege to have commanded the 916th and he was greatly impressed by the organization.

“What it accomplishes daily amazes me,” Kazmierczak said about the brigade. “The impact these Soldiers, these [Department of the Army] civilians and contractors have on our rotational unit – as well as those assigned to Fort Irwin – has given me a great sense of pride.”

Ruedi said it was a great day for him and his wife, and that it was an honor to join a fine organization.

“To thte personnel of the 916th Support Brigade standing in front of me – you look great out there and I look forward to serving with you each and every day from here forward,” Ruedi said.