Loading

THE SWORD & SHIELD WyNG Public Affairs Office | E-Newsletter | september 2022

OUR PRIORITY is to build Cohesive teams and achieve end strength

ARMY GUARD STRENGTH: CURRENT 1533 / GOAL 1600

AIR GUARD STRENGTH: CURRENT 1217 / GOAL 1372

MISSION:Provide ready and professional personnel and formations capable of winning in the battlespace, enabling competition across multiple domains, saving lives, alleviating suffering, and protecting property in support of civilian authority whenever the Governor or President may designate.

VISION: The Wyoming National Guard will serve as the Sword and Shield for our state and nation. As the Sword, we will project lethal force capable of winning on the battlefield. As the Shield, the Joint Force will be responsive and effective in safeguarding our residents and fellow citizens.

A message from your Adjutant General

Members of the Wyoming Military Department,

After three years as your Adjutant General, I am adjusting my priority for the Military Department. Since 2019, I’ve asked our team to focus on strength. While I still believe that achieving 102% end strength is critical to our enduring success, I know that this goal can only be attained when we build and maintain cohesive teams. For that reason, I am updating my priority to “Building Strength Through Cohesive Teams.” No matter the position in our organization, you play a critical role in this priority. I need each member of the Military Department to be a welcoming and positive team mate. I need you to look out for one another and offer support whenever you can. This profession is not easy and we know that people continue to serve because of the relationships they build here. Thank you for all that you do to create an atmosphere where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our missions.

Next, I want to welcome Mrs. Michelle Mulberry to our full time senior leadership team. You probably already know her. She is a member of the WY Air National Guard and currently serves as the Chief of Staff, Air. Brig. Gen. Mulberry will now serve our Military Department in a civilian role as our first Integrated Primary Prevention Officer. In this role, Mrs. Mulberry will be responsible for the overall management, guidance, development, implementation and maintenance for the primary prevention of harm and other prohibited abuse and harmful acts while linking the various stand-alone programs within the WYMD. In addition, she will develop command guidance and implement a program to improve personal resilience, connectedness, and well-being to enhance the work / life balance for our Service members and their families.

As we wrap up FY22 and look ahead to FY23, I want to celebrate several successes.

This summer, we hosted several successful engagement events with our Tunisian partners. You may have noticed that media coverage and Department of Defense focus on the National Guard’s State Partnership Program have increased since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The partnership between Ukraine and the California National Guard has been a hot topic and has piqued interest in other partnerships – including ours. In a first ever for the National Guard, our own 84th Civil Support Team traveled to Tunisia to train alongside our partners. We will continue to prioritize training activities with our Tunisian partners because we know how important these enduring friendships are. If you have the opportunity to participate in upcoming events, I urge you to jump at the chance.

Our Army aviators have responded to multiple calls for assistance here at home this last quarter. From search and rescue activities to fire fighting, they have aided civilian authorities throughout the summer. They tackled each mission with enthusiasm and professionalism – serving as the Shield – while also preparing for a year long deployment.

Our Air Traffic Control Squadron, within the Air Guard, showcased their lethality during an Agile Combat Employment at the end of August. The joint exercise included Army aviation and multiple scenarios to test our controllers and their equipment. I am proud of the innovation and leadership shown during the exercise planning and the willingness of our Airmen to think outside the box.

A joint team executed the 2nd Annual Wyoming Educator Leadership Rendezvous at Camp Guernsey in August. Led by the recruiting teams, the event introduced Wyoming teachers and educational administrators to the National Guard. Over three days, participants competed in team events and learned about military life. They heard first hand accounts about the individual impacts of Guard service. I thank each of our military participants for their support of this critical partnership between the Wyoming Military Department and the Department of Education.

Finally, we have 48 Airmen and 30 Soldiers currently deployed. They model our selfless service values and I am grateful for their patriotism. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for all that you do to serve as the Sword and Shield!

Ride for the Brand - MG Porter

Contents:

  • COVID-19 Update
  • Around the WYMD
  • WYNG History: The Story of Us
  • Recent Podcasts
  • Upcoming HRO Classes and Events
  • Family Program Events

COVID-19 Update

Laramie County is currently spiking with COVID-19, so here are some tips from the CDC following exposure to COVID-19.

  • Watch for symptoms for 10 days
  • Wear a mask around others indoors for 10 days
  • Test 5 days after exposure, or sooner if you have symptoms
  • If you test positive, follow isolation guidance
  • Take extra precautions for 10 days while around people more likely to get very sick

Visit our Website for additional resources

In case you missed it

2022 Cheyenne Frontier Days

The Wyoming National Guard participated in many events for Cheyenne Frontier Days. From being in the parades throughout the week, Military Appreciation Day at the rodeo, to volunteering at the Pancake Breakfast, our Soldiers and Airmen were seen from the CFD fairgrounds to downtown Cheyenne. Here are some highlights from the week-long event.

Chief of the National Guard Bureau and Senior Enlisted Advisor visit the Wyoming National Guard

By CW4 Nathan Galloway, WYNG Public Affairs Office

Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, the 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, accepted an invitation from Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming’s Adjutant General, to visit Wyoming Soldiers and Airmen in Cheyenne the last weekend of July during Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Hokanson and Whitehead traveled to Cheyenne with several objectives in mind and with a full schedule of engagements. First and foremost, he wanted to interact with Wyoming Army and Air Guard Members and Recruiters for a firsthand understanding of how service members are faring.

“I’m the channel of communications between the 54 National Guard Headquarters and the Department of Defense, and in order to tell that story, I’ve got to visit with our folks and see what’s really going on. And frankly, I’m here to help sell the Guard story because there’s so much we do every single day that many Americans are unaware of.” Hokanson said.

Though Hokanson and his team’s time in Wyoming was short, they were able to accomplish a lot of meaningful interactions. From meeting with delegates from Wyoming’s sister country of Tunisia and the State Partnership Program managers, to conducting professional development discussions with Wyoming National Guard senior leaders, and engaging with Wyoming’s civic leaders and elected officials. In addition, Hokanson served as Grand Marshall for the final Cheyenne Frontier Days parade fully experiencing the Spirit of Cheyenne up close – while attending some limited Cheyenne Frontier Days events.

While meeting with Wyoming’s top Army and Air National Guard recruiters, Hokanson emphasized the importance of welcoming everyone, with or without experience or exposure to the United States military, to avoid the growing concern that military service is becoming a family business. Promotion and communication of the benefits and opportunities offered by the National Guard are essential in this ongoing effort as we continue to increase our accessions pool. He applauded the individual approach and care given to recruiting applicants as a strength unique to the National Guard that must continue.

Hokanson engaged in an open question-and-answer session with several senior officers providing insights and guidance on various subjects. The officers discussed flexibility in using limited resources allotted to Wyoming, current and future organization structure, ongoing C-130 modernization, and the need for authentic leaders who can solve complex problems, employ critical thinking, and who are not unnecessarily risk-averse.

The Tunisian delegation comprising Haneene Tajouri Bessassi, first female Tunisian Ambassador to the United States, and Senior Col. Mohammed Ben Salah, Tunisian Defense Attaché, met with Hokanson while in Cheyenne. They received a briefing from the 84th Civil Support Team commander on a recent training exercise in Tunisia, enjoyed a good discussion about Wyoming’s State Partnership Program with Tunisia, and the value this partnership delivers to Tunisian military service members.

“The partnership we saw today with the Tunisian Ambassador, who talked about the value of the state partnership program and those relationships, just adds power and strength to our national defense strategy,” Hokanson said. He continued, “They’re familiar with the value that the state partnership brings and its enduring relationships. Our national defense strategy is very clear, allies and partners are absolutely critical to us. And they’re one of the great advantages the United States has.”

Hokanson also attended a reception hosted by Gov. Mark Gordon, where he met and visited with several senior civic leaders and elected state officials about the benefits of the National Guard service in Wyoming.

“Many Americans don’t know how involved the Guard is in every aspect of a natural disaster and emergency response. But when it hits home, people realize, wow, it’s one of the great things our National Guard can do. But in everything we do, it’s the partnership at the local level,” said Hokanson, “We’ve got armories in all these communities, our soldiers and airmen, their friends and their co-workers, and they work alongside their first responders, their state emergency managers, the FEMA regional managers and because we work together all the time, if anything happens in our communities, we can help. If it’s an emergency and they require our assistance, we’re right there.”

Photo highlights from the Saturday parade, pancake breakfast, and the Military Appreciation Day rodeo

Photos by Master Sgt. Jacqueline Marshall, Tech Sgt. Jon Alderman, Senior Airman Kylee Warren, and Maj. Jacque Morey

The WYMD also hosted some very special guests that participated and experienced the festivities. Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, the 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau were present for some of the events, as well as distinguished visitors from Tunisia, the WYNG's state partners. Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, the Tunisian Ambassador to the U.S., and Senior Colonel Mohamed Ben Salah, Tunisian Military Attaché, were able to experience what Cheyenne Frontier Days has to offer, as well as tour other sites in Cheyenne.

The Tunisian Ambassador to the U.S. visits Wyoming

Video by Master Sgt. Jacqueline Marshall, WYNG Public Affairs Office
AROUND THE WYOMING MILITARY DEPARTMENT

WYOMING SOLDIER NAMED BEST WARRIOR OF THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

Story and photos by Sgt. Kristina Kranz, WYNG Public Affairs Office, 197th Public Affairs Detachment

Sgt. Tyler Holloway, a fire support specialist with the 115th Field Artillery Brigade in the Wyoming Army National Guard, was named top Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year in the Army National Guard. He earned this distinction by winning the 2022 All-Guard Best Warrior Competition held July 22-29 in Tennessee.

Sgt. Spencer Fayles, a combat medic with the 144th Area Support Medical Co. in the Utah Army National Guard, was named top Soldier of the Year for the competition.

The announcement came on July 29, 2022, in Nashville at the Old Hickory Country Club. Fourteen competitors and dozens of other Army and Air National Guard staff and supporters gathered in a ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of these Soldiers over the previous week.

Sgt. Holloway is the first Wyoming Soldier to earn the distinction of Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for the Army National Guard. “We’ve had other Soldiers win the regional event, but this is the first time a Wyoming Soldier has topped the entire field. Watching Sgt. Holloway train and perform reminded me of all we have to be proud of in Wyoming,” added Command Sgt. Major Lindsay Schmidt, state command sergeant major of the Wyoming Army National Guard.

On July 22, Soldiers from Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming gathered in Tennessee. Each represented a region after winning top honors in smaller, regional competitions. They are the best-of-the-best in the nation for the Army National Guard.

The weeklong national competition took place in five locations across the state of Tennessee. The grueling competition put the Soldiers through daunting tasks that tested their soldiering abilities mentally and physically.

More than 30 graded events had the competitors running through tasks that included water survival, combat fitness tests, combat casualty care, and marksmanship drills. There was a high-value target extraction where fire teams infiltrated a complex together in teams. There was also a Valor Run, where competitors went through simulated tasks based on actual events experienced by Medal of Honor recipients. These are just a few examples of the high-intensity events that occurred.

Sgt. Holloway’s strategy throughout the competition? Humor.

Humor raised the spirits of Holloway and his 13 fellow competitors through the grueling competition.

“I always try to laugh through the pain, and if I can joke around and make someone else smile and take their mind off the pain, then I know I’m making it easier for them and myself,” Holloway said.

Holloway often joked, trying to get a laugh out of his fellow competitors whenever they had a little downtime between events. The camaraderie among the competitors was like no other. You could tell that it was infectious.

Every competitor pushed themselves to their limits and beyond. You could see it in their faces, especially at the end of each event they finished.

“I have learned the limits I can push myself are much further than I would have imagined,” said Holloway. “I have also learned that I don’t give myself enough credit regarding my knowledge of certain tactics and techniques. It’s truly made me a better NCO and allows me to extend influence around me.”

The final event was a 16-mile ruck march through Lynchburg, Tennessee. Competitors trucked along the busy roads of the rural town with all of their gear on their backs. Towards the end, they carried their respective state flags across the finish line. You could feel the relief coming from the Soldiers as they crossed the finish line and realized they had reached the end of the competition.

“Competitions like this inspire our Soldiers to strive for excellence and to find their limits and exceed them,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Crockett, command sergeant major of the Tennessee Army National Guard. “Tough, realistic training is critical to ensuring prepared Soldiers to fight and win our nation’s battles. These highly trained and disciplined Soldiers are role models for our formations to emulate.”

“Having a Wyoming Soldier bring home this incredible honor is humbling,” said Maj. Gen. Gregory Porter, Wyoming’s adjutant general. “I am proud of Sgt. Holloway and I know that this event represented months of individual training. He set a goal to perform and win at this level and he made Wyoming proud. Sgt. Holloway represents the lethality of the Wyoming National Guard and last week in Tennessee, he rode for the brand!”

Photo by Pfc. Rachael Tofflemeyer, 197th Public Affairs Detachment

Holloway and Fayles will compete against teams from the Regular Army and Army Reserves this fall with the rest of their squad, Staff Sgt. Bryan Kummer of the Nebraska Army National Guard, Spc. Austin Manville of the New York National Guard, and Spc. Nathaniel Miska of the Minnesota National Guard.

Wyoming National Guard’s Civil Support Team returns from training in Tunisia

Story by Sgt. Kristina Kranz, WYNG Public Affairs Office, Courtesy photos

While training in Tunisia in June, the Wyoming National Guard’s 84th Civil Support Team, based in Cheyenne, Wyo., witnessed their Tunisian counterparts spring to action in support of civilian authorities.

The 84th CST traveled to Tunisia to conduct several weeks of training in support of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. Wyoming has had a formal partnership with the African country of Tunisia since 2004. While training alongside the 61st Engineer Regiment, Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Company, the 84th CST witnessed critical civil support between the Tunisian Ministry of Defense and the Tunisian Ministry of Health. The Tunisian CBRN Co. received an unknown substance from the Ministry of Health. Tasked by the Ministry, the team analyzed and identified the substance as cocaine.

The 84th CST was training with their Tunisian counterparts when the Tunisian Ministry of Health delivered 28 cellophane-wrapped bricks marked “TNT/Dynamite.” The 84th CST witnessed the process where the Tunisians correctly analyzed and identified the substance as cocaine.

The Tunisian CBRN Co. demonstrated collaboration capabilities and efficiency using NATO-issued equipment to identify an unknown substance successfully. Each equipment operator on the team demonstrated individual competency, highlighting their value to local agencies. The company identified approximately 32 kilograms of cocaine and removed it from distribution. The total street value estimated was over $1 million.

“While I am certain our Tunisian partners would’ve made the identification without us, it was great for us to observe and validate their capabilities. Our team learned from a real-world scenario that reinforced the domestic mission of the National Guard,” said Maj. Casey Henry, commander of the 84th CST.

Training between Wyoming and Tunisian forces aligns with the Wyoming National Guard’s goal of maintaining a strong partnership with Tunisia. The Wyoming National Guard will benefit from this training by identifying violent extremist organizations and their regional capabilities. Both parties benefit by building a trusting and productive relationship and sharing best practices.

“Working with our Tunisian partners was an outstanding opportunity for the 84th Civil Support Team. We learned from them and tried to leave them with a few of our best practices,” said Henry. “I’m impressed with their professionalism and look forward to future training opportunities with them.”

The partnership significantly benefits the stabilization of a legitimate military within northern Africa, where Tunisia has one of the few viable democracies.

“Our Tunisian partners are in a daily fight with enemies of a stable government and immediately put tactics, techniques, and procedural changes into practice to save lives,” said Brig. Gen. David Pritchett, director of the Joint Staff for the Wyoming National Guard. Pritchett was in Tunisia observing the training.

The 84th CST’s mission is to support civil authorities in Wyoming as a domestic CBRN resource. Each member’s highly specialized training makes the CST an asset to Wyoming communities. They have the skills and equipment to identify CBRN substances, assess current and projected threats, advise on response measures, and assist with procuring additional resources.

NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS, AIRMEN TRAIN ON CYBERSECURITY

Courtesy story by Maj. Robert Taylor, Idaho Army National Guard

The Idaho Army National Guard hosted Guard members from seven states June 4-18 for a regional cyber exercise that included assessing the security of a dozen Idaho agencies.

Cyber Discovery provided a week of cybersecurity training for more than 50 Soldiers and Airmen from the National Guard in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. During the second week, teams assessed Idaho Courts, the Idaho Department of Labor and school districts in 10 counties.

“This exercise assesses the level of cybersecurity awareness and implementation across multiple state, local, territorial and tribal agencies throughout Idaho and builds the capability of cyber Soldiers and Airmen in our region,” said Col. Dan Lister, chief of information, Idaho Army National Guard.

The exercise was conducted under the Department of Defense Cyber Innovative Readiness Training program. The Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency trained Guard members, who assessed local government agencies’ cybersecurity efforts. Each mission partner received a 200-page report.

“There’s a benefit for our team to have a mutual third party provide an overview of our controls with regard to cybersecurity,” said Jennifer Dvorak, chief information security officer for Idaho Courts. “It helps us understand where to focus our energy.”

Agencies can use the assessments to apply for grants and additional funding for improvements.

Participants who completed the exercise earned a qualification in Cyber Resiliency Review and External Dependencies Management.

“The training from CISA was invaluable to learn how to properly conduct a cyber resiliency assessment,” said Master Sgt. Eric Wilkens, North Dakota Air National Guard. “The value of the training was taking that training and immediately turning around and utilizing it with a mission partner. We were also able to give back to a community partner, which embraces what the National Guard is all about.”

In addition to the exercise, Idaho Army National Guard cyber Soldiers briefed Idaho Technology Services, the information technology directorate for the Office of the Governor, on a recent penetration test.

“The test itself was unquestionably the most thorough and difficult we’ve endured,” said Jeff Weak, ITS director. “Not only was it the best to date, the report and out-brief were exceptional as well. I appreciate all they did for us, and I look forward to working with the Idaho Army National Guard in the future on some of the remediation actions.”

The assessment took more than a month to complete and saved the state more than $500,000.

THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD TRAINS WITH A MOBILE KITCHEN FOR SPECIAL DELIVERY

Timelapse video by Tech. Sgt. Jon Alderman, 153rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Courtesy story by Valeria Fugate, Wyoming News Now

If you’ve ever wondered how the Armed Forces or the public get food and water during a crisis. It gets sent to them... Literally.

Wyoming News Now spoke with the Wyoming Air National Guard about their newest training exercise and what it takes to make that happen. Part of the duty of the Armed Forces is being ready for the call in cases of emergencies. To do that, practice makes perfect.

On June 23, the Air National Guard ran an exercise to ensure they would be ready and that when they got there, everyone could be fed. The 153rd Airlift Wing of the Wyoming Air National Guard ran its first training event with its Disaster Relief Mobile Kitchen Trailer (DRMKT).

"Wyoming Air National Guard is the first unit to load this deployment mobile kitchen onto a C-130. We’re leading the way in this adventure for the whole Air National Guard," said Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Lujan, fleet manager for the Wyoming Air National Guard.

These units will be loaded onto C-130s to bring food and water relief to disaster areas for Armed Forces and civilians. The unit can cook and feed 1000 within an hour and be called, loaded, and arrive on-site within 72 hours.

"We do training every year, around the June, July time frame. To pull out and go through the motions so that we are very... top speed and top-notch with this piece of equipment," said Master Sgt. Jack Hayes, base service specialist for the 153rd Support Squadron.

Exercises that involve moving large equipment loads, like this DRMKT, are done quarterly to support local and national disaster areas.

"The Wyoming Air National Guard or Army Guard as a whole is ready to support any kind of disaster mission to come to help Wyomingites around the state or help our fellow citizens if we need fire support or food," said Chief Master Sgt. Marshall Davis, loadmaster for the 187th Airlift Squadron.

These practice events help the Air National Guard stay prepared as the Sword and Shield for Wyoming and the nation.

EXPORTABLE COMBAT TRAINING

Courtesy photo from Col. Ed Lewis, Chief of Staff WYARNG

Soldiers from Charlie Co., 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment on their way to Exportable Combat Training Capability rotation at Camp Roberts, California July 10-27, 2022. Over the several week rotation, they put their combat skills to the test through a series of situational, field, and live fire exercises while adapting to hot temperatures and varying terrain.

XCTC is a series of training exercises between an active-duty U.S. Army brigade and an Army National Guard brigade intended to increase the skills and readiness of National Guard units. Other Army Guard units there for the exercise were Alaska and Hawaii.

WYOMING NATIONAL GUARD HELPS CARETAKERS

Courtesy Story by Valeria Fugate, Wyoming News Now

In an effort to improve retention and attract new Armed Forces members, The Wyoming National Guard recently started implementing some new Legislation that allows members to pay for child and dependent care while serving their country. The Guard is looking for new ways to adapt to the needs of its members today and over the long haul. As Armed Forces member numbers drop, the Wyoming Guard is looking for new ways to keep and attract members.

“My mother-in-law watches my kid; we pay her to watch him,” said Kristina Kranz, Wyoming Army National Guard member, "It’ll definitely help out; it’s a good benefit."

Additionally, according to Wyoming National Guard officials, during the pandemic, Legislators noted the ways the guard served in emergencies.

"Looking at the service and the hundreds of Soldiers and Airmen who were activated by the state to work in hospitals and clinics; that kind of piqued the interest of the Legislature about the National Guard and its importance to the state and our domestic response,” Maj. Jacque, Morey, Interim Public Affairs Officer for the Wyoming National Guard.

This inspired out-of-the-box thinking to find ways to help overcome challenges to serving. Which led all the way to legislation. House Bill 16 was the result. This trust fund helps caretakers care for dependants with a stipend while serving on the weekends.

”We just noted that as an obstacle to service and we want to remove as many of those obstacles as we can,” said Morey.

These funds can be paid to non-spouse family members or trusted friends. Giving Armed Forces members peace of mind without pulling from their paychecks.

”We just bought a new house so every little bit will help out. I won’t necessarily have to pay out of pocket for that weekend,” said Kranz.

A trust fund so that guardsmen and women can serve their patriotic duty as the sword and shield for Wyoming and the nation. Working with the legislative branch, Guard members can train and help out when disaster strikes and know their loved ones are taken care of when they answer the call of duty.

Wyoming Air Guard films recruiting commercial - Ride for the brand!

Photos by Tech. Sgt. Jon Alderman, 153rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Coming soon to Wyoming theaters near you, the Wyoming Air Guard wrapped up filming for their new recruiting commercial. The "world" premiere debuted at the University of Wyoming Military Appreciation football game against Air Force on Sept. 16, 2022.

Ride for the brand, Fly for the brand

Wyoming National Guard hosts 2nd Annual Educator Leadership Rendezvous

Story and photos by Sgt. Kristina Kranz, WYNG Public Affairs Office

Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center held the 2nd Annual Educator Leadership Rendezvous Aug. 2-4. The ELR is a three-day event that brings together Wyoming teachers, counselors, and principals from across the state to learn about the military. Educators learn leadership and culture-building strategies from this event through a military lens.

“Hosting Wyoming educators is a highlight of the summer for us. Our partnership with the Department of Education takes center stage during this event. We love showcasing our various mission sets and training capabilities while connecting individual Guardsmen with the community leaders who care for Wyoming youth each and every day,” said Maj. Gen. Gregory Porter, adjutant general for the Wyoming National Guard. “They influence our future Airmen and Soldiers, and this event allows our educators to experience first-hand the National Guard and our role as the Sword and Shield.”

The ELR is a partnership between the Wyoming Department of Education, the Wyoming Army National Guard, and the Wyoming Air National Guard. The event is an opportunity for professional networking among educators across the state. One of the goals is to build morale and resiliency among educators in the field.

For educators, the ELR is open to Wyoming District Teachers of the Year, principals, counselors, and other educators that are leaders in their schools. Any military member, regardless of rank or occupation, can participate in the ELR. The plethora of experience, different backgrounds, and different career fields all further submit to what ELR is trying to accomplish, according to Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey McClary, a recruiter for the Wyoming Air National Guard.

“The overall goal of the ELR is to help build a partnership between the military and our educators,” said Robin Grandpre, project and performance manager for the Department of Education. “It helps build a stronger community of students for the future.”

The idea behind the event is to strengthen the bond between educators and the military to help meet the state’s goal of ensuring all Wyoming students are college, career, and military ready. The knowledge educators gain from this event can be passed on to their students, who might add the military as another viable path following high school.

“I think this event helps to break down some of the stigmas surrounding the military and gives the educators a little taste of what the military is like,” said Grandpre. “This is so they can take back great stories and recommendations for their students.”

The event asks educators to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Which is something that their students go through every day in the classroom. This event is a unique way to showcase the military without simply telling educators about it. Assigned to six squads, 20 educators and 11 military members made up this year’s participants. Their squad leaders included an Army National Guard member and an Air National Guard member. Squad leaders helped guide participants through challenging events as a team.

To complete individual events, participants had to model camaraderie, selfless service, and problem-solving, all essential aspects of leadership.

“This event will challenge our education leaders to the assumptions and perceptions about the intersection of a life in the military and the purpose of leading a classroom,” said Brian Schroeder, Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Leaders are teachers, and teachers are leaders. The activities our educators will experience alongside our men and women in uniform will open minds and lift spirits.”

The participants were able to experience events that ranged from learning about different aircraft in the military, including catching a ride in a UH-60 Black Hawk, rappelling down a cliff-side, using military weapon systems, and as a finale, competing in a paintball event in an urban combat setting.

Excelling through partnership

Video and photos by Master Sgt. Jacqueline Marshall, WYNG Public Affairs Office

The Wyoming National Guard hosted their partners from the Tunisian Army to conduct a familiarization event on field maintenance operations with the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, Wyoming Army National Guard. These educational exchanges allow officers and enlisted leaders to work side by side. Additionally, this event furthers our relationship by building solid bonds crucial for future operations, stateside or deployed.

Military Appreciation day at the state fair

Photos by Sgt. Kristina Kranz, WYNG Public Affairs Office

Several members of the Wyoming Air and Army National Guard volunteered to participate in the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas on Aug. 17 for Military Appreciation Day. Recruiters interacted with the public, service members ran golf carts to help people get around, and the Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard came out to participate and helped kick off the PRCA rodeo. Make sure to head to the Wyoming State Fair next year for Military Appreciation Day!

Engineers complete innovative readiness project with the game & fish department

Courtesy photos from the 133rd Engineer Co., Wyoming Army National Guard

A fantastic job to our 133rd Engineer Support Company for completing their two-week-long Annual Training in partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department through the Innovative Readiness Training program.

In the Wick/Beumee Wildlife Habitat Management Area in Arlington, Wyo., they completed 10 miles of road improvement and repairs, emplacement of two culverts, construction of a well house, electrical upgrades in a historic barn, and finishing up construction on a bunkhouse to be used by researchers with the Wyoming Game and Fish.

Task Force Tribute

Story and photos by Sgt. Kristina Kranz, WYNG Public Affairs Office

The Wyoming National Guard partnered with the Veterans Commission to support Task Force Tribute in a ceremony on Aug. 26, honoring fallen service members. Task Force Tribute is a veteran-inspired journey across the U.S. honoring the 7,054 fallen service members during combat operations since 9/11. One mile is traveled for each service member lost.

The ceremony honored the 21 Soldiers and Airmen from Wyoming or a Wyoming unit who lost their lives. As the names of the fallen Wyoming service members were called out, a rose was placed in a vase, and a bell rang in their honor.

“I want to thank TFT for making such a bold statement in remembering the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during combat operations since 9/11,” said Col. Ed Lewis, Wyoming Army National Guard chief of staff. “The Wyoming National Guard has played a vital role in supporting the global war against terrorism, at home and abroad, and have been involved from the very beginning and are still supporting combat operations today.”

Operation Beartrap

Photos by Sgt. Roy Uptain, 197th Public Affairs Detachment

Army National Guard Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion 300th Field Artillery Regiment and civilians ran a 5k race during Operation Beartrap at Beartrap Meadow on Casper Mountain, Wyo. August 20, 2022. The 2nd Battalion 300th Field Artillery Regiment hosted Operation Beartrap to foster closer community relationships and educate the community on their role and capabilities.

115th Field Artillery Brigade Food Drive and ruck to food pantry

Photos from the 115th Field Artillery and the 197th Public Affairs Detachment

The 115th Field Artillery Brigade, along with the 148th Signal Co., hosted a food drive for Element Food Pantry in Cheyenne. The event on Sept. 18 focused on community outreach. The brigade collected food donations, gathered them in their rucksacks, and conducted a ruck march from the armory to Element Food Pantry.

“Events like this allow the Wyoming Guard to engage with the community and provide a much-needed service to the residents of Cheyenne,” says Capt. Jeff Gradowski, commander of the 115th.

"It was an excellent opportunity for our National Guard Soldiers to give back to the community that supports us," said 1st Sgt. Taylor of the 115th.

WYOMING NATIONAL GUARD HISTORY: THE STORY OF US
by 1Lt. Collin Nakos, State Historian, WYNG Public Affairs Office

Each quarter, The Story of Us will take you into the past and provide you with a unique piece of WYNG and Wyoming military history.

Frank Marion “Machine Gun” Williams

Frank Marion “Machine Gun” Williams was born in a covered wagon on July 4, 1879 in Storm Lake, Iowa to Marion and Minnie (née Tinkcom) Williams. In the 1890s, the Williams family moved to Cody, Wyoming. He enlisted in the Wyoming National Guard as a Private in 1899 while working as a bank clerk in Cody. He married Clare Constance Kissick of Schuylkill, Pennsylvania on June 1, 1904. In 1905, Williams was elected Captain of the newly formed Company E, Third Infantry of the Wyoming National Guard. In April 1908, he was promoted to Major. He traveled for seven seasons with the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show billed as “Kid Williams from the Big Horn Basin.” Later, he organized and instructed at the Buffalo Bill Cavalry School in Cody. In 1910, he moved to Tampa, Florida, entering the real estate business.

Williams entered the regular army when the United States joined the fight during the First World War. He went through the officers’ training camp at Camp Gordon, Georgia and commissioned as a First Lieutenant. Williams then went to Harvard University for further instruction in modern warfare under French instructors. Serving with the 325th Infantry, 82nd Division of the American Expeditionary Force, he was among the first of the Americans to land on French soil in early 1917. During his service overseas, he received both the Distinguished Service Cross and the Italian War Cross. Fighting in the same unit as the famed Alvin York, Williams fought in four major World War I battles, including at the Battlefield of Flanders and in Argonne. While in command of Hill 182 north of St. Juvin, France, Williams wrote of losing 161 out of 186 men and all 24 officers under his command in just three days from October 14 to 16 of 1918. Williams was shot through the neck but stayed with his company for two days before seeking treatment.

Later in the month, a Cody newspaper reported that Captain Williams and a sergeant in his command virtually captured the village of St. Juvin without any other aid. The article writes, “Captain Williams used a rifle taken from a German while the sergeant manned a machine hun. They held the place against all counterattacks. Captain Williams, who is a dead shot and a former member of a ‘Wild West’ show, had passed to the north of St. Juvins while the [Germans] still were holding out in the place.

“He had just emerged from a wood to reconnoiter machine gun positions when he saw five Germans carrying off an American prisoner. The Captain called for help, and Captain Williams attacked the [Germans], killing three of them outright. He then captured the fourth, taking his rifle away from him, while the fifth escaped.

“Captain Williams, with the German rifle, picked off the leader of the reinforcements and quickly shot three others, whereupon the rest of the [Germans] scattered to cover in the brush. At the same time a sergeant who had come up through the eastern side of the village with a light machine gun joined the intrepid Captain. As the [Germans] started to escape, the machine gun was turned on their only exit. The [Germans] came out with uplifted hands and were sent rearward.

“The reinforcement again formed to attack and descend from a low hill. The Captain set up the machine gun in the main street, and both men worked it until other Americans came to their aid.”

Following the war, General John Pershing sent Williams and Alvin York to Paris, where they helped organize the American Legion. He then returned to Tampa, where he served as the Chief of Police from 1921 to 1925. He remained in the US Army Infantry Reserves, retiring as a Colonel after 35 years of service.

Frank Williams passed away June 23, 1956, at age 76 in Miami. He left behind his wife Cora, his son Frank Jr., his four daughters, Zella, Edra, Velma, and Frona, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He is laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetary.

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

For extraordinary heroism in action near St. Juvin, France, 12 and 16 October 1918. During the operations in the vicinity of St. Juvin, this officer demonstrated the highest personal bravery and leadership. On 12 October, although he was wounded, he organized a provisional combat group and led it to a ridge, repulsing an enemy counter attack which threatened our left flank. On October 16, while he was reconnoitering a position for machine guns he rescued an American soldier from five armed Germans, four of whom he killed with his pistol. Later on the same day he saw a hostile skirmish line advancing toward Hill 182. He rushed a machine gun forward with which the attack was broken.

Italian War Cross Citation

His Majesty the King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III., has deigned to confer on you the Italian War Cross for merit, which I include. The king of Italy has wished that this decoration which in Italy is given to reward those who most distinguish themselves in action, should be awarded to you in recognition of gallantry you have shown and of the merit you have thereby acquired for the common cause, even though you have not fought on Italian soil.

WYMD PODCASTS

NEW PODCAST ALERT

Episode 1 of Serve the Wyoming Way focuses on Partnerships in Our Communities with Fire Chief Shad Cooper. The podcast's goal is to provide you with conversations our leaders will have with new and current community partners throughout the state. General Alkire speaks with Sublette County Unified Fire Chief Shad Cooper in this first episode. The two discuss ways to partner and possibly solve similar recruiting issues in their organizations.

Listen and please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Presented by the Grizzly Force Sustainment Strike Team with support from the Public Affairs team.

Wyoming Talks by the 153rd Airlift Wing

Wyoming Talks is a series brought to you by the Wyoming Air National Guard, where you'll get to know a member of the 153D Airlift wing. Hosted by Senior Master Sgt. Rob Trubia. Check out the newest episode.

Upcoming CLASSES Fall 2022

Classes brought to you by WYMD HRO

October

Planning for Irregular Expenses | Oct 27 @ 0900 | JFRC Rosebud

NOVEMBER

Emergency Financial Preparedness | Nov 24 @ 0900 | JFRC Rosebud

december

Credit Management | Dec 15 @ 0900 | JFRC Rosebud

Please RSVP with Marlene Lawson via email at marlene.l.lawson.civ@mail.mil or call 307-772-5026

Looking for your event or retirement photos?

Family Programs

Check out all of the upcoming events hosted by WYNG Family Programs through the Soldier and Family Support Center.

You can click on the images to enlarge.

follow us on social media

Credits:

JFHQ, Wing, and 197th Public Affairs Detachment