1. U S
The
September
2012
A r m y
Dispatch
D u g w a y P r o v i n g G r o u n d , U t a h
R D u g w a yi n r o vDna n G re u n d r -o S c i e nh e m e rB i n g A g r f i gths e rIsr a n d e v t a zn t s
e n d e r Pg i g g or f m C c e S / vi o Wa e n t r e l Ci i en
Dugway baseball field named to honor Specialist Jordan M. Byrd
Never to be forgotten
Photo by Bonnie A. Robinson
Savanna Byrd holds her son, Ayden, at the monument dedicated Aug. 15 to her husband Spc. Jordan M. Byrd, a combat medic, who while rendering lifesaving aid
to another Soldier, was killed in Afghanistan. The memorial stands at the corner of the baseball field at Dugway High School where Jordan served as captain of
the Dugway Mustang baseball team during his senior year. See Memorial page 3 u

2. 2 THE DISPATCH September 2012
Together we win, thanks Team Dugway
Once again, Dugway Proving Ground has Alpha Battery 3rd Air Defense Artillery, as well
seen a very busy summer in terms of testing and as many others. Again, this event was executed in
training in support of our Nation’s warfigthters. a flawless manner, and it was great to see so many
Beyond these outstanding missions, we have Dugway faces in attendance.
also hosted many great events recently. Our new Each of these events had a successful outcome
housing project, Reneau Court, received national due to excellent teamwork. If we all work as
recognition from the Assistant Secretary of the willing team members, keeping the end results in
Army Installations, Energy and Environment, mind, our efforts will reach higher standards.
Katherine Hammack, for earning the prestigious No individual is solely victorious — it takes
platinum certification in Leadership in Energy others to assist along the way. The same is true
and Environmental Design. This achievement – of all of the missions we perform at Dugway
the first in the Army – is simply outstanding. Proving Ground, whether they are mission-
It was also an opportunity for Ms. Hammack to related, or community or workforce functions.
tour English Village and West Desert Test Center. But summer is not over yet (for those keeping
My thanks go out to all those who had a hand in track, it officially ends on Sept. 22), and we are
hosting this great visit and in showcasing all the now looking forward to our 70th Anniversary
great things we do at Dugway day in, day out. Ball on Sept. 14. What a great time to be part of
Of course, this summer, The Army Soldier the efforts to celebrate the many milestones DPG
Show came to the West Desert. The event, at has accomplished through the years. Our guest
Tooele High School, was the first time a Dugway speaker will be Maj. Gen. Thomas W. Spoehr,
event was shared with the outlying communities. who serves as the Director, Program Analysis and
Thanks to the great Family Morale Welfare and COL A. Scott Estes Evaluation, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff,
Recreation team for pulling this one together — it G-8. I look forward to seeing you there.
was a huge success; an estimated 1,000 people visit the memorial, I would highly encourage you I read a quote recently: “Together we stand,
attended. to do so. It is a fitting tribute to an American hero. Together we fall, Together we win and winners
We also honored one of our fallen Soldiers, Our Judge Advocate, Maj. Kateni Leakehe, take all.” I believe these words express teamwork
Spc. Jordan M. Byrd, by naming the High School retired from the military after more than 24 years well and would like to personally thank all those
baseball field and dedicating a memorial stone of service. Our Command Staff did an outstanding who have made these occasions winning ones.
and plaque in his honor. It was an outstanding job in developing a super program to honor his You have demonstrated the outstanding joint
event for the family, community and workforce. service to our country. Luckily for Dugway, Teni energy needed to continue Dugway’s winning
The team that helped with this effort included C. will return shortly as a civilian in the JAG office. history. I thank you, and ask that you continue
Martin, Tooele School District, Soldiers, civilians Finally, we had the Women’s Equality Day to give your dedicated efforts to our Dugway
and private industry. If you have not been by to Observance planned by our Operations Division, team!
Spc. Brandon Gray of Alpha Battery,
3rd Air Defense Artillery, and his wife
Bobbie with their new house key for a
duplex unit in Reneau Court .
Photo by Paula Thomas Photo by Al Vogel
Sgt. Maj. Stanley Morton and Col. A. Scott Estes at the Soldier Col. A. Scott Estes congratulates Maj.Kateni Leakehe
Show at Tooele High School July 20. It was an outreach public on his retirement after serving 24 years faithfully and
relation program designed to highlight the talents of military honorably in the Army. Leakehe ‘s wife Colleen and
members. Photo by Bonnie A. Robinson seven of their eight children attended the ceremony.
Join the Dugway discussion THE DISPATCH This multi-monthly publication is authorized under the
provisions of AR 360-1 in the interest of the Soldiers,
Commander
Public Affairs Officer
Col. A. Scott Estes
Paula A. Thomas
Get the latest Dispatch at: www.facebook.com/USArmyDPG employees, contractors and Family members of DPG.
Views and opinions are not necessarily those of the
Public Affairs Specialist Al Vogel
Public Affairs Specialist Bonnie A. Robinson
Department of the Army. All photographs are U.S. Commander’s Hotline (435) 831- 3737
COMMANDER’s HOTLINE: 831-3737 Army photos unless otherwise indicated. Submit all Public Affairs Office
U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground
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Dugway, UT 84022-5000
commanders do. Actions build communities. If there’s a problem, let’s members of the Department of Defense. Content is not
Phone: (435) 831-2116; Fax: (435) 831-3410
necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the
hear about it. Leave a message, name and phone number. U.S. Government, Department of Defense, or DPG. Email: Bonnie.a.robinson.civ@.army.mil

3. September 2012 THE DISPATCH 3
Spc. Jordan M. Byrd Memorial Baseball Field was born. On the opposite page were pictures of
the young father. She asked the son, “Where is
Memorial honors Soldier’s sacrifice Daddy?”
The toddler, with eyes like his father’s,
snuggled deep into her lap, pointed to the
photographs with his tiny finger and said:
“Daddy!” When he looked up at her, she was
clearly pleased, hugged him tight and assured
him that he was right. Beaming, he wiggled free
and ran to the newly paved walk, which led to the
stone monument that would be dedicated that day
in memory of her husband. A row of American
flags, held by patriot guards, were standing ready
for the ceremony to begin.
Here at home, it is often too easy to forget
about the war and the sacrifices made by our
armed forces and their families. Almost two
years ago, on Oct.13, 2010, Byrd, an Army medic
and a former resident of Dugway, was killed in
Afghanistan during an intense firefight when he
ran through a hail of enemy bullets to render aid
to a wounded battle buddy.
During his senior year, Byrd served as captain
of the Dugway Mustang baseball team. So, it
was a fitting, but bittersweet moment as his
hometown, family and friends gathered Aug. 15
to dedicate, in his memory, the baseball field on
which he had so loved to play.
The ceremony began with a playing of the
national anthem followed by an invocation
by Chaplain (Maj.) Gabriel Mizerani of
Dugway, who blessed those who had come
to the dedication. Robert and Adele Pagnani,
representing the Tooele County Elks, then
The Spc. Jordan M. Byrd memorial is unveiled during a ceremony Aug. 15 at the corner of the presented the Elk’s Medal of Valor and an
baseball field at Dugway High School. Left to right Col. A. Scott Estes Dugway commander; American flag to Savanna and Jordan’s mother,
Roberta Pitt, Spc. Byrd’s mother; Nathaniel Broadhead and Shawn Grassier, current captains of Roberta Pitt. This was followed by a presentation
the Dugway Mustang baseball team; and Savanna Byrd, widow of Spc. Byrd. of the 101st Airborne Division Honor and
Story and photos by Bonnie A. Robinson
Public Affairs Specialist “I think he would be
In the quiet moments before the dedication of
pleased by this.”
a baseball field at Dugway High School, Savanna - Savanna Byrd
Byrd, widow of Specialist Jordan Matthew Byrd,
sits on the lawn near a row of chairs, her legs
neatly tucked to her side. She is shaded from the Remembrance flag, by Gavin Whiting, of the C.
hot afternoon sun by a blue and yellow canopy set Martin Company, who was asked to represent the
up for more than 400 family, friends, Soldiers, and division.
community members who have come to honor her Tributes to the fallen hero were given by Robin
husband. Nielson, the Dugway High School principal,
Savanna holds out her arms to Audy Snodgrass, the garrison manager, and Col.
welcome her nearly 2-year-old son, A. Scott Estes, commander, U.S. Army Dugway
Ayden, a child with heat-flushed Proving Ground.
pink cheeks and hair of pale Nielson spoke of Jordan’s time at the high
amber. As he curled up in his school. He graduated in 2009 as Senior Class
mother’s lap, she opened President, was a member of the National Honor
the program that described Society, and earned a varsity letter on the baseball
the dedication and short history team. She related that, “Jordan’s dream was to be
of his father, who was killed in a doctor and he accelerated his life to reach this
Afghanistan, a few weeks after Adyen goal. He decided to graduate early and attend the
Savanna and Ayden Byrd moments before the dedication of the monument and baseball field at Dugway. See Memorial page 4 u

4. 4 THE DISPATCH September 2012
Ball field dedicated to former Mustang captain A mother’s
gratitude
u Continued from page 3
University of Utah. He kept working toward his away as if she was sifting through memories of
goal by becoming a medic in the Army. the time she spent with Jordan.
“He was a young man who loved life and fully When she looked back, though emotion Story and photo by Bonnie A. Robinson
embraced the opportunities school had to offer. threatened to overwhelm her face, she took a Public Affairs Specialist
His smile and positive personality were infectious deep breath, then the corners of her mouth lifted
and he always had a good word for others. He slightly. The day before the Byrd Memorial Field
played baseball with the joy that reflected his love Her answer was simple and direct: “I think he was dedicated, Roberta Pitt, Spc. Jordan Byrd’s
for the game,” Nielson said. would be pleased by this,” she said just above a mother, expressed her gratitude for those who
Snodgrass noted the impact Byrd’s sacrifice has whisper. Then she turned to follow her boy who made the memorial possible.
had on the community. was running toward the stone monument at the “This ceremony is very special to my family,”
“We are a better place, a stronger place, corner of the ball field. Pitt said, as she sat at the picnic table outside the
because Spc. Jordan Byrd grew up here, played When she joined her son, she gathered him into Dugway Health Clinic where she works as an
ball here, and truly lived here,” Snodgrass said. her arms and stood near enough for Ayden to run Administrative Support Assistant.
“This ball field will remind us all of someone who his tiny hand over words. Someday, when he is She looks away,
stepped up to the plate and made a difference in older, they will help tell him about his hero father searching for the right
our community, and in the lives of his teammates who loved a game, now played on the field that words as she fights back
in a faraway land. His sacrifice remains a bears his name. the emotion.
testimonial to selflessness “I have found myself
and the desire to make things wondering if anyone
better.” will remember Jordan,”
Estes gave the final tribute. she said. “You know
“It is fitting that today we he wasn’t the best
unveil this memorial behind ballplayer. He joined
home plate and dedicate this because he liked being
field in Jordan’s name. part of a team. He was Roberta Pitt hugs a
As most of you know, he always like that, Dugway Mustang team
even as a boy.” member at the memorial
loved baseball and it is
not too much of a stretch A single tear trickles to honor her son Jordan.
to say this was his favorite slowly down her cheek. Aug. 15 at Dugway.
place on Dugway. So it “When he became a medic, it was a similar
is with great honor we thing. He liked being part of a team. He wanted
recognize the heroism of to help others. So he did,” she added quietly.
this great Soldier…and now, Several moments pass. The single tear is
Mrs. Byrd and Mrs. Pitt, if joined others before she can wipe them away.
I could ask you to join me, More moments, tears wiped, she continued.
here, to officially unveil “I am grateful to all the volunteers who gave
this testament to Jordan’s so many hours to make this dedication possible.
courage, life, and service to I appreciate the team’s coaches, Adam Green
our nation.” and Kevin McCollum for never giving up on
Then, Dugway Mustang this project, and for the help of the school’s
baseball team cocaptains baseball team,” she said still smiling.
Nathaniel Broadhead and “I want his son, Ayden, to come here and
Shawn Grassier joined the know what kind of man his dad was, she said
official party, gently pulling with a note of pride in her voice. “Dugway has
back the maroon cloth that helped accomplish this. I am deeply touched by
covered the memorial. everything that has been done.”
Later, the speakers and Charles Dickens, the author of A Tale of Two
attendees moved out on the Cities, wrote of sacrifices made for others.
field, where Savanna threw “…think now and then that there is a man, who
out the first pitch of the first would give his life, to keep a life you loved
baseball game of the season. beside you.”
Jordan’s mother, brought Byrd was such a man. He chose to serve
Ayden to the mound, where his country as a Soldier. He chose to serve his
the pitcher handed him a comrades in arms as a combat medic. And on
second ball to pitch. that day in October, without regard for his own
At the end of the day, safety, he ran through a hail of enemy bullets to
Savanna expressed her keep himself between his wounded buddy and
feelings about the memorial. enemy fire.
Her large dark eyes became This is why we remember heroes, and why
moist and her gaze drifted The first game of the season at the Byrd Memorial Field. Spc. Jordan M. Byrd will not be forgotten.

5. September 2012 THE DISPATCH 5
New housing earns LEED platinum certification
Dugway Proving Ground’s new housing project, Reneau Court, received national-level kudos from the Assistant Secretary of the Army
Installation, Energy and Environment July 26, during a ribbon cutting ceremony, for earning the prestigious platinum certification in Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design. Left to right are Col. William Leady, district commander, Sacramento District, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers; Audy Snodgrass, Dugway garrison manager; Katherine Hammack, the assistant secretary of the Army Installation, Energy and
Environment; Col. A. Scott Estes, Dugway Proving Ground commander; Col. Darcy Brewer, acting regional director of the Army’s Installation
Management Command and John Craig, Dugway’s garrison director of public works.
Story and photos by Bonnie A. Robinson Dugway garrison. The integrated design, bid start toward this goal.”
Public Affairs Specialist and build procurement process was overseen The Army’s Net Zero program is part of a push
by the USACE, which fast-tracked the process to help Army installations become more energy
and allowed it to be completed in about 18 independent users. The quality of the construction
Dugway Proving Ground’s new housing months. Construction services were provided shows in the dozens of innovative “green” design
project, Reneau Court, received national-level by Diversified Maintenance Systems, a woman- and building strategies, which contribute to
kudos from the Assistant Secretary of the owned general contracting firm based in Salt Lake earning the platinum certification (See Fast Facts).
Army Installation, Energy and Environment, City. The LEED consists of a suite of rating systems
for Installations, Katherine Hammack July 26, “This effort represents a significant move for the design, construction and operation
during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, for earning the that is critical to the Army’s mission and of high performance green buildings, homes
prestigious platinum certification in Leadership in essential to the nation to provide energy efficient and neighborhoods that measure building
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). military housing, which will reduce costs and sustainability with four levels of certification:
The housing project was designed by a joint save resources,” Hammack said. “This is a bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Each
team of the Army’s Corp of Engineers (USACE) showpiece for green housing construction and our
in the Sacramento, Calif. District and the commitment to Net Zero communities. It’s a great See Housing page 6 u

6. 6 THE DISPATCH September 2012
New housing receives platinum award
FAST
FACTS
u Significant increase to insulation
in the attic and walls keeps the interior
house temperature more constant,
increasing energy savings.
u Ductwork sealed from the interior
and insulated on the exterior to reduce
heating and cooling loss to the attic.
Energy efficient windows prevent heating
and cooling loss.
u Building exterior sealed to prevent
air infiltration.
Continuously running exhaust fans
u
maintain in-home air quality.
Spc. Brandon Gray, of Alpha Battery, 3rd Air Defense Artillery, shakes hands with Katherine u Energy-Star 3.0 rating was used for
Hammack, assistant secretary of the Army Installation, Energy and Environment after receiving all lighting and appliances.
a house key for duplex unit on Geode Circle of Reneau Court as his wife, Bobbie, looks on The Increased insulation amplifies furnace
housing project designed by the Army’s Corps of Engineers and the Dugway garrison. performance.
u Continued from page 5
“My team loves to work with the staff at u Low emissivity windows maximize
progressive level requires more features in water Dugway. Together, we were on time and on insulation value and increase natural
savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, budget and that’s not something that just happens. lighting.
and indoor environmental quality that will But it’s not just about budgets, it’s also about
operate on lower costs to increase its value to the a commitment to Army Families. These are 20 u Air conditioning and heating costs
Army. quality homes that any family would be excited to are reduced using state-of-the-art, unit
Capt. Michael Beck, project engineer of new move into,” Leady said. specific vertical loop ground source heat
housing, said “The LEED pumps for control of temperature beneath
this was a good platinum house.
opportunity to be “We want to ensure that we can recognition shows
part of a leading sustain the Army’s resources on the our commitment u Heat pumps provide 30 percent of
edge that directs to build the heat for hot water in each unit, reducing
installations. From what I’ve seen the use of gas or electricity.
future military finest facilities
housing projects. today at the housing project, and the for the men and Tubular skylight provides daylight for
All of the homes test center let me just say: keep up the women serving bathroom, walk-in closets and stairways
have Energy Star good work.” our nation,” said to minimize use of electric lighting.
appliances and Audy Snodgrass,
windows, but - Katherine Hammack Dugway’s garrison u Minimal sod used with extensive
the real energy Assistant Secretary of the Army manager. ‘It is native grasses and low water plants
efficiency comes Installation, Energy and Environment also our pledge to reduce landscape water use while
from the increased to sustainable maintaining an attractive exterior.
insulation, natural housing and the
landscaping and ground climate control system. environment. We are extremely proud of this
After house keys were presented, Hammack
Originally the early project plans were aimed effort.”
toured Reneau Court, English Village housing,
at the silver certification, but during the building Immediately following the ceremony, house
and the school and community areas accompanied
phase it was clear that the gold, and later the keys were presented by Hammack and Col. A.
by Estes and Snodgrass. Later, the tour moved to
platinum, rating could be reached,” said John Scott Estes, Dugway’s commander, to Martita
West Desert Test Center.
Craig, Dugway’s director of public works. “We Studer, wife of Maj. Jonathan Studer, the liaison
At WDTC, the secretary visited the Rapid
were all very excited when we realized this could officer with the Joint Program Executive Office
Integration Acceptance Center where she saw the
be done at no additional cost to the government.” for Chemical and Biological Defense. They will
Hunter, Shadow and Warrior unmanned aircraft,
Col. William Leady, district commander, occupy a house on Pronghorn Way. A house key
the new power house with four recently installed
Sacramento district, U.S. Army Corps of was also presented to Spc. Brandon Gray, of A
generators, and the Aerosol Simulant Exercise
Engineers said that having talented teams come Battery, 3rd Air Defense Artillery, who will live in
together made the platinum certification possible. a duplex unit on Geode Circle. See Housing page 11 u

7. September 2012 THE DISPATCH 7
DPG challenges, strengthens 23rd Battalion
Chem/defense training and experience
Story by Al Vogel specific areas, of actual decontaminants,
Public Affairs Specialist and a variety of simulants – benign
substances and microorganisms with the
Though it was the first visit to Dugway same characteristics as actual chem/bio
Proving Ground, Utah by the 23rd and agents. Washington State denies their use
110th CBRN battalions of Joint Base Lewis- at Joint-Base Lewis McChord, Kirschner
McChord, Wash., it had an air of “Welcome said.
Back.” “I suspect that word will begin to
Two components of the CBRN (Chemical, spread what a great environment this is
Biological, Radiological & Nuclear) for CBRN training, and this will become
battalions have earlier links to Dugway: very popular to conduct full-spectrum
their specialized Stryker vehicles and the and CBRN-focused training,” Kirschner
Technical Escort Unit (TEU) trained to said.
transport and handle toxic agents, The downside? Kirschner said it’s
Beginning in 2006, a variant of the getting personnel and equipment to
Stryker, the NBCRV (Nuclear, Biological, such a remote post. Dugway lacks a rail
Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle), line, so the battalion’s fleet of over 100
underwent chem/bio testing at Dugway. vehicles was trucked in. The Soldiers
Testing ensured it would accurately detect flew commercially into Dugway’s
and analyze while protecting its crew. modernized Michael Army Airfield.
In 2003, Charlie Company Technical Dugway’s remoteness is both a
Escort Unit (TEU) of the 110th Chemical logistical obstacle and – in this age of
Battalion left Dugway and was reassigned to military fenceline encroachment – great
Fort Lewis. This summer, Charlie Company asset.
will be renamed the 501st Chemical “There’s a silver lining to its
Company (TE) and moved under 23rd remoteness,” Kirschner said. “It allows
CBRN battalion. The 23rd CBRN battalion us to train without distractions. It forces
will be assigned to South Korea in early you to deploy here like you would to any
2013; the 110th CBRN will remain at Joint austere environment.”
Base Lewis-McChord. The 300 Soldiers operated at the
More than 300 Soldiers arrived April 30 platoon level and were assigned different
for a 10-day exercise -- Desert Lion -- that training each day: lab instruction with
challenged and strengthened their chem/bio scientists, live-fire, convoys across the
defense training and experience. desert, classroom instruction, realistic
U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground is scenarios, etc. West Desert Test Center
under Army Test & Evaluation Command at arranged the training, drawing upon its
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. It’s 80 road experienced test and training divisions:
miles from Salt Lake City, in the high desert Special Programs, Chemical Test, Life
Photo by Al Vogel
of northwestern Utah. Created in 1942, Sciences, Test Support, Dissemination &
its primary mission is to test defenses against Ten Stryker NBC Reconnaissance Vehicles were used in the Explosives and a host of others.
Desert Lion exercise. Events including live-fire, realistic patrols,
chemical and biological agents, and Because of Dugway’s enormity,
decontamination, simulated attacks and simulated casualty
train personnel in that defense. transport from the attack. The Stansbury Mountains are in the platoons could be dozens of miles from
Dugway is 800,000 acres of remote background. The nearest town, Tooele, is 40 miles from Dugway each other. To aid communication,
desert, bordering the 1.8 million-acre Utah Proving Ground and its vast, remote Utah desert. a detachment of the 23rd CBRN
Test & Training Range, operated by the U.S. battalion’s communications section
Air Force. The combined 2.6 million acres have Soldiers (who praised the excellent chow). established two retransmit sites. One was on
restricted airspace. In local parlance, Dugway has Lt. Col. Sean Kirschner of Sarasota, Fla., 6,000-foot Camel’s Back Ridge, 1,000 feet above
“room to boom.” commander of the 23rd CBRN battalion, praised the desert flats. The easily accessed site provided
In classrooms, labs and with realistic all that Dugway offered during Desert Lion. straight-line retransmission for 50 kilometers (31
scenarios, Dugway trains military and civilian “Dugway Proving Ground is the premiere miles) and a spectacular 100-mile view.
groups how to identify and deal with a suspected facility in the world to conduct CBRN training. Scientists taught in the same labs where they
chem/bio threat. With its world-class expertise It’s got the resources, people and flexibility to test detectors, protective clothing and other chem/
and facilities to teach, Dugway was ideal for the accommodate everything we wanted to do,” bio defenses. Using simulants, chemists and
CBRN Soldiers to hone their skills and learn. he said. “Nowhere else can you get a realistic, microbiologists guided Soldiers in practicing lab
The CBRN Soldiers were billeted in Utah combat-like environment for a CBRN Soldier to and sampling techniques.
National Guard (UTNG) barracks during Desert train in.” At a mock village, Soldiers were shown a
Lion. UTNG provided a Blackhawk helicopter Especially welcome were Dugway’s
for some scenarios, and cooks to feed the environmental permits that allow outdoor use, in See 23rd Battalion page 9 u

8. 8 THE DISPATCH September 2012
Dugway 70th Anniversary Ball Sept. 14
Story Bonnie A. Robinson Dugway employees will be awarded the
Public Affairs Specialist Honorary Order of Dragon for their service to
DPG. Names have not been released at press time.
Dugway Proving Ground will hold its 70th To be eligible an individual must be a member
Anniversary Ball Sept. 14 from 6 p.m. to of the U.S. Armed Forces or Department
midnight at the Marriott Salt Lake City Center. of Defense who has provided service to the
The special guest speaker will be Maj. Gen. Chemical Corps or chemical, biological,
Thomas W. Spoehr, director, Program Analysis radiological and nuclear defense.
and Evaluation, Office of the Deputy Chief of A display of Dugway history and a slide show
Staff. will be provided
Tickets are $50 per person Following the dinner, the Utah National Guard
The dress will be formal. For military Band, “Article 15” will play. Guests are invited
members this means mess dress or service to dance until midnight.
equivalent. For civilians this means women A block of rooms has been reserved at the
should wear evening gowns and men are Marriott for guests who would like to spend the
expected to wear tuxedos. night in Salt Lake City. Cost of the room will be
The Marriott is at 220 South State Street. This $109. This price will be in addition to the cost of
is a change in venue from earlier announcements. the tickets.
Response is requested by Sept. 5. Point of Dugway’s core mission is testing chemical and
contact is Kelly Wright (435) 831-7704 Graphic by Robert Rampton biological defense systems.
Dugway women highlight Women’s Equality Day observance
Kitsy Keetch Dee Dee Buckingham Paula Thomas Pfc. Leslie R. Scott
Story and photos Bonnie A. Robinson before them. Buckingham asked women to “keep the lines
Public Affairs Specialist Vincent Liddard, chief, Test Management of communication open with one another and to
Branch, Special Programs Division,served as the remember the effort to equality is not finished.”
West Desert Test Center’s Operations Division master of ceremonies. Thomas told of her life experiences as if she
hosted Dugway’s Women’s Equality Day Aug. 21. The national anthem was sung a capella by were writing to her daughter, Elizabeth, which
As the more than 200 employees and Soldiers Pfc. Leslie R. Scott of A Battery 3rd Air Defense many women at the event said was “highlight” of
arrived they were greeted by replica military Artillery. the program.
posters of women in the service, red, white and Guest speakers were Kitsy Keetch, who served Closing remarks were made by Scott Estes,
blue patriotic bunting, and a slide show of women as the Chief of the Information Division before Dugway commander, who thanked the women for
working at Dugway. Some of the photos showed she retired; Dee Buckingham, chief, Regulatory their words,presented each one a with a bouquet
Dugway women who had posed as “Rosie the Science and Innovation Branch, Life Sciences of flowers, and a certificate of appreciation to
Riveter” with red bandanas tying up their hair. Division; and Paula Thomas, Dugway Public mark the occasion.
The invocation and benediction were given by Affairs officer. Committee members were Jody Barrett, Sherri
Charles Hobson, a photographer of the Optics Keetch spoke of the women’s right to vote Rydalch, Paula Putnam, Diane Taylor, and Audrey
Branch,who asked for blessings for the women movement and reminded women to “remember Elton of the Operations Division.
who spoke and the generations of women that the many great women who fought so hard for Many thanks to A Battery 3rd Air Defense
have paved the way for the women who had come those rights.” Artillery for setting up the event’s location.

9. September 2012 THE DISPATCH 9
23rd Battalion the desert. This authentic scenario at nearly 5,000
feet altitude, in temperatures in the low 90s, was
were flown 20 miles to Casualty Operations at the
barracks. There, medics “treated” them and
u Continued from page 7 challenging. simulated personal effects inventory and other
Maj. Billy Maltbie of Stockbridge, Ga., tasks.
simulated “terrorist lab” for making biological operations officer for the 23rd CBRN battalion, Despite temperatures from low 90s in the
or chemical agents, constructed from over-the- watched Soldiers decontaminate Strykers, pleased day, to mid 30s some nights, tanglefoot brush,
counter materials. They learned its hazards and at the realism. live-fire, rattlesnakes, scorpions, and oblivious
how to obtain samples for analysis or forensics. “The biggest thing is the expertise that comes pronghorn antelope on the roads, Desert Lion had
Other training was scenario-based, and included with training at Dugway, and the wide-open areas no serious injuries. Everyone who came to the aid
live-fire of the Stryker NBCRV’s remotely with different units in different areas all doing station later returned to the field.
controlled M2 .50-caliber machine gun against something,” Maltbie said. “This is about as real Spc. Amanda Tyson of Orville, Ohio, a medic,
vehicles and strongholds, and reconnaissance as it gets, short of combat. This is about the best was surprised.
across miles of desert. training that these guys can receive.” “They’re not used to the altitude and the heat,
Stryker teams also practiced two types of chem/ During earlier reconnaissance practice, Capt. and they’re in MOPP gear a lot,” she said. “We
bio detection – stand-off and point detection Nick Bell of Goshen, Ind., watched six Stryker had few real-world casualties.”
-- with simulants disseminated over small areas NBCRVs moving cross-country abreast in a mile- Maj. Justin Hurt, 23rd CBRN battalion plans
to replicate contamination. Stand-off detects wide line, firing .50-cal blanks. officer, said Desert Lion had a hectic schedule but
contaminated areas from a distance without entry; “We just don’t have the capacity back home training exceeded their plans.
point detection requires entry. to do this, all this room to maneuver like they “Things went very well. Running an exercise
In full protective clothing and gas masks, would in combat,” he said. “You can’t replicate it that has 23 separate mission types and 60 separate
Soldiers decontaminated Strykers on a dirt road in anywhere else.” mission orders is complicated,” Hurt said. “You
The other platoons in have to coordinate with all the people on Dugway,
the battalion convoyed and between the units in the battalion. What was
along Ambush Alley – a really exciting was seeing all the different units
dirt road between remote come together and do an actual mission. Seeing
hills -- firing live ammo the whole timeline merge was really great.”
during a simulated, Sgt. Kevin Schmidt of Rawlins, Wyo.,
remotely controlled attack. was surprised by Dugway’s resemblance to
Soldiers also fired blanks at Afghanistan: jagged mountain ranges and peaks,
“insurgents” who attacked some of them still bearing snow, jutting far above
with blank munitions. brush-covered flats.
Some crew members “I had no idea what it would be like coming
were designated casualties, here,” he said. “I thought it would be all salt
changing the scenario flats, but the terrain varies so much. The first
from an attack to medical impression I got looking out the window was,
evacuation. Designated Damn. This is Kandahar.”
evacuation vehicles sped Capt. Maryanne Luther, of Rochester, N.Y.,
to where the Utah National particularly liked firing the M249 machine gun
Guard landed a Blackhawk against a target vehicle towed by cable, using real
helicopter. Soldiers carried decontaminant, and getting to use explosives.
the “casualties” on litters to “We got training here that some Soldiers
the waiting helicopter. haven’t had in 10 or 15 years,” she said. “I
Photo by Al Vogel
A Soldier uses a chemical agent detector to find simulated chemical agent
Medics were embedded thought it was excellent. Everyone’s tired, so that
on a Humvee. Soldiers used actual decontaminant – a rare opportunity at with each platoon, and must be a good sign, right?”
most installations, which adds incalculable realism to any exercise. stabilized the “wounded” that
A simulated attack
on a Stryker
NBCRV adds
to the realistic
training provided
by Desert
Lion. Without
encroachment on
its fence line, and
only a few ranches
near its border,
Dugway can use
simulated fire
or smoke cover
without disturbing
or alarming the
public.
Photo by Stacy Smenos

10. 10 THE DISPATCH September 2012
Dugway test: Can digitized
is that communication with the new howitzer is
much quicker via wireless digital signals, not
verbal or landline.”
howitzer sight take decon?
The DFC System is ruggedized for typical
combat challenges, but technicians at Dugway’s
West Desert Test Center’s Chemical Test Division
challenged its components even more, with liquid
and powder decontaminants.
“Our test was for an immediate
decontamination, reducing the amount of
contamination in the high-traffic areas so the
Soldiers can continue the mission,” said John
Tobler, test officer at Dugway. “It may be
24 hours or more before they can do a more
deliberate decontamination.”
To simulate a chemical agent, a benign powder
that glows under ultraviolet light was applied to
the howitzer and its DFC System components,
said Francis Bahe, the Test Control Officer.
“We wanted to also verify that the gun crew
can operate the DFC System while wearing the
full protective clothing and gas masks without
having any issues,” said William Nieves, test
engineer from ARDEC.
Test requirements allotted the gun crew only
a few minutes for immediate decontamination.
Afterward, an ultraviolet light revealed where
decontamination missed or more was needed.
Were the components affected? Test
requirements and results are sensitive, and only a
select few receive the test report. Whatvever the
recommendation, it will be based on hard
data and decades of experience.
Dugway Proving Ground has tested
the decontamination survivability of
equipment since its creation in 1942.
Kevin Wilcock, a physical science technician, applies the simulated chemical agent that glows in
the dark, while Francis Bahe,Test Control Officer for Chemical Operations Branch, holds the
ultraviolet light to ensure ample coverage.
Story and photos by Al Vogel for the Program Manager Towed Artillery
Public Affairs Specialist Systems (PMTAS), and Armament Research
Development & Engineering Center (ARDEC),
An enemy aircraft appears, dispersing what both at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J.
appears to be smoke over the howitzer battery. The 105 mm M119A2 howitzer is not new, but
Chemical agent detectors wail. Soldiers scream, its newly developed DFC System takes a battle-
“Gas! Gas! Gas!” and scramble for their M50 proven gun into the 21st century.
gas masks and protective overclothing. Designed and employed by the British in
To minimize the immediate threat, 1975, the lightweight L119 105 mm howitzer
decontamination begins in-place. Quick was adopted by the U.S. in 1989 as the M119. A substance that simulates chemical agent,
decontamination is critical; the enemy may It was created to be lighter than most howitzers, and glows under ultraviolet, is applied to
counter attack at any moment. The crews for ready deployment by vehicle, helicopter or the howitzer’s Digital Fire Control system.
and equipment will get a more thorough parachute, providing even remote troops with The gun crew had only a few minutes to
decontamination later. hard-hitting firepower. The current version is the decontaminate the entire Digitized M119A2
But will immediate decontamination damage M119A2. With the new DFC Systems it becomes howitzer, as in actual combat. Both powder
the Digitized M119A2 Howitzer’s electronic the Digitized M119A2. and liquid decontaminants were used in
Digital Fire Control (DFC) System? “The DFC System automates the fire mission different trials.
The question may be in the future, but it was processing of the existing M119A2 Howitzer,”
answered by a test at Dugway Proving Ground, said Clede O’Neal of PMTAS. “The whole point See Howitzer page 11 u

11. September 2012 THE DISPATCH 11
LEEDing the way Chamber in the Special Programs Biological
Mission Support Facility. In the chamber she
installation uses on-site, the secretary said,
adding that “an energy-secure installation
can still accomplish the mission even
was given an overview of available detection
u Continued from page 6 technology and participated in a simulated when the surrounding areas might not have
biological sampling, which the secretary said power.”
was, “very cool.” “Energy is a strategic issue,” said
The day finished at the Mortimer A. Hammock during the briefing. “Strategically,
Rothenberg conference room for a working energy is about economic, environmental
lunch. The secretary was briefed by the and national security. We want to ensure that
garrison environmental staff on potential we can sustain the Army’s resources on the
energy initiatives such as solar, wind, propane installations. From what I’ve seen today at
costs, and geothermal projects. the housing project and the test center let me
The ultimate goal is to cut energy demand just say: keep up the good work.”
and eventually produce all the energy the
Katherine Hammack is surprised by the water spray
coming from the sonitek held by Patty Brown, a
microbiologist, who is demonstrating how liquid
simulant would be disseminated during testing at
the Simulant Exercise Chamber in the Biological
Mission Support Facility. An energy efficient and environment friendly three-bedroom house at Reneau Court.
Howitzer decon decontamination is critical, since accurate fire
hinges upon accurate emplacement. A gnat’s
communicates with the FCC tablet computer,
through which a Soldier receives firing orders. It
u Continued from page 10 whisker of deviation at the firing point is uses the long-established Single Channel Ground
magnified by distance. At long range, even a tiny and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS), a
After decontamination, the DFC deviation can place a projectile far off target. combat radio net used by U.S. and allied forces.
System’s three components were then Firing orders are onscreen and
inspected for apparent damage, and legible; no more garbled voice
tested for function. transmissions (“Did he say
The components are: “Our test was for an immediate decontamination, Tango or Hotel?”).
• The Fire Control Computer reducing the amount of contamination in the high- During transit, each
(FCC), a rugged digital tablet traffic areas so the Soldiers can continue the vehicle towing the Digitized
computer. M1119A2 Howitzer uses the
• The Inertial Navigation System
mission,” said John Tobler, test officer at Dugway. “It GPS coordinates displayed on
(INS) that provides GPS location may be 24 hours or more before they can do a more the FCC tablet to navigate to
and navigation. deliberate decontamination.” the next firing position. Upon
• An equipment sled containing arrival, communication
- John Tobler,
electronic components that between the FCC tablet and
Test officer at West Desert Test Center
provide power and data each howitzer’s INS make
transfer throughout the DFC short work of accurate
System. emplacement.
With the INS, gunners know each The GPS-guided INS on each Digitzed Decontamination survivability
howitzer’s position at all times. They don’t spend M119A2 Howitzer ensures that the gnat’s whisker testing atDugway will ensure that if chemical
precious minutes – perhaps exposed to enemy is split even finer than with traditional optical detectors wail, and cries of “Gas! Gas! Gas!”
fire – surveying with optical instruments to sights. As a backup, optical sights may still be erupt, Digitized M119A2 Howitzer gunners may
accurately emplace the howitzers. used. soon return to the fight with 21st century accurate,
Whether the DFC System can withstand Each Digitized M119A2’s Howitzer’s INS decisive fire.

12. 12 THE DISPATCH September 2012
Sprint Nextel poised for Dugway, main gate, was built by Verizon and is jointly
used by AT&T.
AT&T has two towers on Dugway, one
waits for DoD frequency approval in English Village and another in the Cedar
Mountains. AT&T reception is good on much
of Dugway but, like any carrier reception, can
be blocked by geographical features. Verizon
reception is generally only available at English
Village and, using local boosters, within a few
buildings at the Rapid Integration Acceptance
Center at Michael Army Airfield in Ditto.
Depending upon location, cellphone reception
in the remote desert west and south of Ditto can
be good, spotty or nil. The lack of reception is
more than inconvenient; it can imperil personnel
without a radio who are injured, ill or have a
vehicle break down in remote areas of Dugway
Proving Ground.
If approved, Sprint Nextel’s tower on Camel’s
Back Ridge would offer Sprint cellphone
reception not only on Dugway, but off post
to civilians between the Onaqui and Dugway
Pending Department of Defense frequency approval, Sprint Nextel plans to build three towers Mountain ranges.
on Dugway Proving Ground at Camel’s Back Ridge, 5 Mile Hill and English Village. The Sprint The AT&T signal to that area comes from the
towers will not augment the existing AT&T or Verizon carriers. None of them can reach our Cedar Mountains, 20 air miles away, or the tower
secretive friend’s galaxy, alas on state Route 199, 15 to 35 miles distant. Both
signals may be blocked by hills and mountains,
Village, 11 miles apart. but the Camel’s Back Ridge tower would be
Story and photo by Al Vogel Sprint Nextel has no immediate plans to share largely in the open between the two mountain
Public Affairs Specialist its towers with other providers, according to ranges.
Timothy Smith, chief of plans, architecture and Brian Allen, manager for Fish Springs
service operations branch for Dugway NEC. Wildlife Refuge outside Dugway’s southwest
Sprint Nextel plans to construct three cellular “The cost of this project has not yet been border, said that area does not receive cellphone
towers on Dugway Proving Ground to offer determined, but there will be no cost to Dugway reception. The refuge is one of the most remote
cellphone services, but is awaiting frequency Proving Ground for the construction of this government postings in the lower 48 states, with
approval from the Department of Defense Joint project,” said Smith. four permanent and seven seasonal U.S. Fish &
Spectrum Center before construction begins. Upon frequency approval, the Sprint Nextel Wildlife Service personnel.
Jason Straughan, Dugway’s installation towers would be constructed quickly, said A topographical map reveals that if Sprint
spectrum manager for the Network Enterprise Straughan, and service could begin shortly after Nextel builds a tower on 6,500-foot Camel’s
Center (NEC), said that the Joint Spectrum completion. Back Ridge, the signal to Fish Springs may be
Center in Annapolis, MD., approves all Wireless Site Services, headquartered in blocked by the 6,800-foot Dugway Mountain
frequencies on military reservations. A Lincoln, Neb., will install the “cell blocks” to Range, outside Dugway’s border.
Memorandum of Agreement application was which each tower is secured. Basically a concrete Sprint Nextel serves more than 55 million
submitted in August 2011 to the center; no word pad, the cell block rests on the ground to avoid users. AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless each
has been received. disturbing the environment beneath. The new serve about 100 million subscribers, according
The nation’s third-largest wireless service Sprint Nextel towers would not bolster AT&T or to Wikipedia. Sprint merged with Nextel in
provider, Sprint Nextel plans a 100-foot tower Verizon reception. 2005 and announced in May that it plans to shut
near Colonel’s Hill in English Village, a 120-foot In 2001, AT&T became the first to offer down the Nextel network next summer. About
tower on Camel’s Back Ridge southwest of Ditto, cellphone service to Dugway and remains the five million Nextel users remain, but are being
and a smaller repeater tower on 5 Mile Hill, primary provider in the area. The 100-foot tower transitioned to Sprint service, according to CNN
to ensure coverage between Ditto and English on state Route 199, a few miles east of Dugway’s Money website.
Back to School night, community counsel and post anti-terrorist drill
Dugway High School welcomed students to the The school is looking for parents who are Later this month students will participate in
2012-2013 school year at a Back to School Night, willing to serve on the DHS community council, the post-wide anti-terrorism drill on Sept.19 from
Aug. 21. Nielson said. The council would make decisions 9 to 11 a.m. The school will go into lockdown
“I am looking forward to the year and the on the expenditure of School Trust land’s funding and remain there until the building is cleared by
challenges and rewards it will bring as each from the state of Utah. The time commitment Dugway security officers. Students will then be
student learn what his or her class offers,” said would be three, one-hour meetings during the evacuated to the Shockley Fitness Center, until
Robin Nielson, DHS principal. school year. the exercise is concluded, Neilson said.