The Arkansas Minuteman is the monthly newspaper of the Arkansas National Guard. Read more information on the latest military operations in our state.

1. Moving forward
A look back at AT 09
page 6
Arkansas unveils new Army Aircraft
pAge 4
guard, Reserve join forces
page 5
September focus on suicide awareness
page 10

2. arkansasMInUTEMan August 009
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3. August 009 arkansasMInUTEMan
arkansasMInUTEMan
Editorial staff
Message froM the state CoMMand sergeant M ajor
Capt. Chris Heathscott
State Public Affairs Officer
Maj. Keith Moore
Air Guard Public Affairs Officer
Staff Sgt. Chris Durney
Adrienne Brietzke
Donna Shelton
Public Affairs Specialist
Capt. Andretta Thomas
Commander, 119th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Garrick Feldman
Editor Publisher
Christy Hendricks
Managing Editor
How to reach us
404 Graham Road
Jacksonville, Ark.
72076
Ph: 501-982-9421
Fax: 501-985-0026
arkansasminuteman@arkansasleader.com
Advertising:
arkansasminutemanads@arkansasleader.com
Story ideas
chris.heathscott@us.army.mil
keith.e.moore2@ar.ngb.army.mil
Arkansas Guard News
Published by Leader Publishing, Inc. 404
Graham Road, Jacksonville, AR 72076, phone
number (501) 982-9421, a private firm in no way Photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Durney
connected with the Arkansas National Guard,
under written contract with the Adjutant Gen- CommAnd sgt. mAj. deBorAH CoLLins visits with the soldiers of the 142nd Fires Brigade just prior to their multiple Launch
eral of the Arkansas National Guard. This civil-
ian enterprise National Guard newspaper is an
rocket system (mLrs) and Paladin live fire during Annual training 2009 at Fort Chaffee.
authorized publication for the members of the
Year of the NCO
U.S. military services, published under the pro-
visions of AR 360-1, AFI 35-101 and the Arkansas
Military Department. Contents of the Arkansas
Minuteman are not necessarily the official views
of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the De-
partment of Defense or the National Guard. The
appearance of advertising in this publication, in-
cluding inserts or supplements, does not consti-
tute endorsement by the National Guard or Lead-
“No one is more professional than I. I am
er Publishing Inc. of the products or services a Non commissioned Officer, a leader of Sol-
advertised. Everything advertised in this publica- diers!” These are the first 2 lines of the NCO
tion shall be made available for purchase, use or
patronage without regard to race, color, religion, Creed. The Army has declared 2009 as the
sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical year of the NCO. I have a framed poster in
handicap, political affiliation or any other non-
merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Ed-
my office that was printed in 1989 - it was
itorial photos unless otherwise noted. The Ar- also the year of the NCO.
kansas Minuteman reserves the right to edit all That poster pictures a bust of a Sergeant
items. Editorial content is edited, prepared and
provided by the Public Affairs Office of the Ar- wearing a kevlar helmet covered in wood-
kansas National Guard. All photos are Arkansas land camouflage. Compared to what a Sol-
National Guard unless otherwise noted. dier looks like today in full “battle rattle” is
like comparing “Lost in Space” to the sci-
fi movies of today. I truly believe we have
progressed that far as an NCO Corps, as
well. Education, training, and technology
all contributed to that transformation. One
thing that is always constant, and has been
since Baron Von Stuben wrote the blue
book, NCOs carry out the daily business of nCo induCtion. non-Commissioned officers of the 871st troop Command participate in an
our Army and continue to be the backbone nCo induction ceremony during annual training at Fort Chaffee. nCo’s across the nation participat-
of our Army and all other services. Howev- ed in similar ceremonies to highlight the importance of their role as the “backbone of the Army.”
er, we can not just accept this and sit back
and bask in pride. War on Terrorism is untold! it became so much more to me personally
We all must continue to better ourselves Just a short time after the Army an- and to my NCOs. We are going to make this
through education and training in order nounced this would be the “Year of the an annual tradition.”
U.S. Army photo by Staff SGt. Chris A. Durney to remain a viable part of the Army. NCOs NCO,” I asked our four brigade command I tell you that to do this, we must take
National Guard Public Affairs Office must attend their required NCO Education sergeants major for ideas about how to com- and make the time to honor these tradi-
moving ForwArd. soldiers with Schools in order to remain current not only memorate this year. With no input, I later tions and to teach our junior NCOs the lin-
north Little rock’s 1038th Horizon- for combat operations but for non-combat task them with coming up with something eage and honor of our Corps. We must do
tal Construction Company of the 87th operations and day to day business. and making it happen at annual training. I that so they to will carry that knowledge on
troop Command, move onto the convoy One of the purposes of declaring this the wasn’t going to tell them what they had to and share it with others as they replace us.
live fire range at the Chaffee maneuver year of the NCO is to educate the general do, but they had to do something. The NCO Corps in all our services is what
training Center during Annual train- public on the contributions of NCOs. We too Of course the results were outstanding makes the United States military the finest
ing 2009. this was the first At for the must be committed to educating the public and many of you reading this participated in the world. We are what makes the differ-
1038th’s flag since its return from iraq about the contributions and quality of our in those events. One of the brigade CSMs ence and that is one thing I do not want to
in december 2008 with the 39th Bri- NCOs. I truly believe we have the best NCO told me, “Thanks CSM for kicking us in the ever see change!
gade. shown here, the units trained in Corps in our history. What our NCOs have butt and making us do something. I start- “Arkansas First!”
vehicles provided by the 39th, offering a and are doing in the fight against the Global ed out just fulfilling your requirement, but “NCOs Always!”
touch of déjà vu for the soldiers.

4. arkansasMInUTEMan August 009
army national Guard rolls out new light utility helicopter
CAMP JOSEPH T. ROB-
INSON, Ark. – The Arkan- Safety features, abilities make Lakota shine as Kiowa replacement
sas Army National Guard
unveiled its newest work-
horse helicopter July 14 at a
ceremony at the Army Avi-
ation Support Facility on
Camp Robinson in North
Little Rock.
Two shiny new UH-72
Lakota light utility helicop-
ters have been delivered
to the Arkansas Guard
straight off of the EADS
North America manufac-
turing line in Columbus,
Miss.
Two more are slated to
arrive in October and four
more are due in by 2011.
The Lakota is replac-
ing the Guard’s aging OH- Photo by Maj. Keith Moore
58 Kiowa fleet, which has unveiLing A workHorse. maintenance personnel from the 77th theater Aviation
been a part of the Arkansas Brigade of the Arkansas national guard move draping to unveil one of two new uH-72
Army aviation program for Lakota helicopters delivered to the Arkansas guard during a “rollout” ceremony on tues-
over 35 years. day in north Little rock, Arkansas. the Lakota, the Army’s new Light utility Helicopter
The twin engine Lakota produced by eAds north America will replace the aging fleet of oH-58 kiowa helicopters
offers enhanced safety fea- for a variety of homeland security missions. the Arkansas guard is to receive eight of the
new Lakotas by the end of 2011.
tures, as well as advantages
in size, speed, useful load
and range.
The Lakota is joining
the Guard’s fleet of UH-
Photo by Capt. Chris Heathscott
60 Blackhawk helicopters, BirdwAtCHing. one of two new uH-72 Lakota helicop-
and is designed to perform ters delivered to the Arkansas Army national guard hovers
medical and casualty evac- out to begin its first mission following a rollout ceremony
uation missions, provide july 14 at the Arkansas national guard’s Army Aviation
disaster relief flights, aid support Facility on Camp robinson in north Little rock.
in homeland defense and the Lakota, the Army’s new Light utility Helicopter pro-
work counter drug mis- duced by eAds north America will replace the aging fleet
sions in support of civil au- of oH-58 kiowa helicopters for a variety of homeland secu-
thorities. rity missions. the Arkansas guard is to receive eight of the
The Kiowa will be new Lakotas by the end of 2011.
phased out over the next homeland defense rotary aircraft that are American
two years. platform. In the right hands made in Mississippi, our
“The UH-72 is recog- this aircraft will serve the neighbor state, and flown
nized by the Department state of Arkansas in a first by some of the greatest
of Defense as one of their rate fashion,” he said. Americans we’ve got,” said
five best programs,” said “The National Guard Wofford to the large crowd
Col. (Retired) Ted Mick- has transitioned from a gathered in the south hang-
evicius from EADS North standing reserve to an op- er of the Camp Robinson
America. “This aircraft is erational force operating AASF.
being delivered to the Na- all over the globe,” said Following the ceremoni-
tional Guard on schedule, Maj. Gen. William D. Wof- al hand off of the log book
on budget and on perfor- ford, the adjutant general and keys, a large parachute
mance. Long may they fly of Arkansas. “That is why drape was pulled aside to
in support of, and to pro- we’re getting these new air- reveal one of the gleaming
tect, your communities.” craft.” Lakota helicopters.
According to Col. Gar- The last new aircraft The 42 foot aircraft is
rett P. Jensen, chief of the brought into service with capable of carrying eight
Army National Guard Avi- the Arkansas Nation- troops or two stretchers
ation and Safety Division, al Guard was its force of and medical crew.
200 UH-72s are to be de- Blackhawk helicopters Two pilots fly the nearly
livered to Army units in 47 which arrived in 1995 after 4,000 lb helicopter, which
states, and 50 have been flying several years with has a maximum speed of
fielded so far. active component units. 167 miles per hours and a
“This is the premier “These are brand new range of over 420 miles. Advertisement

5. August 009 arkansasMInUTEMan
Guard, reserves join forces with new facility
Armed Forces Reserve Center opens near Fort Smith said Maj. Gen. William
Wofford, the adjutant gen-
said Wofford. “If any one of
these units wanted to train
By Sgt. 1st Class the 937th Forward Sup- building, they share dining, expansive motor pool. eral of Arkansas. “This fa- out in the field, they can do
Chris A. Durney port Company, from Fort drill hall, class room, fit- “Today across the world cility represents that new it right here.”
Arkansas National Guard State Chaffee, have all been con- ness and personal hygiene you have Army Reserve, working relationship. Future plans for the ar-
Public Affairs Office solidated into the new ar- facilities. The building also National Guard and active “One of the advantages mories in Van Buren, Fort
FORT CHAFFEE MA- mory. boasts secured supply ar- component Soldiers work- of this particular facility is Smith and Charleston have
NEUVER TRAINING The Arkansas Nation- eas, modern offices and an ing shoulder to shoulder,” it’s so close to Fort Chaffee,” not been announced.
CENTER, Ark. – Arkansas al Guard’s West Central
Army National Guard and Recruiting and Retention
U.S. Army Reserve units Command also occupies a
in the Fort Smith area now corner of the building near
share a 102,000 square foot the front entrance.
joint use facility following Arkansas Congressman
a ribbon cutting ceremony John Boozman served as
here July 11, 2009. guest speaker for the event,
The new $19 million and participated in the rib-
Offering Families Award Winning Services
Armed Forces Reserve bon cutting. “Without you
Center is located on High- guys standing there protect-
way 22, just past the main ing us, it would be a much
entrance to the Fort Chaffee different world,” said Booz-
Maneuver Training Center man to the crowd of Sol-
in Barling, Ark. Four units diers and civilians gathered
of the Arkansas Army Na- in the sun outside of the
tional Guard’s 142nd Fires main entrance. “We appre-
Brigade, and the 341st En- ciate everything you do.”
gineer Company of the U.S. According to Lt. Col.
Army Reserve began occu- Troy Galloway, commander
pying the huge building in of the 2nd Battalion,142nd,
March. the center represents a new
Due to the 2005 Base
Realignment and Closure
era in consolidated support.
“It will provide improved SERVICES
Commission’s recommen- administrative and logis-
tical support for our units Largest Arkansas Behavioral Health Facility
dations, the 142nd’s Head-
quarters, Headquarters that will closely match our Specializing in Ages 5-17
Battery, 2nd Battalion, from modernized equipment and Acute and Residential Inpatient Services for
our ever expanding training
Fort Smith; Battery A, 2nd ages 5-17 – Pinnacle Pointe Hospital in Little Rock
needs,” he said.
Battalion, from Van Bu-
Although Reserve and Outpatient services for all ages
ren; Detachment 1, 937th
Forward Support Compa- National Guard Soldiers oc- School-based services in Conway, Mtn. View,
ny from Charleston, and cupy opposite wings of the Stuttgart, North Little Rock, Lakeside
Hot Springs Clinton
Day Treatment Services – Little Rock
Only Tricare-certified residential program in Arkansas
serving children of active duty and retired military personnel.
AWARDS
2007 Residential Facility of the Year
Therapeutic Recreation Facility of the Year
Silver Sponsor of the Children’s Protection
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chris Durney Center, a Children’s Advocacy Center
joining ForCes. this 102,000 square foot Armed
11501 Financial Centre Parkway • Little Rock, AR 72211
Forces reserve Center, near Fort smith, serves as the new
home of the u.s. Army reserve’s 341st engineer Compa-
ny along with four units of the Arkansas national guard’s
142nd Fires Brigade. “today across the world you have
Army reserve, national guard and active component sol-
(501) 223-3322 • Toll Free 800-880-3322
diers working shoulder to shoulder,” said maj. gen. william Web: www.pinnaclepointehospital.com
wofford, the adjutant general of Arkansas. “this facility
represents that new working relationship.”
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6. arkansasMInUTEMan August 009
MOVInGA n n u a l Tr a i n
A Look Back at
FOrW
Photo by 1st Lt. Theresa Walker, 119th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
FirePower. the 1st Battalion, 142nd Fires Brigade launch-
es one of four rockets from their multiple Launch rocket sys-
tem during a firepower demonstration at Fort Chaffee on june
24. the live fire was a joint demonstration with the brigade’s
2nd Battalion firing their 155mm Paladin in front of a crowd
on soldiers and civilians who were traveling with the Arkansas
guard’s employer support for the guard and reserve (esgr)
program. the 1st battalion is headquartered in Harrison with
units in Bentonville, springdale and rogers.
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chris Durney
inFAntry ArtiLLery. soldiers with the 1st Battalion,
206th Field Artillery regiment of the 39th infantry Brigade Com-
bat team fire a ceremonial charge during the brigade’s change
of command ceremony on may 31. the battalion conducted a
live fire of the weapon, a 105mm towed Howitzer, the following
weekend. the battalion is headquartered in russellville with units
in morrilton, Perryville, dardanelle, Paris and north Little rock.
g r o u n d
CommAnd in
tHe Air. Brig. gen.
roger mcClellan, fac-
ing, took the oppor-
tunity to experience
the expertise of the
77th theater Avia-
tion Brigade’s 1st
Battalion, 111th Air
Ambulance during
their hoist training at
Fort Chaffee. general
mcClellan serves as
commander of the Ar-
kansas guard’s joint
Force Land Compo-
nent, which includes
the 77th along with
the 39th infantry Bri-
gade Combat team,
87th troop Command
and 142nd Fires Bri-
gade. the medical
evacuation (mede-
vAC) soldiers hoisted
numerous troops dur-
P
ing their annual train-
ing as part of an ef- BACkBone oF tHe Army. soldiers of the 39th infantry Brigade Combat team line up in the symbol of a sergeant’s strip
fort to maintain their Photo by 1st Lt. Theresa Walker, 119th Mobile Public Army – the nCo. the event took place at Fort Chaffee during the 39th’s nCo induction ceremony at annual training. the event
perfected skill. Affairs Detachment missioned officers as part of the year of the nCo.

7. August 009 arkansasMInUTEMan
WarD
AeriAL FirePower. Air-
men with the Fort smith based
188th Fighter wing train over Fort
Chaffee’s razorback range with a
blast of rounds from their aircraft’s
gatlin gun. the unit’s training over
Fort Chaffee on june 18 also offered
ing 2009 a show to the soldiers on the ground
awaiting their turn on the convoy live
fire range. without knowing they had
an attentive audience glaring up in
awe at their A10 thunderbolt ii fight-
ers in action, the pilots conducted
their normal training patterns and
range firing as if it were just another
Photo by Capt. Chris Heathscott
day in the air.
kAAABooom. A cratering
charge strapped with C4 ex-
plosives detonates with a
loud boom on Fort Chaffee’s
demolitions range june 19.
the charge was placed by the
875th engineer Battalion’s
1039th engineer Company
from marked tree. the ex-
ercise was part of the unit’s
normal training plan in their
Photo by Capt. Chris Heathscott
specialty as engineers. this
not your AverAge BAnd. spc. Chris estell with the particular blast left a crater
106th Army Band showed off his talent along with his fellow large enough to hold the en-
soldiers performing with the “Power 106th” concert in the tire platoon responsible for
post theater on Fort Chaffee on june 15. shown here the setting the charge.
Photo by 1st Lt. Theresa Walker, 119th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
band surprised the crowd and turned out the building with
their rendition of “still diggin’ on james Brown” by tower of
Power. estell was one of the band’s two recent additions to
an already amazingly talented group of performers.
Photo courtesy of Sgt. Mike Brinson, 142nd Fires Brigade public affairs
PALAdin times tHree. three 155mm Paladins belonging to the 142nd Fires Brigade’s 2nd
Battalion fire rounds in unison during a firepower demonstration at Fort Chaffee on june 24. the live
fire was a joint event with the brigade’s 1st Battalion firing their multiple Launch rocket system
(mLrs) in front of a crowd on soldiers and civilians who were traveling with the Arkansas guard’s
employer support for the guard and reserve (esgr) program. the 2nd battalion is headquartered
in Fort smith with units in van Buren, siloam springs, ozark, Charleston and Fort Chaffee.
Photo by 2nd Lt. Latasha Ketchum, 119th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
joint trAining. staff sgt. mike williamson, of the
77th theater Aviation Brigade’s 1st Battalion, 111th
Air Ambulance, offers instruction on medical evacuation
(medevAC) operations to soldiers from the 87th troop
Command on june 21 at Fort Chaffee. the 87th troop Com-
Photo courtesy of the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Photo by Maj. Keith Moore
mand soldiers were members of the 296th ground Ambu-
e, representing the backbone of the lance Company, from Hot springs, and the 213th Area sup- Five tons oF CArgo. Airmen with the Arkansas Air national guard’s 189th Airlift wing,
took place in honor of the non-Com- port medical Company, from north Little rock and dumas. from the Little rock Air Force Base, load a vehicle onto one of their C-130 Hercules aircraft in
preparation for returning home at the end of their annual training at gulfport, miss.

8. arkansasMInUTEMan August 009
swiMMing
and Pfd
MWr Celebrates 20 Years of service to soldiers, airmen
By Ms. Donna Shelton
safety Quiz Arkansas National Guard State
Public Affairs Office
1. How many people
CAMP JOSEPH T. ROB-
drown in the U.S. each
INSON, Ark. – On August
year?
19, the Arkansas Nation-
a. 150
al Guard Morale Welfare
b. 600
Recreation (MWR) cel-
c. 400
ebrates its 20th anniversa-
d. 6000
ry of service to our troops.
2. Over half of all The organization is also
drowning victims use celebrating twenty years as
alcohol or drugs. the only strictly state-run
a. True corporation of its type in
b. False the United States. in witH tHe new. the new mwr Complex encompasses
3. How many per- “For most installations 39,725 square feet of space. the vast complex houses the
sonal floatation devic- rock restaurant which can seat 250 patrons in its 4,140
the Post Exchange (PX) square foot dining area. Adjacent to the restaurant is the rock
es (PFDs) is a boat re- stores are entities of the Lounge with a large “Cheers-type” bar and seating for 50 and
quired to have? federal government. How- a large patio for outdoor gatherings during acceptable weath-
a. One for the drive and ever, we operate solely un- er. Additionally, the businesses that were located in the old
two more for passengers der the Arkansas Nation- mwr facility moved to new more spacious quarters in the new
out witH tHe oLd. Camp robinson’s original Canteen complex along with a new addition – the minuteman Pizzeria.
b. one al Guard. We pay salaries, closed its doors in 2007 with the need to expand the mwr op- the facility houses an Arkansas Federal Credit union branch,
c. One for every individ- grow our organization and erations it began in 1989. the once heavily visited building now with two automated teller machines, the sunshine Cleaners
ual in boat. give donations to the units sits silent, watching its replacement facility across the street and dee’s Barbershop. “Having all these services in the same
D. They are not re- solely from the profits we attract large numbers of people who frequent the new Canteen complex has meant that we can serve the guard members
quired. and the variety of services provided in the new mwr complex. more. we have more items available than we have in the past.
make,” said Jackie Scarbor-
And having everything in one building is more convenient and
4. Are personal floa- ough, MWR Director. provides a friendly atmosphere, “ said jackie scarborough, di-
inson and Fort Chaffee. Guard MWR made $55,285
tation devices (PFDs) a The staff is planning on rector of the Arkansas guard mwr.
Camp Robinson’s expan- in donations in 2008 and
substitute for parental celebrating the anniversary sion included the opening of the total of yearly contri-
supervision? with a ceremony in the foy- the Minuteman Pizzaria in butions since 2003 is over organization keeps making giving back to the Soldiers
a. True er of the MWR Complex on March of this year. The op- $358,000. According to a profit, the MWR will con- and Airmen who provide
b. False August 19 starting at 9:00 erating hours of 11:00 a.m. Scarborough, as long as the tinue to fulfill its mission by the ultimate service.
5. What basic lifesav- a.m. There will be food, ca- to 8:30 p.m. daily makes it
ing equipment should maraderie, giveaways and a convenient dining option,
be kept by a swimming special sales on selected especially for students who
pool? merchandise in the MWR’s are in training on post.
a. a pole and rope Canteen. Since the MWR was in-
b. a personal floatation Over the past 20 years corporated, the mission
device the MWR has witnessed has been to provide needed
c. a water bottle some much needed growth, services to Guard members
d. both a. and b. most notably in October and help support the units.
e. both b. and c. 2007 when construction The continued growth of
of the new MWR Complex the organization has al-
----Answers from was completed. This final- lowed the MWR to give
last month’s quiz: 1. ly made it possible to house unit rebates, provide no-
False, 2. False, 3. False, all the services offered by interest loans and sponsor
4. False, 5. b. MWR at Camp Robinson various causes such as the
in one centralized location. Camp Robinson Fire De-
NAME____________ “Having all these servic- partment and the Arkan-
_________________ es in the same complex has sas Employee of the Year
UNIT_____________ meant that we can serve the program.
PHONE___________ Guard members more. We “We wouldn’t be able to
____________ have more items available do what we do without the
than we have in the past. great staff that we have,”
And having everything in said Scarborough. “We
Get a free sport’s bottle!
one building is more conve- started with seven employ-
Complete this quiz and mail
nient and provides a friend- ees in 1989. We now have
or fax to the state Safety Of- ly atmosphere, “ said Scar- ninety-two. Because they
fice, Box 10 Camp Robin- borough. have helped to grow the or-
son, NLR, ar 72199-9600 Services available ganization, we can contin-
or fax 501-212-5099. through the MWR have ue providing what the Sol-
All completed entries continued to grow and in- diers and Airmen need and
will be entered for draw- clude the extension of its op- give back to the units.”
ing. Look for the winner’s erations at both Camp Rob- The Arkansas National
name here next month. Advertisement

9. August 009 arkansasMInUTEMan 9
ProjeCt PAtriot. spc. dominic Alexan-
der, with Company e, 39th Brigade support
Battalion, takes a moment to pose with mem-
bers of “Arkansa” Chapter national society
daughters of the American revolution after a
Freedom salute ceremony in Arkadelphia for
his battalion. Alexander was one of thousands
Arkansas employer is named finalist of Arkansas guardsmen to receive a tiny
pocket flag hand folded by sylvia matthews,
Co-Chair of the organization’s Project Patriot.
for prestigious 2009 Freedom Award Alexander approached the members of Arkan-
sa’s soldier squad to personally thank the
ARLINGTON, VA— our troops. Although Bas- ceremony on June 8 when chapter for the pocket Flag he carried for the
Bassett Law Firm LLP of sett Law Firm LLP did not the firm was presented a duration of the deployment next to his military
Fayetteville, Ark. was se- make the cut for the final Pro Patria Award by Maj. id. After returning home safely from the de-
lected as one of 35 nation- cut, their ranking within Gen. William Wofford, the ployment, Alexander offered the Flag back to
al finalists for the 2009 the top 35 out of 3200 is adjutant general of Arkan- the Chapter in grateful appreciation. Pictured
Secretary of Defense Em- extremely significant and sas. A total of 24 Arkansas from left to right are shirley goff, sue Pilking-
ployer Support Freedom symbolic of the tremen- employers were honored at ton, nell white (behind), susan veal, sheila
Award. The award is the dous support the firm has the ceremony and further Beatty, spc. Alexander and Linda thomas.
U.S. Government’s high- provided our Soldiers and nominated for the national
est recognition given to Airmen. Freedom award. More in-
employers for exceptional Bassett was one of 20 formation about the Free-
support of their employ- Arkansas employers rec- dom Award is available
ees serving in the Guard ognized by Arkansas’ at http://www.Freedo-
and Reserve. The Secre- Employer Support for mAward.mil or by calling
tary of Defense Employer the Guard and Reserve the ESGR office at (800)
Support Freedom Award (ESGR) program during a 336-4590.
is also significant because
only members of the Na-
tional Guard and Reserve
or their family members
Sherwood Moose Lodge
may nominate their em- 4000 E. Kiehl • Sherwood • 835-1200
ployers for the award.
“In the eight years our
nation has been at war,
America’s employers - al-
most universally - have
done an outstanding job
of supporting their Citi-
zen Warrior employees,
said Dennis M. McCarthy, ■
assistant secretary of de-
fense for reserve affairs.
EVERY TUESDAY THURSDAY NIGHT
■
“They reflect the power- ■ ■
ful synergy that exists be-
Doors Open
■
tween the men and women Up to $7500 ■
of the National Guard and at 5:00pm Payout Nightly ■
■
Reserve, and their em- Minipacks 6:00pm Includes up to 2 ■
ployers.” Bassett Law Firm Hardpacks 7:00pm ($1000 Progressive Jackpots)
LLP was selected from
more than 3,200 nomina- Coupon
tions submitted. On July
20, the Department of Good For One FREE
Defense narrowed it list
of 35 finalists done to the
Back Up Pack
Limit 1 per person. Expires 10/2/09
top 15 employers recog-
nized for their support of
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10. 10 arkansasMInUTEMan August 009
neverSuicide Awareness, Prevention Month
September is
accept Defeat Knowing your
benefits
By Capt. Chris Heathscott Airmen here in Arkansas, By Ms. Adrienne Brietzke
Arkansas National Guard State Arkansas National Guard State Public Affairs Office
we cannot stand around
Public Affairs Office and allow this trend to The new Post 9/11 GI Bill became effective August 1,
CAMP JOSEPH T. continue,” said Maj. Gen. 2009. It provides education benefits for servicemembers
ROBINSON, Ark. – The William Wofford, the ad- who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since
Arkansas National Guard jutant general of Arkan- Sept. 10, 2001. These benefits are tiered based on the
will join the active com- sas. “We have taken some number of days served on active duty, creating a benefit
ponent in the observance major steps towards in- package that gives current and previously activated Na-
creasing awareness, but tional Guard and Reservist the same benefits as active
of Suicide Awareness and
it takes more than simply duty servicemembers.
Prevention Month in Sep-
tember. awareness. It takes ac- Eligibility
The observance is part tion. We need all of our The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently ac-
of the continued effort to Guardsmen, their Fami- cepting applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Once the
focus on the rise of sui- lies, friends and employ- VA has received your application they issue a Certificate
cides throughout the ers to get involved and of Eligibility if they determine you are indeed entitled to
Army over the past few keep an eye out for those the benefit. Note: Only service under U.S. Code Title 10
years – a problem that is in need of help. Talk to makes one eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits.
just as significant in the them, care for them, and You are eligible if you served a minimum of 90 days on ac-
National Guard. assist them in getting the tive duty after September 10, 2001, but the VA must verify
The Army recently re- help they need.” that eligibility.
leased its suicide date for Awareness for the Ar- If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will still want to
2009, covering the period kansas Guard means more compare all your education benefits to see which will bet-
January 1 through June 30 than marking a month on ter meet your own needs. While the Post-9/11 is a great
and reporting 88 active- the calendar. During that advance for military education options, that doesn’t nec-
duty deaths. Fifty-four of time, the force will take essarily mean it’s a better option for you.
those were confirmed sui- on the second phase of It’s important to keep in mind that once you make a
cide with the remaining the three-phase suicide choice, that choice is IRREVOCABLE. You can’t change
34 still under investiga- stand-down and chain your mind later. However, note that Veterans will not be
tion. This is 21 more than teach program. required to make a choice at the August timeline. The VA
was reported for the same “It’s going to consist of will notify veterans when they will be required to choose.
period in 2008. role playing vignettes and There are several different GI Bill benefits available for
To further put it in discussions about stress just for the Soldiers. are on the front lines. By Guard servicemembers so before making that decision,
perspective, the United that Soldiers are actual- “There is a ‘Shoulder the time it gets to my lev- it’s crucial you compare the different benefits to see which
States suffered fewer loss- ly going through and how to Shoulder’ presentation el, it is too late,” said Gen- is best for you. In choosing which benefit you wish to re-
es to combat in Afghan- they can help each other,” for [Family Readiness eral Wofford. “But we ceive, and whether or not to participate in the Active-Duty
istan during that same said Phillips. “We have Groups] as well,” said Phil- need to be there to assist or Reserve GI Bill programs, first consider the following
time period in 2009 with until September 30th to lips noting that the Fami- the Families as necessary factors with each: the type of training you plan on taking;
have every Soldier in the lies will play a key role in while remaining vigilant the amount of benefits you will get under each benefit; ex-
73 Fallen Troops from all
state trained.” reversing this trend. ourselves.” tending benefits by 12 months, and any other factors im-
branches of the service.
At the completion of The training empha- “The most crucial fac- portant to you.
According to Capt. Tan-
this interactive training sizes common causes of tor, however, is to make Guard servicemembers have two other GI Bill op-
ya Phillips, the state sui-
program, which includes suicidal behavior and the all of our Guardsmen tions. The first gives those who serve continuously for 24
cide prevention program
manager for the Arkansas videos and small unit critical role Army leaders, aware that is ok to ask for
leader training, the force see knowing, PAge 10
National Guard, the prob- friends, co-workers and help,” he added. “Remem-
lem isn’t limited to the ac- will move into the third Families play in maintain- ber the Army Creed. We
VETERANS
tive component. phase of the program – ing behavioral health. are asking them to ‘Never
“In the past six months sustained annual suicide “Our Families will defi- Accept Defeat’ while hon-
awareness and prevention
from January 1st to 30
June, the National Guard training for all Soldiers.
nitely play a critical role in
suicide prevention. They
oring our pledge to ‘Never
Leave a Fallen Soldier.’” BENEFITS
But this training is not
has had 17 confirmed sui-
cides and 22 pending in- APPEALS
vestigation,” said Phillips.
“We are making up 18% of
the National Guard’s total
suicides during that six
months.”
Arkansas has suffered
a total of three losses to No Charge
Mike Smith
suicide during that time, Attorney
an increase from one loss
for 425 W Capitol Avenue #3700
to suicide over each of the Consultations Little Rock, AR
previous two years. (501) 375-9151
“As an organization, as msmith@ddh-ar.com
a Family of Soldiers, and Advertisement Advertisement

11. August 009 arkansasMInUTEMan 11
Knowing
to share their education bene-
Quick comparisons (from Military.com)
t
fits with immediate family mem-
bers.
Continued from Page 10 Post-9/11 GI Bill Montgomery MGIBI reserve rEaP The Department of Defense
or more months on active duty (DoD) is authorized to allow in-
GI Bill (MGIB) dividuals who, on or after Au-
the option to pay into the GI Bill
for active duty (Chapter 30). The active Duty gust 1, 2009, have served at least
second program, called the Re- 6 years in the Armed Forces and
serve Education Assistance Pro- Code 38 USC 33 38 USC 30 10 USC 1606 10 USC 1607 who agree to serve at least anoth-
gram (REAP), provides Guard er 4 years in the Armed Forces to
members up to 80 percent of the transfer unused entitlement to
Qualifying active Fixed adjusted Same as MGIB Same as MGIB their Spouse. Once the member
GI Bill for active duty (Chapter
30). You need to first determine duty service. Tu- annually based has reached their 10 year anni-
your eligibility for each program Benefits ition/Fees, Month- on avg under- versary they may choose to trans-
and then compare them. A help- ly Housing Amt, graduate tuition fer the benefit to any dependent(s)
ful guide for Guard members to (spouse, children). The rules for
Annual $1000 sti- determined by Post-9/11 GI Bill transferability
make comparisons among their
choices can be found at http:// pend for books National Center are in the final stages, but have
www.military.com/money-for- supplies, transfer- for Education Sta- not been signed. For proposed
school/gi-bill/new-gi-bill-over- policy on eligibility, go to: http://
ability. Payments tistics www.military.com/money-for-
view
Also consider that the Post- are not retroactive school/gi-bill/post-911-gi-bill-
9/11 GI Bill can only be used for transferability-fact-sheet which
programs taken at a college or is subject to change.
university. The Montgomery GI pubs/forms/VBA-22-1990-ARE. 4551) or at http://www.gibill. Capt. Kevin C Truslow, the state’s Note: USMilitary.com, recently
Bill offers several other options: pdf - or you can complete and va.gov/ or https://www.gibill2. Education Services Officer, at announced that a complimentary
college (undergraduate, gradu- submit the application on-line at va.gov/vba/vba.cfg/php.exe/en- (kevin.truslow@us.army.mil) or version of its 2009 GI Bill Bene-
ate), certificate programs, on- www.gibill.va.gov . Click “Apply duser/std_alp.php . 501-212-4021. fits Guide is available for down-
the-job training, apprenticeship load online. The online guide out-
training, flight training, and non-
On Line” and select the “Educa- Army Guard members can Transferability of benefits lines brief summaries of benefits
tion” option. The form includes contact the Education Support
college degree courses. the instructions needed to begin Center (ESC), located at the Pro- to spouse/children* offered to veterans in every mili-
Contacts Application the process. fessional Education Center (PEC) The Post-9/11 GI Bill also of- tary service branch. Go to: http://
You can apply for the Post-9/11 GI If you have questions about on Camp Robinson at https://esc. fers a special provision of the www.military.com/money-for-
Bill using the VA Form 22-1990 - your eligibility status, call the VA pec.ngb.army.mil/ and Arkan- program that allows career ser- school/guard/guard-education-
found at: http://www.vba.va.gov/ at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442- sas Guard members can contact vice members the opportunity benefits-users-guide
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