VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 1

VOL. 15, ISSUE 3

THE VOLUNTEER STATE

guard

magazine

BERRY FIELD

ARMY AVIATION has

A NEW home

164TH AIRLIFT WING BRINGS AID TO NEPAL AFTER EARTHQUAKE

SOME of Tennessee’s best

JOINT BASE

2015 BEST WARRIOR 

COMPETITION

A look at who MOVED on to regionals
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 2
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 3

VOLUME 15 ISSUE 3

THE VOLUNTEER STATE GUARD MAGAZINE

FEATURES

PAGE 8 

BERRY FIELD

Army Aviation has a new home at Joint 

Base Berry Field in Nashville.

PAGE 16 

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE 

RELIEF

Members of the 164th Airlift Wing out 

of Memphis bring aid after a massive 

earthquake devastates Nepal. 

TRAINING

PAGE 12

A FIRST FOR OUR FIRST 

SERGEANTS

Tennessee Air National Guard conducts 

the state’s first ever First Sergeant 

Symposium.

PAGE 15 

ACADEMY TRAINER

Air National Guard selects first member 

to serve as Academy Military Trainer at 

the U.S. Air Force Academy.

PAGE 20 

BOSSLIFT

ESGR gives Tennessee employers a 

glimpse into guard training.

RECOGNITION

PAGE 10

BEST WARRIOR

A look at who moved on to regionals.

PAGE 22

GIRL SCOUTS HELP OUT 

IN EAST TENN.

More than 16,000 boxes of cookies 

distributed to the Tenn. Guard through 

Operation: APPRECIATION.

PAGE 23 

MARKSMANSHIP 

CHAMPIONSHIP

Tennessee Marksman travel to Arkansas to compete in the Winston P. Wilson Marksmanship Championship.

PAGE 24 

SOLDIER-ATHLETE 

MATTHEW LAMB

Tennessee National Guardsman places 

2nd in National Joint Service Greco-Roman Wrestling Competition in Colorado.

RECRUITING

PAGE 11

SEEKING RECRUITS FOR 

VITAL MISSIONS 

Tennessee Guard Soldiers seek recruits at MTSU for vital Army air traffic 

control missions.

VolState Guard is published to provide command and public information about 

Tennessee Guard Soldiers and Airmen throughout the world. Views expressed 

herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official view 

of and it is not endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense 

or the Departments of the Army and the Air Force. This publication does not 

supersede any information presented in any other official Air or Army publication. Articles, photos, artwork and letters are invited and should be addressed 

to: Editor, The Volunteer State Guard, 3041 Sidco Dr., Attn: TNPAO, Nashville, 

TN 37204.

For more information, the staff can be reached by telephone (615) 313-0633, 

or by email to tnpao@live.com. The Volunteer State Guard reserves the right 

to edit all material. Published works may be reprinted, except where copyrighted, provided credit is given to The Volunteer State Guard and the authors. 

Distribution of the The Volunteer State Guard is electronic and can be downloaded at: http://www.tnmilitary.org

ON THE COVER

The first UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters belonging to the Tenn. 

Army National Guard touch down 

at Joint Base Berry Field in Nashville. Photo by Master Sgt. Robin Brown

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ART DIRECTION

SENIOR EDITORS

PHOTOGRAPHY 

WRITERS

MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS

ROB PENNINGTON

LT. COL. (RET) NIKI GENTRY 

MASTER SGT. ROBIN BROWN

ROB PENNINGTON

LT. COL. (RET) NIKI GENTRY 

CW2 EMILY WIEST

MASTER SGT. ROBIN BROWN

SSG MELISA WASHINGTON

STAFF SGT. KATHRYN LOZIER

SGT ART GUZMAN

AIRMAN 1ST CLASS TAYLOR QUEEN

JUDITH ROSENBERG

LT. COL. KEITH STILES 

LT. COL. (RET) NIKI GENTRY

MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS

CW2 EMILY WIEST

MASTER SGT. ROBIN BROWN

MASTER SGT. DAVID EICHAKER

SSG MELISA WASHINGTON
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 4

LOWERING THE BOOM

Boom operator, SSgt. Andrew Webber, conducts aerial refuel operations with the 

Tennessee Air National Guard, ESGR Bosslift.

PHOTO BY: SSG Melisa Washington

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 5

GOVERNOR’S MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

Maj. Gen. Max Haston, Tennessee’s Adjutant General, thanks one of the many 

war veterans who attended The Governor’s Memorial Day Ceremony on May 

15, 2015 in Nashville, Tenn. 

PHOTO BY: Lt. Col. (Ret) Niki Gentry

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 6

GUARD SUPPORT IN BRISTOL

Tennessee National Guard Soldiers stand at pit row to support the Food City 500 at 

Bristol Speedway as they celebrate Military service members on April 19, 2015.

PHOTO BY: CW2 Emily Wiest

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 7

MILITARY KIDS SERVE TOO

COL Darnbush presents Military children with a coin at the John Rich Red Cross 

Event, celebrating our National Guard youth as a part of Month of the Military Child 

on April 26, 2015.

PHOTO BY: CW2 Emily Wiest

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 8

The first UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters belonging to the Tennessee 

Army National Guard touched down at Joint Base Berry Field.

BERRY

JOINT BASE

FIELD

ARMY AVIATION has A NEW HOMe.
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 9

JOINT BASE BERRY FIELD

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - If you have noticed increased helicopter traffic around 

the Nashville International Airport you 

may have wondered what’s going on.

 The first UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters belonging to the Tennessee Army 

National Guard touched down in May at 

Joint Base Berry Field in Nashville. The 

helicopters are part of the 1/230th Air 

Cavalry Squadron (ACS) formerly headquartered at the Army Aviation Support 

Facility in Smyrna.

 Berry Field has been the home of the 

Air National Guard’s 118th Wing for more 

than 90 years. Since losing the C-130 Hercules aircraft due to the 2005 Base Closure 

and Realignment Commission, the base 

became a C-130 training site for Allied 

aircrew members, and has since transitioned to a dominant force in intelligence, 

surveillance, reconnaissance, and support 

missions. The last C-130 left Nashville in 

December 2012.

 Losing the C-130s left an empty ramp 

and a multi-million dollar hanger only a 

few years old without any aircraft to use 

it. Immediately upon learning of the loss 

of the C-130s, planning began on the efficient utilization of the facility. The perfect fit was Army Aviation who were operating in antiquated facilities, just a few 

miles down the road.

 In Smyrna, UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters belonging to the Army National 

Guard were housed in World War II era 

buildings needing renovations that would 

cost the American taxpayers more than 

70 million dollars.

 To Maj. Gen. Max Haston, Tennessee’s 

Adjutant General, the prudent choice was 

obvious. Move the helicopters to Nashville and utilize an existing facility saving 

the taxpayers 70 million dollars.

 “Moving the helicopters to Berry Field 

utilizes a state of the art facility that is less 

than 12 years old,” said Haston. “We have an 

obligation to the citizens of Tennessee to be 

good stewards of taxpayer monies, and using an existing facility in a joint Army and 

Air Operation does just that.”

 The National Guard began planning for 

this transition more than five years ago, but 

sometimes the Air Force and Army Aviation 

don’t mix, so after crossing many bureaucratic hurdles, environmental studies and 

other administrative obstacles, final approval was received earlier this year.

 “Renovation of the existing Smyrna facilities and new construction was just not feasible under the current budget,” continued 

Haston. “The reality to move to an existing 

facility that was not being fully utilized and 

sitting just a few miles down the road made 

perfect sense.”

 “Increased traffic during this time is due 

to the training the pilots receive on approach 

and departure lanes in and out of the airport,” said Lt. Col. Gene Reece, the Army 

National Guard State Aviation Officer. “This 

training will continue through May when 

you will see the helicopter traffic dramatically reduce.”

- MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS

Inside the hanger at Berry Field. 

(Photos by Master Sgt. Robin Brown)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 10

Army National Guard 

Region III Best Warrior 

Competition

S p c J o s h ua W e b b F r o m T H E 1 9 4 T h E n g i n e e r 

Brigade AND SSG Adam Johnson From Rec r u i t i n g R e t e n t i o n , M ov e O n T o R e g i o n a l s 

And Represent The Great State Of Tennessee.

SPC Joshua Webb

TWO OF TENNESSEE’S BEST

SSG Adam Johnson

PHOTOS BY: SGT ART GUZMAN
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 11

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Members of 

the Tennessee National Guard’s 1-107th 

Airfield Operation Battalion, headquartered 

in Tullahoma, Tenn., provided a static display of their mission equipment at Middle 

Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, 

Tenn., on April 17. The mission of the unit 

is to establish and run tactical and non-tactical airfields for Army units. The team of 

Soldiers set up a Mobile Tactical Terminal Control System and Air Traffic Control 

Tower for aspiring student recruits to view.

 “The primary reason to host the display 

at MTSU is to spotlight the Air Operations 

Battalion’s capabilities to students who are 

enrolled in the Aerospace Department of 

the university,” said Lt. Col. Beason Layne, 

the 1-107th AOB commander. “MTSU has 

a very sophisticated Air Traffic Control 

Program and is an obvious choice to find 

students who would like the opportunity to use their skills in military air traffic 

missions and obtain funds to assist with 

their tuition.”

 Along with members of the 1-107th 

AOB, Tennessee National Guard recruiters were available to answer questions 

for students interested in the Army program and other opportunities provided 

through joining the National Guard. Lt. 

Col. Layne stated the event was a tremendous opportunity to find talented 

and trained students preparing for a career in a highly challenging and critically 

needed career field.

- LT. COL. (RET) NIKI GENTRY

Tennessee Guard Soldiers seek recruits at MTSU for vital 

Army air traffic control missions.

SEEKING RECRUITS 

FOR VITAL MISSIONS 

RECRUITING

Members of the 1-107th Airfield Operations Battalion, headquartered in Tullahoma, Tenn., provided a static display near 

the Aerospace Department on the campus of Middle Tennessee 

State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on April 17. (Photo by 

Lt. Col. (Ret) Niki Gentry)

Spc. Elizabeth Farrell, offers information 

to students at an equipment static display 

conducted April 17. (Photo by Lt. Col. 

(Ret) Niki Gentry)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 12

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Tennessee Air 

National Guard first sergeants from across 

the state gathered March 3-4 at the 118th 

Wing in Nashville, Tenn., for the state’s first 

ever Air National Guard First Sergeant Symposium. The active duty Air Force has held 

these symposiums for years, bringing in first 

sergeants from around the world, even from 

other countries; however, this is a first for 

the Tennessee National Guard.

 “We began discussing putting together a 

state-wide symposium in September 2014,” 

said Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Smith, first 

sergeant for the 164th Airlift Wing in Memphis, Tenn., who organized and facilitated 

the symposium. “We quickly decided what 

topics we wanted to discuss, but the biggest 

part was scheduling a time that all three 

wings could accommodate.”

 Shortly after Smith became a first sergeant, he viewed an annual broadcast from 

the Air National Guard Training and Education Center that featured information and 

briefings from Air National Guard leadership. “I learned the importance of sharing 

information with my fellow first sergeants 

from watching this broadcast,” he said. In 

January of 2014, Smith held a symposium 

for the first sergeant council of the 164th 

Airlift Wing. Later that year, he began coordinating all the Wings in Tennessee to share 

the same experience.

 “I am excited with the direction the first 

sergeants are headed, and we have a great, 

diverse group,” said Command Chief Master Sgt. Mark Harris, command chief of the 

118th Wing. “I look forward to expanding 

the symposium next year with more table 

top discussions that get real issues out in the 

open.”

Tennessee Air National Guard conducts the state’s 

first ever First Sergeant Symposium.

A FIRST FOR OUR 

FIRST SERGEANTS 

FIRST SERGEANT SYMPOSIUM

First sergeants arrive at the 118th Wing in Nashville, for the state’s first ever First 

Sergeant Symposium. (Photo by Master Sgt. Robin Brown)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 13

FIRST SERGEANT SYMPOSIUM

 The purpose of the symposium was to 

continue education and training for first 

sergeants and additional duty first sergeants 

from Tennessee’s three wings and two geographically separated units across the state. 

An additional duty first sergeant is one who 

hasn’t been to the formal First Sergeant 

Academy and does not wear the diamond 

device; yet, they assist in performing the duties of a traditional first sergeant.

 “First sergeants are tasked with advising 

their commanders on a wide range of personnel matters, along with being knowledgeable about resources for taking care of 

Airmen and their families,” said Smith.

 “The symposium keeps the first sergeants 

up to date on changes made to programs 

and processes we provide to our units and 

our Airmen,” he said. “It gives us time to 

collaborate and grow our wing council relationships outside the normal setting on drill 

weekends.” Without the symposium, the 

only formal training first sergeants receive 

is the First Sergeant Academy that all must 

graduate in order to attain the diamond on 

their rank insignia. 

 “Our newly revised Air Force regulation for first sergeants, Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2113, specifies a number of 

continuing education hours that we need 

to receive and the 2015 symposium satisfies that requirement,” added Smith. “The 

symposium also enhances communication 

between the Tennessee Air National Guard 

first sergeants and enables a better flow of 

communication between wings in the state.”

 First sergeants are traditionally responsible for relaying the commander’s messages 

and voicing concerns of the Airmen below 

the commander, as well as being the 24/7 “go 

to” person for all Airmen concerns. 

 “Our Airmen thirst for leadership. Nothing influences our lives and military career 

more than a first sergeant,” said Maj. Gen. 

Terry “Max” Haston, the adjutant general 

for Tennessee, whose father was a first sergeant in the Army. “Those you lead emulate 

what you do. Somebody is taking notes today, watching what you do; you are a role 

model.”

 “First sergeants are the tie that binds; 

you relate to your Airmen,” said Brig. Gen. 

Don Johnson, the assistant adjutant general for the Tennessee Air National Guard. 

“It doesn’t matter who you work for, we all 

work for each other, and it is our obligation 

as leaders to provide you with the tools to be 

successful.”

 “You are the balance between the commander and the Airmen. Ensure the process 

Without the symposium, the 

only formal training first sergeants receive is the First Sergeant Academy that all must 

graduate in order to attain the 

diamond on their rank insignia. 

The Symposium gives First Sergeants from across Tennessee the 

chance to discuss issues and collaborate. (Photo by Master Sgt. Robin 

Brown)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 14

FIRST SERGEANT SYMPOSIUM

is consistent and fair,” Chief Master Sgt. Dan 

Mitchell, the first sergeant functional manager at National Guard Bureau said. “Your 

lane is to take care of the enlisted force and 

your commander.” 

 Attendees got the opportunity to hear 

from various other leaders across the state, 

including Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Scott, 

the senior enlisted leader for the Tennessee 

National Guard, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Wade Hudson, the command chief 

of the Tennessee Air National Guard. “No 

matter who is who, even Army, a first sergeant is a first sergeant and people are your 

business,” said Hudson. 

 “If anything happens regarding an Airman, your first sergeant should be the first 

person you call,” echoed Harris, emphasizing the role of a first sergeant and the position’s importance.

 Col. Keith Allbritten, the vice commander of the 118th Wing, presented his expectations of a first sergeant. Among these were: 

be the one with the answers, the person 

others can go to; bring a notebook and take 

notes; be the commanders eyes and ears; and 

don’t be a “yes” man, be proactive and take 

initiative.

 The first sergeants gathered in breakout 

sessions to work in partnership and communicate what worked well and what needed 

improvement in various areas of concern.

 “As we covered programs that impact all 

of our units, it was insightful to learn that 

other first sergeants face similar obstacles 

as well as hearing about some of the wonderful tools and practices units have developed to handle the tasks and needs of their 

units,” said Smith. Some of the topics covered included family care plans, the Airman 

Comprehensive Assessment, professional 

organizations and development within the 

National Guard.

 The weather forced the symposium to end 

a day earlier than planned. Despite this, the 

event was still a success overall. 

 “It exceeded my expectations. The opportunity to meet and share experiences with 

other first sergeants was the most beneficial 

aspect of the symposium,” said Master Sgt. 

Scott Prichard, 134th Medical Group first 

sergeant in Knoxville, Tenn. “It was a great 

learning tool to gain insight into how other 

first sergeants deal with issues that affect our 

Airmen.”

 He added, “being a first sergeant is an 

honor. The opportunity to give back to the 

Air National Guard by assisting Airmen 

with their professional and personal issues is 

a very rewarding responsibility.”

 “First sergeants live to serve others. It was 

a wonderful experience being part of this 

gathering of servant leaders,” said Smith. 

“I believe this event was something beneficial, in both satisfying our continuing education as well as building a strong network 

of resources to better assist our Airmen and 

commanders.”

- MSGT ROBIN BROWN

MURPHREESBORO, Tenn. - Command 

Chief Master Sgt. Wade Hudson speaks 

to attendees at the Air National Guard 

First Sergeant Symposium. (Photo by 

Master Sgt. Robin Brown)

“No matter who is who, 

even Army, a first sergeant is a first sergeant 

and people are your 

business,” 

- Command Chief Master Sgt. Wade Hudson
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 15

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – Airmen 

across the Air National Guard have many 

opportunities to serve in developmental 

roles and serving at the United States Air 

Force Academy as an Academy Military 

Trainer is just one of the roles.

 Air Force Master Sgt. Donald Steven 

Sanders, 134th Air Refueling Wing, located 

at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, 

Tennessee, will become the first Air National Guard member to serve as an AMT at USAFA as he looks forward to his latest career 

change. 

 “I’m very excited about it,” said Sanders 

relating to his latest career change.

 Sanders will be leaving his current position as a repair and reclamation craftsman 

after 16 years to be an instructor at the academy. Airmen in the Air National Guard can 

serve in many non-traditional roles, and 

teaching at the USAFA is just another example of these opportunities.

 Sanders, who has over 23 years of service, says he is anxious in a good way and 

looking forward to the opportunity. It’s is a 

great honor to be selected for this position, 

he said, indicating he will be starting sometime early this summer.

 Being an AMT not only benefits the 

Guard but can allow for personal development as well.

 “I need to get out there and grow a little 

bit more,” said Sanders. “I need to expand 

my horizon, rather than just working on aircraft.” The change from repairing Air Force 

KC-135 Stratotankers aircraft to the classroom comes as no surprise to others.

 Air Force Col. Burl Lambert, 134th Maintenance Group commander, said that he is 

certainly happy for Sanders to have the opportunity, noting that they worked together 

for nine years.

 “We’re sad to see him go be because we’ve 

depended on his experience and his expertise,” said Lambert. “Losing that is losing a 

lot. We’re certainly happy for him to have 

this opportunity and he’ll represent us well. 

I think it’s a great thing for the Guard and 

I think it’s a great thing for the Air Force 

Academy.”

 Opportunities like this are offered to Air 

Guard members under a program called 

Developmental Special Duties. DSDs are 

positions within the U.S. Air Force designed 

to create and progress Airmen through the 

leadership of other Airmen and place the 

most qualified Airmen in several key roles 

which have an impact on Airmen across the 

service. 

 “DSD allow Airmen to challenge themselves and gain unique experiences as leaders, manager and communicators,” said 

Chief Master Sgt. James Hotaling, command 

chief master sergeant of the Air National 

Guard. “Air National Guard Airmen in any 

status (drill status, Air Guard Reserve or 

technician) should look for opportunities 

outside of their technical specialty at critical 

points in their career.”

 Airmen who perform DSDs are more likely to develop intangible skills and become a 

well-rounded Airman.

 “DSDs are positions that are critical to 

the development of Airmen,” said Hotaling. 

“Additionally, these positions allow members to take on a new challenge outside of 

the technical specialty.”

 

DSD positions are available at both state 

and extended active-duty levels and can include the following jobs: 

• Academy Military Trainer 

• Professional Military Education

 Instructors

• First Sergeants

• Military Training Instructors

• Military Training Leaders

• Recruiters

• Specialty Training Instructors 

 identified with a T-prefix

 

 The influence that Airmen have filling 

these positions can be critical to all three Air 

Force components – Guard, reserve and active. 

 “DSD positions impact Airmen at every 

level,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force 

James A. Cody, regarding DSD. “We must 

ensure the right Airmen are in these special 

positions.”

 Air Guard members are encouraged to 

apply for DSD positions and vacancies can 

be found at http://www.ang.af.mil/careers/

dsdva/index.asp.

- MASTER SGT. DAVID EICHAKER

Air National Guard selects first member to serve as Academy Military Trainer at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

ACADEMY TRAINER

DEVELOPMENTAL SPECIAL DUTIES

Master Sgt. Donald Steven Sanders
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 16

NEPAL

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tim Peck, looks out a paratrooper door while taxiing in an Air Force C-17 Globemaster 

III delivering supplies and search and rescue teams to 

Kathmandu, Nepal, April 28, 2015. U.S. Air Force Airmen 

delivered relief supplies for Nepal earthquake victims. 

(Photo By Airman 1st Class Taylor Queen)

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

+

MEMBERS OF THE 164TH AIRLIFT WING OUT 

OF MEMPHIS BRING AID AFTER A MASSIVE 

EARTHQUAKE DEVASTATES NEPAL. 
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 17

KATHMANDU, Nepal - Tennessee 

Air National Guard members from the 

164th Airlift Wing in Memphis, Tenn., 

touched down on April 28 with 60 personnel from the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and 

approximately 55,000 pounds of aid and 

relief at Kathmandu International Airport. The mission was part of a global 

support effort to render assistance to the 

millions of citizens struggling for survival following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the region on April 25. 

 Nepalese officials have placed the current death toll at over 5,800 and rising 

daily with an additional 19 mountain 

climbers who were killed from large 

avalanches that destroyed portions of a 

base camp on the slopes of Mount Everest. Members of the 155th Airlift Squadron, which is the flying component of 

the 164th Airlift Wing, were already 

deployed to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, when their planned mission was diverted to provide emergency support for 

USAID. 

 Getting the much needed relief to the 

disaster region was a complex logistical 

task. The flight required the assistance of 

three aircrews comprised of two active 

duty squadrons from the 437th Airlift 

Wing stationed at Joint Base Charleston, 

S.C., and the third being the Tennessee 

Guard’s 164th Airlift Wing personnel. 

The mission began, according to Trisha 

Gallaway, of the Joint Base Charleston 

Public Affairs Office, with the loading of 

“a 57-member team of L.A. County Fire 

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE RELIEF+

U.S. Air Force personnel from the 155th 

A.S. in Memphis, Tenn., download a U. S. 

Air Force C-17 Globemaster filled with U. 

S. Agency for International Development 

(USAID) members at the Kathmandu International Airport. (Photo By Staff Sgt. 

Kathryn Lozier)

Map showing the Nepal earthquake epicenter. (Courtesy New York Times) 
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 18

Department firefighters, six search dogs 

and two semi-trucks worth of equipment. The team known as the Urban 

Search and Rescue Task Force 2 or CATF2...is one of eight teams that make up 

the California Urban Search and Rescue Program. These teams, when called 

upon, travel with specialized equipment, such as heavy concrete cutting 

equipment, chainsaws, search cameras 

and sonar to locate victims, as well as 

specialized communications and generators.” The Tennessee aircrew flew the 

rescue team on the final portion of the 

journey into the treacherous mountain 

terrain of the Himalayan region. 

 “The recent rescue mission operated to Nepal by Tennessee Guardsmen 

demonstrates the seamless capability 

our nation’s military brings to bear on 

world events. The aircrew in this story 

was diverted from their original mission 

and thrown into the chaotic aftermath 

of a natural disaster of epic proportions,” 

said Col. Mark Devine, Commander of 

the 164th Airlift Wing. “The fact that 

we have pilots and loadmasters who can 

pivot so quickly from civilian careers 

and plug into diverse and challenging 

military airlift missions anywhere in the 

world is a testament to the capability and 

value of today’s Air National Guard.” 

The members of the Memphis unit were 

able to successfully off load the USAID 

personnel and equipment from their 

C-17 aircraft at the Kathmandu Airport 

and return safely to Ramstein Air Base 

upon completion of the critical mission. 

The rapid ability to get trained rescue 

personnel to the disaster site was vital in 

order to save as many the lives as possible since time is a precious commodity 

in earthquake rescue operations. 

 “Tennessee Airmen serve with pride 

and distinction and are a proven choice 

to our state and nation,” said Brig. Gen. 

Don Johnson, Tennessee’s Assistant Adjutant General, Air. “The 164th’s ability 

to provide Airmen on a moment’s notice 

is a true testament to the professionalism and readiness of today’s Tennessee 

Air National Guard.”

- LT. COL. (RET) NIKI GENTRY

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE RELIEF+

Sixty USAID members and approximately 55,000 pounds of aid and relief 

supplies (shown above) will help support the local people in search and 

rescue efforts. (Photo By Staff Sgt. Kathryn Lozier)

Satellite data of Nepal after 

the huge earthquake shows the 

tallest mountain in the world, 

Mount Everest actually got 

about 2.8 centimeters smaller 

than it used to be. The change 

is explained by a relief of 

strain in the Earth’s crust, according to UNAVCO, a nonprofit 

geoscience research consortium (Courtesy Photo) 
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 19
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 20

Aircraft from the 164th Airlift Wing and 134th Air Refueling Wing 

conduct an aerial refuel during a bosslift to Gulfport, Miss. The 

Tennessee Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve hosted 

the bosslift to give employers a perspective into the lives of their 

Guard and Reserve employees when they perform their military 

duties. (Photo by CW2 Emily Wiest).

bosslift

esgr gives tennessee employers a glimpse 

into guard training.
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 21

SMYRNA, Tenn. - The Tennessee Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, or 

ESGR, hosted a bosslift for over 20 Middle 

and West Tennessee employers from May 

5-6 to familiarize them with some of the 

training their Guard and Reserve employees 

conduct during their service. 

 The group from West Tennessee left from 

Memphis on a C-17 while the group from 

Middle Tennessee left from Smyrna on a 

KC-135. The two aircraft met in flight and 

employers from both aircraft witnessed an 

aerial refuel before their arrival to Gulfport, 

Mississippi. 

 Upon their arrival, the employers visited 

the Naval Construction Battalion Center in 

Gulfport where they watched sailors conduct convoys on simulators. They toured the 

Seabee training center where servicemembers acquire skills to perform their military 

jobs. 

 David Augustin, one of the founders and 

the chairman of the board for Corporate 

Flight Management in Smyrna, Tenn., was 

impressed by the caliber of training the Seabees were receiving.

 “I had no idea the Guard and Reservist 

employees have gone through such activities 

and training before they become employees. 

It was very eye-opening to me to see all the 

time and effort spent in training” he said. 

 The next morning, the employers toured 

Keesler Air Force Base, home of the Hurricane Hunters, an elite group that flies C-130s 

into hurricanes and storms to collect weather data. Following their visit to the Hurricane 

Hunters, the group went to Camp Shelby, 

one of the largest National Guard training 

bases in the country. They witnessed a tank 

demonstration and climbed on some of the 

tanks as well. 

 To conclude the trip, the group watched 

touch and go’s before they boarded a C-17 to 

return back to Tennessee. 

- SSG MELISA WASHINGTON

For more information 

about the Tennessee 

ESGR, please visit 

esgr.mil/tn.

ESGR BOSSLIFT

Instruction for the Naval 

Construction Battalion 

Center briefs Tennessee 

employers during a tour 

of the Seabee training 

center in Gulfport Mississippi. (Photo by CW2 

Emily Wiest).

Tennessee employers load onto a C-17 in Gulfport, Miss. to return home after a 

bosslift. (Photo by CW2 Emily Wiest).

Two Tennessee 

Air National Guard 

aircraft (C17 & KC135) prepare for 

aerial re-fuel operations demonstration for employers 

attending the ESGR 

Bosslift (Photo by 

SSG Melisa Washington).
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 22

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Anne Haston, along 

with the Family Assistant Specialists in east 

Tennessee, visited the Girl Scout Headquarters to present an ESGR Seven Seals Award 

to Heather Hatmaker and the Girl Scout 

Council of the Southern Appalachians.

 More than 16,000 boxes of cookies were 

distributed in early May to the TN National 

Guard within the local Girl Scout Council 

of the Southern Appalachians jurisdiction 

thanks to generous cookie customers and

hard-working scouts. The cookies are part 

of the council’s annual ‘Operation: APPRECIATION’ effort that allows customers to 

purchase cookies for members of the armed 

services.

 “We are thrilled by the success of the program,” said Heather Hatmaker, director of 

revenue for Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians. “We are honored to give a little 

taste of home to the folks that risk their lives 

to keep our Girl Scouts and their communities safe,”

- CW2 EMILY WIEST

More than 16,000 boxes of cookies distributed to the Tenn. 

Guard through Operation: APPRECIATION

GIRL SCOUTS HELP 

OUT IN EAST TENN.

OPERATION: APPRECIATION

Front Row - Anne Haston, Audrey 

Thomasson, Julia Mason, Heather 

Hatmaker. Back Row - John Patterson, Kim McHugh, Jerry Goines. 

(Photo by Judith Rosenberg)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 23

CAMP ROBINSON, Ark. - Two teams of 

Tennessee marksmen traveled to Camp Robinson, Ark., to compete in the 2015 Winston 

P. Wilson Marksmanship Championship 

during April, 2015. This year, 44 teams from 

across the nation competed for the All States 

Trophy at the event. Tennessee’s A-Team is 

comprised of Maj. Glenn Jackson with 30th 

Troop Command, Capt. Tim Butler with 

the 269th Military Police Company, Sgt. 

1st Class Dave Keenom with the Volunteer 

Training Site, Tullahoma, Tenn., and Staff 

Sgt. Mark Prince with the 730th Quartermaster Company. 

 The Tennessee team won third place in 

the Overall Team Aggregate Competition 

and also second place in the Rifle Team Aggregate Competition. Based upon their 

win, they were coined by Gen. Frank 

Grass, the 27th Chief, National Guard 

Bureau and a member of the Joint Chiefs 

of Staff.

 In addition to the team’s success, Maj. 

Jackson won first place in the 100-500 

Special Zero match. The event requires 

firing 12 shots each at 100, 300, 400 and 

500 yards. He was presented a plaque 

from the Commander of the National 

Guard Marksmanship Training Center 

for his win.

 Congratulations to Tennessee’s 

A-Team for a job well done! Tryouts for the 

Tennessee Team will be held at the Volunteer 

Training Site, Tullahoma, Tenn., during August 14-16, 2015. Members interested may 

contact Lt. Col. Keith Stiles at Keith.Stiles@

ang.af.mil for more information. 

- LT. COL. KEITH STILES

Tennessee Marksman travel to Arkansas to compete in the 

Winston P. Wilson Marksmanship Championship

MARKSMANSHIP 

CHAMPIONSHIP 

MARKSMANSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP

Left - The Tennessee National Guard A-Team 

are presented a coin by Gen. Frank Grass, 

Chief, National Guard Bureau, for their third 

place victory in the Overall Team Aggregate 

and second place victory in the Rifle Team 

Aggregate Competitions. (Pictured left to 

right: Gen. Frank Grass, Staff Sgt. Mark 

Prince, Maj. Glenn Jackson, Sgt. 1st Class 

Dave Keenom and Capt. Tim Butler). (Courtesy Photo)

Above - Col. Franklin D. Powell, Commander of the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center presents Maj. 

Glenn Jackson a first place plaque for 

his victory in the 100-500 Special Zero 

Match. (Courtesy Photo)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 24

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Kingsport, Tenn., 

native, Spc. Matthew Lamb helped bring All 

Army Sports its 14th consecutive Armed 

Forces Wrestling Championship, on March 

28-29, at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation 

Special Events Center at Fort Carson, Colo. 

Lamb placed second in individual competition in his weight class in Greco-Roman 

wrestling.

 “It’s an awesome sense of pride knowing 

that I’m representing my fellow Soldiers,” 

said Lamb. “To be part of number 14 is 

something I will always remember.”

 Spc. Lamb is currently assigned to the 

Tennessee Army National Guard’s 776th 

Maintenance Company based in 

Elizabethton, Tenn., as an automated 

supply chain specialist. He enlisted 

in the Tennessee National Guard in 

April of 2014, but he has also served 

in the US Navy, and participated 

with the all Navy wrestling team previously.

 In All Army Sports, Soldiers from 

Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard compete in a variety of 

sports at the highest levels to include 

Armed Forces, USA Nationals and 

Military World Games.

 “Although wrestling is very much 

Tennessee National Guardsman places 2nd in National Joint 

Service Greco-Roman Wrestling Competition in Colorado.

SOLDIER-ATHLETE 

MATTHEW LAMB

SOLDIER-ATHLETE

Pictured from left to right: Capt. David 

Smith (Company Commander), Spc. 

Matthew Lamb, Maj. Patrick Ellis (Battalion Commander). Spc. Matthew Lamb is a 

member of the Tennessee Army National 

Guard with the 776th Maintenance company of Elizabethton, Tenn., and recently was 

picked up on active duty to wrestle with the 

All Army Wrestling Team. He participated in 

the inter-service competition March 27-28, 

2015, where he placed second in individual competition in his weight class in Greco-Roman wrestling, and helped the team 

earn the gold medal. (Courtesy Photo)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 25

SOLDIER-ATHLETE

an individual sport, you can’t expect to 

achieve your goals without the support of 

your training partners and teammates,” said 

Lamb. “It’s the same as serving with your 

unit; the mission cannot be accomplished 

without everyone working together to 

achieve a common goal.”

 Wrestling is not new for the Tennessee 

National Guard Soldier.

 “I started wrestling in eighth grade in 

New Jersey. I wrestled junior varsity and was 

the only New Jersey individual state qualifier from my school that year,” he said. Lamb 

comes from a military family and moved 

often growing up. “My senior year, we were 

transferred to Beaufort, SC, where I placed 

second in the state, losing to a wrestler I had 

beaten eight times during the season.”

 Lamb joined the Navy in 1991 and was 

stationed in Newport, RI, where he initially 

applied to be part of the All Navy team.

 “While waiting to be accepted, I entered 

and won numerous freestyle and Greco-Roman tournaments on the east coast,” he said. 

“This culminated with winning an AAU 

Greco-Roman Grand National title and 

placing third in freestyle.”

 After attending his first All Navy camp, 

his Greco career took off.

 “After my first camp, my coach, Rob Hermann, sent me to the Olympic Training 

Center in Colorado Springs,” where he said 

he may be training for the next Olympic trials also. “It’s exciting, but ultimately tough. 

Knowing you have the chance to represent 

your country and your branch of service in 

the highest profile sports event in the world 

is awesome.”

 All Army Sports is a short-term opportunity that may last between four days or up 

to three months, depending on your sport 

and whether you’re selected for higher competition. It is not a change in Military Occupation Specialty or Permanent Change of 

Station.

 Participants in the All Army Sports Program are called Soldier-Athletes because 

they must be Soldiers first and outstanding 

athletes second. Soldier-Athletes must apply to be selected for the All Army program. 

They represent the Army in Armed Forces 

Sports Championships and national and international competitions.

 “I’ve worked hard over the past two years 

to return to good physical, wrestling condition,” said Lamb, who added that so far his 

age has been his biggest obstacle. “When I 

was younger, I would just hop on the mat 

without warming up or taking treatment; 

now I think I appreciate the process more.”

 Soldier-Athletes require command approval before they can be considered. Reviewing officials include All Army Sports 

staff and the Army Coaches of each designated sport. They consider the applicant’s 

background, past performances, athletic 

awards and sports standards. Applicants 

have the opportunity to supplement their 

applications with newspaper articles, letters 

of recommendation, award certificates or 

other forms of support.

 “Typically, you are required to have placed 

in high level tournaments a the FILA Cadet, 

Juior and/or Senior level. NCAA Division 

1, 2, and 3 placements are also considered,” 

said Lamb. “Based on my past performances and experiences, the All Army coach, 

Shon Lewis, decided to bring me to camp 

once again. He wrestled for the Army while 

I was on the Navy team, so we have known 

each other for quite a few years.”

 Training is rigorous for the athletes. Applicants must have graduated Basic Training 

and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) 

and at an actual duty assignment. Active 

duty officers must have graduated their basic 

course and be assessed.

 Lamb said he most likes being able to 

represent his fellow Soldiers, the Army, and 

his country in domestic and foreign competition. “I would encourage any Soldier 

interested in All Army sports to pursue 

their dreams,” he said. “The program is not 

easy--qualifying and being invited is the 

first step. Once you are in the camp, you are 

training with the best athletes in the country. It’s well worth the effort.”

 The following sports are currently being 

offered: Army Ten Miler (Men and Women); 

Basketball (Men and Women); Boxing (Men 

and Women); Bowling (Men and Women); Cross-Country (Men and Women); 

Golf (Men and Women); Marathon (Men 

and Women); Rugby 7’s (Men and Women); Soccer (Men and Women); Softball 

(Men and Women); Taekwondo (Men and 

Women); Triathlon (Men and Women); 

Indoor Volleyball (Men and Women); and 

Wrestling (Men and Women).

 Lamb is heading to Korea in October 

to participate in the Council International 

Sport Military (CISM) World Games.

 “It is very similar to the Olympic games...

the competition level is very high,” Lamb 

said. “Most countries have a mandatory military requirement, so their best athletes will 

be there representing their respective nations as well.”

 “The biggest lesson I have learned from 

my time in the sport is to embrace and enjoy 

the process,” he added. “Take care of the day 

to day business, the small things, and the big 

picture will come together.”

 For more information about All Army 

Sports, email usarmy.jbsa.imcom-hq.

mbox.army-sports@mail.mil or call 210-

466-1337. Applications for an All Army 

Sport are available at https://apps.imcom.

army.mil/apptracmain.

- MASTER SGT. ROBIN BROWN

Lamb (Right) wrestling 

with the All Army Wrestling 

Team. (Courtesy Photo)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 3 26

 Find out more information at www.ngaus.org

September 10 - 13, 2015 Nashville, Tenn.