VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 1

FAMILY

MONTH OF THE MILITARY

VOL. 15, ISSUE 5

AIR GUARD DORMITORY NAMED FOR RETIRED CHIEF MASTER SGT.

TWELVE SOLDIERS 

WITH THE 1/230TH ACS 

RUN FOR CHARITY

RAGNAR RELAY
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 2

THE VOLUNTEER STATE GUARD MAGAZINE

PAGE 8 

MONTH OF THE MILITARY 

FAMILY

Military Families Across the Country are Celebrated Annually in November as Part of Military Family Appreciation Month. 

PAGE 12

THE 230TH TAKES ON RAGNAR

Twelve Soldiers with the Tenn. Army National 

Guard’s 1/230Th Air Cavalry Squadron Participated in the 2015 Ragnar Relay October 23 

Through 24.

PAGE 14

HALL HONORS RETIRED 

CHIEF

Dormitory on the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center Near Knoxville, Named for Chief 

Master Sgt. Vitzthum.

PAGE 15

ARMORY NAMED FOR FALLEN GUARDSMAN

Lobelville Armory Named in Memory of Sgt. 

1st Class Michael W. Braden of the 278th 

ACR.

PAGE 16

PATH TO TRANSITION

Veterans Often Have A Difficult Time Adjusting 

Back To The Civilian World. Programs Like 

Boulder Crest Retreat Are Making The Transition Easier.

PAGE 19

COL BISHOP TAKES COMMAND OF 194TH

Change of Command Ceremony for the 194th 

Engineers.

PAGE 20

LISTEN UP!

Hearing Protection 101 for National Guard 

Soldiers.

PAGE 22

DISASTER DRILL

Area Agencies Participate in Airplane Crash 

Disaster Drill at McGhee Tyson Airport in 

Knoxville, Tenn.

PAGE 23

CHANGE OF COMMAND AT 

118TH WING

Allbritten Takes Command of Tennessee’s 

118th Wing.

PAGE 24

UNITED THROUGH READING

Program Looks to Ease the Stress of Separation for Some Military Families through Reading.

PAGE 25

10TH ANNIVERSARY 

MEMORIAL SERVICE

278th Holds Anniversary Memorial at Mt. Carmel Armory.

VOLUME 15 ISSUE 5

CONTENTS

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ART DIRECTION

SENIOR EDITORS

PHOTOGRAPHY 

WRITERS

MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS

ROB PENNINGTON

MASTER SGT. ROBIN BROWN

ROB PENNINGTON

SGT ARTURO GUZMAN

SGT TIM MASSEY

STAFF SGT. DANIEL GAGNON

MASTER SGT. ROBIN BROWN

SSG WILLIAM JONES

SSG SHANNON R. GREGORY

MASTER SGT. JERRY HARLAN

SSGT KRISTA HAIR

MARK A. LARGE

MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS 

MASTER SGT. ROBIN BROWN

MASTER SGT. MIKE R. SMITH

CHER MURPHY

WES WADE

COVER

Brad Bowlin and wife before his promotion 

ceremony to LTC on Oct. 18, 2015. 

(Photo by SGT Arturo Guzman) 

VIDEO CHECK OUT OUR NEW VIDEO ADDITION!!
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 3
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 4

FAREWELL TO COL DARNBUSH

Oct. 18, 2015 - The 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment says farewell to Col. Darrel 

D. Darnbush (left). Darnbush will retire after 32 years of service with the Tennessee 

Army National Guard, including 2 1/2 years as commander of the 278th.

PHOTO BY: SGT TIM MASSEY

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 5

MAKING HISTORY

The Tenn. Army National Guard made history recently by enlisting their first female 

into a Combat Engineer Military Occupational Specialty. Private Nykia Macklin from 

Millington, Tenn. is scheduled to attend basic training in June of 2016.

PHOTO BY: RECRUITING AND RETENTION BATTALION

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 6

THUNDERBIRDS TAKE FLIGHT

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flying over the tail of the C-17 from the Tennessee Air National Guard’s 164th Airlift Wing, during the 2015 Memphis Airshow that took place at 

Millington Jet Port Sept. 25-27. The demonstration team is composed of F-16 aircraft. 

PHOTO BY: U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 7

WELCOME HOME

Several Airmen with the 134th Air Refueling Wing in Knoxville, Tenn., returned home 

Oct. 7, from a deployment at Al Udeid Air Base.

PHOTO BY: STAFF SGT. DANIEL GAGNON

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 8

STORY BY MASTER SGT. ROBIN BROWN

FAMILY

MONTH OF THE MILITARY

Above: Tech. Sgt. Christy 

Gardner, 118th Wing, Tenn. 

Air National Guard, and her 

son, Aiden. (Photo by Master 

Sgt. Robin Brown) 
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 9

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Military families 

across the country are celebrated annually 

in November as part of Military Family 

Appreciation Month. 

 “The strength of our Soldiers and Airmen comes from their families,” said Maj. 

Gen. Max Haston, Adjutant General, Tennessee National Guard.

 Military Family Month was created by 

the Armed Services YMCA and began as 

Military Family Week in 1996. Later, in 

2003, it became an entire month dedicated 

to military families. It has been recognized 

every year since by the President signing a 

proclamation.

 “Military Family Month is a month 

long celebration of our military families 

in which we honor the commitment and 

sacrifices of that who serve,” said Lt. Col. 

Jim Reed, director, J9 Tennessee Military 

and Family Readiness Operations. “With 

Tennessee being the fourth largest National 

Guard state in deployments since 2001, our 

families know this too well.”

 There are many services provided during 

this time to show appreciation to military 

families. 

 Sesame Street created a free app for 

military families to address topics such as 

deployments, homecoming, self-expression 

and injuries. It is available in both English 

and Spanish. It includes videos, storybooks 

and more to help support pre-school and 

elementary aged children manage transitions that many military families experience. 

 Additionally, Operation Kid Comfort 

helps military children find comfort with 

a free custom made photo transfer quilt or 

pillow through their program for children 

of deployed service members. Volunteers 

at the Armed Services YMCA create custom-made photo transfer quilts and pillows. Each child receives a quilt or pillow; 

children 7 and under receive a quilt, 8 and 

older receive a pillow. The quilts and pillows 

are personally handcrafted to help children 

cope with the emotional stress during a 

parent’s deployment. 

 MyMilitaryLife is a app created by the 

National Military Family Association to 

help military spouses navigate the many 

adventures of military life. This app assists 

military members and their families with 

issues such as moving, deployment, parenthood, spouse education & employment, 

and even transitioning out of the military. 

Users can also share tips with other military 

spouses.

 The Armed Services YMCA also provides free or low-cost youth development, 

healthy living, and social responsibility programs for junior enlisted military & their 

families to make military life easier. For 

more information, please visit asymca.org. 

 The J9 Tennessee Military and Family 

Readiness Operations Directorate also has 

several events and opportunities to help celebrate military families during November.

 “Our families serve too, and when we 

take time to recognize their commitment 

and service during one of the many events 

in November, it is a gentle reminder or our 

gratitude for their commitment, sacrifice 

and support,” said Reed.

- MASTER SGT. ROBIN BROWN

Staff Sgt. Drew Gentry, Information Technology Specialist, and his 

father Command. Sgt. Maj. Michael 

Gentry, the State Command Sergeant Major, in front of the Tenn. 

National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Nashville. (Photo by 

SSG William Jones) 

MONTH OF THE MILITARY FAMILY
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 10

MONTH OF THE MILITARY FAMILY

HERE ARE SOME 

MILITARY FAMILY 

EVENTS HAPPENING 

IN NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 6 - Conclusion of Christmas ornament contest. The winner’s ornament will be on display at the White House, hanging from the 

National Guard family themed tree there. Two runners up will be presented to the Governor of Tennessee for display in the state. All others will 

be prominently displayed on the Christmas tree located in the Tennessee 

National Guard Joint Force Headquarters lobby.

NOVEMBER 7 - MTSU Military Salute to Veterans Day football game. 

Events will start at 10:30am and the game starts at 2:30pm.

NOVEMBER 8 - Nashville Zoo military appreciation day. 9am to 4pm

NOVEMBER 24 - UT Basketball military appreciation game, UT vs. 

Army. Tickets are free but limited and you must pre-register to attend. bigorangegivesthanks15.eventbrite.com

NOVEMBER 28 - UT Football military appreciation game, UT vs. 

Vanderbilt. Tickets are free but limited and you must pre-register to attend. 

http://www.jotform.us/form/52166755321151
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 11

•	 Do not open attachments orclick on links

fromuntrusted sources

•	 Neversend personal information in an

email

•	 Keep your firewall and antivirussoftware

updated
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 12

WHAT IS RAGNAR?

Twelve runners pile into two vans and tag team running nearly 200 miles, day and night, relay-style. Only 

one runner hits the road at a time. Each par ticipant 

runs three times, with each leg distances ranging between 2.7-10.2 miles and varying in difficulty.

THE 1/230TH

RAGNAR

TAKES ON

Oct. 23, 2015 - Runners approach the starting line of the 

Ragnar Relay Race at Coolidge Park in Chattanooga, 

Tenn. (Photo by SSG William Jones) 
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 13

T

welve Soldiers with the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 

1/230th Air Cavalry Squadron, 

based at Joint Base Berry Field 

in Nashville, Tenn., participated in the 2015 Ragnar Relay 

October 23 through 24.

 “I love running and this is a very challenging race,” said Staff Sgt. Jessica Wood, 

Tennessee State Aviation Office Administrative NCO. This was her second time 

running the Ragnar Relay; last year she said 

she just ran for fun.

 “It’s bittersweet,” said Capt. David Swan 

about finishing the race. Swan is the Squadron Training Officer for the 1/230th ACS, 

and was the team leader for the unit’s running team. “Halfway through my last run, 

it couldn’t end fast enough, but we had a lot 

of good times out there on the roads and in 

the vans. It’s one of those things where it’s 

hard to describe why it’s fun to people, but 

it really is.”

 The race, which is nearly 200 miles in 

total from Chattanooga, Tenn., to Nashville, 

Tenn., usually takes teams between 24 and 

36 hours to complete. Each of the Soldiers 

ran three separate legs to complete the race, 

ultimately finishing in just over 30 hours. 

Each of the legs varies in distance, so no 

two runners run the same distance by the 

end of the race.

 “The shortest overall distance is about 

ten miles, and the longest one is about 22 

miles,” said 1st Sgt. Terry Hurley, HHT 

1/230th ACS. “The team was broken into 

two groups of six, and we had two vehicles, 

one for each team.”

 “I’m glad it’s over. I’m ready for a shower and a nap; but it was a lot of fun,” Swan 

said.

The Soldiers came together to raise money 

for the Fallen Aviator Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Volunteer 

Chapter of the Army Aviation Association 

of America, also known as Quad-A. The 

fund honors those who have made the 

ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

 “Everybody dug deep all night, when 

the rain came in, we just kept at it,” said 

Swan. “I really appreciate all the hard work 

the team did in the last few months preparing for this. It really represented Army 

Aviation, the Tennessee National Guard, 

and the Quad-A chapter.”

 The group raised over $4,000 for the 

scholarship fund.

 “This year, we wanted to use that money 

to start the scholarships honoring Chief 

Warrant Officer 4 Dan Cole and 1st Lt. 

Thomas Williams,” said Swan. They were on 

a routine training flight when their OH58D helicopter went down in Campbell 

County, Tenn., in 2011.

 “I really like that we were running to 

raise money for a scholarship that helps 

children of our fallen aviators,” said Wood.

 The Soldiers were tired after running 

together all that way, but they were happy 

to have that experience.

 “We had a lot of sore muscles, but it was 

a good opportunity for team building and 

camaraderie,” said Hurley.

 “I thought it was awesome to see how the 

whole team pulled together, cheering each 

other on,” said Wood. “Now that the race is 

over, I am ready to do it again next year.

 The team finished in 81st place out of 

258 teams for the regular 12 person teams. 

They also finished in 5th place out of 16 in 

the mixed gender public service division. 

 For more information about the Ragnar 

Relay, visit ragnarrelay.com/race/tennessee.

- MASTER SGT. ROBIN BROWN

Soldiers with the Tennessee 

Army National Guard’s 1/230th 

Air Cavalry Squadron, based at 

Joint Base Berry Field in Nashville, Tenn., practiced running long 

distances to prepare for the nearly 

200 mile Ragnar Relay that took 

place October 23 through 24 starting in Chattanooga, Tenn., and 

ending in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo 

by Master Sgt. Robin Brown)

The shor test overall 

distance is about ten 

miles, and the longest 

one is about 22 miles.

RAGNAR

One of the 230th’s Race Vehicles. Teams competing in Ragnar require 2 vehicles in order to 

drop off and pick up runners at 

exchange points. (Photo by SSG 

William Jones)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 14

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Retired Chief Master Sgt. George A. Vitzthum never cut ties to 

the Air National Guard detachment where 

he oversaw service member’s education, and 

now the I.G. Brown Training and Education 

Center secured his memory on campus.

 The TEC dedicated a dormitory building 

in Vitzthum’s honor here Oct 8 with a ceremony in Wilson Hall.

 The dedication included remarks from 

Vitzthum; from his daughter, retired Col. 

Carmella Lawson; from TEC’s third commander, retired Col. Larry Martin; and 

from TEC’s current commander, Col. Jessica 

Meyeraan.

 “Because of our heritage and our traditions, we have come together to honor a 

great man and his legacy,” said Meyeraan. 

 Vitzthum Hall, or Building 406, provides temporary lodging for 98 students and 

guests and finished construction in April 

1993 during a multi-million dollar campus 

building project. The TEC plans to renovate 

it sometime next fall.

 Vitzthum served for more than 15 years 

with the TEC as a curriculum developer, as 

an instructor, as a training director and as 

its second commandant between 1970 and 

1985. He retired from military service in 

1993.

 Air National Guard officials credited 

Vitzthum as a key figure in establishing the 

Airman leadership school, as well as the officer preparatory academy. He graduated the 

TEC’s NCO academy in 1970 before he returned to help write and instruct those curriculums, among others.

 “What we did is we found out what the Air 

National Guard needed ... and that’s what we 

based it on, and then the student was always 

number one, everything revolved around 

the student,” said Vitzthum.

 The TEC’s Paul H. Lankford EPME Center since graduated more than 20,000 Airman leadership school students. More than 

14,600 officers earned their commissions.

 Vitzthum spoke for nearly 30 minutes on 

his career and experiences.

 “I’ve been very fortunate,” said Vitzthum 

to family, friends, veterans and Airmen. He 

thought back through his early career, when 

he served in Germany, and when he worked 

as junior electrical engineer on the space 

program with the first astronauts: “I’ve come 

a long ways.”

 Vitzthum joined the regular Air Force 

in 1955 and the Reserves in 1959. He joined 

the Missouri Air National Guard in 1963. 

He was a ground equipment technician, a 

first sergeant, an aircraft production scheduler and an honor guard, among many other 

duties, experiences and positions.

- MASTER SGT. MIKE R. SMITH

M C G H E E - T Y S O N A I R B A S E 

Dormitory on the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center Near Knoxville, Named for Chief Master Sgt. Vitzthum.

HALL HONORS 

RETIRED CHIEF

Chief Master Sgt. 

(Ret.) George A. 

Vitzthum stands in 

front of the building 

named in his honor 

at McGhee-Tyson 

Air Base, Knoxville, 

Tennessee, on Oct. 

8. (Photo by Master 

Sgt. Jerry Harlan)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 15

LOBELVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee National Guard Armory in Lobelville, Tenn. 

was renamed Sept. 19 for a Guardsman who 

was killed on July 9th, 2014 at the Armory.

 The armory was named in memory of 

Sgt. 1st Class Michael W. Braden of Ripley, 

Tenn. who was shot and killed after allowing a teenager he thought was a possible recruit. into the armory. Braden served as the 

Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of 

Readiness for Troop A, Support Squadron, 

278th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

 Maj. Gen. Max Haston, Tennessee’s Adjutant General, was in attendance, as well as 

numerous other state and local officials.

- MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS

DEDICATION

Lobelville Armory Named in Memory of Sgt. 1st Class 

Michael W. Braden of the 278th ACR.

ARMORY NAMED FOR 

FALLEN GUARDSMAN

Sept. 19, 2015 - Citizens of Lobelville, Linden and Perry Counties in Tennessee gathered at the Perry County Armory, home of A Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 

278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard, in a dedication 

ceremony honoring Sgt. 1st Class Michael W. Braden and renaming the armory after 

him. (Photo by SSG Shannon R. Gregory)

Maj. Gen. Max 

Haston, Adjutant 

General, Tenn. National Guard, along 

with the wife of Sgt. 

1st Class Michael 

W. Braden, unveil 

a sign naming the 

armory in Lobelville, 

Tenn. in honor of 

Braden. (Photo by 

SSG Shannon R. 

Gregory)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 16

Source: Pew Research Center. The Difficult Transition from Military to Civilian Life. PTSD Foundation of America. The Statistics.

VETERANS

Veterans often have 

a difficult time adjusting 

back to the civilian world. 

Programs like Boulder Crest 

Retreat are making the 

transition easier.

THE PATH TO

TRANSITION
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 17

According to the PTSD Foundation of America, one out 

of every three combat Veterans are dealing with serious post-traumatic stress 

symptoms. Add to that the other common 

challenges that Veterans face when trying 

to transition to a civilian life, and there are 

a lot of potential problems that can arise. 

Veterans transitioning to civilian life often 

have a difficult time adjusting to the lack of 

structure and change in pace of life. They 

feel isolated, have difficulties re-connecting 

to family and friends, and feel stress as they 

seek jobs and worry about financial issues.

“Any transition in life can be challenging. 

Leaving the military is very stressful for 

many of us,” explains Ken Falke, chairman 

and founder of Boulder Crest Retreat. “Our 

work at the Retreat focuses on establishing 

clarity around transition. Understanding 

where you want to be, how much money you 

need to make, and what is most important to 

your quality of life is very important. Once 

you gain clarity, the fundamentals all seem 

to come together.”

 Research conducted by the Pew Research 

Center found that 27 percent of Veterans reported finding it difficult to transition back 

into civilian life, but that number rises to 40 

percent when you poll Veterans who have 

served in the last 10 years. 

 “We know that returning Veterans can 

be as productive at home as they were in the 

military and on the battlefield,” added Falke. “Now more than ever, our great nation 

needs the strength and leadership of our 

combat veterans here at home.”

At Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and 

Veteran Wellness, combat Veterans and 

A wounded warrior 

spends the afternoon 

on the archery range at 

Boulder Crest Retreat in 

Bluemont, Va.

Tips for helping 

Veterans transition 

to civilian life:

Pay attention to the veteran’s 

behavior to see how well they are 

adjusting. If there are problems and 

stress, identify those issues and 

seek out help for them. Speak with 

your family doctor or a mental health 

therapist for advice on the best route 

to helping. 

Give the veteran some space 

and time to adjust. Making the 

transition isn’t something that is going 

to happen overnight, so being patient 

and supportive is going to be the 

most effective route. 

Suggest treatment programs 

that can help, such as the one offered 

by the Boulder Crest Retreat. Being 

exposed to a variety of therapeutic 

tools can help during the transition so 

they have ways to reduce stress and 

anxiety. 

Join or build a community.

There is help in having good social 

support. Seek out other Veteran 

groups or families that can be social together. Some of these groups 

already exist in communities, but if 

they don’t then don’t shy away from 

starting one. 

Encourage healthy living habits, such as eating healthy, exercising, getting enough sleep, and doing 

things to help reduce stress. 

Have a plan with some goals, 

so that you can help the Veteran 

work toward meeting them. They can 

include goals regarding engaging in 

therapy, obtaining a new job, etc. 

THE PATH TO TRANSITION
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 18

their families receive a free of charge, weeklong therapeutic program. The retreat is located on a 37-acres, offering a serene nature 

setting just 50 miles outside of Washington, D.C. This innovative program, known 

as PATHH (Progressive and Alternative 

Therapies for Healing Heroes), focuses on 

providing education about PTSD and other 

combat-related stresses, group therapeutic 

sessions, recreational therapy, and the creation of a game plan for life, inclusive of 

individualized goals, which ensures that the 

benefit of PATHH is sustained for months 

and years to come. The program is delivered 

by a unique blend of world-class therapists 

and trained military mentors. The retreat 

founder, Ken Falke, is a 21 year wounded 

Navy Veteran.

 The Retreat welcomes wounded active-duty, reserve and National Guard personnel, Veterans, their family members and 

caregivers, and Gold Star families. Boulder 

Crest Retreat is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that is funded entirely by private 

donations by individuals and organizations 

from around the country. For more information about the retreat, please go to bouldercrestretreat.org.

- CHER MURPHY

ABOUT BOULDER CREST RETREAT

Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness is a rural sanctuary that provides free 

accommodations, recreational and therapeutic activities and programs to help our nation’s military and Veteran personnel and their families recover and reconnect during their long journey of 

healing from physical and invisible wounds of war. The 37-acre retreat is located in the foothills 

of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Bluemont, Virginia, just 50 miles west of Washington, D.C. The 

Retreat is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is entirely funded through private donations 

from individuals, foundations and corporations. For more information about Boulder Crest Retreat, please visit www.bouldercrestretreat.org. 

THE PATH TO TRANSITION

Boulder Crest features 

four, fully ADA-accessible cabins dedicated 

exclusively to combat 

veterans and their 

families.
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 19

JACKSON, Tenn. - The Tennessee National 

Guard’s 194th Engineer Brigade, headquartered in Jackson, received a new commander 

on August 8. Brig. Gen. Tommy Baker, Assistant Adjutant General-Army, Tennessee 

National Guard officiated a formal change of 

command ceremony at the Frankland-Taylor National Guard Armory 

on Dr. F.E. Wright Boulevard, 

where Col. Lyndon C. Johnson 

relinquished command to Col. 

James B. Bishop, a Brownsville 

native.

 Col. Johnson took command 

of the Brigade on September 

1, 2013. He retired at the end 

of August 2015.

 Col. James B. “Brad” Bishop graduated from Haywood 

High School in 1983 and 

holds a Bachelor of Science 

degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. He enlisted in the Tennessee Army 

National Guard as a Private 

First Class in 1984, and later 

went on to receive a commission from the Tennessee Military Academy in 1988 as a 

second lieutenant. 

 Bishop brings over 30 years 

of military experience to the new position. 

He has deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom throughout his career, 

first as the Branch Chief, Multi-National 

Logistics, for the 377th Theater Support 

Command, and later, on his second tour, 

as the Commander of the 168th Military 

Police Battalion. 

 Col. Bishop’s military education includes both the Armor Officer Basic and 

Advance Courses, Engineer Officer Advance Course, Combined Arms Service 

Staff School, Military Police Officers 

Pre-Command Course, and he is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. His numerous awards 

and decorations include the Bronze Star 

Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the 

Meritorious Service Medal, and numerous 

awards of both the Army Commendation 

and Army Achievement Medals.

 Col. Bishop currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Engineers at the Joint Forces Headquarters, Tennessee National Guard. 

In this capacity he is responsible for all real 

estate actions, new construction, and maintenance of all Army National Guard facilities across the state.

 The 194th Engineer Brigade has approximately 2000 Soldiers, and is considered one 

of the Army’s most diverse multi-functional 

engineer brigades consisting of an engineer 

battalion, an engineer detachment, and two 

military police battalions.

- MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS

194TH ENGINEER BRIGADE

Change of Command Ceremony for the 194th Engineers.

COL BISHOP TAKES 

COMMAND OF 194TH

Brig. Gen. Tommy Baker (Left), The 

Assistant Adjutant General-Army, 

Tennessee National Guard, is shown 

here as he transfers the guidon to Col. 

Brad Bishop (Center) during the formal 

change of command ceremony at the 

194th Engineer Brigade Headquarters 

in Jackson, Tenn. on August 8. (Photo 

by 194th Engineer Brigade)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 20

Hearing loss among service 

members has risen substantially in the last few 

years. The Department 

of Defense Hearing Center of Excellence reports that tinnitus (ringing of the ears) and 

hearing loss are two of the most prevalent 

service-related injuries among veterans. 

 In response to hearing health concerns, 

the Army National Guard (ARNG) changed 

their hearing test policy from testing Soldiers 

once every five years to annually. More frequent hearing tests will help Soldiers identify, treat, and reduce the impact of hearing 

loss earlier. 

 When Soldiers take steps to protect their 

hearing, it keeps them safer on the battlefield, during trainings, and throughout everyday life. To help Soldiers better understand the importance of hearing protection 

and hearing loss prevention, ARNG’s health 

and wellness campaign, Guard Your Health, 

offers tips on how to prevent hearing loss. 

Tactics like wearing noise canceling ear 

muffs while riding in a helicopter or wearing 

noise activated or electronic earplugs while 

shooting can keep ears safe. 

 Guard Your Health also features information on how hearing loss can affect a 

Soldier’s life, how to cope with and manage 

hearing loss, and the signs to look out for, 

such as a muffled feeling in your ears, sensing a prolonged ringing or buzzing in your 

ears, or straining to hear someone.

 Service members may be at risk for hearing injuries when exposed to high noise 

levels of vehicles, gun shots, and other deafening sounds. For example, a helicopter has 

a noise level of 85 decibels (dB), and flying 

one without appropriate hearing protection 

can cause gradual and permanent hearing 

loss. Gunfire and other impulse sounds can 

be loud enough to cause hearing damage as 

well.

 Soldiers can learn more about the deciGUARD YOUR HEALTH

Hearing Protection 101 for National Guard Soldiers.

LISTEN UP! 

Loud noise is unavoidable. Whether firing a weapon down range, 

or attending a concert, you’re at risk for hearing loss. Over time, 

with continued exposure to noise, hearing loss can occur.
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 21

bel scale, safe volume limits, and appropriate 

hearing protection with Guard Your Health’s 

“How Loud Life Should Be” infographic. 

Soldiers are encouraged to review Guard 

Your Health’s hearing health resources and 

speak to their medical readiness NCO as 

soon as possible if they are concerned about 

their own hearing.

5 WAYS HEARING LOSS 

CAN AFFECT YOUR LIFE

Imagine this: you’re hanging out with your 

buddies and you can barely hear what they’re 

saying. You see their lips moving but you’re 

struggling to keep up with the conversation. 

Unfortunately, this is the everyday reality for 

more Soldiers than you may think. 

The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that more than 445,000 Veterans have 

service-related hearing loss. Seventy one 

percent of Soldiers returning from Iraq or 

Afghanistan have reported some level of 

hearing loss. The Hearing Loss Association 

of America (HLAA) (http://www.hearingloss.org/) shares insight on five ways hearing loss can affect your life: 

1. Hearing loss can affect relationships. 

If your friends and family don’t know 

about your hearing loss, they can’t help 

you understand what they are saying. 

Bottom line: be upfront. Tell them the 

best ways to communicate with you so 

your relationships don’t suffer. 

2. Social situations can be frustrating. It’s 

common for individuals with hearing 

loss to prefer being alone than risk misunderstanding someone because they 

can’t hear them. Remember that you 

can always find a quiet place to have a 

one-on-one conversation. You can also 

use a personal Assistive Listening Device (ALD), such as a hearing aid, to 

help you hear better. 

3. Completing tasks at work can be difficult. Hearing loss can make hearing 

details and instructions needed to complete work tasks challenging. Under the 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 

employers with 15 or more employees 

must make adjustments in the workplace for an employee with a hearing 

loss. Speak up, work with, and educate 

your employer about hearing loss so that 

you can perform your job better. 

4. Hearing loss can affect your safety. Our 

ears help us identify danger such as a 

beeping smoke alarm. Living with hearing loss means you need to rely on your 

other senses to alert you to sounds you 

might not hear. For example, an ALD 

such as a vibrating pager can let you 

know when a baby cries or a doorbell 

rings. 

5. Enjoying some of your favorite activities may become harder. You might find 

it difficult to hear the dialogue during 

a movie or other events. ALDs expand 

the functionality of hearing aids and cochlear implants (http://hearing.health.

mil/DiagnosisTreatment/TreatmentOptions/CochlearImplants.aspx) by helping you separate the sounds you want to 

hear from background noise. The ADA 

requires most public venues to provide 

them. So next time you visit a movie theater, ask for one! 

Although hearing loss can affect your life in 

numerous ways, there are just as many ways 

to treat and reduce the impact of hearing 

loss. Talk to your Medical Readiness NCO 

or health care professional to make an appointment for a hearing evaluation if you 

feel you may have some hearing loss. You’ll 

be surprised at all the options available – 

hearing aids, cochlear implants, and more! 

Review your options and decide what makes 

the most sense for you. 

- GUARD YOUR HEALTH

GUARD YOUR HEALTH

Guard Your Health (www.guardyourhealth.com) is a health and medical readiness campaign for 

Army National Guard Soldiers and their families sponsored by the Army National Guard Chief 

Surgeon’s Office. Guard Your Health provides Army National Guard Soldiers with information, 

motivation, and support to overcome challenges and make healthy decisions for themselves, 

their families, and their units. To learn more about improving your health, visit the Guard Your 

Health website, LIKE “Army National Guard Health” on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/

ARNGHealth), and follow @ARNGHealth on Twitter (https://twitter.com/ARNGHealth).

Some common hearing 

protection options:

• Foam earplugs that you 

hand-form to fit in your 

ears

• Pre-formed earplugs

• Ear/Noise muffs

• Ear canal caps

• Custom made earplugs
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 22

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - If you heard about 

an airplane crash this weekend that left 32 

dead and 98 injured, the good news is it was 

just a drill.

 It was all part of a full-scale emergency 

preparedness exercise Saturday morning at 

McGhee-Tyson Airport to test area agencies 

in their response to a plane crash.

 As first responders arrived, they learned 

130 people were aboard the “plane” — simulated by three school buses parked front-toback — and that 32 were dead and 20 critically injured.

 The passengers were, of course, all volunteers tapped to portray mortally wounded 

and injured passengers.

 And, as Rural/Metro Ambulance Service 

paramedic David Blanton explained, patient 

conditions were subject to change throughout the course of the drill, as would be the 

case in an actual disaster scenario.

 In addition to the 32 fatalities and 20 

critically injured passengers, another 30 

were injured, but stable, and the remaining 

48 had sustained minor injuries.

 “That’s what we were given initially,” 

Blanton said. “But that changed during the 

course of the drill, constantly. It changed 

constantly.”

 The “patients” for this drill were young 

and old, kids and adults. Their injuries — 

represented by some creative makeup choices — ranged from minor flesh wounds to 

gaping holes in arms and faces. An unlucky 

few were pulled from the wreckage with 

metal rods sticking out of their heads.

 Blanton was one of several Blount County-based Rural/Metro paramedics to participate.

The Alcoa, Blount County and Knoxville 

fire departments were also there, as were fire 

departments for the Metropolitan Knoxville 

Airport Authority and Tennessee Air National Guard.

 They were joined by the Blount County Sheriff ’s Office, Blount County Rescue 

Squad,

 Rural/Metro Ambulance Service and 

the Maryville, Alcoa and Knoxville police 

departments. The group was rounded out 

by emergency management agencies from 

Blount County, Knox County and the state.

Blanton, who’s worked with Rural/Metro for 

the past 15 years, said Saturday’s exercise 

was the latest to showcase the cohesiveness 

of Blount County’s police, fire and emergency services organizations. 

 “All the agencies in Blount County conduct regular drills,” Blanton said. “We had 

representatives of all agencies here, and that’s 

what’s notable about Blount County. Everyone helps each other. It’s just unique and it’s 

a working cooperation amongst everybody.”

 Blanton said at least one emergency response drill is conducted in Blount County 

each year.

 Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority 

spokeswoman Caitlin Darras said they hold 

an airplane disaster drill every three years. 

Saturday’s outing was the ninth such exercise held at McGhee Tyson Airport.

 Even in years without a drill, they hold 

a “table talk” conference where area police, 

fire and emergency responders sit down and 

discuss their response plan for such a disaster, Darras said.

 It’s that regularity, and a high degree of 

collaboration, that keeps Blount County’s 

agencies ready for anything, Blanton said.

“On any given day, you don’t expect this to 

happen, but you’re prepared,” Blanton said.

- WES WADE | THE DAILY TIMES

PREPAREDNESS

Area Agencies Participate in Airplane Crash Disaster 

Drill at McGhee-Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tenn.

DISASTER DRILL 

@ MCGHEE-TYSON

Tennessee Air National Guard Firefighters Ryan Bailey (left) and John Wand participate in a mock plane crash during an emergency drill Saturday at McGhee Tyson 

Airport. (Photo by Mark A. Large | The Daily Times)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 23

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Air 

National Guard’s 118th Wing, headquartered in Nashville, received a new commander October 3. Col. Thomas Echols, of 

Franklin, Tenn., relinquished command to 

Col. Keith Allbritten, a native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., during a formal ceremony at 

the base. 

 Col. Allbritten has served as the Vice 

Commander for the Wing since April 2012. 

Col. Echols had served as the Wing commander since October 2012. His retirement 

ceremony was held the same day, shortly after the official change of command. 

 Col. Allbritten graduated from Murray 

State University in Murray, Ky., in 1988, 

with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He entered the Air Force in 1989 

as a navigator, serving at Mather and Castle Air Force Bases in California. He transferred to the Tennessee Air National Guard 

in March 2000, serving as a navigator 

instructor/evaluator for the 118th Airlift 

Wing in Nashville, Tenn. 

 While working with the 118th, he has 

served as the Operations Officer and 

Squadron Commander for the 105th Airlift Squadron, 118th Airlift Wing, as well as 

the Deputy Commander for the 118th Operations Group prior to becoming the vice 

commander for the base. 

 Allbritten is rated as a Master Navigator 

with more than 6,200 flight hours in multiple aircraft, including the T-37, T-43, KC135A/R, C-130E/H2, and WC-130H. He 

has over 340 combat hours and has flown in 

support of numerous Operations while deployed, to include Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Deny Flight, Restore Hope, Joint 

Guard, Joint Forge, Joint Endeavor, Coronet 

Oak, Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. 

 His numerous awards and decorations 

include the Meritorious Service Medal, 

Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air 

Force Commendation Medal, Air Force 

Achievement Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal and Joint Meritorious 

Unit Award. 

- MASTER SGT. ROBIN BROWN

118TH WING

Allbritten Takes Command of Tennessee’s 118th Wing.

CHANGE OF COMMAND 

AT 118TH WING

Col. Keith Allbritten, right, accepts the 118th Wing guidon from Brig. Gen. Donald 

Johnson, the Assistant Adjutant General of the Tennessee Air National Guard, left, 

during an official change of command ceremony October 3 at Joint Base Berry Field 

in Nashville, Tenn. The guidon exchange is a military tradition to demonstrate the 

transfer of command from one person to another. (Photo by Staff. Sgt. Krista Hair)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 24

One of the most difficult things a child can 

experience is having a parent separated from 

them for an indeterminate period of time.

United Through Reading helps ease the 

stress of separation for military families by 

having service members who are separated 

from the children they love read children’s 

books aloud on video for the child to watch 

at home.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

The Organization

United Through Reading offers military 

service members who are away from their 

families the opportunity to be video-recorded reading storybooks to their children at 

home, creating positive emotional connections.

Service to Military Families

This program is available to all military units 

including reserve components and Coast 

Guard, hosted at select USO locations, and 

has served nearly two million beneficiaries 

since 1989. The UTR Program:

•	 Eases the stress of separation

•	 Builds family resiliency

•	 Makes homecomings easier

•	 Cultivates a love of reading

Steps to Staying Connected

1. The service member is video-recorded 

reading a book and sends the video home. 2. 

The child at home watches the video and follows along with the book. 3. While the child 

watches, the caregiver at home captures the 

child’s reaction and relates it back to the service member. 4. This feedback encourages 

the service member to record again.

How to Participate

Contact us at military@utr.org. Once 

Command Leadership agrees to offer United Through Reading, a Program Manager 

will provide ongoing training and support 

throughout the deployment.

United Through Reading Provides

•	 Command brief

•	 Active Duty and Homefront Coordinator training

•	 Free Storytime Kickoff Kit with 33 children’s books as a permanent onsite library, 100 DVDs and mailers

•	 Free Booster Kits with additional supplies

•	 Free Seasonal Books with DVDs

•	 Recognition for Command volunteers

Command Provides

•	 Volunteers, including Command Liaison, Active Duty Coordinator and 

Homefront Coordinator

•	 Participation reports to United 

Through Reading

•	 Video equipment, camcorder/tripod, 

lavaliere microphone

•	 Commands may provide: postage, additional DVDs and padded mailers

United Through Reading is available to all 

deploying military units and at select USO 

locations. More information is available at 

www.unitedthroughreading.org

- UNITED THROUGH READING

CONNECTING FAMILIES

Program Looks to Ease the Stress of Separation for 

Some Military Families through Reading. 

UNITED THROUGH 

READING PROGRAM
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 25

278TH ARMORED CAV

278th Holds Anniversary Memorial at Mt. Carmel Armory.

10TH ANNIVERSARY 

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Piper Thomason, daughter of Sgt. Paul Thomason, reads a poem during the 10th anniversary memorial service for Staff Sgt. Mark Edwards 

and Sgt. Paul Thomason. The memorial service was held at the Tenn. National Guard armory in Mount Carmel, Tenn. on Oct. 18. Edwards 

and Thomason died while deployed to Iraq in 2005.

Capt. Gary S. Allgood, 

the security officer for 

3rd Squadron, 278th 

Armored Cavalry 

Regiment, Tennessee 

Army National Guard, 

gives the closing prayer 

Sunday, Oct. 18, for the 

10th anniversary memorial service for Staff 

Sgt. Mark Edwards and 

Sgt. Paul Thomason. 

PHOTOS BY SSG SHANNON R. GREGORY

Lt. Col. (Retired) James Blevins, former commander of 3rd 

Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, speaks to family members of Staff Sgt. Edwards and Sgt. Thomason. 
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 26
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 27
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 5 28

The VolunteerState GuardMagazine is

proud to have received “HonorableMention” at

the AdobeMAX Conference on October 3-7, 2015

in Los Angeles,California!!

Thanks Adobe!!