VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 1

TENN. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD HELPS GRANT A LITTLE BOY’S WISH 

ON THE MOVE

WITH THE 118TH MPAD

Six overseas missions in two years and 

recruiting Soldiers to embark on more

GUATEMALA

PANAMA

HONDURAS

GERMANY

JAPAN

SOUTH

KOREA
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 2
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 3

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

PAGE 8

COVER - ON THE MOVE

118th MPAD: Six overseas missions in two years and recruiting 

soldiers to embark on more.

STORY BY SGT NICOLE SMART

COVER BY ROB PENNINGTON

PHOTOS BY 118TH MPAD 

PAGE 11

GEN ETHRIDGE RETIRES 

Brig. Gen. Terry A. Ethridge, the 

Director of the Joint Staff retires. 

STORY BY LT COL (RET) NIKI GENTRY

PHOTO BY CW4 NICK ATWOOD

PAGE 12

TRAINING OUTSIDE 

THE BOX

Unique MEDEVAC training with 

local hospital, police, fire and 

EMS at historic training site.

STORY & PHOTOS BY SGT NICOLE SMART

PAGE 15

CLEAN ENERGY

Tennessee National Guard receives Clean Energy Grant. 

STORY BY CW4 NICK ATWOOD

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ART DIRECTION

SENIOR EDITORS

PHOTOGRAPHY 

WRITERS

MAJ (Ret) Randy Harris

Rob Pennington

Lt. Col. (Ret) Niki Gentry

Master Sgt. Robin Olsen 

Rob Pennington

MAJ (Ret) Randy Harris

Lt. Col. (Ret) Niki Gentry

CW4 Nick Atwood

CW2 Emily Wiest

CPT Sarah Harris 

SFC (Ret) John Evans

SFC Walter E. van Ochten

SSG Edgar Castro

SSG Shannon Gregory

SGT Nicole Smart

SGT Jess Williams

MAJ (Ret.) Randy Harris

Lt. Col. (Ret) Niki Gentry

CW4 Nick Atwood

MAJ Bobby Rominger

SGT Nicole Smart

PAGE 16

OPEN FOR FITNESS

VTS-Smyrna opens renovated 

fitness facility

STORY BY VTS-SMYRNA

PAGE 17

1/230TH RETURNS

1/230th Air Cavalry Soldiers return home from Afghanistan

PHOTOS BY LT COL (RET) NIKI GENTRY

PAGE 18

CFC CAMPAIGN 2014

CFC Chili Cookoff Themes

PHOTOS BY SFC (RET) JOHN EVANS

PAGE 19

VETERAN RECEIVES MEDAL

Albert Morris is presented medal 

from World War II.

PHOTOS BY MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS

PAGE 20

AIDEN’S WISH

Tenn. Army National Guard grants 

the wishes of one strong little boy

STORY & PHOTOS BY 

MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS

VOLUME 14

ISSUE 6

THE VOLUNTEER STATE GUARD

MAGAZINE

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 4

AIR ASSAULT TRAINING

TRP D 1-230th ACS conducts an air assault training mission with DET 1 TRP 

E 2-278th ACR from the TNARNG Armory in Livingston, Tenn., to LZ Sharp at 

VTS-Tullahoma on Oct. 18, 2014. 

PHOTO BY: CW2 Emily Wiest

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 5

VETERANS DAY 2014

Governor Bill Haslam greets CW5 Robert V. “RV” Davis, the Tennessee National 

Guard’s Command Chief Warrant Officer during the Veteran’s Day Ceremony held 

on November 10, 2014 at the Tennessee Tower Plaza in Nashville. 

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

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 6

MAJOR LEAGUE VOCALS

Tennessee Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Angie Johnson belted out “God Bless 

America” during the seventh inning stretch at the World Series the night of 

October 28, 2014.

PHOTO BY: MAJ (Ret) Randy Harris

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 7

PRESIDENT POLK WREATH LAYING

Brig. Gen. Don Johnson, Assistant Adjutant General, Air and Chaplain Maj. Mark 

Phillips preside over the wreath laying ceremony at the gravesite of President 

James K. Polk on November 1, 2014 at the state capitol in Nashville.

PHOTO BY: SSG Edgar Castro

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 8

ON THE MOVE

WITH THE 118TH MPAD

Six overseas missions in two years and recruiting 

soldiers to embark on more. This is how the 118th 

Mobile Public Affairs Detachment rolls.

STORY BY SGT NICOLE SMART

1st Lt. Harold Williams egresses his chinook in preparation for a storytelling mission in Seoul South Korea. The 118th Mobile Public Affairs 

Detachment spent two weeks in three locations in support of Ulchi 

Freedom Guardian annual exercise. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Shannon 

Gregory)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 9

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – One specialized 

unit, two years, six overseas missions, and 

20 Soldiers with a passion for telling stories. 

The 118th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment prides themselves on their globe trotting in search of military stories. Adventure 

awaits for this close-knit unit of 20, split 

between print journalists and broadcast 

journalists and they are looking for a few 

good Soldiers to join their team for future 

missions.

 Reflecting on some of those experiences 

as they prep for upcoming missions, many 

of the MPAD’s soldiers said the experiences 

they have gained during theirODT missions 

have been invaluable to their careers. 

 “Our mission on a broad level is to tell 

the military’s story,” said Sgt. Jim Boyd, 

broadcast journalist. “We do that at a troop 

level but our global reach means that we 

work with American troops and allied 

troops in other countries, that cross-cultural training is invaluable,” he said. 

 1st Lt. Harold Williams went to Guatemala from March to June in 2012 as part of 

a two-man-team who stayed for the duration of the mission as others cycled through 

for weeks at a time. Williams had the opportunity to travel back and forth across the 

Central American country, which gave him 

a lot of real-world experience in the field 

and a lot of cultural experience as a bonus. 

 “Being in a public affairs role, we had the 

opportunity to cover everyone there,” he 

said. “We had a chance to see the country as 

we captured our stories, more of the country than the commander. It made things 

exciting and fresh.” 

 Having the opportunity to interact with 

other units in Guatemala was a highlight of 

Williams’ trip. His team attached to a Missouri Guard unit who welcomed the duo an 

as if they were neighbors from back home. 

 “It’s not about where you are from, its 

about being a Soldier,” Williams said. “We 

get the opportunity to travel a lot, take part 

in a lot of unique missions and become 

cultured along the way.”

 The workload is high and the deadlines 

are short but the team always finds a way 

to infuse enjoyment and humor into their 

missions. Candid stories and photos often 

accompany mission work upon arrival 

home and bonding memories are shared.

 “I’ve been in the military a long time and 

Germany was the best mission I’ve been on 

during my entire career,” Boyd said. 

 The team of four arrived in Germany 

and started work immediately. With a list 

of stories to cover and interviewees to 

contact, the small team stayed very busy 

during their three-week period and published numerous stories that were sent to a 

U.S. audience and were also translated into 

German for the local audience. 

 “We were located on a base right in the 

middle of the city,” said Sgt. Jess Williams, 

photojournalist. “We were just a few steps 

away from the culture and the sights and 

saw many of them when the work day was 

over,” he said.

 A few months later another small team 

of five traveled to Japan to cover a yearly 

bi-lateral exercise known as Yama Sakura. They were visiting just one year after a 

tsunami rocked the small island and caused 

mass destruction and it became another 

storytelling avenue. When the team experienced an earthquake of their own an interesting perspective was gained that allowed 

them to infuse their stories with personal 

experiences.

 “It was ironic that we were in Japan 

covering the tsunami and then experienced 

an earthquake while we were there; it put 

everything into perspective and made 

things a little more real,” Williams said. “I 

was able to put myself into their shoes, put 

more understanding into my stories, and 

tell them more naturally,” he said.

 1st Lt. Justin McQueen, began his career 

in the 118th MPAD as an enlisted Soldier 

where he became a broadcast journalist. As 

his career progressed, McQueen spent time 

in another unit and came back to the 118th 

MPAD where he now leads the group he 

once served with. 

 “This is a unit where I’ve been both 

 > ON THE MOVE WITH THE 118TH MPAD

TOP: A Soldier speaks to children 

at Beyond the Horizon 2012, a joint 

foreign military exercise in Honduras 

to provide humanitarian services. 

(Photo by Sgt 1st Class Walter E. van 

Ochten) 

RIGHT: Sgt. 1st Class Walter E. van 

Ochten takes a photo during Beyond 

the Horizon 2013, in Colon, Panama 

(Photo by Capt. Sarah Harris)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 10

enlisted and an officer and some of the best 

NCOs I’ve seen reside here,” he said. “They 

are upstanding individuals who bring a lot 

of civilian knowledge and experience.” 

 Those NCOs will tell you that as you take 

part in more missions, you become better at 

contingency planning. Although mistakes 

happened and things rarely go according 

to plan, beautiful things come from those 

experiences. And for this passionate group 

of storytellers, armed with pens, cameras 

and microphones, they wouldn’t have it any 

other way. 

 “This is a very unique unit in relation to 

the rest of the Tennessee National Guard,” 

McQueen said. “We have a lot of opportunities here if you want to see the world.” 

 Those opportunities come often for 

members of the MPAD, and they are looking to add to their team.

 “We’re a close-knit group and we’re 

looking for good Soldiers to assist us as we 

go down range on our next mission,” 1st 

Lt. Williams said. “If you enjoy a challenge, 

you’ll love it.” 

 Williams said those who are willing to 

be part of the spotlight must be ready for 

everything. “This is a high visibility job 

that makes an impact but your mistakes are 

magnified as well,” he said. “It’s a perfect 

job for a go-getter who is looking to make a 

difference.” 

 For those interested in joining this closeknit group who will teach you everything 

you need to know, contact 1st Sgt. Joe Allen 

at 615-313-2693 for more information. 

With school and mission opportunities in 

addition to the wealth of knowledge you 

will find in the unit, Allen is looking for 

a 110 GT score, eligibility for a SECRET 

clearance and rank of E4 and above. 

 To find out what you have in store with 

this unique mobile group, find stories and 

photos from each of their missions on the 

118th DVIDS page: http://www.dvidshub.

net/unit/118MPAD# and on the 118th 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/

pages/118th-MPAD/510505028970286

- SGT NICOLE SMART

GUATEMALA

Mar. - June ‘12

Opening ceremony of Yama Sakura 63, a bilateral training exercise 

held twice a year with members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense 

Force (JGSDF) and the U.S. military. (Photo by Sgt. Jess Williams)

HONDURAS

Mar. - June ‘12

PANAMA

Mar. - June ‘13

GERMANY

May ‘12

SOUTH

KOREA

Feb. ‘14

Aug. ‘14

JAPAN

Dec. ‘12

118th MPAD’s overseas mission locales (since 2012)

 > ON THE MOVE WITH THE 118TH MPAD
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 11

The Tennessee Military Department con-

gratulates Brig. Gen. Terry A. Ethridge, the 

Director of the Joint Staff for the Tennessee 

National Guard, and his family upon the occa-

sion of his retirement in October 2014. Brig. 

Gen. Ethridge was commissioned in the Unit-

ed States Army through the Reserve Officer 

Training Corps program at Middle Tennessee 

State University in 1978. He served in numer-

ous leadership positions prior to becoming 

the Director of the Joint Staff in 2011.

Ethridge deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 

and served as a Regional Corps Advisory 

Group Commander. 

He also served with great distinction in 

the field artillery and aviation branches, 

while providing outstanding support 

to both the Army and Air National 

Guard personnel he led during his 

tenure as the Director of the Joint 

Staff. The Military Department ex-

presses tremendous gratitude for 

his selfless dedication and lifelong 

service to the Soldiers and Airmen 

of the great state of Tennessee.

 

BRIG.

GEN.

TERRY

ETHRIDGE *

BY: LT COL (RET) NIKI GENTRY PHOTOGRAPH BY: CW4 NICK ATWOOD
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 12

Unique MEDEVAC training with local hospital, police, 

fire and EMS hosted at historic training site.

Story and Photos by SGT NICOLE SMART 

TRAINING

OUTSIDE THE BOX
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 13

COMBINING ASSETS IN CATOOSA

Tucked away in the Georgia mountains, 

the historic Catoosa training site owned by 

the Tennessee Army National Guard sits 

quietly and unassuming. It was awake and 

bustling Oct. 30, during the first-of-its-kind 

joint-agency MEDEVAC training. This 

unique training exercise organized by Sgt. 

1st Class Kenneth Duncan, was different on 

many fronts - a civilian aircraft was used, 

civilian pilots led the training and the Angel 

EMS Life Force helicopter made a special 

appearance on the new landing zone (LZ) 

marked that morning. 

 “We are responsible for the safety of 

those on the training site so it’s better to 

prepare for injury than to hope it doesn’t 

happen,” As NCOIC of the Catoosa training site, Duncan takes training and safety 

seriously.

 During a recent conference Duncan 

attended, MEDEVAC training was the topic 

of discussion. Without military air assets in 

the Catoosa area, Duncan got to work designing a solution that included his 15-Soldier team, Catoosa County firefighters, Life 

Force pilots, EMS and police.

 “We don’t have any military assets to 

provide MEDEVAC training so we teamed 

up with local forces and Life Force,” said 

Duncan. “We’re going over how to place a 

LZ the way they like it, find alternate LZ 

locations, and how to package a casualty. 

That is the primary goal. The secondary 

goal is to put faces to names because we 

don’t want to meet for the first time during 

an emergency.” 

TRAINING BEGINS

The day of training began in the classroom 

led by Glen Suskind, Life Force paramedic. His focus areas were history, safety and 

important statistics. Civilian Air Medical 

got its start after the Vietnam War and 

took off in the 80s, which is also when Life 

Force was established. Looking to do a few 

flights a month, the crew ended their first 

year with more than 700 transports to Erlanger Hospital. They offer service within a 

20-minute flight range on both sides of the 

Tennessee/Georgia border and their pilots 

hold dual certification to provide care in 

both states.

 In true Southern 

hospitality fashion, and 

to show their appreciation for the training 

opportunities, the hosting Soldiers paid out 

of their own pockets to provide breakfast 

for the training event. Bagels, donuts, juice 

and coffee lined the two long tables. Everyone had a hearty breakfast that morning 

before heading outside for the second half, 

hands-on portion of the training. 

 “The goals for today were hands on 

training for the Soldiers, face-to-face 

interaction with the agencies and follow 

on training with different scenarios in the 

future,” said Duncan.

 Emergency vehicles and their corresponding team members lined the known 

distance range and 33 trainees from all 

agencies stood along the side as they 

watched the Life Force bird make its landing. Shortly after the four pilots made their 

introductions, the group quickly began 

climbing in and peering around the aircraft 

to get a closer look. They looked like curious kids as they bobbed and weaved in and 

out of the open doors.

A FLYING ICU

The EC-135, which doesn’t currently have a 

military equivalent, was the item on display. The back loading doors were opened 

and Suskind rolled out a stretcher, giving a 

show-and-tell of his prized bird.

 “The aircraft is kind of like a flying 

ICU,” he said as he showed the big features 

packed into the small space the aircraft has. 

 Specialty equipment on board and 

training is constantly conducted to keep the 

crew sharp. Pilots must have three years of 

EMS experience and five years of in flight 

medical experience before being considered 

for the Life Flight team as well as a 3,000 

flight-hour minimum. Our pilot of the day, 

Mike, stopped counting at the 14,000 hour 

mark. 

 The curious bystanders had a question-and-answer session with the flight 

crew and had an opportunity for all to see 

the bird up close and personal, most said it 

was for the first time.

TRAINING OUTSIDE THE BOX

TOP LEFT: Life Force 

pilots land at the Catoosa training site. 

TOP RIGHT: Inside the 

EC-135 helicopter.

RIGHT: Tenn. National 

Guard with Erlanger 

Hospital Life Force, 

Catoosa County Fire, 

EMS and Police.
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 14

 “We learned some new things today – 

how to package a patient, that height and 

weight is a huge factor because the bird 

is quite small, and that EMS will show up 

first,” said Maj. Carter Honeycutt, Catoosa 

training site OIC.

 With a lot of training options packed 

into a short time frame, Duncan used 

forward thinking to create a unique training opportunity that bonded his team with 

local emergency response teams. 

 “It’s a small training site with plenty of 

opportunity for injury so our main task 

is to minimize the speed bumps from the 

time someone gets injured to the time they 

get care,” Duncan said. “When situations 

happen you don’t rise to the occasion, you 

fall back on training.”

 Honeycutt beamed about the humble 

Duncan, calling him a one-man show when 

setting up the training. “We have units here 

every weekend so it’s hard to get everyone 

together but we did today, and it’s important. You can never have too much training,” 

he said.

 The joint-service training event was the 

first of its kind and one of many to come to 

Catoosa and other National Guard training 

sites, which include Smyrna, Milan and 

Tullahoma. For more information about 

the Volunteer Training Site in Catoosa, visit 

their website at catoosatrainingsite.com. 

- SGT NICOLE SMART

TRAINING OUTSIDE THE BOX

EC-135 helicopter (with no current military equivalent) 

was the item on display for members of the Tenn. National Guard, Catoosa County Fire, EMS and Police during 

the first of it’s kind joint-agency MEDEVAC training. 

“When situa- tions happen 

you don’t rise 

to the occasion, 

you fall back on 

training.”
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 15

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee National Guard will receive $250,000 in the 

form of a Clean Tennessee Energy Grant, 

a program established by Gov. Bill Haslam 

and managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation, to replace inefficient air conditioning and heating equipment, potable gas fired storage tank water 

heaters, and indoor lighting and windows 

at several readiness centers across the state. 

The new highly efficient equipment is Energy Star qualified and manufactured to meet 

current Federal energy efficiency standards 

and, “will result in immediate savings to the 

taxpayer through reduced consumption,” 

stated Col. Brad Bishop, Chief, Facilities 

Management Office for the Tennessee Military Department.

 The project is expected to reduce electrical consumption by 293,432 kilowatt hours 

and the natural gas consumption by 2,344 

British Thermal Units for a total reduction, 

when converted respectively, of 3,345 BTU

per year. In terms of actual dollars there 

is an expected energy cost savings of over 

$56,000 and more than $25,000 per year in 

maintenance costs.

 The Tennessee National Guard provided 

matching funds received from the National 

Guard Bureau as part of the overall Department of Defense budget, in order to cover 

the total project cost of $523,000, and apply 

for the grant. Tennessee’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Max Haston stated, “We take 

stewardship very seriously, especially when 

defense dollars are on the cutting block. In 

essence, we are stretching the federal dollars 

we receive to cover the efficiency upgrades 

that will stretch our dollars even more.”

 “These facilities are used by our National Guard Soldiers for training in order to 

respond during times of crisis or natural 

disasters, thereby aiding the citizens of 

this great state. In addition, these facilities 

are part of the local communities wherein they are physically located. I’m glad we 

were able to secure these funds in 2014 and 

we’re already working with the Department 

of Environment and Conservation in the 

hopes of securing another grant in 2015,” 

stated Col. Bishop.

 Air conditioning and heating equipment 

will be replaced at seven centers, potable 

water heaters at two centers, lighting at 

three centers, and windows at one center. 

The projects can be started immediately 

and completed within six months of availability of the grant.

- CW4 NICK ATWOOD

Tennessee National Guard receives 

Clean Energy 

Grant

CLEAN ENERGY

ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION

Two modular Lochinvar boilers with 

an 81% efficiency rating, like the 

ones pictured above at the Lebanon 

Readiness Center, will replace single 

cast iron hot water boilers built in 

1986. Lochinvar World Headquarters 

is in Lebanon, Tennessee.
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 16

SMYRNA, Tenn. - After 15 months of 

construction and several years in various 

planning phases the newly renovated fitness 

facility opened for use on Nov. 19 at the 

Volunteer Training Site in Smyrna, Tenn. 

 The renovation included an expansion 

of the previous facility to triple the usable 

workout area and increase the locker room 

amenities. This also included the purchase 

of all new equipment.

 The fitness facility is open seven days a 

week to all members of the Tenn. National 

Guard and retirees. This includes FTSP, 

units conducting drill or annual training 

and those members serving in a temporary 

duty status for school or training. It can 

also be used for conferences or meetings 

using VTS-Smyrna or the lodging operation. - MAJ BOBBY ROMINGER

VTS-Smyrna opens their newly renovated fitness facility

OPEN FOR FITNESS

V T S F I T N E S S F A C I L I T Y 

New equipment and more usable 

area are just a couple of the upgrades to the fitness facility at the 

Volunteer Training Site in Smyrna, 

Tenn. 

The Volunteer Training Site 

in Smyrna is located at 618 

Fitzhugh Boulevard, Smyrna, Tenn. 37167
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 17

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - On November 26, 

the first 29 Soldiers from the Tennessee 

National Guard’s 1/230th Air Cavalry 

Squadron arrived back onto Tennessee 

soil, returning from their nearly yearlong 

deployment to Afghanistan in support of 

Operation Enduring Freedom. 

 The Soldiers arrived at Nashville International Airport in two groups, the first 

10 Soldiers arrived in the morning and the 

remaining shortly after noon. They traveled 

by groups to the Volunteer Training Site in 

Smyrna, next to the Smyrna Airport, and 

were greeted by a reception of family and 

friends welcoming them home. 

 After out-processing, the Soldiers traveled to their home station in Louisville, 

Tenn. 

 The remainder of the original 80 deployed Soldiers are scheduled to arrive in 

mid December, 2014.

1/230th Air Cavalry Soldiers return home from 

Afghanistan

1/230TH RETURNS

1/230TH AIR CAVALRY

BY: MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHS BY: LT COL (RET) NIKI GENTRY
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 18

CFC CAMPAIGN

Joint Force Headquarters goes all out for CFC (Combined Federal Campaign) Chili Cookoff

CFC CAMPAIGN 2014

Human Resource Office - Star Wars Theme

Tenn. Air National Guard Personnel - Carnival Theme Personnel Department (G1) - The Walking Dead Theme

Photos by SFC (Ret) John Evans
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 19

Top: U.S. Congresswoman Diane Black joins Maj. Gen. 

Max Haston in presenting World War II Veteran, Albert 

Morris with the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Service Medal. Bottom: Maj. Gen. Max Haston 

presents World War II Veteran Albert Morris with the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Service Medal. 

MEDAL PRESENTATION

MG Haston presents medal to Albert Morris

WORLD WAR II VETERAN 

RECEIVES MEDAL

Photos by MAJ (Ret) Randy Harris
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 20

The Tenn. Army National Guard grants the wishes of 

one strong little boy

AIDEN TURNBO

I first heard of Aiden Turnbo when I 

got a phone call from retired Senior 

Master Sgt. Jim Horn, formerly of the 

118th Airlift Wing in Nashville. Jim 

told me about a young man at his church 

that had been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Jim also told me 

Aiden’s story.

 Aidan was a “fireball” of a little boy until 

the age of 6 when he developed severe leg 

and arm pains to the point of sleepless 

nights and absence of school. After numerous doctor visits and blood work, he was 

referred to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital 

on October 12th, 2012, where the diagnosis 

was Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He 

stayed in the hospital 11 days for surgery, 

bone marrow biopsy, spinal taps, and to 

start his chemo regiment. He faces a three 

and a half year maintenance schedule with 

regular chemo treatments once a month, 

oral chemo meds daily, and spinal taps 

every three months. In June of this year his 

blood count dropped, he developed rashes 

and fever, and was admitted to Vanderbilt 

for four days to get his blood counts regulated. Aiden’s family will continue to travel 

to the hospital once a week for labs until 

he is stable with his medication. Aidan is 

a strong little boy who has been through 

more than most could bear. He will continue his oral medications and trips to the 

hospital for labs, chemo, and spinal taps 

until January of 2016.

 Two of Aiden’s wishes were to ride in 

a helicopter, and ride in a tank, and that’s 

where the Tennessee Army National Guard 

came in. Lt. Col. Gene Reece, State Aviation Officer, and Lt. Col. Keith Scott, Administrative Officer of the 278th Armored 

Cavalry Regiment jumped at the chance 

AIDEN’S WISH

Lt. Col. Gene Reece presents 

Aiden Turnbo with his own flight 

suit complete with wings. (Photo 

by MAJ (Ret.) Randy Harris)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 21

to help. On Saturday, November 1st, Lt. 

Col. Reece presented Aiden with his own 

military flight suit, wings and cover and an 

Army Combat Uniform (ACU) duffle bag 

to carry his “stuff ”. Aiden, along with his 

mother, Kristie, and dad, Richie, then traveled to the Army Aviation Support Facility 

#1 in Smyrna to check out the helicopters. 

They were greeted on arrival by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Andy Cordray, who led Aiden 

through the UH-60 and HH-60 Blackhawks, LUH-72 Lakota and C-12 King Air. 

Aiden strapped in to almost every seat in 

the aircraft, experiencing the crew chief ’s 

position with gun mount on the Blackhawk 

and working the clamshell doors on the 

Lakota. With Aiden in the pilot’s seat and 

geared up with a flight helmet, CW5 Cordray explained how the helicopters fly and 

how the pilots control them in flight. From 

the helicopters, Aiden toured the C-12 

Huron fixed wing aircraft, traveling from 

the cockpit to the baggage compartment. 

Aiden finished his day flying in a civilian 

helicopter and firing a sniper rifle among 

other weapons at a local gun range.

 The next Saturday, Aiden was met by 

2nd Lt. Jeremiah Giles of Troop F, 278th 

Armored Cavalry Regiment and introduced 

to several troopers readying for a tactical exercise. He then was escorted into 

the Squadron Tactical Operations Center 

where Maj. Matt Smith, Executive Officer 

of the 2/278 ACR and Maj. Colby Tippens, 

Squadron Training Officer, took charge. 

Second Squadron was training on the Close 

Combat Tactical Trainer (CCTT) at Volunteer Training Site-Smyrna, and it gave the 

perfect opportunity not only to experience 

the operation of the armored vehicles, but 

to also let Aiden be an integral part of both 

an M1 Abrams and M3 Bradley Fighting 

Vehicle crew. 

 When Aiden arrived wearing his flight 

suit, he was quickly outfitted with his own 

AIDEN TURNBO

Top Left - Medics check 

Aiden’s teeth and feet to 

ensure he is fit to wear the 

Cavalry Spurs. 

Bottom Left - Aiden’s triumphant exit from the C12 

Huron.

Bottom Right - Spc. Nathan Jones of Troop F 

briefs Aiden on the proper 

operation of the M4 Combat Assault Rifle.(Photos 

by MAJ (Ret.) Randy 

Harris)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 22

ACU’s, down to the boots and “boonie” hat 

sporting “Cav” brass and Specialist rank. 

After placing the rest of his “loot” (thanks, 

Recruiting) in his ACU backpack, Aiden 

was ready for his delaying action mission brief. Using a sand table, Maj. Smith 

briefed “Specialist” Turnbo on his mission 

and explained that it was critical that as 

the gunner on an M1 Abrams, it was his 

mission to not allow the bad guys to cross a 

designated point on the map.

 After the mission brief, “Specialist” 

Turnbo moved to the CCTT area where he 

was briefed on the proper operation of the 

M4 Combat Assault Rifle by Spc. Nathan 

Jones of Troop F. After a through training 

period and evaluation, “Specialist” Turnbo 

was “promoted” to Sgt. 1st Class and immediately transferred to Company H to begin 

his mission on the M1. “Sgt. 1st Class” 

Turnbo took to the Gunner and Tank Commander’s role like a duck to water. During 

the mission, he personally destroyed three 

enemy tanks and a Mi-24 HIND helicopter, 

in addition to numerous ground troops. 

Aiden then moved to the Bradley Fighting 

Vehicle where he crossed the line of departure and moved into a defensive position 

to stop the southward movement of the 

enemy. Aiden’s mission was successful and 

he came out of the Bradley in true Cavalry 

form, tired, hungry, but ready for the next 

mission.

 Smith and Tippens then called the troop 

to attention and began the time honored 

tradition of issuing a Cavalry Trooper his 

spurs. In front of the troop formation, “Sgt. 

1st Class” Turnbo was inspected head to toe 

by the Troop medic and found fit to “Spur”. 

In a traditional Cavalry ceremony, “Sgt. 1st 

Class” Turnbo was “Spurred” by Maj. Smith 

and Maj. Tippens making him an “official” 

seasoned Cavalry trooper.

 “Sgt. 1st Class” Turnbo then returned 

to the Squadron Headquarters Assembly 

Area to complete his day with the Cavalry. 

Tired, dirty, but a very happy young man, 

“Sgt. 1st Class” Turnbo was then awarded 

the gold oak leaf designating him a “Major” 

of Cavalry, completing a day to remember.

- MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS

AIDEN TURNBO

Aiden Turnbo in full Cavalry gear. (Photo by MAJ (Ret.) Randy Harris)

THE TRADITION OF HAVING TO 

“EARN YOUR SPURS”

The tradition of having to “earn your 

spurs” reaches back to the beginning of 

the cavalry. When green Troopers first 

arrived at their new cavalry assignments 

they were assigned a horse with a shaved 

tail. This led to the nickname “Shave Tail” 

for newly assigned, spur-less Soldiers. 

These new Troopers were in need of 

extensive training, especially in the area 

of swordsmanship from atop a horse. 

The horse with a shaved tail was given 

extra space in which to operate since its 

rider was marked as a novice. During this 

phase of training the Troopers were not 

allowed to wear spurs because this would 

only serve to compound their problems. 

Only when they were able to prove their 

ability to perform with their horse and 

saber were they awarded spurs.

Author’s note: Aiden Turnbo faces a long and tough journey to beat the disease that effects his life every day. If you would like to be a part of assisting this young man and his family, go to https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/r166/totally-turnbo-fundraiser-for-aiden-turnbo-s-leukemia-all- or https://www.facebook.com/TotallyTurnbo.
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 23

What is the AFSA?

The Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) is a non-profit organization representing the professional and personal interests of nearly 111,000 active, retired and veteran total enlisted members of the 

United States Air Force and their families. Membership is open to Air Force Active Duty (AFAD), 

Air National Guard (ANG), Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) active, retired, and veteran enlisted members of all grades.

Why should you join?

Benefits of AFSA membership are numerous and valuable. In addition to having a strong, respected 

voice on Capitol Hill, and an opportunity to make lasting friendships, AFSA members enjoy a wide 

range of member only benefits including:

JOIN THE AIR FORCE

SERGEANTS ASSOCIATION

Go to www.hqafsa.org and become a member today.

•	 Affordable health, life, home/property, and 

auto insurance plans

•	 Investment management

•	 College savings plans 

•	 Low interest rate credit cards 

•	 Discounted travel and hotel rates 

•	 Magazine and newspaper subscription 

discounts

•	 College tuition discounts, computer discounts, mobile phone discounts

•	 And much more
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 24
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 25

Two bridges in Knox County, Tenn., were dedicated in November 2014 to honor 1st Lt. Thomas Williams and Chief Warrant 

Officer 4 Daniel Cole. William’s memorial is located at I-140 and Bluegrass Road, with Cole’s placed at I-140 and Westland 

Drive. The two Tennessee National Guard Soldiers were tragically killed in 2011 during an aircraft training accident.

“Two of our fallen heroes now have memorials to honor their service and sacrifice that may be witnessed each day 

by their fellow Guard members, citizens of Tennessee and the nation.“

Major General Max Haston, The Adjutant General, Tennessee 

IN DEDICATION
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.14 | ISSUE 6 26

- On your tablet:

 tnmilitary.org/volstate-guard-magazine.html

- Click on the issue you want. 

 (Hint for ipads* select “Open in ibooks” this will save 

 the magazine to your own personal library).

- Check back!

 New editions arriving quarterly.

STORIES

FOR YOUR

TABLET

GET THE

MAGAZINE