VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 1

MEMPHIS WING’S SHILOH BATTLEFIELD LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

VOL. 15, ISSUE 1

How this brave 

little girl’s legacy 

is helping other 

families in need.

JEFFREY HOLMES 

PROMOTED TO 

MAJOR GENERAL

PHOENIX 

SQUADRON 

BEST WARRIOR

ALL

HEART

w
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 2

 Find out more information at www.ngaus.org

September 10 - 13, 2015 Nashville, Tenn.
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 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 - ALL HEART

How one brave little girl’s fight is 

helping other families in need.

STORY BY MSGT ROBIN OLSEN

COVER PHOTO BY: MSGT ROBIN OLSEN

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CHASSE FAMILY 

PAGE 12

GEN HOLMES PROMOTION 

Brig. Gen. Holmes of Lascassas, 

Tenn. promoted to the rank of Major General.

STORY BY MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS

PHOTO BY CW4 NICK ATWOOD

PAGE 13

GEN HART PROMOTION

Brig. Gen. Mark Hart was promoted by Maj. Gen. Max Haston as 

the Director of the Joint Staff.

STORY BY LT COL (RET) NIKI GENTRY

PHOTO BY MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS

PAGE 14

FEMALE FIRST

First Female to Complete Bradley Commanders Certification 

Course.

STORY BY CW4 NICK ATWOOD

PHOTOS BY SPC CHRIS DALEY

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

COL John Trautman

Lt. Col. (Ret) Niki Gentry

CW4 Nick Atwood

Master Sgt. Robin Olsen

SSG Melisa Washington

SSG Edgar Castro

Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Young

Tech. Sgt. David Eichaker

SPC Chris Daley

MAJ (Ret.) Randy Harris

Col. John Trautman

Lt. Col. (Ret) Niki Gentry

CW4 Nick Atwood

Master Sgt. Robin Olsen 

SSG Melisa Washington

PAGE 16

MUSIC CITY BOWL & 

WOUNDED WARRIORS

Wounded Warriors recognized 

during Music City Bowl.

STORY & PHOTOS BY 

SSG MELISA WASHINGTON 

PAGE 17

BEST IN SQUAD

Phoenix Squadron conducts it’s 

annual Best Warrior Competition.

PHOTOS BY PHOENIX SQUADRON

PAGE 18

RIDE TO SHILOH

164th Airlift Wing’s Shiloh Battlefield Leadership Experience.

STORY & PHOTOS BY 

COL JOHN TRAUTMAN

PAGE 20

118TH WING TOWN HALL

Gen. Frank Grass holds town hall 

meeting at 118th Wing.

PHOTOS BY MSGT ROBIN OLSEN

PAGE 22

200TH ANNIVERSARY

Tenn. National Guard Honors Historic Battle’s Anniversary in Ceremonies held at State Capitol and 

The Hermitage.

STORY BY MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS

PHOTOS BY MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS & 

LT COL (RET) NIKI GENTRY

VOLUME 15

ISSUE 1

THE VOLUNTEER STATE GUARD MAGAZINE

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 4

200TH ANNIVERSARY

On Jan. 8, 2015 the Tenn. National Guard participated in a wreath laying

ceremony commemorating the 200th Anniversary of The Battle Of New Orleans 

at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville.

PHOTO BY: MAJ (Ret) Randy Harris

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 5

PRESIDENTIAL VISIT

On Jan. 9, 2015, the 134th Air Refueling Wing in Knoxville provided base support 

to ensure safety during President Obama’s visit to Pellissippi State Community College to announce a national education initiative called “America’s College Promise.

PHOTO BY: Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Young

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 6

TRANSPORTATION COMPANY RETURNS

Tenn. National Guard Soldiers from the 1176th Transportation Company, based 

in Smyrna and Jacksboro, Tenn., arrived home on Dec. 7, 2014 after a nearly 10 

month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

PHOTO BY: Staff Sgt. Edgar Castro

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 7

GOVERNOR HASLAM INAUGURATION 

Gov. Bill Haslam gives his inaugural address at the Legislative Plaza on Saturday, 

January 17, 2015. Members of the Tenn. National Guard were on hand to provide 

support for the Governor’s second term inauguration. 

PHOTO BY: MAJ (Ret) Randy Harris

T E N N E S S E E 

SNAPSHOT
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 8

ALL HEART

Sgt. Ryan Chasse holds up 

a photograph of his daughter, Haley. (Photo by Master 

Sgt. Robin Olsen)

ALL HEART w

BY MSGT ROBIN OLSEN

How this brave little girl’s 

legacy is helping other 

families in need. 

Haley Chasse’s Story
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 9

 They were going to call Vanderbilt 

Children’s Hospital to send Angel One to 

transport her,” said Tina Chasse, wife of Sgt. 

Ryan Chasse, training NCO for the Tennessee Army National Guard’s Joint Force 

Headquarters in Nashville, Tenn. “Ryan 

went with her and it wasn’t until one the 

next morning that he returned to the hospital I was at and broke the news to me.”

 On May 17, 2005, Ryan and Tina’s 

daughter, Haley, had been born with a rare 

heart condition called Ebstein’s Anomaly, 

a defect that occurs early in fetal life when 

the right chamber and valve do not form 

correctly. Basically, blood is not properly pumping to the lungs. Their brand 

new baby would need to have open heart 

surgery. 

 “I was in total shock and disbelief. How 

could they possibly perform heart surgery 

on such a little heart?” recalled Ryan. 

“I was scared because I didn’t know if she 

would make it through the night and I 

was 50 miles away from her,” Tina added.

 “There is a spectrum to this disease, 

and in some mild cases, it can be unnoticed into adulthood. But Haley’s Ebstein 

Anomaly was extremely severe,” said 

Dr. David Parra, Haley’s cardiologist at 

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at 

Vanderbilt. Haley was born looking blue 

because of her low oxygen levels, he said.

With the new baby needing immediate 

surgery, the Chasse family was even more 

on edge because Ryan was only home on 

leave from a deployment to Iraq to be there 

for her birth. He would soon have to go 

back overseas.

 “I was approved extended leave, giving 

me another two weeks stateside. Fortunately, Haley was able to come home the day 

before I had to leave,” explained Ryan.

 Over Haley’s short five years of life, she 

endured multiple trips to the hospital for 

various operations and cardiac catheterizations, “a procedure in which catheters and 

wires are placed in the heart through veins 

and arteries, usually from the leg, to record 

pressure in the heart and vessels as well 

as to perform necessary interventions like 

balloon dilations or stent placements to improve overall heart conditions,” explained 

Parra. Even through all of this, you couldn’t 

keep her spirit down.

“SASSY CHASSE”

 “If you ever met Haley, you loved her. 

There was no way not to,” said Suzanne 

Gaffney, a friend of the Chasse family. 

“She was very spunky and demanding, but 

always very loving and thankful for everything.”

 “Her nickname at preschool was ‘Sassy 

Chasse’; she was so much fun, out-going, 

full of life, and so thankful for everything 

she had or was given,” said Tina. “Haley 

loved to go to pre-school and hangout with 

her friends, go to her Nanny’s house, and 

her most favorite thing was eating.”

 “Her favorite foods were macaroni and 

cheese, chicken and dumplings, and ‘big 

chicken’ (KFC). She loved to play babies 

and play with her cousin and best friend 

Mike,” she said.

 Dr. Parra remembers her coming into 

his office pretending to be upset with him. 

“She would come see me in my office and 

call me names and pretend to be mean, but 

smile and eventually give me a high five or 

a hug,” he said.

 Ryan said one of the family’s most 

memorable times with Haley was a trip 

to Disneyland provided by Make-A-Wish 

Foundation. “Being able to take Haley so 

that she would experience that was amazing!” he said.

 Both parents credited the huge support 

Haley Chasse in 

one of her many 

hospital stays. 

(Photo provided 

by Chasse family) 

Left to Right: 

Heath Ryan 

and Haley 

Chasse. (Photo provided by 

Chasse family) 

“Several hours 

after Haley 

was born, 

the doctor 

came to talk 

to us and said 

something 

was wrong. 

ALL HEART w
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 10

system they had while going through this 

difficult time in their lives.

 “We are from Trousdale County, a small 

town community. Everybody knows everybody,” Tina stated. “During our stays or any 

procedure, our community, church, family, 

friends, coworkers, and strangers prayed for 

us, brought food to the hospital and helped 

us pay bills.”

174 DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL

 “During her last hospital stay, some 

friends created imprinted wrist bands that 

said ‘Praying for Haley’ and sold them $5 

each. All of the money went to Tina and 

Ryan to use for whatever they needed,” said 

Gaffney.

 In June 2010, Haley had surgery to 

replace her internal pacemaker that had 

become damaged. 

 “Two days after the pacemaker surgery, 

they found a huge life-threatening blood 

clot in her abdominal aorta,” explained 

Tina, adding, “she spent the next three 

weeks on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) going through several 

surgeries.” 

 “ECMO is a machine that works as 

the heart and lung,” explained Dr. Parra. 

“Blood from the patient is directed into the 

machine, which oxygenates the blood and 

pumps it back into the body. It is very invasive, but allows the heart and lungs to rest 

and gives them time to heal.”

 During this stay, the couple realized everyone wasn’t as fortunate as they had been.

 “When you stay in a hospital, you often 

see the parents of other children as you 

pass by their room, in the halls, or on the 

elevator. You talk about your children and 

bond with the other families,” stated Tina. 

“There was one parent in particular in the 

room next door. She was a single mother 

from Alabama who was there alone most of 

the time. Her son, Jaxon, also had a heart 

defect, multiple surgeries and had been on 

ECMO a couple times. He was born in June 

and was admitted a few days before us and 

we became friends.”

 She added “Ryan and I would always ask 

if she needed anything. We realized how we 

were blessed to have each other, people to 

call, text, visit, bring food and pray for us.”

 “We spent a total of 174 days in the hospital during her life,” said Ryan. A majority 

of this occurred in July of 2010. 

 “Haley had many procedures throughout 

her life: operations, catheterization, long 

periods in the ICU and hospitalized with 

chest tubes and IVs,” recalled Parra. “Seeing her in her last days was truly difficult 

for the family and the team of doctors and 

nurses who took care of her. She and her 

family endured all of the these moments 

with great courage and dignity.”

 At one in the afternoon on August 2, 

2010, Ryan and Tina had to make a decision no parent should ever have to make.

 “We had to decide to leave her on the 

ECMO machine (life support) or take her 

off,” said Ryan. “We decided to take her off 

and leave it in God’s hands so that he would 

The last Chasse family photo with Haley.

(Photo provided by Chasse family)

ALL HEART w
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 11

do what was best for her.”

“It was so difficult to know that she had 

taken her last breathe and her little heart 

beat for the last time. But there was also 

peace knowing that she wouldn’t suffer 

anymore,” he said.

 “Holding her hand and watching her 

take her last breath, and realizing that 

this was it, my baby girl wouldn’t be going 

home with us, was the most difficult moment for us,” added Tina. Then they had 

to relay the news to Haley’s older brother 

Heath, that his little sister had passed 

away.

HALEY’S HEARTS 

FOUNDATION IS BORN

 “We had talked about starting a foundation before Haley passed, and then 

when it happened, we knew immediately 

it was something we wanted to do!” Tina 

exclaimed. To date, the family has raised 

over $150,000 and helped more than 200 

others financially during times of need.

 “We don’t have an exact number of 

people because we don’t always get the 

names or meet the families we help. We 

supply social workers with gift cards to 

hand out as needed,” she said.

 The Haley’s Hearts Foundation was 

established as a charitable organization that 

donates proceeds to families, patients and 

hospitals in financial need due to sickness 

or death. The Chasse family holds two 

fundraisers each year, a Chili Supper/Winter Carnival in February and a Forever 5K 

Run/Walk in October.

 “Haley’s story could have stopped with 

her death and only those of us who knew 

and loved her would know her story. But 

Tina and Ryan made the selfless decision 

to create the foundation and now they help 

other families and Haley lives on through 

their work,” said Gaffney.

 The Foundation donates to Vanderbilt 

Children’s Hospital each year, but it provides support in other ways as well.

 “They give gas cards to families who 

drive back and forth to the hospital, they’ve 

helped pay rent and utilities, they even purchased a headstone when the family could 

not afford it,” explained Gaffney. She added 

that one of the biggest 

ways the foundation 

helps has nothing to 

do with money. “Who 

knows what it feels like 

to go through all of these things better than 

someone who has been through them? Tina 

and Ryan are huge emotional supporters as 

well.”

 The first person the Foundation was able 

to help was Silas Smith, who received a 

heart transplant in November 2010. 

“He has been in the hospital for four 

months. In March 2011, he was able to go 

home to the apartment our Foundation 

obtained for his mom,” explained Tina.

 That same year, to honor what would 

have been Haley’s sixth birthday, family and 

friends got together at the cemetery and 

released balloons.

 “Tina wanted to do something to celebrate, so she purchased 100 balloons and 

invited family and friends to where Haley 

was laid to rest,” said Ryan.

 “Haley was the bravest and toughest little 

girl I have ever known. She taught me what 

life is truly about,” exclaimed Tina. Haley’s 

older brother, Heath, is now 12. In 2013, 

the family gave birth to another little girl, 

named Crimson, who is now almost two 

years old.

 For the Chasse family, Haley’s battle for 

life was a very difficult and stressful time in 

their lives. “Losing a child is something you 

never get over. You just learn to cope with 

it,” said Tina.

 The next fundraiser for the Haley’s 

Hearts Foundation will be a winter festival 

and chili cook-off, which is scheduled for 

February 2015.

 About one of about every 100 babies 

has some type of congenital heart defect. 

For more information, visit Haley’s Hearts 

Foundation online on Facebook, Twitter, or 

at haleyshearts.org.

- MSGT ROBIN OLSEN

Chasse family and friends at the most recent Haley’s 

Hearts Foundation 5K. (Photo provided by Chasse 

family)

ALL HEART w
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 12

MAJ. GEN. 

JEFFREY H. 

HOLMES

**

BY: MAJ (RET.) RANDY HARRIS PHOTOGRAPH BY: CW4 NICK ATWOOD

Brigadier General Jeffrey H. Holmes of Lascassas, Tenn., was promoted to the rank of Major General in a ceremony 

on December 12th at the Tennessee State Museum. Maj. Gen. Holmes currently serves as the Deputy Adjutant General for the Tennessee National Guard. 

In this position, Maj. Gen. Holmes assists the Tennessee Adjutant General in his responsibilities in maintaining the 

readiness of both Army and Air National Guard units. Additionally, Maj. Gen. Holmes is designated by the Adjutant 

General, the Governor of Tennessee and the Secretary of Defense as a Dual Status Commander with the capability to 

command both Active Duty and Reserve forces in response to domestic support operations. Maj. Gen. Holmes also 

holds the position of Deputy Chief of Engineers for National Guard Affairs in Washington, D.C. His duties include 

assisting the Chief of Engineers in carrying out his responsibilities to the Army Chief of Staff and serves as the senior 

Army National Guard Engineer representative to the Chief of Engineers. 

Holmes received his commission from the Tennessee Military Academy in 1984 and has had multiple company, 

troop, squadron, regimental and brigade level commands of armor, cavalry and engineers. He has commanded at the 

battalion and brigade level during two combat deployments in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maj. Gen. Holmes has been 

awarded a certificate of completion for the Senior Executives in National and International Security Program from 

Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government and holds a master’s degree in strategic studies from the 

U.S. Army War College.
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 13 BY: LT COL (RET) NIKI GENTRY PHOTOGRAPH BY: MAJ (RET.) RANDY HARRIS

Brig. Gen. Mark Hart, of Louisville, 

Tenn., was promoted on November 21, 

2014 by Maj. Gen. Max Haston as the 

Director of the Joint Staff, Tennessee National Guard. Hart reports directly to the 

Adjutant General for Joint Force matters 

and assists in the external affairs functions including presenting and enforcing 

National Guard policies, plans, and programs. 

The Director of the Joint Staff presides 

over the National Guard Staff and represents Army and Air capabilities, requirements, policy, plans, and programs 

in joint operations. Under the authority 

of the Adjutant General, the Director of 

the Joint Staff also designates personnel 

and resources.

Before his assignment as the Director of 

the Joint Staff, Hart served as the commander of the 230th Sustainment Brigade in Chattanooga. He commanded 

the Brigade during its 2011 deployment 

to Kuwait in support of Operation New 

Dawn. He also previously commanded 

the 1st Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment during its deployment to 

Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III in 2004. 

BRIG. GEN. 

MARK HART

*
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 14

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Capt. Tara Robertson may be accustomed to the idea of being 

a pioneer, but it is not how she chooses to 

describe her service in the Army National 

Guard. When asked she is obviously uncomfortable with the idea and stated, “I’m a 

Soldier just like everyone else.” That may be 

a true statement, but it’s more than noteworthy that she earned an “A+” recently by 

becoming the distinguished honor graduate 

of the Bradley Commanders Certification Course (BC3), a combat arms centric 

course historically attended only by men.

 Taught by the instructors of the 117th 

Regional Training Institute (RTI), Tennessee Army National Guard, BC3 is a two 

week resident course that is technically 

intensive and designed to reinforce Bradley 

Gunnery Training. The course provides 

our fighting force with confident Bradley 

Fighting Vehicle (BFV) crewmembers who 

display developed and sustained tactical 

skills which allow them increased survivability, efficient and effective maneuver and 

engagement of threats on the battlefield.

 U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) administers The Army 

School System (TASS) and recently honored the 117th RTI, through their accreditation process, as an “Institution of Excellence”, the highest possible rating attainable 

by Army schools. TRADOC describes 

TASS as a composite system made up of 

Army National Guard (ARNG), U.S. Army 

Reserve (USAR), and active Army (AA) 

schools. TASS conducts initial military 

training (IMT), reclassification training, 

officer, warrant officer (WO), noncommissioned officer (NCO) and Department of 

the Army civilian professional development training. Training and education are 

accomplished through standard resident, 

active duty for training (ADT), inactive 

duty training (IDT), and distributed/distance learning (DL) courses.

 Soldiers who attend BC3 can be a 

member of any of the Army’s three components (i.e. Active Duty, National Guard 

Minnesota Soldier Becomes First Female to Complete 

Bradley Commanders Certification Course. 

FEMALE FIRST FOR 

BRADLEY COURSE

Capt. Tara Robertson, the first female to complete the BC3 Course. (Photo by SPC Chris 

Daley)

117TH RTI TRAINING
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 15

or Reserves). Members must be assigned 

to positions of BFV Gunner or BFV Commander as a matter of priority. That is the 

specific focus of the training. A second 

priority, as in Robertson’s case, is afforded 

to Commanders with BFVs as part of their 

unit’s equipment inventory. She commands 

a combat engineer company with newly 

assigned BFVs. The course awards an additional skill identifier (ASI) of 3X for officers 

and B9 for all enlisted Soldiers.

 “There’s a lot of heavy lifting involved in 

this course and you have to be really physically fit in order to complete a lot of the 

tasks that are associated with operating this 

vehicle”, said Robertson. One of the tasks 

she is referring to is operating the 25MM 

gun, or 25 “Mike-Mike” as it is affectionately known by all the students.

 While BC3 is a short course, a great 

amount of tasks and lessons are jammed 

into the two week duration. Week one is 

marked by classroom instruction on topics such as range operations, fratricide 

avoidance, ammo ID, send/receive a digital 

SPOTREP, bore sight weapons on the BFV, 

and training on the 25MM gun. By week’s 

end, all students have had an opportunity 

to practice the tasks taught to this point 

which will prepare them for the Gunnery 

Skills Test Live Fire, the culminating event 

of week two.

 Staff Sgt. Truett Tolbert, an active duty 

Soldier assigned to the Rakkasans at Fort 

Campbell, Ky. said, “The training here is 

really structured—they’ve done a great job 

presenting this class for individuals who 

have no experience at all on Bradleys.” 

Tolbert should know, a veteran cavalry 

scout on the BFV, he needs this course as 

a refresher before attending the Bradley 

Master Gunner course where he will receive 

the qualifications necessary to assist his unit 

in the conduct of Table VI Gunnery.

 No course in today’s Army would be 

complete without the use of virtual simulation. Week two begins with time in the 

Close Combat Tactical Trainer (CCTT). A 

system of computer-driven combat vehicle 

multi-scale simulators, CCTT provides the 

students with training from the viewpoint 

of one mounted crew on the BFV. With 

nearly endless scenarios and mission sets in 

the virtual realm, the students begin to get 

a feel for the capability of the machine and 

how it is employed on the battlefield, all the 

while under careful observation of certified 

Master Gunner instructors.

 Wrapping up week two everyone heads 

to the range at Fort Campbell to conduct 

training, something everyone has looked 

forward to since the beginning. “This is 

very much a hands on course like what 

I would expect to receive during annual 

training vice being in a purely schoolhouse 

environment, and it’s great!” stated Staff 

Sgt. Shawn Myrick. Myrick is assigned to 

the 278th Armored Brigade Combat Team, 

Tennessee Army National Guard and believes this course is exactly what he needs as 

part of his professional development. 

 “I told the students from day one that 

our instructors were here to make sure 

they receive the best training possible and I 

think they have proven that throughout the 

course”, stated Master Sgt. Andrew Caravello, Chief Instructor for the 2 Battalion, 

117th RTI.

 Many Americans are familiar with the 

challenges young women face in the Army 

as more opportunities become available 

for them to serve in warfighting positions historically occupied by men. It is a 

multi-faceted challenge where doors must 

first be opened and then one must walk 

through them. The dictionary defines a 

pioneer as “one who ventures into unknown 

or unclaimed territory to settle”. Most will 

consider themselves familiar with that definition, but according to Robertson, “that’s 

an interesting word.” 

 “I think it’s an incredible opportunity to 

be the first to do something . . . I know that 

there are many females who, had they been 

given an opportunity to do the same things 

that I’ve been able to do, they would’ve 

done it,” she said. 

 For those who aspire to follow in her 

footsteps, Capt. Robertson has a few words 

of advice, “If you know you can do the job, 

then you have to be willing to put in the extra effort to prove that you can. Absolutely 

go for it!” 

 One final word of encouragement from 

Robertson speaks to the essence of leadership, “I’ve had a lot of great mentors 

throughout my career and, I’m looking forward to being able to provide that in return 

for young female officers in the future and 

female Soldiers that are just now entering 

into positions that they were never afforded 

entry in the past.” A fitting culmination 

for an officer, a Soldier, and a leader who 

has demonstrated, most convincingly, that 

actions speak louder than words.

- CW4 NICK ATWOOD

117TH RTI TRAINING

The Bradley fighting vehicle 

was named after World War 

2-era General Omar Bradley. 

(Photo by CW4 Nick Atwood)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 16

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Eight wounded warriors, their families, and two Gold Star families were invited as special guests through 

Humana’s Wounded Warriors Program to 

the Franklin American Mortgage Music 

City Bowl in Nashville. The group arrived at 

the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville on Sunday, Dec. 28 and attended bowl 

game festivities the next two days.

 Franklin American Mortgage provided 

several tables for the group at the Franklin 

American Mortgage Coaches Luncheon, 

held at the Wildhorse Saloon on Monday, 

Dec. 29. Both teams participating in the 

bowl game, the Louisiana State University 

Tigers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 

attended the luncheon with their coaches. Several of the team members and even 

Les Miles, head coach for the LSU Tigers, 

approached the group to thank them for 

their service, sign autographs, and snap 

photos. During the opening remarks for the 

luncheon, the wounded warriors received a 

special welcome from the commentator as 

well as a standing ovation from the crowd.

 That evening, the group went to Broadway for the Franklin American Mortgage 

Music City Bowl 2nd Annual Hot Chicken 

Eating World Championship and the Battle 

of the Bands with a special performance 

by country singer Trace Adkins. Adkins 

met the wounded warriors and posed for 

a group picture before they were escorted 

on stage where they received a loud “thank 

you” from thousands of spectators in the 

crowd. The group enjoyed the rest of the 

night watching each school’s band perform 

from the Hard Rock Café. 

 On game day, the crew was escorted 

directly onto LP Field. The young children 

and teenagers gleamed with excitement. For 

some, it was their first time stepping onto 

LP Field. Others were all too familiar with 

representing the wounded warriors during 

various sporting events.

 Sgt. Kevin Downs from Kingston 

Springs, Tenn., has attended the Music City 

Bowl for the last four years. While serving 

with the Tennessee Army National Guard, 

Downs suffered an IED blast in 2005 that 

took both his legs, mangled his hands, and 

burned 60 percent of his body. He describes 

the importance of attending these events.

 “The public likes to show their appreciation. Some people hear about wounded 

warriors, but never see the individual,” 

Downs said.

 The group stood in the middle of the 

field to be recognized, receiving cheers 

from both teams’ fans. They remained 

on the field for the singing of “God Bless 

America” and the national anthem. Shortly 

after, they were escorted up to their suites 

to enjoy the game with complimentary food 

and drinks provided by Delta Dental of 

Tennessee.

 John Patterson, the Tennessee National 

Guard family assistance coordinator, has 

arranged the logistics for the group during 

the Music City Bowl for four years. Patterson hopes that this event will encourage 

other organizations to sponsor wounded 

warriors.

 “When organizations like the Nashville 

Sports Council, Humana Health, Delta 

Dental of Tennessee, and last but not least 

Franklin American Mortgage Company get 

involved, the warriors get the exposure for 

the sacrifices they made for our country,” 

he said. “If other organizations see this then 

hopefully they will join the cause and keep 

our wounded warriors and all servicemembers fresh in everyone’s mind.”

- SSG MELISA WASHINGTON

Wounded Warriors recognized during Music City Bowl.

MUSIC CITY BOWL & 

WOUNDED WARRIORS

WOUNDED WARRIORS

Wounded warriors and their 

families stand on the field 

during the singing of our 

national anthem. (Photo by 

SSG Melisa Washington)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 17

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Regimental 

Troops Squadron, headquartered in Lebanon, Tenn. conducted its annual Best Warrior Competition at the Volunteer Training 

Site in Smyrna on November 14 -16, 2014. 

Competing in this year’s competition were 

Spc. Bailey Wohler of Jefferson City, Tenn., 

Spc. Jayme Ball of Phoenix City, Ala., Spc. 

Christopher Barriere of Murfreesboro, 

Tenn., Spc. Jaehyeon Lee of Clarksville, 

Tenn. and Sgt. William Broyles of Nashville, 

Tenn. Each of these competitors previously 

won their individual unit level competitions 

and were selected from among their peers 

to move forward to the second round. 

 During this level of the competition the 

Soldiers were pushed and tested both mentally and physically. These warriors had 

to complete a written essay and exam, the 

three event Army physical fitness test, a 10K 

ruck march and various other Army warrior tasks. They were tested on their ability 

to operate weapons, navigate with the use of 

a map and compass, radio communications 

and detainee operations. 

 Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Reagan has 

envisioned having a Squadron level competition of this nature for over three years. 

He’s always known that the Soldiers of the 

Phoenix Squadron are some of the best in 

the Tennessee Army National Guard and let 

each of our competitors know how proud 

he is of them for accepting the challenge 

and not only completing the competition 

but doing it while maintaining a high level 

of motivation and team work.

Spc. Lee and Sgt. Broyles, both of C-Troop, 

were selected to move forward in the 

competition and compete at the upcoming 

Regimental Best Warrior Competition. 

 When asked about their thoughts on 

leadership, the competitors had the following comments:

 Wohler said, “Leadership is not an on 

and off thing. It doesn’t stop when we take 

off the uniform, it doesn’t stop when no one 

is looking because the fact is that someone 

is always watching their leader.”

 Ball added, “The days of filling ranks 

with Soldiers that can fire a weapon when 

told are over. The Army is looking for people who desire to be more and do more.”

 Barriere said, “Leadership is about courage, dedication, humbleness and knowledge.”

 “A leader must possess the knowledge to 

accomplish their mission. They must also 

share their knowledge. And leaders must 

become comfortable with stepping outside 

of their comfort zone,” said Lee.

Broyles concluded, “The best standard 

for an ideal Soldier is an individual that 

maintains physical fitness, works hard and 

above all else strives to apply our core Army 

Values in every aspect of their life.”

- PHOENIX SQUADRON

Phoenix Squadron 

conducts it’s annual Best Warrior 

Competition. 

BEST IN SQUAD

BEST WARRIOR COMPETITION

SGT Broyles performs a search during the detainee operations portion 

of the competition. (Photo provided by Phoenix Squadron)

Left to Right: SPC Barriere, SPC Lee, SPC Ball, SPC Wohler, SGT Broyles 

(Photo provided by Phoenix Squadron)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 18

SHILOH, Tenn. - Senior Non-Commissioned Officers from the Tenn. Air National 

Guard’s 164th Mission Support Group, 

based in Memphis, Tenn., mustered on base 

for a quick roll call just prior to beginning 

their two hour journey to Shiloh National 

Military Park in the early morning hours 

of a bitter cold day on November 1, 2014. 

The trip was the culmination of a leadership 

course in self-development as NCOs in the 

Tennessee National Guard. 

 Unit members were divided into teams, 

and each team researched a General from 

the Battle of Shiloh. Each General’s leadership was evaluated using criteria from the 

book by Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus, 

Leaders: The Strategies for Taking Charge. 

Four major areas of concern were evaluated: communication, trust, vision, and 

self-awareness. The day prior to the trip, 

the teams briefed their findings to each 

other. 

 A staff ride was provided by a Park 

Ranger who spoke specifically about the 

General each team had researched. The 

event was a tremendous experience that 

enhanced this group of Senior NCO’s ability 

to self-analyze and improve upon their 

strengths and weaknesses as leaders in the 

Tennessee Air National Guard. 

- COL JOHN TRAUTMAN

Memphis Wing’s Shiloh Battlefield Leadership Experience.

RIDE TO SHILOH

164TH AIRLIFT WING

A Park Ranger speaks to the 164th 

Mission Support Group at Shiloh 

National Military Park.

Senior NCO’s from 

the164th Airlift Wing.
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 19
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Army Gen. Frank 

Grass, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, 

held a town hall meeting for members of 

the Tennessee Air National Guard’s 118th 

Wing in Nashville on January 10. 

 “There is nothing better for the Nation 

than the National Guard,” said Grass, adding “I couldn’t ask for a better relationship 

than what we have with the Air National 

Guard, Air Force Reserve and active duty 

Air Force.”

 A highlight of the town hall meeting was 

the announcement of the National Guard 

being honored with the National Defense 

University Foundation’s 2014 Patriot 

Award. Gen. Grass accepted the award 

on behalf of the entire National Guard on 

November 13, 2014. The American Patriot 

Award is given to exceptional leaders who 

dedicate their lives to enhancing human 

security and global stability, according to 

the NDUF.

 Upon accepting the award, Grass stated 

“The National Guard does three things extraordinarily well: we fight America’s wars, 

protect the homeland, and build global and 

domestic partnerships.” This was echoed 

during his town hall meeting. “This is what 

we do every day,” he said.

 Previous recipients of the American 

Patriot Award include Gen. Colin Powell, 

President George H.W. Bush, Sen. John 

Glenn, Sen. Daniel Inouye, former Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert Gates and 

former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Coinciding with the Patriot Award announcement, Grass presented a video highlighting the National Guard and its accomplishments both in the United States and in 

deployed locations around the world.

 Grass also talked about his concerns for 

the direction the military is headed.

Gen. Frank Grass holds town hall meeting at 118th Wing.

118TH WING TOWN 

HALL MEETING

118TH WING - NASHVILLE

Gen. Frank Grass at the 118th Wing in Nashville on 

January 10, 2015. Members from all squadrons on 

base were on hand for the meeting. (Photo by Master 

Sgt. Robin Olsen)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 21

“My biggest concern is modernization and 

recapitalization for the National Guard,” he 

said, adding “our value as a force is unmatched.”

 General Grass also expressed concern 

about the psychological health of the National Guard’s Soldiers and Airmen. 

 “We don’t know what a 13-year war does 

to people or their families and it is critical 

that we monitor this,” he exclaimed. 

 From an overall funding standpoint, the 

active duty Air Force gave the Guard fulltime federal (GS) positions for permanent 

psychological health positions so the Guard 

no longer had to rely on contractors for 

this function. “Having permanent positions 

helps us take care of our Airmen and their 

families,” said Grass.

 The National Guard established Joining 

Community Forces in 2013 to bring all of 

the private organizations that want to assist 

members of the military all into one place.

 “The National Guard is the perfect 

organization to take the lead with a great 

program like Joining Community Forces,” 

he said, “because that is where we operate 

every single day – in the community.”

 “The key here is you design what you 

need in your community, or at your base,” 

explained Grass.

 With nearly 15,000 Guardsmen from 

across the country deployed right now, 

Grass reminded the Nashville Airmen that 

part of our job, always, is to tell our Air 

Force story, which is taking care of our 

people - not just our own Airmen, but our 

communities as well. 

 “You have the connections in your 

communities to tell the Army and Air Force 

stories. People know you and know you are 

from the Guard. Active duty can’t touch 

that!” said Grass.

 The Guard also has community relationships through Youth Challenge Programs. 

These are funded primarily by the federal 

government (75 percent), but also by the 

states (25 percent) and run by the Guard.

“This year we graduated 131,000 at risk 

youth, who will tell you they would be in 

jail or dead today if not for this program,” 

he said.

 Gen. Grass also touched on Tennessee’s 

State Partnership with Bulgaria and the other 73 state partnerships that exist across the 

globe today.

 “For the nation to have that relationship 

with 74 countries is phenomenal,” stated 

Grass. The State Partnership Program has 

been successfully building relationships 

for over 20 years that includes 68 unique 

security partnerships involving 74 nations 

around the globe. It links a unique component of the Department of Defense – a 

state’s National Guard – with the armed 

forces or equivalent of a partner country in 

a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship.

 “We have a tremendous force, and I am 

very impressed by the Air National Guard,” 

said Grass before taking questions from 

Airmen in the audience. 

 One question posed to the General was 

about social media. Grass warned Airmen 

to be very cautious on personal sites because anyone with basic computer knowledge can access it and use your information 

or even your photos.

 He finished by stating “thank you for 

being a member of the National Guard and 

please thank your families and employers.”

- MSGT ROBIN OLSEN

118TH WING - NASHVILLE

“My biggest 

concern is modernization and 

recapitalization 

for the National 

Guard.” General Frank Grass, Chief of the 

National Guard Bureau. (Photo by 

Master Sgt. Robin Olsen)

Gen. Frank Grass (center), receives the American 

Patriot Award on behalf of the National Guard from 

Cathleen Pearl, the president and chief executive officer, National Defense University Foundation on Nov. 

13, 2014. (Photo by: Tech. Sgt. David Eichaker)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 22

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Hundreds of people 

were in attendance as the Tennessee National Guard took part in two separate ceremonies commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, fought 

between American and British troops on 

January 8th, 1815.

 Maj. Gen. Max Haston, Tennessee’s 

Adjutant General, joined Governor Bill 

Haslam, and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean 

in commemorating the 200th Anniversary 

by placing a wreath at the statue of Andrew 

Jackson on the grounds of the Capitol. New 

Orleans was the final major battle of the 

War of 1812 and secured victory for the 

Americans. The decisive victory at New 

Orleans restored American confidence 

in their new republic after the burning of 

Washington and other defeats during the 

war. It made Jackson a popular hero and set 

the stage for him to be elected as the first 

populist president.

 Maj. Gen. Haston compared Jackson’s 

force of regular soldiers; militia from 

Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and 

Louisiana; Indians; Free Men of Color and 

Lafitte’s privateers to the current Soldiers 

and Airmen of the Tennessee National 

Guard. Using the slogan, “Volunteer Traditions . . . Modern Missions,” Haston emphasized how the pivotal battle was a prime 

example of how military events shape our 

state and national history, not only in 1815, 

but currently with today’s National Guard.

 Haston stated, “General Jackson’s actions 

that day and the weeks preceding, not only 

determined the fate of New Orleans, but 

the fate of the war and quite possibly the 

continued existence of America.”

 Governor Haslam pointed out that, “the 

American Army was not supposed to win 

this battle or the war. The British had just 

beaten Napoleon, and were the guys who 

were ruling the world.” 

 “Jackson’s motley crew of rag-tag militia, 

Tenn. National Guard Honors Historic Battle’s Anniversary 

in Ceremonies held at State Capitol and The Hermitage.

BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS 

200TH ANNIVERSARY

HISTORIC ANNIVERSARY

General Andrew Jackson’s Victory over the 

British in the battle of New Orleans. 
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 23

known as the “Dirty Shirts” took on the 

world’s foremost army and in less than an 

hour won a decisive victory,” said Haslam.

 The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial rifle salute by the Tennessee Army National Guard and the playing of “Taps” by 

Sgt. Glenn Tate, of the 129th Army Band.

 Maj. Gen. Haston and members of the 

Tennessee Army National Guard were a 

part of another ceremony at The Hermitage, 

home of President Andrew Jackson, later in 

the day.

 A new exhibit at The Hermitage Visitors 

Center encourages visitors to remember 

that, in his day, Jackson had the star power 

of an Elvis Presley, Angelina Jolie or Hugh 

Jackman. “Andrew Jackson, Born for a 

Storm” is the first major content change in 

25 years and is the first to focus on Jackson 

and his legacy.

 “Jackson was the next great war hero 

after George Washington. People really felt 

like he had saved the country,” said Tony 

Guzzi, Hermitage vice president of preservation who helped craft the new exhibit. 

“They put his image on everything from 

plates, to pitchers, to coins, to you-name-it.”

 The ceremony began with presentation 

of Colors by a Tennessee Army National 

Guard color guard, and the national anthem was performed by 1st Sgt. Richard 

Lutz of Tennessee’s 129th Army Band.

 Featured speakers were Maj. Gen. 

Haston, who said, “ That decisive American 

victory at New Orleans restored American 

confidence in their new republic after the 

burning of Washington and other defeats in 

the war. It made Jackson a popular hero and 

made him the first populist president.”

 Following Haston was American journalist and political pundit, Mara Liasson, 

national political correspondent for National Public Radio, frequent contributor at 

the Fox News Channel, and Jackson Foundation member.

 Liasson spoke of the rich heritage of 

President Jackson and The Hermitage, 

and although somewhat controversial, the 

importance of the Jacksonian era to the 

development of the United States.

 Dr. H. W. Brands concluded as the 

Keynote speaker for the event. Dr. Brands 

taught at Vanderbilt University and Texas 

A&M University before joining the faculty 

at the University of Texas at Austin, where 

he holds the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in 

History. He teaches history and writing 

to graduate students and undergraduates. 

He writes on American history and politics, with books including “The Man Who 

Saved the Union,” “Traitor to His Class,” 

“Andrew Jackson,” “The Age of Gold,” “The 

First American” and “TR.” Several of his 

books have been bestsellers; two, “Traitor 

to His Class” and “The First American,” 

were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize.

 Dr. Brands began by expressing his belief that although the Battle of New Orleans 

took place more than two weeks after The 

Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 

24, 1814 (but was not ratified by the US 

Government until February 1815), it was 

significant in that it was the beginning of 

the end for British troops on American soil. 

He continued stating that Jackson’s legacy 

as a Soldier, Statesman and President lasted 

long after he left the Presidency and returned to The Hermitage. He spoke of Jackson’s mentorship of young Sam Houston 

who served with Jackson as a young lieutenant, and went on to serve as Tennessee’s 

Adjutant General and Governor, and as the 

first President of the Republic of Texas.

 The ceremony concluded with an attendee processional to the tomb of President 

Jackson and his beloved wife, Rachael, 

where commemorative wreaths were laid by 

members of the Andrew Jackson Foundation.

- MAJ (RET) RANDY HARRIS

HISTORIC ANNIVERSARY

Members of the 

Tenn. National 

Guard at The 

Hermitage, home 

of President 

Andrew Jackson. 

(Photo by Lt. Col. 

(Ret) Niki Gentry)

Maj. Gen. Max Haston, 

Tennessee’s Adjutant 

General , joined Governor Bill Haslam, and 

Nashville Mayor Karl 

Dean in commemorating 

the 200th Anniversary 

by placing a wreath at 

the statue of Andrew 

Jackson on the grounds 

of the Capitol. (Photo 

by MAJ (Ret) Randy 

Harris)
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 24

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 

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VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 25
VSG MAGAZINE VOL.15 | ISSUE 1 26

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