I

n the last issue of the Coyote, 

Soldiers from the 129th MPAD 

had an opportunity to travel to 

Afghanistan and report on the 109th 

Engineer Group. We featured the Coyote 

issue as a special edition, to call out all 

South Dakota Army National Guard units 

serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.

 The 129th was fortunate enough 

again to send reporters to Iraq, and report 

on SDARNG units who were serving in 

Operation Iraqi Freedom II. We were able 

to visit the 153rd Engineer Battalion and 

the 2/147th Field Artillery Battalion.

 It is unfortunate that we were not 

able to visit and report on other SDARNG 

units that participated in Operation Iraqi 

Freedom I, Operation Noble Eagle and 

other peacekeeping operations across the 

globe. 

 We are pleased, however, to bring to 

you those South Dakota Army National 

Guard units we were able to cover. Enjoy 

the issue.

1st Lt. Anthony Deiss Editor

IN THIS ISSUE

153rd continue lineage of service pg. 2

147th help make Iraq safer pg. 3

Engineers search for hidden IEDs pg. 4

Soldiers reflect on Najaf mission pg. 4

Artillerymen fire care at Iraqis pg. 5

216th Fire Fighters Return Home pg.5 OIFI

I

SPECIAL EDITION

Volume 2, Issue 2 South Dakota Army National Guard Spring 2005
By 1st Lt. Anthony Deiss

129th MPAD

FOB DUKE, Iraq – Every National Guard 

unit has a story, a history, a moment in time 

that forever solidifies it as a viable component of our nation’s defense.

 The 153rd Engineer Battalion of the 

South Dakota Army National Guard has a 

history as rich and as proud as the Colonial 

militiamen before them, who fought for their 

freedom more than 200 years earlier. The 

153rd continues to fight for a nation and a 

people whose freedoms and liberties are 

threatened today.

The Huron-based unit has not been mobilized since it was federally recognized as 

the 153rd Engineer Battalion on September 

15, 1956. Prior to that, it served in Alaska 

during the Korean War as part of the 196th 

Regimental Combat Team. During World 

War II, the 153rd mobilized as a company of 

the 109th Engineers and later served with the 

132nd Engineer Regiment (Combat). Now, 

the 153rd begins a new chapter in the unit’s 

history.

 On December 7, 2003, the 153rd Engineer Battalion reported for federal active 

duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

It was one of three South Dakota Guard units 

activated to support operations in Iraq during 

the second round of troop rotations since the 

war in Iraq began in March of 2003.

 The 153rd began mobilizing through 

Fort Carson, Colo., to train and prepare for 

its tour in Iraq. After spending more than 

two months at Fort Carson, the unit finally 

arrived in theater on February 22, 2004. After arriving in Kuwait, the unit spent a few 

weeks staging equipment and preparing for 

the move into Iraq.

 Once in Iraq, the 153rd were tasked with 

a variety of missions. Ranging from force 

protection and general engineering projects 

to cordon and search and route clearance operations.

 “The Soldiers have done extremely 

well,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Griese, battalion 

commander. “We’ve set the standard everywhere we have been in theater. There is 

no comparison between our Soldiers from 

South Dakota and other Soldiers that we 

have worked with here in country.”

 The main mission for the 153rd was 

Task Force Pathfinder & Iron Claw; clearing convoy routes of improvised explosive 

devices (IEDs). Every line company for the 

battalion has rotated through this mission, 

said Griese. 

 “IEDs are the primary threat within 

country and the primary killer right now. The 

Soldiers get a lot of satisfaction and comfort 

knowing that they are performing a mission 

that is relevant.”

 The battalion cleared more than 6000 

kilometers of roads and located more than 

100 IEDs since they took on the pathfinder 

mission.

 “Pathfinder is not really a fun mission, 

but when you find IEDs that saves people 

lives in convoys it makes you feel pretty 

good,” said Sgt. Joseph Riddel, Company 

B.

 The 153rd also conducted cordon and 

search operations. Working alongside light 

infantry units, Soldiers from the 153rd would 

use mine detectors to find hidden weapons 

caches in urban terrain and throughout the 

countryside.

 “The infantry guys would do their thing 

and we’d be there helping them find weapons 

caches and they’d have us dispose of them afterwards,” said Spc. Lee Plott, Company B. 

 “The days were long but we would actually have results (finding weapons) almost 

every time we’d go out.”

 When weapons caches were found, the 

Soldiers would then use their demolition expertise to destroy the weapons.

“Being engineers we always like to 

work with explosives,” Plott said.

 Elements of the battalion also provided 

engineer support for active duty forces conducting offensive operations in several cities 

that became safe-havens for some of the Iraqi 

insurgencies. Battles that took place in Najaf 

and Fallujah, saw Soldiers from Company 

A assisting armor and infantry forces and 

Iraqi Security Forces. The company assisted 

with securing casualty collection points and 

implementing force protection measures.

 “We’re the engineers. We may not get 

all the glory the (infantry) gets for knocking 

down the doors and shooting up the bad guys, 

but as for our piece – providing force protection measures and some haul assets – we did 

our job,” said 1st Lt. Greg Darlow, Company 

A commander. “We did what we’re trained

to do. The fact that we did our jobs and did it 

well – probably saved some lives.”

 When the 153rd wasn’t busy making 

the roads safer for American and Coalition 

forces, searching for weapons caches or 

assisting in major combat operations, the 

Soldiers were helping to make many of the 

bases safer. The battalion constructed Hesco 

(force protection) and concertina wire barriers, guard towers and trenches at a variety 

of different forward operating bases. They 

built various rifle ranges, detainee facilities 

and improved many of the Soldiers’ living 

quarters.

 During its deployment, the153rd faced 

many challenges. From the stress of mission 

requirements and hazards to the hardship of 

being separated from family – the challenges 

were not only physical, but mental. 

 Along with the challenges, the experience was also met with many highlights.

 “It’s kind of neat to be able to go out 

and actually know your making a difference 

finding all these weapons caches,” said Spc. 

Davin Johnson, Company B.

 “The best part was that we got to blow 

the weapons up – that was worth it – probably one of the main highlights!”

 And for most Soldiers, something they 

said they will always take away from this 

combat zone is new experiences, friendships 

and life lessons.

 “Being over here for a year, you build 

life-long bonds that will last forever. We sacrificed a lot leaving home, everybody did, 

but it was something that had to be done. 

I think I’m just going to more or less take 

home and relish the stuff that I got out of this 

experience, and the most of what I did over 

here and learned,” said Plott.

 After finishing up a year-long tour in 

Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Soldiers from 

the 153rd have return home to their families, 

friends and communities. They will begin to 

pick up their lives where they left off over a 

year ago. The Soldiers of the 153rd join the 

ranks of all the veterans before them, knowing the cost of freedom.

 “There’s the adage that ‘Freedom isn’t 

Free.’ You really don’t know that or it doesn’t 

hit home until you deploy to war and experience it,” said Griese.

Page 2 Spring 2005

Photos by 153rd Engineer Battalion

Soldiers from the 153rd Engineer Battalion, watch the demolition of an IED discovered during Task Force Iron Claw. Spc. Todd 

Irvin informs his track commander that the blast is complete.

Engineers continue lineage of service

“There’s the adage that ‘Freedom isn’t Free.’ 

You really don’t know that or it doesn’t hit home 

until you deploy to war and experience it.”

Lt. Col. Kevin Griese

Photos by 153rd Engineer Battalion

Soldiers from the 153rd Engineer Battalion prepare to seach for weapons caches 

during Operation Chuck Wagon outside Amariyah, Iraq.
By 1st Lt. Anthony Deiss

129th MPAD

TALLIL AIR BASE, Iraq – Known for firing the “big guns,” 2/147th Field Artillery 

Battalion is equipped and trained to generate 

“steel rain.” 

 But when mobilized for Operation Iraqi 

Freedom in December 2003, the South Dakota Army National Guard unit wasn’t called 

upon for its multiple launch rocket capabilities it was comfortable in performing.

 Instead, the Soldiers were called upon 

for stability and support operations such as 

securing critical sites, guarding prisoners of 

war and military police missions.

 “One thing the artillery does really well, 

is they are structured to do non-standard missions,” said Lt. Col. Jeff Marlette, the battalion commander. “It’s amazing how well the 

artillery structure fits into other missions, so 

many of the support pieces are there.”

 One main mission for the battalion

was providing convoy security for Kellogg, 

Brown and Root (KBR), a civilian defense 

industry contractor.

 Marlette said the battalion would escort 

KBR convoys transporting food, water, supplies and petroleum products. Running 12 to 

15 escorts a day throughout Iraq, Soldiers 

faced harsh conditions and hostile environments. Despite the challenges, many recall 

the convoy operations as a rewarding experience.

 “The convoys really helped to make the 

time go by quickly,” said Staff Sgt. James 

Knox, of Headquarters and Headquarters 

Service Battery (HHS). “You see so much on 

the road – the Iraqi people, the culture, the 

way they live and the kids waving on the side 

of the road. It was a great experience.”

 The unit completed more than 2,500 escort missions – driving nearly 1.26 million 

miles driven throughout the country. 

 According to Marlette, the unit provided security of captured enemy ammunition 

(CEA) at 18 different ammunition supply 

points (ASP). Everything from large bombs 

to mortars and rifle ammunition were at these 

sites. The battalion was also charged with 

providing security at several of the ASPs 

until civilian Explosive Ordnance Disposal 

(EOD) could arrive. Once on site, EOD 

would then destroy or dispose of the CEA to 

keep it out of insurgent hands. 

 The 2/147th hauled and escorted more 

than 145,000 tons of ordnance. Units logged 

another 500,000 miles during this mission. 

In all, the battalion logged over 2 million 

total miles on all its equipment during the 

deployment.

 “Equipment readiness was a big factor,” 

Marlette said. “Our Soldiers and maintenance 

sections worked hard to keep us running at a 

97 percent rate. That is excellent considering 

the conditions over there.”

 Working with and earning the support 

of the local Iraqis also contributed to the 

success of the CEA missions. The Soldiers 

worked along side Iraqi National Guard and 

Police while securing ASPs, and also many 

general laborers.

 “In every site that we worked – through 

the ASP’s and other areas – we had Iraqis 

come up and share information,” Marlette 

said. “We had a gentleman that showed us 

where there were 30,000 tank rounds just 

laying out in the desert, that someone could 

have made Improvised Explosive Devices 

with.”

 Winning the support of the Iraqi people 

was made easier with the help of the battalions Medical Civil Affairs Project (MEDCAP). 

 According to 1st Lt. Sean Kenny, the 

battalion’s physician’s assistant, the unit 

would visit local Iraqi schools and villages 

and render medical aid to those who needed 

it. The MEDCAPs also gave some of the 

Soldiers a chance to interact with the Iraqi 

people on a more personal level.

 “When we do the MEDCAP missions, 

we get to go out and see the kids. They want 

to play soccer, shake your hand and get their 

picture taken with you,” said Kenny. “It 

gives you a couple hours of fun.”

 Along with rendering medical aid to the 

Iraqis, the unit also provided basic comfort 

items for the local populations they visited. 

Food, water, clothing, shoes and school supplies were a few of the items that were distributed.

 “They love it when we come out,” said 

Marlette. “The Iraqis get very excited and 

they are generally very polite, friendly and 

very thankful.”

 The unit was also involved in a few high 

profile missions. According to Marlette, one 

mission that made headlines involved A Battery Soldiers, who were tasked to escort the 

British Black Watch Regiment from southern Iraq to an area just south of Baghdad, in 

order to support American Soldiers for the 

Fallujah offensive.

 “One of my personal goals while in Iraq 

was to not be anywhere that CNN had an interest,” wrote 1st Lt. Keith Voss in a battalion 

newsletter article. “While this attention certainly made us concerned about operational 

security, it did feel pretty good watching the 

news and seeing one of our Humvees going 

by.”

 With the mission now complete, the 

equipment loaded and their bags packed, the 

unit returned back to South Dakota at the 

end of February.

 After a year in Iraq, the accomplishments of the 2/147th Field Artillery Battalion have undoubtedly made Iraq a safer 

place. The battalion worked hard to collect 

and secure large caches of enemy ammunition, to protect military and civilian convoys 

and earn the support of the Iraqi people.

 “It’s an awesome experience to witness 

what a well-trained, clearly-focused battalion of Soldiers can accomplish when they 

are put to the task,” said Marlette. “I think all 

of us, as Soldiers, knew we could be successful in accomplishing our mission if we were 

mobilized. Now, our Soldiers proved it.” 

Artillery unit helps 

secure Iraq’s future

Adjutant General

Maj. Gen. Michael A. Gorman

129th MPAD Commander

Maj. Joseph V. Jacobson

Chief Public Affairs/NCOIC

Master Sgt. Cal Crooks

Print OIC/Editor

1st Lt. Anthony Deiss

Coyote Staff

2nd Lt. Sara Ward

Sgt. 1st Class Kim Smith

Sgt. Wes Nowitzki

Spc. Mark Watson

Spc. Joe Bungert

Pvt. Nick Fousek

Pvt. Nikki Kueter

SDNG PAO Staff

Lt. Col. Harold Walker

Sgt. 1st Class Don Matthews

Staff Sgt. Matt Johnson

The Coyote Magazine is an unofficial 

publication of the South Dakota Army 

National Guard, published quarterly on 

the South Dakota National Guard website: 

sdguard.ngb.army.mil for its Soldiers. The 

Coyote is published by the 129th Mobile 

Public Affairs Detachment, Camp Rapid, 

2823 West Main Street, Rapid City, South 

Dakota 57702, in accordance with AR 

360-81.

Views and opinions expressed in this 

publication are not necessarily those of the 

South Dakota Army National Guard.

Contributions to the Coyote are 

encouraged. Send articles, photos and art 

to Editor, 129th MPAD, 2823 West Main 

Street, Rapid City, South Dakota 57702, or 

e-mail:anthony.deiss@sd.ngb.army.mil

Page 3 Spring 2005

Photos by 1Lt. Anthony Deiss

Soldiers from 2/147th Field Artillery Battalion provides roadside security as their 

convoy passes by. 

Photos by 1Lt. Anthony Deiss

Spc. Wade Anderson of the 2nd Battalion, 147th Field Artillery Brigade provides convoy security along a roadside in Iraq.
Page 4 Spring 2005

Spc. Mark Watson

129th MPAD

FOB DUKE, Iraq – Driving around Iraq 

looking for bombs may sound a bit crazy, 

but that is exactly what members of the 

153rd Engineer Battalion did during their 

year-long deployment to the country. 

 Improvised Explosive Devices are the 

number one killer of people in Iraq and the 

job handed to the South Dakota National 

Guard Soldiers has become one of the most 

dangerous jobs in Iraq.

 After the initial, “you want us to do 

what?” the Soldiers countered the danger 

of the job with high-tech, highly armored 

vehicles that locate the bombs and then dig 

them from their hiding spots. 

 Two of the vehicles the Soldiers used 

locate the hidden devises, and a third digs 

the IED up and disables it.

 “The equipment we use is new to the 

military to locate IEDs,” said 1st Lt. Greg 

Darlow, the Company A commander. “They 

were used to locate minefields, but it works 

the same way. It’s basically a huge metal 

detector on a dune buggy.”

 The vehicle operators, one in a Husky 

and the other a Muircat, drive along the 

road listening for the tell-tale sound of their 

equipment sensing metal in the ground. 

 Once the operator gets a “hit,” he can 

pinpoint the exact location of the buried 

object. He marks it with paint and calls in 

the Buffalo, another highly armored vehicle 

with a remote control arm, that can dig into 

the ground to explore the potential hazard.

 “It would be an adrenaline rush,” 

Darlow said referring to getting a hit. You 

really didn’t know what you had found. It 

might be a coffee can or garbage, and the 

next time it might be an acetylene bottle 

filled with PE-4, (a high explosive.)” 

 One of the Soldiers assigned to the 

Pathfinder missions said finding an IED was 

both rewarding as well as nerve-racking. 

 “It felt good when you found one,” said 

Spc. Mitchell Boe. “You’re getting the job 

done, and then you have that eerie feeling 

of ‘well, this one was here, are there more 

hiding somewhere else?’”

 That feeling was well based as Soldiers 

on the Pathfinder mission often found 

multiple explosive devises daisy chained 

together to detonate at the same time. 

 One of the largest IEDs they found 

was a daisy chain of 10, 155mm artillery 

rounds. Each round weighs 98 pounds and 

if detonated together, they could have easily 

devastated an area the size of a football 

field.

 With that amount of destructive 

potential armored vehicles are necessities.

 “We were a sight for sore eyes when we 

showed up,” Darlow added, commenting 

about the light infantry unit that they 

replaced. “We had track vehicles and .50-

caliber machine guns. Before us, they were 

dismounted and walking on the sides of the 

road looking for the IEDs.”

 Throughout its time on the road 

the 153rd found about 100 IED setups. 

Sometimes the setup would be just one 

bomb, other times it would be a large daisy 

chain of explosives wired to increase the 

kill area. 

 “It is a very relevant mission that we 

do, and the Soldiers get a lot of satisfaction 

and comfort that it saves lives,” said Lt. 

Col. Kevin Griese, battalion commander. 

“When you are deployed to a combat zone 

and perform a mission that you know saves 

lives, at the end of the day it makes you feel 

pretty good.” 

Engineers search for hidden IEDs

By Spc. Mark Watson

129th MPAD

FOB DUKE, Iraq – A wake up call in the 

middle of the night is how one platoon of the 

153rd Engineer Battalion started a mission 

that would put them on front line action, in 

harm’s way and make headlines around the 

world.

 Company A’s 2nd Platoon, received 

word in the middle of the night last August 

that they were to provide engineer support 

to 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st 

Cavalry Division as they helped rid An Najaf 

of insurgents loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada 

al-Sadr.

 The Soldiers went to work preparing 

explosives, making Bangalore torpedoes, 

drawing ammunition and readying themselves 

for an all out assault on a hornet’s nest of 

insurgent activity. The South Dakotans 

linked up with the task force early the next 

morning.

 “The sun was just coming up, so it 

was about 6:30 to 7 a.m.,” said 1st Lt. Adam 

Romkema, the platoon leader. “The initial 

push was fairly intense. The insurgents knew 

we were coming. There was no secret about 

that.”

 The cavalry tanks and the engineers’ 

armored personal carriers began their assault 

on the city rolling around a corner and up a 

hill. From the back of the convoy the South 

Dakota Soldiers watched the first shots of the 

battle. 

 An Improvised Explosive Devise 

detonated near the lead tank. After that a 

frenzy of fire poured from the insurgents.

 “We could see the tanks rolling up the 

hill – all of a sudden explosions started going 

off all over the place,” said Staff Sgt. Jeremy 

Kucera. “Probably 15 to 20 IEDs blew up 

on different tanks. Then the mortars started 

coming in.”

 As the first mortars blew up only yards 

away from the vehicles, one soldier was 

baffled on what the blast really was.

 “I heard the explosion and saw the 

white puff of smoke,” said Sgt. Christopher 

Schimke. “At first I thought it was odd. I 

thought ‘that was a weird place for an IED, 

and it wasn’t very big.’ There were more 

explosions and finally someone came over 

the net and said we were taking mortars.”

 The tankers plunged into the city 

blasting away at insurgent positions with 

their cannons while the engineers staged at 

the bottom of the hill returning fire until there 

was enough area cleared area on top of the 

hill. This wasn’t the first time the Soldiers 

had been shot at, but they said this was the 

most intense engagement they were involved 

in.

 “This time wasn’t at the tail end of 

something,” Schimke said. “This time it 

was at the start of something. It was a lot 

more frantic. It was a well thought out; well 

planned, combined arms attack.”

 Kucera agreed and said any feelings that 

the fight was not real were soon dismissed.

 “When bullets start flying by and 

mortars go off within 20 to 30 feet from 

your track, it makes reality set in,” he said. 

“I thought this is the real deal. This is a real 

offensive movement into a contaminated 

city.”

The battle waged on, but the engineers 

were finally able to enter the city and arrived 

at their objective, an old school that was used 

by the insurgents as a command post.

 They set up the school as a casualty 

collection point and they guarded it round the 

clock before moving deeper into the city.

 What was supposed to be a three-day 

mission soon turned into a 17-day ordeal 

where the guardsmen performed their true 

combat engineer missions.

 “We put up a ton of concertina wire,” 

Kucera said. “We blew up a weapons cache 

that was probably equivalent to 500 pounds.”

 The Soldiers even conducted a raid 

where they kicked in the door and found 

possible insurgents. The insurgents were 

finally pushed back into the Imam Ali 

Mosque, the second largest in the world. The 

insurgents finally laid down their weapons 

and the battle ended. After it was all over 

Kucera, who was the acting platoon sergeant 

said the Soldiers did a tremendous job.

 “I was very proud of the Soldiers,” he 

said. “They did an outstanding job. They 

were all brave and did what had to be done. 

It was definitely something different and 

something they should be proud of.”

 It was after the battle that Schimke said 

he witnessed a defining moment.

 “At the end of it, we were parked 

in a compound and Iraqis appeared out of 

nowhere,” he said. “The street was packed 

with cars and people. They were honking 

and waving. They were happy. That was 

something that if you have any questions on 

what we are doing is right or wrong, that day 

was proof to me that this was a good thing.”

153rd Soldiers reflect on Najaf mission

153rd Engineer Battalion photo

Staff Sgt. Dan Poppen and Spc. Justin Clarke prepare to blow up an IED Task Force 

Pathfinder discovered burried on a bridge outside Fallujah, Iraq.

153rd Engineer Battalion photo

Soldiers from the 153rd Engineer Battalion work along side active duty forces .
Page 5 Spring 2005

Artillerymen fire care at Iraqis

By Spc. Mark Watson

129th MPAD

TALLIL AIR BASE, Iraq – People watching the nightly news may sometimes wonder 

how anything good comes out of war. One 

channel reports on a bomb at a police station 

while another tells of an assassination. In 

the middle of all the violence and destruction however, a glimmer of hope shines 

through it all.

 Members of 2nd Battalion, 147th Field 

Artillery Brigade from Watertown, Sisseton, 

Aberdeen and Redfield, often traveled to 

nearby villages and towns on Medical Civil 

Affairs Projects to deliver much needed 

medical care, school supplies and hope to 

the Iraqi people during the Soldiers yearlong deployment.

 “It makes you feel pretty good that you 

could do something to help someone,” said 

1st Lt. Sean Kenny, the battalion’s physician assistant. “We would set up and have 

medical supplies, water and food. We would 

also hand out clothing, school supplies and 

shoes.”

 Kenny said the medical care most Iraqis 

received was not enough.

 “We would see the women and children 

first,” he said. “The men are usually the only 

ones in the country with decent medical 

care. The women and the children were put 

behind, all except for the first born son.

 “We saw a lot of women with back and 

knee pain or stomach problems. They do 

the majority of the work, especially in the 

fields,” Kenny added.

 Other ailments that the Soldiers saw included asthma, eye infections and infected 

cuts.

 “One kid had a cut on the back of his 

heel that had been stitched up,” said Staff Sgt. 

Chad Stockland, a member of Headquarters, 

Headquarters Service Battery. “Stitches are 

usually in for only a week (these had been in 

for two months), so they were all infected. 

We had to pull them out and give him some 

antibiotics.”

 Although it is nearly impossible to follow up on the patients, occasionally the Soldiers are able to find out about one of their 

patients.

 “We saw a girl about 10 years old and 

her abdomen was very big,” Kenny said. 

“We coordinated with the 31st (Combat 

Army Support Hospital) and they performed 

an ultrasound. They found a 28 pound tumor. I talked to the doctor who removed the 

tumor and he said it would have eventually 

taken her life. Last I heard she had made a 

full recovery.”

 When people found out that the Americans were in the area providing medical care, 

people flocked to the area. Often the doctors 

would stay for three hours before they had to 

start turning people away when they ran out 

of medicine. There were also times that they 

were told nothing could be done for them 

due to the severity and extent of their injuries. Two of the people who Kenny and his 

medics could not treat were a man in the late 

stages of cancer and a man who had been 

tortured with electrocution 10 years ago.

 “A lot of the Iraqis thought that American medical care can cure anything, and if 

you can’t, then send them back to the states 

to be seen,” he said. “They don’t understand 

that some conditions have gone on so long 

that nothing can be done. Some people 

would be seen, go to the end of the line 

and come through again just to be told no 

again.”

 Although the South Dakota Soldiers 

couldn’t treat all the people, Kenny said the 

time they were able to spend was beneficial.

 “It was nice to see the kids for a while, 

and to know that for the amount of medicine 

we could give them, they will probably be 

better.”

 Stockland agreed and said hopefully the 

people they treated remember the Americans 

who helped them.

 “Hopefully some kid will remember we 

helped them,” he said. “We tried to be the 

good guys. We took time to help the sick 

and make them better.”

By Sgt. 1st Class Don Matthews

JFHQ - PAO

STURGIS – Family members huddled up in 

frigid temperatures as they watched the landing of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter carrying their loved ones to the football field near 

the South Dakota National Guard armory in 

Sturgis. 

 Ten Soldiers of the 216th Engineer Detachment returned home after serving for 

more than 11 months in Iraq in support of 

Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

 Each of the Soldiers received a heroes’ 

welcome complete with hugs, kisses, and a 

welcome home ceremony. The mayor spoke 

of the star banners that were put in the community center of Sturgis when the unit left. 

He said, “You’ve been a daily reminder 

for each of us here of the sacrifices you’ve 

made for us, and for that I want to say Thank 

You.” 

During the ceremony, Maj. Gen Michael A. 

Gorman, the adjutant general, said it was 

great for the Soldiers to be back in South 

Dakota.

 “On the 4th of December, 2003, there 

were a lot of tears of concern, tears of apprehension, and what I see today are tears of joy 

and thanks that you all came home safely,” 

Gorman said. “The 216th Engineer Detachment and their families and their employers 

answered the call and rose to the occasion. 

Every report that I heard from over in theater 

was good.”

 The commander of the 216th echoed the 

general’s comments and said their Soldiers 

did a great job.

 “The unit provided outstanding support 

to the 1st Infantry Division,” said Capt. Ken 

Kerfont. “They were designated as the first 

response effort for all emergencies within 

their area of operations. 

 They had primary responsibility for fire 

protection to the aircraft on the flight lines 

and always had medics available when they 

responded to an emergency.”

 “All the Soldiers in this great unit deserve our eternal gratitude for the part they 

played in Operation Iraqi Freedom,” Gorman said. 

 “In this, the first war of the 21st Century, you defended your fellow citizens against 

ruthless enemies. And because of your sacrifices, you made this country a safer place to 

live. Because of your service, bravery and 

dedication, the world is better off today and 

the people of America are more secure.” 

216th Fire Fighters return home

Photo by 153rd Engineer Battalion 

2nd Battalion, 147th Field Artillery Soldiers hand out food and school supplies during 

a Medical Civil Affairs Program mission. The South Dakotans participated in several 

humanitarian missions during their year-long deployment. 

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Don Matthews

Members of the 216th Engineer Detachment, Fire Fighting, Sturgis, South Dakota, 

return to a Heroes’ welcome from family and friends as they arrived home after 

serving their country in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Photo by 153rd Engineer Battalion 

1st Lt. Sean Kenny listens to a young Iraqis heart during one of the Medical Civil 

Affairs Program missions.
Page 6 Spring 2005

Physician’s Assistant 

of the Year

SDARNG NCO and 

Soldier of the Year

Borah Iverson

Photo by Spc. Mark Watson

1st Lt. Tim Quinn, second from left, Capt. Phillip Tigert and 1st Lt. Dave Axtman, 

accept the South Dakota Association of Physician Assistant, Physician Assisstant of the year awards from Diane Weber, the association’s president. The 

three Soldiers are members of Company B, 109th Medical Battalion located in 

Vermillion, S.D.

Staff Sgt. Eric Borah, 109th Engineer Battalion, is the 2004 South Dakota Army National Guard NCO of the year and Spc.( now Sgt.) Daniel 

Iverson, 88th Troop Command, is the Soldier of the year.

SDARNG Major Command winners that were eligible for the State 

Board:

Joint Force Headquarters: NCO – Sgt. James Peck

Soldier – Spc. Francis Hinton

109th Engineer Group: NCO – Staff Sgt. Eric Borah

Soldier – Spc. Kara Kinsley

147th Field Artillery Brigade: NCO – Staff Sgt. Jay Pipes

Soldier – Pfc. Joshua Oien

88th Troop Command: NCO – Staff Sgt. Lori Bouza

Soldier – Spc.(Sgt.) Daniel Iverson

881st Troop Command: NCO – Staff Sgt. Kurt Gross

Soldier – Spc. Gerald Welsh

196th RTI: NCO – Sgt. First Class Glenn Miller

SDNG Public Affairs Office

In December of 2003, the Army National 

Guard launched the “Freedom Salute Campaign”, a program designed to recognize 

Army National Guard Soldiers, their families, and others who have supported them as 

they answered the call to duty. Since 2003, 

over 100,000 Soldiers have been recognized 

in “Freedom Salute” ceremonies across the 

country.

 Eligible Soldiers include those who 

were mobilized in one of three Operational 

Orders Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and 

Iraqi Freedom or were on orders in support 

of those Operations for more than 30 days. 

This includes state active duty mobilized 

Soldiers and Title 10 Soldiers. 

 “These ceremonies are great. One of 

the most rewarding factors is being recognized for what you’re doing,” said Staff Sgt. 

Craig Phillips, a team leader for the 727th 

Trans. Co. who lives in Sioux City, Ia., With 

his wife, Stacy and daughter, Karlee. “A 

simple medal, if we deserve it, makes you 

proud. I hope they continue to do this for 

every unit...everyone deserves it.”

 Each eligible soldier will receive an 

encased American Flag, a sequentially numbered commemorative coin; a “Defender 

of Freedom” certificate signed by Lieutenant General Roger C. Schultz, Director of 

the Army National Guard, and Command 

Sergeant Major A. Frank Lever, III, 7th 

Command Sergeant Major, Army National 

Guard; and a lapel insignia. The Soldier’s 

spouse and children will also receive items 

recognizing their support and contribution.

 “We’re here today to recognize and honor your service to our country and your families sacrifices...” Rep. Herseth said at a recent Freedom Salute Ceremony. “The nation 

is in debt to the men and women who wear 

the uniform. We stand in your shadow.”

 In addition, each eligible Soldier will 

be able to recognize one center of influence 

(COI) for outstanding support during the 

Soldier’s mobilization. This recognition will 

be in the form of a commemorative lapel 

insignia and a medallion with ribbon. Examples of COI’s include, but are not limited 

to, a supervisor, clergy, or college guidance 

counselor. The COI may also be a representative of an organization that supported the 

Soldier such as a church, a charitable organization, a business, the Soldier’s employer, or 

school. 

 Accepting one of these prestigious 

awards was Nancy Montross, President of 

the South Dakota Beef Industry Council. 

While the 727th was deployed, the S.D. 

Beef Industry Council donated more than 

2,700 pounds of beef (mostly jerky) totaling over $20,000 to S.D. National Guard 

Soldiers serving in Iraq. For the council’s 

contribution to the S.D. National Guard, the 

unit presented Montross with a framed mosaic print.

 Two additional levels of recognition 

will be presented to the unit’s choice of a 

person or organization deserving of the Outstanding COI and Distinguished COI honors. The Outstanding COI is an individual or 

organization that stood out as most helpful to 

the Soldiers during mobilization and will receive a framed mosaic American Flag print. 

The Distinguished COI is an individual or 

organization which the unit felt was most 

helpful to its Soldiers and their families during mobilization and will receive a 17-inch 

Minuteman statuette. 

 The Freedom Salute Campaign is one 

of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history and South Dakota 

has played a major role in this effort by recognizing more than 2500 Soldiers from the 

following units: 155th Engineer Det., 1085th 

Medical Company, 1/147th Field Artillery 

Battalion, 129th MPAD, HHD 109th Engineer Battalion, Det. 3, 665 Maintenance Co., 

235th MP Co., 196th RTI, 727th Trans. Co., 

200th Engineer Co, Co. B. 109th Medical Battalion, 1742nd Trans., Co 740th Trans., Co. 

842nd Engineer Co. and Battery C 2/147th.

Units receive Freedom 

Salute Award

Photo by SDNG Public Affairs Office

Soldiers from Company B. 109th Medical Battalion wait to receive their Freedom Salute Award.
By SDNG Public Affairs Office

PIERRE – Cited for his longtime dedication to education, the National Guard and his 

community retired Brig. Gen. Ernie Edwards, 

of Watertown, received the prestigious 2005 

Williamson Militia Man Award during South 

Dakota National Guard’s Legislative Dining 

Out ceremony in Pierre February 10th.

 The Williamson Militia Man Award was 

established in 1987 by Maj. Gen. Ronald F. 

Williamson, who was the adjutant general at 

the time. The award recognizes and individual who exemplifies the spirit of the citizensoldier through community leadership, support of the National Guard and the defense 

of our country. 

 The award, presented by Gov. Mike 

Rounds, is a U.S. Army Saber and Scabbard. 

It is regulation in size and design with detailed embossed blade and chrome finish.

 Brig. Gen. (retired) Edwards enlisted in 

the South Dakota National Guard in 1957 

and went on to graduate from Officer Candidate School in 1960. He went on to serve in 

leadership positions in the 147th Field Artillery Brigade to include, battery commander, 

Commander of the 1st Battalion, and Brigade 

Commander of the 147th.

 Edwards went on to serve as the Deputy 

STARC Commander and was appointed as 

the Assistant Adjutant General for the S.D. 

Army National Guard in 1992.

 Brig. Gen. Edwards serves on Watertown Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee. He is actively involved with the state 

committee for Employer Support to the 

Guard and Reserve.

 Brig. Gen. Edwards graduated from the 

University of South Dakota in 1957 and went 

on to get his Masters in Education in 1960. 

He went on to teach Math in Watertown in 

1957. He served as principal in Watertown’s 

junior high and senior high school. He went 

on to become Watertown’s Director of Secondary Curriculum.

 For 10 years, Edwards served as Superintendent of Schools for the Brookings 

School District and went on to serve 10 years 

as the Superintendent in Watertown.

Edwards receives 

Williamson Militiaman Award

Page 7 Spring 2005

Photo by SDNG Public Affairs Office

Ernie Edwards (right) receives the Williamson Militiaman Award presented by Maj. 

Gen. Michael Gorman, Gov. Mike Rounds and Ronald Williamson.

I had the opportunity to visit some of our 

Soldiers in Iraq during January. I had been 

trying to do this for the past two years and 

the trip finally came through. It was quite 

an experience just doing the preparations 

with training and going through the Soldier 

Readiness Process (SRP). There were times 

when I was low crawling in the desert at Fort 

Bliss and I asked myself if I was doing the 

right thing.

 Let me tell you, seeing our Soldiers in 

Iraq when I got there made all the training 

to get there worth it. I got a feel for what our 

Soldiers go through when being mobilized. 

I will skip the details of the two-plus weeks 

of mobilization training and start with my 

arrival in Kuwait. I landed in Kuwait late 

at night. There were about 160 of us that 

had been through the CONUS Replacement 

Center (CRC) at Fort Bliss. We had more 

briefings and got to bed at 0330. The quarters 

we had were in a large warehouse divided 

into sections by chain link fence. It seemed 

like there were 1,000 of us there, but I could 

be wrong.

 I got up early the next morning and was 

taken from Kuwait to the Iraq border, a trip 

of 11⁄2 hours. At the border I was met by 

Soldiers from the 2/147th Field Artillery. I 

then convoyed across the border into Iraq for 

another 31⁄2 hours to Tallil. You realize early 

on that you are in a war zone. Much of the 

training I received at Bliss was now very real. 

The country is desert in this area and not 

very populated. You travel at a good speed 

on convoys and don’t stop very often, which 

accounts for all the water bottles along the 

route with yellow water in them.

 I spent the night at Tallil and then 

convoyed another six hours north to 

visit Camp Duke and the 153th Engineer 

Battalion. While with the 153rd, I presented 

the Connelly Award to the cooks. This is a 

prestigious award given to mess sections for 

excellence. The cooks had cooked for the 

first two months and since then have been 

combat Soldiers 

doing missions like 

the rest of the unit. 

It seemed strange 

to see cooks with 

M16s and machine 

guns instead of 

pots and pans. 

 Our Soldiers 

were in Iraq 

fighting for 

freedom, yet 

they had less 

freedom themselves. The Soldiers were very 

controlled in their movement outside their 

base camps. They lived in tents or trailers 

with other Soldiers and ate in dining facilities 

that fed thousands. Even though Tallil had a 

Burger King trailer, it is not like home where 

the Soldiers could just jump in their car and 

head downtown to the local store.

 Our Soldiers were well trained and 

disciplined in their jobs. Each Soldier had a 

positive attitude and was making the best of 

the situation at hand. Many have been through 

a lot in the country, living everyday with the 

fear of not knowing what could happen to 

them in very dangerous situations. They had 

to be always on alert to their surroundings.

 Having talked to the Soldiers, the worst 

thing about this deployment was missing 

their families. It was great in the areas that 

had Internet and telephone so the soldier 

could stay in contact with family.

 I would like to thank all the Soldiers 

who escorted me around Iraq. It gave me 

the opportunity to see what our Soldiers go 

through and the environment you live in. 

Each of you was professional and dedicated. 

I thank each of you for your service to the SD 

Guard and country. I have never been more 

proud of all of you.

Michael L. Birnbaum

CSM, SDARNG

State Command Sergeant Major

“Task Force Coyote has accepted all 

missions we have given them, and some 

of them were right on the edge, and they 

have completed them all.” That was what 

we heard Maj. Gen. Eric Olsen, 25th 

Infantry Division Commander, say about 

the performance of Task Force Coyote, the 

tactical engineer Task Force in Afghanistan. 

The Task Force is led by our own 109th 

Engineer Group.

 Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Pope and 

I recently had the opportunity to travel to 

Afghanistan and observe first hand the 

operations and Soldiers of Task Force 

Coyote. Task Force has some 1,800 

engineers from the U.S. Army, Army 

Reserve, Army National Guard, and Air 

National Guard, as well as the countries 

of Korea, Poland, Australia, and Slovakia. 

They are operating in a very dangerous 

environment with threats ranging from land 

mines to mortar attacks to enemy fighters. 

Coupled with Afghanistan’s harsh and 

unforgiving weather, climate and terrain, has 

presented formidable challenges in all areas.

 Despite all of those mission detractors, 

the engineers have completed the placement 

of some 65,000 cubic meters of concrete 

for additional ramp space for aircraft 

and support services at the Bagram and 

Kandahar Airfields. Simultaneously, 

they have cleared over 1,500 acres of 

countless mines and explosive hazards. 

They are accomplishing the full gamut of 

engineer tasks while assuming additional 

responsibilities for security at remote sites 

and forward operating bases. 

 The engineers 

have also fielded 

provincial 

reconstruction 

teams (PRTs). 

Those two- and 

three-soldier 

teams work in 

local villages, 

establishing 

relationships 

and developing 

plans for upgrading 

buildings and infrastructure. Flexibility 

and innovation are critical, and our South 

Dakota Guardsmen bring plenty of both to 

their missions.

 In our visits with the commanders and 

Soldiers of CJTF76, I was struck by the 

professionalism, the positive attitude, the 

spirit of self sacrifice, and the deep belief 

all had in the value of what they are doing 

for Afghanistan, the United States and 

the proliferation of freedom. I came away 

convinced that Afghanistan as a country is 

going to succeed. And a huge factor in that 

success is the efforts of U.S. and Coalition 

Soldiers like Task Force Coyote. 

 All of us can be incredibly proud of the 

109th Engineer Group and the hard work 

and sacrifice the Soldiers are making to 

continue the South Dakota Army National 

Guard’s tradition of excellence.

Raymond W. Carpenter

BG, SDARNG

Assistant Adjutant General - Army

Commander’s Corner

AAG Comments

CSM Comments

Carpenter

Birnbaum

HHC 109th Engineer Group

(Afghanistan)

CURRENT SOUTH DAKOTA 

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYMENTS

Det. 3, Co. F, 238th Avn.

Det. 3, Co. A, 249th Avn.

(Iraq)
Page 8 Spring 2005

While in Pierre, please stop and visit your 

South Dakota National Guard Museum. 

The museum has undergone some changes. Col. (Ret) Steve Gomez retired as the 

museum director in June 2004. Sgt. 1st 

Class (Ret) Bob Kusser is currently the 

director along with Seb Axtman as the 

Curator. 

 Hours of operation have expanded to 

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

CST. We at the South Dakota National 

Guard Museum invite you, your family, 

and friends to visit the museum and learn 

about the guard history. The museum is 

located in downtown Pierre at 301 East 

Dakota Avenue. 

 The South Dakota Air and Army National Guard have an admirable history 

and South Dakotans are to be proud of 

the men and women who have put on the 

uniform. The Guard has been involved in 

nearly ever major military conflict, helping neighbors during natural disasters, and 

most recently fighting the war against terrorism.

 Our mission is to preserve and honor 

the history of the South Dakota National 

Guard from the days of the Dakota Territory (1860’s) to the present, with emphasis 

on various wars and conflicts, interpreting 

for citizens, veterans, and young people 

the story of the South Dakota National 

Guard.

 The goal is to create a greater understanding of the significant role played by 

the South Dakota National Guard throughout history by caring for and preserving 

our collections, and working with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs 

and groups whose valued guidance and 

support enhance our programs.

 Admission is FREE. We are open 

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

CST 

 Contact us through our website: www.

state.sd.us/military/military/museum.htm 

or phone us at (605) 224-9991.

 The museum, in future additions of 

the Coyote, will feature articles pertaining 

to historical events, book reviews of publications available through the museum 

and museum updates.

 Book Review Spring 2005: FROM 

COLD WAR to GULF WAR, The South 

Dakota National Guard 1945 to the Millennium, Author is Steven J. Bucklin. 

This 300 page book provides the reader 

information relating to the South Dakota 

National Guard as it transformed from 

the end of World War II through 2003. 

Items of interest are the unit reorganizations, Berlin Crisis, Persian Gulf Activation, Desert Shield, and Units Alerted and 

Released from Active Duty in 2003. The 

book is available for sale at $26.50.

Your South Dakota 

National Guard Museum

By SDNG Public Affairs Office

PIERRE – The South Dakota Committee for 

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 

(ESGR) presented its prestigious 2005 Pro 

Patria Award to South Dakota State University. SDSU President Peggy Miller accepted 

the award during the Guard’s Legislative Dining Out ceremony February 10th in Pierre.

 The Latin phrase “Pro Patria” translates 

“For the country.” The award is given periodically to an individual, company or organization that has supported employees who 

are members of the Guard and Reserve. It 

symbolizes the patriotism shown by adopting personnel policies that enable employees 

to fulfill National Guard and Reserve training 

and deployment obligations, thus contributing to the success of our nation’s defense.

 Throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom, 

SDSU had 15 employees activated. All were 

assured they would have a home upon returning from duty. As employees of the State of 

South Dakota, Guardsmen and Reservists 

receive 15 days of military pay. Upon activation, SDSU made up the difference of 

military pay to civilian pay. Upon returning 

from activation, annual leave and sick leave 

are reinstated, and continue to accrue when 

the employee leaves to serve their country. 

 During the same period, SDSU had 213 

students called to active duty. SDSU’s leadership played a dramatic role in drafting policies for the Board of Regents during Desert 

Storm 1990, helping the mobilized students 

who were required to leave before completing the semester. 

 “The enthusiasm, patriotism, and support of South Dakota State University is outstanding,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Gorman, 

adjutant general.” The university and its 

leadership take great pride in the employees 

who serve in the Guard and Reserve, and go 

beyond what is required to support their mobilized employees. South Dakota State University is proud and committed to supporting 

its military members.”

 It was also noted that SDSU’s leaders 

are eager to hire military members since they 

know that military experience brings a strong 

work ethic and outstanding leadership skills 

to the university. Staff members with military 

backgrounds make excellent role models for 

students and other team members, and also 

have a positive impact on defining the university. The support that military members 

receive permeates throughout the university 

and can be observed at all levels of leadership.

 “Led by Dr. Peggy Gordon Miller, the 

leadership team at SDSU provides the values 

and leadership that recognizes and rewards 

their military members for the experience 

and skills they bring to the workforce,” said 

Gorman.

 South Dakota State University’s spirit 

of support goes far beyond paperwork and 

benefits. SDSU has shown tremendous support of our military for over 140 years by 

providing a home for Army ROTC. Former 

Professor of Military Science, Omar Bradley 

named SDSU the West Point of the Plains, for 

the quality and quantity of officer there. That 

name has stuck and continues to be respected 

for the caliber of officers produced in both 

the Army and Air Force ROTC programs. 

 Students required to withdraw from the 

SDSU before completing a semester could 

receive credit or refund privileges. Eligible 

students, who are required to report for military duty not earlier than four (4) calendar 

weeks prior to the date a semester ends. Or 

after completion of at least seventy-five per 

cent (75%) of the enrollment period in a 

non-standard semester course, students may 

be given full credit for all courses for which 

they have an average of “C” or better. 

 Eligible students who do not receive an 

incomplete or credit for the course in which 

they are enrolled shall be entitled to a full refund of tuition and academic fees. SDSU’s 

leadership team has always gone beyond the 

Board of Regents expectations when supporting mobilized students. 

 A recent memorandum reminded faculty, 

“that SDSU’s philosophy is to do everything 

possible to facilitate the student so that his 

or her academic standing and progression are 

not harmed by the call up.”

SDSU receives 

Pro Patria Award

Photo by SDNG Public Affairs Office

Governor Mike Rounds presents South Dakota State University President Peggy Miller with the Pro Patria Award.

Military Appreciation Weekend

July 8-10th, 2005 Sponsored by Game, Fish and Parks

• Free Entrance into all State Parks for you and your families during that weekend

• Free Fishing weekend for you and your families

• Many special events taking place in the state parks for you and your families.

Some of these parks include Adams HNP, Angastora, Big Sioux, Chief White Crane, Custer, Farm 

Island, Fort Sisseton, Hartford Beach, Indian Creek, Lake Herman, Lake Louise, Lake Poinsett, 

Lake Thompson, Lake Vermillion, Lewis and Clark, Mickelson Trail, Newton Hills, North Point 

or Randall Creek, Oahe Downstream, Oakwood Lakes, Palisades, Pelican Lake, Pickerel Lake, 

Pierson Ranch, Richmond Lake, Roy Lake, Shadehill, Snake Creek, Union Grove,

West Bend, West Whitlock

For those of you that wish to camp that weekend you can make your reservations 

starting on April 9th by calling 1-800-710-2267 or by going on-line at www.campsd.com. 

All camping fees are the responsibility of the campers. There will be further information 

for you in the near future. We will advertise all events and let you know in advance of 

things that will be happening across the state. We hope you will come to the state parks 

and enjoy a great weekend with your families and to make some new memories.