129th supports Hurricane Katrina relief efforts 

By Sgt. Mark Watson

129th MPAD

NAVAL AIR STATION BELLE 

CHASSE, La. – Only days before 

South Dakota Army National Guard 

Soldiers were to depart to Egypt for 

a three-week training exercise, their 

orders changed from a training exercise 

to a real-world mission. 

 The 129th Mobile Public Affairs 

Detachment, headquartered in Rapid 

City, changed the location of their 

annual training to southeast Louisiana 

to support the Hurricane Katrina 

rebuilding efforts.

 The 129th’s mission was to report 

on the nearly 16,000 National Guard 

Soldiers rescuing citizens in need of 

help and rebuilding New Orleans and 

its outlying areas.

 “Our mission was a dual purpose 

mission,” said Maj. Joe Jacobson, 

the unit’s commander. “Our primary 

mission was to tell the story of the 

National Guard Soldiers assisting in 

the relief efforts of Hurricane Katrina. 

Our secondary mission was to assist in 

documenting the relief efforts by the 

National Guard for the National Guard 

Bureau.”

 Although members of the 129th 

said they were looking forward to 

traveling outside the U.S. for their 

annual training, they said they were 

glad they were able to help their fellow 

countrymen.

 “I wanted to go to Egypt,” said 

Master Sgt. Calvin Crooks, the unit’s 

senior enlisted member. “But when 

I was told this was a humanitarian 

mission and that we would be helping 

our own, U.S. citizens, I was excited.”

The newest member of the unit, Pfc. 

Nichole Kueter agreed.

 “I joined to help my country and 

state in time of need,” Kueter said. 

“This is a time that they (the citizens 

of southeast Louisiana) need everyone 

they can get.”

 Kueter graduated from her 

advanced individual training only nine 

days before she left South Dakota for 

the deep South.

 “I wasn’t nervous about doing my 

job. I got good training at (my school),” 

she said. “What I was nervous about 

was seeing all this in the news, right 

there in your face. You hear about all 

the chaos, and I was nervous about 

being dropped right there in the middle 

of it.”

 The 129th arrived at Naval Air 

Station Belle Chasse on Sept. 14 and 

immediately setup operations.

 “We hit the ground running,” 

Jacobson said. “We produced stories 

the first day we were on the ground. 

Within 24-hours we were fully 

operational.”

 During their time in the disaster 

area, unit members reported on Soldiers 

who conducted search and rescue 

Photos by 1st Lt. Anthony Deiss (above) and Sgt. Mark Watson (left)

ABOVE: Pfc. Nicole Kueter (middle) and 

Sgt. Mark Watson of the 129th MPAD, 

interview Col. Mike Ross, commander 

of Task Force Louisiana, about ongoing 

relief operations in southern Louisiana 

after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 

LEFT: Sgt. Wes Nowitzki of the 129th 

MPAD, views the flooding caused by 

Hurricane Katrina, as he cover a search 

and rescue mission with Soldiers from 

the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

Volume 2, Issue 4 South Dakota Army National Guard Fall 2005

missions, medics, mechanics, Louisiana 

Guardsmen who lost their homes, yet 

are still helping their fellow statesmen 

and more.

 “I feel that the unit performed very 

well,” Jacobson said. “We came in 

under some very austere conditions. 

The high temperatures and humidity 

created some problems with equipment 

that we didn’t see coming.”

 A little more than halfway into 

their annual training another hurricane, 

Hurricane Rita, threatened to push the 

129th out of the disaster area as the 

storm had the possibility of hitting the 

New Orleans area, forcing the Soldiers 

to “hunker down.”

 “Hurricane Rita challenged us in 

ways we weren’t ready for,” Jacobson 

said. “It made us react and cover a new 

portion of the story, one that was almost 

the same scenario as pre-Katrina. We 

had to be flexible enough to plan for 

the new mission while continuing our 

current operation.”

 From the most experienced to the 

newest member, Jacobson said his 

Soldiers did an exceptional job.

 “I think this was a good test of 

the unit. It allowed the unit to practice 

deploying,” he said. “If the governor 

called tomorrow to tell us that we were 

going to deploy, we’d be ready.”

Photo by Spc. Joe Bungert

Sgt. 1st Class Kim Smith of the 129th MPAD, video tapes the devastation on Jackson 

Barracks, Headquarters for the Louisiana National Guard, in the wake of Hurricane 

Katrina.
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. Sarah Dickenson

Sgt. 1st Class Kim Smith

Sgt. Wes Nowitzki

Sgt. Mark Watson

Spc. Joe Bungert

Spc. Nick Fousek

Pfc. Nikki Kueter

Pvt. Bob Graner

SDNG PAO Staff

Maj. Orson Ward

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. 

 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

Army National Guard undergoes transformation

By 1st Lt. Anthony Deiss

129th MPAD

CAMP RAPID – There is no doubt 

that America has changed forever after 

September 11, 2001. Since then, the 

country has been engaged in a Global 

War on Terrorism. From Afghanistan 

to Iraq to right here in the United 

States; our Armed Forces have been 

conducting offensive operations abroad 

and implementing homeland defense 

measures at home, to help make 

America more safe and secure.

 As a part of the effort to sustain 

combat operations across the globe 

and to counter the threat of terrorism 

in America, the Army has been 

transforming to better respond and 

equip itself against this ever changing 

threat.

 Since the U.S. Army is 

transforming to meet these challenges 

of tomorrow, the National Guard is 

also transforming to meet those same 

challenges.

 “As the Army’s demands have 

changed for our local National Guard 

units, we must adapt to these future 

missions,” said Governor Michael 

Rounds in a news release. “The 

National Guard is an important asset in 

our country’s defense. These changes 

will give the Guard better flexibility to 

respond to any mission it is asked to 

do; whether it be local natural disasters, 

homeland security, or the global war on 

terror.”

 Throughout the next three years, 

the South Dakota Army National Guard 

will implement changes that will affect 

most Guard communities across the 

state, with the majority of these changes 

scheduled to take place in 2007 and 

2008.

 “The 

transformation 

within the 

SDARNG 

is part of the 

military’s overall 

shift to a modular, 

lighter and more 

capable force,” said 

Maj. Gen. Michael A. 

Gorman, the adjutant 

general for the 

South Dakota 

National 

Guard. 

“The 

Guard 

has moved from 

a strategic federal 

reserve to an 

operational 

force.”

 For the 

SDARNG 

it means new 

units will be 

activating, others units 

will be inactivating and some units 

will be reorganizing. Currently the 

South Dakota Army National Guard is 

authorized a strength of 3,400 Soldiers, 

and will continue to be authorized this 

number.

 “Many of our current units won’t 

have the same structure they do now,” 

said Gorman. “We are keeping the 

same number of Soldiers, and at the 

same time, our new units will allow us 

to provide better support to our local 

communities. Many of the traditional 

opportunities for Soldiers will 

remain the same.” 

 Gorman reassures 

Soldiers that they will 

not lose there jobs, 

rank or benefits. 

Service members from 

inactivating units will 

have to opportunity 

to transfer to a 

different unit 

with a 

similar mission using the skills they 

already know very well, or they may 

reclassify to an entirely different field. 

The new changes will also allow more 

opportunities for females to join more 

units.

 Some of the major changes to take 

place are the following:

• Military police officers will be in 

Sioux Falls, as well as in Custer 

and Rapid City. There will also be a 

public affairs presence in Sioux Falls, 

in addition to Rapid City.

• A new signal company in Aberdeen 

will provide communications to 

help in wartime and with homeland 

security.

• More engineers and related earthmoving and construction equipment 

in the eastern part of the state.

• Water purification specialists will 

be located in the more populated 

southeast part of South Dakota.

• More opportunities for female Guard 

members because fewer jobs will be 

combat related.

 The only community to lose a 

unit will be Elk Point. The 727th 

Transportation Company will move out 

of Elk Point and consolidate with the 

Brookings and Flandreau detachments. 

 “The main reason for the departure 

is related to the temporary facilities 

provided in Elk Point,” said Gorman. 

“The unit will consolidate in a location 

closer to higher headquarters for better 

administrative and logistical support.”

 The adjustments won’t come 

without pain, added Gorman.

 Units to be inactivated include the 

109th Engineer Group in Rapid City, 

the 109th Engineer Battalion in Sturgis, 

and the 147th Field Artillery Brigade 

and 1st Battalion of the 147th in Sioux 

Falls.

 “There are a few things here that 

are going to happen that most of us 

don’t like,” said Gorman. “As the 

Army changes, so must the National 

Guard. This is a major change for South 

Dakota. But our bottom line with this 

entire thing is our future potential for 

the people of South Dakota and this 

nation.”

By 1st Lt. Anthony Deiss

129th MPAD

South Dakota Army National Guard 

Soldiers who have engaged or been 

engaged by the enemy in battle are 

now eligible to receive the Army’s new 

Combat Action Badge.

 Eligibility requirements were 

established for the new award, as well 

as changes to the Combat Infantry 

Badge and Combat Medic 

Badge, in a letter published 

June 3 by the Department of the 

Army.

 This policy affects 

individuals who deploy and serve 

in a combat zone or imminent 

danger area since 18 Sept. 2001. 

The CAB may be awarded to 

any Soldier performing duties 

in an area where hostile fire 

pay or imminent danger pay is 

authorized. 

 The Soldiers must also be 

personally present and actively 

engaging or being engaged by the 

enemy, and performing satisfactorily in 

accordance with the prescribed rules of 

engagement, according to the specific 

eligibility requirements.

 A Soldier’s branch or military 

occupational specialty does not 

limit their eligibility for the award. 

Assignment to a combat arms unit 

or a unit organized to conduct close 

or offensive combat operations, 

or performing offensive combat 

operations is not required to qualify for 

the CAB; however a Soldier must not 

be assigned or attached to a unit that 

would qualify the Soldier for the CIB 

or CMB.

 “Many Soldiers in different units 

up until now have not qualified for any 

type of badge,” said State Command 

Sgt. Maj. Michael Birnbaum. “The 

Army’s new Combat Action Badge will 

recognize many South Dakota Soldiers 

that have seen combat.”

 For the purpose of awarding the 

CAB, attacks by mortars, rockets, 

rocket-propelled grenades, improvised 

explosive devices and suicide bombers, 

or other projectiles qualify for the CAB.

 Since 18 Sept. 2001, more than 

1,900 SDARNG Soldiers have 

deployed to a combat zone or imminent 

danger area. Unit commanders 

received instructions for 

processing Soldiers for the award 

in July.

 The CAB was developed and 

approved by Army Chief of Staff 

Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker on May 

2, to provide special recognition 

to Soldiers who personally engage 

or are engaged by the enemy.

 “Warfare is still a human 

endeavor,” said Schoomaker. 

“Our intent is to recognize Soldiers 

who demonstrate and live the Warrior 

Ethos.”

 The CAB which depicts both 

a bayonet and grenade should be 

available this fall through unit supply 

or military clothing sales stores.

Guard Soldiers eligible to receive new award

Combat Action Badge

Page 2 Fall 2005
By Sgt. 1st Class Kim Smith

129th MPAD

In 1995, following concerns from National Guard Bureau (NGB) about rising 

costs associated with 50 states and territories conducting Officer Candidate 

School (OCS) programs, and a desire to standardize those OCS programs, NGB 

regionalized OCS in to seven regions.

 South Dakota was assigned to Region G along with North Dakota, Montana, 

Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Oregon, 

Washington, Alaska, and Guam.

 Each region was assigned a mission to conduct a consolidated OCS Phase I 

during the summer. That initial phase would then be followed by a traditional OCS 

Phase II, where states would conduct OCS in their home states on drill weekends. 

 After completing the first two phases, states would send their Officer 

Candidates (OCs) to Fort Lewis, Wash., for the third and final phase of the 

program.

 North Dakota was the first state to host a Region G consolidated OCS. It was 

held in 1995 at Camp Grafton near Devils Lake, N.D. The following year it was 

moved to San Luis Obispo, Calif., then held at Fort Carson, Colo. in 1997.

 Region G consolidated OCS was assigned to South Dakota in 1998 and has 

been held at the 196th Regional Training Institute at Fort Meade since.

 According to Capt. Corey Norris, training officer at the 196th RTI, all states 

in the region assist in the planning, resourcing, and execution of OCS phases 

for Region G. He says the South Dakota OCS program has developed a positive 

reputation among other states, with many of the nation’s other regions looking to 

the 196th RTI for advice or ideas for conducting OCS programs.

 He says the Fort Meade program has attracted students from every state in the 

nation.

 The 196th RTI’s leadership includes Col. Steven Harding, commander; 

Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Powers; Lt. Col. James Ross, OCS TASS battalion 

commander; Lt. Col. Timothy Moran, GS battalion commander.

196th Regional Training Institute 

Where leaders are made

By Sgt. 1st Class Kim Smith

129th MPAD

FORT MEADE – The South Dakota Army National Guard’s 147th Field Artillery 

Brigade gained three new officers following Officer Candidate School (OCS) 

graduation ceremonies Aug. 20 at the 196th Regional Training Institute (RTI) at 

Fort Meade.

 Senior Officer Candidates Kevin Burkman, Brian Webb, and David Larson, all 

assigned to the 147th Field Artillery Brigade or one of the brigade’s subordinate 

units, completed the three phases necessary for graduation from the traditional 

OCS program.

 Four Basic Officer Candidates from the South Dakota Army National Guard 

started their initial phase of a 14-month OCS program in June. They are Cathrine 

White and Samuel Kenton of the 147th Field Artillery Brigade, Sarah Wetzler of 

the 109th Engineer Battalion, and Duston Mullen of 88th Troop Command.

 The three phases of traditional OCS include an initial phase at the 196th RTI, 

a second phase that involves attending monthly drills at Fort Meade for one year, 

and Phase III at Fort Lewis, Wash. After successfully completing all three phases, 

an officer candidate is eligible for commissioning as a second lieutenant.

 The OCS program also offers a 56-day fast track program for officer 

candidates to more quickly be eligible for commissioning as a second lieutenant.

 As a regional host for the OCS program, the 196th RTI hosts officer 

candidates from 13 western states, including South Dakota, North Dakota, 

Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Oregon, 

Washington, and Alaska, and one U.S. Territory, Guam.

 As officer candidates go through the OCS program, Soldiers receive both 

classroom instruction and hands-on field training. The mix equips Soldiers with 

the skills necessary for appointment as second lieutenants.

 The training can be challenging. Practical exams include both day and night 

land navigation.

 It can also be rigorous, such as when candidates complete a 5 or 12-mile road 

march.

 According to Capt. Corey Norris, training officer for the 196th RTI, 

consolidating states for regional training allows states to pool their resources and 

instructors, and that results in better overall training.

 The 48-person staff at the 196th RTI includes members from each of the states 

and territory within the region.

 And if success is measured by the ability of graduating officer candidates 

to lead in battle, Norris says many of those who trained at Fort Meade in recent 

years either have served or soon will be serving as second lieutenants in Iraq and 

Afghanistan.

OCS program graduates three, 

starts training four more

Photos courtesy 196th RTI

ABOVE: Two Officer Candidates radio in a situation report during a field exercise 

as part of the evaluation and training received at the 196th RTI. BELOW: An Officer 

Candidate is questioned by three TAC Officers during a training event located at the 

196th RTI.

Photos courtesy 196th RTI

ABOVE: An Officer Candidates (right) receives a mission from an evaluator at part 

of a field training exercise at the 196th RTI. BELOW: An Officer Candidate is pulling 

security for his team during a training event at the 196th RTI.

Page 3 Fall 2005
By Pfc. Nicole Kueter

129th MPAD

NAVAL AIR STATION BELLE 

CHASSE, La. – Television images of 

damage from Hurricane Katrina and 

Rita seem endless. Video of helicopters 

carrying giant sandbags and dropping 

them into breached levees - all in an 

effort to stop the water from rushing 

into the homes and businesses on the 

other side. 

 Thirty-two members of Task 

Force Coyote’s service and support 

section spent the last week aiding 

in that mission. The South Dakota 

National Guard volunteers worked in 

two shifts throughout the night, using 

backhoes and skid loaders to fill 3,000 

pound bags, averaging nearly 400 bags 

per night. Most say they don’t mind 

working through the night. 

 “I’m excited to just make a 

difference for somebody, even if I don’t 

get to see it,” said Spc. Lee Lohff, of 

Yankton. “I’m just glad to be doing 

something that helps out.” 

 Platoon leader 1st Lt. Evert Olesen, 

of Sioux Falls, says he’s proud of how 

well his Soldiers have done on the 

mission.

 “It gets the troops out here, and 

gives them some experience, and 

it gives them the opportunity to be 

involved in the relief effort,” Olesen 

said. 

 Although they are unsure of how 

long the mission will continue, Olesen 

said his section would be there until it’s 

over.

Operation Sand Castle: Rebuilding the levees 

Photo by Sgt. Wes Nowitzki

A Chinook helicopter attaches to two, 3,000 pound sandbags and prepares to air lift 

them to a levee breach. One of the pilots is a former South Dakota National Guard 

Soldier, Capt. Jody Wilkerson, who once served with the 109th Engineer Group. SDNG WALLEYE 

TOURNEY RESULTS

By Rodger Anderson

SDNG Public Affairs Office

PIERRE – “GO DEEP!” That’s the best 

advice the winning team could give out 

to others gathered at the final weighin of the 25th Annual South Dakota 

National Guard Walleye Tournament 

held Aug. 13-14 in Pierre. 

 Scott Hansen, of Harrisburg, 

and Todd Schurenbrand, of Mitchell, 

captured first place in the two-day 

event, catching 12 fish for a total 

weight of 23.44 pounds. For their 

efforts, the top finishers were awarded 

trophies and a check for a $1,000. 

Here is a wrap-up of top finishers:

1. Scott Hansen & 23.44 lbs

 Todd Schurenbrand 

2. Kevin Pudwill & 22.30 lbs

 Doug Pudwill 

3. Charles Marsh & 20.54 lbs

 Don Massa 

4. Scott Pollreisz & 20.30 lbs

 Bob Pollreisz 

5. Don Berger & 19.28 lbs

 Mike Richards 

6. Gary Kafka & 18.84 lbs

 Gordon Kotab 

7. Eric Jennings & 18.60 lbs

 Bob Jennings 

8. Bob Stahl & 18.36 lbs

 Jason Stahl 

9. Lowell Somsen & 17.98 lbs

 Ken Klein

10. John Robinson & 17.28 lbs

 Susie Robinson 

Largest Walleye (Sat.)

Don Massa 6.14 lbs

Largest Walleye (Sun.)

Jason Swartz 4.78 lbs

Largest Northern

Charles Marsh 8.60 lbs

25th Norris and Norris

got their entry fee back 9.74 lbs

AG GOLF TOURNEY 

RESULTS

By Sgt. 1st Class Kim Smith

129th MPAD

RAPID CITY – Two brothers joined 

forces to win the 2005 Adjutant 

General’s Golf Tournament played 

Aug. 13 and 14 at two golf courses 

near Rapid City.

Joe and Charlie Jacobson easily 

outdistanced the field of 63 two-person 

teams with a 9 under par 63 at the Hart 

Ranch Golf Course on Aug. 14. That 

round came a day after shooting an 

11 under par 61 during the qualifying 

round on Aug. 13 at the Rapid City 

Elks Golf Course.

The two-day tournament was 

played in a two-person scramble 

format.

Top finishers in each flight were:

Championship Flight

1. 63 – Joe & Charlie Jacobson

2. 69 – Merle Frederickson & 

 Ryan Bohy

3. 70 – Brad & Bill Limbo

First Flight

1. 68 – Don Ludens & Larry Dafoe

2. 69 – Larry Riddle & Randy Kurtz

3. 69 – Tim Cheever & Bob Morcom

Second Flight

1. 71 – Jim Didier & Tim Haggerty

2. 74 – Mark Burd & Doug Hebert

3. 75 – Bill Freidel & Chuck Mimack

Third Flight

1. 78 – Don Zwart & Kevin Kruelen

2. 78 – Adam Punt & Kevin Miller

3. 81 – Josh Schaeffer & Rob Powles

Fourth Flight

1. 79 – Ray Herron & James Forbes

2. 81 – Barry Whitney & Dan Wilson

3. 86 – Darold McElroy & Jerry Duba

Page 4 Fall 2005

Photo by 1st. Lt. Michael Fields

Pfc. Justin Schwartz of the 2nd Battalion, 147th Field Artillery of Watertown, fills a 

Palletizing Load System truck in preparation for daily missions. 

By 1st Lt. Michael Fields

Task Force Coyote

NAVAL AIR STATION BELLE 

CHASSE, La. – In just 10 days, 

South Dakota’s Task Force Coyote 

has already started making an impact 

in the hurricane relief efforts in the 

New Orleans area.

 Establishing its operations at 

Naval Air Station Belle, the 213 

Soldiers and Airmen from South 

Dakota’s Army and Air National 

Guard are conducting on-going 

missions that include hauling 

garbage, providing sick call for the 

civilians and military, and filling 

3,000 pound sand bags for levee 

breaches. 

 They remain busy cleaning local 

schools, providing law enforcement 

at the local naval exchange, and 

reacting to accomplish numerous 

other missions.

 “I have a greater appreciation 

for what I have back home,” said 

Sgt. Lisa Bamas, of Mitchell, who 

volunteered along with her husband 

Shawn.

 The troops are living in “Tent 

City” on the base where housing, 

showers and dining facilities are 

provided. The base provides mail 

service, laundry, fitness center, 

recreation center, internet and phone 

stations, and chapel services.

 Supplies, equipment and trucks 

Task Force Coyote impacting relief efforts

are located on an open, airstrip 

where members provide maintenance 

support for the task force. 

 Troop morale remains high and 

all feel good about lending a helping 

hand. Most Guard volunteers have 

taken leave from their civilian jobs 

and families to help the people 

of Louisiana. Many have served 

overseas supporting Operation Iraqi 

Freedom and now have volunteered 

to get as much work completed 

during the 30-day deployment to 

New Orleans.
Page 5 Fall 2005

National Guard/Reserve assist in civilian capacity

By Sgt. 1st Class Kim Smith

129th MPAD

BELLE CHASSE, La. – Three citizen 

Soldiers were among the first group of 

five sent from the Minnehaha County 

Sheriff’s Office to assist with hurricane 

relief efforts in Louisiana.

 The team arrived in Jefferson 

Parish, a suburb of New Orleans, 

shortly after Hurricane Katrina 

devastated southeastern Louisiana. 

They stayed until a week after 

Hurricane Rita brought follow-up 

destruction to an area still fragile from 

Katrina.

 The citizen Soldiers included 

Jim Hoekman, a patrol division 

commander with the Minnehaha 

County Sheriff’s Office and Guard 

TAC Officer/Instructor at the 196th 

Regional Training Institute at Fort 

Meade near Sturgis; Corey Stanley, a 

sheriff’s deputy and truck driver with 

the 740th Transportation Company out 

of Milbank; and Scott Voeltz, a sheriff’s 

deputy and canine handler who also 

serves with the U.S. Army Reserve’s 

2nd Battalion, 361st Regiment of the 

91st Division out of Sioux Falls.

 “The reason I came down here is 

I would hope that if something serious 

happened in South Dakota, that other 

agencies would come help us,” said 

Hoekman.

 “There’s no doubt in my mind 

that if something happened in South 

Dakota, and these guys were able to, 

that every one of them would volunteer 

to come and help out,” echoed Voeltz.

 “Whenever tragedy or crisis 

happens in the United States,” said 

Stanley, “it’s neat to see how people 

help out and respond. It’s been real 

rewarding to be a part of that and see 

how people help.”

 The three are part of a group 

assisting law enforcement officials in 

the Jefferson Parish southeast of New 

Orleans. They provide security and 

law and order in an area where many 

residents lost virtually everything when 

Hurricane Katrina spun through the 

area in late August. Much of what was 

not destroyed by the strong winds was 

later flooded when levees in the area 

could no longer hold back the rising 

waters.

 Hoekman and Stanley also 

deployed to Iraq with the 740th 

Transportation Company in 2003.

 “You always had to be aware of 

your surroundings,” Stanley said of the 

deployment to Iraq, “and the same is 

true for down here.”

 The citizen Soldiers say they’ve 

come across numerous residents 

carrying weapons. Some carry them for 

their personal protection, while others 

carry them for less noble reasons.

 “We’ve found quite a few 

weapons,” said Stanley. “People feel 

they need to protect themselves, but 

at the same time we don’t know what 

they’re up to, so it brings a challenge 

sometimes.”

 “Here you’re finding guys with 

multiple handguns in their car, semiautomatic pistols, and stuff like that,” 

said Hoekman. “It’s not the same 

weaponry you find in South Dakota.”

 Through all the challenges, 

however, all three indicate that they 

would volunteer again for such an 

assignment.

 “You come down here and you 

actually see the appreciation from these 

guys,” Hoekman said. “I’ve got the 

utmost respect for these people.”

 “The most rewarding thing is that a 

lot of these guys are thanking us,” said 

Stanley. “You see a lot of these guys 

who have lost everything they had. I 

think it’s a pretty minor sacrifice for us 

to come down and help these guys out 

for a few weeks.”

By Maj. Orson Ward

SDNG Public Affairs Office

FORT DIX, N.J. – After nearly three 

months of training, the 151 National 

Guard Soldiers of Yankton’s Battery C 

departed from McGuire Air Force Base 

on Oct.7 for duty in the Middle East.

 “You look fantastic and we are all 

so very proud of you and what you’ve 

already accomplished,” Brig. Gen. Ray 

Carpenter told of the unit members as 

they gathered prior to departure.

 “Stay safe and take care of each 

other,” said Carpenter, assistant adjutant 

general for the state’s Army Guard. 

“You have a tough mission, but you are 

ready, and you have tremendous leaders 

that will take care of you.”

 The unit has been training since 

July at Fort Dix, N.J., learning the 

skills necessary to conduct the security 

force mission it will face for the next 

year while supporting Operation Iraqi 

Freedom.

Although the focus of Charlie 

Battery’s mission is new, many of the 

skills the Soldiers already perform as 

artillerymen has made the transition to 

a security force smoother.

 “I think we have transitioned 

well. It’s a different focus rather than 

a different mission,” said Battery 

Commander Capt. Phillip Stiles. “Skills 

such as securing a perimeter, defending 

a convoy and running an operations 

center we already have trained on as 

artillerymen.”

 Traditionally trained on the 

Multiple Launch Rocket System, the 

unit used the time at Fort Dix to be 

proficient in a variety of realistic tasks 

that involve security force operations.

 These operations include 

everything from convoy and route 

security, live-fire convoy lanes 

exercises, traffic check point operations, 

guarding detainees, unexploded 

ordinance and improvised explosive 

device recognition and reacting to 

enemy contact battle drills. 

 “We’ve learned a lot while we’ve 

been here and we practiced a lot on 

what we’ve learned,” said Stiles. “The 

realism of the training, to include 

civilians who speak Arabic, gives our 

Soldiers a sense of what to expect and 

how to handle situations. We still have 

a lot to learn over there, but the basics 

we’ve received here are important.” 

“The training has been really 

good, but I’m sure we’ll learn more 

when we hit the ground,” said 1st Sgt. 

George Arends. “I feel we’re as ready 

as we can be. These guys are real hard 

chargers.”

 Though, the unit may have many 

challenges to overcome as it faces the 

many uncertainties that lie ahead - the 

unit leadership has full confidence in its 

Soldiers.

 “These Soldiers are the best,” said 

Arends. “This is the A-Team. You 

couldn’t go with a better group of 

Soldiers.” 

 “I’ve been in the military for 19 

years and I’ve been in different Guard 

units within different states,” added 

Stiles “These guys are the best Soldiers 

I have ever served with.”

“I’m new to the National Guard but 

I can tell it’s a close-knit bunch and I’m 

glad I made the call to sign up,” said 

Staff Sgt. Brooks Schild. 

 That confidence radiated from each 

of the Soldier’s faces. All received the 

Adjutant General’s Coin of Excellence 

and a firm handshake from Carpenter 

and members of the unit’s entire state 

chain of command. 

 The state leadership also confirmed 

that although the unit had an Active 

Duty chain of command, the South 

Dakota National Guard is always 

there to help and support during the 

deployment.

 “Anything you need, you call,” 

said Carpenter. “We will take care of 

your families while your gone, and be 

here waiting for you when you return.”

 The South Dakota Army National 

Guard now has 173 Soldiers serving 

in Iraq and 213 serving in Louisiana 

conducting Operation Coyote Aid, 

hurricane relief. Other units serving in 

Iraq include Detachment 3, Company 

F, 238th Aviation and Detachment 3, 

Company A, 249th Aviation, as well as 

two doctors. 

Charlie Battery, 1st Bn, 147th deploys to Iraq

Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Don Matthews (above) and Maj. Orson Ward (below)

ABOVE: Brig. Gen. Raymond W. Carpenter, assistant adjutant general, South Dakota 

Army National Guard, gives some last minute advice to members of Battery C, 1st 

Battalion, 147th Field Artillery, prior to their departure in support of Operation Iraqi 

Freedom. BELOW: Soldiers from Charlie Battery begin loading bags onto a trailer as 

they prepare to depart for the Middle East from Fort Dix, N.J.
By 1st Lt. Anthony Deiss

129th MPAD

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – 

Soldiers from South Dakota Army 

National Guard’s 665th Maintenance 

Company of Mitchell, and Detachment 

1, 665th from Rapid City, traveled 

to Germany this year for an overseas 

deployment tour (ODT). 

 The 665th provided general support 

maintenance for General Support 

Center Europe (GSC-E). GSC-E 

provides supply, maintenance and 

distribution services to U.S. Army units 

in the European Command area of 

responsibility 

 Members from both units 

participated in one of two rotations. 

The first rotation, which consisted of 75 

personnel, was on tour from April 16 

to May 7, and the second rotation, 59 

personnel, was on tour from August 6 

to 27.

 The overseas training event 

provided the Soldiers with an 

opportunity to not only improve upon 

their skills as mechanics, but also better 

prepare them for a real-life deployment.

 “There are many aspects to an 

overseas deployment tour which 

enhances a Soldiers readiness,” said 

1st Lt. Lona Wiens, the maintenance 

control officer. “Soldiers are more 

prepared for the (mobilization process). 

 They are more aware of security 

requirements and procedures while in 

country. Soldiers get hands-on-training 

with different types of equipment 

they are not used to working on and 

they work along side local nationals 

to overcome language and cultural 

barriers.”

 Unit members provided support 

at one of four maintenance activity 

facilities in and around the city of 

Kaiserslautern. The majority of 

unit personnel provided support at 

Maintenance Activity Kaiserslautern 

where they did everything from tearing 

down and rebuilding 6.2 and 6.5 liter 

diesel engines, providing allied trades 

and welding, as well as receiving, 

issuing and storage of bench stock 

parts, Wiens said.

 At Maintenance Activity 

Pirmasens, unit members mainly 

refurbished generators, air conditioning 

units and air compressors, with 

additional personnel providing 

administrative and dining facility 

support. 

 Mechanics at Rhein Ordnance 

Barracks provided component rebuilds 

of 8V92 engines for vehicles such as 

Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical 

Trucks and Palletized Loading System 

Tactical Trucks, while Soldiers 

stationed at Maintenance Activity 

Mannheim refurbished a 7.5 ton forklift 

and managed theater supply receiving 

and distributing.

 Soldiers from the 665th also 

worked along side German civilian 

workers which quickly developed into 

a friendly and productive working 

relationship.

 “The German civilians welcomed 

us with open arms making our training 

here much more beneficial,” said 

ODT increases readiness for 665 Soldiers

Photo courtesy 665th Maint.Co.

S�

Ordnance Barracks, Germany.

Sgt. Shawn Siemonsma, a supply and 

administration non-commissioned 

officer. “Working with the local 

nationals and preparing our military 

equipment to return ‘down range’ 

shows our Soldiers that we are not 

alone in this international cause for 

peace and freedom. They get a chance 

to see first hand that we can and do 

work hand-in-hand with other countries 

and their people.” 

 Among the training, unit members 

were able to enjoy some of the history 

and culture Germany had to offer. 

Some of the company departed for an 

overnight getaway to Munchen, which 

included a tour of the Neuschwanstein 

Castle and a tour of Dachau 

Concentration Camp. Other Soldiers 

went on a tour of the Rhein River 

while others went to the ancient city of 

Rottenburg. 

 “Germany is a beautiful country. 

The people are very friendly and 

welcome Americans with open arms,” 

said Siemonsma. “Germany has a lot 

of history, and to have the ability to 

visit these sites, for most people, is 

an opportunity of a lifetime. In some 

cases it is quite sobering when you 

think about all that has happened here 

throughout history.”

 665th members also had the 

opportunity to meet and greet town 

officials in Kaiserslautern Wiens 

said. Town officials welcomed the 

unit and offered information on their 

services and everything the town and 

surrounding communities could provide 

to make their stay more enjoyable. 

Some of the Soldiers returned the 

sentiment and supported the town 

by volunteering with the community 

in their Special Olympics, for which 

thousands of kids participated.

 Although the unit’s time in 

Germany was short, and with overseas 

training tours available normally 

once every four years, the training 

event provided some Soldiers with 

an opportunity and experience they 

will never forget. And for some, it’s 

a motivating factor that keeps them 

serving in the Guard. 

 “It was a great training opportunity 

as wells as an excellent opportunity 

to see some history and culture,” 

said Wiens. “You never forget these 

moments, because you get to experience 

something in your life most people 

don’t get a chance to.”

 “Overseas annual training events 

are definitely good for retention 

in the Guard. It gives Soldiers the 

opportunity to travel outside the states 

and experience other cultures,” said 

Siemonsma. “Most people never get an 

opportunity to travel outside the U.S. In 

my 12 years in the Guard I have been 

to the Netherlands once and now to 

Germany, and I look forward to my next 

ODT, wherever that may be.”

Photo courtesy 665th Maint.Co.

Pfc. Andy Crawford (left) and Sgt. Terry Wesseling recharge an air-conditioning unit 

at Maintenance Activity Pirmasens, Germany.

Page 6 Fall 2005
These are historic times for the South Dakota Army National Guard. 

Unlike any other time in history, the Guard has been called upon 

time and time again. We are at the forefront of our nations call to 

respond to terrorism around the world. We are among the first called 

to respond to domestic crisis and natural disasters here at home. You 

are America’s best. The sacrifices you and your families make are 

great and much appreciated.

 Many new changes will be coming for the Guard. From force 

structure transformation to new uniforms, there will be exciting 

new developments and a few growing pains to get us through this 

transition period over the next few years. The Guard has relied upon 

its Soldiers to make it the great organization it is today, and will look 

to you to continue to make it a great organization in the future.

 To the Soldiers who have deployed and are deployed to 

Afghanistan and Iraq; you have answered your country’s call to serve 

and protect it against foreign enemies. You’ve brought the fight to 

them, to help keep America safe and secure. Ensuring the American 

people that you are there for them, whenever, wherever.

 To the Soldiers who have deployed to southwest Louisiana in 

support of Hurricane Katrina relief operations; you too have answered 

your nations call to serve and protect it against domestic enemies and 

natural disasters; supporting your neighbors and offering your hand of 

help to our national brothers and sisters.

 Your role as an American Soldier spans across states and across 

nations. Your nation calls upon you, looks upon you to help carry this 

country through some of its darkest times. Many of you volunteer 

and leave your families, friend and jobs at a 

moments notice. You leave the comfort of your 

homes and lives so others can enjoy theirs.

 I thank you for your service, your 

sacrifice, and your commitment to this great 

organization.

Michael L. Birnbaum

CSM, SDARNG

State Command Sergeant Major

Change is not easy for anyone, but as the Army changes so must the National Guard. The recently announced force structure 

changes will allow the South Dakota Army National Guard to better 

support the war fight, respond to domestic crises, provide the state 

with a balanced capability to support homeland defense, and provide 

more stability and predictability to our Soldiers, their families and 

employers. 

This change also allows us to maintain our current end strength 

of 3,400 Soldiers and provide more opportunities for women to serve. 

The majority of these changes take effect in fiscal year 2008.

Our staff started working the “command plan”, the force structure 

changes received from National Guard Bureau, almost one year ago. 

We were able to negotiate some force structure changes and others 

we were directed to retain. We held a meeting with all of the state 

staff, major commands and battalion commands leadership. It was 

very important that they were part of the process in selecting the best 

locations for the future force. 

It was imperative that we remain in all but one of our 

communities. Our smaller communities provide the majority of our 

recruits at this time. We still need to keep working on getting more 

recruits from our larger communities if we are going to be successful. 

We regret that we have to leave Elk Point but there was no other 

option because of the facility in Elk Point. 

My promise to you is that no one will lose their job, rank, bonus 

or other incentives, but if you want to stay in your current branch, 

you may have to drive to a different location. Job fairs will be held to 

provide all Soldiers with as much information possible on the new 

force structure so you can make a sound decision on your career. 

This is a difficult process but I can assure you, my staff and I will 

do everything possible to aid you during this 

transition period. 

The SDARNG is a great organization 

because of Soldiers like you. Your service and 

sacrifice has made the Guard what it is today, 

and I have no doubt you will continue to make 

this organization as great tomorrow. 

Michael A. Gorman

MG, SDARNG

Adjutant General

COMMANDERS COMMENTS

The Adjutant General

State Command Sergeant Major

Officer Symposium 

generates awareness

By Sgt. 1st Class Kim Smith

129th MPAD

PIERRE – The South Dakota 

National Guard is looking for 

a few good Soldiers to take on 

the challenge of being leaders in 

tomorrow’s military.

To that end, more than 70 

enlisted Soldiers attended a one-day 

Officer/Warrant Officer Symposium 

on Aug. 20 in Pierre. Those 

attending heard about different 

options available for moving from 

the enlisted ranks to commissioned 

officer or warrant officer. Options 

include Officer Candidate School 

(OCS), Reserve Officer Training 

Corps (ROTC), Army Medical 

Department (AMEDD), and Warrant 

Officer Candidate (WOC) School.

“There is an overall lack of 

awareness of the options and general 

‘how to’ become an officer,” said 

Capt. Cynthia Porter, an officer 

recruiter with the National Guard 

who also serves as a ROTC 

recruiting operations officer at 

South Dakota School of Mines and 

Technology and Black Hills State 

University.

Porter said the Officer/Warrant 

Officer Symposium was brought 

back this year after not being held 

for several years. Potential officer 

candidates to attend the symposium 

were pared down from an overall 

list of the state’s enlisted Soldiers 

based on eligibility ages and college 

attendance.

“Officers are necessary and 

needed,” said Porter “You can make 

a huge difference if you lead from 

the front.”

Porter said the routes for 

becoming an officer that were 

discussed during the symposium 

“require effort and work and 

perseverance.” But, she said, there 

is support available for those who 

want make it through.

Speakers for the conference 

included Porter; Maj. Charles 

Blasdell, state education officer; Sgt. 

1st Class Mickey Higgins, AMEDD 

strength manager; Chief Warrant 

Officers Paul Wilson and Darla 

Crown; and Capt. Corey Norris, 

training officer at the Regional 

Training Institute at Fort Meade.

Photo courtesy 881st Troop Command

The South Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers (left to right) Sgt. Robert Stickney, 

Spc. Nick Kruse, Staff Sgt. Jeff Nord and Staff Sgt. Robert Shulte, provided this 

years color guard at the Oahe Prep Bowl on Sept. 3. The doubleheader football 

event held each year in Pierre is hosted by the Pierre and Stanley County High 

Schools. This year Stanley County defeated Winner 13-6 and Pierre defeated Huron 

27-6. The Guard also supported the event with recruiting tents and exhibits.

Prep Bowl Color Guard

CURRENT SOUTH DAKOTA 

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYMENTS

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

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

C Btry., 1st Bn., 147th FA

Page 7 Fall 2005
Volume 2, Issue 4 South Dakota Army National Guard Fall 2005

IN THIS ISSUE

• 129th supports Hurricane 

Katrina relief operations

• Task Force Coyote 

impacting relief efforts in 

Louisiana

• Army National Guard 

undergoes transformation 

• Charlie Battery, 147th Field 

Artillery heads for the 

Middle East

• OCS Program graduates 

three, starts training four 

more

• 196th RTI - Where leaders 

are made

• ODT increases readiness 

for 665th Soldiers

• Officer Symposium 

generates awareness

KATRINA RECOVERY

The South Dakota National Guard supports 

relief operations in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Soldiers from the South Dakota Army and Air and National Guard responded to the devastated city of New Orleans and surrounding 

areas within southwest Louisiana to assist in recovery and relief operations.

SOUTH DAKOTA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

2823 WEST MAIN STREET

RAPID CITY, SD 57702

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