Ripley Reporter Page 2

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1 The Ripley Reporter Vol. 11, Issue 2 MNNG at Regional Biathlon Pg. 2 59th MN State Patrol Academy Pg. 3 Public Safety Pg. 4 SSG Becker & The Beargrease Pg. 5-6 MWR on Camp Ripley Pg. 6 State Bonding Tour Visit Pg. 7 Wreaths for the Fallen Pg. 8 Sentinel Landscape Open House Pg. 9 Camp Ripley in the Community Pg.10 Protocol Training for MNNG Pg. 11 Safety Pg. 12 In This Issue Minnesota National Guard Biathlon

2 Ripley Reporter Page 2 Minnesota National Guard Biathlon Compete in Regionals By: Sgt. Avery Cunningham Vermont National Guard Public Affairs JERICHO, Vt., - National Guardsmen from 24 states competed in their respective Regional Biathlon Competitions at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vermont at the end of January Biathlon consists of target shooting and ski racing. Competitors, ranging from novice to master, are divided into west, central, and east regions. "Usually we have regionals at different locations, but this year they didn't have any snow in Minnesota, so they decided to consolidate the entire country," said U.S. Army Col. Robert Gingras, the chief of competition for the event. "They're all racing today rather than racing separate regionals." The regionals consisted of two sprint races each for the men and women's categories. The men complete three laps adding up to ten kilometers, shooting five shots while prone after the first lap, five shots while standing after the second lap, then finishing on the third lap. The woman's is the same but the distance is only 7.5 kilometers. "It's pretty aerobically challenging," said Spc. Joshua McDougal, a Vermont National Guard Biathlon Team member and infantryman assigned to Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain). "I come from cross country running and track and field background, so I know what aerobics are about, but it uses a different muscle group for sure. So that was the biggest challenge for me." The challenge gives current National Guardsmen an opportunity to develop as athletes and to improve in biathlon, while also inviting biathletes to join the guard. "Our number one mission is to develop athletes that have enough potential to make the next level within the U.S. Biathlon Association," said Staff Sgt. Sarah Lehto, head coach for the National Guard Biathlon Program. "Our goal is to develop them to the level where they can compete internationally and be absorbed by the USBA to be a member of their national team." The training and competing gives goals for the guardsmen that also allows them to develop in other areas crucial for Soldiers. "Coming out here giving yourself something to shoot for definitely gives you an edge in discipline and fitness," said McDougal. "Alpha Company being a mountain unit there is definitely a lot of carryovers to what we do on a normal drill weekend."

3 Ripley Reporter Page 3 Service Members Are Encouraged to Utilize the Battle Buddy System On and Off Post! Minnesota State Patrol Kick-off 2018 Academy By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs Additionally, each candidate learns and develops healthy lifestyle techniques, maintaining physical fitness and wellness to exemplify the disciplines of a Minnesota State Trooper. "We focus on five core values: Respect, Integrity, Courage, Honor and Excellence with every element and activity of the academy," according to the senior instructor. "These values are the foundation for their progression through the academy as well as through their career." CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - The 2018 State Patrol Academy is underway and getting settled in is the name of the game for the 34 cadets the first week of January Cadets arrived at Camp Ripley, their home for the next 18 weeks, where they will learn about health and wellness, the State Patrol s history, ethics, and leadership. The Minnesota State Patrol Academy held at the Camp Ripley Training Facility near Little Falls, combines various elements of classroom education and practical, hands-on experience as the candidates learn the duties of a trooper.

4 Ripley Reporter Page 4 Call To Report Suspicious Activity Public safety is everyone s responsibility. If you see suspicious activity, report it to local law enforcement or a person of authority. Describe specifically what you observed, including: Who or what you saw; When you saw it; Where it occurred; and Why it s suspicious. Contact Information Eric Rolstad Program Support Specialist Highway 115 Little Falls MN eric.t.rolstad.ctr@mail.mil ESGR informs and educates service members and their civilian employers regarding their rights and responsibilities governed by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). ESGR does not have statutory authority to enforce, but serves as a neutral, free resource to employers and service members. ST. PAUL, Minn. Surrounded by the presidents of the 37 colleges and universities of Minnesota State, Interim Chancellor Devinder Malhotra signed a Statement of Support under the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program. The statement commits Minnesota State to support the military service of employees in the Guard or Reserves.

5 Ripley Reporter Page 5 National Guard Soldier uses Skills as Sleddog Musher Photos & Article By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs TWO HARBORS, Minn. Mid-distance mushers of the John Beargrease Sled Dog race kicked off the first leg of the 120-mile marathon north of Two Harbors, Minnesota January 28, Staff Sgt. Erin Becker of the Minnesota National Guard s 134th Brigade Support Battalion, was forth out of the shoot as she drove her eight-dog team into the wilderness along Lake Superiors north shore. My team has just a little over 1000 training miles, mostly pulling a four-wheeler due to the lack of snow, but we are very excited to be able to get out for this race said Becker who has been able to not only train from her place near Little Falls, but the open, snow covered roads on Camp Ripley as well. The 38 mile leg from the starting point, north of Two Harbors, to the first check point near Finland, Minnesota took Becker and her team just over 4 hours. This included responding to the aggressive trail condition and managing the team s few rookies who were still getting used to pace. It was the first race for Kenai, Sultan and Kaltag, said Becker referring to her four-legged athletes. They followed our old man and they did awesome, she added. Becker has been mushing for many years and competing in events like the Mid-Minnesota 150 race held in Aitkin as well as the major Michigan races Ironline, and CopperDog 150. This was her second run at the Beargrease mid-distance. The annual running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is a celebration of John Beargrease, the son of an Anishinabe Chief, who played the vital role in the early history of the North Shore of Lake Superior. Between 1879 and 1899, John Beargrease and his brothers delivered the mail by horse, foot and dog sled to the many communities between Two Harbors and Grand Marais and along Lake Superior s remote and rocky shoreline. He was pivotal to the development of the entire North Shore community helping the population and economy to stabilize and the successful communications to grow between permanent settlements. John Beargrease made his last mail trip to Grand Marais on April 26, (Continued on Pg. 6)

6 Ripley Reporter Page 6 (Continued from Pg. 5) I really like the history behind the race; it's humbling to be out there with the dogs, in a place where history was being made, added Becker. Many of stories behind these races have to do with our heritage and where we came from, it makes it very special, she added. Starting her last 41 mile leg from Caribou Crossing to Grand Maris just after 4 a.m. Becker was able to enjoy some of Minnesota s most inspiring weather at a 21 degrees. Before the sun came up her and her team were able to negotiate the last stretch of the course coming into the finish line at the Trail Center around 8 a.m. In addition to the mandatory 9 hours of rest, this finished a challenging 11 hours and 48 minute trail time for her and her dogs. I dropped Kenai at the Caribou Checkpoint with some sore triceps, but she worked her butt off and led the hilliest leg of the race. Genghis was the real MVP this weekend, lead start to finish when a few of the others were not up to the task of tackling the hills. Not sure we would have finished without his steady presence out front, continued Becker. Placing 14th out of over 40 mushers was a significant accomplishment for Becker, although humbly saying how she was glad to just be able to finish. Becker s next task will be to aid her National Guard unit in meeting readiness standards as they work to support the next year s training and deployment cycles. Managing a dog team and leading Soldiers has some similarities, added Becker. The important thing is knowing everyone strengths and weaknesses and being able to responsibly know how to use those traits to do the best job the team can, she continued. Outdoor Recreation Camp Ripley has several outdoor recreational facilities. Equipment is available from the Supply and Services Division. Phone: (320) /3128. Facilities include: Swimming, Softball, Tennis, Basketball, Horseshoes, Cross Country Skiing, Volleyball, Running Track, Picnic Areas, Snowshoeing, Fishing, Boating, Canoes, Badminton, and Archery. Indoor Recreation Indoor recreational facilities include: The Recreation & Training Center (Bldg 6-97), Welness Center (Bldg 10-67) and the Training & Community Center (Bldg 11-1). Camp Ripley facilities can be used for Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, use of Wellness Room, Machine & Free Weights, Exercise Machines, Sauna as well as organized PT.

7 Ripley Reporter Page 7 Listen in monthly as Camp Ripley goes on the air in your community with KLTF AM960, KXRA AM1490/FM100.3 and WJJY FM106.7 Bonding Commitee Gathers Information on State Tour Article & Photos By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Members of the Minnesota Senate visited Camp Ripley Jan. 16, 2018 during a State Bonding Committee tour of several Minnesota National Guard armories and facilities. During their visit they received a brief on the current operations of the 53,000 acre State-owned installation which provides training space and resources for not only Military organizations but several Minnesota State and community partners as well. S h o t o f t h e M o n t h CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - CW3 Tressa Marquart and CW3 Daniel Hicks, UH-60 pilots out of AASF#2, communicate on the ground using hand & arm signals to ensure safety standards are met prior to loading their aircraft with passengers. Photo By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Training Support Unit If you have an image that stands out and helps tell the Story of Camp Ripley or the Minnesota National Guard, please send it in to the Camp Ripley Public Affairs Office to be included in the next Ripley Reporter. mncampripley@gmail.com

8 Ripley Reporter Page 8 Weekly Sales & Promotions Caring For Those That Went Before Us Article & Photos by: Cadet Hannah Metler Minnesota National Guard CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - What a privilege it is to again place wreaths to honor our veterans at the Minnesota State Veteran's cemeteries, said Sgt. 1st Class Ken Melrose of the 851st Engineers. As we say, Many hands make light work it took less than 20 minutes for the hundreds of people to cover the nearly 5,000 service-member markers Dec. 16, Many volunteers from Camp Ripley, the Minnesota Patriot Guard, Minnesota, VFW s, American Legions, and many other civic organizations along with hundreds of families coming from a wide area will perform the honor of placing the honor wreaths on the grave sites. Camp Ripley PX Hours of Operation For the Month of January Open Tue. - Sat hours Closed Sun. & Mon. The date for the National Remembrance Ceremony has always been scheduled for the third Saturday in December at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries in Little Falls and Preston. For a number of years now the annual ceremony has been conducted to recognize Minnesota's deceased Veterans with a special holiday spirit. "It s humbling to be able to honor those veterans that have served honorably for our country," said Wreaths for the Fallen organizer Mr. John Thomas. The wreath removal is done to maintain the pristine look of the grounds and is usually scheduled for the last Saturday in January. After the ceremony at 11a.m. on Saturday, January 27th the volunteers went around the cemetery to recover the wreaths. Several representatives from each branch of the military joined many family members, friends and comrades to care for the markers of our fallen veterans. With almost 700 additional interments each year, the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery s across the state are appreciative for WreathsForTheFallen.org and all the volunteers to honor all our country s fallen veterans and their families.

9 Ripley Reporter Page 9 Camp Ripley Sentinel Landscape Open House draws Great Turnout By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Camp Ripley once again hosted an Open House Jan. 25, 2018 to share details about the Sentinel Landscape program in Central Minnesota. The event was hosted by the Minnesota Natinoal Guard Environmental Team and Sentinel Landscape Partners at the Hangar Conference Center Over 150 neighbors and landowners were welcomed in order to ask questions and get more information on the opportunities available. CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Thank you to Tony Oliva, Byron Buxton and Kris Atteberry of the Minnesota Twins for stopping by and visiting with our Red Bulls Jan. 19, 2018 at the Hangar Conference center on Camp Ripley. Service Members Are Encouraged to Utilize the Battle Buddy System On and Off Post! Craig Hovland, our Personal Financial Counselor at Camp Ripley, is here to assist service members and their families manage their finances, resolve financial challenges, reach longterm goals and can help with the Blended Retirement System (BRS) decision as well. In addition, he does financial briefings during drill weekends. His services are free, confidential and he doesn t sell anything helping service members is his job. Craig is here on Tuesday s--typically every other week. He is located at the Family Assistance Center in Building Contact Savannah Polzin at to set up an appointment.

10 Ripley Reporter Page 10 Nisswa American Legion Bingo 6p.m.-9p.m Little Falls American 9a.m Legion Post 46 Cheese Burger Night $2.50 Vs 8p.m Noon Little Falls American Legion Post 46 Bingo 2p.m a.m 24 Little Falls American Legion Post 46 Bingo 2p.m Dining Facility Hours and Costs Breakfast to $7.75 Lunch to $7.75 Dinner to $7.75 Camp Ripley DEERS/ID Card Office Camp Ripley Thank You to Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) Mark Baker for granting the Camp Ripley Public Affairs Office permission to include a Pvt. Murphy Cartoon in our monthly publication of the Ripley Reporter. Mark Baker is the author/illustrator of Pvt. Murphy. Baker began drawing his award winning cartoon in the early 90s while he was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. A former 19D Cavalry Scout and then 98C Signals Intelligence Analyst, Baker retired from the Army in A growing collection of his cartoons can be found on his website pvtmurphy.net

11 Ripley Reporter Page 11 Camp Ripley joins in on Health & Fitness Month Article & Photos By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Soldiers Airmen and Leaders of the Minnesota National Guard attended a protocol training course at the Camp Ripley Town hall Jan , The course was put on by Do it right protocol who supports training for many official agencies. Our training is beneficial to all government employees, military personnel, contractors, Department of Defense civilians or anyone that works in or around any protocol situation, said Mr. Lance Wade, program founder. This training is not only beneficial to assigned protocol personnel, but also offers important training and insight on protocol management to supervisory and support staff that may be responsible for, or delegated assignments pertinent to a variety of protocol issues. DA & Command Photos at Camp Ripley or Call for Appointments Appointment times may adjust based on additional mission requirements hours Camp Ripley DEERS/ID Card Office Monday - Friday Bldg Next to the Flagpole

12 Ripley Reporter Page 12 Camp Ripley Safety Preventing Cold Injuries Individuals can work and play in cold environments if they are properly prepared and understand basic control measures to prevent cold weather injuries. Did You Know? Anyone can become a cold weather casualty. However, according to the U.S. Army Public Health Center, the typical victim is male, about 20 years old, from a warm climate, is an E4 or below with less than 18 months in service, uses tobacco, alcohol and/or medications and neglects proper foot care. Here are some measures to consider: Keep the body warm Keep moving by exercising big muscles (arms and legs) to keep warm. Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs the body s ability to shiver and gives a false sense of warmth. Avoid all tobacco products, as they decrease blood circulation to the skin. Eat all meals to maintain energy. Drink water or warm non-caffeinated fluids to prevent dehydration. Drinking warm liquids like tea and hot chocolate that contain sugar provides energy to help the body generate additional heat. Limit the amount of time spent outside on extremely cold days and periodically move into warm areas such as warming tents. Wear proper clothing Wear several layers of loose clothing rather than one or two bulky layers. Air trapped between layers acts as insulation against the cold. Layers may also be removed if you become too hot. Additionally, loose clothing allows blood to circulate to the extremities. Ensure all clothing is in good condition, clean and dry. Change wet, damp clothes immediately. Protect feet Carry extra pairs of socks and change damp socks immediately. Use foot powder to help absorb moisture. Avoid tight socks and boots, and never over-tighten boots or shoes. Wear overshoes to keep boots and socks clean and dry. Protect hands Wear gloves, mittens, or gloves and mittens with inserts to avoid frostbite injuries. Keep gloves and mittens clean and dry. Change damp gloves immediately. Warm hands under clothes if they become numb. Avoid skin contact with snow, fuel or bare metal that has been exposed to the cold for extended periods. Protect head, face and ears Wear a hat. A lot of the body s heat is lost through an uncovered head. Cover your face and ears with a scarf to prevent frostbite injuries. In combination, a hat and scarf protect the skin and retain body heat. Warm your face and ears by covering, but not rubbing, with your hands. Wear sunscreen. Exercise facial muscles to help maintain circulation. Protect friends and family Watch for signs of frostbite and other cold weather injuries in your buddies. Ask about and assist with rewarming the feet, hands, ears and face. Immediately treat persons showing any signs or symptoms of cold injury. Remove sick and injured individuals from the cold; they are very susceptible to cold injuries. More information on cold weather safety and many other winter safety topics is available on the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center s autumn/winter seasonal safety campaign website at: aspx. THE RIPLEY REPORTER IS A PUBLICATION OF THE CAMP RIPLEY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE. THE VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INFORMATION EXPRESSED IN THIS PUBLICATION DOES NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, STATE OF MINNESOTA, MINNESOTA NA- TIONAL GUARD, THE ADJUTANT GENERAL OR THE CAMP RIPLEY GARRISON COMMANDER.