Meet Victor. Reporter. The Ripley. Camp Ripley s latest Golden Eagle. Vol. 11, Issue 3. In This Issue Golden Eagle Capture & Release Pg.

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1 The Ripley Reporter Vol. 11, Issue 3 In This Issue Golden Eagle Capture & Release Pg. 2-3 Minnesota Military History Museum Pg. 3 CNGB Biathlon Championships Pg. 4-5 Public Safety Announcement Pg. 4 BG Talley Visit to MEDLOG Pg. 6 New Signs on Ripley Pg. 7 Roads & Grounds Tackle the Snow Pg. 8 Awesome Photo of the Month Pg. 9 Camp Ripley Calender Pg.10 Women s History Month Article Pg. 11 Safety Pg. 12 Meet Victor Camp Ripley s latest Golden Eagle

2 Ripley Reporter Page 2 Victor, Camp Ripley s second golden eagle released back into the wild Photos & Story By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. A golden eagle was released back into the wild by the Camp Ripley Environmental Team Feb. 9, This is the second golden eagle captured and released at Camp Ripley in the past three years, as part of the Minnesota National Guard s conservation program. Volunteer wildlife technician Nate Wesenberg monitored and trapped the eagle, known as Victor on the afternoon of Feb. 8, It was almost a 30-hour project, with not a lot of action and kinda cold, added Wesenberg who baited and observed in -22 degree weather in order to capture Victor. When he finally moved on the carcass, I triggered the bow net remotely and covered him so he wouldn t get stressed or hurt himself. Following the capture, an Argos/GPS solar powered, backpack transmitter was fit to Victor by Mark Martell, a Golden Eagle Project volunteer. The GPS transmitter is about the size of a pack of gum and was fitted using a small fabric backpack. The desired intent is to not interfere with the bird in any way and does not limit their ability or daily routine. Our first golden eagle Ripley, was outfitted with a GPS-linked satellite transmitter and is being tracked as part of a project with The National Eagle Center and Audubon Minnesota, said Brian Dirks, animal survey coordinator on Camp Ripley. The project collects data about the migration and habitat use of golden eagles as well as frequency of travel for each bird. Dirks first noticed the eagles on trail cameras meant to monitor wolves in the Camp Ripley area. Golden eagles are rare in Central Minnesota and data collected from this project has helped to better understand the part goldens play in this diverse habitat, Dirks added. Until recently, researchers didn t believe golden eagles were regular winter residents in the central part of Minnesota, but the tracking of their movements has provided new data and insights to help manage and conserve their habitats. (Continued on Pg. 3) Minnesota Military Family Assistance Center Crisis Intervention - Financial Resources & Counseling - Community Resources & Support Parent & Youth Resources - DEERS/ID Cards Information - TRICARE Information Legal Resources - And Much More! There are several locations throughout the state open from 8-4:30 Monday Friday. After hours assistance is available by calling Citizen Soldier for Life - Career Readiness Counselor To prepare and connect service members and their families with employment, education and financial education opportunities. Shari Fruechte, ACC, CAP, OM CSFL State Career Readiness Counselor for Northern Minnesota sfruechte@patriotenterprisesllc.com

3 Ripley Reporter Page 3 Service Members Are Encouraged to Utilize the Battle Buddy System On and Off Post! (Continued from Pg. 2) Several other eagles hit our bait as well, which leads us to believe that more golden eagles migrate to Central Minnesota than we are aware of, continued Wesenberg. The team at Ripley had initially placed trail cameras and deer carcasses at various sites to monitor the area s wolf population, but noticed that eagles were also feeding at the carcasses. Then they contacted the National Eagle Center to coordinate trapping a golden eagle and attaching a transmitter. The more that is learned about the many species habitat, breeding and migration habits, the better our overall understanding of proper resource management. The information gathered from these projects help improve decisions that protect the military training mission and protect critical habitat for eagles and other species that use Camp Ripley. Ripley was released back into the wild in early March of She has a transmitter so she can be tracked allowing researchers to understand her migration patterns as the seasons change. Each spring she makes a 1,800 mile flight from Camp Ripley to her summer home, and has returned to the same area above the Arctic Circle each year. You can see more about her story at the National Eagle center in Wabasha, Minnesota.

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. Chief, National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships Photos & Article By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Members of the Minnesota National Guard Biathlon Team competed at Wasatch Mountain State Park, Utah during the Chief National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships, Feb Mar. 1, This year s competition was held at Soldiers Hollow, the location of the 2002 Winter Olympic biathlon, cross-country skiing, and Nordic combined events. This was also the first year that the championship was held in Utah. Sgt. Jacob Dalberg kicked off the relay race for the Minnesota National Guard team tagging team mate Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek Lindberg to start the second leg Wednesday, February 28, The overall success of team to include Pvt. Hunter Zupko, and Spc. Warren Rosholt earned them first place at this year s championships. (Continued on Pg. 5) 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 Members from the Minnesota National Guard: Spc. Warren Rosholt, Sgt. Jacob Dalberg, Chief Warrant 4 Derek Lindberg, and Pvt. Hunter Zupko recieved gold medals in the Men s Relay race for the 2018 Chief, National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships in Soldier Hollow, Utah. (Continued from Pg. 4) The relay consists of four biathletes on a team, with each male racers skiing 7.5 kilometers and each female, 6 kilometers. Each relay member has two bouts (five targets), one in the prone position and one standing. However, athletes have eight rounds for each bout, meaning they can manually load three bullets to complete any missed targets. If after eight shots there are still missed targets, the skier must complete a 150-meter loop per miss. The sport of biathlon originated as a tactical method while soldiers operated in the snow-covered forests of Scandinavia in the early-18th century. People there traditionally hunted and skied with rifles on their backs; a skill Soldiers practiced as the mobility and agility of trained Soldiers in winter condition shown its worth. Service-members and visitors to Camp Ripley are welcome to check out the Alternative Center located on the north end of Bldg Open hours

6 Ripley Reporter Page 6 Medical Material Warehouse Demonstrates standards-setting Article & Photos by: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) Command Surgeon, Brig. Gen. Michael Talley spoke with members of the Minnesota National Guard on product procedures and organizational readiness during a visit to the Medical Materiel Warehouse on Camp Ripley Feb. 28, The Minnesota Army National Guard s Medical Materiel Warehouse (M3W) is a strategic level medical warehouse offering nationwide support for all National Guard elements through Medical Equipment Set builds, custom kitting and business practice development. We are able to plan, arrange and offer domestic operations support for medical equipment builds including custom kitting and training sets as well as technical and operational support for excess management and revitalization of legacy medical equipment, said Master Sgt. Brent Ambuehl, MEDLOG NCOIC. The efforts of the Medlog Warehouse team successfully produced material and kits in support of the four major storms that hit the southern United States in Their achievements along with the dedicated work and readiness training programs of the Medical Simulations Training Center, MSTC staff were recognized by the general. 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 CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Visitors to Camp Ripley should have noticed the bright colored signs along Bettenburg Ave between Infantry and Artillery Road. These signs are alerts and warnings of the potential crossing of people in these areas. Everyone should stay alert! A pedestrian crossing or crosswalk is a designated place for pedestrians to cross a roadway. Crosswalks are intended to keep pedestrians together where they can be seen by motorists, and where they can most safely cross across the flow of traffic. Marked pedestrian crossings are often found at intersections, but may also be at other points on busy roads that would otherwise be too unsafe to cross without assistance due to vehicle numbers, speed or road widths. Additionally, the responsibility falls on the pedestrian to use the call button illuminating the sign in daylight or lowlight hours prior to stepping out into the roadway. This is a further step to ensure drivers are aware of a pedestrian s intentions. Rules govern usage of the pedestrian crossings to ensure safety; for example, in some areas, the pedestrian must be more than halfway across the crosswalk before the driver proceeds. The Mission of AHATS is to serve as a local training area (LTA) for all military services, law enforcement and civilian agencies as well as environmental and wildlife conservation programs. This training area provides the customer with the highest quality training atmosphere and resources available while continuing a positive relationship with partnering agencies and the local community. AHATS Operations Staff Sgt. Kevin Hurt kevin.m.hurt4.mil@mail.mil

8 Ripley Reporter Page 8 Weekly Sales & Promotions Road & Grounds department of Camp Ripley Article & Photos by: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Camp Ripley s team of equipment operators has a job that typically begins before anyone else. It s easy to use the phrase, we do more before 9a.m. than most people do all day as long as you have someone who plows the snow out of your way to start that job. The Roads & Grounds department is responsible for the main streets of Camp Ripley as well as the main runway of Miller Army Airfield and the many roads and ranges in its many training areas. Camp Ripley PX Hours of Operation For the Month of March Open Tue. - Sat hours Closed Sun. & Mon. DA & Command Photos at Camp Ripley or Call for Appointments Appointment times may adjust based on additional mission requirements hours Minnesota National Guard Facebook Pages Camp Ripley DEERS/ID Card Office Monday - Friday Bldg Next to the Flagpole

9 Ripley Reporter Page 9 S h o t o f t h e M o n t h CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Security personnel of the Camp Ripley Public Safety Office patrols the East Motor Pool Road Feb. 7, The consistant effort of the DPS staff to include the Camp Ripley Fire Department, keeps our installation, personnel and community safe 24/7 365 day a year. 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 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. 9a.m Little Falls American Legion Post 46 Cheese Burger Night $2.50 3p.m. Little Falls American Legion Post 46 Bingo 2p.m Noon :00-10:00p.m. 5:00-10:00p.m. 5:00-10:00p.m Grand Opening 3:30-10p.m. 3:30-10:00p.m. 3:30-12:00p.m. 3:30-12:00p.m. 7p.m. Little Falls American Legion Post 46 Bingo 2p.m. 25 3:30-10:00p.m. 3:30-10:00p.m. 3:30-10:00p.m a.m p.m. 3:30-10:00p.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 Inspiring MNNG Family Legacy for Women s History Month Article & Photos Submitted By: Chaplain (LTC) Philip A. Winn, Jr 34ID Command Chaplain March is National Women s History Month and we want to hear stories about the women veterans in your families. Share your stories and tag us using #mnngwhm Retired Capt. Shivaun Kuffel s contributions and accomplishments across more than 20 years of service continues to inspire Soldiers across many generations. Born into a military family, Kuffel was one of five children who served together in the Minnesota National Guard. Her father, Lt. Col. Luther E. Winn, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, and her mother, 2nd Lt. Margaret Winn, a nurse during World War II, were proud to have a total of 10 members of their family serve in the MN National Guard, with over 220 years of cumulative service. Kuffel enlisted into the 257th Military Police Company in 1975 and was selected as the Honor Graduate from U.S. Army Military Police School Fort McClellan, Alabama, shortly after women were officially accepted into the MP Corps. Kuffel earned her commission through Minnesota Army National Guard Officer Candidate Course Class 28, and earned the Leadership Award upon graduation. She worked through leadership positions and later commanded the 257th MP Company and prepared them for mobilization in support of Operation Desert Shield/Operation Desert Storm in Sensing that her education would not allow her to continue to be promoted as an officer, she took an enlisted reduction to staff sergeant. However, by virtue of having attended the MP Officer Advanced Course, she was given constructive credit for the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, and was promoted to sergeant first class. She later applied for and was selected as the first sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 84th Troop Command. As a result, Kuffel is the only known woman in the Minnesota National Guard to have served as both a company commander and a company first sergeant. Submission and photographs courtesy of: Chaplain (LTC) Philip A. Winn, Jr., 34ID Command Chaplain and JFHQ-MN Full Time Support Chaplain

12 Ripley Reporter Page 12 Camp Ripley Safety R U paying a10shun? Distracted Driving Kills Distracted driving is typically synonymous with texting but according to U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center officials and the New York State Police, any time a driver takes their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel, there s an increased opportunity for a crash. There s three types of distracted driving, said Bernie Kennett, technical sergeant, Troop D Traffic, New York State Police. Visual, when someone takes their eyes off the road; manual, when someone takes their hands off the wheel and cognitive, when someone takes their mind off the road. For Kennett, a 28-year NYSP veteran, there s not much he has not seen drivers trying to do while operating a vehicle. Besides cellphone usage and texting, we re seeing issues with people eating and preparing food (while driving), applying cosmetics, changing clothes, petting their dog... anything and everything, Kennett said. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration website, distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic. In 2014, 3,179 people died in distracted driving crashes. Steve Kurtiak, a USACRC safety and occupational health specialist, off-duty driving, says all drivers are susceptible to distracted driving. There can be many distractions while driving a vehicle if you allow them to distract you, Kurtiak said. Distractions may include navigation aids, entertainment programs (Bluetooth-type electronic devices) lighted roadside advertising and even passengers. It s illegal to text and drive in New York and if you re caught doing it, the offense will cost you. You ll lose five points off your license and for a first offense you re fined $50 to $200, a second offense (within six months) $50 to $250 and a third and subsequent offense (within 18 months) costs $50 to $450, Kennett said. It gets very expensive. For junior drivers, it could result in a license suspension for up to 120 days. If they have second conviction within six months, suspension could be up to one year. Likewise, drivers are prohibited from texting and driving on all U.S. Army installations. Army Regulation , chapter 11-4e comprehensively covers the use of handheld devices while driving on installations, Kurtiak said. Distracted driving accidents not only affect individuals and their loved ones, Kurtiak says they also influence unit readiness. The impact to unit readiness is painfully obvious because after the loss of a Soldier, your combat effectiveness has been reduced, Kurtiak said. That position may take a great deal of time to be filled, causing other members in the unit to cover down on additional duties and responsibilities. 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: 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.