Reporter. The Ripley. Vol. 6, Issue 3. From the Desk of the Deputy Post Commander Lt. Col. Chad Sackett. In This Issue

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Safety Awareness PAGE 10 Vol. 6, Issue 3 April marks the month of the Military Child. As a Soldier who is the father of 3 children this recognition means a lot to me personally.

1 The Ripley Reporter From the Desk of the Deputy Post Commander Lt. Col. Chad Sackett In This Issue Winter Operations Service & Honors PAGE 2 PAGE 3 Snow Removal on CRTC PAGE 4 Around Camp Ripley PAGE 5 Veteran Reintegration PAGE 6 Red Cross Blood Drive PAGE 8 Morotcycle Safety Awareness PAGE 10 Vol. 6, Issue 3 April marks the month of the Military Child. As a Soldier who is the father of 3 children this recognition means a lot to me personally. My children, like all military children, have sacrificed more for the security of their country than a majority of Americans. Military children go without a parent during deployments, training, and state active duty. They have to live with the stress of a parent being in harms way, along with missed birthdays, holidays, activities and other key life events. It is important to recognize the impact of service on our children and their contribution to the defense of our country. The month of the Military Child was first celebrated in April 1986 under former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. The recognition reinforces to military-connected youth that they play an integral role in supporting their service member. In Minnesota Governor Dayton proclaimed April as Month of the Military Child. He encouraged assistance for organizations that provide direct support to military children and families, according to Laura Groeneweg lead youth programs coordinator for Deployment Cycle Support Family Programs. As a special recognition to our military-children parents can register to receive a letter from the governor that recognizes military-connected youth as being our smallest heroes. Letters can be requested by visiting the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) website. When talking about military families, MDVA Commissioner Larry W. Shellito put it rather succinctly when he said military members volunteer, but their families are drafted. This program is an important recognition of the sacrifices families - especially children - make in supporting their parents. I encourage all military parents to take advantage of this special recognition opportunity. Let s show our military children this month and every month just how much they mean to us.

Winter drivers,training is a perishable skill which needs to be refreshed in order to instill safety and competence for our combat vehicle crews, said Sgt.

2 The Ripley Reporter Page 2 Tankers Conduct Winter Operations By: Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs Office CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Armor crewmen of the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment moved out into the snow for winter drivers training and refinement of tank operations March Winter drivers,training is a perishable skill which needs to be refreshed in order to instill safety and competence for our combat vehicle crews, said Sgt. 1st Class Brian Reiten, unit readiness NCO for Charlie Company, Combat arms units of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division expect a steady tempo of readiness training this summer including maneuver, gunnery, and individual Soldier skills. In preparation for this training, unit commanders organize intense vehicle maintenance plans and developmental training such as driver s certification, weapons qualification, and physical conditioning. Learning to operate the 70-ton M1A1SA Abrams Tank is a never ending task with detailed maintenance checks relating to track function, engine care, and weapon system serviceability. Every young Soldier following tanker basic training learns the standard operation of the vehicle, but advanced skills are learned from experienced tank commanders and NCOs at their unit, said Sgt. Walter Remick, a tank commander with Delta Company, Soldiers are expected to be experienced in all areas of the tank and able to cross train when necessary. The importance of training and simulations is essential in reducing risk before full speed operations, said Lanoux, the battalion master gunner for

The Ripley Reporter Page 3 Dedicated Years of Service Rewarded Mr.

Terri Lowery retires after 36 years with AAFES On Dec.

In the case of the Philippines, however, this initial strike was followed by a full-scale invasion

By early January, the American and Filipino defenders were forced to retreat to a slim defensive

untenable position until formally surrendering to the Japanese on April 9.

Filipinos) northward into captivity along a route of death.

3 The Ripley Reporter Page 3 Dedicated Years of Service Rewarded Mr. Jim Esplein retires after 40 years with DOL Mrs. Terri Lowery retires after 36 years with AAFES On Dec. 7th, 1941 the war came to the Philippines in the same manner as in Hawaii a surprise air attack. In the case of the Philippines, however, this initial strike was followed by a full-scale invasion of the main island of Luzon three days later. By early January, the American and Filipino defenders were forced to retreat to a slim defensive position on the island s western Bataan Peninsula The American and Filipino forces fought from an untenable position until formally surrendering to the Japanese on April 9. The Japanese immediately began to march some 76,000 prisoners (12,000 Americans, the remainder Filipinos) northward into captivity along a route of death. When three American officers escaped a year later, the world learned of the unspeakable atrocities suffered along the 60-mile journey that became known as the Bataan Death March. POC for the event is CPT Rob Grutsch, robert. grutsch@us.army.mil, POC for event registration is SSG Kaisone Ithivongkham, kaisone.ithivongkham@us.army.mil,

The Ripley Reporter Page 4 Roads and Grounds Department Battles Spring Snowfalls By: Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs Office CAMP RIPLEY, Minn.

Snow removal teams across Central Minnesota have been reacting to repeating storms that left over 14 inches of snow late in the winter months.

4 The Ripley Reporter Page 4 Roads and Grounds Department Battles Spring Snowfalls By: Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs Office CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - The Roads and Grounds Department of Camp Ripley battled late snow as we slowly moved closer to spring. Snow removal teams across Central Minnesota have been reacting to repeating storms that left over 14 inches of snow late in the winter months. These storms impacted the daily travel and availability of roads traveled by Minnesotans every day. Heavy equipment is necessary to move the snow accumulated on Camp Ripley in the quickest and safest manner possible. Operating three heavy graders and six loaders, the staff at Roads and Grounds must maintain the serviceability of their vehicles to meet the demand. We have a mechanic on staff that takes care of all our issues. Anything major and we send it up to a higher level shop for a quick turnaround, said JimTatro. Along with four grounds keepers, the entire office moves out to clear snow and salt along roads and sidewalks, added Tatro. The team is essential to the function of the base. They have done a wonderful job of allowing access in and around post including safe traveling conditions throughout the instillation, said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Worden, Camp Ripley Post Command Sergeant Major. Increasing snowfall and gusting wind makes the open area of Camp Ripley hazardous during inclement weather. The plan for the post is to remove the snow from the major routes and move it to a safe area to prevent flooding. The flooding issue is not a big concern depending on how the melting proceeds, but Camp Ripley is taking precautions to mitigate any issue that could arise in the next few months.

The Ripley Reporter Page 5 Command Sgt. Maj.

Riders, The ride begins at the Deer River Vet s Club located at 12 First Street NE, Deer River, MN 56636. 8AM breakfast; 11AM Registration; Noon Ride.

com May 25th 7th Annual Habitat for Humanity Ride to Provide The Ride starts at Apol s Harley Davidson, 1515 42nd AV W in Alexandria. Registration at 10; bikes roll at 12.

5 The Ripley Reporter Page 5 Command Sgt. Maj. Cynthia Kallberg Visits Camp Ripley to talk about the future of soldier career paths and to answer questions that military technicians may have regarding full time work during the sequestration. Upcoming Local Motorcycle Events: (Events named are not endorsed by Camp Ripley or the MNARNG) May 18th 10th Annual Jody Spitzak Memorial Ride Hosted by the American Legion Riders, The ride begins at the Deer River Vet s Club located at 12 First Street NE, Deer River, MN AM breakfast; 11AM Registration; Noon Ride. More info at ( or mumgo1go@gmail.com May 25th 7th Annual Habitat for Humanity Ride to Provide The Ride starts at Apol s Harley Davidson, nd AV W in Alexandria. Registration at 10; bikes roll at 12. Participants wil collect pledges to help support the cause. For more info call (320) The Habitat for Humanity site with info is: CAMP RIPLEY PX - AAFES Hours of Operation April Tuesday - Thursday 1000 to 1700 hours Friday - Saturday 1000 to 2000 hours Sunday 0900 to 1400, Closed Monday Weekly Sales and Promotions Like us on SPREAD THE NEWS Would you like to contribute to The Ripley Reporter? Units are encouraged to contact Sgt. Anthony Housey at Anthony.A.Housey.mil@ mail.mil to pass on ideas for future articles.

The Ripley Reporter Page 6 Veteran Reintegration Focus of Central Minnesota Forum By: Maj. John Donovan Camp Ripley Public Affairs Office ST CLOUD, Minn.- U.S. Army (Ret.) Col.

6 The Ripley Reporter Page 6 Veteran Reintegration Focus of Central Minnesota Forum By: Maj. John Donovan Camp Ripley Public Affairs Office ST CLOUD, Minn.- U.S. Army (Ret.) Col. David Sutherland made an appearance in Central Minnesota Mar. 13 to discuss and explore innovative ways and means to deliver services to military veterans and their families. A decorated veteran of two wars, Sutherland, the director of the Staff Sgt. Donnie Dixon Center in Washington D.C., had this to say While public-private partnerships can be powerful... private, civic, and community partnerships can often be accomplished quicker and be more effective. Sutherland urged the audience of over 100 people not to repeat the mistakes from the Vietnam era by shunning and ignoring returning vets. He said, The number one cure for a vet who is feeling disconnected when returning from combat is integration into the community. The director added, It is about abilities and not disabilities. He stressed that too often people focus on what may be wrong with a veteran instead of focusing on what unique skills and attributes she/he may add to an employment setting, workforce or community. Sutherland s presentation was sponsored in part by Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota and the Newman s Own Foundation. According to conference literature the overarching goal of the program is to mobilize communities nationwide by mapping, planning, assessing and evaluating the current state of veterans and military family services or lack thereof. The end-state of the effort is to increase services and access to education, employment and healthcare for veterans and their families. The Central Minnesota area has been involved in reintegration efforts since 2007 when the Warrior to Citizen group was formed after a series of public forums spearheaded by community and civic leaders. Three years later, Central Minnesota became the first Beyond the Yellow Ribbon region in the State of Minnesota tying together the cities of Cold Spring, Richmond, Rockville, Sartell, St. Augusta, St. Cloud, St. Joseph, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park in outreach efforts to all veterans and their families. This June the Morrison County area will be declared a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon County by the Governor s Office.

The Ripley Reporter Page 7 Visit History at www.mnmilitarymuseum.

of National Guard members can get free SAT and ACT preparation kits again this year, compliments of professional athletes and the testing company

55 per program for materials and shipping).

7 The Ripley Reporter Page 7 Visit History at Minnesota Military Museum Winter Hours October - April Thursday and Friday 0900 to 1600 hours Free SAT, ACT prep kits available Children and relatives of National Guard members can get free SAT and ACT preparation kits again this year, compliments of professional athletes and the testing company eknowledge. The SAT and ACT PowerPrep Program, which retails for $200, is available free upon request (there is a nominal charge of $17.55 per program for materials and shipping). The DVD consists of 11 hours of video instruction, 3,000 files of supplemental test prep material, sample questions and practice tests. The sponsorship is entering its 8th year and has donated 200,000 programs valued at over $42 million at no profit to the company. To order online: For more information: Lori Caputo, , LoriCaputo@eKnowledge.com

8 The Ripley Reporter Page 8 Camp Ripley Hosts American Red Cross Blood Drive By: Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs Office CAMP RIPLEY, Minn In honor of National Red Cross Month, Minnesota National Guard Soldiers and area locals volunteered to take part in the quarterly Blood Drive sponsored by the American Red Cross March 21 held at Camp Ripley. National Red Cross Month reminds the nation of the importance of blood donations and donations for disaster relief. said Sgt. Tim Krouth, event organizer. Only 8% of people stop, roll up their sleeves and donate blood, says Red Cross representative Sue Gonsior. 38% of the population is eligible for donations, but the common reason for them not to donate is just lack of knowledge that their blood is needed. Added Gonsior. Krouth explained the importance of giving blood. It never really hit close to home until my mother-inlaw needed blood while she was in the hospital. It turned out that she was the same blood type as me. It made me realize just how much blood is needed and how often it is used. said Krouth. Every two minutes someone in the U.S. needs blood. It s is a necessary element that most medical facilities use more than any other resource. One of every ten people admitted to the hospital are in need of blood transfusions for multiple reasons. The supply of common and rare blood types is always in demand. Recently at an area hospital, fifty units of blood were ordered for a patient undergoing a liver transplant. Because of donations, the American Red Cross was able to fill that order and many more like it. The American Red Cross encourages everyone to support their communities by giving blood or platelets, volunteering, or making financial donations. Those who participate enable the Red Cross to continue to help people in need and to stay prepared for emergencies. Service Members are encouraged to utilize the Battle Buddy System on and off Post!

9 The Ripley Reporter Page 9 You are never ALONE. Do You need a DA Photo? DA photos can be scheduled with Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affiars Find a BATTLE BUDDY Anthony.a.housey.mil@mail..mil or da and command photos taken in bldg inquire with room 1170

The Ripley Reporter Page 10 The Motorcycle season is upon us! Before you head out and begin your Easy Rider fantasy, ensure you have a valid motorcycle license to drive the vehicle on public roadways.

Shatter proof goggles, glasses, or full face shield attached to the helmet. 3. Long pants. 4. Long-sleeved shirt or jacket 5. Full-fingered gloves. 6.

10 The Ripley Reporter Page 10 The Motorcycle season is upon us! Before you head out and begin your Easy Rider fantasy, ensure you have a valid motorcycle license to drive the vehicle on public roadways. This endorsement applies to all motorcycles, trikes & mopeds. The following PPE is required on Camp Ripley: 1. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet, properly fastened under the chin. 2. Shatter proof goggles, glasses, or full face shield attached to the helmet. 3. Long pants. 4. Long-sleeved shirt or jacket 5. Full-fingered gloves. 6. Boots or over the ankle shoes while operating the motorcycle or moped. 7. A brightly colored, outer upper garment during the day and a reflective outer upper garment during hours of darkness or reduced visibility. The outer garment should be clearly visible and not covered. At Camp Ripley, a brightly colored reflective belt minimally meets this criterion. The reflective/brightly colored item(s) are to be worn by the rider (and passenger if applicable) and should be visible from any side (360 degrees). Jackets or other outer garments with reflective material built into the jacket meets the reflective criteria. The bright color for daytime riding can be a brightly colored long sleeve shirt or jacket. The intent of the brightly colored and/or reflective garment is in case the rider becomes separated from their motorcycle; the motorcycle rider will be seen by on-coming traffic. The wearing of any portable headphones, earphones or other listening devices is prohibited. Motorcycle operators may wear motorcycle helmets equipped with operator-passenger intercom systems. Failure to wear required PPE will keep riders (and their passengers) from entering Camp Ripley. Each motorcycle, trike and moped operator on post is required to satisfactorily complete an Army-approved motorcycle safety course. For information on the Army motorcycle safety course program or the PPE requirements contact the Safety Office at The Ripley Reporter is a publication of the Camp Ripley Public Affairs Office. The views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily express or reflect the views and opinions of The Department of Defense, the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota National Guard, The Adjutant General or the Camp Ripley Post Commander.

National Guard Biathlon Championships

The Ripley Reporter National Guard Biathlon Championships By: 1st Lt. Blake E. St. Sauver Public Affairs Officer Camp Ripley, Minn. February 24-28, 2013 brought over 90 biathletes to Camp Ripley for the