The Ripley Reporter Vol. 8, Issue 1 Camp Ripley s 2014 Year in Review Article and Photos By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. The Minnesota National Guard made significant contributions, over the past year, to the training and readiness of the Army and Air Force formations as well as several civilian law enforcement agencies. 2014 was an amazing year for Camp Ripley. A major focus for us was training with inter-agency partners, said Col. Scott St. Sauver, Camp Ripley Garrison Commander. In spite of experiencing one of the coldest winter in over a hundred years training on Camp Ripley continued as units conducted individual readiness qualifications and others prepared for upcoming deployments. When spring finally arrived in Central Minnesota it was time for Camp Ripley to launch into its training year. Organizations ranging from county sheriffs offices to out-of-state National Guard and Reserve units began occupying the training area. (Continued on Pg. 2) In This Issue 2014 Year in Review PAGE 2-3 Military Family on the Holidays PAGE 4 ESGR s Freedom Award PAGE 5 Minn. Civil War Task Force PAGE 6-7 Education Center Improvements PAGE 8 AHATS Year in Review PAGE 9 Around Camp Ripley PAGE 10 30 Day Events Calender PAGE 11 Safety & Awarenes PAGE 12
The Ripley Reporter Page 2 (Continued from Pg. 1) Local law enforcement agencies along with state and federal partners all came to Camp Ripley in 2014 to share best practices and to hone emergency response skills, said St. Sauver. Camp Ripley also hosted the Region IV Best Warrior Competition in late spring; challenging Soldiers from nine different states throughout the Mid-West. In early summer Camp Ripley hosted the annual Trolling for Troops event and the first summer Norwegian Exchange. Summer on Camp Ripley saw the introduction of several new vehicles, training techniques and programs as Camp Ripley prepares to host the 2015 exportable Combat Training Capability XCTC which will include the training of organizations from across the region. (Continued on Pg. 3) Minnesota National Guard Facebook pages: http://www.facebook.com/campripley http://www.facebook.com/ardenhillsarmytrainingsite http://www.facebook.com/minnesotanationalguard http://www.facebook.com/mnnationalguardrecruitingofficecampripley Minnesota Army National Guard J1 Education Tuition Assistance Staff: Education Services OIC - Capt. Mindy Davis Federal Tuition Assistance Manager - Ms. Emily Weiss Education Services Specialist - Capt. Amber Manke Contact Info: Email: ng.mn.mnarng.mbx.assets-education@mail.mil Website: www.minnesotanationalguard.org/education/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/educationandincentives Education General Help Desk Line: 651.282.4589
The Ripley Reporter Page 3 Staff Sgt. Joshua T. Derheimer Recruiting & Retention NCO Camp Ripley Office Minnesota Army National Guard 320-760-4429 (Continued from Pg. 2) As if we weren t busy enough, we also supported our environmental department with unveiling a 100 acre solar field in cooperation with Minnesota Power, said Col. St. Sauver. Additionally, we aided in the retirement ceremony of two-star general Gerald Lang from the National Guard, he added. The Fall of 2014 included the annual Court of Honor ceremony where Soldiers from within the Minnesota National Guard were recognized for their contributions to the military and their communities. A monument to the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate) was also unveiled giving recognition to the only active duty unit that was ever organized on Camp Ripley.
The Ripley Reporter Page 4 Service Members Are Encouraged to Utilize the Battle Buddy System On and Off Post! Holidays Strengthen Family Togetherness for the Military Article By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey, Camp Ripley Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. During the month of December many military organizations take part in a unit party or gathering to celebrate the holiday season and to share in each other s company. These events bring everyone together and allow us to have fun as a family, said Maj. John Donovan, Camp Ripley Training Support Unit Commander. For units of the Minnesota National Guard the annual holiday party is a time to reflect on what the holidays represent for everyone. It is also a time to remember those no longer in our formations, and to celebrate the accomplishments that took place during the training year. The military life can be challenging for new spouses. Bringing everyone together allows the family to bond with the unit, said Sgt. First Class Troy Smith, Readiness NCO with 1st Squadron, 94th Cavalry. For me personally, it was important to meet the families and introduce them to our family readiness group, said Capt. Amber M. Manke, Commander, Headquarters Support Company, 34th Infantry Division. With the preparation for the deployment coming up, answering questions and putting everyone s mind at ease made for a wonderful evening for everyone, added Manke. Camp Ripley s Ready-to-use Laundry Facilities The Alternative Center bldg. 10-86 is open for laundry operations 24 hours a day. Three additional laundry facilities are opening on Camp Ripley before next Spring.
The Ripley Reporter Page 5 WASHINGTON, DC - The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of Guard and Reserve employees. Nominations must come from a Guard or Reserve member who is employed by the organization they are nominating, or from a family member. Nominations will be accepted from Nov. 3 - Jan 19. Unit Commanders! To schedule an informational visit during drill contact: Eric Rolstad, Administrative Support Technician for the Minnesota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve eric.t.rolstad.ctr@mail.mil 320-616-3198 Minnesota Military Museum Hours October through April: Open Thursdays & Fridays 9-4 except national holidays May through September: Open Daily 10-5 including national holidays See our Volunteer Handbook to learn more about the museum and about how to volunteer Visit History at www.mnmilitarymuseum.org
The Ripley Reporter Page 6 Minnesota Remembers The Civil War During the Holidays Article By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey, Photos By: Master Sgt. Dan Ewer Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs NASHVILLE, Tenn. Marching over muddy fields of the rolling Tennessee countryside, Soldiers of the 5th, 7th, 9th and 10th Minnesota Infantry Regiments moved to engage Confederate positions dug-in along the Hillsboro Turnpike Dec. 15-16, 1864. Everybody knew that the bugles, drums and banners meant battle, and so without a moments delay the Soldiers girded themselves for the fight and long before the solemn gloom of the morning twilight had yielded to the gray dawning, they were ready for the fray, wrote Chaplain Elijah E. Edwards of the 7th Minnesota Infantry. When the Civil War broke out in early 1861, Minnesotans were the first to answer President Lincoln s call for volunteers. Although a young state within the Union, Minnesota was heavily involved in both the Civil War and the U.S Dakota War by the spring of 1862. Between 1862 and 1863 Minnesota units were mobilized for service against confederate forces in the south. Newly raised units such as the 5th and 9th Minnesota Infantry regiments replaced garrisoned units at Fort Ripley and other outposts throughout the region. During this sesquicentennial many organizations will hold ceremonies remembering the events and those that endured the Civil War. We are honoring the heroism on both sides and especially recognizing the great accomplishments of brave Minnesotans, who overcame great odds, said State Representative Dean Urdahl, Minnesota Civil War Commemoration Task Force co-chairman. By 1864 Minnesota had committed 17 formations totaling nearly 25,000 men, or about half of the state s eligible male population, to war. The duties back home were left to local militia units allowing resources to be diverted to the war between the states. Assigned to the 1st Division, Army of the Tennessee, commanded by Brig. Gen. John McArthur, the Minnesota regiments were key in capturing Shy s Hill. Their efforts, with the loss of 87 Minnesotans, helped recover Nashville and bring to an end the last major battle of the Civil War. (Continued on Pg. 7)
The Ripley Reporter Page 7 (Continued from Pg. 6) At the 150th anniversary of the Battles of Franklin and Nashville, members the Minnesota Civil War Commemoration Task Force gathered to resurrect the history behind this great battle and the Soldiers who fought there. I m honored to be here in Nashville to help dedicate the marker commemorating the exploits and courage of those Minnesota regiments who battled here, said Urdahl. The efforts of our brave Soldiers effectively collapsed the Confederates, sent them into retreat and helped ensure the preservation of the Union. It is important we keep the legacies of our past alive so younger generations can appreciate all those who came before them, he said. CAMP RIPLEY PX - AAFES Hours of Operation Tuesday Through Thursday 1000 to 1700 Fri, Sat 1000 to 2000 (Depending on units on post) Sunday 0900 to 1400 Closed every Monday Weekly Sales and Promotions Camp Ripley Family Assistance Center 15000 Hwy 115 Little Falls, MN 56435 320-616-3117 / tami.l.klucas.ctr@mail.mil http://www.btyr.org/family-assistance-centers
The Ripley Reporter Page 8 Camp Ripley: A closer look at the mission, facilities Story and Photos By: Public Affairs Staff Camp Ripley Joint Visitors Bureau CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - The mission of Camp Ripley is to provide the best support, facilities and resources enabling customers to train in a realistic environment while maintaining positive community relations. Our duty is to be a training center capable of providing all assets needed to fulfill all customers missions now and into the future, said Col. Scott St. Sauver, Camp Ripley Garrison Commander. Camp Ripley is able to habitually support the simultaneous training requirements of over 30,000 National Guard Service-members, academy students and personnel from multiple state and local agencies throughout the training year. The existing educational center, constructed in 1995, consisted of 19 classrooms, with no dedicated billeting or dining facilities. The lack of facilities has hampered Camp Ripley s ability to support the training requirements of a growing number of customers. Camp Ripley has really shown its use as a regional training area, providing facilities for several agencies coming from multiple states across the Mid-West, said Maj. Joseph Sanganoo, Camp Ripley operations officer. The project to improve the existing education center consisted of a 67,436 square foot construction plan specially designed to increase usage. This plan was based around three major areas: the first being the addition of classrooms, both large and small, to include a 200-person auditorium and break rooms; the second, a 400-person dining facility able to provide an easy throughput for multiple organizations training on Camp Ripley; the third being the construction of 48 individual billets for students. The addition is a big positive for the Regional Training Institute, said Capt. Rob Grutsch, training officer for the 175th Regional Training Institute. Centralized classrooms, dining facility and billeting all in one location will speed up our in-processing and improve training time, he added. It will be more of college atmosphere to fit the Army s education model 2015 which is a new teaching design more adaptable to a diverse, operational force structure focusing on student interaction, said Grutsch.
The Ripley Reporter Page 9 The Arden Hills Army Training Site 2014 Year in Review ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - The Arden Hills Army Training Site, AHATS serves as a local training area for all military services, law enforcement and civilian agencies as well as environmental and wildlife conservation programs. This 1,500 acre training area provides customers with the highest quality training atmosphere and resources available. Additionally AHATS continues positive relationships with partnering agencies and the local communities. Throughout 2014 the Minnesota State Patrol conducted training on AHATS. January of 2014 saw the training of the State Patrol s Special Response Teams, Air Rescue, Criminal Interdiction and administrative organizations on the facility. Since then several joint and inter-agency exercises have taken place on AHATS. Construction began for the 834th Aviation Support Battalion s Readiness Center (RC13) which is scheduled to be completed by FY15 providing administrative support and training facilities to soldiers of the 834th Aviation Support Battalion HQ, HSC and A Co. Several Military units conducted training on AHATS including local and out-of-state formations. Engineers of the 924th Engineer Detachment, Wisconsin Army National Guard conducted a troop project on AHATS developing and constructing the new Entry Control Point along Hamline Ave. During 2014 many visitors toured the facility, contributing to the Minnesota National Guard s mission of community support. Rep. Betty McCollum visited several times throughout the year as did Brig. Gen. (Ret) Ed Clapp, Mayor John Schaaf, Maj. Gen. (Ret) Robert D Shadley, and Judge (ret) Richard (Dick) Leonard and several other distinguished visitors. Visit the Arden Hills Army Training Site For military units and civilian agencies, the AHATS facility is avalible to help meet your training needs. For more information contact Staff Sgt. Janice Hawkins, AHATS Training Area Coordinator at (651) 282-4421.
The Ripley Reporter Page 10 Recreation on Camp Ripley Camp Ripley has several indoor recreational facilities. The Recreation and Training Center (Bldg 6-97) and the Training and Community Center (Bldg 11-1) both have facilities that can be used by organizations. (Open 24 Hours ) Facilities include: Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Weight Machines, Wellness Room, Free Weights, Exercise Machines, and Sauna. The Contract Dining Facility (CDF) can seat up to 200 personnel at a time. The facility is designed to feed all site support personnel, Soldiers in school status, and small units without organic mess sections. Rates Cash or Credit Breakfast $6.25 Lunch $8.05 Dinner $8.05 Dining Hours Breakfast 0600-0745 Lunch 1130-1300 Dinner 1630-1830 Outdoor recreational equipment is available from the Supply and Services Division. Facilities include: Cross Country Skiing areas, Picnic Areas, Snowshoeing, and Fishing areas. Camp Ripley Supply & Services Phone: (320) 616-3130/3128 DSN: 871-3130/3128 Fax: (320) 632-7336 Attractions in the local and surrounding area - Little Falls is just five miles to the south of Camp Ripley. Little Falls is known as the community with the small town atmosphere with the big city attractions. Little Falls Visitor s Bureau- http://www.littlefallsmn.com Brainerd Lakes Area - The Brainerd Lakes area is less than 30 miles to the northwest of Camp Ripley. Brainerd and its surrounding communities provide not only a wide variety of shopping and dinning choices, but offer a number of other seasonal and year-round amenities to their guests. Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce- http://www.explorebrainerdlakes.com
The Ripley Reporter Page 11 11 Viking Club Hours Fri.- Sat. 1800-0030 (320) 616-1833 campripleyvikingclub@gmail.com Bar Bingo Brnd. Amer. Leg.7p.m. Search for additional events on these easily accessible websites: www.americantowns.com/mn/saintcloud/events www.scsuhuskies.com/ www.granitecountry.com/ www.visitbrainerd.com/events-calendar/ www.brainerd.com/calendar/ www.littlefallsmn.com/calendar/ www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/ www.facebook.com/campripley/events/ www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org/ Ice Fishing Contest Mons Lake 12-3p.m. Habitat for Humanity - Bowl to Build January 10th, 2015 from 12-3 at the Little Falls Bowling Center. All ages are welcome to participate in this 4-person team fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. There will be a silent auction and door prizes, and a free pizza lunch. For more information, call Andy Vaverek at 320-360-0099, or Habitat for Humanity of Morrison County at 320-616-2084. Snow At Mount Ski Gull Bring the whole family out for skiing, snowboarding or tubing. Lessons and rental equipment available. Visit www.skigull. com for more info. 9p.m. 1 2 3 4 5 6 5-7p.m. @ Great River Arts in Little Falls, MN Davina & Vagabonds Breezy Pt. Ice Fishing Contest Jan. 9-10 Basketball 16 6/ Bar Bingo 12 13 14 15 17 Brnd. Amer. W Hockey Bar Bingo 18 MLK 20 21 22 23 4th Fri. Concert 24 Brnd. Amer. XC Skiing 25 9a.m. 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 3p.m. 2 3 Leg.7p.m. Leg.7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. Rhythmic Circus Escher Audt. College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23. Charismatic collection of dancers, musicians and vocalists. Details and tickets: 363-5777 or www.csbsju.edu/fine-arts. Brian Deal, CFP PFC (Personal Financial Counselor) Email: MN-PFC3@mflc.zeiders.com Phone: 320-828-6744 Cell: 860-978-1168 Web: www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org Laurie Terhune, MFLC NGCampRipleyMNSurge@magmflc.org Cell phone is 320-232-0337 Provides short-term non-medical counseling services to service members and their families at no cost. 8 Blood Camp Ripley 8am -2pm 9 3p.m./ 7p.m. CLC, Brainerd Rev. 5 @ Great River Arts Little Falls, MN 7p.m. M Hockey 10 7 M Hockey 7p.m. 2p.m. Snowmobile Rendezvous Pequot Lakes 9p.m. Swanville, MN
The Ripley Reporter Page 12 Camp Ripley Safety Messages Thin Ice Warning Although ice has been forming on many area lakes shorelines, bays and shallow areas, it s important to keep in mind that we need more cold nights for the ice to reach adequate thickness, before it is safe for recreation. With some accidents occurring in Minnesota already this season, and too many in past seasons, we d like to take a moment to remind our local community how to know when the ice is safe. The DNR recommends anyone heading out on the ice should: carry a set of ice picks, check with a local bait shop -ask about ice conditionsand measure the ice. Because ice thickness can vary across an area, make sure you check more than one spot. DNR clear ice thickness recommendations are: 4 inches for walking. 5 inches for a snowmobile or ATV. 8-12 inches for a car. 12-15 inches for a medium-sized truck. It s also important to keep an eye on other factors and features of the ice, and rely on the combination of factors, rather just on one (i.e. ice thickness). Ice safety is determined by assessing the following factors together: Appearance of the ice - its color, texture and features Thickness of the ice - there are recommended thicknesses for different uses, which are set out above External temperature over a period of time and on the day Snow coverage Depth of water under ice Size of water body Local climate fluctuations We are all ready to get out on the ice and enjoy the cold Minnesota weather. The excellent Minnesota winter recreation is one of the main reasons we put up with the cold winters here, right? Let s all make a point to stay safe and wait until the ice is ready before going out on the lakes. 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,