The Ripley Reporter Vol. 9, Issue 8 Recovery for the 1st ABCT Pg. 2-3 Education & Events Pg. 4 Artillery Unit Legacy Pg. 5-6 Minn. DNR Academy Pg. 7-8 MNNG Youth & Teen Camp Pg. 9 Governors Chief of Staff Visit Pg. 10 Events Calendar Pg. 11 Safety Pg. 12 In This Issue
Ripley Reporter Page 2 Recovery is the next Mission Article By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs Minnesota National Guard Facebook Pages https://www.facebook.com/minnesotanationalguard/ https://www.facebook.com/campripley/ https://www.facebook.com/ardenhillsarmytrainingsite/ https://www.facebook.com/148thfighterwing/ https://www.facebook.com/133rdairliftwing/ https://www.facebook.com/theredbulls/ https://www.facebook.com/84th-troop-command/ DA & Command Photos at Camp Ripley www.minnesotanationalguard.org/vi or www.vios.army.mil Appointments Mondays & Wednesdays 0800-1200 hours Questions call: 320-616-3122 COVER PHOTO - Tankers of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team - 34th Infantry Division punch the tube of an M1A1 Abrams Tank during vehicle recovery on Camp Ripley July, 2016. It s a slow process getting everything staged, but once the vehicles are off-loaded, rewashed and turned in to maintenance, the recovery plan will run very smooth, said Capt. Tracy Mankowski, logistics supervisor with the J4. With additional rail cars arriving on Camp Ripley throughout the early part of July, teams of vehicle operators of the 1st ABCT and Soldiers of the 347th Regional Support Group move the 1st Brigade s equipment to a staging area to be cleaned and inspected before driving them to the maintenance facility. (Continued on Pg. 3) CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Soldiers and vehicles of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division returned to Minnesota throughout the beginning weeks of July 2016. This is the final phase of this movement exercise, we learned a lot and exceeded every expectation with great results, said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gerard Hummel, railhead officer in charge. After returning from the month-long rotation at the National Training Center at Ft. Irwin in California, the Minnesota National Guard units will begin the next few phase following an exercise which is the checking, servicing and maintaining of everything the unit needs to execute its next mission.
Ripley Reporter Page 3 (Continued from Pg. 2) We are always ready for some form of maintenance setback should it occur, the ingenuity and creative thinking of the Soldiers moving these vehicles off the railcars has been outstanding, added Hummel. Over the next few weeks the mechanics and technicians on Camp Ripley will dedicate additional time ensuring the equipment of the 1st Brigade, 34th Infantry Division is ready and mission capable. Join Medal of Honor Convention Twin Cities, Hiring Our Heroes, and Medal of Honor recipients Dakota Meyer and SOCS Ed Byers for a one-of-a-kind event featuring a hiring fair, networking opportunities and workshops. All segments will be tailored for veteran job seekers, active duty military members, guard and reserve members, and military spouses. All registered military, veteran and dependent attendees are eligible to receive up to two (2) free tickets for them and their families to attend that evening s game between the Twins and the White Sox. Employers and Military Job Seekers register at MOHJOBFAIR.ORG
Ripley Reporter Page 4 With the continued threat of attacks across the world it is vitally important that we as a community remain vigilant in our anti-terrorism awareness. Terrorism is a continuous threat to our Army, our Nation but, with heightened awareness and watchfulness, we can play a vital role in helping our protection professionals keep a watchful eye on our community. Please continue to talk with your family and friends about being aware of your surroundings and taking personal measures to keep us all safe. SEE something, SAY something! Sept 11, 2016 8 a.m. at AHATS
Ripley Reporter Page 5 Cannoneers Remember Lineage during Upcoming Anniversary Article & Photos By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Artillery crewmen and support personnel of the 1st Battalion 151st Field Artillery are conducted gunnery skills training on Camp Ripley July 17 30, 2016. This is part of the battalion s Annual Training requirements that each National Guard unit must complete in order to meet readiness standards in support of possible federal missions. During the summer of 1917, this battalion answered such a call following the congressional approval of President Woodrow Wilson s declaration of war against Germany. Minnesota joined twenty-six states which provided organizations for a plan to combine National Guard units from around the country into one large division. Commanded by Col. George E. Leach, the 151st Field Artillery became part of the 42nd Rainbow Division, and served in France from October 18, 1917, to November 11, 1918. There is a lot of rich history with our battalion, said Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Henningson of C Battery. I ve been with this unit for twenty years including several deployments, it feels like home, he added. (Continued on Pg. 6) Contact Information Kim Brouillet Program Support Technician 8180 Belden Blvd. Cottage Grove MN 55016 651-282-4487 kimberley.d.brouillet.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. ESGR s trained ombudsmen provide mediation of issues relating to compliance with USERRA. http://www.esgr.mil/minnesota Eric Rolstad Administrative Support Technician 15000 Highway 115 Little Falls MN 56345 320-616.3198 eric.t.rolstad.ctr@mail.mil Laura Williamson Employment Coordinator MNNG - Camp Ripley 15000 Hwy 115 Room 1156 Little Falls MN 56345 laura.l.williamson8.ctr@mail.mil
Ripley Reporter Page 6 (Continued from Pg. 5) Today, Soldiers of the Montevideo based 1-151st Field Artillery work to fulfill three requirements: the Federal Mission of defending the people and property of the United States of America. The State Mission of always being ready to act on the governor s direction to assist the citizens and civil authorities of Minnesota. As well as the Community Mission to maintain a positive social and environmental relationship with their neighbors. I ve always been interested with the role Artillery plays on the battlefield, said Capt. Brandon Fredrickson, battery commander for C Battery. It s one of the decisive elements in any action. He continued. The 151st Field Artillery saw combat in Lorraine, Champagne, Chateau-Thierry, and Meuse-Argonne campaigns. On November 11, 1918 (Armistice Day), the 151st was part of the defensive line near Sedan. To many Minnesotans, the151st Field Artillery, along with their fellow comrades, embodied the fight for freedom and democracy. The state welcomed them back as heroes in the spring of 1919 with a ceremony on the steps of the state capitol building in St. Paul. The Minnesota Military Museum, on Camp Ripley, will open a major exhibit commemorating the 100th anniversary of U. S. and Minnesota involvement in WW l on Friday July 22, 2016. The exhibit titled In the Fight: Minnesota and the First World War captures the experiences of Minnesota men and women who served and contributed to the Great War effort from 1916 to 1918. Service Members Are Encouraged to Utilize the Battle Buddy System On and Off Post! Outdoor Recreation Camp Ripley has several outdoor recreational facilities. Equipment is available from the Supply and Services Division. Phone: (320) 616-3130/3128. 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 and Training Center (Bldg 6-97) and the Training and Community Center (Bldg 11-1) both have facilities that can be used by organizations.volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Weight Machines, Wellness Room, Free Weights, Exercise Machines, and Sauna.
Ripley Reporter Page 7 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. Janice Hawkins janice.m.hawkins8.mil@mail.mil 651-282-4421 Minnesota DNR Academy Shapes Future Officers on Camp Ripley Article & Photos By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Since early April ten conservation officer candidates have taken part in the 14 week training program offered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Academy on Camp Ripley. The candidates of class 17 are wrapping up the final iterations of countless training scenarios as they make their way to becoming Enforcement Officers within the State of Minnesota. From administrative tasks to weapons handling, wildlife conservation and enforcement, we ensure these candidates are ready to leave here as well rounded, educated conservation officers, said Assistant Training Coordinator Aaron Kahre. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, as well as other state agencies, have utilized the facilities of Camp Ripley since the early 1950s for the training and professional development of their officers. This is the seventeenth class of candidates since academy training began at Camp Ripley in 1994. Like the Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard, the DNR applies the support and resources provided on Camp Ripley and applies real-world scenarios to the training program in a variety of simulated situation and venues. We cover a lot of ground on Camp Ripley, added Kehre. We train on watercraft, AT and other vehicles, all of which are accommodated by the resources offered by the National Guard on Camp Ripley. (Continued on Pg. 8)
Ripley Reporter Page 8 Weekly Sales & Promotions Camp Ripley PX Hours of Operation For the Month of May Monday through Saturday 1000-2000 hours Sunday 0900-1500 hours (Continued from Pg. 7) The Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Division employs over 200 licensed peace officers to serve the public and protect the natural resources of the State of Minnesota. They are the primary law enforcement agency responsible for the natural resources and recreational regulations within the State of Minnesota. Through our training programs we offer safety and wildlife conservation enforcement classes to not only local departments but out-of-state enforcement agencies as well, said Lt. Mike Martin, Training Coordinator Supervisor for the DNR Enforcement Academy. Our safety courses are arranged across a number of areas on Camp Ripley including the smaller lakes, wetlands, wooded trail, etc., continued Martin. The diverse training offered at the Academy prepares the candidates for the several different type of environments they may encounter in Minnesota. Each of the ten officers, preparing to graduate later this week, come from different parts of the state and will be posted in several locations from International Falls to Worthington. The cadets will graduate on Tuesday July 26, 2016 at the Hangar Conference Center on Camp Ripley. After graduation, the new officers will spend 16 weeks of field training along with veteran conservation officers who will tutor them through several variations of training.
Ripley Reporter Page 9 Youth Camp fills Camp Ripley Article & Photos By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. The Youth and Teen Camp sponsored by the Minnesota National Guard and held at Camp Ripley, are half way to celebrating another successful year. This has been another great year for Youth Camp with great weather the tremendous support from Camp Ripley, said Lindsay Koolmo, executive director for the camp and Airmen with the Duluth based 148th Fighter Wing. The camps which began in 1991 welcomed children and teens of Minnesota National Guard families ages to Camp Ripley July 24 Aug 6, 2016. Broken into two groups, youth 10 to 12 and teen 13 to 15, the week-long camp allows the children of military families the opportunity to network among themselves, relate with common situation peers and to enjoy a little of the Minnesota wilderness. We run two camps that are each a week long which allows us to break up the campers into smaller groups for our counselors, said Koolmo. For the campers it a daily mix of traditions and fun as the day begins at 0600 or 6a.m. to the sounds of a bugle playing reveille. Following the raising of our nations colors, the campers are off to take part in several activities throughout the day. Archery, first aid, canoeing, nature hikes, relays, tours, bike rides, rock climbing, and swimming are just a few of the events the groups take part in. Additionally the campers are given the chance to meet senior leaders of the Minnesota National Guard who share their experiences about being a professional and well rounded leader. The idea for establishing a youth education program for the Minnesota National Guard families was first discussed in the late 1980s with the enthusiasm of then Adjutant General, Major General Eugene Andreotti. His guidance led to the establishment of the Family Program Manager and the youth camp program. Since then, the Youth Camp Program has developed into a Minnesota non-profit organization to provide a unique and enjoyable opportunity for dependents of the Minnesota National Guard to explore the environment in which they live and be more responsible in maintaining the environment for future generations. The camp is a great confidence builder encouraging the youth to have greater confidence in themselves, explore the environment, and to take on responsibilities presented to them, said a spokesperson for the program. The camp goal of a fun, safe and caring environment where youth and teens can enjoy outdoor activities, building friendships and develop positive values is front-and-center right from the first day Sgt. Randi Little - Minnesota Army National Guard Recruiter Camp Ripley 320-333-4787 15000 Hwy 115 Little Falls, Minn. 56345
Ripley Reporter Page 10 Minn. Governor s Chief of Staff Visits Camp Ripley Article & Photos By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Chief of Staff Jaime Tincher of the Office of Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, visitied Camp Ripley July 29, 2016. The visit, along with Maj. Gen. Richard C. Nash, The Adjutant General for the Minnesota National Guard and other State Representatives, was to familiarize themselves with the many resources available on the state-owned 53,000 acre facility. Addditionally the tour allowed the visitors to see some of the latest training tool utilized by the men and women of the Minnesota National Guard as well as our state partners for the betterment of their training. Mechanics on Camp Ripley check and recover the vehicles of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team following their rotation at the National Training Center in California. 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 2007. A growing collection of his cartoons can be found on his website pvtmurphy.net
Ripley Reporter Page 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 Opening Ceremony 6:30 CST www.nbcolympics.com Little Falls American 7 8 9 10 11 12 Minnesota 13 Legion Post 46 Bingo 2p.m. Little Falls American 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Legion Post 46 Bingo 2p.m. Hugo Lions Golf Scramble 7:30a.m. 2p.m. 8p.m. 5pm-9pm St Cloud 8p.m. Little Falls American 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Legion Post 46 Bingo 2p.m. 8p.m. 8p.m. 5pm-9pm St Cloud Vintage Vehicle Celebration Little Falls 6p.m. 5pm-9pm St Cloud 8p.m. Little Falls American 28 Legion Post 46 29 Art Exhibit - Time And 30 31 Bingo 2p.m. Listen in on as Camp Ripley talks to The Decay Of Brainerd at Noon Memory 5pm-9pm St Cloud Military Appreciation Day at the State 10am - 4pm Crossing Arts Fair Listen in on as Camp Ripley talks to Alexandria 9a.m. Mil. Museum Book Signing & Sale 10a.m. - 5p.m. Morrison Cty Fair 10-14 1p.m. 1p.m. 8p.m. Camp Ripley 2p.m. Womens Leadership Forum 5p.m. Richfield Bataan Mem. March 8a.m. Brainerd Listen in on as Camp Ripley talks to Little Falls 10a.m. 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.
Ripley Reporter Page 12 Camp Ripley Safety Camp Ripley Safety Day & Health Fair On Sept. 27, 2016 Staff, Soldiers and Employees on Camp Ripley will take part in informational training to include a Fire Drills, an Active Shooter walkthrough of their specific environment, and identification of shelter areas and processes during Severe Weather. There will also be the availability of a CPR certification and recertification class in conjunction with the department specific training each group will conduct. The DNR, State Patrol and MNDoT will be set up near the drill hall offering several demonstrations and information to include motorcycle safety. Picnic lunch will be served adjacent to the drill hall Floor concurrently with the Health Fair and other afternoon activities. There will also be nearly two dozen health and wellness vendors from around the state of Minnesota to answer questions or provide information about an program and tips. For more information contact: MAJ Neal Wilson Installation Safety Officer Bldg 11-1 Camp Ripley Training Center 15000 HWY 115 Sept. 27, 2016 CRTC Safety Day & Health Fair Range and Weapons Safety Toolbox The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center developed this toolbox to aid commanders and leaders in the management of range operations and safe weapons handling. https://safety.army.mil/on-duty/rangeandweaponssafetytoolbox.aspx The toolbox provides a centralized collection of resources to establish and maintain safe and effective training programs for ranges and both military and privately owned weapons.