The Ripley Reporter Vol. 11, Issue 5 Military Mental Health Conference 851st VEC Deployment State Best Warrior
Ripley Reporter Page 2 State Best Warrior Competition Pg. 2, 4-5 Around Camp Ripley Pg. 3 Safety Day 2018 Pg. 6 In This Issue Bataan, Never Forget Pg. 7 Military Mental Health Conference Pg. 8 Semi-Annual Retirement Breakfast Pg. 9 One of the many AWT Army Warrior Tasks competitors had to engage in order to make it through the State Best Warrior Competition Apr. 6, 2018. Camp Ripley & the Community Pg.10 851st Deployment ceremony Pg. 11 Safety Pg. 12 MNNG State Best Warrior Competition at Camp Ripley Article & Photos by: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Eight Soldiers and Six Noncommissioned Officers of the Minnesota Army National Guard Soldiers competed in the 2018 State Best Warrior Competition Apr 5-8, 2018. Made up of participants from each major command throughout Minnesota, the competitors were selected based on their tactical and technical abilities to include professionalism, physical and mental endurance, resiliency and leadership. These values contributed to their selection as well as their motivation to attack the competition in order to move on to the regional and national levels coming up in the next few months. (Contined on Pg. 4) 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 651-470-2126 sfruechte@patriotenterprisesllc.com
Ripley Reporter Page 3 Service Members Are Encouraged to Utilize the Battle Buddy System On and Off Post! 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 612-618-6927.
Ripley Reporter Page 4 (Contined from Pg. 2) The three-day event opened with a welcome brief from Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas Wortham, the state senior enlisted advisor, followed by in-processing and the plan of action for the next two days. The long winter and unseasonable temps made the outdoor activities very interesting for the staff and the competitors. While competition standards encourage each competitor to push themselves physically and mentally, the overwhelming theme is the collective teamwork everyone is expected to adhere to as a member of a much bigger organization than themselves. This is an individual event, but you are also there to motivate your fellow Soldiers along the way the entire time, said Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas Wortham. We are looking for a healthy competition which includes helping each other and motivating each other, that s what we do as teammates and battle buddies, he added. (Contined on Pg. 5) Contact Information Eric Rolstad Program Support Specialist 15000 Highway 115 Little Falls MN 56345 320-616-3198 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. http://www.esgr.mil/minnesota 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.
Ripley Reporter Page 5 Call 320-632-7375 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. (Contined from Pg. 4) Other warrior tasks and battle drills relevant to today s operating environment included conquering urban and wilderness terrain Soldiers engaged in warfare simulations and general soldier tasks such as marksmanship, first aid, communication and survival training. Following a written test and essay each competitor and their sponsor began to prepare their equipment for the next day s event. The final event before day and night land navigation, included Army Warrior Tasks, demonstrating tactical understanding and technical aptitude. Each task tests the Soldiers independently, but their success on the battlefield will come from their ability to draw motivation from each other. The final day for the competitors began with battling exhaustion, sore muscles and the cold Minnesota weather. A 12-mile, early morning ruck march through the Camp Ripley Training Area. Congratulations to the Soldier of the Year: SPC Tarrant Collett from 434th Chemical Company, and the NCO of the Year: SGT Tyler Sparks from the Minnesota National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion. Their hard work, determination, and endurance earned them the 2018 Best Warrior titles! SPC Collett and SGT Sparks will represent Minnesota at the Regional Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy in May.
Ripley Reporter Page 6 DA & Command Photos at Camp Ripley www.minnesotanationalguard.org/vi or www.vios.army.mil Call 320-616-3122 for Appointments Appointment times may adjust based on additional mission requirements 0800-1600 hours Camp Ripley Safety to host the next Safety Day Standdown Article & Photos By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs Camp Ripley DEERS/ID Card Office 0800-1600 Monday - Friday Bldg. 11-1 Next to the Flagpole May 30, 2018 will be a Safety Stand down Day for all Service-members, staff, and employees of Camp Ripley. The morning, on this Safety Day, will be Command and Directorate focused for their separate department to work through Tornado and Fire drills, as well as Active shooter walkthroughs for each facility. From 1000 to 1300, a Safety and Health fair will be held on the TACC drill floor and adjacent outside areas for all to attend. The fair will have approximately forty vendors and will include firearm and bicycle safety as well as chainsaw safety/sharpening and many other items for everyone to stop and take part in. Looking at operations here on Camp Ripley itself; the 148th Air Wing EOD will be displaying UXOs and discussing how to respond if encountered. The explosion house from one of Minnesota Power s affiliates will be demonstrating safety tactic in the home regarding propane and natural gas. Multiple Minnesota organizations will be present to provide information and answer questions regarding fitness, mental health, gambling, vision, and more. In addition, a picnic lunch will be served concurrently with the event. 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 651-282-4421
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 Brainerd Remembers Bataan, Never Forgets Article by: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs BRAINERD, Minn. An annual service was held at the headquarters of 1st Combined Arms Battalion 194th Armor in Brainerd Monday Apr. 9, 2018. The event was to commemorate the service and sacrifice of the soldiers of A Company, 194th Tank Battalion. The current Minnesota National Guard battalion of 1st CAB 194th Armor still carries the legacy which was originally based out of the Brainerd Armory. On Feb. 10, 1941, Brainerd s 34th Tank Company, which was commanded by Ernest B. Miller, was federalized and ordered to train at Fort Lewis, where the company was combined with units from St. Joseph, Mo., and Salinas, Calif., and redesignated as the 194th Tank Battalion. The 194th was the first tank unit activated in the Far East prior to the start of World War II, said Capt. Joe Howe. After the invasion of the Philippines by the Japanese... the 194th held vital positions throughout the island defense until the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942, when ordered to surrender. 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 & 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. Marching more than 60 miles nearly 10,000 American and Filipino service-members died during the forced march to prisoner of war camps, orchestrated by Japanese Soldiers. Of the 82 officers and men of the 34th Tank Company who left Brainerd, 64 accompanied the 194th to the Philippines. One was wounded and evacuated, two were transferred to Officers Christian Fellowship, three were killed in action, 29 died as POWs and 29 survived captivity.
Ripley Reporter Page 8 Mental Health Conference Article & Photos by: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs Weekly Sales & Promotions Camp Ripley PX Hours of Operation For the Month of May Open Tue. - Sat. 1000-1700 hours Closed Sun. & Mon. CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Military leadership, Mental Health professionals and providers from around the state attended the Military Mental Health Conference at Camp Ripley April 26-27, 2018. The conference is intended as a rallying point for a diverse group of professionals and those in both military and civilian fields. Attendees include community members, mental health providers, case managers, military leaders, veterans, and caregivers. Most recently master resilience trainers and suicide intervention officers, currently serving with the Minnesota National Guard, will be invited to attend, furthering available resource knowledge for service-members of the largest military formation in the state. This is a great opportunity for us to provide education on clinical topics while sampling the military atmosphere on Camp Ripley, said Lisa Jensen MSW, LICSW, coalition president. We offer networking opportunities in the interest of collaboration and cooperation and will get the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the culture we are working to support. Several guest speakers along with military personnel and field professionals took part in the two day event to educate attendees on military culture with a strong focus on the unique clinical issues that providers and military members face. Additionally, details on how to provide the best support to military personnel and their families were discussed during break-out sessions geared at specific topics. The Military Mental Health Coalition was created to work towards improving the overall health and wellness of military-connected members within the communities. They do this for all members of the Armed Forces by synchronizing efforts of existing resources, raising awareness of persistent challenges and bridging the civilian-military divide. Our main goal is to organize efforts for the overall wellbeing of service-members, veterans and their families, said Capt. Troy Davidson, coalition member with the Minnesota National Guard. 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/
Ripley Reporter Page 9 Semi-Annual Retiremnt Breakfast brings in a Crowd Article & Photos by: Spc. Ashley Maciej Camp Ripley Joint Visitors Bureau Camp Ripley recently held a Retirement Breakfast on April 19th in the Hanger Conference center. There was a great turnout with many prizes given out and lots of information. The subjects that are talked about during this breakfast is in regards to service-member, family and retiree benefits. A great deal is covered during this semi-annual event. Topics like social security, health insurance, VA membership, mental health, and even state compensatory options. Retirement isn t only about utilizing your benefits, it also about making sure you have the correct information. Contacting your County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) can be a big help in many parts of your retirement. The next Retirement breakfast will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018 to include breakfast served starting at 0800 courtesy of the Camp Ripley Snack Bar, for only $7 per person. Our speakers will wrap things by approximately 1130. Feel free to join us that morning, or contact CPT (RET) Kristina Vonberge at (320)616-4959 for information and to register your attendance. 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 11-1. Contact Savannah Polzin at 320-412-6068 to set up an appointment.
Ripley Reporter Page 10 Nisswa American 9a.m. 1 Legion Bingo 2 3 4 5 6p.m.-9p.m. Little Falls American Legion Post 46 Bingo 2p.m. Little Falls American 6 7 8 Noon 9 10 11 3:00-10:00p.m. Legion Post 46 Cheese Burger Night $2.50 3:00-10:00p.m. Little Falls Day of Caring 4:30-10:00p.m. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Camp Ripley 3:30-10:00p.m. 12 5:00-10:00p.m. 5:00-10:00p.m. 20 21 22 23 24 10a.m 25 26 Little Falls American Legion Post 46 Bingo 2p.m. 3:30-10:00p.m. 27 28 29 30 3:30-10:00p.m. 31 Vs 8p.m. Vs 8p.m. 3:30-10:00p.m. Trolling for the Troops Dining Facility Hours and Costs Breakfast - 0600 to 0745 - $7.75 Lunch - 1130 to 1300 - $7.75 Dinner - 1630 to 1830 - $7.75 Camp Ripley DEERS/ID Card Office Camp Ripley- 320-616-2728 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 Deployment of the 851st Engineer Company by: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey Camp Ripley Public Affairs CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - More than 150 Soldiers from the Camp Ripley-based 851st Vertical Engineer Company took part in a deployment ceremony Apr. 25, 2018 in Little Falls, Minnesota. The Minnesota National Guard Soldiers will be deploying to Kuwait for the next year in support of Operation Freedom s Sentinel. The 851st Vertical Engineer Company will conduct engineer support missions in Kuwait and throughout the CENTCOM theater of operations in support of units stationed in multiple nations. This will be the first deployment for 137 Soldiers. The unit is expected to return to Minnesota in September. Shot of the Month SAINT CLOUD, Minn. - Lt. Col. Michael Barker, AASF#2 commander hugs his wife Amy following his final flight as they get ready for his retirement. 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 Camp Ripley, Minnesota May 2018
Ripley Reporter Page 12 Camp Ripley Safety Safety in Numbers Riding in a group can be exciting and provide you an opportunity to share a great experience with old friends while meeting new ones. Compared to riding alone, however, you ll need a different set of skills to keep you and your group safe. Here are a few safety tips to ensure everyone has an enjoyable time. Safety briefings Successful group rides begin with a short meeting before departure providing detailed information about the adventure. Leaders should provide all riders with maps and information concerning the route of travel, speeds, road hazards, weather, and fuel, rest and meal stops. In addition, the ride leader and the sweep and trail riders should identify themselves and demonstrate the proper hand and arm signals. The checklist below provides a useful guide for these meetings: Review the destination and route of travel. Describe how to handle lane changing and what actions to take if the group gets split up. Demonstrate and explain each hand signal and insist everyone use those signals. Determine the level of riding experience of any new group members. Assign new members to slot positions until the trail rider is satisfied they can properly handle their bikes. Have all riders inspect their bikes to ensure everything is in order. As an extra precaution, have everyone do a quick check of the bikes next to them. Formation makeup It s important to maintain a staggered formation to make the group more visible to drivers and allow an adequate safety space around the riders. Also, group riding helps prevent riders from being separated by traffic. To create a staggered formation, the lead riders should position themselves in the left third of the lane with the second rider following at least one second behind and in the right third of the lane. This staggered formation should be copied by the following riders in the group, each alternately taking the left or right third of the lane while maintaining a safe following distance. Because it s possible for a group to become too large, riders can be split into smaller formations of five to seven motorcycles. Traversing intersections Intersections are particularly dangerous for riders, as many motorists may fail to notice motorcycles. When turning at intersections protected by traffic signals, groups should proceed either single file or in a tight, staggered formation. At unprotected intersections, riders should proceed individually. The group can reform once everyone has safely negotiated the intersection. Safe passing How groups should pass slower traffic depends on the type of road. When there are sufficient multiple lanes such as on freeways or interstates riders should pass as a group when directed by the lead rider. On two-lane highways and roads, riders should pass individually when it s safe. Handling roadside emergencies Whenever riders require assistance, the group members behind them should stop and provide help. Riders ahead of the incident should continue to the next scheduled stop and wait for everyone to catch up. Conclusion Riding with a group can be a great experience if everyone understands the rules and abides by them. Maintaining the integrity of the formation, taking cues from the lead rider and safely operating your bike will allow everyone in the group to enjoy the open road. 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: https://safety.army.mil/media/seasonalsafetycampaigns/allseasons.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.