The Ripley Reporter Vol. 10, Issue 1 2016 Year-in-Review
Ripley Reporter Page 2 In This Issue Camp Ripley takes a look back on 2016. Throughout the year Camp Ripley and the Arden Hills Army Training Site, AHATS, supported over 304,000 mandays of training for both DoD and civilian agencies. The dedication and high standards of the training support personnel aided in the preparation of the Minnesota National Guard units and inter-agency partners ensuring they meet the proper level of readiness in order to support federal and state missions. Croatian President Visits Minnesota National Guard Training Site Photos & Article By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey 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/ Listen in monthly as Camp Ripley goes on the air in your community with KLTF AM960, KXRA AM1190/FM100.3 and WJJY FM106.7 CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Croatian President, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović toured the Minnesota National Guard s Camp Ripley Training Center near Little Falls, Jan. 4, 2015, as part of her visit to Minnesota. The president s visit to Minnesota is in part to recognize the 20-year anniversary of the successful cooperation between Croatia and Minnesota within the State Partnership Program, said Col. Kevin Olson, director of communications for the Minnesota National Guard. Through the State Partnership Program, administered by the National Guard Bureau and the Department of Defense, Minnesota and Croatia have worked together to build a cooperative, mutually-beneficial relationship for their respective military organizations and communities.
Ripley Reporter Page 3 Imminent threat inside Camp Ripley Call security 320-632-7375 Imminent threat outside Camp Ripley Call 9-1-1 Questionable activity inside Camp Ripley Call security 320-632-7375 Questionable activity outside Camp Ripley Call 9-1-1 Questionable activity by a service member or employee? report it to your supervisor or use isalute: https://www.inscom.army.mil/isalute/ - isalute is the Department of the Army s Threat Awareness and Reporting Program tool to report questionable activity. See Something, Say Something Camp Ripley Director of Public Safety MAJ Joachim Eitenmiller Call 320-632-7375 To Report Suspicious Activity
Ripley Reporter Page 4 Simulations training gets Minnesota Guard ready for battle Photos & Article By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Soldiers of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division began vehicle simulations training Jan. 9 at Camp Ripley. The first phase in meeting the Army s Ready requirement is to certify every vehicle crew on the safe and effective operation of their vehicle and weapon platform, said Master Sgt. Rian Hofstad, master gunner for the 1st ABCT. The main effort of the brigade s simulations training is being conducted on the Close Combat tactical Trainer. The CCTT system is a computer-driven, manned module simulator replicating the vehicles found in close combat units such as the M1 Abrams Tank, the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. It is designed to provide armor, mechanized infantry, cavalry and reconnaissance crews with a virtual, collective training opportunity while reducing the cost and usage of actual equipment. As part of the collective training program, our simulators can interface together with three subsystems offering a fully combined arms mission package, said Mr. Tim Hannah, site manager on Camp Ripley. Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Academy continues on Camp Ripley Photos & Article By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - The Minnesota State Patrol began its 57th Trooper Academy Jan. 25 at Camp Ripley. The Minnesota State Patrol Academy held at the Camp Ripley Training Facility near Little Falls, combines various elements of classroom education and practical, hands-on experience as the candidates learn the duties of a trooper. Additionally, each candidate learns and develops healthy lifestyle techniques, maintaining physical fitness and wellness to exemplify the disciplines of a Minnesota State Trooper.
Ripley Reporter Page 5 National Guard Biathlon hosts friendly competition Photos & Article By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Despite unseasonably warmer temperatures, the National Guard Biathlon Championships in Minnesota are running successfully as they reach the midway point in the competition. The team here in Minnesota has taken extraordinary steps to ensure the course is ready for our athletes. said Maj. Chris Ruggerio, coordinator for the National Guard Biathlon Program. Since the early 70s, the Biathlon Program has encouraged competitors within the Army and Air National Guard to take part in the sport that develops their professional career and personal growth. As an understanding between the adjutant generals of Vermont and Minnesota, the construction of two facilities and the mutual responsibility of the biathlon program would go forward to exemplify the fundamental skills this sport brings out in a service member. All Paws on Deck, Search and Rescue Teams Train on Air-Scent Skills Photos & Article By: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey CAMP RIPLEY Dogs and handlers of the Central Lakes Search and Rescue organization conducted training on Camp Ripley March 6, 2016. The training consisted of several iterations of air-scent search scenarios, increasing the dogs awareness of how to track and locate through various terrain and conditions. The Central Lakes Search and Rescue, or CLSAR, is based in Garfield, Minn., and is staffed by members and K-9 SAR handlers throughout the state. On request, the teams respond to support agencies across the upper Midwest who are legally tasked with finding a missing person. Contact Information Kim Brouillet Volunteer Support Technician 8180 Belden Blvd. Cottage Grove MN 55016 651-282-4487 kimberley.d.brouillet.ctr@mail.mil Eric Rolstad Administrative Support Technician 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 Fiscal Year 2015 Year in Review The overwhelming successes shown throughout this Year in Review are a direct result of the tremendous efforts from our team of more than 4,500 volunteers, whose combined total of 233,117 hours equates to a $5.37 million return on investment. This, coupled with the positive resolution of 1,333 Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act cases, resulted in a $5.08 million cost avoidance to the Federal government, for a total savings of $10.45 million. These results are a testimony to our supportive employers, ESGR staff, and the men and women who proudly serving in the National Guard and Reserve. Throughout Fiscal Year 2015, one thing was clear: ESGR volunteers continue to make great things happen! To see the full report: www.esgr.mil/about-esgr/year-in-review.aspx
Ripley Reporter Page 6 Local soldier, statesman and leader passes at 71 Article & Photos by: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - The funeral service and ceremony for Brig. Gen. (Retired) Gary E. LeBlanc will be held Friday, April 1, at Camp Ripley. LeBlanc, a former Camp Ripley garrison commander and assistant adjutant general for the state of Minnesota, passed away March 25 at the age of 71. A native of Little Falls, LeBlanc was born Oct. 2, 1944. The oldest of three sons to Elvin and Bernette LeBlanc, he enlisted as a private in the Minnesota National Guard a year after graduating from Little Falls High School in 1962. He was married to Anita M. Paulsen on May 15, 1965, at St. Joseph s Catholic Church in Pierz. He was an Officers Candidate School graduate, receiving a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, Maintenance Officer in June of 1968. Best Warriors battle it out at Camp Ripley Article & Photos by: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Selected Soldiers and Non-commissioned Officers of the Minnesota National Guard took part in the state-level Best Warrior Competition, Apr. 1-3, 2016, on Camp Ripley. The participants, selected by members of their units, were chosen to represent the Minnesota National Guard based on their tactical and technical abilities to include professionalism, physical and mental endurance, resiliency and leadership. 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 next phase began with drill and ceremony and an impromptu essay challenging the intellectual abilities of each candidate. 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 Guard hosts Broadcasters Association visit Article & Photos by: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Members of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association visited the Minnesota National Guard training site at Camp Ripley near Little Falls, April 26-27, 2016. The visit brought together radio and television broadcasters from across the state along with representatives of the Minnesota National Guard to highlight the years of positive relationships that have benefited the Minnesota public. for the Minnesota National Guard. On behalf of Maj. Gen. Rick Nash, the adjutant general of Minnesota, we are pleased to be able to spend time with members of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association at Camp Ripley, said Col. Kevin Olson, director of communications The MBA promotes and protects Minnesota broadcasting, both radio and television, from across the state. They provide member stations with a wide variety of services, including advocacy at the state and federal levels, providing legal counsel, coordinating professional development seminars and producing high quality public affairs radio and TV programs. Wildfire Season Preparations trained at Camp Ripley Article & Photos by: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Helicopter crews of the Minnesota National Guard joined firefighters May 6-9, 2016, in northern Minnesota to battle wildfires. In response to requests made by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources through the Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Governor Mark Dayton authorized the use of four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and support personnel to assist in suppression of wildfires across the Iron Range in northern Minnesota. Our mission was to provide aviation support to the wildfire suppression missions which assisted the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, said Maj. Jeremy Degier, aviation duty officer. The Minnesota National Guard dispatched two of its UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the Army Aviation Support Facility in St. Cloud as a response to the fire May 6 near Skibo. Additional support came May 7 with two more aircraft from C Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion-211th Aviation Regiment. Support personnel from the 148th Fighter Wing out of Duluth also joined the fight providing fuelers and vehicles.
Ripley Reporter Page 8 Weekly Sales & Promotions CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - Leaders from Camp Ripley met with tribal representatives for a nation-to-nation consultation meeting May 18, 2016, on the Bois Forte Reservation near Tower. The purpose of our meeting was to discuss projects and developments of the Minnesota National Guard as it pertains to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, said Patrick Neumann, cultural resources manager for the Minnesota National Guard. Camp Ripley PX Hours of Operation For the Month of January Tuesday through Saturday 1000-1700 hours Closed Sunday & Monday Tribal consultations continue on positive path for the future Article & Photos by: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey The tribal consultation, which was facilitated by Commonwealth Heritage Group and hosted by the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, is an annual meeting with tribal representatives from federally-recognized Native American tribes (Grand Portage, Bois Forte, Red Lake, White Earth, Leech Lake, Fond du Lac, Mille Lacs, Shakopee Mdewankton, Prairie Island, Lower Sioux and Upper Sioux), as well as tribal-interested parties with historic connections to Minnesota National Guard lands. Rail Head Operations Get Exercise Off on the Right Track Article & Photos by: Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. The Minnesota National Guard planned, coordinated and executed it s largest rail movement in over a decade during the middle of May 2016. It s a joint operation between several units in the Minnesota National Guard and a chance for us to test our ability to be ready to deploy when called, said Capt. Andrew Ebert, 114th Transportation Company commander. The 114th Transportation Company along with supporting personnel from the 347th Regional Support Group, executed an eight day rail loading operation of more than 1,300 pieces of equipment and vehicles belonging to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division.
Ripley Reporter Page 9 Mission: Trolling for the Troops CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Pro-anglers from across the Mid-west came to Camp Ripley for one big mission June 2-3, 2016. For the sixth consecutive year Trolling for the Troops has helped get Service-members and Veterans back on the water to help them reconnect and get back to what they love about being a Minnesotan Fishing. It s easy bringing everyone together, they are so excited to help make this event the success it has become, said Staff Sgt. Tim Krouth, event co-organizer for Camp Ripley. SERE Training at Arden Hills Army Training Site ARDEN HILLS, Minn. Pilots, Flightcrew, and personnel of the 133rd Airlift Wing, 109th Airlift Squadron, 34th Combat Aviation Brigade, 2-211th GSAB, 171st Aviation Squadron and 2nd Battalion, 147th Assault Helicopter Battalion traversed the terrain of the Arden Hills Army Training Site Saturday June 11, 2016 to conduct SERE, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape training. As part of a training exercise, Minnesota National Guard Aviation Crewmen deploy from a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter on a half inch cable, 40 feet in the air in order to rescue personnel needing extraction. Cavalry Troopers Helocast on Camp Ripley CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Troopers of 2-106th Cavalry Squadron, Illinois National Guard, in cooperation with the Morrison County Sheriff s Office, train on helocasting Soldiers and equipment while on Camp Ripley June 14, 2016. Helocasting is an airborne technique used to insert into a military area of operations. The small unit is flown, by helicopter, to a insertion point. Once there, the aircraft assumes an altitude just above the water s surface and an airspeed of 10 knots (19 km/h) or less. Team members then exit the aircraft and enter the water. In some cases, depending upon the mission parameters and the aircraft used, personnel may be inserted along with an inflatable boat. Preserving the integrity of the mission, environment and community CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Members from several local, State and Federal departments visited Camp Ripley Oct. 28, 2016 to tour the installation and surrounding area as part of the Sentinel Landscape Committee which recognized Camp Ripley as the first National Guard facility to join the Sentinel Landscape program. 15 partner agencies and organizations, including the Minnesota National Guard, U.S. Dept. of the Interior and U.S. Dept. of Agriculture are involved in the Camp Ripley Sentinel Landscape Committee which is committed to using a wide array of federal and state tools to achieve environmental management and stewardship as well as training requirements and mission success.
Ripley Reporter Page 10 2016 NOREX: American Meal Welcomes Warriors CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Soldiers of the Minnesota National Guard and Norwegian Home Guard gathered together at the Hanger Conference Center on Camp Ripley, for the American Meal June 20, 2016. The event, centered on the taste of American foods, shared the cultural and social experiences typically found here in America. It has been a pleasure to be here; we have a lot to learn from each other and it starts right here, with the young members of our two military organizations, said Brig. Gen. Sandra Best, chief of staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard. American Legion Commanders Bridge Generation Gap during Tour CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Regional Commanders of the American Legion visited and toured the Camp Ripley cantonment area Sept. 16-18, 2016 during an annual visit. During their visit, they got to see the new updates to the nearly 80 year old, 53,000 acre facility as well as chat with Soldiers. We had a great opportunity to see what s new on base and how it s changed over the past several years, said Brig. Gen. Ret. Curt Nornberg, American Legion of Minnesota, National Security Coordinator. DA & Command Photos at Camp Ripley www.minnesotanationalguard.org/ vi or www.vios.army.mil Appointments Mondays & Wednesdays Dining Facility Hours and Costs Breakfast - 0630 to 0745 - $7.00 Lunch - 1130 to 1300 - $7.00 Dinner - 1630 to 1830 - $7.00 Camp Ripley DEERS/ID Card Office Camp Ripley- 320-616-2728 Thank You to Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) Mark Baker for granting the 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 Remembering the life and service of a great Minnesotan Article & Photos By: Master Sgt. Blair Heusdens Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs ST. PAUL, Minn. - With services over two days at Minnesota s historic Fort Snelling and Camp Ripley, family, friends and the military community sought to honor and celebrate a life well-lived by General John W. Vessey, Jr., who enlisted as a private in the Minnesota National Guard s 34th Red Bull Infantry Division in 1939 and ended his 46-year military career as the 10th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They just don t make them like General Vessey anymore, said Gen. Daniel Allyn, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. Vessey passed away August 18, 2016, in North Oaks, Minnesota, just over a year after his wife, Avis, of 69 years. In 94 years, Gen. John W. Vessey Jr. lived a large and full life, leaving a lasting impression on not only his immediate family and friends, but on a local, national and global scale during his military career and beyond. Minn. National Guard s Training Center damaged by severe weather CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Camp Ripley received significant storm damage after 10:00 p.m. last night, Sept. 7, 2016, as storm cells passed through Morrison County. There were no injuries caused by the severe weather, though several buildings used for housing, training and maintenance received major damage. We were extremely fortunate, all our people are safe, said Col. Scott St. Sauver, Camp Ripley Garrison Commander. We can repair buildings and replace damaged equipment, but our people are irreplaceable. Memorialized Inductees share Remembrance during Ceremony CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Hundreds of friends, family and fellow service-members filled the Gen. John W. Vessey Recreation Center on Camp Ripley Oct 2, 2016 to honor and recognize 19 members of the Minnesota National Guard who were inducted into the Court of Honor. Today was filled with remembrance and recognition, said Sgt. First Class Kristen Tritz of the Training Support Unit on Camp Ripley, It was very powerful. The Memorialization Board inducted not only five Minnesota National Guard leaders but 14 Soldiers who died while deployed overseas as well. Care of Injured Bird Comes Full-Circle CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. An Eagle was released back in the wild Oct. 4, 2016 on Camp Ripley following three months of rehabilitation. We d like to thank the team at Camp Ripley for rescuing and bringing this bald eagle to the Raptor Center for care, said Amber Burnette, Program Associate with the Raptor Center University of Minnesota. It was our pleasure to be a part of bringing this bird back home, she added.
Ripley Reporter Page 12 Soldier finds peace during memorial ceremony CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Family members, Veterans, Service-members and volunteers from the surrounding communities gathered at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery for the annual Wreaths for the Fallen event sponsored by WreathsFor- TheFallen.org Dec. 17, 2016. It was such an amazing event despite the weather, said Spc. Lindsey Posterick. I was proud at how many people came out to help place wreaths, she added. December 17th is recognized as the National Wreaths across American Day, which includes the placing of wreaths on the graves of our honored Service-members who have passed away. At the Minnesota State Veterans cemetery near Camp Ripley in Little Falls, over 4,500 wreaths were places on the head stone or in the memorials of the Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guard and Merchant Mariners who served our country. Service doesn t start or stop on the battlefield. CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Soldiers, Airmen, Staff and employees on Camp Ripley recently took part in this year s Holiday Hat-Trick to help those in need. The Motley Area food shelf, Little Falls Holiday Gift Giving Program and the Camp Ripley toy drive open house not only were supported by the personnel on the installation, but increased in donation size from last year. It s our responsibility and our privilege to help those in need as a part of the community, said Staff Sgt. Tim Krouth of the Joint Visitors Bureau on Camp Ripley. Garrison Unit Ministry Team Deploying CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. Soldiers of the Camp Ripley Training Support Unit recognized and gave best wishes to their Unit Ministry Team during the Annual Holiday Party Dec. 3, 2016. Chaplin, Lt. Col. Michael Crawford and Staff Sgt. Carl Seim of the 47th Chaplin Detachment assigned to Camp Ripley will deploy overseas following mobilization training at Ft. Hood beginning the last week of December. We are a two-man unit, I m the Commander and Sergeant Seim is everything else, said Chaplin Crawford light-heartedly.