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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Sgt. David Cox, 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade
Lt. Col. Mark Brozak, commander of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion furls the unit’s colors with help from Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Foster during an inactivation ceremony in Burlington, Ky., Jan. 10, 2016. After nearly 10 years of service to the Nation and commonwealth, the unit was stood down due to Army force structure changes. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. David Cox)
BURLINGTON, Ky. — Soldiers with 1204th Aviation Support Battalion furled their battalion colors for the last time during an inactivation ceremony Jan. 10, at the National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington, Ky.
The unit of nearly 300 has been inactivated in accordance the Army’s force structure realignment.
Activated in 2006, the 1204th played a vital role in disaster recovery operations during the 2009 Ice Storm and deployed to Iraq in 2011 in support of Operation New Dawn .
Soldiers of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion salute during an inactivation ceremony in Burlington, Ky., Jan. 10, 2016. Activated in 2006, the unit was home to nearly 300 Soldiers. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“From 2006 to today, this unit has probably done more as an ASB than the other 12 currently in the force,” said Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Adams, III, Chief of the Joint Staff. “Being able to deploy as a battalion to five different countries during a time of war says a great deal about the unit and its personnel.”
Click here for more photos.
Lt. Col. Mark Brozak, commander of the 1204th ASB, said “that although the colors are cased, the soldiers of the unit will continue to serve the nation and the commonwealth of Kentucky.”
The 1204th’s mess section finished their service to the unit as recipients of the Connelly Award. The award recognizes food service Soldier that exceed Army standards and operate at a level that showcases teamwork, professionalism, quality and service.
Soldiers expressed a bittersweet satisfaction with what they accomplished while being a part of the unit’s history.
Brig. Gen. Benjamin Adams III presents the Connelly Award to Soldiers of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion during an inactivation ceremony in Burlington, Ky., Jan. 10, 2016. The Connelly Award recognizes food service units and sections that exceed Army standards of food preparation and promote teamwork. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“I’ve been in almost 18 years and this is home to me,” said Staff Sgt. Bill Hyatt, supply noncommissioned officer with Headquarters Support Company, 1204th ASB. “It’s going to be a big culture shock to me because aviation is where I’ve been since I’ve been in the Kentucky Army National Guard and now I’m going to a transportation company.”
“I’m going to be the first person to arrive to the 1204th and the last person to leave.”
The Burlington Readiness Center, home of the 1204th, will continue to be utilized by the Kentucky Guard. Two new units, the 2061st Multi-Role Bridge Company and the 2112th Transportation Company will be stood up this year to operate out the state-of-the-art armory.
See local news coverage here: WLWT 5, WKRC Local 12.
Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Staff Report
Maj. Chip St. Charles speaks to friends and family of Bravo Company, 351st Aviation Support Battalion during a departure ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 16, 2015. The Guardsmen will deploy to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard command staff honored the members of Bravo Company, 351st Aviation Support Battalion in a departure ceremony, Feb. 16.
Despite inclement weather, a large crowd of family members and friends gathered to say their last farewell.
Click here for more photos of this event.
During their deployment to the Middle East the aviation soldiers of Bravo Co. will provide aviation maintenance support to a variety of Army aircraft throughout the theater of operation for Operation Spartan Shield. They will first go to Fort Hood, Texas for pre-deployment training before heading overseas.
A Soldier with Bravo Company, 351st Aviation Support Battalion enjoys a family portrait during a departure ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 16, 2015. The unit will support military operations in the Middle East for roughly one year. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini presided over the event. Tonini spoke of the unit’s readiness and the support the family members at home will receive.
“Maj. (Chip) St. Charles has prepared his Soldiers superbly, they’re ready to do this mission and ready to respond to whatever the circumstances might be overseas,” said Tonini. “For the families, our family support structure that has been honed over the past 12 years, and if you stay in communication, your needs will be met. We need to make sure you are part of our family.”
Col. Michael Stephens, commander of the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade reminded each Soldier and family member that they are important and matter to the mission and to the organization. In describing the unit’s task, Stephens said Bravo Co. would be among the only aviation mechanics in the theater and will be vital to military operations.
“I want everyone of you Soldiers who fix these aircraft to be proud. Pilots wave their hands and get a lot of attention, but without the mechanics and crew chiefs, none of these aircraft will fly, said Stephens. “I’m proud of you for standing up and making a difference for our country.”
This is not the first deployment for the troops of the 351st, having deployed to the Middle East in 2006-2007. The unit has also served during several natural disaster missions to include Hurricane Ike wind storm in 2008 and the Winter Storm of 2009. During these extreme weather conditions, the soldiers deployed across the commonwealth providing generators, door to door health and welfare checks, traffic control, and debris removal.
Sling loads for Vibrant Response
Photo Essay Courtesy of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. - During times of natural disasters some areas may be too remote or inaccessible for convoy resupply due to destruction or congested highways. These communities still need basic life support such as food and fresh water. The Kentucky Army National Guard possesses that ability.
Recently, Kentucky National Guardsmen of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, based out of Burlington, Ky. and Bravo Co. 2nd Battalion 147th Aviation, out of Frankfort, Ky. received training during the ARMY NORTH Vibrant Response Exercise on sling load operations. They distributed 500 gallon water blivets to a simulated devastated region. The training demonstrated seldom utilized capabilities to conduct relief operations during a natural disaster.
Sgt. Greg Wieland, a water purification specialist, with Alpha Company, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, 63rd Tactical Aviation Brigade, Kentucky National Guard headquartered out of Burlington, Ky., signals a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter as it carries a water blivet during a sling load operation during the U. S. Army North (Fifth Army) lead Vibrant Response 13-2 training exercise Aug. 2 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. The water blivet will be used to supply water to Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Night Hawk for hydration, cleaning, and cooking purposes. (Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandria Brimage-Gray/Released)
“The initiative taken by the Soldiers of Alpha Company, 1204th ASB and Bravo Company 2-147th to accomplish this mission demonstrate everything that is right about the Kentucky Army National Guard aviation community, ” said Maj. Phil Robinson, commander of the 1204th. “The Soldiers and leaders from each unit capitalized upon an opportunity to combine their separate collective training events into a complex multi-echelon mission that provided some of the best training throughout the operation.”
“I am proud of the fact that these Soldiers are continually striving to integrate all aspects of our capabilities in a continuous effort to be prepared for any civil support need within the Commonwealth.”
Forward Area Water Point Supply System (FAWPSS) is being delivered to the distribution point during the U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) lead Vibrant Response 13-2 training exercise Aug. 2 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. The water blivet will be used to supply water to Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Night Hawk for hydration, cleaning, and cooking purposes. (Photo by 1LT Gregory Slater/Released)
Water purification specialist with Alpha Company, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, 63rd Tactical Aviation Brigade, Kentucky National Guard headquartered out of Burlington, Ky., connect a water blivet to a UH-60 Black Hawk while conducting sling load operations during the U. S. Army North (Fifth Army) lead Vibrant Response 13-2 training exercise Aug. 2 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. The water blivet will be used to supply water to Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Night Hawk for hydration, cleaning, and cooking purposes. (Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandria Brimage-Gray/Released)
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. – Pvt. Nicholas Heath, a water purification specialist, with Alpha Company, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, 63rd Tactical Aviation Brigade, Kentucky National Guard headquartered out of Burlington, Ky., conducts an inspection on the strainer as the water goes through a ultra filtration system during the U. S. Army North (Fifth Army) lead Vibrant Response 13-2 training exercise Aug. 2 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. The water moving through the strainer is the first step in the ultra filtration water purification process. (Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandria Brimage-Gray/Released)
Exercise vital to Guardsmen’s capabilities
Story by Capt. Daniel VanHorn, 2/138th Field Artillery Public Affairs
A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment, based out of Frankfort, Ky., fills a Bambi bucket from Brush Creek Reservoir during water bucket firefighting training at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville, Ind., during Vibrant Response 13-2, Aug. 6. Vibrant Response is a major homeland emergency response exercise conducted by U.S. Northern Command and led by U.S. Army North with approximately 5,700 service members and civilians from federal and state agencies throughout the country training at Camp Atterbury near Edinburgh, Ind. and Muscatatuck near Butlerville to respond to a catastrophic domestic incident. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brad Staggs, Atterbury-Muscatatuck Public Affairs)
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. — How would state and federal agencies react if a nuclear bomb detonated in two major metropolitan areas? Similar scenarios played out across Indiana, where Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard’s 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade conducted their annual two week training, as part of an exercise called Vibrant Response.
Exercise Vibrant Response is a major homeland emergency response exercise conducted by U.S. Northern Command. The exercise was facilitated by approximately 5,700 service members and civilians from federal and state agencies throughout the country. They trained at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center near Edinburgh, Ind. and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center near Butlerville, Ind., as well as throughout Southern Indiana to respond to a catastrophic domestic incident.
Col. Michael Ferguson, Commander of the 63rd TAB, has been preparing his Brigade for this mission for the past year. He understands the importance this training is for real-life disasters his Soldiers might have to face.
To see more photos from this story, click here.
“Our goal is to respond with speed and accuracy and be at the right place and right time to save lives,” he said. “Aviation assets are crucial when it comes to casualty evacuations and disaster area assessments and they can get in and out faster than any other available asset.”
Over the last four years, the 63rd has participated in 5 large-scale scenarios similar to this one, as part of their validation requirements by their higher headquarters, U.S. Army North
The brigade currently has one of the missions as a dedicated response force to provide command and control of aviation assets for Joint Task Force-Civil Support, the unit charged with heading up the Department of Defense response in the event of a major catastrophe.
Sgt. Tiffany Teegarden of the 138th Signal Co., assists Soldiers with the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion in setting up communication networks at Camp Atterbury, Ind., Aug.2, 2013. A variety of Kentucky National Guard units worked to support each other as part of Exercise Vibrant Response in Southern Indiana. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Daniel VanHorn)
According to Warrant Officer Brandon Kruchinski, a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot with B Company, 2-147th Assault Company, the exercise provided valuable opportunities to hone their skills in a variety of tasks.
“It’s been good experience working hand in hand with various agencies,” said Kruchinski. “We can use this training to become better at responding to a disaster. The real-world training is valuable because it allows us to cross-train with other agencies.”
Pilots were not the only Soldiers benefiting from the scale of the exercise.
The 351st Aviation Support Company, out of Frankfort, Ky., consists of numerous mobile maintenance facilities that can be packed and shipped to any location. Each container weighs about 15,000 pounds and has every tool needed to conduct repairs on downed or deadlines aviation assets. The systems are designed to be transported on the highway within hours of notification.
According to 1st Sgt. Timothy Porter, the 351st is comprised of more than 70 Soldiers who usually learn about helicopter maintenance by reading equipment and maintenance manuals. With the exercise underway, they have been able to work on Indiana’s dead-lined UH-60 helicopters.
“Conducting maintenance on the Indiana National Guard aviation assets allows our Soldiers to become validated on actual helicopters while gaining experience with transporting our mobile shop systems,” said Porter.
Vibrant Response has provided a wide variety of training experiences to Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard. Often the exercise utilizes units from across the country and other assets in order to accomplish their training. This year, the 63rd deployed with its subordinate units from within the Commonwealth. The UH-60 Blackhawk unit, Bravo Co. 2-147, the OH-58 Kiowa unit, Charlie Co. 1-376th and support units, the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion and Bravo Co., 351st Aviation were all on the ground throughout Southern Indiana providing real-time mission support to all the players involved in the exercise. The aviation units even partnered up with the 138th Signal Company out of Lexington, Ky., to provide actual signal support to all the deployed units which showcased a great partnership between the major support commands of the Kentucky Guard.
“This exercise will enable Kentucky Aviators to be prepared to respond with great efficiency to a variety of situations,” said Ferguson. “Our Guardsmen are one of Kentucky’s finest assets.”
First Lady cuts ribbon at $19 million Kentucky National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini is joined by First Lady Jane Beshear, Maj. Philip Robinson, commander of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion and local officials in cutting the ribbon and opening the Kentucky National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington, Ky., May 10, 2013. The facility in Boone County will be the new home to the more than 300 Soldiers of the 1204th ASB. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
BURLINGTON, Ky. — First Lady Jane Beshear joined Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and local officials in unveiling the Kentucky National Guard’s newest readiness center in a ceremony in Burlington, Ky., May 10.
The new $19 million facility will be the home of more than 300 men and women of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion and the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. With 86,000 square feet of space, it is a state-of-the-art training facility designed to train and support Soldiers and Airmen in their missions for the Commonwealth and the nation; support search and rescue missions in conjunction with Emergency Management and other agencies; and serve as a staging area to receive and/or deploy Soldiers and Airmen.
To see more photos from the ceremony, click here.
First Lady Jane Beshear stands with Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini following the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Kentucky National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington, Ky., May 10, 2013. Beshear joined numerous local officials and residents in attendance supporting the Kentucky Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
“This building will serve the members of the National Guard who serve our Commonwealth,” said Beshear. “My husband and I never cease to be amazed of our National Guard men and women. We appreciate the dedication of our Service members.”
The new center also serves as a Regional Emergency Operations Center, providing homeland security support in multiple arenas including augmenting law enforcement during civil disturbances, as well as hosting joint missions utilizing both Army and Air National Guard personnel and equipment. Its proximity to the Airport greatly enhances the rapid response capability and enables the Kentucky National Guard to better respond to emergencies such as natural disasters to better meet the needs of the citizens of Northern Kentucky.
“This facility marks a change for Northern Kentucky,” said Tonini. “We will now be able to cover the entire state and meet the needs of the Commonwealth daily. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a base for recruiting and shows Northern Kentucky what we are and have been capable of doing.”
The new $19 million Kentucky National Guard Readiness Center in Burlington will be the home of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion and the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. With 86,000 square feet of space, it is a state of the art training facility designed to train and support Soldiers and Airmen as well as support search and rescue missions in conjunction with KYEM and other agencies. (Photo courtesy Kentucky Department of Military Affairs)
The center will also be open to provide limited veteran support to all branches of service to include ID cards, family services (financial, counseling, health benefits), TRICARE, Red Cross assistance and veterans benefits.
“I’m delighted that this site in Boone County was chosen,” said County Judge Executive Gary Moore. “I am very pleased with the finished product. It’s a great asset and we will have better prepared Guard units because this facility will help in training and recruitment.”
Maj. Philip Robinson, commander of the 1204th thanked local officials and residents, saying, “We appreciate their support and we are very proud to now call Burlington home.”
On April 25, the 1204th held an open house for local residents to get a sneak-peak at the new facility.
“That event was an overwhelming success,” said Robinson. “The attendance was more than expected.”
See photos from that event by clicking here.
The new building’s main purpose, of course, is to serve as a readiness center for the 1204th ASB, which deployed during 2011-2012. The 1204th was the last Aviation Support Battalion and the last Kentucky Army National Guard unit to serve in Iraq.
Soldiers get job skills to improve employment
Story and photos by Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Monai Bell-Carson, an employment assistance consultant assists Spc. Martin Scruggs of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion during the unit’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) in Covington, Ky., Dec. 6, 2012. TAP provided the Soldiers with classes on resume writing, interview techniques and using their military experience to attain or improve their employment. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
COVINGTON, Ky. — After a recent tour overseas, Soldiers of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion gathered for a hands-on employment assistance workshop Dec. 3-9 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Ky.
The workshop, created by the U.S. Departments of Defense and Labor, called the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), offered training on resume writing, interviewing techniques, and current methods for job searches. Professionally trained facilitators interacted with participants in one-on-one learning, including information on Veterans’ benefits.
Lt. Col. Tom Roach, commanding officer of the 1204th is extremely proud of the work his Soldiers did on deployment. But he had to deal with an alarming number of troops facing unemployment when they returned. He said there have been improvements with several Soldiers now employed with many still “aggressively” looking.
“The National Guard in general, and the Kentucky National Guard have done such a good job preparing Soldiers to accomplish their mission in theater. I think it’s tremendous that we are now putting that same effort into preparing Soldiers for success in their communities,” said Roach.
Sgt. Tasha Fields and Spc. Ben Cahill, both with the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion take noted during an employment assistance workshop in Covington, Ky., Dec. 6, 2012. The workshop was part of the unit’s “reblue” transition program following their deployment overseas. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The efforts, according to Kentucky Employment Support for Guard and Reserve (ESGR) are meant to stabilize the Guard’s force by improving their abilities to obtain and retain civilian employment through education and job search training. The week provided ESGR as well as other state and national agencies to put available resources in front of those who need help and to help them navigate through to employment.
Among those Soldiers without a full-time job is Capt. Patrick Rogers. Roach said Rogers came off active duty, where he had deployed twice before, to deploy with the 1204th. Rogers has gathered all of his military documents in hopes of putting together a new resume. TAP instructors said Rogers’ approach could create a “rockstar” resume and is an example of the right way to revise one’s resume.
“As an unemployed member of the Guard, I came to the program to gain as much knowledge as I could get to help me with my job search,” said Rogers. “The many people and resources offered from TAP have been well appreciated.”
The program also benefited those already employed, such as Sgt. Tosha Fields, who actually was given a promotion upon her return from deployment. Roach praised her work in the unit and said it is because of her time spent preparing the unit for deployment and while overseas that the company saw the increased value in an employee. Fields said one should not assume that they can get promoted just because they are already an existing employee.
An instructor with Inverness Technologies speaks to Soldiers of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion during the unit’s Transition Assistance Program in Covington, Ky., Dec. 6, 2012. The Soldiers received several classes during the employment assistance workshop to attain or improve their employment. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“Participating in this week’s events will allow me to be prepared for future opportunities that become available,” she said. “I plan to walk away with skills to prepare me to pursue other opportunities.”
Rogers remained optimistic for his future employment and was happy to see such a program included for the benefit of Soldiers.
“I am very thankful to have this offered as a free service and plan to take full advantage of the resources provided.”
On the final day of the workshop, a job fair was held for the Soldiers to put to work the knowledge they had gained during the training. Nearly 50 companies were on hand to offer employment opportunities. Soldiers “dressed up” from their uniforms into appropriate job seeking attire, handed out their newly revised resumes and utilized recently acquired interview techniques in their best effort to persuade a local business to say “you’re hired.”
According to Kentucky’s Yellow Ribbon Program, at least two Soldiers were hired that day, with several others scheduling interviews. Soldier and leaders of the 1204th all agreed that the week was valuable time spent that could stabilize and benefit not only the 1204th, but is good for the Guard and good for Kentucky.
Kentucky Guard welcomes home Northern Kentucky Unit
Story by: Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Photos by: Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Soldiers of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion salute during the National Anthem at the Florence Freedom Baseball stadium during their welcome home ceremony at the Florence Freedom Baseball Field in Florence, Ky., Aug. 18. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FLORENCE, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard honored 225 Soldiers from the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion returning from Kuwait today at a welcome home Ceremony at the Florence Freedom Baseball Field in Florence, Ky.
To view all the photos from this story, please click HERE.
“These Soldiers served honorably,” said Lt. Col. Tom Roach, 1204th ASB Commander. “From Iraq to Kuwait to Qatar to Jordan and Afghanistan, they’ve added to the historic legacy of the Kentucky National Guard.”
While in country, the 1204th’s mission was to provide logistical, maintenance and signal support for military operations in the Persian Gulf Region.
Spc. Daniel Morrison, from Florence, Ky., deployed with the Headquarters Support Co., 1204th ASB and couldn’t wait to get back to his family.
“It feels great to be home, to see trees and grass, not the sand blowing in your face all day,” said Morrison. “First thing I want to do is get a nice, fat steak.”
Spc. Daniel Morrison of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion greets his family during the unit’s welcome home ceremony at the Florence Freedom Baseball stadium in Florence, Ky., Aug. 18, 2012. The 1204th deployed last August to the Persian Gulf region in support of Operation New Dawn. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The 1204th ASB is made up of more than 600 Soldiers from Kentucky, Alabama, Florida and Maryland. The unit departed Kentucky August 26, 2011 and spent several weeks in Fort Hood, Tx before deploying to Kuwait. “From the recovery of millions of dollars worth of equipment from Iraq, to sustaining air operations in theatre, to providing world class medical care to troops overseas,”said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general of Kentucky, “the 1204th exceeded all expectations and showcased the Kentucky Guard like never before.”For more stories on the 1204th ASB, please search “1204th” on www.kentuckyguard.com
1204th’s ammo accolades
Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Maszor, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion
NOTE: Each week kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by or about Kentucky National Guard unit public affairs historian representatives, also known as UPAHRs. This is an additional duty taken on by a Soldier or Airmen with the intent of telling their unit’s story. This is one such story ….
Spc. Glenn Dunn (left), Spc. Brandin Smith (center) and Spc. Duston Logan, all of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, were awarded the Army Achievement Medal in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, June 28, 2012. The Soldiers assisted in the drawdown of ammunition out of Iraq following the reposturing of U.S. Forces in 2011. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Maszor)
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait — On June 28, 2012 the six-man Ammunition Section of Alpha Company, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, was formally recognized for their hard work and dedication in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom. Since the middle of November the Ammunition Section has been working with the 261st Ordnance Company, an Army Reserve Unit based out of West Virginia. Together they were able to contribute to the success of one of the most dynamic strategic sustainment operations in the history of the United States Army.
“You all should be extremely proud of yourselves, for you have accomplished the largest single logistical operation since World War II,” said Col. David L. Jones of the 113th Sustainment Brigade.
Jones was referring to the ammunition turn-in and repositioning of equipment from the drawdown in Iraq.
In just three months a five man team consisting of Staff Sgt. Jason Maszor, Sgt. Kyle Clifton, and three Soldiers from the 261st received, processed, repackaged, and condition coded 26 million rounds of ammunition valued over $45 million, according to the 261st Ordnance Co. The remaining members of the Ammunition Section; Spc. Glenn Dunn, Spc. Duston Logan, Spc. Lee Millar, and Spc. Brandin Smith worked alongside other Soldiers of the 261st and conducted over 7,000 inter depot transfers, issues, receipts, and shipments that amassed to over 150 million rounds valued at over $475 million.
For their hard work and dedication, the “Ammo Dawgs” of Alpha Co. were awarded achievement medals from the 261st Ordnance Company. Clifton from Crestview Hills, Ky., was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Maszor, a native of California, Ky., Dunn of Dry Ridge, Ky., Logan from Alexandria Ky., Millar of Grant’s Lick, Ky., and Smith from Crittenden, Ky., were awarded the Army Achievement Medal.
Dunn, Logan, and Smith were also recognized for their hard work in preparing detonations for demilitarization with the 788th EOD Company.
“It was an honor to work with both Active Duty EOD Soldiers and fellow ammunition Soldiers from the Army Reserves,” said Logan. “It made me feel distinguished that another unit would take the time to acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments that we completed”.
Capt. Todd Allen, Alpha Co. commander said of the Soldiers, “It is great to see that their work did not go unrecognized. They are a great section of Soldiers and I am proud to have them in Alpha Company.”
1204th creativity in Kuwait
Story and photos by Sgt. Tasha Fields, 1204th ASB Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
NOTE: Each week kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by or about Kentucky National Guard unit public affairs historian representatives, also known as UPAHRs. This is an additional duty taken on by a Soldier or Airmen with the intent of telling their unit’s story. This is one such story ….
Spc. Dale Salsman of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion cuts the outline of a guidon stand in Camp Buehring, Kuwait. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tasha Fields)
CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT — What starts as pieces of rubble from scrap yards turns into pieces of artwork when Sgt. Chad Ward and Spc. Dale Salsman are finished. Ward, non-commissioned officer in charge of the weld shop, has been welding for a little over eight years and gained his knowledge through military school. His first projects included minor repairs on vehicles and farm equipment. Salsman however, has been welding for 20 plus years. The assistant team leader started making things like chessboards with a gradual progression to bed frames and larger items.
When asked what makes welding so interesting, Salsman said he uses it to relax and it helps him deal with stress. Ward said his excitement comes from the reactions on other’s faces when they see the completed project.
To see more photos from this story, click here
Detail of the 1204th ASB guidon stand. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tasha Fields)
The creative side of Ward came out when he met Salsman. The two of them complement each other. One has the talent, which allows the other to start thinking of the next project. They have no issues taking constructive criticism from one another.
Their teamwork is used to put the completely freehand projects together. Salsman cuts while Ward paints.
“It feels good to be able to work with someone like Specialist Salsman,” said Ward. “He should be doing this for a living, he’s just that good. He’s like a tattoo artist with a torch.”
They use a variety of materials for finished projects such as steel, stick welder, oxy fuel (torch), grinders file, paint, and nuts and bolts. One project can take up to four days, depending on the number of parts and the detailing of the paint job.
Sgt. Chad Ward (left) and Spc. Dale Salsman of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, stand with a newly created guidon stand in Camp Buehring, Kuwait. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tasha Fields)
Since being in Kuwait, the two have created four guidon stands. The first one was for the incoming commander for the 1204th in February 2012. When describing this project, the two agreed that getting the color right was challenging due to rain and sand storms. When other units saw this artwork, they wanted one as well.
Salsman said, “It’s great to be able to take a bunch of trash and make something out of it.”
1204th Soldiers train to recover air drops in Kuwait
Story and photos by 1st Lt.Gregory Slater & Spc. Matthew Magreta, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion
Soldiers near Camp Buehring, Kuwait await an air drop from Air Force cargo planes. The air drop was part of a joint training exercise for Joint Precision Aerial Drop Systems (JPADS).(Kentucky National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Gregory Slater, 1204th ASB/Released)
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - The forward operating bases of the conflicts in Southwest Asia are at times too remote to be resupplied by convoy. These FOB’s continue to operate, however, thanks to the abilities of Army and Air Force airdrops. Food, clothing, thousands of barrels of fuel, construction materials and ammunition have all found their way to the FOBs because of this aerial support.
Kentucky National Guardsmen of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion recently received training to contribute to those efforts.
Four Soldiers from 1204th, Staff Sgt. David Davis, Spc. Kyle Barnes, Spc. Evan Scoskie and Spc. Dillion Hoepker were chosen to participate in Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS) recovery training. The soldiers received extensive hands-on training in preparing the system for an air drop mission and recovering of sensitive equipment. These Soldiers were then tasked to train other Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry that would augment the 1204th recovery team.
After months of planning, the Army and Air Force held a multi-unit proof-of-concept exercise testing Joint Precision Airdrop Systems operations. The event took place May 19, on the north side of Camp Buehring and consisted of approximately 60 troops from the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, 1-7 Cavalry, and the Air Force.
Left to right: Spc. Kyle Barnes, Staff Sgt. David Davis, Spc. Dillon Hoepker and Spc. Evan Scoskie of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion in Al Udeid, Qatar. The Soldiers were trained as part of a Joint Precision Aerial Drop System while deployed to Kuwait. (Kentucky National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Gregory Slater, 1204th ASB/Released)
Although JPADS are commonly used in Afghanistan, this was the first time that Kuwait-based units had coordinated as a combined arms team to demonstrate their ability to resupply ground combat units.
“Mission success was contingent upon the positive relationships between U.S. units and our Kuwaiti partners to ensure that airspace was available and clear during the operation,” said Lt. Col. Todd Coulson, deputy chief of staff for operations, Task Force 3.1.
The operation was previously delayed due to administrative issues, but last month the exercise was conducted flawlessly with JPADS performing exactly as advertised.
Air Force personnel dropped four bundles totaling 5,000 pounds from a C-17. Flying in at almost 10,000 feet, two pilots and a full crew guided the drops using a Global Positioning System, meteorology data kit and a mission planner laptop. Each bundle varied in size and weight, but each one resembled a giant cube with netting holding the cargo in place. Pushed out by the crew at 130 knots, each bundle traveled roughly eight meters per second with the parachute fully open.
“Each bundle consisted of water, MREs, and (the energy drink) Rip-Its which would simulate a realistic resupply drop to ground combat personnel, located anywhere,” said Coulson.
Soldiers from the 1204th ASB and 1-7 CAV were responsible for transportation, security, recovery and safety of the bundles as they immediately touched down in the 360-degree perimeter.
“Before the drop, we do a reconnaissance and a visual sweep of the drop zone to ensure the area is clear of debris, camels and Bedouin Camps,” said Capt. Michael Kiser, Alpha Co., 1-7 CAV.
According to Staff Sgt. David Davis of the 1204th ASB, there was a one-minute response time to each bundle. It took the recovery team less than 30 minutes to collect the equipment, parachute, and sensitive items and load them for transport to a more secure location where a unit can then conduct resupply operations.
The drop zone was an open area situated in low ground with clear visibility for miles. Despite having a drop zone of 1,000 meters in radius, a “high accurate” designated point of impact is 300 meters or closer.
Soldiers of the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion and 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, recover Joint Precision Aerial Drop Systems (JPADS) near Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The JPADS were dropped from an Air Force C-17 as part of a training exercise in the region. (Kentucky National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Gregory Slater, 1204th ASB/Released)
“From my perspective, a high altitude precise drop assists in keeping any bundles away from enemy combatants,” said Sgt. Sean Huynh, F Co., 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment.
Used in combat operations in Afghanistan, the main benefit of JPADS is to increase the availability of cargo. With troops stationed in remote forward operating bases, JPADS allows those units to be quickly and regularly resupplied by air where ground transport often is not practical. Regardless of location or situation, JPADS offers all armed forces a way to stay well equipped.
“I have worked with JPADS for seven years as an infantryman on the ground and experienced the benefits firsthand,” said Coulson. “The recovery might be difficult in four feet of snow in the Afghan mountains making the precision of the delivery invaluable for those Soldiers who may have to conduct recovery in a hostile environment.”
There are four weight increments that are authorized for use with JPADS. This operation was classified as an “extra light” category of 2,200 pounds or less. However, a bundle can hold as much 60,000 pounds of weight if a mission dictates.
“Pray for good weather, talk to the pilots constantly, and over-communicate with one another throughout the planning. That is the secret of a successful operation,” said Coulson.
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