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Category: Idaho National Guard
IDAHO ARMY NATIONAL GUARD UNIT WELCOMED HOME FROM AFGHANISTAN DEPLOYMENT
SUN VALLEY, ID, UNITED STATES
05.18.2019
Story by Capt. Robert Taylor
Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guard’s Detachment 2, C Company, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion were welcomed home from the unit’s deployment to Afghanistan by Gov. Brad Little and senior Idaho National Guard leaders in a Yellow Ribbon Ceremony in Sun Valley Saturday.
More than 30 Soldiers from the unit deployed to Fort Hood in April 2018 for training and then to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Soldiers began returning individually in February and the ceremony marked the first time the unit reunited since leaving Afghanistan.
“I am extremely proud of the professional service each member of this unit provides to our state and nation and very grateful that they all returned safely home to their loved ones,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, adjutant general of Idaho and commander, Idaho National Guard. “This service requires many sacrifices, not only from the deploying Guardsmen, but even more so, from their families who carry on while they are gone. We are committed to providing our Guardsmen and families with all the possible care and support as they integrate back into their lifestyles here in Idaho.”
The UH-60 Black Hawk unit provided aeromedical evacuation support for the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade in the Kandahar and Helmand providences. Throughout the deployment, Medevac crews collectively flew approximately 100 missions and more than 1,000 hours.
Soldiers worked 24-hour shifts and had 15 minutes to be in the air to respond to calls from up to 40 miles away.
“It’s an instant adrenaline rush,” said flight paramedic Staff Sgt. David Egersdorf. “There’s nothing I can compare saving someone’s life to, whether it’s an American, an Afghanistani or a foreign service member, it’s fulfilling.”
As an aeromedical evacuation unit, its UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters are equipped with defibrillators, medical fluids, oxygen tanks, medications and other advanced combat life-saving tools in addition to an external hoist system and forward-looking infrared cameras. Flight crews consist of two pilots, a crew chief and flight paramedic.
The detachment stood up in March 2017. Prior to deploying, aviators and crew chiefs had to be trained on hoist operations and other critical medevac procedures. Combat medics from other Idaho Army National Guard units were selected and trained as flight paramedics.
“In less than a year, everyone came together to help stand up the unit, learn the mission and mobilize,” said 1st Lt. Morgan Hill, detachment commander. “Not only did we go over there, do our jobs and have everyone come home in one piece, we saved lives on the battlefield. There are people alive today because of the efforts everyone put in the past two years.”
During the deployment, the unit worked closely with similar units from the Maine and Washington D.C. Army National Guards to provide medical support to coalition forces.
The Department of Defense’s Yellow Ribbon Program provides assistance to National Guard and Reserve members before, during and after deployments by connecting unit members and their families with local resources and information regarding health care, education and financial and legal benefits. Soldiers and their families attended a Yellow Ribbon event prior to the unit’s deployment and family members attended an event during the unit’s deployment.
Unit members and their families are in Sun Valley to attend a two-day reintegration program, which concludes Sunday.
This deployment marks the eighth time in the past decade an Idaho Army National Guard aviation unit deployed.
The 204th RTI claims the Idaho Governor’s Outstanding Unit Award
05.17.2019
Story by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur
Idaho Governor Brad Little, along with Idaho Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, recognized the Idaho National Guard’s top unit and several exceptional individuals in a ceremony on Gowen Field, May 17.
Little and Garshak presented the Governor’s Outstanding Unit Award to the Idaho Army National Guard’s 204th Regional Training Institute Regiment.
The regiment was recognized for aggressively directing efforts across three primary focuses of strength management, accreditation visits and supporting the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team.
Additionally, the governor and Garshak presented the Idaho Distinguished Service Medal to Cheryl Miller and Cynthia Krapff, and the Idaho Meritorious Service Award to Ric Johnston and retired Chaplian Thomas Westall for their years of valuable service to the Idaho Military Division.
“This is a great opportunity to be able to recognize the impressive units we have here in the Idaho National Guard, as well as several individuals who have made notable contributions to our Soldiers, Airmen, our families and the mission,” said Garshak. “It’s always a great honor to have the governor, our commander in chief, here to make these significant presentations.”
Idaho Army National Guard deploys to Guatemala
Courtesy Story
Idaho Army National Guard
Approximately 30 Soldiers from Idaho’s 1st Battalion of the 183rd Assault Helicopter Battalion deployed to Huehuetenango, Guatemala, Sunday in support of Beyond the Horizon 2019.
These Idaho Army National Guard aviation Soldiers will spend their annual training period providing casualty evacuation support and equipment transportation for U.S. military engineers and medics as they build schools and set up medical clinics for the citizens of Guatemala from April 28 to July 27.
“This mission is an excellent opportunity for our Soldiers to deploy to a foreign country and do their jobs in an unfamiliar environment,” said Maj. Bryan Reid, the unit’s operations and training officer.
Nearly 150 pilots, crew chiefs, mechanics, petroleum specialists, signal specialists and supply personnel from the 1-183rd Assault Helicopter Battalion will rotate through Guatemala in two-week rotations.
“It is really exciting to get an opportunity to fly helicopters in a foreign country,” said 1st Lt. Colton Ankeney, the Beyond the Horizon 2019 project officer. “It will provide its own challenges and experiences that you can’t get training in the States.”
Beyond the Horizon is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored, joint foreign military humanitarian civic assistance exercise. Hundreds of Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve members from all services will participate in the annual exercise.
The mission helps build relationships with the host nation by working with its military to improve the infrastructure and medical wellness of their citizens. Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers will receive valuable training in a deployed location to maintain their individual and unit readiness.
Diversity inclusion creates winning organizations
05.03.2019
Story by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur
BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho National Guard hosted a Joint Diversity Executive Council conference on April 30 in Boise to address the importance of diversity inclusion in the workplace. Key military and civil leaders from 14 states, one territory and the National Guard discussed solutions for stopping discrimination in their organizations.
“An organization with diverse experiences and cultures will be a winning organization,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Nolan, Idaho’s assistant adjutant general-Air. “It’s easy for an organization to grow stale when we continue the notion that everyone is and should be thinking and acting in the same way. The whole point to diversity inclusion is for us to realize that we, as an organization, already have an internal bias, but we have to open our minds to people we may see as different from us.”
The JDEC, made up of seven regions representing each state and territory, advises the chief of the NGB and adjutant generals on diversity and inclusion matters. Regions six and seven attended the two-day conference, which included Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and the territory of Guam.
Day one began with a diverse panel of Idaho National Guard Soldiers and Airmen sharing the experiences that have impacted their lives or caused roadblocks in their careers.
“I moved to Idaho from down south, where I did witness discrimination, but being here has been eye-opening and breath-taking,” said Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Henry, from the 2nd of the 116th Cavalry Regiment. “Here, I am just like everyone else, I don’t get treated differently. I don’t get looked at differently because of the color of my skin.”
Sgt. 1st Class Melanie Galletti, from the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, spoke about a time in her life she felt singled out due to her race and gender in her former unit.
“While in active duty in 2000 my battalion commander had me in his office for an in-briefing,” said Galletti. “I distinctively remember him saying to me ‘now I know about you Latino females’ and then after that I didn’t hear anything else he said, because those were the only words I could focus on. I joined the Idaho Army National Guard in 2010. Have I experienced any type of discrimination here? Absolutely not, not as a female and not as a Latino female.”
In 2017 Galletti became Idaho National Guard’s first female infantry Soldier.
Throughout the conference, several themes were highlighted to help eliminate discrimination, such as emphasizing diversity and inclusion, exercising open-mindedness, embracing change and being receptive to newer generations coming through while controlling hostile work environments.
“We have to continue to train our brains and it’s not just a nationality, religion or gender issue, it’s every form of discrimination,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Becky Burkhart, Idaho’s first female command sergeant major. “We have to remember that the person next to you in the foxhole – it doesn’t matter who they are – as long as they have your back. It is up to leaders to continue this concept. Here in Idaho, I have never been treated poorly for being married to another female Soldier.”
Burkhart has been married to her wife for more than four years.
“We have to accept that some derogatory things are going to happen, people are going to say inappropriate things and it’s how we handle it that matters,” said Galletti. “We need to close the doors for the opportunity of harassment to continue, by keeping an open mind and respecting our peers. If we are going to do this, if we are going to diversify, let’s just do it all the way through in every single aspect.”
Several leaders from local businesses took part by speaking during the two-day conference. They shared their insight on diversity inclusion programs and their efforts on overcoming discrimination issues. Participants in the event were Zion’s Bank, Boise State University, College of Idaho Cultural Experience and Insight, the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy, the Ballet Folkloric Mexico Lindo dancers, Idaho State Police, Boise Fire Department, the Basque Center and the Idaho State Museum forum on Native American and Indian tribes.
“Diversity and inclusion starts with our youth,” said Trevor Sparrow, director of the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy. “Programs like the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy start the process of opening the minds of youth to diversity and inclusion.”
Senior Airman Tanner Morales, a graduate from the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy and an aerospace propulsion technician in the 124th Maintenance Squadron, spoke about what he has learned after graduating from the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy.
“I don’t see people as what I am physically seeing standing in front of me, but I see them as what I can learn about them and learn from them,” said Morales. “I like the fact that I can fall back on someone that thinks differently than me. If I have a problem that needs to be solved, I may not be approaching it the right way, and having a person that has a different background than me may have a different way on how they articulate their thoughts. That to me is very valuable.”
Improving diversity inclusion is a top priority for Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, adjutant general of Idaho and commander, Idaho National Guard.
“We need to open our thoughts, our minds and our views on diversity,” he said. “We need to recognize the strengths it can bring in directly contributing to our greatness as an organization. I continue to embrace and appreciate every opportunity to strengthen our understanding of diversity, with the hopes of improving our organization here in Idaho.”
Part-time Guardsmen eligible to receive full-time healthcare after retirement
BOISE, ID, UNITED STATES
03.14.2019
Story by Crystal Farris
National Guardsmen and their families do not have to struggle to afford healthcare and can stay medically insured after retirement. Those who serve 20 years or more in the National Guard are eligible to receive lifelong medical benefits for themselves and their families through various TRICARE health plans.
These plans offer quality care at affordable rates, making it one of the most valuable benefits available to Guardsmen and an important reason to stay in until retirement.
“TRICARE is one of the best reasons to stay in the National Guard for 20 years,” said Col. Jim Hicks, Idaho Army National Guard director of personnel. “With these benefits you have the potential to save hundreds and thousands of dollars when you reach retirement.”
At age 60, retirees and their families can expect to pay as little as $48 a month for TRICARE, whereas others pay a minimum of $1,000 a month for outside insurance, said William Fackler, Idaho National Guard retirement services officer. Then at age 65, retirees can expect to pay close to nothing for TRICARE, he added.
Several healthcare plans are available through TRICARE depending on the retiree’s age. Each plan offers little-to-no out-of-pocket costs, deductibles or premiums; low catastrophic caps and costs per family; and more freedom to choose healthcare with fewer restrictions.
“People don’t want to worry about medical bills after they retire,” said Fackler. “I’ve talked to lots of veterans who got out before 20 years and they all regret it. I tell folks to stick around because those benefits will be well worth it later on.”
Idaho Army National Guard retiree and Family Assistance Center Specialist Tom Obstarczyk knows first-hand the value of being a TRICARE beneficiary after he accidently sawed two of his fingers off in 2003.
“I was lucky,” said Obstarczyk. “My surgeon at St. Luke’s in Meridian was able to reattach my fingers and it cost me nothing through TRICARE. Where else can you receive full-time medical benefits as a part-time employee?”
Once retired, members can purchase TRICARE Retired Reserve from any age until 60. At that time, retirees may either chose TRICARE Prime Retired or TRICARE Select Retired, which recently replaced TRICARE Extra and Standard. At 65, retirees are no longer eligible for the previously mentioned health care plans but may then choose to enroll in TRICARE for Life.
TRICARE Retired Reserve
Upon retirement, members with 20 or more years of service are eligible to purchase TRICARE Retired Reserve for themselves and their family until they reach age 60. The premium-based health plan offers beneficiaries the option to receive care from any TRICARE-authorized provider for $451.51 a month per member or $1,083.40 a month to include unlimited family members, in addition to deductibles and a $3,598 catastrophic cap.
TRICARE Prime and Select, Retired
Retirees ages 60 to 64 are eligible to purchase TRICARE Prime Retired if living in a prime area or TRICARE Select Retired for themselves and their families.
TRICARE Prime Retired is a managed care option that offers affordable and comprehensive coverage with fewer out-of-pocket costs. Eligible members will receive care from a primary care manager and pay $24.75 a month, or $49.50 a month to include their family, with no deductibles and a $3,000 catastrophic cap.
TRICARE Select Retired is a preferred provider network that offers beneficiaries the most freedom to choose any TRICARE-authorized provider. There are no enrollment fees, however, deductibles are $150 for individuals and no more than $300 per family, with a $3,000 catastrophic cap.
TRICARE for Life
Retirees age 65 and older are eligible to enroll in TRICARE for Life, which is a secondary healthcare coverage for individuals with both Medicare Parts A and B. The program offers members and families the ability to receive care from any authorized provider with no enrollment fees, deductibles of $150 per individual and no more than $300 per family, with a $3000 catastrophic cap.
Medicare costs individuals approximately $135.50 a month and may not cover everything. With TRICARE for Life, beneficiaries typically pay nothing out-of-pocket for services TRICARE pays after Medicare, giving retirees the confidence to quite working sooner, said Fackler.
“People are out there working after age 65 because Medicare is only covering so much of their health costs,” said Fackler. “After retirees turn 65, TRICARE for Life gets billed. Nearly 99 percent of the time whatever Medicare doesn’t pay, TRICARE does so that beneficiaries never see a bill.”
Additionally, retired Guardsmen and their families are eligible for TRICARE’s pharmacy program and various dental and vision healthcare plans.
TRICARE Pharmacy Program
All current TRICARE beneficiaries are eligible to use the TRICARE Pharmacy Program to receive affordable prescription drugs either through retail pharmacies or by a home delivery option. Using Express Scripts, individuals can receive a 90-day supply of medication at home for small copayments of $7 for generic or $24 for name brands.
Dental and Vision Coverage
Retired Guardsmen now have comprehensive dental and vision coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, which replaced the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program in January 2019. With this new program, beneficiaries may choose between 10 dental and four vision carriers, ranging in price between $40 and $120 a month depending on the plan. Coverage for vision includes routine eye exams, vision corrections without referral and eyeglass frames and lenses.
“Before this new program took effect, Guardsmen had no vision care option and only one available dental plan through TRICARE,” said Fackler. “Now beneficiaries have more options, which is important because not every dental provider took TRICARE.”
TRICARE Young Adult
While adult-children of current-serving Guardsmen are eligible for TRICARE health coverage until age 21, or age 23 if they are enrolled in college, those of retired Guardsmen are entitled to coverage until age 25. With TRICARE Young Adult Prime, beneficiaries receive care through a primary care manager and pay $358 a month, with no deductibles.
With TRICARE Young Adult Select, beneficiaries have the option to receive care using any TRICARE-authorized provider for $214 a month, with deductibles ranging between $51 and $154 per individual and between $102 and $308 per family, depending on a retiree’s rank. Both plans have catastrophic caps of $3,598.
Until Retirement
While TRICARE benefits after retirement may provide Guardsmen a reason to stay in the Guard for 20 years, another TRICARE health plan offers members a reason to stay in until 60.
Current members and their families are eligible to receive TRICARE Reserve Select, which offers lower healthcare rates than TRICARE Retired Reserve and comparable rates to TRICARE Retired Select.
“Soldiers are staying in the military for TRICARE Reserve Select,” said Fackler. “They would spend approximately $800 or more a month on other health plans if they got out before age 60.”
The premium-based health plan offers beneficiaries the option to receive care from any TRICARE-authorized provider for $42.83 a month or $218.01 a month to include their family. Deductibles range between $51 and $102 per individual or between $154 and $308 per family, depending on a member’s current rank, with a $1,028 catastrophic cap.
Preparing for Retirement
To receive benefits, retirees must enroll online for each TRICARE health plan prior to their age of eligibility at www.tricare.mil. Enrollment assistance is available through the Idaho National Guard’s Retirement Services Office at (208) 272-3815 and the Family Assistance Center at (208) 272-4330 or (208) 272-4355. Individuals can also find further information on retirement, transitioning and eligibility by visiting the previously mentioned website and services or by contacting the Idaho National Guard Retiree Outreach Program at (208) 258-4910.
Female armor officers prepare to lead Idaho Soldiers into combat
BOISE, ID, UNITED STATES
02.19.2019
Story by Capt. Robert Taylor
Idaho Army National Guard
The 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team’s B Company, 2-116th Cavalry Regiment conducted gunnery Feb. 8-15 at the Orchard Combat Training Center, marking the first time female armor officers qualified in the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank in the Idaho Army National Guard’s history.
2nd Lt. Brooke Berard and 2nd Lt. Lauren Bolt graduated from the U.S. Army’s Armor Basic Officer Leaders Course Feb. 1 before returning to Idaho and accompanying their company to the field to conduct gunnery.
“After seeing the Abrams tank, I didn’t feel like I had another option,” Berard said. “Once I saw the tank’s power, that’s all I wanted to do.”
Both lieutenants will serve as platoon leaders for B Company, which is located in Nampa. As platoon leaders, each Soldier will command a platoon of up to 14 Soldiers and four Abrams.
Berard and Bolt are the first qualified combat arms female officers in the Idaho Army National Guard’s history. They follow other Idaho Army National Guard female Soldiers into the combat ranks since females were permitted to serve in all positions in the military in December 2015.
In 2016, 1st Sgt. Erin Smith became the first enlisted Soldier in the U.S. Army to graduate from the service’s M1 Armor Crewman School. In 2017, Staff Sgt. Kylene Huetra became the first female assigned to the 2-116th Cavalry Regiment as a tank crew member. She was recently reassigned as B Company’s supply sergeant.
Sgt. 1st Class Melanie Galletti graduated from the Infantry Transition Course in April 2017, becoming the first female Soldier in the state’s history to earn the Army’s blue infantry cord. She served as a squad leader in C Company, 2-116th Cavalry Regiment until she was reassigned to a position in a different company and subsequently promoted.
“I don’t care if you’re male or female,” said Lt. Col. Jason Gracida, commander, 2-116th CAV REG. “I care if you’re a good leader and Soldier. At the end of the day, you’re going to lead Soldiers into combat. I need to know if you’re a capable officer.”
Both junior officers know and understand their role on the battlefield.
“We close with and destroy the enemy with shock, mobility and firepower,” said Berard. “Not only do you have this firepower, you also have to make choices quickly.”
The M1A2 Abrams main battle tank is the Army’s most advance battle tank.
“When we get together and put rounds down range, and begin to maneuver as an element, there’s nothing more exhilarating,” Bolt said.
Bolt served as an 88M motor transport operator with the Nevada Army National Guard before transferring to the Idaho Army National Guard to become an armor officer. Both her parents also served in the military.
Gunnery tables often mean long days, with mechanical issues and winter weather causing delays, adding to the stress for new lieutenants conducting gunnery for the first time.
“Sometimes it doesn’t feel like work,” Beard said. “You’re tired but it’s so much fun.”
Snow Bash brings Idaho National Guard children together
Snow Bash 2018 brings Idaho National Guard children together, builds resiliency.
BOISE, IdahoJan. 31, 2018
Story by Capt. Robert Taylor
Idaho Army National Guard
The Idaho National Guard’s Child and Youth Services program hosted Snow Bash 2018 in mid-January to bring military children from around the state together in one place, Cascade, Idaho.
“A lot of this is teaching resiliency training to military kids so they know how to cope with deployments and know that there’s a support system always there for them,” said Katie Kohlbecker, whose dad serves in the Idaho Army National Guard.
During the four-day camp, military children spent time with other military children, playing games that encourage team building and leadership skills while participating in lessons in small groups that reinforce resiliency using lessons that fit the camp’s theme, which was Beyond Camp Wonderland.
“I really like it, it’s fun,” Elijah Maisey said. “Everyone is the same because we all have parents in the military. It’s different than interacting with kids at school because most kids at school don’t have parents in the military and don’t know what it’s like to have a parent gone.”
Masiey, whose dad serves in the Idaho Army National Guard, said his dad has only deployed once in his life but has traveled often throughout the country for his job.
Several key Idaho National Guard leaders visited the camp, including Col. Farin Schwartz, assistant adjutant general – Army/commander, Idaho Army National Guard; Col. Britt Vanshur, director of staff, Idaho Air National Guard; and Chief Master Sgt. Harold Bongiovi, state senior enlisted leader.
“It’s so rewarding for me to hear what this program has to offer,” Schwartz told campers. “It’s rewarding to see the development of the older kids who have transitioned from campers, to counselors to chaperons.”
Children enrolled in the Idaho National Guard Child and Youth Services program can attend the annual camp starting when they are 10. They are eligible to be a camp counselor at 14 if they’ve attended two camps previously and can become a chaperone at 18.
“I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am today without this program,” Kohlbecker said. “It’s taught me I have friends and support all over the state. It’s taught me to become a strong and influential leader, not only with the military kids here, but also taking those skills outside of here, whether it’s my school or other positions I hold.”
Kohlbecker has attended at least 10 camps and is the state’s alternate representative, the number two youth leader in the program. In addition, she also serves as her student council’s secretary.
The program’s next youth camp will be in June.
Public Safety Communications and IT Services Division manages state emergency radio System
MORE THAN JUST COMMUNICATIONS
BOISE, ID, UNITED STATES
03.19.2018
Story by 2nd Lt. Crystal Farris
The Idaho Army National Guard recently signed an agreement with the Idaho Military Division’s Public Safety Communications and Information Technology Division that establishes a maintenance plan for the long-term sustainment of a microwave radio system for its Orchard Combat Training Center. The agreement will go into effect beginning April 1 with the purchasing and installation of multiple microwave radio sites across the training center.
The agreement comes at a perfect time, establishing a new and up-to-date communication system necessary for the training center’s planned growth and increased use during the Idaho Army National Guard’s annual training events over the next several summers. The new system will enhance communications and operations between Gowen Field and the training center.
“The current network has been out there for a while and is at a point in its lifecycle where it needs to be replaced,” said Ben Call, communications and IT services branch chief. “We are providing engineering and analysis for what should be replaced and how we can improve data consistency and reliability for that infrastructure to remain working at an optimal level.”
Using line-of-sight wireless communication and radio waves, the microwaves will provide high speed wireless connections for sending and receiving voice, video and data information from one point to another. Information is passed within a private network, as opposed to a commercial provider, making it more secure and less vulnerable to cyber-attack, said Call.
The Public Safety Communications and IT Services Division, formerly the Bureau of Communication and Microwave Services, is responsible for managing and maintaining the state microwave network and its 130 microwave sites located throughout Idaho.
Previously part of the Idaho Military Division’s emergency management office, the division now falls under and reports to the state’s adjutant general, Brig. Gen. Michael Garshak. It provides a data network for the day-to-day operations of employees working within state components of the Idaho Military Division on Gowen Field that are not part of the Department of Defense network.
The network also provides secondary communication capability between the state emergency operations center and the 44 counties and three tribal emergency centers in Idaho, should regular communication systems fail.
“With our support they have equipment that comes in via the microwave network instead of the public network that would not be affected by an outage,” said Call. “So it is our hope and intent that our system would stay up and be available in an emergency even if the regular system dies.”
Maintenance teams are located in six different regions within Idaho, along with an IT group on Gowen Field to manage all data traffic carried by the microwave network for agencies that they serve. Along with the Idaho Army National Guard, its customers include the Idaho State Police, Idaho Fish and Game and the Idaho State Courts System.
In addition to the microwave network, PSC is responsible for maintaining and operating the Land Mobile Radio networks that serve state agencies, such as Emergency Medical Services, Idaho State Police and the Idaho Transportation Department. Directed by state statute, they are the responsible party for all state of Idaho radio frequency licensing.
Idaho Youth Challenge Academy reshapes the lives of nearly 1,000 Idaho Teens
“We Believe in Second Chances”
BOISE AIR TERMINAL AIR GUARD STATION, ID, UNITED STATES
09.17.2018
Story by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur
PIERCE, Idaho – The National Guard Bureau’s Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy is a relatively new program to Idaho and is nearing Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s goal of 1,000 graduates by the end of its fifth year. The current class is the largest to date with 135 cadets currently enrolled, scheduled to graduate in December 2018.
What is the IDYCA? Administered by the Department of Defense, it is a cooperative state level program between the Idaho Military Division and the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. It is among 40 other programs nationwide.
The primary focus is reclaiming the lives of 16 to 18-year-olds who are at risk or have dropped out of high school, by getting them back on a path necessary to succeed as adults. It prepares cadets for graduation, as a fully state-accredited alternative high school, and provides an opportunity to earn up to 14 high school credits towards their diploma.
Idaho opened the doors to the academy’s first class in January of 2014 in the small northern town of Pierce, Idaho under the command of Maj. Gen. Gary Sayler, former Adjutant General.
“Maj. Gen. Sayler laid the groundwork for the program, which I plan to build upon. One of my goals is to increase the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy Foundation in order to improve the academy’s infrastructure. New barracks, new roofing, and improvements to the laundry facility are among my priorities,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Garshak, commanding general of the Idaho National Guard.
Garshak, along with other state officials, as well as principals from local Treasure Valley high schools, had the opportunity to fly to Pierce in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to visit the facilities, staff, and cadets. They were able to tour several classrooms, see the living quarters, and eat lunch with the cadets. They concluded their visit by judging a drill and ceremony competition.
“Our military leaders bring state and local officials, school administrators, and teachers up to visit the academy and cadets to demonstrate the good return on investment that is happening up here,” said Collier Lipple, executive officer to the adjutant general of Idaho. “When they see firsthand the hundreds of lives this program positively effects each year, the program sells itself.”
Centennial High School principal, Mike Farris, has three Centennial students enrolled in the current class. He took the opportunity to visit with the three cadets and learn about their accomplishments and future goals for graduating the academy.
“I learned a lot about the Youth ChalleNGe Academy and what it is doing for the young men and women that are a part of it. Today was an awesome learning experience for me,” said Farris.
Margaret Flowers is the treasurer of the foundation for the IDYCA. She became involved with the academy because of the positive outcome it had on her personally. This is her second visit to the academy, the first was the graduation of her son.
“My son was in the very first class, Class 14-1. The program saved my son’s life. He turned 18 while enrolled in the academy and if he had not gone through the program, who knows where he would be now, probably homeless. After he graduated, we have a fantastic relationship. He has a full-time job and he can take care of himself. He is doing amazing and I am very thankful,” said Flowers.
The current class, Class 18-2 is in week nine of the 22-week program. The program starts with a disciplined Acclimation Phase, where they learn to adjust to the physical, mental, and social discipline the program offers. Not all of the potential cadets can handle this phase, but those who successfully complete the acclimation period continue on as IDYCA cadets and begin the ChalleNGe Phase, or the Residential Phase. This phase emphasizes self-discipline, self-esteem, education, and the development of healthy lifestyles.
“I have seen the results and this program saves lives. So many of these teenagers complete graduation and go on to become successful and valued contributors to their communities. Their motto is ‘we believe in second chances’ and so do I,” said Garshak. “I believe in each and every one of these cadets.”