Local employers urged to shift plans for hiring veterans into high gear

By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson

Wisconsin National Guard

With unemployment for Wisconsin National Guard members at twice the state average and about one-third higher than the national average, Wisconsin National Guard and Panther Racing Team officials emphasized the pressing need to turn the corner quickly to a group of local employers at an employment initiative June 16 at The Milwaukee Mile on the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds.

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, explained that a Guard member's employment status has a directi mpact on his or her overall readiness and ability to serve.

"When the young men and women willing to serve this nation in a combat zone multiple times comes home to unemployment and can't provide for their families, we're going to lose that Soldier or Airman because they have to take care of their families," Dunbar said.

"That is why we asked you to join us today, to enlist you in this mission that's so important to us," said John Barnes, Panther Racing Team owner. "No matter what else is said up here, we're here for one reason and one reason only - to get these guys jobs and make sure their lives are up to the standards they deserve."

Spokespersons as varied as JR Hildebrand, National Guard car driver for Panther Racing, Wisconsin National Guard senior enlisted advisors Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper and Command Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Cullen, and TriWest Healthcare Alliance President and CEO Dave McIntyre extolled the desirable qualities of veterans and National Guard members - practical experience, strong work ethic, leadership, education and professionalism.

"There's a very tangible quality they bring to the table that, frankly, from a self-interested perspective as an employer, makes a great difference," McIntyre told employers. "I've been employing thousands of folks who come out of uniform, and their families - there are no better employees that you can find."

Some of the representatives attending the employment initiative - Time Warner and Prudential among them - currently have their own initiatives to hire veterans whenever possible, and took the opportunity to network with like-minded companies. Others, such as Roland Lauterbach of Oberlin Filter Company, wanted to learn more about involvement with the National Guard.

Drew Dix, a Vietnam veteran who received the Medal of Honor as a staff sergeant and retired as a major, remarked that many Soldiers he served with were forgotten as they came home and melted into their communities.

"I think that's one of the reasons, personally, why I'm here," Dix said. "We can't just let that happen. The members of the National Guard are really performing well, right up there with the active duty military, doing frequent deployments. We've got to make sure the communities welcome them back and give them employment, give them an opportunity to work so when they're called again they can go back and serve us."

Dunbar told employers he was not seeking their charity, but their consideration.

"Some employers may not hire a veteran because of the chance of deployment," Dunbar acknowledged. "But if we have a citizen willing to fight for us overseas, and it's your employee, instead of running from that I would ask employers to embrace that. I believe it's the best thing you can do to hire a veteran."

Barnes noted that he has four National Guard members on his team, and one who copes with post-traumatic stress is an inspiration to the team.

"Today is the start of your race - the CEOs, the entrepreneurs and business owners here," Barnes said. "It's very easy to leave here motivated, to hear these great people and what they've done. It's another thing to go home to your community and make a difference. Each one of you has the opportunity to make a difference. If you hire just one Guard member or spouse, you've made a huge difference."

Face of Defense: Adjutant General Wins Charity Sled Dog Race

By Army Sgt. Michelle Brown
Alaska National Guard

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Feb. 15, 2012 – The crisp winter air covered the glistening trail as Alaska’s adjutant general raced to the finish line and victory during the "Top Brass" charity sled dog race here Feb. 11.

Army Maj. Gen. Thomas Katkus along with five senior leaders representing all branches of the U.S. military participated in a three-mile dog sled race to determine who would be named the "top brass."

Each participant was assigned a three-dog team and musher from last year's "Top Dog" charity sled dog race to serve as a mentor.

"This was excellent and really fun," Katkus said. "About 100 yards into the trail, you don't hear anything except the dogs breathing and the sounds of the sled runners going down the trail."

Katkus and his team of world-champion athletes rose to the challenge and won the race with a course time of 9:28, nearly a minute faster than his fellow competitors. The general credited the win to his superior teammates: Cooper, Eeyore and Lizzy.

"This was my first time mushing, but I had a team of veteran dogs in front of me, keeping me on the sled," he said. "I also followed the advice I was given to just hang on to the sled and the dogs will do the work for you."

ExxonMobil made a $20,000 contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project, a program designed to honor and empower wounded warriors by raising awareness, helping injured service members and providing them a variety of additional services.

"I would like to thank ExxonMobil on behalf of all of the military," Katkus said. "I want to convey the importance of their donation and how it's going to change people's lives for the better."

The "Top Brass" Charity Dog Sled Race was held as part of the 39th annual ExxonMobil Open. The race has been an Alaska tradition since 1973. Aaron Stryk, ExxonMobil public and government affairs advisor, said the race is designed to pay tribute to the official sport of Alaska, while highlighting the invaluable institutions that give so much to the community.

In particular, he added, the race sponsors want to show appreciation to the nation’s wounded warriors who have given so much for their country.

"Thank you for all you do in service to Alaska and our country," Stryk said. "I hope this can be our way of saying thank you."

NASCAR Drivers Visit Guantanamo Bay

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Justin Ailes Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- In coordination with United Service Organizations Inc. (USO); Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) on board Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, presented celebrity NASCAR drivers Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano, Dec. 13.

The drivers were showcased during meet-and-greets and autograph signings at numerous locations on base, providing an opportunity for the community's racing enthusiast to meet celebrity NASCAR drivers.

"I'm pumped about being here," said Keselowski. "This is a great experience and opportunity to meet the men and women of Guantanamo Bay, and we are truly honored to meet our nation's service members."

NASCAR Star Visits Eisenhower

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zach Martin, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

AT SEA (NNS) -- National Association of Stock Car Automobile Racing (NASCAR) Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series celebrity driver Carl Edwards took time to travel to the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower on, Aug. 16.

Edwards is best known for winning the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series Rookie of the Year and 2007 Busch Series Champion awards, along with the 2011 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

Edwards and his group made an arrested landing on the ship's flight deck in a C-2A Greyhound, part of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, and spent time observing Dwight D. Eisenhower conducting carrier qualifications (CQ) from the flight deck.

"There's absolutely no comparison between what I do and what these men and women do for thirteen hours every day on the flight deck," Edwards said. "The sacrifices you guys make, taking huge risks, the dedication and the hours you all put in is incredible."

Master Chief Gunner's Mate (SW/AW) Jason Robertson, one of Edwards' escorts, said he's been a lifelong racing fan and was thrilled at the chance to meet Edwards not only for himself, but for his family.

"I like Mr. Edwards myself but I'm most excited because I will get a picture and autograph for my father-in-law," Robertson said. "I would also like to thank Mr. Edwards for taking time out of his busy schedule to show respect for all our service men and women."

Following the group's experience and watching flight operations in action, Edwards set up shop in the ship's hangar bay to sign autographs and interact with the crew.

"Everybody has been awesome, I've met people from all over the country, and even some from my hometown," Edwards said. "I even met someone whose sister went to prom with my brother!"

Lt. Raleigh Stahl, assistant air operations officer for Commander, Carrier Strike Group EIGHT, was one of the Sailors in line to receive an autograph from Edwards. "He's a NASCAR driver, and I'm excited to be here," Stahl said, "It's awesome to see one of the guys you watch every weekend here on the ship."

Following the signing, Edwards joined the crew on the ship's mess decks for dinner, and was surprised with a belated birthday cake celebrating his day-prior Aug. 15 birthday.

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Samantha Fergus, who designed, baked and built Edwards' birthday cake, said the chance to create pastry art for a sports celebrity was an opportunity for her to showcase her talents.

"I'm really excited," Fergus said. "It was my first real celebrity experience."

JR Hildbrand 2011 Indy

JR Hildebrand, driver of the #4 National Guard-ESGR-Project ChalleNGe-Lincoln Tech sponsored Honda-Dallara Indy Car will be wearing the Army Multi-Cam paint scheme as the team starts in Row 3 of the 100th Anniversary running of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" - The Indianapolis 500.