4 Broadcaster Press July 25, 2017 www.broadcasteronline.com SD National Guard Artillery Excessive Heat Unit Trains In Romania Taking Its Toll During Saber Guardian On Cars By Staff Sgt. Rachel Korzeniewski 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment CINCU, Romania - Soldiers of South Dakota Army National Guard's 1-147th Field Artillery Battalion trained alongside U.S. and allied nation forces during the exercise Saber Guardian 17 in Romania, July 2-18. About 110 Soldiers from the battalion trained on their operational capabilities, battlefield integration and fire support coordination with U.S. Army, National Guard and Romanian forces. SG17, a U.S. Army Europe-led, multinational exercise, takes place in Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania with approximately 25,000 service members from 22 partner nations. The exercise highlights participant deterrence capabilities, specifically the ability to mass forces at any given time anywhere in Europe. "Our mission for Saber Guardian was to deploy to Romania and show our commitment to our NATO allies for our common defense," said Lt. Col. Paul Hollenack, commander, 5th Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment, North Carolina Army National Guard. "We want to show our interoperability through a fire support coordination exercise and a combined arms live-fire exercise that demonstrates how we can integrate maneuver, air and artillery forces from various partner nations into concentrated effects on the battlefield." While participating in SG17, Alpha Battery, 1-147th FA was assigned under the 5-113th Field Artillery Battalion and 1st Cavalry Division Artillery of Fort Hood, Texas. The battery operates the M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket System, which can fire 12 surface-to-surface rockets in fewer than 60 seconds. "We are working with 1st Cavalry Division Artillery, the main division in the Army, in conjunction with 5-113th Field Artillery Battalion, a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System unit, to learn the different capabilities and similarities of each other's launchers while conducting field artillery operations," said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Tyler, launcher chief, Alpha Battery. "The 1-147th brought a new and different capability," said Hollenack. "Being from a different state, they also brought a new perspective on training and how they operate, which we were all able to learn from." The exercise gave the units an idea in many ways what it's like to deploy and fight in a foreign country. Going overseas brings new obstacles for units, such as learning new terrain and increased planning and preparation compared to utilizing the same training area year after year. "If you look at the fundamental tasks we trained in, they weren't much different, but we fundamentally changed the conditions in which we operated and that really challenged us in our processes and systems - that is where the learning comes," said Hollenack. The 1st Cav. DIVARTY provides fire support coordination and mission command for the training and readiness of field artillery units participating in SG17. "Falling under division artillery and having them generate the pace of the fire missions we were executing was a new challenge and a growing event for us," said Capt. Bran- Romsdahl’s Repair & Remodel Carpentry, Decks, Windows & Doors, Refinishing, Drywall, & Ceramic Tile 18 Years in Business Free Estimates 605-670-2161 Stories you missed this week because you’re not a Plain Talk subscriber Updates on the search for a man who is presumed drowned after he went missing while swimming in the Missouri River near Burbank Beach. A report and photos following a fire that heavily damaged a house in Wakonda. don Jarman, commander of Alpha Battery, 1-147th FA. "The live-fire exercise we participated in was a joint-fire mission alongside multiple nations and active duty components integrating tube artillery and aviation assets is a piece we do not normally get to exercise." Tyler said the exercise gave the unit more of an idea on what to expect the next time they're in a similar situation; for example, coming up with ways to keep the launchers cool during down time and better sleep plans for the crewmembers. "The most unique aspect about this training is the field time. We normally do not spend this much time in the field," said Tyler. "The weather has been a challenge, it changes very quickly here and we've had rain storms come through in a matter of 10 minutes. That's something we do not see at home." Training alongside allied nations has also created opportunities the units wouldn't normally have. "In any exercise or event, you are always coordinating with the units to your left and your right," said Hollenack. "With the Romanian 83rd Larom Battalion being on our right flank, we have had a lot of direct coordination with deconflicting terrain where U.S. forces are on the battlefield, as well as sharing space for our fire direction center, sharing resources, sharing ambulances and doing combined medevac exercises. That is where our main interaction with Romania comes from in this exercise." Part of this training exercise was for NATO and U.S. forces to work together and build relationships. "Watching the Romanian Laroms fire and conduct their crew drills helped build that relationship and trust," said Jarman. "It was nice to see that their tactics, techniques, procedures and operations are not that different from ours." For the live-fire missions to be successful, the unit needed support from numerous sections. Each component went through their own obstacles to ensure the fire missions were a success. "The most critical component the unit has is our maintenance section," said Tyler. "Without them, we wouldn't be able to complete our missions, and they'll work day and night to ensure our launchers are ready. Communication and the support staff are also key parts in making sure we are successful." Fire direction crews had a few hurdles of their own to jump through during this year's annual training. "A challenge as a fire direction chief is coordinating fire," said Staff Sgt. Jesse Holman, fire direction chief, Alpha Battery, 1-147th FA. "We had close air and maneuver elements in our area of operations, overcoming these challenges gave us an opportunity to train in a realistic scenario." Jarman said he wanted the unit to concentrate on certain tasks such as survivability, movability and communication - aspects of field artillery that tend to take a backseat to live-fire missions. "A lot of the credit goes to our guys that have been out in the field working hard," said Tyler. "This mission was successful because of all the time and effort the lower enlisted and non-commissioned officers put in. They did a great job out here." Vermillion Dairy Queen® to host 12th Annual DQ® Miracle Treat Day On Thursday, July 27 the Vermillion DQ Grill & Chill® location is encouraging the local community to Eat Dessert First for one day only to benefit Sanford Children’s Hospital. For every Blizzard® Treat sold during the 12th Annual DQ® Miracle Treat Day on Thursday, July 27 the Vermillion DQ Grill & Chill® will be donating all the proceeds to Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls. Children’s Miracle Hospitals® (CMNH) raises funds and awareness for 170 children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. “We are breaking the rules and eating dessert first for a great cause,” said owner Lonnie Heier. “We do this to help save and improve the lives of children treated at Sanford Children’s Hospital. These families need our support and together we can make a difference.” Last year, Dairy Queen operators across the U.S. and Canada combined to raise more than $4 million on Miracle Treat Day for their local CMN Hospitals. Since 1984, the Dairy Queen system has raised more than $125 million for the charity through fundraising efforts including Miracle Treat Day, the Miracle Balloon campaign and other local initiatives. For more information about Miracle Treat Day, visit MiracleTreatDay.com. With temperatures across South Dakota expected to remain in the 90’s for the weekend, AAA is reminding drivers that the risk of engines overheating, older batteries failing and tire troubles grows with each day of the extreme weather. “The effect this kind of weather can have on your car is cumulative so we’ll be fielding lots of calls” says Marilyn Buskohl, spokesperson for AAA South Dakota. AAA South Dakota responded to 900 calls so far this week. Those calls included overheated engines, tire blowouts, dead batteries and tows. To avoid a breakdown in this heat, AAA offers these reminders: 1. Test your battery and, if necessary, replace it BEFORE it dies. Most batteries last 3-5 years and each day of extreme weather pushes a battery closer to its end. AAA members can request a AAA Roadside Service technician to come to them and test their battery free of charge. Should the battery need replacement, the technician can usually replace it on location. For more information on the AAA Mobile Battery Service visit AAA.com/Battery. 2. Make Sure Tires Are Properly Inflated Driving on under-inflated tires can cause tires to overheat and increase the likelihood of a blowout. This problem becomes even more of a concern when road temperatures are extremely high. Tires should be checked when the car has not been driven recently, and they should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer – not the number molded into the tire sidewall. Recommended tire pressures can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker normally located on the driver’s door jamb or the inside of the glove compartment door. Some vehicles use different pressures for the front and rear tires. While checking the tire pressures - including the spare - drivers also should inspect the tire treads for adequate depth and any signs of uneven wear that might indicate a suspension or alignment problem. 3. Check all fluids When fluid levels are low, the possibility of overheating increases. Drivers should check all vehicle fluids including motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid to ensure they are filled to the appropriate levels. If any fluids need to be topped off, be sure to use the type of fluid specified in the owner’s manual. 4. Stock a Summer Emergency Kit Even with proper preventive maintenance, summer breakdowns can still occur, so AAA recommends every driver have a fully charged cellphone on hand so they can call for help when needed and also keep a wellstocked emergency kit in their vehicle to ensure everyone’s safety while they’re waiting for help to arrive. AAA says the Emergency Kit should include water, nonperishable food items, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, road flares or an emergency beacon, basic hand tools, and a first aid kit. While many of the maintenance tasks to prepare a car for extreme summer heat are relatively simple and can be performed by the average driver, some are best left to a trained automotive technician. AAA offers a free public service to assist motorists seeking a qualified auto repair facility that they can trust to work on their vehicle. AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities must meet stringent professional standards and maintain an ongoing customer satisfaction rating of 90 percent or better. To locate a nearby AAA approved repair shop visit AAA. com/Repair. Buying or selling, BANK on the Classifieds To place your classified ad, call the News that a state task force that will consider relocating the USD School of Law will hold its first meeting Aug. 7 in Vermillion. 201 W Cherry Vermillion, SD • Phone:(605) 624-4429 • Fax:(605) 624-2696 And if you want to see: Affordable Monuments by Mollet Memorials Full coverage of the Vermillion Legion 1 baseball team as it competes in the state baseball tournament in Winner. Vermillion and Beresford Areas Linda Jamtgaard Cummings Photos from last weekend’s Vermillion Community Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” A report from the July 25 public meeting held by the South Dakota Department of Transportation to discuss proposed improvements to the SD Highway 50 bypass in Vermillion. Pick up this Friday’s Plain Talk! Local news since 1884! Here for you yesterday, today and tomorrow. 201 W. Cherry, Vermillion, SD 57069 605-624-2695 605-408-6631 Marlon Mollet 605-360-9656 Jamaica • From $1,420 per person • 7 nights, all-inclusive • Round trip airfare from Sioux Falls • Round trip transfers • Select October – December dates • Pricing based on 2 adults • Pricing based on availability Honolulu • From $1,675 per person • 7 nights hotel • Round trip airfare from Sioux Falls • Round trip transfers • Select November dates • Pricing based on 2 adults • Pricing based on availability Call for more details! 605-766-8440 Hours: Monday – Friday 8am-5pm All About Travel www.allabouttravel.org 113 S Main St., Viborg SD 57070 www.facebook.com/allabouttravel or visit molletmemorials.com “Create | Legacy” 3.5” x 2.5” aMaximum Font Size: 30 pt Have 403(b) Invest in your questions? Let’s talk. retirement. Curt Robinson Financial Curt Robinson Advisor . Financial 23 Market Street Advisor Patrick M Higgins Financial Advisor 23 Market Street 605-624-2028 Vermillion, SD 57069 www.edwardjones.com 605-624-2028 www.edwardjones.com 23 Market Street Vermillion, SD 57069 605-624-2028 www.edwardjones.com Vermillion, SD 57069 Member SIPC