Delaware National Guard 
261st: April FTX update
By Maj. Jane Zak, Public Affairs Officer, 261st Signal Brigade
Consolidated Mess Operation Proves Success During The April FTX
The food service planners at 72nd Troop Command
and the 261st Signal Brigade coordinated efforts to provide an outstanding
consolidated food service operation at New Castle County Rifle Range
(NCRR) during the April Field Training Exercise (FTX). Staff Sgt. Harry
Legates, Senior Food Operations Sergeant from the 259th Signal Company,
served as the Mess Steward for the operation. Cooks from the following
units worked together to provide meals to the twelve units that were
conducting operations at NCCRR: 72nd Troop Command, Co A-3/126 Aviation,
261st Signal Brigade, 198th Signal Battalion, Company B, 280th Signal
Battalion, and the 259th Signal Company.
The team worked tirelessly to serve six meals during the exercise. Per headcount records, over 300 soldiers were served at the majority of the meals – the highest attendance was 345 during lunch on Saturday. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Dennis King, 261st Signal Brigade Logistics Chief, stated that the success of the operation came from co-locating two MKT (Mobile Kitchen Tents) at the site. This configuration affords the staff the ability to fully utilize one MKT for cooking; and, the second for serving. The team could have supported a maximum of 500 soldiers at this facility.
On Saturday night, the food service team prepared a special dinner for the soldiers - grilled steak and steamed shrimp (Surf & Turf) for the soldiers. There’s nothing like a great meal to keep soldiers motivated during a field training exercise. Congratulations to the food service team for their outstanding performance during this exercise.
NBC Training Incorporated into FTX
All units incorporated NBC (nuclear,
biological, chemical) training into their field training on Saturday,
during the April drill weekend. Soldiers trained on proper procedures for
reacting to a chemical attack, while maintaining tactical operations. For
instance, as soon as Spc. Jose Ortiz, Co A,
280th Signal Battalion, set the chemical alarm at the Bethany
Beach Training Site, Sgt. 1st Class Rand Johnson,
first sergeant, 261st Signal Brigade, began transitioning into MOPP
(Mission Oriented Protective Posture) Level 2 based on direction from the
brigade S-2. Capt. Walt Bruhl and Sgt. 1st Class
Willie Jackson, HHD, 198th Signal Battalion, also donned their masks after
the chemical alarm sounds. Around the state, everyone was performing
similar measures in reaction to the simulated
threat. Sgt. 1st Class Victor Moody, Detachment
Sergeant, HHD, 198th Signal Battalion, and others then resumed company
operations at MOPP level 4.
Junior ROTC Cadets Attend FTX with 280th Signal Battalion
Nineteen cadets from the Mt. Pleasant High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Program (JROTC) trained with the 280th Signal Battalion at Bethany Beach Training site during the April FTX. Each cadet was assigned a sponsor from Co A or HHC, 280th Signal Battalion, who worked with them from Friday night through Sunday. In addition to working shifts with their sponsor, the cadets received training in guard duty, common task training (CTT), and marksmanship. Additionally, they received briefings on Aviation and Homeland Defense. Sgt. 1st Class Velda Scye, HHC, 280th Signal Battalion served as the liaison between the Delaware National Guard Recruiting Staff, who coordinated the event, and the unit.
280th Welcomes New Legal Specialist to Battalion Headquarters
The 280th Signal Battalion welcomed Sgt. David King as the new Legal Specialist at the Headquarters Company this month. King, who transferred from the Wyoming National Guard, had been assigned as Aviation Sergeant, at the 1022 Medical Company. Prior to entry into the Wyoming National Guard, he had served 16 years as an pilot in the U.S. Air Force, his last assignment as a Major, flying C-141 cargo planes. In his civilian job, SGT King is a licensed attorney, currently assigned as an international finance attorney for United Airlines. He also holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
Change of Command – HHC, 261st
Signal Brigade
Capt. Gerry Pennington assumed command of HHC, 261st Signal Brigade prior to the units departure for the FTX (Field Training Exercise) Friday night. Capt. Pennington, who was assigned as the Network Officer in the S-3 section at the brigade, assumed command from Capt. Frank Soriano, who will transition to the Signal Engineering Branch in the S-3 section. Prior to the Change of Command, outgoing commander, Capt. Frank Soriano, was persented an ARCOM for outstanding service while assigned as Commander, HHC, 261st Signal Brigade.
April Awards
Warrant Officer Cheryl Richardson, Administrative Supervisor, 261st Signal Brigade received an Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) for meritorious service while assigned as the Senior Personnel Services Sergeant of the 198th Signal Battalion.
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