AREA NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS TRAIN AT FORT CHAFFEE

At right, SSG Michael Estes of Co. B in Jackson is in radio communication for maintenance needs. Because of their readiness status, the 1140th Eng BN is the only unit in the state to have the new Sinegar radio, making enemy interception virtually impossible.

Capt. Steve Skelton of Jackson and HHC Commander, Capt. Todd Anderson locate a position on a map where training will be held.

The Picket Pounder enabled wire entanglement to be positioned. Here, two members of Jackson's 1140th Eng Bn work in 100 degree temperature in full field gear to place entanglement wire pickets.

Pvt. Bill Halbrook, Patton, returns from a mine sweeping deployment. Mine sweeping training also included enemy ambush exposure.

Machine gun emplacements were constructed as part of perimeter defense training. Fighting positions were dug using National Guard heavy equipment and then camouflaged. Soldiers were graded on defense readiness by raiding parties.

SFC Norbert Vandeven of Marble Hill monitors maintenance for the 1140th Eng. BN using modern computer equipment set up in a field maintenance headquarters.

Sgt. Randy Seabaugh of Jackson receives a hot meal from the new mobile kitchen trailer. At the heart of morale, the new mobile kitchen facilitates timely and tasty hot meals.

Consolidated maintenance of the support unit is established as a first measure. Each company, including Co. B in Jackson, contributes men to oversee building the support center of 1140th Eng. BN.

(Editor's note: The Jackson USA was approached by Marian Hutchings and Sgt. Charles Hutchings of Jackson in regard to publishing photos of the 1140th Combat Engineer Battalion that is made up of National Guard members from Jackson and surrounding communities. We are honored to share these photos with you, especially on this holiday weekend. They should serve as a constant reminder that freedom isn't free. To be free takes sacrifice from members of military and their families. It also takes sacrifice from local employers who allow their employees to leave work for training and deployment. As Americans we thank you and support you in your mission to keep us free and safe from enemies seen and unseen.)

The Missouri National Guard 1140th Engineer Battalion, with companies in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Perryville, Sikeston, Fredericktown and Farmington participated in annual military training June 19 through July 3 at Ft. Chaffee, Ark.

They worked as a support unit with the 1st and 168th Infantry from Alantic, Iowa, the companies concentrated on Lanes Training. This included mine sweeping, installing wire entanglements and machine gun emplacements.

With the temperature soaring over 100 degrees, each man faced physical and mental challenges. The company of the 1140th rotated through mine field and wire entanglement training. Every exercise also included map reading, land navigation, radio communication and defensive tactics.

Active Army evaluators graded each company as to mission accomplishment and response. The 1140th Engineer Battalion has been classified a force support package one, the highest funded resourced and trained reserve component unit. If interested in attending annual training contact SSG Chad Craft or SGT Dan Eagon at 290-5930.