Actor follows Oregon National Guard to prepare for upcoming military movie - 06/14/13
Film actor Shia LaBeouf followed Citizen-Soldiers from the Oregon National Guard this past week in order to prepare for his role in the World War II tank movie Fury.

"Mr. LeBeouf has had a rare opportunity to witness training and communicate with our combat veterans from all over the state,"said Capt. Stephen Bomar, Director, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.

LeBeouf spent time with the National Guard according to a statement from the production company in order, "to better understand the values and integrity of our young warfighters."

The Director David Ayer, was cited as saying, that the goal is to "bring a fresh execution to the genre," adding, "What these men went through is worthy of a complex, honest portrayal."

"Seeing how our Oregon-Citizen Soldiers train, operate and interact with one another as they prepare for deployment will certainly lend to the credibility of his role," Bomar said.

The history of the 41st Brigade can be traced back to 1917 when the 41st Infantry Division was created for service in World War I primarily from National Guard units from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana.The 41st Infantry Division was the longest deployed division in WWII, serving in the Pacific.

Elements of the 41 Infantry Brigade Combat Team has served in Saudia Arabia, Kuwait, Bosnia, Iraq and Afhganistan, with the brigade deploying as a whole to Iraq in 2009, and is currently training for a possible deployment to Afghanistan in 2014.

Photo Release: Oregon National Guard hosts Governor's Executive Briefing at Camp Withycombe - 06/14/13
PHOTO RELEASE

130614-Z-CH590-2701: The Oregon National Guard held its annual Governor's Employment Executive Briefing, June 14, at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore. The event, held in conjunction with Flag Day and the U.S. Army's birthday, is meant to inform attendees about the mission and vision of the Oregon National Guard, and to recognize several organizations and employers for their support of Oregon's military members and their families. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. John Hughel, 142 Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

130614-Z-CH590-2730: Portland Trailblazers President Chris McGowan speaks to a gathering at the Governor's Employment Executive Briefing, June 14, at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore. The event, held in conjunction with Flag Day and the U.S. Army's birthday, is meant to inform attendees about the mission and vision of the Oregon National Guard, and to recognize several organizations and employers for their support of Oregon's military members and their families. McGowan and the Trailblazers were recognized by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for their support of Oregon's military members such as "Military Appreciation Night" at the Rose Garden and other events. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. John Hughel, 142 Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

130614-Z-CH590-2755: Former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski speaks to a gathering at the Governor's Employment Executive Briefing, June 14, at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore. The event, held in conjunction with Flag Day and the U.S. Army's birthday, is meant to inform attendees about the mission and vision of the Oregon National Guard, and to recognize several organizations and employers for their support of Oregon's military members and their families. Kulongoski introduced Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, who was recognized for his support of Oregon's Citizen-Soldiers and Citizen-Airmen. "This is a man who is highly-respected by the Department of Defense, but is humble enough to refer to himself as a wheat farmer from Helix, Ore.," Kulongoski said. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. John Hughel, 142 Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

130614-Z-TK422-3135: Jan Ahrens John (third from left), executive consultant at Kaiser Permanente, is honored with the "Extraordinary Employer Support Award" during the Governor's Employment Executive Briefing, June 14, at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore. The event, held in conjunction with Flag Day and the U.S. Army's birthday, is meant to inform attendees about the mission and vision of the Oregon National Guard, and to recognize several organizations and employers for their support of Oregon's military members and their families. John in-turn thanked employees of Kaiser Permanente who are in the National Guard and Reserve, saying they are "model employees" who show up early and are self-starters with valuable experience. (Photo by Master Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

130614-Z-TK422-3229: Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, is presented with a commemorative Winchester rifle for his 50 years of service to the state and nation during the Governor's Employment Executive Briefing, June 14, at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore. The event, held in conjunction with Flag Day and the U.S. Army's birthday, is meant to inform attendees about the mission and vision of the Oregon National Guard, and to recognize several organizations and employers for their support of Oregon's military members and their families. From left; Oregon Army National Guard Master Sgt. Vincent Jacques, Rees, Mary Len Rees and Jim Linkous, Regional Vice President and General Manager of ViaWest. (Photo by Master Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Air National Guard to hold public meetings to discuss new airspace initiative in Oregon - 06/11/13
The Air National Guard is scheduled to hold a series of scoping meetings in Oregon June 17-21 to receive public comment as the first step in the development of a draft Environmental Impact Statement regarding the Oregon Air National Guard's proposed Airspace Initiative.

The goal of the Oregon Air National Guard Airspace Initiative is to provide properly configured and located military airspace which will provide efficient, realistic mission-oriented training with adequate size, and within reasonably close proximity, to support advanced 21st century air-to-air tactical fighters and evolving training requirements of the Oregon Air National Guard. It is important to note that this proposed action would result in airspace changes only and does not include any project components that would touch or otherwise directly affect the ground or water surface.

"We are looking for ways to train more efficiently. If approved, these changes will eliminate over $7M spent each year traveling to more distant training airspace and will allow us to decrease the amount of time the training airspace in south-central Oregon is in use," said Oregon Air National Guard Commander, Brig. Gen. Steven D. Gregg.

Scoping meetings will provide the opportunity for the public to engage with the units on the proposed action. The meetings are open to the public, and will be held from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. on the following dates and locations:

June 17 - Tillamook Air Museum, 6030 Hangar Rd, Tillamook, OR 97141
June 18 - Port of Astoria, 10 Pier One, Suite 209, Astoria, OR 97103
June 19 - Condon High School, 210 East Bayard St, Condon, OR 97823
June 20 - Harney County Center, 484 North Broadway Ave, Burns, OR 97720
June 21 - City of Prineville Council Chambers, 387 NE Third St, Prineville, OR 97754

Public involvement is of primary importance in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires full and honest disclosure of potential environmental impacts to the public. The scoping meetings are part of a process which adheres to NEPA, and includes other forms of outreach and feedback such as public notification, soliciting comments, and response to questions or comments which may arise.

A Notice of Intent was published in the Federal Register on May 17, 2013, a public notice was also placed in The Oregonian on June 2, 2013, and outreach to federally recognized Native American tribes has been initiated.

Further information on the Airspace Initiative is posted to both the 142nd Fighter Wing and 173rd Fighter Wing websites, located at

http://www.142fw.ang.af.mil/oregonairspaceinitiative.asp, and at

http://www.173fw.ang.af.mil/resources/oregonairspaceinitiative.asp, respectively.

Both links include information about how interested members of the public can provide comments and questions.

UPDATE: First female promoted to major general in Oregon National Guard - 06/07/13
Brig. Gen. Julie A. Bentz was promoted today to the rank of major general at Heritage Park at the Oregon Military Department in Salem, Ore. Bentz is the first female in the Oregon National Guard to be promoted to the rank of major general.

Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, Adjutant General, Oregon, presided over the ceremony, attended by many members of the Bentz family, to include Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario, District 60).

"You have had a fantastic career, you have earned this promotion and we are delighted to share this moment with you," Rees said to Bentz during the ceremony. "This is history we've made here today."

As the former Director of the Strategic Capabilities Policy with the National Security Council in Washington, D.C., Bentz has been responsible for writing presidential policy, coordinating interagency dialogue, informing presidential budgetary decisions and building consensus on interagency initiatives in programs that develop United States Strategic capabilities to meet 21st century requirements.

Her new rank was pinned on by her husband, Dr. Brendan Plapp, and her uncle, Ken Bentz. The promotion came on the 27th anniversary of when Bentz first became a commissioned officer through the Oregon State University ROTC program.

Upon being promoted, Maj. Gen. Bentz will begin her new assignment as the Director of Nuclear Defense policy for the National Security Council in Washington, D.C.

"Thank you for this honor," Bentz said. "Major General Rees, you have always been my mentor, you've always had a love and a responsibility towards all of your Oregon Guardsmen."

"The National Guard is a place where you have family, it is a close-knit organization," Bentz continued. "Since I joined the National Guard 14 years ago, I always knew you had my back and were looking out for me."

Bentz has served more than 27 years in variety of active, reserve, and National Guard assignments involving nuclear defense, homeland security, health physics, environmental sciences and traditional nuclear, biological and chemical officer assignments. She has a bachelor's degree from Oregon State University in Radiological Health, as well as a master's degree and a doctorate in nuclear engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Bentz is also a graduate of the National War College with a masters in national security strategy.

According to the National Guard Bureau, there are currently 27 female general officers in the National Guard nationwide; 18 are from the Army National Guard and nine are from the Air National Guard. Of those 27 female general officers in the National Guard, five are the rank of major general.

For the general's official biography, please visit this link: http://www.nationalguard.mil/ngbgomo/bio/bio-show.aspx?id=2397&name=Julie%20A.%20Bentz%20

Photo captions:
IMG_4122: Maj. Gen. Julie A. Bentz is pinned by her husband, Dr. Brendan Plapp, during her promotion ceremony at Heritage Park at the Oregon Military Department in Salem, Ore., June 7. Bentz is the first female in the Oregon National Guard to be promoted to the rank of major general. (Photo by Spc. Matthew Burnett, 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

IMG_4084: Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees (left), Adjutant General, Oregon, administers the oath to Maj. Gen. Julie A. Bentz (right), as her husband, Dr. Brendan Plapp (center), looks on during her promotion at Heritage Park at the Oregon Military Department in Salem, Ore., June 7. Bentz is the first female in the Oregon National Guard to be promoted to the rank of major general. (Photo by Spc. Matthew Burnett, 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

IMG_4030: Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees (left), Adjutant General, Oregon, and Maj. Gen. Julie A. Bentz (right), salute during the beginning of her promotion ceremony at Heritage Park at the Oregon Military Department in Salem, Ore., June 7. Bentz is the first female in the Oregon National Guard to be promoted to the rank of major general. (Photo by Spc. Matthew Burnett, 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

IMG_4101: Maj. Gen. Julie A. Bentz, the Director of Nuclear Defense Policy for the National Security Council, and a member of the Oregon National Guard, salutes during her promotion ceremony at Heritage Park at the Oregon Military Department in Salem, Ore., June 7. Bentz is the first female in the Oregon National Guard to be promoted to the rank of major general. (Photo by Spc. Matthew Burnett, 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

General officer promotion will be a first for Oregon National Guard - 06/06/13
The Oregon National Guard is proud to announce the promotion of Brig. Gen. Julie A. Bentz to the rank of major general. She is scheduled to be promoted June 7, at 2 p.m., during a ceremony in Heritage Park at the Oregon Military Department in Salem, Ore.

Bentz is the first female in the Oregon National Guard to be selected for major general. Bentz was recently honored by the 77th Oregon Legislative Assembly for being the first female general in the Oregon Army National Guard, with the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 11.

Bentz is currently assigned as the Director, Strategic Capabilities Policy, National Security Council in Washington, D.C. Her promotion comes with an assignment as the Director of Nuclear Defense Policy, National Security Council, in Washington, D.C.

She is responsible for writing presidential policy, coordinating interagency dialogue, informing presidential budgetary decisions and building consensus on interagency initiatives in programs that develop United States strategic capabilities to meet 21st century requirements.

"It is a remarkable personal achievement and one that we celebrate here in Oregon," said Governor John Kitzhaber in a letter congratulating Bentz. "You embody the dedication and professionalism of our Oregon National Guard as they serve here at home during emergencies, in leadership positions back in Washington, D.C., and on deployments overseas. We are so proud of your Oregon roots and wish you continued success in the years ahead."

The Governor further recognized Bentz as the first female general officer within the Oregon Army National Guard.

Bentz has more than 27 years of service and has held multiple roles from field work to White House advisor. She began her military career with an ROTC commission from Oregon State University in June 1986 and served in a variety of active, reserve and National Guard assignments revolving around nuclear defense, homeland security, health physics, environmental sciences and traditional nuclear, biological and chemical officer assignments.

In the Oregon Army National Guard, Brig. Gen. Bentz assisted with the initial stand-up of the 102 Civil Support Team in 1999 and served as the executive officer of the unit in 2003. She also served as the operations officer for 82 Troop Command Brigade from 2003-2004.

She then went on to serve in various positions in the Pentagon, developing a national nuclear response framework and shaping the Department of Defense's leading role in this effort. She served on the Homeland Security Council from 2004-2006 and the National Security Staff from 2009-2011, advising senior-level decision makers on nuclear defense policy.

"We couldn't be more proud of her or her accomplishments," said Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon. "Bentz's selection to major general highlights the significance of Oregon's education and leadership programs. We are proud to have been a part of her already amazing career."

In addition to her bachelor's degree from Oregon State University in Radiological Health, Bentz holds a master's degree and a doctorate in nuclear engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is also a graduate of the National War College with a master's in national security strategy.

According to the National Guard Bureau, there are currently 27 female general officers in the National Guard nationwide; 18 are from the Army National Guard and nine are from the Air National Guard. Of those 27 female general officers in the National Guard, five are the rank of major general.

For the general's official biography, please visit this link: http://www.nationalguard.mil/ngbgomo/bio/bio-show.aspx?id=2397&name=Julie%20A.%20Bentz%20

Oregon National Guard hosts Air Assault and Pathfinder courses - 06/05/13
The Oregon National Guard is currently hosting Air Assault and Pathfinder courses at the Camp Rilea Training Site in Warrenton, Ore., through June 15.

Soldiers and Airmen from across the country have converged at Camp Rilea for a chance to earn the coveted Air Assault and Pathfinder badges. The course instructors are provided by the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center's Mobile Training Team, based at Fort Benning, Ga.

Air Assault students will be tested on their physical stamina and mental endurance during the course with grueling physical fitness tests, an obstacle course, and a 12-mile foot march.

They will learn the basics of missions performed by rotary wing aircraft, including aircraft familiarization and safety, aero-medical evacuation procedures, ground-to-air communications, airlifting supplies and equipment (known as sling-load operations), and rappelling techniques on both a stationary tower and hovering aircraft.

Pathfinder students will learn technical skills in planning and executing air movement, air assault, airborne, and air re-supply operations. Pathfinders will learn to select, mark and control aircraft landing and pick-up zones, as well as some air traffic control and navigational expertise.

The Oregon National Guard has hosted these courses for several years in the past, beginning in 2004 when Rilea Training Site received Army certification as an approved facility for the Air Assault course.

"I'm so proud of my organization for being able to put this training together," said Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon.

Photo Caption:
130515-Z-MZ730-644: A Soldier rappels off a tower at the Camp Rilea Training Site, in Warrenton Ore., May 15, during the Region VI Best Warrior Competition. Camp Rilea is currently hosting an Air Assault course where Soldiers and Airmen will learn to rappel from both a stationary tower and hovering aircraft. (Photo by Sgt. Betty Boyce, Oregon Army National Guard)

Oregon National Guard brigade travels to Idaho and Washington for training - 06/04/13
The Oregon Army National Guard's 41 Infantry Brigade Combat Team is scheduled to travel from armories throughout the state to training areas in both Idaho and Washington to conduct their annual training in preparation for a possible mobilization to Afghanistan in 2014.

Units will travel to Gowen Field, near Boise, Idaho, June 8-10 and June 16.

Units will also travel to Yakima Training Center, near Yakima, Wash., June 10-11.

For security purposes, the official details of the routes and times of departure are not being released.

All units are scheduled to return from these training areas back to their armories June 26-29.

"We ask that the public be mindful of military traffic and use caution when passing large military vehicles and convoys," said Stephen Bomar, director, public affairs, Oregon Military Department.

Example military vehicle information:
High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/wheeled/hmmwv.html

Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/wheeled/hemtt.html

PHOTOS: Oregon National Guard Soldiers and Airmen compete in marksmanship competition - 06/02/13
Oregon National Guard Soldiers and Airmen gathered at Camp Rilea in Warrenton, Ore., for The Adjutant General marksmanship competition, known as "TAG Match", June 1-2.

The annual competition consisted of 19 teams, four service members per team, for a total of 76 competitors.

Sergeant 1st Class Marcus L. Merrick, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1249 Engineer Battalion, has been the Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of the TAG Match for the past two years after competing in the competition himself since 1998.

"It's a great opportunity to shoot shoulder to shoulder with some of the best shooters in the state," said Merrick. "They are very dedicated to what they do and this competition gives them the opportunity to come out here and have some fun."

This year's winning team was from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, based in Springfield, Ore. The team members included Pfc. Matthew Allen, Spc. Douglas Seablom, Spc. Brandon Donovan and Spc. George Wierichs.

Staff Sergeant Barry Prescott with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, based in Gresham, Ore., was the overall individual winner of the competition and walked away with three different achievement plaques.

Photo Captions:
130602-Z-AH721-076: Spc. Douglas Seablom, Pfc. Matthew Allen, Spc. George Wierichs and Spc. Brandon Donovan from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, compete in The Adjutant General marksmanship competition at Camp Rilea June 2, in Warrenton, Ore. The four Soldiers made up the overall winning team out of 19 teams that participated in the event. (Photo by Spc. Erin J. Quirke, 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

130602-Z-AH721-108: Airmen from the Oregon National Guard compete in The Adjutant General marksmanship competition at Camp Rilea, June 2, in Warrenton, Ore. Soldiers and Airmen from all over the state made up a total of 19 teams that competed in the annual event. (Photo by Spc. Erin J. Quirke, 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

130601-Z-AH721-217: Staff Sgt. Alec G. Campbell, of the 3670 Maintenance Company, checks his target during The Adjutant General marksmanship competition, June 1, at Camp Rilea in Warrenton, Ore. The annual competition took place over two days and hosted 19 teams from across the state of Oregon. (Photo by Spc. Erin J. Quirke, 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

Dave Ferre named Deputy Director of Oregon Military Department - 05/31/13
SALEM, Ore. (May 31, 2013) -- Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, has appointed David Ferre as Deputy Director of the Oregon Military Department upon the retirement of long-serving Deputy Director Mike Caldwell, effective July 1.

The deputy director authorities include direct oversight of all the Oregon Military Department's state responsibilities, which consists not only of fiscal, state personnel, and military installations, but also the Oregon Youth Challenge and the Office of Emergency Management.

Dave Ferre has more than 30 years of collective experience as a state employee beginning as an Oregon State Trooper in 1976. Since that time, he has held various positions in state government to include acting Oregon Military Department (OMD) State Personnel director, OMD State Financial manager/comptroller, and OMD Installations director before obtaining his current assignment as director of Service Member and Family Support.

To complement his long state service, Ferre has had a successful parallel military career. He served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, beginning in 1975. He transferred to the Air Reserve in 1976, and joined the Oregon Air National Guard in 1981. Ferre served as a weapons controller and disaster preparedness officer, and eventually as director of operations and the unit commander for the 104th Air Control Squadron.

After serving a number of command positions throughout the Oregon Air National Guard, to include the plans and programs officer, executive officer for the 142nd Fighter Wing, and 142nd Mission Support Group commander, he was appointed as the Oregon Combat Operations Group commander. In August 2005, Ferre was appointed the United States Property and Fiscal Officer for Oregon (appointed by the Chief of National Guard Bureau). He retired as a colonel in December 2011.

Ferre holds a Bachelor of Science in resource management and has also completed several advanced military courses including; Defense Regional Inter-service Support, Planning, Programming, Budget, and Execution, Federal Appropriation Law, Mission Focused Contracting, Government Contract Law and the Logistics Management Development Course.

"Colonel Dave Ferre comes to this position well-poised and with a vast amount of interagency experience," said Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees. "He is a leader of exceptional integrity. We look forward to his contributions."

Rees also praised the years of contributions of Mike Caldwell.

"Brigadier General Caldwell has dedicated his heart and soul to the success of this agency," Rees said. "We cannot thank him enough for his countless contributions. We wish him well in his retirement."

Brig. Gen. Caldwell, a La Grande, Ore., native, served more than 40 years as part of the Oregon Military Department, and was an advocate for military and veterans in the Oregon legislature as well as with the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C. He also previously served as Union County Commissioner.

Caldwell held many military positions throughout his career to include State Public Affairs Officer, the commander of the 3 Battalion, 116 Cavalry, based in La Grande, before taking the position of deputy director at the Oregon Military Department.

Brig. Gen. Caldwell is on medical leave but when possible will work with Ferre to assure there is continuity and consistency in the transition.

Oregon National Guard announces furlough for federal employees - 05/29/13
The Oregon National Guard has begun the process to notify nearly 1,000 military technicians of scheduled furloughs.

Furloughs are scheduled to begin on July 8.

The Oregon Military Department's human resources staff is conducting internal town hall meetings in several locations throughout the state beginning Wednesday, May29, through Wednesday, June 5. Federal technician employees who participate in the town hall meetings can have their questions answered about the furlough process.

"Supervisors and managers will ensure that furloughs are properly spaced to ensure minimal impact to operations," said Stephen Bomar, director of Public Affairs.

Dave Stuckey named Director of Oregon Office of Emergency Management - 05/28/13
SALEM, Ore. (May 28, 2013)--Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, has appointed Dave Stuckey as Director of the Oregon Office of Emergency Management.

Stuckey has a long and established career in the military and emergency management. He served as Deputy Director of the Oregon Office of Emergency Management from April 2010 to June 2012. During that time he was part of three presidential declarations and multiple emergency response activations.

"It is great to be back supporting the communities in Oregon helping them prepare and respond to emergencies," Stuckey said.

Stuckey was instrumental in responding to the 2011 Oregon floods and was the Governor's Authorized representative and State Coordinating Officer in response to the tsunami resulting from the Japanese earthquake which occurred March 11, 2011.

The mission of the Oregon Office of Emergency Management is to maintain emergency response and recovery activities with the state and local emergency services agencies and organizations.

PHOTOS: Emergency response exercise held at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas - 05/22/13
A number of regional agencies participated in a simulated bioterrorism attack exercise to evaluate interagency and regional response at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore., May 22.

The Portland Area Capabilities Exercise (PACE) involved agencies from Clackamas, Clark, Washington, Multnomah and Columbia Counties.

The exercise brought together several agencies, including Clackamas Fire District #1, the fire departments of Canby, Gladstone and Boring, American Medical Response, Metro West Ambulance, Lifeflight, Clackamas County Medical Examiner, The American Red Cross, Clackamas County's Office of Emergency Management, and Department of Communications.

The Oregon National Guard's 102 Civil Support Team provided observers and evaluators for the exercise.

Photo Captions:
130522-Z-OT568-092: Firefighters with Clackamas Fire District #1 evacuate victims of a simulated bioterrorism attack from the Armed Forces Reserve Center during the Portland Area Capabilities Exercise (PACE) Setter at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore., May 22. The purpose of the PACE Setter exercise is to test regional and interagency response to public health incidents affecting multiple agencies. (Photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

130522-Z-OT568-112: Capt. Daniel Fay, with the Oregon National Guard's 102 Civil Support Team, evaluates first responders reacting to a simulated bioterrorism attack at the Armed Forces Reserve Center during the Portland Area Capabilities Exercise (PACE) Setter at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore., May 22. The purpose of the PACE Setter exercise is to test regional and interagency response to public health incidents affecting multiple agencies. (Photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

130522-Z-OT568-119: Firefighters decontaminate and triage victims of a simulated bioterrorism attack at the Armed Forces Reserve Center during the Portland Area Capabilities Exercise (PACE) Setter at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore., May 22. The purpose of the PACE Setter exercise is to test regional and interagency response to public health incidents affecting multiple agencies. (Photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

130522-Z-OT568-127: Capt. Daniel Fay (center) and Maj. Patrick Birbeck (right), both with the Oregon National Guard's 102 Civil Support Team, evaluate first responders reacting to a simulated bioterrorism attack at the Armed Forces Reserve Center during the Portland Area Capabilities Exercise (PACE) Setter at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore., May 22. The purpose of the PACE Setter exercise is to test regional and interagency response to public health incidents affecting multiple agencies. (Photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)