www.riguard.com
Rhode Island National Guard
The Ocean State Guardians Summer 2008
From the Adjutant General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 A Safety Message from the Command Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 RI Army National Guard Member honored by Providence College . . . . . . . . 4 RI Air National Guard 143rd MDG members make history . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 It’s a people thing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 British Army hosts Rhode Island Paratrooper Exchange 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . 8 RI JAG saves Guardsmen money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The Governor of Rhode Island and the Captain General of the Rhode Island National Guard
The Honorable Donald L. Carcieri The Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard
Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray Assistant Adjutant General for Army Rhode Island National Guard
Pg. 4
Pg. 10
Pg. 18
Pg. 14
Brig. Gen. Brian Goodwin Assistant Adjutant General for Air Rhode Island National Guard
Col. Paul Ayers Managing Editor State Public Affairs Officer
Rhode Island Special Forces attend Raven training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Rhode Island Army National Guard’s hero from Ground Zero . . . . . . . . . . . 12 My trip through Special Forces Assessment & Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Going down to Jordan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Lt. Col. Denis J. Riel
SSG Christopher Potts Memorial Ruckmarch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Editor Public Affairs Specialist
Rhode Island National Guard Living Memorial proposed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Sgt. David B. Osgood
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE (401) 275-4038 david.b.osgood@us.army.mil
Largest American parachute competition to be held in Rhode Island . . . . 18 RI National Guard tests state emergency response capability . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sexual Assualt Prevention & Response Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Be a hero: Learn how to save a victim of heart attack or cardiac arrest . . . 20
Bob Ulin Publisher
Susan Harrington Editor
ON THE COVER
Justin Ritter Graphic Designer
Darrell George Advertising Sales
RI Special Forces Soldiers parachute into Fort Harrison, Mont., during their Annual Training. Cover Photo: Sgt. David “Oz” Osgood
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The Ocean State Guardians is published by AQP Publishing, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the Rhode Island National Guard, under written contract with the Rhode Island National Guard. This Rhode Island National Guard magazine is an authorized publication for employees and military members of the Rhode Island National Guard. Contents of this publication are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the state of Rhode Island, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, or the Rhode Island National Guard. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the state of Rhode Island, DoD, the
Rhode Island National Guard, or AQP Publishing, Inc. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Office of Public Affairs, Joint Forces Headquarters – RING. All photographs and graphic devices are copyrighted to the Rhode Island National Guard unless otherwise indicated.
Summer 2008 / Rhode Island National Guard
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From the Adjutant General Welcome to the new command information magazine: The Ocean State Guardians! I can think of no better story to tell than that of the great missions our Soldiers and Airmen accomplish every single day both here at home and in the theatres of operation. The Ocean State Guardians will serve to highlight some of those incredible stories and I am proud to unveil this inaugural issue. Since being appointed to the position of Adjutant General in 2006, I can tell you that I have been continually amazed by the RI Guard’s devotion to duty, work ethic, and outstanding performance. From watching both the D/126th Aviation Regiment (fixed wing) and the 1/126th Regiment (helicopters) be recognized as the best units in Army aviation, active or reserve, to witnessing the 143rd Airlift Wing successfully field and combat-prove the Air Force’s newest transport aircraft, the C-130J, to watching the 43rd Military Police Brigade re-write the book on detainee operations in Iraq, to numerous other incredible stories, your accomplishments during this time of war have been nothing short of astounding! I am truly honored to serve you as your Commanding General and I reaffirm my pledge to ensure that your Rhode Island National Guard, the second highest deployed Guard in the country, will continue to be well led, well equipped, and well trained so you can continue to perform the outstanding missions you do every day. Enjoy reading about your great accomplishments and I encourage you to share this magazine with your friends and family so that they may learn what we already know: There are none better than the Rhode Island National Guard! Guardians Lead the Way! Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray Adjutant General Commanding General Rhode Island National Guard
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Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2008
A Safety Message from the Command Staff Command Sgt. Maj. John J. McDonough IV
1. The Rhode Island National Guard continues to perform at an operational tempo unprecedented in our history. The Global War on Terrorism, combined with our Homeland Security duties, have our Soldiers and Airmen training, maintaining, deploying, and resetting in a virtually non-stop cycle. With this in mind, the value of quality time with friends and family cannot be over stated. Summer in Rhode Island is a spectacular opportunity to be outside and enjoy our state’s natural beauty. But the summer also presents unique risks of which our Soldiers, Airmen, and Federal and State Civilian employees must be aware: a. Motorcycle / Vehicle Safety - Motorcycles and POV’s are still the number one killer of Soldiers and Airmen. The Rhode Island Army National Guard has a pilot program in place to enhance motorcycle safety for beginners and experienced riders through training facilitated by the Community College of Rhode Island. This high quality training is provided at no cost to Soldiers. I urge you to contact our Ground Safety Officer, CW3 Pete Turner, at 275-4540 for more detail. As gas prices climb, so does the interest in motorcycles for transportation. Leaders need to know who, and at what training level, the bikers are in their formations. In addition, leaders need to reemphasize the use of seat belts in vehicles, avoiding fatigue, maintaining safe speeds and the proper use of protective equipment including helmets. b. Water Sports - Narragansett Bay provides us the perfect back drop for a wide variety of activities on the water. Take a moment to assess the risks associated with boating, swimming, surfing and other water sports. Ensure that you and your family members are properly trained, equipped, and prepared for the variables found on the water.
c. Heat Injuries - Sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are prominent injuries for people unprepared for the challenges presented by New England’s often hot and humid weather. Proper use of sunscreen, staying well hydrated, frequent weather checks, and monitoring rigorous activities will reduce the risks associated with operations in the heat. d. Alcohol Consumption - Remember that the misuse of alcohol will impair your judgment, coordination, and situational awareness. Use of any alcohol increases the risk associated with any activity in which you or your loved ones participate. The common sense test is simple: Am I mentally and physically fit for an emergency if one should occur? If I am not, then who has my back?
2. I encourage you to take advantage of this special time in the Ocean State. Enjoy your well-deserved vacations and special moments with those you care about. But please do so safely while keeping a keen eye on risk management. A detailed Leaders Safety Brief presentation can be found in the Aviation and Safety section of the RING portal (http://ringportal/ sites/SAO/Ground%20Safety/default.aspx). Please take a moment to review it to determine where you can apply risk management both personally and professionally. My philosophy is that there is nothing we accomplish in training that warrants the injury of a Soldier or Airmen. This same philosophy should apply when we are off duty. You and your family are the Rhode Island National Guard’s greatest assets-and your safety is my primary concern. Thank you for your service.
Summer 2008 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Rhode Island Army National Guard Member honored by Providence College Maj. Michael Manning delivers PC commencement address and receives Honorary Doctorate from his alma mater By Lt. Col. Denis Riel
Maj. Michael P. Manning, currently deployed as the operations officer with Special Operations Detachment-Global (SOD-G), RIARNG, delivered the commencement address at Providence College’s 90th Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 18, 2008. Manning graduated from PC in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in history and was commissioned through the college’s ROTC program. He began his service with the U.S. Army in Germany in 1998 and was stationed in Europe until 2000. In 2000, Manning transferred to traditional, full-time status with the RIARNG while pursuing civilian career interests. He returned to active duty with the RIARNG in 2003 and was subsequently assigned to PC as an instructor of military science for seven months. In 2004, Manning and his unit, the 173rd Infantry Company (Long Range Surveillance), were mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As commander of the unit, he served in Iraq from January through November 2005. For his service in Iraq, Manning was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. In 2006, Manning was assigned as the first coordinator of the State Partnership Program (SPP), where he led the R.I. National Guard initiative that fosters cultural understanding, military partnership and educational opportunities between citizens in Rhode Island and The Bahamas. For his work with the SPP and his military service, Manning was profiled as one of Providence Business News’ “40 Under Forty” in 2007 as a leader in the community. “I have heard him speak publicly and was very impressed by the depth of his faith as a young man who has seen and experienced a great deal since his graduation,” noted College President, Rev Brian J. Shanley, O.P. “I believe Major Manning delivered an important message about leadership and character formation and how Providence College helped shape his personal and spiritual development.” Manning was first commended with an Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree during the ceremony and later delivered his remarks wearing a uniquely distinctive combination of dress blues and a newly adorned doctoral hood. Manning, who was introduced by Shanley as “a hero,” received two separate and prolonged standing ovations during his address in which he focused on the importance of service. Manning noted that the values formed by his family, his experience at PC, and his time in the military, have formed the foundation for his life. He left the 1,300 graduates with this final message: “I am not standing up here advocating service in the Armed Forces or a vocation as a member of the clergy. Rather, I commit to you that you have all been called to serve in some capacity in whatever role that you ul
Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2008
MAJ Mike Manning speaking before an audience of PC graduates. His address brought the audience to their feet two times.
timately decide to assume in life. I translate service to mean giving back.” Manning, who remained humble and thankful throughout the ceremonies, remarked that “this honor could have gone to any graduate of the PC ROTC program or any member of the military. We all have served and I accept this award on behalf of all the men and women of the military.” Manning also thanked his wife Meg, the mother of his three children and also a PC graduate, noting that “without her, I wouldn’t be here.” On May 31, Manning’s address was broadcast on the American Perspectives television show on the C-SPAN network. Producer Rich Dubroff, who noted that they review “hundreds of commencement addresses annually,” stated that Manning’s was “a fresh face and a unique story of great interest to the C-SPAN audience.” His was one of 15 chosen for national broadcast. All-in-all, quite an honor for this RI Guardsman!
RI Air National Guard 143rd MDG members make history Lead way in certification of emergency medical support team By Lt. Col. Denis Riel
An Air National Guard Expeditionary Medical Support (EMEDS) team pioneered new territory in military medical training and education as part of the Vigilant Guard ‘08 exercise. Leading that team in key positions were seven members of the Rhode Island National Guard, 143rd Airlift Wing’s Medical Group. Vigilant Guard ‘08 was a three-day National Guard-hosted exercise in Beaufort County, S.C. It was designed to test how well National Guard and civilian first responders from the federal, state and local levels could react and work together in a domestic emergency. The exercise, which was held in Rhode Island in 2007, was one of the largest training exercises in the history of the National Guard. EMEDS is a modular, scalable, rapid response medical package that can be used in humanitarian relief, wartime contingencies and disaster response operations. The EMEDS team, comprised of 62 doctors, nurses and other medical specialists from Air National Guard units of seven states, became the first team ever to complete its five-year certification review during a field exercise. Additionally, the team also used the opportunity to provide more than 18 hours of professional medical continuing education. Lead physician for the EMEDS unit was Maj. Mauro Sarmiento. Arguably the busiest member of the team during the exercise, Sarmiento praised the near-seamless way in which the teams from seven different Wings came together and performed. “We are all trained to the same exacting standards and are subject to the same evaluations,” said Sarmiento. “Really, the most difficult part of the mission was learning people’s names and understanding their accents. Aside from that, there were no real mission hiccups to speak of. The team performed flawlessly in support of the civil response mission and in a real-
143rd Medical Team Members: (left to right) Staff Sgt. Kelly McGrory, Maj. Mauro Sarmiento, Staff Sgt. Joshua Fonseca, Lt. Col. Edward Awkem, Tech. Sgt. Melissa DiQuinzo, Maj. Douglas Genereux, Master Sgt. John Cabral, photographer.
world scenario we would save numerous lives as a result of this training.” Tech. Sgt. Melissa DiQuinzi, a public health officer, said, “It is an incredible learning experience to be able to interact with the Army and the civilian resources. It is incredible to see all these people come together to be ready to help out a community in an emergency.” In order to make the experience as realistic as possible, the exercise used numerous “casualty” role players who were each assigned a certain injury. After assignment, each had makeup or “moulage” expertly applied to simulate exceptionally realistic injuries such as fractures, open wounds and other medical problems. The actors were then briefed as to what their symptoms would be and encouraged to “act out” their symptoms in order to give a realistic presentation to the medical professionals conducting the triage. The exercise was, according to many participants and observers, exceedingly realistic and helpful. “It was a very realistic exercise,” said Lt. Col. Ed Wakem, EMEDS vice commander from the 143rd Air Wing. “There’s no mission more fulfilling than helping our fellow citizens during times of crisis and war. The National Guard brings trained personnel from around
the country who are able to support a community that has suffered a disaster. Vigilant Guard allows us to test our capability and develop relationships with the local and state agencies we would be working with. The EMEDS brings an important medical expertise that can be relied upon in a disaster.” Maj. Doug Genereux, a physician assistant, noted the high quality and experience of the Guard responders who comprised the EMEDS team. “We have nurses who work in major trauma units, doctors who work in the emergency response arena, and health care professionals who all bring their civilian expertise to the table for this mission. It is a real force multiplier. This is an incredible value for U.S. citizens in times of natural or manmade disaster.” In addition to the aforementioned Rhode Island Guard members, Master Sgt. John Cabral and Staff Sgts. Kelly McGrory and Joshua Fonseca also participated in the EMEDS certification and exercise. Joining the 143rd MDG contingent were representatives from 187th MDG, Ala.; 169th MDG, S.C.; 107th MDG, N.Y.; 117th MDG, Ala.; 158th MDG, Vt.; and 188th MDG, Ark. Support personnel also came from the 20th MDG, S.C.; and the 149th MDG, Texas.
Summer 2008 / Rhode Island National Guard
It’s a people thing Inspiring the RI Air National Guard’s most valuable resource
By Staff Sgt. Kristine Rodrigues, Joint Force Headquarters-Air
Author’s Note: This is the first of a two-part series on the RI Air National Guard’s human resource development initiatives. If it is your first time attending one of the RI Air National Guard’s leadership training sessions you might soon be wondering just what you have gotten yourself into. You may wonder this at some point, that is, between the onset of lively music and the introduction to any assortment of amusing props and icebreakers—such as Hula-Hoops, beaming flashlights or funky sunglasses that you are instructed to don. Oh, and be ready to catch an incoming beach ball! No need for concern, though, that’s just the way Chief Master Sgt. Michael Brady, state human resource advisor for the RIANG, likes to conduct business—getting people motivated and personally involved. “From the beginning it was determined that this training would be anything but traditional,” Brady explained about one of these events. Leadership and Team Building Training, held at the North Smithfield ANG Station last year, satisfied an important criterion—but with an exciting twist—fulfilling a portion of the quadrennial diversity training requirement for about 200 members of the 102nd Information Warfare Squadron, 281st Combat Communications Group and 282nd Combat Communications Squadron. “Everything revolved around diversity, but I didn’t want to call it that,” Brady said. “We put our own spin on it by incorporating leadership and team building into the training.” During the planning phase it was taken into consideration that the Guardmembers would also be completing other ancillary training requirements throughout their long day. “Our goal was that it was not the dreaded traditional training. We wanted it to be pep-rallyish—totally different from sitting down watching a video and listening to a lecture,” explained Brady, the primary organizer of the event. The end product was a playful, interactive and fast-paced, 90-minute session demonstrating that diversity fits hand-in-hand with, and is fundamental to, leadership and teamwork. The training was conducted twice that day, offering flexibility for Guardmembers to attend either the morning or afternoon session. Packed with physical activities like push-ups and jumping jacks, the training initiative promoted diversity via leadership and teamwork exercises and the exchange of ideas. Addresses from Brig. Gen. Thomas Haynes, assistant adjutant general for the Air Guard, and key participants enhanced the event. 6
Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2008
Blindfolded members of the RI Air National Guard take part in an exercise during a Leadership and Teambuilding Training event. Photo: Staff Sgt. Kristine Rodrigues
The Guardmembers were asked to form teams of 10 individuals consisting of different genders, races or ethnic groups, unit affiliations, job specialties and rank—including at least one officer.
Chief Master Sgt. Michael Brady, State Human Resource Advisor for the RI Air National Guard, conducts a Leadership Development Seminar—Coaching 101. Photo: Staff Sgt. Kristine Rodrigues
A scenario of a simulated gas explosion involved blindfolding the leaders and having security forces—represented by first-term Airmen—rescue them by navigating them though Hula-Hoop rings and then into another room, safely home. Lesson learned: Leaders need their subordinates just as much as subordinates need their leaders. Plastic balls—bearing words such as Leadership, Teamwork, Champion and Diversity of Thought—were tossed into the crowd as a catalyst for brainstorming what those terms meant to the participants. “We’re hoping that when people hear ‘diversity’ it’s not only race, ethnicity or gender specific,” Brady said. “It’s all of those things but it’s also diversity of thought, ranks and people from different work centers or job specialties. “You might have a cook working with a mechanic,” he added. “A green J-1 and a blue J-1 [Army and Air Force joint staff members] can actually see that they can do things together. I am hoping
it starts and continues people thinking about those issues.” It is essential that nobody be left out, Brady noted. “There is a lot of brain power out there; anybody’s idea could be a good idea. We should be able to at least listen to others’ ideas rather than say this is the way we have always done it.” As the state HRA since June 2006 Chief Brady is directly responsible to the assistant adjutant general for Air, and advises command leadership on all matters relating to diversity, mentoring, force management and force development. Brady fosters communication and highly encourages input and feedback from others. His surveys and questionnaires are effective tools he uses to reevaluate his programs to better meet the needs of his customers. In April, based on many positive responses from last year’s training initiative, Brady conducted the first of a series of Leadership Development Seminars, Coaching 101. He is hoping to be af-
forded an opportunity to hold the seminars—exploring a spectrum of leadership concepts—on a quarterly basis. “We want to get people energized to take care of not only their troops, but especially the young folks,” Brady says. And he points out that making sure everybody has a chance to participate and grow within the organization is vital to retention. “People want to be challenged,” he says. “We are trying to ensure that we are developing people and not leaving anyone behind to slip through the cracks. We want to keep our most valuable resource—people.” The bottom line, he says, is taking care of people and treating them the way you want to be treated. For more information about Leadership Development Seminars or other RIANG human resource development programs contact Chief Master Sgt. Michael Brady at michael.brady7@us.army.mil. Members of the 143rd may contact Master Sgt. Colleen Ross at colleen. ross@riquon.ang.af.mil.
U.S. Army Warrant Officer Association helps Rhode Island National Guard Family Program By CW3 Robert F. Ward
On Feb. 29, 2008, the Ocean State Chapter of the United States Army Warrant Officer Association presented gift certificates for food and gasoline to the Rhode Island National Guard Family Program. President of the association CW3 Robert Ward, along with vice president CW5 David Levesque and secretary CW3 Catherine Laporte presented the gift cards to Ms. Stacy Viens, Family Program Coordinator for Rhode Island, who will distribute them to families in need in the Ocean State. The cards will assist families who may be a “little short” some weeks due to family issues. Says Mrs. Viens, “They will not be limited to families of Soldiers and Airmen in the Rhode Island National Guard, but any service member’s family from the Army Reserves, Navy, Coast Guard or Marines [active or Reserve]. This will definitely assist families that may not be eligible for other programs.” Ward added, “Our chapter realizes that a little ‘pick me up’ is needed every once in a while, and we need to do what we can, when we can, to ensure members of our armed forces families are taken care of, deployed or not.”
Left to right: CW3 Robert F. Ward, President; Ms. Stacy Viens, Family Program Coordinator for Rhode Island; CW5 David R. Levesque, Vice President; CW3 Catherine C. Laporte, Secretary Photo: Staff Sgt. Ariana McNeil
If you wish to get in touch with the RI National Guard Family Program, please contact: Stacy L. Viens CMW & Associates, Inc. Asst. State Family Program Director Rhode Island National Guard Office: (401) 275-4469 Fax: (401) 275-4306 E-Mail: stacy.viens@us.army.mil After-hours/Emergency Phone: (401) 447-3696 Toll Free: (877) 440-7994
Summer 2008 / Rhode Island National Guard
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British Army hosts Rhode Island Paratrooper Exchange 2007 By Staff Sgt. Joseph D. Hukill, Asst. Rigger NCOIC 56th ABN TRP CMD
You find yourself on a C-130 Hercules, skimming the earth, following every bump and contour of the ground. You can’t help but see and smell the vomit from the many puking paratroopers all around you. Then the commands come and finally the “Prepare for Action!” is heard as the RAF safety takes the “stick” of paratroopers to the door. Green Light, on, #1, GO! ... #2, GO! ... and so is the rhythm as the stick of combat Soldiers exit the aircraft at 600 feet above ground in 13 knot winds. You count 1,000 ... 2,000 ... 3,000 ... and look up, and to your relief find yourself under a fully deployed canopy and all okay. Now you are flying beneath the British low level parachute (LLP), but before you can think about it, you’re hitting the ground hard! You struggle to disconnect your parachute from your harness as you are dragged through the weeds. A bit dazed and beat up, you get up, get out of the harness and pull out the parachute bag, invert it and then go to the end of the canopy where you start to twist the chute until you can place it in the attached parachute bag. You also put your reserve parachute in the bag. You then put it on and wear the bag as a backpack until you reach the turn-in point. You just made a British para jump. This is how the hardcore British paras train for airborne combat, and a team from the Rhode Island Army National Guard’s 56th Troop Command recently had an opportunity to experience their training firsthand. The five-member team, led by Maj. Kenneth Niles, 56th Troop Command’s G-3, participated in this annual paratrooper exchange with the British army, generously hosted by Capt. Roy Hatch. Our trip exposed us to the rigors of becoming a British “para,” as they are known. For para candidates in the British army, the seven-phase, 28-week program consists of a 10-mile battle march in full gear performed under two hours, an airborne assault, a very high challenge course, a 2-mile infantry fitness test in under 18 minutes in full combat gear, a team log-race carrying telephone poles for 1.5 miles, a fourman stretcher race for 6 miles, and fi
nally milling, a form of boxing, where for one minute you are only allowed to hit in the head. Successful candidates are awarded the coveted maroon beret (pronounced berry). After that, you are permitted to attend the two week Airborne training course where once completed, you are awarded your airborne wings and then assigned to one of the airborne units. The British army consists of the regulars (the full time soldiers) and the territorial army (TA), similar to our National Guard Soldiers. On completion of their training, they are posted to either 2nd or 3rd para within the 16 air assault brigade, based in Colchester. Sixteen air assault brigade is the United Kingdom’s army rapid reaction force, held at high readiness to deploy anywhere in the world. The parachute regiment lives up to its motto “Ready for Anything” and the training they undertake in the battalion reflects this ethos. Since the United Kingdom is one of the United States’ closest allies, we often send Soldiers to train along each other’s. This gives the Soldiers a unique insight in how things are done by both countries and spreads good will and strengthens our ties. This year we carried the honorable duty of being ambassadors and guests. These exchanges sometimes involve additional countries and for this iteration, we found ourselves training with our German allies. As a result, in a short period of time, we experienced different cultures, different foods, different equip-
Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2008
Staff Sgt. Hukill and Maj. Niles (front left) along with British Paras behind and German Paratroopers on the right, shortly before jumping into Germany.
ment, different customs and different battle commands. During our stay, we were attached to the 144th para medical squadron of the 16 air assault brigade, U.K. We participated in airborne jumps with elements of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th para as well. We also made two jumps into Germany with the German paratroopers or “fallschirmjagers” (pronounced FALLsherm-yagers). The experience was integrated into an ongoing exercise scenario, which meant sleeping in sleeping bags at various locations and performing the field problems along with the host units. Our exercises consisted of British airborne training, six airborne jumps and weapons training with the highly accurate British SA80 A2 5.56 mm machine gun and the larger 7.62 mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) or “gimpy” for short. We also had equipment classes, a grueling ruck march and a formal military dress dinner. And, of course, no trip to the U.K. would be complete without an obligatory visit to one (or more) of the British pubs to sample some good British beer and enjoy good British cheer. As Airborne Soldiers we found the brotherhood of paratroopers very strong and we had much in common. Our hosts and fellow exchange soldiers were all of a professional, polite, friendly and most welcoming demeanor. I personally felt that I was able to get to know each soldier even if it was only for a little bit of time. And most of all we made a lot of new friends who we hope to see again.
JAG saves RI Guardsmen $80,000 in 2007 By Lt. Col. Vivian Caruolo, Staff Judge Advocate
In 2007 alone, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (JAG) provided $80,000 worth of free legal services to members of the Rhode Island Army National Guard. Such services included wills and power of attorneys, which alone can cost hundreds of dollars to draft in the private sector. This is one of the many benefits any member of the RI Guard can enjoy. In addition, mobilizing Soldiers have found the JAG support particularly useful. At the Soldier Readiness Processing (SRP), the JAG office briefs deploying units on simple estate planning and the Service Members’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Soldiers are given a mobilization packet containing important infor-
mation such as a financial management checklist, sample letters to invoke the SCRA, and a statutory health care power of attorney under Rhode Island Law. As part of the SRP, Soldiers have the opportunity to talk to an attorney and receive a will and/or a power of attorney. If these members were to obtain these services on their own, they would probably spend about $1,000 for a will and $150 for a power of attorney. This is a critical free service for these Guardsmen, many of whom would not be able to hire a lawyer for financial reasons. For members of the RI Air National Guard, there are similar services available from the Air Guard JAG.
For many other states, their National Guard JAG components have to send their soldiers to active duty JAG offices for legal assistance. However, as there are no active duty Army bases in Rhode Island or in nearby states, the RI JAG singlehandedly handles all the JAG services for the Guard. The RI JAG office’s tireless efforts to make itself available to Soldiers is a vital service in support of the Guard. If you wish to contact the RI JAG, please call Lt. Col. Vivian Caruolo, staff judge advocate, at (401) 275-4145.
Summer 2008 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Rhode Island Special Forces attend Raven training The Raven is one of the most advanced, low-level, unmanned aerial vehicles in the U.S. Military’s arsenal for local “over-the-hill” reconnaissance. Light weight, battle tested and backpack portable, its features are continuously updated and refined with new technologies based on input from the front lines. With its four-and-a-half-foot wing span and four-pound weight, the Raven is capable of covering up to 10 kilometers
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with real-time color and infrared imagery for both day and night reconnaissance. Thousands have gone overseas with U.S. troops, logging more than 150,000 combat flight hours in 2007 alone. I journeyed with other members of A Co, 2nd Bn, 19th SFG(A), to complete 10 days of intense training on the Raven unmanned aerial vehicle at Camp Shelby, Miss. The course consisted of several mornings of classroom instruction that covered its basic statistics, capabilities, maintenance and a touch of mission planning that related to Raven operations. The majority of course time, however, was spent out on the field getting some “stick time” with the craft. All of the instructors were prior Air Force and collectively had a great deal of experience working on the ground with Army personnel. This allowed them to provide some insight on mission-specific employment of the Raven for future, real-world missions. Overall, the Raven is pretty user friendly and fairly easy to operate. The system gives you two choices of operation. It can be flown manually by remote control or it can fly a pre-planned route via GPS synchronization. It goes without saying that the more stick time you get,
Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2008
A Soldier demonstrates the ease with which the Raven un-manned aerial vehicle can be launched. Photo Courtesy of AV Inc.
the better pilot you will be. It does take a bit of practice to achieve precision flying, especially when you throw in some environmental factors (ground winds, winds at altitude, limited visibility flights, etc). However, once these factors are overcome, the Raven’s limits are only subject to the pilot’s imagination. The training provided everyone the chance to become comfortable operating the Raven. I think the more we used the Raven the more we thought of ways to use it. After completing the course, we were certified as Raven operators which allows the unit to be fielded with the component. The Raven will be another valuable tool to our tool box and will definitely be an asset for future operations.
Rhode Island Army National Guard’s
Hero from Ground Zero By Sgt. David Osgood
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ven before the last building was hit on 9/11, local citizens the scene to help. Miller asked who was in command of them were running – not away from the buildings but towards and finding he was the highest ranking individual, immediately them, to help. Individually or in small groups they gathered took charge. on the edge of the historic carnage and then went forward into a Along with their First Sergeant, he took over a nearby ofscene of shattered buildings, toxic fires, and broken bodies. fice and within minutes had established a Tactical Operations One of the heroes of that day, and the soldier who estab- Center (TOC) with a communications network that included a lished the first military command center at Ground Zero, was WEB TV. From there he began processing military volunteers a Rhode Island National Guard Soldier from Alpha Company, to assist in search and evacuation. 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, then 1st Lieutenant Miller then moved out to coordinate directly with his troops (now Captain) Christopher Miller. who were filtering through West Side Pier. Upon his return, he When the planes struck, Capt. Miller, who was also a New discovered that a more senior officer from the Navy Reserves York City police detective, sped the two miles towards what had arrived, allowing Miller to return to his police brothers. later became known as “Ground Zero.” On the way there, he From there, Miller was assigned to guard the entry and exit learned that the towers had collapsed. points to the inner perimeter of the Frozen Zone for those now After checking in at the mosearching for survivors in “the bilization site, he and fellow pit.” He was standing at that lodetective Luigi Modica went on cation when the damaged porfoot through the “Frozen Zone,” tion of Seven World Trade, a the outer edge of Ground Zero 47–story structure, collapsed. on which the wave of dusty No one was in the building but smoke and debris had settled. as the crush of debris rained “Ground Zero was comdown, those in the surrounding pletely covered with a white area had to run for their lives. dust, up to kneecap-level at Miller was forced to sprint so that point, and the firemen and quickly that he lost his pistol, I were dealing with a near ‘combut it was later returned by anbat trauma’ level of consciousother detective. ness,” recalls Miller. As they As the dust from Seven setmoved, Detective Modica noted tled, he found a fellow police ofthat the dust they were inhal- Capt. Miller in Kurdistan working with indigenous fighters – PESH ODA. ficer who was still incapacitated ing could possibly be harmful; with “combat fatigue” from havMiller secured two breathing ing to shoot his way through the apparatuses from a stand nearby. Detective Modica’s concerns glass windows of Two World Trade to escape before its collapse. later proved to be correct. Miller returned to his post and was relieved around two in the Once deep inside the ring of destruction, they began “clear- morning at which time he went to check on the TOC he had starting” the various buildings of people who might still be inside. ed. The TOC was still running smoothly so he retuned home. “People were still evacuating and in various states of disorienCaptain Miller has never sought to draw attention to himtation, but I was not really involved in their movement so I kept self for his courage and leadership that day, despite his heroic my narrow focus [on room clearing],” Miller said. actions. Sadly, many others, who had little or no part in that At one building they had to enlist the help of two firemen to day’s events, did. As the defining lines of sacrifice, of where break the large glass doors with a pick ax. After clearing one you were and what you did were blurred, people sought to eleoffice building, they were relocated with fellow police depart- vate their status. Very often too, the names of the true heroes ment “teammates” to the West Side Pier, commandeering a were lost as the crush of lives came together at this nucleus of yellow cab to get there. the Global War on Terror, and then exploded out as units were Once at the pier, Miller found a group of Soldiers from the recalled and then mobilized. His name was one. 82nd Airborne Division who were on leave but had rushed to Miller’s actions that day were truly exemplary but also typify the sense of duty he has held his whole life. Enlisting in the MaPHOTO CAPTIONS rine Corps while still in college in response to the Marine barDetective Chris Miller in his NYPD uniform. (upper left) racks bombings in Beirut in 1983, he became an infantryman with Fleet Marine East Pacific. There, Miller recalls, “I became Capt. Miller’s father, a deep influence in his life. Camp Drum, 1952. (upper right) 12
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familiar with the U.S. Marine Corps and their mission oriented operations and warrior ethos, which I integrated into my own developing personality…I never lost sight of these core values.” Those core values have been instrumental throughout his career, both in his rise to detective in the narcotics division of the NYPD and his promotion to Captain in the RI National Guard. Like so many RI Guard Soldiers, he was able to draw on his experiences in each occupation to perform tasks in the other. After serving in A Company, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, Miller transferred to the RI Army National Guard’s intelligence unit Special Operations Detachment – Global (SOD-G). Leaving the NYPD in 2007, he deployed with SOD-G in March 2008 as the
Operations-Intelligence Officer for the Andean Ridge Regional Engagement Branch, Special Operations Command-South. Miller still humbly bears the burden of his work and of having lost friends. “I lost my good friend and former Intelligence Captain and New York City firefighter Mark Whitfor, and another friend from the 75th Precinct, Detective Joseph Viggiano and his brother John, FDNY, all on 9/11. I’ve also lost other brothers in arms since, such as First Sergeant Chris Coffin, who was a friend of mine and who was killed in Afghanistan in ‘03. Their families are the ones that really continue to suffer...I assume and pray that they were all killed instantly and will continue to fight in their honor.” Captain Christopher Miller is a true hero.
Scrapbook A Commitment to the Families: In a public recognition of the contributions and hardships that families and employers of deployed Soldiers undergo, The Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island Maj. Gen. Bray and Gov. Carcieri sign the Family Covenant.
Father and Son: Spc. Eric Cervone (left) of 169th Military Police Company and Sgt. John Cervone of 65th Public Affairs Operations Center together at Fort Dix, training for their deployment to Iraq. When Cervone heard that his son was deploying, he volunteered with a unit leaving at the same time to Iraq to be near his son.
Dedication Ceremony for Three New RI Air Guard Buildings: Security Forces, Aerial Port Squadron, and the new Entry Control facility. This $13.3 million project was part of the 143rd Airlift Wing’s $70 million military construction plan.
RI Air Guard 102nd IWS Receives Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA): MG Robert T. Bray with 102nd Information Warfare Squadron (IWS) commander, Lt Col John Reed attaches the AFOUA streamer for “meritorious service and sustained superior performance and excellence” to unit flag during a ceremony at the Coventry Air National Guard Base. Also in attendance was US Senator Jack Reed.
Ground Support from the RI Air Guard: The 282nd Combat Communication Squadron successfully participated in a recent operational readiness exercise designed to test their abilities to perform tasks in a simulated wartime environment. During the exercise, they were subjected to mock sniper fire, chemical attacks and mortar rounds. Pictured from left, Tech. Sgt. Izbicki and Staff Sgts. Lesak and Ouellette.
Summer 2008 / Rhode Island National Guard
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My Trip Through Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) By Roster # 242, Rhode Island National Guard Special Forces
In the woods around Fort Bragg, there is a little base called Camp MacKall where every four weeks 300 “candidates” from the U.S. Army show up to try to get “Selected” for Special Forces (SF) qualification training. The program, called Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS), is three weeks of brutal physical, emotional and intellectual testing designed to expose your every weakness. I traveled down to SFAS recently to run the gauntlet. Having been through once before only to become a “Non-Select,” I had apprehensions: the knowledge of how much pain I would have to endure weighed heavily against the comfort of knowing how best to prepare. And I certainly had been preparing. As a member of the Rhode Island National Guard Special Forces, I had been running and rucking constantly. I was practicing my land navigation skills throughout various New England state parks. I had turned my cramped little apartment into a gymnasium and had vegan protein packets stashed away in cupboards and in desk drawers. This freedom to create one’s own training approach to getting “Selected” is one of the great advantages of going Special Forces through the Guard. Although I can’t go into any great detail about the actual events at SFAS (the school is understandably reluctant to divulge its secrets) I can say that it exceeded its reputation as a challenging course. Even having gone through before, I was surprised at just how much pain there was to endure if one wanted to become an SF operator. It reminded me of what I had learned in school. History had taught me about the Spartan warrior and of their belief in the inherent goodness of physical and dangerous challenges. Many of the tests at SFAS, in its intensely male environment, had the same spirit, though always conducted in a safe, controlled environment. However, the most physically fit Soldier, who could and would do “anything,” was not what they were looking for. This is what is exceptional about SFAS: the emphasis was also on the intellectual, emotional, and leadership components of a person. These intangibles needed to be demonstrated and were tested every bit as much as the physical. The reason for this is that SF Soldiers, operating down range, have to do the work of diplomats, doctors, teachers and translators as well as being a shooter, all while cut off from immediate supplies, reinforcements or rescue. The men who showed up at SFAS, needed to prove to the evaluators that they had all those abilities in them and that, with the right nurturing, those skills would emerge.
Team Trials. A Special Forces candidate struggles to lift a telephone pole with his teammates during a two-hour session of long PT.
However, not everyone had it. Some candidates were dropped for intellectual aptitude, psychological reasons or performing poorly in a leadership position. Others failed physical events: the obstacle course, ruck marches or long distance runs. Many others simply quit, deciding it wasn’t for them. During Selection, it was easy for the blur of pain and fatigue to cloud one’s judgment and during such times the idea of quitting passed through all of our minds. Those who quit were never seen again in the course. Those who decided to endure the pain still had to face the board where their ultimate fate was decided. The board epitomized a significant part of the selection process: the secrecy of your performance. At no time did you ever know how well you were really doing: no feedback was given, no scores were shown, no standards were revealed. You just went from one day to the next in the hope that you were making the grade. Some days were good and you hoped an evaluator was around to see you perform. Other days you wished you were invisible. For the people who had to face these tests, there was a surface of sameness. Like other schools, all rank and other identifiers of military qualifications were removed from the uniform. In addition to that, however, the name tags were also removed and in their place a piece of white engineer tape was sewn on which was a unique number identifier that became your “name” while you were there. I was Roster #242. Despite this appearance of uniformity, the assembled candidates were as diverse as any group of male Soldiers could be. (continued on page 15)
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(Special Forces continued)
In age they ranged from 19 to 42. Backgrounds were disparate too. On my team, there was a trumpet player from an Army band, two fellow National Guard Soldiers, a truck driver, two mortarmen, one Civil Affairs Soldier and four infantrymen. There was also great diversity in reasons for attending SFAS. As always, despite what might be stated up front, the reasons for becoming a Special Forces Soldier are complex and personal. Partly it’s that, on some level, the SF job matches a person’s personality, taste, lifestyle, career path, etc. However, there are other reasons that lie below the surface but that are just as valuable in making it through the program: pride, the need to “be someone,” or the anger at being told you wouldn’t make it. Selection, like so many other great tests, is an emotional experience lying well beyond the physical. It was a relief for me to know that I had made it to the end and to this time hear that word “Selected” in connection with my name. But more than anything, I knew that it had opened the door to an exciting community and a still longer road ahead.
Summer 2008 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Going down to Jordan Rhode Island Guard conducts cultural training overseas By Sgt. Tim Rogers
As part of the Rhode Island National Guard’s ongoing effort aged. This is especially hard for American troops to accept to expand the battle mind and capabilities of the RI Soldier, as they have been taught the importance of problem resolufive Soldiers of A Co, 2nd Bn, 19th Special Forces Group (Air- tion. This issue was repeatedly pointed out by the instructors borne) flew to Jordan to participate in six days of intense Arab as a source of contention for American Soldiers when workcultural relations training. ing with Arabs. Increasing attention has been placed in recent years on However, perhaps the most important lesson of the course the Soldier’s ability to interact as a peacekeeping and fighting was that Arabs need to be an increasing part of the Allied ocforce with the local populace. Schools such as these raise the cupation and stabilization missions. Understandably, Arabs Soldiers’ cultural quotient or CQ - the ability to understand and would rather be guarded by people of their own “nation” (if work with people of different nationalities. not tribe) than by a foreign power. Though the Iraqi training Located on the pristine grounds of the Jordanian Peace and equipment may not be at the same level as the U.S. and Operations Training Center, the school is designed to im- other Allied forces, a “mediocre” job by Iraqi personnel is betmerse the students in a “real world” Arab environment. As one ter than an excellent job by Allied forces, as one instructor participant noted, the course is an excellent way to get into the pointed out. “Arab mindset” and to gain an understanding of their cultural For those Soldiers who participated in this training, the exand political perspective. periences and lessons will make them invaluable assets to Often, much insight could be gained into Arab-American their team’s problem solving capabilities and greatly increase relations by what the Jordanian instructors didn’t say or what their potential for tactical and strategic mission success. topics were avoided: women and honor, tribal allegiances and America presence overseas. As was observed by this class, If you wish to take part in this excellent training, please some topics between the American student and the Arab contact the school coordinator: teachers were still difficult to talk about. The course was especially geared towards those who would Maj. Alfredo E. Ferrer have direct contact with the local populous: Psychological OpARCENT C3 TREX erations, Military Police, Infantry, Armor, Special Forces, Civil Comm: (404) 464-4973 Affairs, Medical Detachments and Engineers. The course inDSN: 367-4973 cluded classroom time, but also a number of hands-on events E-Mail: alfredo.ferrer@arcent.army.mil where students interacted with role-players re-creating a typical problem Soldiers might face. Students had to bring the knowledge they had gained in the classroom to problem solve their way through each event. Throughout the course, instructors emphasized key differences between the American and Arabian cultural mindset. One of those differences was that, when it comes to world events, Americans have a comparatively short memory while Arabs will recall events that affected them years ago. This greatly shapes their interactions with other tribes with which they had prior dealings. Another stark difference is that, in the Arab mindset, not every problem has to have a solution but instead can simply be man- Intensive Training. An instructor (in soft cap) give’s advice on a student’s handling of a “real-world” situation. 16 Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2008
SSG Christopher Potts Memorial Ruckmarch By Cadet Aaron A. Rozovsky, Providence College
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n April 28, 2008, 40 members from Providence College Army ROTC (Patriot Battalion), U.S. Army Reserves and the Rhode Island Army National Guard conducted the 3rd annual SSG Christopher Potts Memorial Ruckmarch. In November 2004, Staff Sgt. Potts, who had spent time in A and C/1/103rd, was killed defending his men in a firefight near Taji, Iraq. In 2006, Lts. Ryan Hogan and Michael Calcagni ruckmarched the Boston Marathon to raise funds for a scholarship set up in Potts’ honor. Calcagni was a 2004 graduate of Providence College and commissioned in the ROTC program. In 2007, the two ruckmarched the Marathon again, this time joined by members of the 103rd and PC ROTC. In September 2007, Calcagni, Hogan and the other Soldiers of Charlie Battery were activated and deployed for a year tour in Iraq. The Cadets at the program wanted to pay tribute to the deployed, wounded and fallen, and make sure that a tribute, started by one of their own, did not end with his deployment. Soldiers on the ruckmarch carried at least 35-pound rucks. All assembled at India Point in East Providence at 0530. When Fall In was called, the names of Rhode Islanders who had been lost in the Global War on Terrorism and
From left: Cadet Ryan Allen ‘09, Cadet Aaron Rozovsky ‘08, Cadet Christopher Lyon ‘11, Cadet Robert Bretz ‘11, retired Lt. Col. Steve McGonagle, Cadet Dan Murdough ‘08, Cadet Anthony Boguslawski ‘08, Cadet Alden Jones ‘08, Master Sgt. David Bowman, Cadet Garrett Chase ‘08, Lt. Col. Paul Dulchinos
Potts’ Bronze Star with Valor Citation were read. Marching in uniform at a brisk pace, the Soldiers and Cadets walked from East Providence to Bristol along the 14.5 miles of the East Bay Bike Path in 3-4 hours. The biggest hope among all those who participated was that this event will be held again next year and that even more people will be there to honor those who have fallen.
RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD LIVING MEMORIAL PROPOSED NATIONAL GUARD RETIREES SPEARHEAD CONSTRUCTION MOVEMENT By Lt. Col. Denis Riel
If a committee from the Rhode Island National Guard Retirees Association is successful, future visitors to the Rhode Island Veteran’s Cemetery in Exeter will be greeted with a stunning Living Memorial to the service of past and present Rhode Island National Guard members. Planned to be located along the cemetery’s tree-lined Memorial Boulevard, the monument is designed to be “a quiet place for rest and contemplation,” according to committee chairperson retired Lt. Col. Bob Urquhart of the Rhode Island Air National Guard. The monument, a bronze centerpiece statue of the National Guard’s iconic Concord Minuteman, will be surrounded by granite monoliths bearing a portion of
the “I am the Guard” poem, as well as the logos and history of the R.I. Army and Air National Guard. Already the site of a number of memorial monuments, the Veteran’s Cemetery does not have one which specifically recognizes the Rhode Island National Guard, arguably the military organization which has had more Rhode Islanders enlisted in it than any other. Urquhart notes that the RING traces its roots back to 1638 and has participated in every major United States military conflict since the Revolutionary War. Most notably, more than 4,000 current RING members have been called to active federal military duty since 9/11. “It’s time we honored our RING veterans, both past and present, for their sacrifice, service and dedication to this nation and to this state” concluded Urquhart.
The Rhode Island National Guard Retirees Association is undertaking raising funds a unique fashion. Contributors may purchase a laser-engraved brick or bricks, which will become of the monument’s walkway. Urquhart believes that past and present RING members, family members and the public may wish to purchase bricks as a way to permanently memorialize the service of loved ones or friends. Urquhart was quick to point out that the service need not be in the RING, but in any branch of the military, active duty or reserve. Funds are also being solicited from local, state and nationally elected officials and Rhode Island cities, towns and business communities. For more information on the RI National Guard Living Memorial or to purchase a brick or bricks, visit the RING Retirees Association Web site at http://ringretirees.homestead.com/Memorial.html.
Summer 2008 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Rhode Island
hosts its annual international parachute competition By Sgt. David Osgood
Founded in 1982, Leapfest is the largest and longest continually running international military parachute competition in the United States. Held every August in the state of Rhode Island, teams from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force as well as international teams from Europe, South America and Asia come to compete in precision landing events.
From its beginning, Leapfest has first and foremost been about fostering camaraderie and esprit de corps amongst the Airborne community. With teams of four jumpers and one alternate, participants exit a CH-47 helicopter at 1,500 feet using the MC1-1C/D static line steerable (round) parachute. The objective is for all teammates to touch the ground marker as quickly as possible,
A Canadian paratrooper receiving the prized US Army Jump Wings at the closing ceremony.
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either by landing on it or by running to it once on the ground. The event is five days long, starting in the middle of the week with a friendship jump amongst all the competitors and running through the weekend. A reception is held the second day for international teams followed by familiarization classes for them with U.S. equipment. The competition itself is held on Saturday and the closing ceremony is held the following day with the announcement of the winners. For the foreign teams, the event ends ceremoniously when they are presented with the coveted U.S. Army Paratrooper Wings. In addition to the competition, there are several displays to see just off the drop zone on Saturday. Exhibits of weapons and equipment from the units of the Rhode Island National Guard will be set up. Also, past events have had RIARNG Family Support Groups, the Special Forces Association and World War II-era re-enactment Soldiers and equipment. This year we are pleased to have the Army National Guard NASCAR, the RIARNG Rock Wall and the Video Kiosk. Where else but here in the Ocean State can you meet Citizen-Soldiers of the Airborne community and their International counterparts in the largest international parachute competition?
RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD TESTS STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE CAPABILITY
National Guard Reaction Force tests it mettle By Lt. Col. Denis Riel
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ithout notice and unbeknownst to most participating Soldiers and Airmen, on a cold, snowy day during the March drill period, approximately 100 members of the National Guard were alerted at an ungodly early hour and called to respond to East Greenwich’s Camp Fogarty and North Kingstown’s Quonset Air National Guard Base. Upon arrival, they were met by their anxious leaders and briefed as to the reason for their pre-dawn call-out. What they learned was that they would be responding to the site of the former Ladd School in Exeter where local and state law enforcement authorities needed immediate assistance with crowd control issues. In short order, 80 members of the Army Guard’s Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry Brigade and 20 members of the Air Guard’s 143rd Security Forces Squadron were in various military vehicles and en route to the Exeter location. They were eventually diverted back to Camp Fogarty where they were finally apprised of the reason for their recall and movement: Operation Quick Resolve. What was Operation Quick Resolve? It was an Adjutant General directed exercise intended to assess and validate each of the five National Guard Reaction Force essential tasks: mobilize, deploy, communicate, security and civil disturbance. The scenario was, of course, notional. However it was a practical test of the Rhode Island National Guard’s ability to respond to an all-hazards environment and provide force protection, security and other assistance in support of civilian authorities who may have exhausted their resources. Upon being recalled to Camp Fogarty, the reaction force participated in joint crowd control and civil disturbance training, testing their ability to work together as a “purple” unit. And how did it go?
“We came together seamlessly and were working as a single cohesive unit in quick order” said C/1/200th commander Capt. Jeffrey Lessard. “Given all that we are doing in the theatre of operations with our in-lieu-of mission, we are more easily able to integrate with an Army unit and work jointly toward a common ob- Members of C/1/200 RI Army National Guard, and 143rd SFS, RI Air National Guard, jective with a minimal conduct joint crowd control training during the RI National Guard’s Reaction Force amount of heartburn,” Exercise 2008. The exercise simulated a state governor call-out of National Guard troops in support of local law enforcement authorities during a major emergency. said 143rd SFS NCO- Photo: Sgt. David Osgood IC Senior Master Sgt. Joe Baltazar. “There is very little difference “We put the team through their paces between our respective missions in the and they performed admirably,” Dzialo post 9/11 world.” said. “The JOC team is comprised of In addition to the civil disturbance train- experienced and battle-proven warriors ing, the exercise also provided a venue who would undoubtedly provide the critifor members of the Air Guard’s 281st cal command and control which would Combat Communications Squadron from ensure that civilian authorities had the North Smithfield to plan for the deploy- support they needed to save lives, prement, set-up and exercise of the state’s serve and restore order, maintain comJoint Incident Site Communications Ca- munications and ensure continuity of pability (JISCC) system. operations and government in the event The JISCC is an advanced, self- of a domestic emergency.” contained communications suite which “As the National Guard transitions can be deployed to the location of any from a strategic force to an operational emergency to quickly provide on-scene force, we must remain aware of and commanders with critical communica- committed to the state mission, which tion and internet capabilities. It is a cor- uniquely differentiates us from our acnerstone of the Rhode Island National tive duty and reserve brethren,” said Guard’s civil support program. Adjutant General of Rhode Island Maj. At Joint Force Headquarters in Cran- Gen. Robert T. Bray. “Operation Quick ston, the Joint Operations Center was Resolve sharpens our state emergency activated for the exercise to provide response capabilities and reminds us of command and control capabilities for its our primary responsibility to the citizens commander, Brig. Gen. Mathew Dzialo. of Rhode Island as the state’s first miliAn additional 30 National Guard staff tary responder for all domestic emergenmembers manned the JOC throughout cies. Today’s exercise reinforced the fact the exercise while reacting to various that the National Guard remains ready, exercise inputs. reliable, essential and accessible.”
Summer 2008 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Program
Sgt. 1st Class Amy Slater (Army RING), JFHQ RI SARC Lt. Col. Bruce Fletcher (Air RING), 143rd AW SARC
By Sgt. 1st Class Amy Slater, JFHQ, Rhode Island Army National Guard
The Rhode Island National Guard, in accordance with DOD and National Guard Bureau policy, has established a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, has assigned a RING Joint Force Headquarters Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) and a 143rd Airlift Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. The number one objective of the SARC’s office is to focus on the needs and concerns of the victim. The SARC serves as a point of contact for integrating and coordinating sexual assault victim care. By contacting the SARC’s office, victims of sexual assault may choose to have a trained Victim Advocate assist them in a confidential manner. Sexual assault is more common than you think, and you are not alone. For more information, please contact a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. It is my distinct pleasure to introduce myself to the Army and Air Guard families. I am Sgt. 1st Class Amy Slater and
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I am your Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) for Joint Force Headquarters. Prevention and Response Along with Lt. Col. Fletcher You are not alone! of the Air Guard, I am here to assist any Soldier or Airman, 24/7 Hotlines: male or female, in the event of JFHQ SARC – 401-480-6028 a Sexual Assault. Wing SARC – 401-413-8765 The SARC program has army.slater@us.army.mil been in existence since mid 2005. Like any new program, we are not only striving to become a famil- onstration of a SAFE (Sexual Assault iar entity but a program that people trust. Forensic Examination) kit so we can be Sexual Assault Awareness Month prepared to advise a victim what he or was in April and we conducted a suc- she will go through during the exam. cessful awareness campaign. We colOur Unit Victim Advocates are a wonlected hundreds of pledge posters and derful and caring group of people. The gave out teal awareness pins to wear RING family should be confident that if on our uniform. Several units even col- a sexual assault occurs, we are there. lected new or gently used clothing to do- Our job is to help victims not only get nate to victims of sexual assault. In May, the needed resources to heal physically many of our Victim Advocates attended and mentally after a sexual assault, but a guided tour through the emergency to educate everyone on how to prevent room at Women and Infants Hospital sexual assaults from happening to you Triage Center. We were given a dem- or anyone in our military family.
Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2008
Sexual Assault