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Rhode Island National Guard
The Ocean State Guardian Fall/Winter 2009
Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Developing the National Guard’s future leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Tricare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Commander’s Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 143rd aircrew takes to the high seas in survival training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Getting caught vs. getting help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Governor of Rhode Island and the Captain General of the Rhode Island National Guard
Farewell to the 173rd Long Range Surveillance Detachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Honorable Donald L. Carcieri
Rhode Island National Guard Warrior Simulation Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
The Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard
34th Annual Rhode Island National Guard Military Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray Assistant Adjutant General for Army and Deputy Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard
Brig. Gen. Brian W. Goodwin Commander, Joint Force Headquarters, Rhode Island National Guard
Pg. 6?
Pg.?? 9 Pg.
Pg. 10 ??
Pg. 20 ??
Brig. Gen. Matthew J. Dzialo
Leapfest 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Assistant Adjutant General for Air Rhode Island National Guard
Preparing for BMT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Brig. Gen. Paul L. Ayers Managing Editor State Public Affairs Officer
Lt. Col. Bruce Fletcher Public Affairs Specialists
Sgt. Megan Burmeister Sgt. Peter Ramaglia Public Affairs Office 401-275-4038
M777A2 Howitzer field-tested, 103rd approved! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The new RING Family Assistance Center Officially Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 A legacy leaves the Rhode Island National Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Battle road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 R.I. National Guard Soldiers support Military Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 115th Military Police Company - Guantanamo Bay, Cuba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
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Airborne Rhode Island National Guard Soldier Parachuting his way to his objective. Cover Composed by Sgt. Peter Ramaglia, Public Affairs Specialists
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
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Fall/Winter 2009 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island The holiday season provides each of us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the many blessings and freedoms that each of us enjoy and for the many reasons each of has to be thankful. This holiday season will once again find many of our service members deployed to various locations around the world. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Soldiers and Airmen of the Rhode Island National Guard, and I consider myself lucky to be a witness to the many accomplishments our units and individuals have made during the year. It is the values that each of our service members maintains that differentiates us from our enemies. The Rhode Island National Guard has enjoyed many successes over the past year. Every Soldier and Airman makes a difference every day. I would like to highlight some of this year’s accomplishments: • The Gubernatorial Unit Citation was awarded to the Army Recruiting & Retention Command, 56th Troop Command, and the 43rd Military Police Brigade. • The Headquarters, Rhode Island Air National Guard, was awarded the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award. • The Dick Schram Award was presented to the Rhode Island National Guard for the second time for outstanding community support during the Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show. • The Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show contributed significantly to local charities including Hasbro Children’s Hospital, National Guard Association of Rhode Island Soldiers and Airmen Fund, The Special Olympics, Ronald McDonald House and others. • The movement of the Family Assistance Center from Schofield Armory to the Armory of Mounted Commands, expanding the opportunity for the employees to provide for our service members. 2
Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray Adjutant General, Commanding General Rhode Island National Guard • With Leapfest, we continue to build relationships with foreign nations and sister services while demonstrating the capabilities of the National Guard. It is the individual Soldier or Airmen acting in accordance with the values and commitment to standards that makes our military great. Several awards have been earned by individuals over this past year that exemplify personal commitment, sacrifice, and honor. I have selected a few individuals whose individual actions demonstrate the true warrior ethos: • BRONZE STAR MEDAL RECIPIENTS: Army – Capt. James Poland, Special Forces – Afghanistan Air – Master Sgt. Lenny Macari, 143rd Air Wing – Iraq • ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL WITH VALOR: Army – Maj. Mike Moricas, ETT – Afghanistan 2009 was named by the Army as the Year of the Noncommissioned Officer. I don’t think there is one of us in uniform, Army or Air, who doesn’t recall an NCO who made a difference in their career and life. It is fitting that we dedicate this year to our Noncommissioned Officer Corps. They continue to be at the core of our nation’s military might, setting the standard of excellence for not only our Soldiers and Airmen, but for those of other nations. You continue to demonstrate the professionalism and leadership that ensures our success as a war-fighting organization. You hear me say often that it is the character and values of our service members that distinguish the American Soldier and Airmen from those of other nations. The example we set by our actions for other nations to follow in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, as in
Ocean State Guardian / Fall/Winter 2009
many other parts of the globe, represents the influence of our families, communities, and society as a nation. American service members are more than war fighters; they are care givers as well. Recently, two incidents occurred where Rhode Island National Guard members distinguished themselves by assisting those in need, demonstrating that character which distinguishes Soldiers and Airmen. In August, Lt. Col. Matt Santos, commander of the 143rd Force Support Squadron, quickly pulled over on Route 295 and assisted first responders by providing aid and comfort to persons involved in a serious automobile accident, involving three adults and three children. Santos rendered immediate first aid to accident victims and assisted response agencies arriving at the scene. Santos was awarded the Rhode Island Commendation Medal for his actions. On Sept. 18, 2009, while convoying from Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., back to Rhode Island, Soldiers from the 43rd MP Brigade rescued Ms. Lillian Elliot from her overturned and burning vehicle after it had come to rest in the center median of the New Jersey Turnpike. Without hesitation or consideration for their own safety, Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Hayden, Master Sgt. Anthony Artella and Master Sgt. Robert Hammond entered the burning vehicle, cutting Ms. Elliot free from her seat belt and removing her from immediate danger. At the direction of a civilian emergency room doctor who arrived on scene, Artella, Hammond, Staff Sgt. Maria Bonin, Sgt. Claudio Barbour, and Spc. Joshua Pascale treated Ms. Elliot, preparing her for transport to Hackensack University Hospital. The Soldiers involved will be recognized by the 43rd MP Brigade. continue on next page
Developing the National Guard’s future leaders By Brig. Gen. Paul L. Ayers, RIANG Assistant Adjutant General for Air
The Air National Guard Strategic Plan’s first stated priority is, “Provide the right people, in the right places, with the right skills.” The strategic implementation team has developed supporting goals and objectives to meet this critical need. The team will provide guidelines, resources, opportunities and recommendations to ensure we are able to provide for key leadership positions at the Joint Force HQ-state, National Guard Bureau, major commands, and combatant commands. The National Guard provides unique capabilities with our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen, and our “culture” will be reflected in this force development plan. However, as we continue to “operationalize” the National Guard to meet the ever increasing demands, our future leaders will require experience beyond the level attained by much of our current leadership.
continued from previous page The actions of Santos and Soldiers of the 43rd Military Police Brigade not only saved lives but reflect the commitment, the training and true belief in the core values that we all live by. We’ve had a successful year of deployments supporting the global conflict we are in. This next year will be even more demanding, calling on the strength of our Soldiers and Airmen, their families and employers. To that end, I congratulate each of you on your successes and applaud your service to our state and nation. In closing, I thank each of our Rhode Island National Guard service members, their families and their employers for the sacrifice they make and the service they render to the United States of America. My wife Donna and I extend our best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season.
Force development involves four major areas – education, operational experience, leadership, and staff experience. The education includes technical training, civilian education, and professional military education. The strategic implementation team is aiming to enhance technical school and PME curricula through increased ANG student and instructor presence. The team is developing an exchange program between active duty and ANG units and exploring opportunities to include more ANG officers and NCOs in joint billets. Finally, they are exploring a system to provide field input at NGB with tours ranging from 30-90 days. This proposal would provide much needed field input to the NGB staff while exposing field officers and NCOs to NGB staff experience, without requiring them to fill multi-year stat tours. Even if this process were fully
At the time of this writing, the House has passed a health care reform bill, and it is on its way to the Senate. This is one of the hottest topics of our time and has major implications for our nation as well as every American. How the bill plays out will soon be a matter of history. I am willing to wager that most of our Soldiers and Airmen are not fully aware that they and their families are eligible for Tricare Reserve Select, a premiumbased health care plan that all qualified National Guard and Reserve members may purchase regardless of any active duty served. The one exception is if the member is eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. Effective Jan. 1, 2009, the TRS monthly rates were actually reduced for both individual and family programs. Even if your employer pays for your medical coverage, you may want to shop around and check out the TRS program. You may find TRS to be a better option for
developed and implemented today, the results would take many years to realize. This effort will require a paradigm shift and enormous culture change for the Air National Guard. We can start today by articulating these expectations to our Airmen and junior officers. Our mentorship and development processes should explore opportunities with our star performers. Discuss possible tours at NGB, joint PME, tours at AMC, AFSPACE, and AETC. Encourage our Airmen to use the VA benefits they’ve earned. There is no recipe for success, and no single way to becoming an effective leader. But all of the paths will include education, operational experience, leadership, and staff experience. Encourage Airmen at all levels to participate and become part of our future leadership.
TRICARE By Brig. Gen. Matthew Dzialo
you and your family. The program has a large selection of doctors and more are being added every month. With the present economy, we find many of our Soldiers and Airmen are unemployed or underemployed, the last thing on their minds is health care coverage. But health care coverage is one issue we must not overlook. It is important that we take care of our members and their families. TRS is a program that many Americans would embrace if they had the opportunity. We are fortunate to have this benefit available – it is just a matter of educating our people so they can take advantage of the program. For more information on the program contact Spc. Cindy Paulo, our health services specialist at (401) 275-4183. Let’s take care of our troops and their families.
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ALCOHOL & D RU G S
Commander’s Column
Since Sept. 11, 2001, the National Guard’s role in national missions, we need Soldiers who can defense has increased tremendously. The Operational tempo has respond at a moment’s notice and who dictated that we have a National Guard that stands ready to fight will be prepared to perform their respecour nation’s wars at home and abroad as well as to support our tive duties effectively and proficiently. state in cases of emergencies, whether natural or manmade. Alcohol and drug use are two areas that The use of alcohol and illegal drugs by our Soldiers is a have an adverse effect on the accomplishment of our mission. detriment to the well-being of the Rhode Island Army National Leaders at all levels must take an active role in the well-being of Guard and to the overall readiness of the program. This has their Soldiers and their families. It is imperative that we stem the an immediate impact on our ability to fulfill both our federal use of drugs and alcohol abuse within our ranks. If we perceive and state missions and has a dramatic impact on the overall that an individual is having difficulties, we must intervene and get morale, discipline and safety of every member of the Guard. the individual the assistance they so deserve. The senior leadership must be increasingly vigilant in identifyAs Soldiers, the choice to use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol ing and dealing with these issues to ensure that we identify is yours. Testing will continue each month at the unit level, and properly deal with them prior to their becoming a detriment and those who test positive will pay a very dear price for that to the readiness of the Guard. choice. Reductions, loss of pay, payback of bonuses received Commanders, supervisors and senior leaders must be alert and and immediate discharge, which will stay with you for life, are able to recognize alcohol and drug problems before they begin to just some of the penalties associated with drug and alcohol affect the overall performance of both the individual in question abuse. As I stated above, our most important asset is you, the and the unit as a whole. They should be fully supportive of the Soldier, and we cannot do this alone or without you. I ask you efforts of Guard members who seek treatment and/or education to think very hard and long about the choices you make relain an effort to help fight or to deal with their problem. This must be tive to the use of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse. accomplished while bearing in mind the mission of the Guard and Thank you for being a member of the Rhode Island Army the mobilization readiness required to support those missions. National Guard and the service you give to your state and nation. Our most important asset is you, the Soldier. In order for the Brig. Gen. Brian Goodwin Rhode Island Army National Guard to fulfill its state and federal Assistant Adjutant General for Army Rhode Island National Guard
Fall/Winter 2009 / Rhode Island National Guard
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143rd aircrew takes to the high seas in survival training By Staff Sgt. Erin Brogan, Public Affairs Specialist
C-130 pilots and loadmasters assigned to the 143rd Airlift Wing successfully completed a water survival course at Quonset Point Aug. 2. Offered annually in-house by the aircrew flight equipment center, the refresher course keeps the aircrew current in the use of survival techniques, flares and flotation devices such as a 46-man inflatable raft and individual waterwings. The day is divided into two sections – the first a classroom briefing and the second a hands-on experience that requires members to jump into Narragansett Bay and to manipulate flotation devices and signal flares. “Hopefully we never have to use it,” Chief Master Sgt. David Prefontaine, aircrew flight equipment center supervisor, said. “In a crash scenario, with adrenaline flowing, we need to automatically be able to put on our equipment in order to save lives.” 6
Under the tutelage of experienced instructors, such as Senior Master Sgt. Mary Prefontaine, Master Sgt. Michelle Kinney, Tech. Sgt. Stephen Croxford, and Senior Airman Steven Taylor, the class is divided into two groups in order to give more practical knowledge to the crew in a smaller setting. While one group down the beach is shooting pen gun flares 1,200 feet into the air and is practicing releasing day and night flares to signal for help, the other group inflates waterwings and jumps into the bay in order to connect with an individual life raft and a 46-man raft. When the two groups complete their tasks, they switch stations. “Crew members are required to
Ocean State Guardian / Fall/Winter 2009
recertify every three years,” said Croxford, a pyrotechnic instructor along with Kinney. “We try to make it fun, [but] keep it safe.” “We are privileged to have instructors with years of experience,” Chief Prefontaine said. “Senior Master Sgt. Prefontaine has twelve years, Master Sgt. Kinney has ten, Tech. Sgt. Croxford has eight, and this is Senior Airman Taylor’s first class as instructor.”
Getting help vs. getting caught By Staff Sgt. Stephanie Riotte
On Sept. 30, 2009, Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray, the Adjutant General, signed a letter of endorsement for the Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Prevention Treatment and Outreach Program for the R.I. National Guard. He stated, “The incidence of substance abuse within the Rhode Island National Guard is alarming. Substance abuse negatively affects the readiness and reliability of our fighting force. It is dangerous, often deadly, undermines trust, inhibits decision-making abilities, and unnecessarily places Soldiers and Airmen at risk. The purpose of the PTO is to promote a culture of intolerance of drug and alcohol abuse. The prevention coordinator has training tools and community resources to help service members and their commanders who are affected by substance abuse.” Staff Sgt. Stephanie J. Riotte is the alcohol and substance abuse prevention, treatment, and outreach coordinator for the R.I. National Guard. She can provide a variety of programs to help Soldiers and Airmen with alcohol and drug
dependencies; she can also provide prevention education and outreach programs designed to help Guard members and their families maintain healthy lifestyles. She may be reached at her office (401) 275-1122, on her Blackberry (401) 275-3647 or via e-mail at stephanie. riotte@us.army.mil Chris Newell-Loyko, LICSW, is the director of psychological health. She is able to provide confidential substance abuse services to all RING service members and their families. She is located in the Family Assistance Center at the AMC, 1051 North Main Street in Providence. She may be reached by phone at (401) 275-4318 or e-mail Christine. Newell-loyko@ceridian.com For more information regarding the Psychological Health Program, visit the website at www. jointservicessupport.org.
Farewell to the 173rd Long Range Surveillance Detachment By Sgt. Megan Burmeister
On Sept. 19, 2009, the 173rd LRSD celebrated the end of its 23-year history in the Rhode Island National Guard. The traditional dining-in ceremony brought together past and present members to share memories and reminisce. Part of the ceremony was the unveiling of a commemorative painting that captures the history of the 173rd LRS. The painter, Ronnie Deziel, used unit photos to create a painting spanning the training conducted in Rhode Island and the unit’s deployment to Iraq and return. “After meeting with them and attending a bosslift to the Fort Indiantown Gap training center in August, I really felt comfortable expressing their humble service and great heroism on canvas. It is a truly American story, and I am proud to tell it,” he said. Deziel went so far as to replicate real unit members’ faces in the artwork. The work almost went unpublished due to the expense of getting prints of the painting made.
Then 500 of the prints were created free of charge by Meridian Printing of East Greenwich, R.I. Bob Nangle, president of Meridian Printing, became aware of the project through a former 173rd member, and donated his company’s services to the cause. “What the members of the military, and in this case, specifically the Rhode Island National Guard, do for us daily, is not lost upon me nor the employees of Meridian Printing, “ said Nangle. “We are keenly aware that we are able to perform our jobs and live our lives in freedom, as Americans, due to the fact that people like the members of the 173d LRSD are willing to sacrifice and serve this great country. It is an honor and a pleasure to help memorialize their proud history while providing a mechanism for the Family Readiness Group to raise funds which help the families of deployed Soldiers,” Nangle concluded. A portion of proceeds from
the sale of the prints will go to the unit’s Family Readiness Group. The 173rd is retiring its flag because of modularity changes in the U.S. Army. Its members will be reassigned to a new Rhode Island Army National Guard unit, C Company, 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Airborne. A Long Range Surveillance Detachment is a 56-man unit capable of intelligence gathering deep in enemy territory. One of the unit’s 6- to 8-man teams deploys to gather intelligence through surveillance and reconnaissance while remaining without support for as long as needed or until supplies are depleted. If you are interested in purchasing a print please contact Ron Deziel at dzlart@cox.net or (401) 765-4845.
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R h o d e
I s l a n d
N a t i o n a l
G u a r d
Warrior Simulation Center now open By Spc. Erik Burmeister
The Warrior Simulation Center has now opened at the Camp Fogarty training site. The new building has almost 5,500 square feet of indoor training space. Inside the WSC is a 1,400-square-foot indoor combative training area, complete with padded floors and walls. The indoor combative room will now host the state’s modern Army combative program. Also inside the WSC is the HMMWV egress assistance trainer, a full-body Humvee mock-up that sits on a rotating spindle. The trainer will rotate the body 360 degrees with five soldiers inside. The HEAT simulates a Humvee rollover and is a requirement for Soldiers to go through during unit mobilization. In February another simulator will be up and running, the call for fire trainer. The CFF will help train and familiarize Soldiers on setting up and calling for an artillery mission or close air support. Using a map and computerized binoculars, Soldiers will be able to call in proper grid coordinates of their targets and watch on a projector screen as their rounds explode on target. Other simulators near the WSC include the virtual convoy operations trainer and firearms training simulator. For scheduling information please contact Spc. Erik Burmeister at (401) 965-5003 or e-mail Erik.R.Burmeister@us.army.mil. For combative class information or scheduling contact Sgt. 1st Class Dana Taylor at (508) 837-8187 or e-mail him at dana.a.taylor@us.army.mil
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Ocean State Guardian / Fall/Winter 2009
By Lt. Col. Bruce Fletcher
Stepping Out.... Members of Rhode Island’s military enjoy a well-deserved night out. Oct. 17 was the date, and the historic “Rhodes on the Pawtuxet” was the place for The Rhode Island Military Ball. Over 700 military members and guests enjoyed a special evening of fellowship, friendship and celebration of their many accomplishments throughout the past year. Speeches were made, awards were presented, dinner was served, and the floor was opened for dancing. A good time was had by all who participated in this great Rhode Island tradition.
34th Annual Rhode Island National Guard Military Ball
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Leapfest
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Ocean State Guardian / Fall/Winter 2009
2009! By Col. Charles Petracra
The 27th annual Leapfest International Military Parachute Competition took place Aug. 3-10, 2009, in Kingston, R.I. The weeklong event led up to the actual competition Aug. 8. The Rhode Island National Guard “Leapfest” International Military Parachute Competition is the largest continuously conducted military parachute competition in the world. The event has been conducted since 1982. More than 325 paratroopers representing the forces of the United States and seven foreign countries participated in this year’s competition. Foreign teams included representatives from Germany, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Peru, Ecuador, Canada, and four teams from the United Kingdom. Significant U.S. entrants included numerous Army active duty, National Guard, and Reserve teams, including four teams from the fabled 101st Airborne Division’s “Screaming Eagles” and teams from Fort Benning’s Ranger Training Battalion and the 82nd Airborne Division. Pilots from the Rhode Island, New York, and Ohio Army National Guard
flew four-member teams in CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to an altitude of 1,500 feet where each jumper exited the aircraft and descended toward the drop zone. Each jumper’s objective was to land as close as possible to a large orange “X” in the middle of the drop zone. Judges on the ground timed each jumper from the moment they landed until they made contact with the orange “X.” Each team made three jumps and was scored on accumulated team and individual time. Leapfest champions were the team with the lowest accumulated time. The top three individuals and teams recognized were as follows: Champions: Staff Sgt. McPherson from Natick Soldier Systems Center (Individual) / Natick Soldier Systems Center (Team) Second Place: Staff Sgt. Butler of the 101st Airborne Division, Pathfinder School (Individual)/ ARNG Warrior Training Center (Team) Third Place: Master Sgt. Simmons from Special Operations Detachment-Europe (Individual)/ 101st
Airborne Division, Pathfinder School (Team) “I have truly enjoyed this event,” said Col. Charles Petrarca, commander of the past three competitions, “The hard work and planning all seem to pay off in the end. This past year an NCO from the Airborne School at Fort Benning told me he had never seen a better executed airborne operation – high praise for a jump master that puts 500 students through his company every three weeks.” Next year’s Leapfest will be held Aug. 7, 2010. It’s worth an effort to come and check out the best international parachute competition in the world!
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Preparing for BMT By Staff Sgt. Erin Brogan
Fourteen Rhode Island Air National Guard recruits attentively sat at a table Sept. 20 as Tech. Sgt. Greg Grutter of the 143rd Security Forces disassembled a 9 mm handgun. For many, it was their first time handling a weapon, but they knew it would not be their last. The students were part of a two-day program held at Camp Varnum, Narragansett, intended to take the mystery out of “boot camp” and better prepare new enlistees for the challenges ahead. Often represented as either a comedic adventure like that in “Private Benjamin” or a brain-washing machine like that in “Full-Metal Jacket,” boot camp is one of the most misunderstood military traditions in the public eye. As a result, Air Force Basic Military Training remains a high source of stress for incoming recruits. For that reason, this new program was instituted as part of the newcomer’s briefing program to familiarize the newly enlisted with what to expect at BMT. Chris Gabriele, an enlistee with the Engine Shop, was one of these recruits. “I’ve learned a lot. We’ve had some excellent instructors,” he said, taking apart an M-9 with the aid of Airman 1st Class Caitlin Farrar of Security Forces. Organized by Col. Peter Sepe, 143rd Mission Support Group commander, the training covered a multitude of important information, all in preparation for eight and a half weeks at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Using the essentials taught at BMT, instructors focused on basic war skills, military discipline, physical fitness, drill and ceremonies, Air Force core values and a comprehensive range of subjects relating to Air Force life. “We’ve covered sexual assault prevention training, contact numbers for college information, basic training facing movements. We had M-16 familiarization yesterday,” Airman 1st Class Michael Hadaya said. 12
A member of the 143rd Services Flight, Hadaya took a break from preparing chow in order to help out with the training program. “I think it gives them [the trainees] a taste of the basic training atmosphere; it preps them for military bearing. You can definitely see a difference in their discipline already,” he said. “This program gives them a ‘real world’ approach to what they are getting into,” said Grutter. “It gives them straight answers and an understanding of what they signed up for.” A hand shot up to ask a question about the M-9, and Ferrar quickly went to the trainee’s side to demonstrate the disassembling of the weapon. Noticing this, Grutter reflected, “You can see their confidence build. After all, the more you learn [before basic training], the less heat you draw [at basic training].” In 2008, BMT was revamped into a more rigorous training program intended to address the unique needs
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of a modern, expeditionary Air Force. Two additional weeks of training were added to enhance and reinforce BMT’s current war skills training. BMT now includes an intense four-day Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training exercise called BEAST which replicates the sights, sounds and emotions Airmen will experience in the deployed environment. The 737th Training Group provides Air Force Basic Military Training for all enlisted people entering the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, earning Lackland the nickname, “Gateway to the Air Force.” The Air Force receives approximately 35,000 Airmen each year from the 737th Training Group. Following graduation, Airmen go on to technical training at Lackland or elsewhere before their first Air Force assignment. More than seven million Airmen have completed BMT since 1946.
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M777A2 Howitzer field-tested, 103rd approved! By Lt. Col. Bruce Fletcher
On Nov. 3, 2009, 68 civic leaders, employers, retired military and Rhode Island National Guard personnel boarded a C-130J at Quonset Point and traveled to Fort Drum, N.Y., to witness history – the 103rd Field Artillery test-fired three of the 19 new M777A2 Howitzers. The M777A2 Howitzer along with its Excalibur ammunition is widely used in Afghanistan today. With a deployment to Afghanistan on the horizon, fielding of the M777A2 will give the 103rd a little less than a year to train up and get comfortable on the system they will be using in country. Weighing in at 9,000 pounds less than its predecessor, the M-198, the M777A2 Howitzer is easily transported by helicopter, truck or fixed-wing aircraft. This weapon can be moved in and out of the battlefield with haste and ease. The smaller size of the Howitzer also allows for improved storage when not in use. Using a digital fire-control system the M777A2 is provided with navigation, pointing and self-location, allowing it to be put into action more quickly than earlier towed and air-transported Howitzers.
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The new Excalibur GPS-guided munitions allow accurate fire at a range of up to 40 km, almost doubling the area covered by a single battery. This is a great opportunity for the 103rd Field Artillery to begin training with this impressive new piece of military equipment. Fielding of the M777A2 Howitzer will better ensure their success this upcoming year in Afghanistan. Nearly all of the military retirees and veterans in attendance had a background in artillery. A highlight of the trip was when Staff Sgt. William Fusco, a 93-year-old World War II veteran, proudly pulled the lanyard to fire off a round. “This is a great day!” exclaimed Staff Sgt. William Fusco. During the visit, Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray, along with retired Col. Lonnie Barham, awarded plaques to employers in attendance, in recognition of their support and commitment to our soldiers and their employees. Barham, chairman of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, joined ESGR director Donnal Callahan for this historic event. The trip was a success due to the combined efforts of the ESGR, the 143d Airlift Wing, the 103rd Field Artillery and everyone who attended.
THE NEW RING FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER OFFICIALLY OPEN By Kevin McDonnell - Military Family Assistance Center Coordinator
On Oct. 16, 2009, Sen. Jack Reed, along with Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, Maj. Gen. Robert Bray and two members of the Military Youth Program cut the ceremonial yellow ribbon proclaiming that the R.I. National Guard Family Assistance Center is “officially open.” Newly renovated space located at The Armory of Mounted Commands on North Main Street in Providence is the new home of the R.I. National Guard Military Family Assistance Center. The new FAC is a larger area and much more user friendly than the previous location. The FAC Sen. Jack Reed comments about the importance of the Family Assistance Center and their staff in supporting the needs of military members and their families. moved into the new site July, 2009. The new location in this historical building, built in 1913, entitlements, benefits and deployment OneSource specialist, Family Readiness has been modernized to allow the FAC support during contingency call-ups assistants and the post-deployment Staff to better serve the families of and large scale deployments. health reassessment manager. The Rhode Island’s military members. The The FAC team is composed of the sexual assault response coordinator, building is shared with the 103rd Field psychological health director, family the Employer Support of the Guard and Artillery Battalion. life consultant, Yellow Ribbon support Reserve office and the state chaplain’s The ribbon cutting event featured staff, state youth programs, Military office are also housed in the new facility. remarks by Sen. Reed and by Lt. Gov. Roberts, with both emphasiz(L to R) Sen. Jack Reed, Maj. Gen. Robert ing the importance of the miliBray, Cynthia Desilier, Michael Archer tary family and their needs. and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts cut the ceremonial yellow ribbon. The FAC will offer numerous services to members of the military and their families. Primarily an informational and referral source, FAC personnel can offer financial assistance, emergency assistance and Tricare/dental programs. Sometimes referred to as the “one-stop shop” for military families, FAC’s are established to provide information to family members regarding Fall/Winter 2009 / Rhode Island National Guard
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A legacy leaves the Rhode Island National Guard By Sgt. Megan Burmeister
The UH-1 “Huey” Farewell Ceremony at the Quonset Air National Guard Base Sept. 20 was a fitting goodbye to an old favorite. Civilians and military members gathered to witness the Huey’s last flyby and listen to stories about the role the Huey has played in the imagination and everyday lives of the American people. The UH-1 Huey was built by Bell Helicopters to answer the U.S. Army’s request for a medical evacuation helicopter in 1955. The U.S. Army had a 50-year love affair with the Huey, and the Rhode Island Army National Guard joined in when the first Huey was assigned to RING in 1972. Soldiers from the Rhode Island Army National Guard shared some of their fondest memories of the UH-1 Huey. Retired Col. William Babcock, former commander of Rhode Island’s 56th Troop Command, remembers the Huey from his time in Vietnam as a platoon leader, “The Hueys and their pilots saved lives. I remember one time one of my guys went down, and the first two helicopters took fire and left. The Huey came and stayed at a hover while they lowered the jungle penetrator to get him out. I have many good memories of the Hueys, and they will be missed.” Over the years the Huey has
provided much needed support. In 1978 a nor’easter snow storm knocked out power and caused the closure of the interstate systems in the Northeast. For over a week the Rhode Island Army National Guard Huey pilots flew over 700 hours of transport, supply and medical evacuation missions. This was one of the largest disaster relief missions in Rhode Island’s history. “I remember flying medevac flights during the blizzard of ’78. Because of the conditions, that was a huge help to the people of Rhode Island. With the Huey we could fly the patients out,”said retired Brig. Gen. John L. Enwright. The faster, more powerful UH-60 Black Hawk is replacing the UH-1 Huey across the U.S. Army. The Rhode Island Army National Guard has already received 12 Black Hawks to fill
the gap left by the six UH-1s that they had been authorized. Rhode Island may not see any UH-1s flying overhead again. On Sept. 25, the remaining two were flown down to Ozark, Ala., to be turned in. There will be one remaining Huey in Rhode Island though; it will remain as a static display in front of the Army Aviation building in Quonset Air National Guard Base, once the building has finished construction. A UH-1 Huey sitting outside a stateof-the-art facility will be a constant reminder of where we came from and how far we can go.
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Battle Road On April 18, 1775, Capt. John Parker was ordered to mobilize the Middlesex Company of Militiamen in anticipation of the arrival of British soldiers marching from Boston to Concord, Mass., to destroy a suspected militia cache there. By sunrise, the militiamen were standing on Lexington Green as British forces arrived. Parker ordered,�Stand your ground! Do not fire unless fired upon, but if they want a war then let it begin right here!� As the British forces advanced, they opened fire on the militia, killing eight Americans and wounding nine. Realizing they were outnumbered, the colonists fell back to the outskirts of Concord, where reinforcements arrived, and the militia stood shoulder to shoulder at Concord Bridge where they first engaged the British and fired the shot heard round the world. The British were routed and all along the battle road were engaged by the Middlesex Brigade from Concord Bridge back to Boston. The Middlesex Brigade would further engage the British at the
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By Capt. Jeff Ahern
Battle of Bunker Hill and every major campaign of the Revolutionary War. The 3/172nd Infantry Company of the Rhode Island National Guard, or Mountain Company to many, was redesignated three times over the past three years since its service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. First, it was attached to the New Mexico Army National Guard as C Company, 1/200th Infantry. Then it became known as C Company, 1/294th Infantry, attached to the Guam National Guard. Finally, in early 2009 it was redesignated as Alpha Troop, 1/182nd Cavalry, attached to the Massachusetts Army National Guard. The 181st and 182nd Infantry Regiments trace their lineage
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to the Middlesex Brigade that fought the British at Lexington, Concord, and along the battle road back to Boston. On Oct. 4, 2009, elements of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry, commemorated their lineage by marching 12 miles from the Minuteman Visitors Center in Lexington, Mass., to the Minuteman Monument at Concord Bridge. There they were greeted by Lt. Col. Arthur Elbthal, commander of the 1/182nd Infantry, and the battalion colors. The colors bear the most battle streamers of any unit in the United States military. After a brief speech on the history of the battalion and its future, the Soldiers continued the 12-mile march, passing numerous monuments to the battle and relic homes of the time. The history and future of the 182nd Infantry and Alpha Company is one of service and courage, and the men never forget where the unit came from, has been, and will be going. Alpha Company is the first of four companies in the newly reorganized 1/182nd Infantry and bears the call sign Avenger.
R.I. National Guard Soldiers Support Military Values AIR VALUE:
Service Before Self Lt. Col. Mathies Santos
On Sept. 1, 2009, Lt. Col. Mathies Santos, commander of the 143rd Force Support Squadron, demonstrated through his actions the Air Force value of service before self. Driving along a busy route 295, Santos could tell by the dust, smoke and brake lights that something had happened on the road ahead. He quickly pulled his car over to assist and came upon a woman who had been thrown from a vehicle that had overturned on the side of the highway. He stayed with her, keeping her calm, until emergency medical personnel arrived. He then assisted with a child who had also been in the vehicle, carrying the child to the safety of medical personnel at the scene. Santos could have just slowed down and driven past the situation, but he didn’t – he did the right thing and made a difference. Lt. Col. Santos deserves a salute for his actions, his core values and his 31 years of dedicated military service.
ARMY VALUE:
Selfless Service Capt. James J. Poland
Selfless Service – Putting the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own. Capt. James J. Poland served in Afghanistan as an Embedded Tactical Trainer for the Afghan National Army in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On Oct. 30, 2007, Poland was part of a dismounted element clearing an area of farm land. During this mission, a rear element was ambushed. Poland directed his group back to provide support. They forded a river to reach the position occupied by the Taliban on the eastern side of the river. Poland and his personnel moved to the village from which they were receiving fire, clearing buildings and securing the compound while calling in airstrikes on the enemy position. Poland’s actions reflect his commitment to the Army’s core values, especially selfless service.
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By Sgt. Peter Ramaglia
As the 115th Military Police Company boarded the plane, I looked into the Soldiers’ eyes - I saw old friends and new preparing to deploy. They are strong, prepared and will make the Rhode Island National Guard proud during the 115th MP Company’s tour of duty in Cuba. The 115th Military Police Company with members of the 118th Military Police Battalion will be spending their next year at the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay. The mission is primarily force protection and detainee operations. The 115th is one of the most storied Military Police Companies in the National Guard. Their most recent deployment was Operation Iraqi Freedom I 2003-04. During that assignment, the 115th MPs helped
gain control of Al Fallujah, Iraq, under Task Force Enforcer, which awarded them a Valorous Unit Citation. Many of the 115th MPs who once fought alongside Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division and 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Al Fallujah are currently in Cuba with the 115th today. Some members of the 118th Military Police Battalion previously served in Guantanamo Bay in 2002. The Rhode Island National Guard is proud to have units like the 115th and many others. There is no doubt in my mind that the Rhode Island National Guard is by far one of the strongest organizations in the United States today. Boasting one of the highest deployment rates, Rhode Island National Guard Soldiers and
Airmen are trained, ready and strong! Just like the Soldiers of the 115th Military Police Company.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE UPCOMING DEPLOYMENTS:
ON THE HORIZON • In December, approximately 70 members of the 143rd Airlift Wing’s Operations, Mission Support, and Maintenance Groups, Rhode Island Air National Guard, will mobilize and forward deploy to Afghanistan with two of their C-130J military transport aircraft for six months. • Also in December, 16 members of the Logistics Readiness Squadron’s Air Terminal Flight, Rhode Island Air National Guard, will mobilize and deploy to Al Asad Airbase, Iraq, for six months. In 2010, the following units are also scheduled for deployment: • In January 2010, 11 additional members of the 143rd Airlift Wing’s Civil Engineering Squadron will deploy to Baghdad for six months • Approximately 90 members of the 103rd Field Artillery Battalion, Rhode Island Army National Guard, will mobilize and deploy to Kuwait for one year. • Approximately 246 members of Alpha and Bravo Batteries, 103rd Field Artillery Battalion, will also deploy to Afghanistan for one year. • Approximately 135 members of the 1207th Forward Support Company, Rhode Island Army National Guard, will activate and deploy to a location yet to be determined for a period of one year. • Approximately 105 members of A Company 1/182nd Infantry will mobilize and deploy to a location yet to be determined for a period of one year. Both the Army and Air National Guard continue to answer the call for numerous individual deployment requests.
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Ocean State Guardian / Fall/Winter 2009