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Rhode Island National Guard
The Ocean State Guardian Summer 2010
National Guard responds to floods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Commander’s Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Guard flood response, support well appreciated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
The Governor of Rhode Island and the Captain General of the Rhode Island National Guard
One team, one fight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
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 and Deputy Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard
Brig. Gen. Brian W. Goodwin Commander, Joint Force Headquarters, Rhode Island National Guard
Brig. Gen. Matthew J. Dzialo
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RIEMA Director Dave Smith and Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray on Monday, March 30. Photo: Lt. Col. Bruce Fletcher The Ocean State Guardian 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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Summer 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard
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National Guard responds to floods By Command Chief Master Sgt. Lori Ashness
As sure as the hands of time, the National Guard response can always be counted on. Before reports of the largest rain storm in history hit the news, the Rhode Island National Guard was setting up operations. Calls were coming in daily from National Guard members asking if they could be of any assistance, and all were told to stand by until the official call came in. As is the way of the Army and Air National Guard, assistance provided to the state is as critical as assistance provided to the nation. Many Guard members had to leave their flooding homes in the hands of family members and neighbors because they were activated to assist on a larger scale. And in the National Guard fashion, Service Before Self was prevalent, as approximately 600 members of the Army and Air National Guard responded to the request for services needed around the state. From sandbagging, monitoring dams, transporting homeowners, manning the operations center and directing traffic, National Guard members were out 24/7 assisting Rhode Islanders in their time of need. Many Guard members and their families were affected by the flood, and like many in the state, continue cleanup efforts. Many military families called the Family Programs Center for contact numbers and information. Numerous stories abound about Guard members who were not activated but stepped up and volunteered to help neighbors, veterans in the state, as well as family members and friends. It just goes to show that National Guard members are not just “the military,” but “the community” as well. As always, the National Guard is quick to respond:
Always Ready, Always There.
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Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2010
Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray Adjutant General, Commanding General Rhode Island National Guard
The rain and flooding of the week of March 21, 2010, followed by even heavier rain and flooding March 29, prompted the mobilization of the Rhode Island National Guard in support of the already deployed Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency March 30. The largest flood disaster in the history of the state followed. The two agencies under the Office of the Adjutant General joined in the response to support the people of Rhode Island by a multi-agency and multi-jurisdiction response. Local first responders were assisted by the state agencies of the Department of Environmental Management, the Department of Transportation, the State Police, the Department of Health, and the National Guard. The response and recovery were later joined by a sizeable contingent from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Coast Guard, the American Red Cross, a multitude of other nongovernmental agencies, private contractors, as well as commercial and private businesses. In the end the state suffered
significant personal, government and commercial property loss. The extent and total dollar amount is still being calculated, but will certainly reach the $100 million mark. At the end of the day, however, there was no loss of life. That alone speaks to the well-orchestrated and successful response by the multiple agencies that came to the aid of the citizens of Rhode Island. The floods put to the test our many systems and networks. The spirit of cooperation and teamwork demonstrated by all was pervasive. It was the reason a very rapid response and an aggressive collective recovery effort took place. The presence and support of our governor, congressional and legislative representatives, along with a personal visit by Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, reassured Rhode Islanders that their needs would be met. Perhaps most notable during the flood was the out-pouring of care and assistance by the people of Rhode Island for each other. I witnessed several occasions where Rhode Islanders offered lodging for the displaced and
food for the responders. Recovery, a return to normal, repair of infrastructure, and assistance to home owners and business are most certain with those ingredients. I am proud of the men and women of the Rhode Island National Guard and Emergency Management Agency. They worked very long hours, were exposed to very cold and contaminated water, and were totally dedicated, professional and committed to their duties, as well as the good and welfare of the people they serve. I look forward to working with you as well as our nongovernmental agencies and private partners in the recovery process. There are yet many of our citizens and businesses in need. We have much to do, as the recovery process is the most time- consuming effort. Finally, you can be proud of the part you played in this effort. Sleep well knowing you have made a difference for the people of Rhode Island. It is a great day in Rhode Island. HOOAH!
Commander’s Column I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the Rhode Island National Guard Soldiers and Airmen for the crucial role you played in the support to the citizens of this great state during the recent flooding. Your professionalism, dedication and determination were truly magnificent. Throughout this entire event, you proved and demonstrated that the Rhode Island National Guard is a highly proficient and organized organization and that, when called upon, we can handle any and all tasks requested and assigned. The protection of life and property is paramount during any
crisis, and the support you rendered to the local communities played a key role in the preservation of life and property. I want to thank you again for your outstanding performance during the recent flood emergency and thank you for your continued service to the Rhode Island National Guard. Brig. Gen. Brian Goodwin Assistant Adjutant General for Army and Deputy Commanding General, Rhode Island National Guard
Summer 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Lt. Christopher Moroski addresses Janet Napolitano,
Secretary of Homeland Security, Gov. Donald Carcieri, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Patrick Kennedy before taking them on an aerial tour of the affected areas. The pilots of the 1/126th Aviation Regiment flew several missions supporting aerial surveys during the flood operations. Photo: Tech. Sgt. Jason Long
Guard flood response, support well appreciated Command Sgt. Maj. John J. McDonough IV, State Command Sergeant Major, RIARNG
Over the last several weeks, no matter where I go in uniform, the public response is the same: “Thank you for what you do.” As with all state emergencies, the Guard was there. This time, the collaborative effort between Army and Air Guard, along with numerous other state agencies such as the Emergency Management Agency, Department of Transportation, Rhode Island State Police, Department of Environmental Management and many others, contributed to the safe resolution of an emergency such as Rhode Island has not seen in many years. For several days prior to and following the creeping rain storm which created massive flooding, members of the Rhode Island National Guard were engaged in operations to neutralize flood damage and provide support to the citizens of Rhode Island. Wherever there was a need for intervention, the Guard was there. Whether supporting state
and municipal first responders working traffic circulation points, at critical road junctures, on highways, and neighborhood streets with state and local police and fire, or distribution and placement of sandbags in crucial flood plain areas, we were there. The presence of our Soldiers and Airmen within our communities lent a comfort level to our citizens with the message: you are not alone; we are here to support you. Many of our Soldiers and Airmen sacrificed their own needs to help mitigate the losses of so many others. Countless men and women of the Guard were affected by the storm. Many did not return home to tend their own storm-related issues until the state returned to normal. 24/7 operations continued throughout the storm, which placed our Guardsmen in torrential rain. Many provided assistance while in waist- (or “waste” in some cases) high water.
Through it all, the motivation, professionalism and can-do attitude of our Guardsmen were second to none. The contribution you made in limiting storm damage and toward the rescue and safety of those in high risk areas cannot be overstated. So while you are walking through your local store or market, pumping gas or waiting in line at Dunkin’ Donuts, and you are approached by the public thanking you for your service, acknowledge them for their appreciation and know you make a difference. I thank each and every one of you for your service in the Rhode Island National Guard, for your outstanding support during this trying operation, and for displaying to the citizens and elected state leadership that we are ready, we are relevant, we are the Rhode Island National Guard.
One team, one fight The forecast for March 30, 2010, called for rain, lots of it. Like many Rhode Islanders, I figured it’s just a rain storm, not a hurricane, not an ice storm and not a blizzard. How bad can it be? The answer came soon after the skies opened and the prediction for rainfall continued to grow. With the ground already saturated from the previous week’s rain and the reservoirs and lakes already full, there was no place for the water to go. It had to go somewhere, and we soon found out that in many cases that was in basements and houses. Who could have imagined or predicted rivers cresting over nine feet above flood stages, flooding that happens only once every couple hundred years, or flooding that would threaten dams and bridges and would inundate whole neighborhoods. Flooding that would shut down Route 95, threaten to close Route 295 and leave sewage treatment plants completely under water. The call went out, and the Rhode Island National Guard answered. After all, this is the home game. These are our families, friends and neighbors who need our help. There was a constant stream of information from units and individuals
By Brig. Gen. Matthew Dzialo
into the Joint Operations Center updating status of personnel and equipment and asking the question, “Where do you need us?” At the height of the flood, we had in excess of 600 R.I. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen in support of over 47 missions dealing with traffic control, sandbag operations, rescue operations and aerial survey. Many more were anxiously awaiting assignment, ready to get into the fight. Standing by the phone at home, standing by in their armories or standing by to launch a C-130 for whatever mission came their way. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Rhode Island National Guard men and women for your service to the state. Your training, professionalism and pride were noted by the citizens of Rhode Island who feel great comfort in times of need knowing that the R.I. National Guard is on duty. We know that we are a world class organization, and this historical event demonstrated that fact to the entire state. Thank you. Summer 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano,
along with Rhode Island leadership, stand united at a press conference on April 2, 2010. Photo: Tech. Sgt. Jason Long
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Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2010
Summer 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2010
Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray
and Gov. Donald Carcieri walk together after flying over the areas affected by flood waters. The cooperation of multiple state, federal, and private organizations is essential to ensuring a speedy recovery for Rhode Island. Photo: Tech Sgt. Jason Long
Summer 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Governor Carcieri,
RIEMA Public Information Officer Steve Kass and Maj. Gen. Bray discuss the emerging situation. Photo: Lt. Col. Bruce Fletcher
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Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2010
Military personnel
assigned to the 24/7 RING Joint Operations Center. Photo: Lt. Col. Bruce Fletcher
Summer 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2010
Members of the Rhode Island
Army National Guard assist residents of Westerly, RI in evacuations. Photo: Tech Sgt. Jason Long
Summer 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Governor Donald Carcieri
assesses flood levels and damaged property during an aerial survey aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter. Photo: Tech Sgt. Jason Long
The Warwick Mall under water at the height of flooding. Photo: Master Sgt. John MacDonald
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Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2010
Summer 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Rough waters.
A tractor trailer truck attempts to drive over a flooded roadway. Photo: Master Sgt. John MacDonald
Summer 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard
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FEMA sets up a mobile
disaster response center in Warwick, RI.
Photo: Lt. Col. Bruce Fletcher
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Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2010
Personnel
assigned to the 24/7 RIEMA Emergency Operations Center. Photo: Lt. Col. Bruce Fletcher
Maj. Tammaro reviews Col. Joe Rooney, Col. Mark Habershaw and Lt. Col. Lisa Meriwether in the RING Joint Operations center. Photo: Lt. Col. Bruce Fletcher
regulations while acting as the U.S. Property and Fiscal Office liaison at the Joint Operations Center, a hub to direct and manage RI National Guard involvement during the flood control operations.
Photo: Master Sgt. John McDonald
Summer 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2010
Maj. John McDonald
looks out to monitor the water levels while evacuating some residents in Westerly, R.I. The vehicle, a light medium tactical vehicle, has wheels that are more than three feet high. Photo: Tech. Sgt. Jason Long
Summer 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Sgt. Joseph Spinelli surveys the damage from the flood waters degrading the integrity of ground under the road.
Photo by: Spc Michael Sherman
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Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2010
The Raging Blackstone River batters the Thunder Mist Dam in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Photo: Master Sgt. John MacDonald
Summer 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2010
A ood of historical proportions. Flood waters cripple shops near the Warwick Mall. Photo: Master Sgt. John McDonald
Summer 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard
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A Rhode Island Army National
Guard member mans a traffic control point during flood operations. The Guard assisted state and local police with traffic control throughout the state.
Photo: Master Sgt. John MacDonald
Spc. Rosario
, from Alpha Co, 1/182nd IN, guards a closed bridge around Laurel Street, Coventry area. Soldiers worked with local law enforcement to keep areas that were deemed dangerous off limits to onlookers. Photo: Spc. Michael Sherman
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Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2010
Rhode Island Air National Guard members
work as a team to fill and load sandbags. The sandbags were placed throughout the state to help hold back flood waters. Photo By: Master Sgt. Janeen Miller
Summer 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Rhode Island Army National Guard members safely deliver a Westerly resident’s pet after evacuating them from their home. Photo: Tech Sgt. Jason Long