The Adjutant General visits Afghanistan
Remembering
9/11
First Lady meets military spouses
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE LEAPFEST COMPETITION!
www.ri.ng.mil
Rhode Island National Guard
The Ocean State Guardian Winter 2011
The Governor of Rhode Island and the Captain General of the Rhode Island National Guard
Adjutant General of the state of Rhode Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Thank you for your dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Strategic thinking will keep us sharp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Emphasizing the commander’s intent: standards and discipline . . . . . . . . . . 4 The basics – standards and discipline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Brig. Gen. Goodwin speaks at Bristol Fire Department 9/11 Memorial . . . . 7 C-130Js improve Bagram’s airlift, airdrop capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
The Honorable Lincoln D. Chafee The Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard
Maj. Gen. Kevin McBride 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. Marcus Jannitto Assistant Adjutant General for Air Rhode Island National Guard
Brig. Gen. Paul L. Ayers Managing Editor State Public Affairs Officer
Lt. Col. Denis Riel Public Affairs Specialists
Sgt. Megan Burmeister Sgt. Peter Ramaglia Public Affairs Office (401) 275-4038
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102nd Network Warfare Squadron dedicates building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Adjutant General visits Afghanistan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Leapfest 29 competition photos and winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Netherlands airborne exercise commemorates WWII Operation Market Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Guard members assist in Hurricane Irene recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Collective strength in New England Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Quonset Fire Department conducts life saving training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Operation Immersion educates health care providers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is a thing of the past. What now? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Michelle Obama meets military spouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Female military members and families self-defense and empowerment class . . 24 PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE • (401) 275-4038 • ngristaffpao@ng.army.mil
ON THE COVER
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Cover photo by Sgt. Peter Ramaglia, Public Affairs Specialist
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
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.
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Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island Maj. Gen. Kevin McBride, Adjutant General, Commanding General, Rhode Island National Guard
Changing Times Suit National Guard It has been an eventful year in the Department of Defense community, and change is something we in the National Guard world are always prepared to engage. From the probability of staggering defense cuts, to the sponsorship for the National Guard Empowerment Act by the majority of the Senate, to the recent announcement by President Obama that we are pulling all of our troops out of Iraq by Dec. 31, 2011, it is apparent that the future will bring a series of changes to the DoD which will have a profound impact on the National Guard. As you may have read, the president is contemplating nearly one-half
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trillion dollars in defense cuts over the next 10 years. Defense Secretary Panetta is reviewing and evaluating this initiative and has tasked the Joint Chiefs of Staff to begin the work of deciding where, when, and how those cuts will take place. However this initiative will be resolved in Congress, it is apparent that defense cuts, in some way, shape, or form, are inevitable. Traditionally, the Guard has fared well in difficult financial times. But given our proven utility these past 10 years, and the incredibly costeffective price tag associated with our service, the Guard is positioned to survive these cuts as a combatproven and essential part of our national security plan. I am confident that the impact here in Rhode Island will be minimal, as we have done an effective job of structuring our forces for viability. This is evidenced by Rhode Island having the second highest per-capita deployment rate among the 54 states and territories. The value of the Guard, as a proven force multiplier and full partner in the operational warfight, has not gone unnoticed in Congress either. In a historic move, fully 61 of the Senate’s 100 senators have co-sponsored the National Guard Empowerment Act, which will provide for a seat at the Joint Chiefs of Staff table for the chief of the National Guard Bureau. Whether this act is approved or not, its consideration clearly adds credibility and recognition to the new and essential role of the National Guard, post 9/11. Lastly, as Iraq draws down, we are watching for the fate of our Army aviators, of whom 27 are currently in Iraq, and an additional 130 or so are slated for deployment to the AOR. Clearly, it appears that the overall operational tempo for the DoD as a whole may
decrease. We should not assume that our tempo will decrease as a result. It is imperative that we remain focused and prepared to answer our nation’s call in the same effective and distinguished manner we have for the past 10 years. This announcement, however, does give us a minute to pause and take stock of our distinguished record of service during both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Whether it was our Army special forces company, military police brigade units, Army aviation units, field artillery, engineer, or infantry companies; or whether it was all military specialties within our Air National Guard ranks who have consistently deployed to Iraq as part of the Air Force’s expeditionary forces model, Rhode Islanders have forever left their mark on a free and democratic Iraq. We remain ever mindful of the supreme sacrifice made by four members of the Rhode Island National Guard in Iraq: Staff Sgt. Joseph Camara, Sgt. Charles Caldwell, Sgt. Christopher Potts and Spc. Michael Andrade. Their memories and the needs of their families remain in our thoughts perpetually. The key to our continued success will be, in the words of U.S. Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Raymond Odierno: a true and unwavering dedication to STANDARDS, DISCIPLINE, and FITNESS. These are the timeless cornerstones which will position the RI National Guard for viability well into the future, regardless of the changing structure of the military. A mentally, morally, and physically fit force disciplined enough to adhere to rigid standards will always live up to our timeless motto: Always Ready, Always There!
Thank you for your dedication Once again I find myself saying thank you to the men and women of the Rhode Island National Guard. As we close out Fiscal Year 2011 and begin another, the Rhode Island National Guard has met every challenge that has come its way. Throughout FY11 the RI Guard deployed over 600 personnel to all corners of the world—Kuwait, Afghanistan, Africa and numerous other locations. We also welcomed home the 103rd Field Artillery Battalion from their yearlong deployment. As I write this we are getting ready to send more RI Guard members into harm’s way: the 1/126th Aviation Battalion; C/143rd Infantry Company; A Company, 126th Aviation; Company D, 126th; the 169th MP Company and the 1913th CTR, representing approximately 500 more RI Guard members. While all this is going on, we also welcomed in a new adjutant general/commanding general as well as responded to Hurricane Irene where approximately 400 National Guard members responded and assisted the local and state leadership through an extremely difficult situation. The professionalism, devotion to duty and dedication of the men and women of the RI National Guard continues to be exceptional, and the senior leadership cannot thank
you enough for all that you and your families endure. You, Soldier or Airman, are part of a very exclusive group of American citizens. Of the recruitable age group within the United States, only 10 percent can attempt to join the military. Of that 10 percent, only 3 percent try, and of the 3 percent that try, only 1 percent succeeds, making you men and women in uniform not only part of a very exclusive group, but also the people whose shoulders the freedoms and our way of life rest upon. To quote President Ronald Reagan: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Again, thank you. The sacrifices made by you and your families are tremendous and will never be forgotten by this command. Brig. Gen. Brian Goodwin Assistant Adjutant General for Army and Deputy Commanding General, Rhode Island National Guard
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Strategic thinking will keep us sharp By Brig. Gen. Paul L. Ayers, RIANG Assistant Adjutant General for Air
The Rhode Island National Guard needs critical thinking at the tactical, operational, and strategic level. A variety of definitions describe these terms. For the context of this article, I suggest we define tactical as very short term—hours, days, or weeks; operational as medium term—several weeks or months, to one to two years; and strategic as long range—three to five years and beyond. As leaders, we face getting trapped into thinking in tactical and operational time horizons and never focus on a strategic horizon. It’s very easy to get bogged down dealing with day-to-day issues and never inspire change and improvement. Every day we face challenges and the constant eruption of brush fires that can and will consume all of our time. Avoiding this trap requires conscious planning. Long-
range strategic planning should address our Soldiers and Airmen, our roles and missions, and our partnerships with the community, state agencies, FEMA region states, etc. The RING has some great examples of strategic visionary thinking. During the more than 20-year history of the RING Open House and Air Show, it has developed from a weekend display of military hardware to one of the premier air show events in the country. This wasn’t handed to the RING on a silver platter or directed from higher headquarters. Our air show’s two-time win of the Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award is the result of strategic thinking, thoughtful planning, and partnering with many agencies. The same deliberate strategic planning process needs to occur when developing our future force. Our
commanders need to be able to look into their units and determine who will lead in three to five years and beyond. Then they must ensure that these Airmen and Soldiers get the right experiences, the appropriate level of responsibility and leadership, and the right mix of civilian and military education. The organization must have an overall force development plan looking out beyond the next set of commanders. Then active mentorship and effective performance feedback will yield excellence. The RING arguably has some of the finest fighting forces in the U.S. Army and Air Force. Become part of the strategic planning process, and you can rest assured the excellence will continue long after you.
Emphasizing the commander’s intent: standards and discipline By Command Sgt. Maj. John J. McDonough IV, 5th State Command Sergeant Major, RIARNG
As Maj. Gen. McBride settles into the position of our commanding general and adjutant general, his intent and guidance to the Rhode Island National Guard is very clear. From his assumption of command, his motto has become most obvious, “Standards and Discipline.” This motto is not new for the general—he has promulgated his battle cry as the commander of the 56th Troop Command and later as commander of the 43rd Military Police Brigade. Standards and discipline support the Army Values, and the Air Force Core Values. Without standards and discipline, even branch values cannot be maintained. 4
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Standards A standard is an accepted measure of comparison for quantitative or qualitative value, an object that under specified conditions defines, represents or records the magnitude of a unit. Organizations with high standards exceed the normal. They are the units with the highest proficiency ratings. They are the most tactically and technically competent, and experience excellent morale. Every task we do in the military has an established standard. Field manuals, technical manuals, Soldier’s manuals—all give the conditions of a task and the minimum task steps which need to be successfully accomplished
to meet the standard. We in military uniform need not guess about what’s expected of us to accomplish the mission because it is clearly defined in printed military doctrine. Our NCO corps has the responsibility to ensure that standards are known, understood, and accomplished. When substandard performance is witnessed, it is also our responsibility to take corrective action. There are standards on how we wear the uniform, clean our assigned weapons and vehicles, our battle tasks, etc. We must be vigilant in upholding and enforcing the
standards, and in doing so, we will be well-disciplined. Discipline Military discipline is a state of order and obedience existing within a command. It involves the ready subordination of an individual’s will to the good of the group. Discipline is created within a command by instilling a sense of confidence and responsibility in each individual. Discipline directly affects a Soldier’s conduct, and it affects every aspect of military life. Discipline demands
correct performance of duty. Discipline is taking corrective action even when unpopular. The breakdown of standards is a by-product of lack of discipline. Discipline is doing the right thing all time, not just when someone is watching. Examples of good discipline are policing each other’s gigs, making on-the-spot corrections, being on time, military bearing and courtesy, proper wear of the uniform, demonstrating self-control. Often the lack of discipline is the leader’s lack of fortitude in exercising it. Take disciplinary action when required.
Counsel as required. Negative actions left uncorrected will undermine authority and corrode morale. I challenge all leaders to be disciplined, responsible and accountable. Our Soldiers and Airmen expect to be wellled. Let’s not disappoint them. As Maj. Gen. McBride makes his way around the state, inspecting facilities, observing training, and talking to Soldiers and Airmen, you will hear the general talk about this important priority of enforcing standards and discipline. We leaders know his intent—let the demonstration begin.
The basics – standards and discipline Command Chief Master Sergeant Lori A. Ashness
Our new TAG, Maj. Gen. Kevin McBride, speaking at roll call on the September 2011 UTA, made his message and expectations very clear: “Over-and-above, standards and discipline.” Something not to be overlooked in any aspect is following the standards and discipline that got us to where we are. The Rhode Island Air National Guard is a highly qualified, highly decorated, highly relevant and missionready organization known worldwide. This status did not come about without a tremendous amount of dedication, discipline and hard work by every member of the organization focusing on standards at every level. What is needed now is a rededication to those standards and the discipline to get us to the next level. We cannot rest on our laurels, but must look at everything we are doing in keeping each other accountable, being a good wingman, suggesting efficiencies and looking to the future operations
of the RIANG. We need to question ourselves: Am I adhering to the current standards both personally and professionally? Am I giving 110 percent? Am I looking to the future and socializing ideas that could be integrated into the current process? Am I sharing best practices across the ANG? There are numerous ways that we can go over and above in accomplishing our tasks. This is no ordinary time in our National Guard history. With the current ops tempo and the fact that the National Guard and Reserve make up 51 percent of all personnel in the AOR, we are a highly visible asset to our state and nation’s defense—certainly an honor and privilege, but also an extraordinary responsibility. With such extraordinary responsibility comes the opportunity to excel. Are you excelling?
Maj. Gen. Kevin. R McBride, Adjutant General and commanding general of the Rhode Island National Guard, and Lt. Col. Vivian Caruolo, staff judge advocate of the Rhode Island National Guard, attended the Rhode Island Bar Association’s September House of Delegates meeting to thank the association for its excellent volunteer member and staff efforts on behalf of those serving in the military and their families. Coordinated with the attorney-advisor at the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, volunteer attorneys directly represent military personnel, accepting civil law cases including family law, probate issues, landlord/tenant, real estate, contracts, consumer, bankruptcy, collections, employment, immigration/naturalization, and income tax. Direct referrals are received, and cases are also referred through the Judge Advocate General, recruiting offices, the local United States Veterans Administration, the Rhode Island Veterans Home, Rhode Island social service agencies and the Rhode Island Homeless Legal Clinic.
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The Bristol Fire Department’s 9/11 Memorial shows a piece of debris from the World Trade Center wrapped in the steel beam. Photo: Army Sgt. Peter Ramaglia
A Bristol volunteer firefighter closes her eyes during the opening prayer at the Bristol Fire Department’s 9/11 Memorial ceremony.
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Brig. Gen. Goodwin speaks at
Bristol Fire Dept. 9/11 Memorial By Spc. Michael Iacona
Brig. Gen. Brian Goodwin, Assistant Adjutant General of Rhode Island and deputy commanding general for the Rhode Island Army National Guard, was a guest speaker Sept. 11 at the Bristol Fire Department’s 9/11 Memorial dedication ceremony in Bristol. The memorial monument is to remember those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the nation since. The monument consists of a steel beam that rests on two granite columns ringed by a pentagon-shaped bed of stone. The steel beam was once part of the Twin Towers. Wrapped in the folds of the beam are shreds of paper and debris from
the World Trade Center. It shows an image of the north and south towers and the Pentagon as they stood that day. “You will see that the steel may bend and twist, but it will never break,” said Ken Marshall, chair of Bristol Town Council. Since Oct. 7, 2001, more than 500,000 National Guardsmen have deployed in support of the Global War on Terror. Approximately 6,000 of them were from Rhode Island. Rhode Island has paid a very dear price since 9/11, Goodwin said. Twenty four of its service members gave the ultimate sacrifice, four of them being from the Rhode Island National Guard. About the images of 9/11, Goodwin said they should be shown twice a day, every day, to remind people of what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. “Please don’t ever lose your support for those young men and women wearing the uniform over there in those countries, trying to defend the freedoms that we have here today,” said Goodwin. “If we don’t take it to them, they’re going to take it to us.”
A father stands with his two boys explaining what the memorial is and what it means to everyone at the Bristol Fire Department’s 9/11 Memorial dedication ceremony. Photo: Staff Sgt. William Andrewsa
Brig. Gen. Brian Goodwin, Assistant Adjutant General of Rhode Island and deputy commanding general for the Rhode Island Army National Guard, speaks to councilmen, volunteer firefighters, and civilians in attendance at the Bristol Fire Department’s 9/11 Memorial dedication ceremony in Bristol on Sept. 11, 2011.
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C-130JS IMPROVE BAGRAM’S AIRLIFT, AIRDROP CAPABILITIES Excerpted from an article by Staff Sgt. John Wright
The 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron recently filled its ranks with almost two dozen C-130J Hercules aircraft and a full complement of aircrews, as two new units “relieved in place” to constitute the squadron. The new units included members of the 143rd Airlift Wing from Quonset Air National Guard Base in North Kingstown, R.I. “The J makes my job much easier,” Master Sgt. Jessica Barry, a Pawtucket native, said. “We have a computer that controls our load plan. We also have electric locks as opposed to ratchet locks. It’s a very efficient ‘push button’ system.” As a loadmaster, Barry is responsible for configuring and overseeing the loading of people and cargo onto the aircraft. However, even though the J model makes the job easier, Senior Airman James Mitchell removes an engine cowling on a C-130J Hercules aircraft from the 774th Barry said the job has unique challenges in Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Bagram Sept. 20 as Tech. Sgt. Wayne Warner looks on. Both Airmen are 774 Afghanistan. EAS maintainers. Mitchell hails from North Kingston, R.I., while Warner is a native of Warwick, R.I. Ordinarily, the cargo and airdrop bundles are planned well in advance, and a computer comes up with how it should be loaded on the aircraft. “We do everything from servicing hydraulic fluid to liquid “In this deployed environment, we get a lot of last-minute oxygen,” Sturtevant said. “Basically, we look at the entire requests to add cargo,” Barry said. “So, we have to manually aircraft and its systems.” figure out how to accommodate the additional weight. We The 20-year veteran said the challenges of his job include don’t mind, though. It’s very rewarding knowing we’re getting parts supply and high operations tempo, but, like Barry, he the troops on the ground what they need.” diligently works through the problems. He said, in the end he While Willson and Barry constitute the aircrew, the people finds the job highly rewarding. who make sure the planes are fit to fly are maintainers like “I love watching these planes fly, knowing I’m helping the Master Sgt. Jason Sturtevant, C-130J crew chief and a guys on the ground,” he said. “I feel like I’m directly contributing Warwick native. to the fight. I also take pride in keeping my aircrews safe.” As a maintainer, Sturtevant services and works on any The above is excerpted from a longer article available online at http://www.bagram.afcent.af.mil/news/story. discrepancies on the aircraft. He performs preflight, postasp?id=123272758 flight and through-flight inspections. (Caption above) C-130J Hercules aircraft from the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron stand ready to be loaded with cargo at Bagram Sept. 20. The C-130J incorporates state-of-the-art technology to reduce manpower requirements and lower operating and support costs. The aircraft’s improved engines enable the J-model to climb faster and higher, fly farther at a higher cruise speed, and take off and land in a shorter distance.
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102nd Network Warfare Squadron dedicates building Story and photo by Sgt. Megan Burmeister
The Rhode Island National Guard’s newest facility, the 102nd Network Warfare Squadron, officially opened for business on Aug. 7, 2011, after a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Maj. Gen. Kevin R. McBride, the Adjutant General of Rhode Island and the Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard, attended the ceremony. The $5 million Special Operations Training Facility gives the 102nd NWS more than 14,000 square feet of space and provides them with a vastly improved capability to execute their primary mission of cyber-defense. The facility includes more than 7,000 square feet of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility space. This enables National Guardsmen to have a secure, classified environment in which to perform duties of defending against computer network attacks. The 102nd NWS, chartered in 2003 as one of the Air Force’s first cyber-defense squadrons, has provided critical cyber network defense to Department of Defense customers spanning the globe. The acquisition of this facility positions the Rhode Island Air National Guard for future expansion in what is certainly the Air Force’s largest growth industry—cyber-warfare.
Lt. Col. Erick Olsen, commander of the 102nd Network Warfare Squadron, presents Sen. Jack Reed with a plaque to commemorate his efforts in obtaining funding for the unit’s new state-of-the-art training facility at Quonset Air Guard Base in North Kingstown, R.I. The acquisition of this facility positions the Rhode Island Air National Guard for future expansion in what is certainly the Air Force’s largest growth industry: cyber-warfare.
“This facility marks the Rhode Island Air National Guard as a key player in the burgeoning world of cyber-warfare. Ten years of experience and a first-rate operational facility postures this unit, and our state, for future success, and growth, in the cyber-warfare arena,” McBride said.
PARWAN M. Huber Force 43 general, T Island Arm deputy b Police Br Maj. Gen General, Rhode Is overall la
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PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan—U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kevin R. McBride, Rhode Island National Guard Adjutant General, greets Soldiers from the 1/182nd Infantry Regiment, Rhode Island Army National Guard, Oct. 14, 2011, during a meal at the dining facility in Camp Sabalu-Harrison, Bagram Air Base.. Defense Dept. photo: U.S. Army Spc. Timothy J. Cordeiro
The Adjutant General visits Afghanistan Defense Dept. photos by U.S. Army Spc. Timothy J. Cordeiro PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan—U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Keith M. Huber, commanding general, Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435; U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Charles E. Petrarca, commanding general, Task Force Protector, 43rd Military Police Brigade, Rhode Island Army National Guard; and U.S. Army Col. James Vartanian, deputy brigade commander, Task Force Protector, 43rd Military Police Brigade, Rhode Island Army National Guard; brief U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kevin R. McBride, Rhode Island National Guard Adjutant General, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. John McDonough, Rhode Island state command sergeant major, Oct. 14, 2011, on the overall layout of the Detention Facility In Parwan.
PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan—U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Charles E. Petrarca, commanding general, Task Force Protector, 43rd Military Police Brigade, Rhode Island Army National Guard, briefs U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kevin R. McBride, Rhode Island National Guard Adjutant General, Oct. 14, 2011, on a modular detainee housing unit at the Detention Facility in Parwan. McBride is responsible for the mission readiness of all Rhode Island National Guard units for both federal and state missions. The DFIP, a state-of-the-art theater internment facility, was completed in September 2009 and occupied by detainees in late December 2009. The DFIP is equipped with a medical facility, on-site family visitation center, vocational facilities and educational classrooms. The design of the DFIP accommodates detainee reintegration efforts and enables Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435 to better align detainee operations with the overall strategy to defeat the extremist insurgency in Afghanistan.
PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan—U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kevin R. McBride, Rhode Island National Guard Adjutant General, promotes U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Callanan, Task Force Protector, 43rd Military Police Brigade, Rhode Island Army National Guard, Oct. 14, 2011, while visiting Soldiers at Bagram Air Base.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE LEAPFEST COMPETITION! FIRST PLACE UNITED STATES TEAM: TEAM 13, THE MARYLAND RIGGER DETACHMENT!
FIRST PLACE INTERNATIONAL TEAM: TEAM 47, THE 3RD BATTALION PRINCESS PATRICIA’S CANADIAN LIGHT INFANTRY (TEAM 1 OF 2)!
FIRST PLACE INDIVIDUAL TIME: SGT. KEITH RIENDAEU OF C CO 1-143RD INFANTRY (AIRBORNE) RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD!
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Netherlands airborne exercise commemorates WWII Operation Market Garden • Saturday –
Soldiers from the Rhode Island Army National Guard arrived at Heathrow Airport Saturday morning, Sept. 10, 2011, for Exercise Operation Market Garden Exchange with 144th Parachute Medical Squadron (Volunteers), United Kingdom. We traveled north of London to the armory in Hornsey for chow and briefings on what the training would be for the next nine days. After the briefings, everyone got their cot and set up their sleeping area on the drill shed floor, which would be our “home” for the next few days. • Sunday – We attended “Remembering with Hope,” a service to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States of America and the twentieth anniversary of the Firefighter’s Memorial Trust at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. Sunday afternoon we had weapons familiarization with the British SA-80, L-85, and A-2 rifle in preparation for range fire on Monday morning. • Monday – We traveled to Pirbright Army Training Center to conduct weapons firing with their SA-80 rifle. We then visited and received a quick tour of the grounds of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, a British Army officer initial training center located in Sandhurst, Berkshire, England. We then returned to Hornsey to clean our weapons before turning them back in. • Tuesday – We were given a “land navigation” exercise in central London. The exercise gave us the opportunity to see some famous London landmarks. The objectives were to use the London public transport system, the tube, and to gain a better understanding of British history. There were 10 locations to visit and a question to answer at each one. The winning group received a gift from 144th Parachute Squadron after a winner-take-all question. • Wednesday – We traveled to the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, near Cambridge and the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial. It is the only permanent American WW II military cemetery in the British Isles and was dedicated on July 16, 1956. Most of the 3,812 American servicemen buried here were crew members of British-based American aircraft. Here our senior officer and one of our junior enlisted Soldiers placed a wreath of poppy flowers, on behalf of our group, on the gravesite of Pfc. Giacomo Martorana, 116th Infantry, 29th Division, from Rhode Island, who was killed on D-Day, June 6, 1944. • Thursday – The trip took us to Dover, where our vans were driven onto the train to travel under the English Channel on the 14
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Channel Train (aka Chunnel) arriving near Calais, France. In Bastogne we visited the Mardasson Memorial, a stark memorial to the 76,890 American Soldiers killed, wounded or missing in the Battle of the Bulge. Downtown we met up with some WWII veterans and shared stories, as they were on a civilian WWII tour. We stopped in the small town of Oosterbeek, Netherlands, where we found a nice open field to stay the night under the stars. • Friday At our barracks in Harskamp, Netherlands, we attended a manifest call and jump refresher and familiarization with the chutes. • Saturday – At Eindhoven Airport, the jumpers donned their chutes and waited for the aircraft to take them to the Ginkelse Heide drop zone, the furthest DZ from the bridge at Arnhem. The commemorative Airborne Jump had 832 jumpers from all the participating countries. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Pedro Jorge explained to a group of 12 students what the training was like and what it felt like to float under the parachute, being able to look around. • Sunday – The 67th Annual Remembrance of “The Battle of Arnhem,” a memorial service at the Arnhem - Oosterbeek War Cemetery for the Allied Forces. Local school children participated by standing by a grave marker. They first recognized the living veterans by raising their flowers, then laid them down on the graves of all fallen military service members. • Monday We said goodbye and thank you to the members of 144th Parachute Squadron for their assistance and training that we received. At the end of the trip, 29 Soldiers had traveled several thousand miles.
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Always ready, Always there:
Guard members assist in Hurricane Irene
recovery
A member of the 115th Military Police Company directs traffic in Providence the day after Hurricane Irene hit. Strong winds and falling trees left traffic lights out throughout the state. Photo: Air Force Master Sgt. John McDonald
An Airman from the 143rd Airlift Wing in Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, R.I. works on a generator. Rhode Island National Guard members not only worried about their homes and communities but also had to ensure the safety and security of armories and military sites throughout Rhode Island.
A Soldier from the 861st Engineer Company starts up a chainsaw to begin to remove a tree that blocked off a road in Providence. Rhode Island’s capital had over 400 trees knocked down as a result of Hurricane Irene.
Soldiers of the 861st Engineer Company survey the damage one tree caused in a street in Providence. The Soldiers of the 861st were able to rapidly clear the roadway for traffic.
By Army Sgt. Megan Burmeister
The preparation began in earnest in the days before Hurricane Irene made landfall. More than 350 Soldiers and Airmen of the Rhode Island National Guard were standing by, ready to act on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011. Once activated, National Guard members joined forces with state and local organizations to aid in the recovery process. Soldiers from the 118th Military Police Battalion and 115th Military Police Company aided state, city and town police in manning traffic control points and directing traffic at downed traffic lights. 16
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“We’re doing good. Everybody’s been cooperating,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Chobanian, an NCO responsible for directing traffic at a downed light in Providence. “We have had no issues.” Soldiers of the 861st Engineer Company assisted towns and cities with downed tree removal. The city of Providence had over 400 trees knocked down during the storm. Part of the Rhode Island National Guard’s dual mission is to support the state of Rhode Island in protecting life and property. Many Soldiers and Airmen set aside their civilian lives in order to help their neighbors and communities.
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Winter 2011 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Collective strength in New England Guard By Staff Sgt. Erin Brogan
As members of the National Guard, we are sensitive to the fact that if our state needs us, we are there to help. It’s more than a job, or even patriotism; it’s personal—it’s about protecting our families and our neighbors. When the call came down from the Maine National Guard that New England was looking to put together a special team to assist each other in the case of an extreme emergency, members of the Rhode Island National Guard jumped at the chance, including 35 personnel from the 143rd Airlift Wing Medical Group and 40 Soldiers from the 861st Engineer Company. “It is very significant to represent Rhode Island as extensively as we are in the region. There are smart, motivated people here. It’s pretty impressive what they do,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Duggan of the 143rd Medical Group. The team is called CERF-P, or CBRNE Emergency Response Force
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Package, and consists of elements from the Rhode Island, Maine, and New Hampshire National Guards. Although agencies currently exist to aid in disaster relief, including triage, none has the capability of triaging with decontamination factors. According to Lt. Col. Manny Holbrook, the New England CERF-P commander with the Maine National Guard, each of the three state Guards brings a particular specialty to the mission: Maine provides command and control; New Hampshire and Rhode Island provide triage and decontamination support. If an incident were to occur that overwhelmed the local and state ability to help its citizens, especially a situation involving contaminants, the team would be requested by the governor and the Adjutant General of that state. “It really provides a capability that is not there now on the local level,”
Holbrook said. “We can bring personnel in full decontamination outfits into a site, into a collapsed structure that is contaminated, and bring those casualties out.” The CERF-P first became tasked in October 2010, leaving a very small window of opportunity to train. Each Soldier and Airman went through extensive training, individually logging approximately 80 hours in seven days. The first time all three states came together for a collective exercise was the week of Aug. 7, 2011, and the second time at their evaluation in October 2011. “They’re doing really well,” said Sgt. 1st Class Shannon Braswell, a CERF-P decontamination noncommissioned officer with the Florida Army National Guard acting in an observation position overseeing the exercise. “They’re picking up really quick and asking the right questions. Everybody is really motivated.”
On Aug. 10, the three states began their first joint exercise, modeled after a potential civilian real-world scenario. Set in Bangor, Maine, to test the response time of the New Hampshire and Rhode Island Guards, a blood bank had an explosion that eventually encompassed a two-mile radius. The scenario became larger than the local fire departments could handle because of medical and chemical contaminants in the air and ground from the hospital and local hardware and grocery stores. Holbrook pointed out just how
impressive the collective efforts of the New England CERF-P truly are. In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, everyday contaminants such as medical waste, insecticides, and industrial chemicals can become deadly for a victim. Each team member has the capability of being on site within a maximum of 12 hours. “Regardless of the contamination, we have the capabilities that if there is a hurricane or flood in the region, we can provide that onsite medical triage,” he said. “We have right here seven
full-time doctors, we have nurses, and we have EMTs. Then we have decontamination personnel that can move casualties, do triage, and then move them on for further care.” “We’re here to support the incident commander, usually the local first responder such as a fire department or whatever the case is. We’re here to support them, under the will of the governor of that state,” Holbrook said. “In natural disasters, if the event has exceeded the local capacity and the governor needs us, we are available.”
Quonset Fire Department
conducts life saving training By Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143d AW/PA
During the first few weeks of September the Quonset Air National Guard Base Fire Department participated in numerous life saving classes. Both Air National Guardsmen and state employees alike attended this important training in order to keep the fire department current and allow it to continue to be the top notch fire department that it is. On Sept. 14 some of the members were given hands-on vehicle extrication training. Vehicle extrication is the process of removing the vehicle from around a person who has been involved in an accident when conventional means of exit are impossible or unadvisable. It is imperative that emergency personnel be properly trained in this process, as a delicate and skilled approach is necessary to minimize injury or further injury to the victim during extrication. The Quonset Fire Department was able to procure vehicles for training purposes, and the members got to work! The training is intense and the tools are heavy and cumbersome. However, despite the unusually warm weather, the Quonset firefighters suited up time and time again to conduct the training properly and completely.
Winter 2011 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Capt. Ross Maher, commander of the 115th Military Police Company, speaks to volunteers about the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle or Humvee, during Operation Immersion. Photo: Army Sgt. Peter Ramaglia
Operation Immersion educates health care providers By Army Sgt. Megan Burmeister
Local community mental health care providers traveled to Camp Fogarty in East Greenwich, R.I., on Sept. 22-23, 2011, to participate in Operation Immersion. Operation Immersion educates providers on the challenges and stresses associated with military service, including traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. “We’re citizen-Soldiers, so many of our National Guardsmen, whether Army or Air, seek treatment within their own communities,” said Staff Sgt. Stephanie Riotte, Operation Immersion coordinator. “Oftentimes these providers do not have a military background and may not understand the challenges Soldiers and Airmen face.” The providers began their day at 5 a.m. when they sweated and shouted their way through an hourlong physical fitness training session. The day continued with weapons familiarization on the M-16A2 assault rifle and exploring some of the equipment, like a Humvee used by 20
Ocean State Guardian / Winter 2011
Leland Wilcox from Farmington, Conn. shows off his Rhode Island National Guard T-shirt after checking in at the Operation Immersion check-in desk Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011. Photo: Army Sgt. Megan Burmeister
“D
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A volunteer does pushups early Friday morning, Sept. 23, during the Operation Immersion physical fitness session. Operation Immersion is an overnight immersion program designed to immerse behavioral health professionals and ATR providers into military culture. Photo: Army Sgt. Peter Ramaglia
the Soldiers and Airmen of the Rhode Island National Guard. Providers learned more about the unique structure of a military environment and the unique stressors service members experience. “It doesn’t even begin to compare to what you go through,” said Maria Sansiveri, R.I. Department of Health employee. “But it is a little bit of an eye opener.”
Capt. Ross Maher, commander of the 115th Military Police Company, speaks to volunteers about the Humvee during Operation Immersion.
“Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is a thing of the past. What now? By Army Sgt. Megan Burmeister
“Don’t ask, don’t tell” was U.S. policy since 1993 on homosexuals serving in the military. For almost 20 years, openly gay and lesbian individuals were restricted from serving. On Sept. 20, 2011, the repeal process of “don’t ask, don’t tell” was completed. The president signed into law a deferred repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” on Dec. 22, 2010. The legislation specified that the policy would be repealed 60 days after the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of Defense and the president certified that the Department of Defense had prepared the necessary policies and regulations. The repeal affects very little of the Department of Defense’s day-to-day activities. All service members are still held to existing standards of conduct, and everyone is responsible for upholding the high standards associated with military service.
One of the main issues is the issue of benefits provided to service members. Service members have always been able to designate a beneficiary of their choosing when it comes to life insurance, thrift savings plan, survivor benefits and hospital visitation access. The Defense of Marriage Act and the existing definition of “dependent” in some laws prohibit extension of many military benefits to same-sex couples—benefits such as health care, housing and transportation allowances. In today’s military, people of different moral and religious values work, live and fight together; this is possible because they treat each other with dignity and respect. Upon repeal, existing standards of conduct will continue to apply to all members, regardless of sexual orientation; all are responsible for upholding our high standards.
A QUICK LOOK What changes: • Members separated under DADT who want to return to the military will be evaluated according to the same criteria and requirements applicable to all others seeking re-entry. • Openly gay or lesbian applicants to the military will be evaluated according to the same criteria and requirements applicable to all others seeking entry into the military. What stays the same: • Standards of conduct will continue to apply to all service members, regardless of sexual orientation. • Living quarters will remain as they are today, and commanders cannot physically segregate members by sexual orientation. • Service members may designate partners as beneficiaries for life insurance, the thrift savings plan and survivor benefits.
Winter 2011 / Rhode Island National Guard
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As part of Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s initiative, Joining Forces, the first lady spent time talking to spouses of military service members Sept. 30 at the Rhode Island National Guard Headquarters in Cranston. Joining Forces is a comprehensive national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. Photos: Army Sgt. Peter Ramaglia
Michelle Obama meets military spouses
By Army Sgt. Megan Burmeister
When Michelle Obama was helping her husband that does not have contact with military service members. campaign for election, she kept running into a group of As part of the meeting, the military spouses chose a topic people she didn’t know very much about. to address with the first lady. Now that she is the first lady of the United States, she Susan Hopkins, wife of Lt. Col. Ellis Hopkins, worked with is spending a lot of time getting to know that group—the families experiencing the frustrations of providing child care spouses of military service members. On Sept. 30, 2011, that can happen when a family member deploys. she met with 15 spouses of service members at the Rhode “They have to pay for child care, and they can’t afford Island National Guard Command Readiness Center in Cranston. Each branch of service was represented, including the Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard. The meeting is part of Mrs. Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative. Joining Forces focuses on three central themes: education, employment, and wellness. The goal is to increase access to the services and opportunities available to service members and families. Joining Forces works to accomplish this by increasing accessibility and education to the 99 percent of the population A banner welcoming the first lady posted outside the main entrance to Joint Force Headquarters. 22
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it,” Hopkins said. “It’s their biggest concern. That is the problem that I wanted to bring to the table.” Through meetings like this, Mrs. Obama increases her understanding of the struggles and sacrifices that military families face. While helping to campaign for her husband, Mrs. Obama became aware of the differences between military families and the rest of the population. “What I realized was that most of us women and mothers were talking about our challenges—trying to balance it all, keep it together, finding good schools for our kids, trying to hold down a job. What I realized was that you all had the same challenges, plus you were dealing with a third or fourth or seventh deployment,” said Mrs. Obama. “Many folks were like me, you know, we don’t live on military bases, we don’t have loved ones in the military. We don’t know those stories, and I vowed then and there that if my husband got elected, that I would use this platform to make sure your stories got heard.” The first lady and Dr. Biden would like interested Americans to get involved in Joining Forces in any way they can. To volunteer or send messages of thanks visit http://www. whitehouse.gov/joiningforces
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First lady Michelle Obama greets spouses of military service members Sept. 30 in the Joint Force Headquarters of the Rhode Island National Guard. The first lady made this one of her two stops during her visit to Rhode Island.
Winter 2011 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Taking Control
Female military members and families take part in self-defense and empowerment class
In a collaborative effort of the Youth Programs coordinator, Laura Paton; Military Family Life Consultant for Youth, Faith LaMunyon; and the Sexual Assault Response coordinator, Chief Master Sgt.Lori Ashness; a self-defense and empowerment class for women and girls was held on Sept. 18, 2011, for military members and their families, resulting in a huge success. The class was instructed by Ann Kuzminsky, a Yale graduate and martial arts and self-defense trainer. For over 30 years, she has been networking with and learning from leaders in women’s anti-violence education through the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation and is nationally certified through this organization to teach women’s self-defense. She teaches the classes to women and girls in an effort to empower them to live safe, peaceful lives. In addition to basic self-defense strategies, Kuzminsky instructed class members on how to use intuition, verbal skills, boundary setting, confident body language, awareness and active thinking for safety. Participants had the opportunity to discuss signs of danger, ploys and tricks of attackers, safety and getting help. Hands-on activities included physical self defense skill-building, body language and finding your assertive voice. All of these skills were then synchronized to convey a strong message. The five-hour class was held at the Rolf Square location in Cranston, R.I.
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