www.ri.ng.mil
Rhode Island National Guard
The Ocean State Guardian Fall 2013
The Governor of Rhode Island and the Captain General of the Rhode Island National Guard
Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Critical to effective leadership: evaluation and feedback . . . . . . 5 “Illegal” under the Uniform Code of Military Justice . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Enlisted Leadership: Standards Matter! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Ceremony deactivates 281st Combat Communications Group . . .8 Valor under fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 SSG Timothy McGill – Memorable Soldier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Flashback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Last Vietnam veteran retires from the Rhode Island Army National Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The Honorable Lincoln D. Chafee The Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard
MG Kevin R. McBride Director of the Joint Staff Rhode Island National Guard
BG Charles Petrarca Deputy Adjutant General, Rhode Island National Guard
Brig. Gen. Marcus Jannitto Assistant Adjutant General for Air Rhode Island National Guard
Brig. Gen. Matthew Dzialo Managing Editor State Public Affairs Officer
LTC Peter Parente Public Affairs Specialists
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Exercise Cyber Shield 2013 tests computer defenses . . . . . . . . Curran brothers serve 32 years together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Honoring Women of Achievement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bronze Key awarded for outstanding contribution . . . . . . . . . .
ON THE COVER
Public Affairs Office (401) 275-4038
ngristaffpao@ng.army.mil
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE (401) 275-4038 ngristaffpao@ng.army.mil
2LT Megan Burmeister SGT Peter Ramaglia
Feedback on The OSG content, please email:
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A U.S. Army carry team transfers the remains of Army Staff Sgt. Timothy R. McGill, of Middletown, R.I., at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Sept. 23, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo/David Tucker) Cover composed by Army Sgt. Peter Ramaglia
The Ocean State Guardian is published by MARCOA 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 MARCOA 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.
Fall 2013 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island MG Kevin R. McBride, Adjutant General, Commanding General, Rhode Island National Guard
As 2013 drew to a close, our nation also neared the conclusion of America’s longest, continuous period of war. It is a time when our service members call to mind the seemingly endless years of service and sacrifice as they spend time with their families. It is also a time when our organization remembers the six service members of the R.I. Guard who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our freedoms and values. To honor their memory and the sacrifice of thousands, the National Guard must remain vigilant in the upcoming year as budget uncertainties and cuts will began to affect all services of the armed forces. With a new year come new challenges and a renewed focus. Not only have we been tested in battle, but also by a period of natural and man-made disasters of magnitudes rarely seen in any similar period of our nation’s history. Through these challenges, the Rhode Island National Guard has thrived and excelled in its duty overseas and at home in the midst of budget uncertainties, furloughs, and a partial government shutdown. During these challenges, rarely seen in the past 25 years, the men and women of the R.I. Guard have continued to engage our cities and towns through military support functions, even during the effects of sequestration, limiting our public outreach activities. This partnership with our stakeholders will be a critical link to our success as we move into this new calendar year. Supporting our active duty counterparts is our federal mission and what we primarily train for, but it is our state mission that sets us apart and what our nation relies upon. Our link to the citizens of our nation is unique and must be maintained. Only the National Guard can perform direct support to law enforcement missions within the United States. The Posse Comitatus Act, passed in 1878, was intended to limit the federal government in using federal military personnel to enforce state laws. 4
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However, this does not apply to the National Guard under state active duty from acting within its home state. We saw this with our support to local law enforcement agencies after Super Storm Sandy. Over the past decade, R.I. Guard members have deployed more than 8,500 times in support of the global war on terror. We have also responded simultaneously to hurricanes, super storms, and blizzards. The ability to perform these missions requires dedication, commitment, funding and training. We can never allow our National Guard to revert to a strategic reserve, especially after proving ourselves on the battlefield for more than a decade, while simultaneously supporting the great citizens of our state. History has shown us that those who are not prepared ultimately become a target – but few nations will attack a nation with fully competent and prepared active and reserve forces that can defend against all possible threats. 2014 is a crucial year for the future of the National Guard. Force structure changes and cost reductions are inevitable. Our NG leadership views the current National Guard force structure as a vital component to our national security and homeland defense strategy. Furthermore, it is clear the Guard can be maintained and operated at a fraction of the cost of our active duty counterparts. Our organization has proved that we can respond to any contingency throughout the world swiftly and accomplish the mission. It is fiscally responsible to support and maintain a force that is cost effective, while maintaining the ability to accomplish our national security strategy. The requirements of the national security strategy, coupled with budget reduction demands, will set the benchmark to determine the proper active/reserve mix of forces that provide the greatest return on investment, like the National Guard. Preserving the right portion of
our operational capabilities outside the active component can provide the nation with a critical operational and strategic hedge for both homeland and global applications. A strong, agile force able to meet immediate needs with the quality, capability, and core characteristics unique to the National Guard is necessary to support our civilian authorities in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. To continue its long tradition of service and to remain ready to meet upcoming challenges, the chief of the National Guard Bureau has established four key priorities for 2014: • Providing trained and ready operational forces • Enhancing accountability and becoming a fully effective steward of resources • Supporting and sustaining the National Guard community, its members, their families and their employers • Constantly analyzing future threats and opportunities For nearly four centuries, the men and women of the National Guard have defended our nation and communities. As current overseas contingency operations come to a close and fiscal constraints tighten, the National Guard is positioned to rise to new challenges. The fundamental mission of the National Guard remains the same: Defend America – at home and abroad. The R.I. Guard continues to proudly serve in this capacity, answering the call for overseas operations and protecting life and critical infrastructure within our state. Through its long history of service, the R.I. Guard has become as much a fabric of our community as any organization within the state, maintaining 15 armories in our 39 cities and towns, while 3,400 of our members reside in all of them, ready to respond. To fulfill its mission, the National Guard must ensure that its full range of capabilities is “Always Ready, Always There.”
Critical to effective leadership: evaluation and feedback Brig. Gen. Matthew Dzialo, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Rhode Island National Guard
With the Enlisted Performance Report mandate coming to the Air National Guard shortly, I am afforded a perfect time to review my expectations of our leaders at all levels with respect to evaluations and feedback. Commanders and supervisors at all levels are required to provide their subordinates with feedback, both formal and informal, sometimes mandated by regulation and sometimes not. Simply, our people need to be told how they’re doing. I consider this a component to “effective leadership,” and there should be very few surprises during evaluation times. Further, it is also essential to reenforce their importance to the team and our mission during this process. Effective and timely feedback is a critical factor in a successful performance management program and should be used in conjunction with setting performance goals and standards. If effective feedback is given to employees on their progress toward these requirements, employee performance will improve. People need
to know in a timely manner how they’re doing, what’s working, and what’s not. Certain elements are needed to ensure its effectiveness:
or exceeded expectations, the sooner they receive positive feedback, the more rewarding it is to them.
Manner Feedback should be honest, frank and sincere, given in a manner that will best help improve performance and ensure mission success. Since people respond better to information presented in a positive way, feedback should be expressed in a positive manner. This is not to say that information should be sugarcoated. It must be accurate, factual and complete. When presented, however, feedback is more effective when it first reinforces what the employee did right and then identifies what needs to be done in Timeliness Employees should receive information the future. about how they’re doing as timely as If effective feedback is designed possible in addition to the mandatory into a performance management requirements. If improvement needs to program, individual and team be made in their performance, the performance will improve, which will sooner they find out about it, the sooner make your organization more effective. they can correct the problem. Mentorship With effective feedback processes, can be a tool to turn around substandard employees will meet individual, team performance. If employees have reached and organizational goals.
Specificity Feedback works best when it relates to specific goals and standards. Establishing employee performance expectations and goals is the key to providing tangible, objective, and powerful feedback. Telling employees that they are doing well citing specific examples is more effective than simply saying, “you’re doing a good job.” Specificity and documentation are also critical if an emplyee is not meeting standards.
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“Illegal” under the Uniform Code of Military Justice BG Charles E. Petrarca Jr., Director of the Joint Staff, Rhode Island National Guard
Consequences of drug use,
prevent our service members from making bad choices By BG Charles E. Petrarca Jr. As our organization plans for the challenges of the new year, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the Soldiers and Airmen in the R.I. Guard for their accomplishments over the past year. I also want to acknowledge the great support from our family members and organizations around the state that have played a vital role in our success. This month, I would like to focus on drug use and its prevention. We are still seeing illegal drug use in our ranks. As a result, service members who have been trained and ready for federal or state operations are placed in a non-deployable status or unable to perform vital state missions. Furthermore, they now become a burden on the administrative and legal system as they are processed for discharge. The consequences of these actions also take a toll on the family members who depend financially on good standing and continued service. Talk to your
Soldiers and Airmen about the consequences of drug use, and let’s make sure we have done all we can to prevent our service members from making bad choices that will adversely affect themselves and our organization. As of last year, we now test for prescription drugs. If a service member tests positive for prescription drugs, by regulation, the prescription must be turned in. A pharmaceutical forensic pathologist must then determine if the drug is being used in accordance with the prescription or is being abused. The best approach is obviously no use of any illegal drugs or abuse of prescription drugs. Turn in all prescriptions to the Medical Detachment as soon as possible and use all prescriptions in accordance with the prescription. Finally, I want to discuss the use of marijuana, which is considered an illegal drug by our military – its use is
inconsistent with military service. Regardless of the laws of each state, marijuana is “illegal” under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. We test for it, and those who test positive will be processed for discharge. If you are unclear, it is your responsibility to speak with your chain of command or supervisor. Our organization’s foundation has been built upon exceptional people doing exceptional things. We need all our service members to act professionally in and out of uniform, which includes setting an example concerning the use of illegal or prescription drugs. Thank you all for your service, commitment to excellence and dedication to duty. I am confident that 2014 will be an exceptional year from an exceptional organization – the Rhode Island National Guard.
www.USA.gov
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Enlisted Leadership CSM Michael Lewis, Rhode Island National Guard
Standards matter!
CSM Michael Lewis
Train new NCOs to look professional, stay in shape By CSM Michael Lewis Although we don’t like to admit it, there is an undertone of laxity throughout our ranks and within our formations. Perhaps it’s fatigue. It could be an expanding generation gap that was created because our main focus has been on combat operations downrange so that we simply eased up when it came to training our subordinates on the basics of what makes us a professional, well-rounded force. Unfortunately, it may just be the environment in which we operate today. Regardless of what “it” is, a discussion is in order. A Soldier’s military appearance provides an immediate visual measure of discipline and pride. Any senior NCO who has been around for a while can, within a short few minutes, get a good sense of a unit’s discipline level by observing how the Soldiers present and carry themselves in public. Generally speaking, positive impressions achieved through appearance are not valued as they once were. Albeit a controversial statement, our Army Combat Uniform has made us lazy. While the ACU is utilitarian and the associated sewing and laundering
costs are minimal, the uniform has provided an excuse for individuals lacking a sense of pride in their personal appearance. Some Soldiers wear filthy boots, curled or dirty name tapes, or uniforms that look like they just came out of a duffle bag. Many of you have heard the excuses, and understand what I’m talking about. But those who think of themselves to be “combat Soldiers” need to understand that a concern for their appearance does not make them “pretty” and it does not mean that they are “garrison Soldiers” – rather, it’s a mark of pride and professionalism. Very soon we will take our fall Army Physical Fitness Test, and it has never been more important. With today’s dwindling OPTEMPO and a decrease in deployments, it is no longer easy to use this as an excuse to fall out of shape. Don’t allow yourself to misinterpret fitness waivers that were designed to target specific populations, and don’t fall into the trap. You are now required to take an APFT and be physically fit upon your arrival at an NCO Education System course. Senior NCOs must be diligent and flag APFT and height/weight
failures and enroll them in a weight control program or special-population physical training with the intent to help them succeed. I have a sense that there is some confusion in the field about this. When did you last see a special-population physical training program in which senior NCOs were required to be right there with the deficient Soldiers? Is it possible that with all the waivers that have been issued, we have trained an entire generation of NCOs to believe that standards are flexible? If we don’t understand and embrace the purpose of fitness requirements and don’t enforce the standards on those who are capable, we teach our future NCOs that the rules can be bent, or broken, and that fitness is not important. It’s all about value, discipline, accountability and enforcement. As senior NCOs, we must be honest and ask ourselves if we are investing the time required to properly train the next generation of Soldiers and junior NCOs – or if we have our heads down while moving to our next objective. Can we slow down? Do we need to adapt? It is imperative that we spend quality time with our future leaders!
www.USA.gov
www.usa.gov/Citizen/Services/Health.shtml Fall 2013 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Ceremony deactivates
281st Combat Communications Group By TSgt Arthur DesLauriers, 143rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A ceremonial deactivation of the 281st Combat Communications Group took place at the North Smithfield High School in North Smithfield, R.I., on Sept. 28. Group Commander Col Mark McGrath said,” Holding the ceremony in the local community allowed maximum participation for service members and their families.”
During the deactivation ceremony, M McGrath G th boasted of the rich history of the Group’s accomplishments, from its participation in Operation Desert Storm to Operation Enduring Freedom and numerous exercises and operations throughout its 37-year history. “There have been many young men and women who have worn the 281st patch proudly and with honor,” McGrath said. “Since 1976, the 281st was serving and protecting this great country
Col Mark McGrath, commander of the 281st Combat Communications Group, prepares to relinquish command of the Group, deactivated after 37 years of service. Photo by MSgt John McDonald
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Brig Gen Matthew Dzailo, Rhode Island Assistant Adjutant General, Air, and Col Mark McGrath, 281st Combat Communications Group commander, stand at attention in front of a shadow box made for the 281st while taps is sounded signifying the end of an era as the 281st CCG is deactivated after 37 years of service. Photo by MSgt John McDonald
of ours from those who wished to do us harm. From the Cold War to the War on Terror, the 281st has been there.” Remarking on the deactivation, Rhode Island’s Assistant Adjutant for Air Brig Gen Mathew Dzialo said, “Today is a sad day for the 281st Combat Communications Group and the Rhode Island Air National Guard, the state of Rhode Island and the nation. The loss of this unit with its history of participation at the local, state, and national level will most definitely have a negative impact on our ability to provide communications in a time of need. … The 281st has participated in every major event and exercise in its 37 years.” The deactivation was part of overall Air Force force structure changes tied to fiscal 2013 budgetary decisions. A final salute was given to the unit by members past and present, recognizing the Group’s numerous accomplishments.
MSgt Deb Thibodeau, first sergeant, leads current and former members of the 281st Combat Communications Group and the 282nd Combat Communications Squadron in a final salute to the commander. Photo by MSgt John McDonald
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Valor
under fire Story and photos by SGT Peter Ramaglia
When insurgents attacked a forward operating base in Afghanistan on Dec. 2, 2012, they unleashed two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices –VBIEDs, small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades, mortars and waves of suicide bombers. The firefight lasted more than 2½ hours. But there was one obstacle the forces and weaponry couldn’t overcome: Rhode Island’s 169th Military Police Company – in particular, SGT Quinn Rogan and SSG Michael Church. For their roles in repelling the attack, Rogan was awarded the Bronze Star with V device in September along with a Purple Heart, and Church received an Army Commendation Medal with V device as well as a Purple Heart. Rogan, whose job was to man a tower machine gun, started his tower guard shift just before the attack began. “It was like any other day,” he said. “I showed up to my post 15 minutes early to relieve the Soldier from the night shift, and as we reviewed recent events and activities, the first VBIED went off.” It detonated on the roadway in front of a tower manned by Afghan nationals, approximately 35 meters to the left of Rogan’s position. Immediately after the explosion, mortars began landing within and outside the perimeter of the FOB. Rogan credits his training for instinctively jumping on his M-240B machine gun and scanning his sector of fire. He quickly identified and lethally engaged enemy suicide bombers who were assaulting the walls and towers of the base from across the roadway. Simultaneously, enemy RPG teams opened fire on the walls in an attempt to ensure the suicide bombers’ approach was successful. “I accepted the fact that I wasn’t going to make it through this attack,” Rogan said. “I was focused on everyone else in the tower getting out; I just didn’t want anyone else to get hurt.” Church, Alpha Team leader with the 169th, heard the initial explosion and made his way to the Tactical 10
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SGT Quinn Rogan’s Bronze Star Medal with “V” device, right, and SSG Michael Church’s Army Commendation Medal with “V” device are shown on Sept. 14, 2013, before the 169th Military Police’s award ceremony at in Warwick, R.I. Rogan and Church received the medals for their actions repelling a determined enemy attack on an ISAF forward operating base in Afghanistan on Dec. 2, 2012.
Operations Center for further guidance. From there, Church, along with SSG Steven Moretti, SGT Carlos Zapata (who also received Army Commendation Medals) and other members of the 169th, made a plan to get out to the towers immediately to assist and backfill potentially injured Soldiers. “Once I got to the tower, I reached in and tapped Rogan on the shoulder to let him know I was there,” Church said. “I specifically remember the look of shock on his face when he turned to look at me.” By the time Church reached Rogan’s position, other International Security Assistance Forces personnel were in the tower assisting Rogan as he engaged the enemy. “I covered Rogan as he reloaded his M-240B,” Church said. “We were still taking small arms fire from across the street.” Church lethally engaged the enemy
with suppressive fire, giving Rogan enough time to reload his M-240B. At this point, the second VBIED detonated about 14 meters in front of the tower manned by Church, Rogan and several members of the ISAF. Its concussion knocked everyone in the tower backward. As the Soldiers regained their bearings, they noticed that several had sustained injuries, including Rogan. The uninjured ISAF personnel around the tower picked up and evacuated Rogan, who was bloodied and unconscious, to the casualty collection point, from which he would ultimately be moved out of Afghanistan via medevac. After coming to, Church recalls being told to vacate the tower immediately because of incoming air support. ISAF air elements, consisting of OH-58 Kiowa helicopters, the first ISAF air assets on scene, conducted several strafing runs in an attempt to eliminate enemy forces. AH-64 Apaches followed, using their lethal arsenal of weapons to effectively eliminate any remaining threats to ISAF forces. As a result of the attack, three Afghan National Army soldiers were killed and a number of ISAF were injured. There were also a number of enemy casualties. Rogan lost
SSG Michael Church receives the Purple Heart Medal from the governor of Rhode Island, Lincoln D. Chafee, during an award ceremony for the 169th Military Police Company in Warwick, R.I., on Sept. 14.
SGT Quinn Rogan receives the Purple Heart Medal from the governor of Rhode Island, Lincoln D. Chafee, during an award ceremony for the 169th Military Police Company in Warwick, R.I., on Sept. 14.
the sight of his right eye, and Rogan and Church both received treatment for lacerations. “There is no doubt that through the actions of SGT Rogan and SSG Church, they saved lives that day,” said SFC Derek Chobanian, operations sergeant for the 169th, who was also on the ground during the attack. “Both Staff Sgt. Church and Sgt. Rogan reacted instinctively to the events of this day by executing the tasks they had trained on repeatedly in the months leading to their deployment,” said CPT Michael Calcagni, 169th company commander. “These two Soldiers displayed exceptional bravery through their actions when faced with a very dangerous situation. They stood their ground with little regard for their own welfare and fought a determined enemy, and I am certain that their actions saved the lives of many.” At a Yellow Ribbon ceremony in September, 12 other Soldiers of the 169th also received Bronze Stars for service. Fall 2013 / Rhode Island National Guard
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SSG Timothy McGill – Memorable Soldier A U.S. Army carry team transfers the remains of Army SSG Timothy R. McGill, of Middletown, R.I., at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Sept. 23, 2013. McGill was assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group Middletown, R.I. U.S. Air Force photo by David Tucker
By Army SGT Peter Ramaglia
SSG Timothy Raymond McGill, known as a Soldier of great size and stature, died Sept. 21, 2013, in eastern Afghanistan, from wounds received by small arms fire. He resided in Ramsey, N.J., but joined the R.I. National Guard to fulfill a dream of becoming a member of the Special Forces. Determined to qualify as an elite Special Forces Soldier, McGill successfully completed the rigorous qualification course in 2011 and was immediately assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces, Rhode Island National Guard, as a weapons sergeant in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Prior to joining the R.I. Guard, McGill first entered service as a U.S. Marine on Aug. 31, 2001. He deployed in 2005 with the Marines in support of Iraqi Freedom and returned to his hometown in New Jersey before resuming his military career. McGill joined the Rhode Island National Guard in June 2008, and was assigned as an anti-armor specialist with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry, prior to successfully completing his Special Forces training. Rhode Island National Guard Soldiers remember McGill fondly and often. “I would see Tim at almost every training event that Public Affairs covered,” said 2LT Megan Burmeister, Public Affairs Specialist, R.I. National Guard. “He was always head and shoulders above everyone else so you couldn’t miss him. He always had a funny story or a joke for you.” “I served with him in Charlie Company,” said MSG Patrick Hynes, now a member of Joint Force Headquarters. “I remember he joined our unit to get into the Rhode Island Special Forces. It took a while, but he kept the faith and trained hard. He came up from New Jersey every month to drill with us until the SF unit accepted him.” 12
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“He was one of the most elite Soldiers in the world,” McGill’s father, Ray, said in an earlier interview. “Words can’t describe the loss we feel right now.” The lifelong New Jersey resident was a member of the Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department and had worked for the town’s public works department between deployments, which reflected his deep commitment of service to his community and nation. “He was a big boy, a gentle guy, I always called him the teddy bear,” Ramsey Fire Department Chief Randy Sterbinsky said in an earlier interview. “It’s just hard to swallow for the whole department.” On the day of McGill’s death, MG Kevin R. McBride, the Adjutant General of Rhode Island and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard, released this statement: “Sadly, today we realized the sixth death of a Rhode Island National Guard Soldier in a combat zone since 9/11, and we are once again reminded of the enduring sacrifice our Soldiers and Airmen have made, and continue to make, in service to this great country. Tragically, Staff Sgt. McGill has made the supreme sacrifice, and at this time, mindful of the impact of that sacrifice on his family and friends, I pledge this command’s perpetual support.” McGill’s awards and decorations include Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Special Forces Tab, Global War on Terrorism Expedition Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal.
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Last Vietnam veteran retires from the Rhode Island Army National Guard Story and photos by SSG Michael A. Simmons, 110 Public Affairs Detachment
CPT Richard Gaudet Sr, the last active member of the Rhode Island Army National Guard who served in Vietnam, during his retirement ceremony on Nov. 2, 2013.
Rhode Island National Guard members gathered to witness history Nov. 2 at the Benefit Street Armory to honor the retirement of CPT Richard Gaudet Sr, the last active member of the Rhode Island Army National Guard who served in Vietnam. Flanked by flags and surrounded by artifacts in the historic Benefit Street Armory, Army MG Kevin R. McBride addressed Gaudet’s family and friends. McBride said that few soldiers could boast of a career as long and honorable as Gaudet’s.
Gaudet was born and raised in Providence, R.I. In 1971, at age 17, Gaudet enlisted in the United States Army. He made repeated trips as an aircraft crew chief into the Republic of Vietnam. “Initially when I joined, I was following a very long military family tradition, which continues today,” Gaudet said, while standing just a few feet from his son, SSG Richard Gaudet. “I never thought that some 42 years later, I would be standing here at my retirement ceremony.”
Presented by LTC Christian Neary, CPT Richard Gaudet Sr. receives a Certificate of Appreciation for his service in the Armed Forces during his retirement ceremony in Providence, R.I.
In 1978, Gaudet joined the active Army Reserves, with the 76th Division Maneuver Training Command as an evaluator. Gaudet graduated from Drill Instructor School. He attended Officer Candidate School and graduated from the Infantry
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Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning, Ga., in 1983. Eventually Gaudet attained the rank of captain. In 1996, Gaudet transferred to the Individual Ready Reserves. After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, Gaudet enlisted in the Rhode Island Army National Guard, serving as an instructor with the 243rd Regiment RTI. “The country was attacked, and I wanted to be of assistance,” Gaudet said. In 2003, Gaudet was ordered to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was assigned as an advisor to the Afghan National
Army Basic Training Battalion in Kabul, Afghanistan. In 2007, Gaudet returned to Afghanistan for a second deployment as an advisor to the Afghan Border patrol, Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police in Paktia Province. “The homecoming nowadays is a lot different than it was during Vietnam,” Gaudet said. “We have the finest Soldiers in the world. In combat, it’s about taking care of your buddies, and it’s been the same since the American Revolution.” While standing inside the historic armory beside the American flag, in front of the gathered friends, family and fellow Soldiers, Gaudet was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation, The Meritorious Service Medal and the Rhode Island Star. “The true heroes that should be getting awards and ceremonies are our family members,” Gaudet said. “ They watched me and my son go off to Afghanistan and Iraq, not once, but twice….They are the true heroes.” “My fondest memories are the many
The Adjutant General of Rhode Island, MG Kevin R. McBride shakes hands with CPT Richard Gaudet Sr. after saying a few words about Gaudet during Gaudet’s retirement ceremony.
people I’ve met…too many to name,” Gaudet said. “I wish that I could do another 20 years.”
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Exercise Cyber Shield 2013 Tests computer defenses Story and photos by MSgt Janeen Miller, 143rd AW/PA
Camp Fogarty, East Greenwich, R.I. – During the week of Sept. 16-20, 2013, members of the Rhode Island Army National Guard Computer Network Defense Team, R.I. Air Guard 102nd Network Warfare Squadron and 282nd Combat Communications Squadron participated in Exercise Cyber Shield 2013. They were joined by, the R.I. State Police Computer Crimes Unit – Cyber Disruption Team, R.I. Emergency Management Agency and several other local agencies. Exercise Cyber Shield was a national exercise with participation from 40 states and one allied nation designed to test the National Guard’s responsibilities to support local response to a computer systems attack incident and provide mitigation and follow-on defensive measures and counter measures. In addition,
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Detective Damien Longo, R.I. State Police and SSgt Bradley Beausejour, 102nd Network Warfare Squadron participate in Exercise Cyber Shield 2013.
the exercise helped solidify local relationships with the Rhode Island State Police and RIEMA in the event a response is needed. The exercise also served to train and assess cyber incident response teams on incident response, forensic analysis, reporting and mitigation of cyber threats. The exercise scenario launched a malicious attack on the enterprise network of the Providence Water Supply – affecting their email systems, web browsers and other internal programs – prompting Providence Water Supply to request support from the Rhode Island State Police Cyber Disruption Team. The Rhode Island National Guard was called in to support the Cyber
Disruption Team. Through a computer system, Maj George Mannix was able to simulate the attack and run other scenarios for the teams to detect and deter or mitigate. Mannix explained the roles of the teams of people responsible for the protection of the networks preventing scenarios like these from happening in the real world. He said that if the network was a typical military facility, the personnel participating in this exercise would be analogs to a perimeter defense or the guards at the gate. In addition to these guards, there are “roving patrols,” known as the traffic analysis team, ensuring the gate guards don’t miss anything. Finally, there is a mitigation team,
comparable to individual facility guards, who provide further protection to the internal network. Using recent news events Mannix described the five types of adversaries: The “insider” is like Edward Snowden, an NSA employee who disclosed U.S. and British mass surveillance programs. The “criminal” is like the hackers who stole credit card information in the T.J. Maxx incident. “Hactivists” are those advocating an agenda through civil disobedience. Another adversary, the “spy,” is involved in espionage, such as stealing information about diplomacy or economic activity. The fifth adversary type engages in warfare, in which a foreign military wages an offensive campaign. “These cyber-attacks don’t have any boundaries,” Mannix said. The potential is “as large as the World Wide Web and as global as terrorist threats. A computer and the Internet is all it takes to be a potential threat.”
Jake Fonseca, R.I. State Police; Detective Kevin Harris, R.I. State Police; SSgt William Stapf, 102nd Network Warfare Squadron; Detective Eric Yelle, R.I. State Police; and TSgt Joao Vicente, 102nd Network Warfare Squadron, participate in Exercise Cyber Shield 2013
Fall 2013 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Curran brothers serve 32 years together Photos by the Curran family
At the end of June 2013, two brothers graduated from the same United States Army Sergeants Major Academy class. By itself, although rare, this is not an unprecedented event. What might make this a unique event is that these same two brothers graduated from the same basic training and AIT class together, 31 years earlier. After 32 years of service, you would think Sean and Pat Curran would be tired of each other. The two brothers joined the Rhode Island National Guard at age 17 and 18 respectively and recently finished together the last noncommisioned officer educational requirement of their careers. “I had two friends who were going to enlist with me, but they backed out at the last minute,” said MSG Sean Curran. “So my dad suggested that I bring Pat with me.” Sean asked Pat, and the next day they were at the recruiters. “It’s true,” added CSM Pat Curran. “I never had any plans to join the military, but we wound up enlisting within a week of each other.” The Currans both enlisted in October 1981 and changed their selected MOS to 93F (field artillery meteorological crewman) in order to go to basic training sooner.
1983 FAMILY UNIT: PFC John Curran, left, and his brother, PFC Patrick Curran prepare a vehicle for movement to the field during their two-week annual training at Fort Drum, N.Y. They are members of the Meteorology Section, Headquarters, 103rd Field Artillery Brigade, R.I. Army National Guard.They both are residents of Providence.
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2002 Curran brothers, Patrick, left, and Sean stand with their mother Mary Margaret Curran (Dinneen) after she receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Lt. Gov. Charles J. Fogarty for her support of the United States Armed Forces.
While at basic training at Fort McClellan, Ala., the Currans were in the same squad and actually bunked one above the other in some very old-style bunk beds in the lavishly appointed “World War II” barracks. “I don’t think they put us together on purpose. It was the first 50 off the bus – you are in this platoon,” said CSM Curran. Fort McClellan was the military police home at the time, and if you weren’t there for MP one station unit training, you weren’t as well taken care of. They both graduated in six weeks from the 12-week, self-paced advanced individual training course in Fort Sill, Okla. The brothers also attended their first NCOES school together. In November 1984 they graduated from the primary noncommisioned officer course, which was the first level of NCOES at the time. Shortly after PNCOC, the brothers were both accepted as members of the Active Guard/Reserve force, and here is where their careers divided. Pat remained in the 103rd Field Artillery first as a supply sergeant, then a readiness NCO, an operations sergeant, a first sergeant during a deployment to Iraq in 2004, and finally, the battalion command sergeant major. Pat has been in every subordinate unit of the 103rd Field Artillery, including the 1043rd Maintenance Company and the 1207th Forward Support Company. Sean moved to the 1043rd Maintenance Company as a computer repairer, where he worked from 1987 until 1994. From there he was transferred to the 1207th
Transportation Company, where he served as the supply sergeant and then as the readiness NCO/truckmaster. In April 2005 Sean Curran was promoted to master sergeant as the senior supply sergeant for the 43rd Military Police Brigade. MSG Curran has deployed twice in this position – in 2005 to Iraq and most recently in 2011 to Afghanistan. Several of their friends from their South Providence neighborhood joined the National Guard as well. Many of these friends have retired in the subsequent years. Also, continuing the long history of family members serving together in the Guard, Sean and Pat’s two younger brothers, Tim and Dan Curran, also enlisted after their brothers. They also chose 93F as their first MOS. Tim has moved onto the Regular Army where he is a first sergeant now serving in Afghanistan on his fourth deployment. After his current deployment, he is scheduled to be assigned to the Providence College ROTC program. Dan is now a chief warrant officer 4 assigned to the JFHQ-RI as the deputy G-1 and has deployed. Dan has also deployed twice with the 43rd Military Police Brigade.
2002 Curran brothers, Patrick, left, and Sean
Fall 2013 / Rhode Island National Guard
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Honoring Women of Achievement YWCA Rhode Island recognizes women in industry, culture and public service
By MSgt John McDonald, 143 AW/PA
Since 2005, YWCA has sponsored the statewide recognition of women whose accomplishments span the fields of industry, culture and public service. This year’s recipients are a diverse group that includes a nurse, a nun, Rhode Island’s first lady, and a major in the 143rd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guard. YWCA Rhode Island honored 11 “Women of Achievement” and one organization at its ninth annual awards luncheon on Sept. 26, at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln. Deborah L. Perry, president and CEO of YWCA Rhode Island, presented the awards. Deborah L. Ruggiero, host of the award-winning local radio program “Amazing Women,” emceed the event. One of this years’ honorees, Maj Lynne B. Hannon of the 143rd Logistics Squadron in the Rhode Island Air National Guard received the “Women of Achievement” award for her accomplishments. Hannon supervises more than 70 Airmen and directs logistics operations including transportation, aerial delivery and fuels functions for C-130J aircraft while fostering an environment of mentorship and diversity. She is the founding director of the Women’s Mentoring Council, a group of Army and Air National Guard personnel that encourages career progression, integration, networking and relationship building among women in the R.I. National Guard. She also volunteers as the wing’s alternate sexual assault 20
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response coordinator, assisting in the prevention of sexual assault in the 143rd Airlift Wing. Hannon embraces the Air Force Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. “My strength, power and confidence has been built and reinforced by believing in these values and having faith that I can persevere through the most trying of circumstances.
Establishing and maintaining good, strong values is especially important for all young women as they aspire to rise above and overcome any obstacle in life,” said Hannon. Recipients of the annual award are recognized as leaders, role models and mentors who exemplify the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.”
SFC Stephanie Riotte addresses the crowd after accepting the Bronze Key Award during the 44th Annual Community Award Service Luncheon on Sept. 26 in Warwick, R.I.
Story and photo by SGT Terry Rajsombath 110th Public Affairs Detachment
For her outstanding contributions as the Rhode Island Army National Guard prevention coordinator, SFC Stephanie Riotte of the Counter Drug Program was presented with the Bronze Key Award during the 44th Annual Community Award Service Luncheon on Sept. 26 in Warwick, R.I. The Bronze Key is a national recognition award granted by the National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependence for affiliate presentation to an individual or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the field. It is the highest local award presented by affiliates. Developing effective partnerships with civilian agencies, Riotte assisted service members and their families by providing access to behavioral health care through those partnerships. In 2011, Riotte helped manage Operation Immersion, a collaboration between the Rhode Island National 22
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Guard and the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. Operation Immersion is a two-day, overnight training designed to allow health care providers to gain insight into the life of the men and women in the National Guard. The volunteering health care providers slept in Quonset huts, performed physical fitness, ate military rations, and heard personal stories from service members and veterans. This unique training provides attendees a better understanding of military culture and language. More importantly, it allows health care professionals to provide better services.