Ocean State Guardian - Online Issue #13

ISSUE #13

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2| Rhode Island National Guard

Featured

Governor of Rhode Island and Captain General of the Rhode Island National Guard: Gina M. Raimondo Adjutant General and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard: Maj. Gen. Christopher P. Callahan

Always Ready, Always There

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Managing Editor: Col. Peter Parente, State Public Affairs Officer Contributing Editor: 2nd Lt. Kaidian Smith Layout & Design: 2nd Lt. Kaidian Smith Senior Master Sgt. Janeen Miller

Hurricane Relief

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Erasing ETS

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Also in this issue: ESGR Bosslift Leapfest 2017 Two Promoted to Chief Master Sergeant OCS Class 60 Graduation Air Force Memorial Rhody Ready Military Police Competitive Competition Brig. Gen. Dzialo’s Promotion Brig. Gen. Bouchard’s Promotion Col. Eliseo Nogueras Promotion

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COLUMN

A message from Brig. General Thomas R. Bouchard

by Brig. Gen. Thomas R. Bouchard, Assistant Adjutant General

I

am extremely humbled and appreciative of the opportunity to serve as the new Assistant Adjutant General – Army. I would like to thank my processor, Brig. Gen. Medeiros for all his hard work and dedication to the Rhode Island National Guard.

As a brief introduction, I have been a member of the Rhode Island National Guard for a little over twenty years with most of my service associated with the Army Special Operations units in the State. I originally enlisted in the Army Reserve while still in high school and subsequently decided to earn a commission through ROTC at the University of Wisconsin. I spent about nine years on Active Duty with my final assignment as a Detachment Commander at the 5th Special Forces Group at

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Ft. Campbell, KY. While in the Rhode Island National Guard, I have served in A/2/19 SFG (A), the SOD-G, and most recently as the State J5, Future Operations Officer. I have always been a Traditional M-day Soldier and my civilian employment has been within the financial services industry. I currently work as a portfolio manager in New York City and live in Stamford, CT with my wife and our two kids.

As we are all aware, the last several months have provided

the U.S. with a very challenging hurricane season. It is heartening and inspiring to learn how effective National Guard forces, from across the country, have been in responding to the recent hurricanes to hit Texas, Florida, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

This includes the outstanding performance by forces from the Rhode Island National Guard. However, those National Guard forces that were the first responders were largely those units from the effected States. Here in Rhode Island,

...their State National Guard will ready and quickly provide essential, life-saving services.

we understand that when natural disasters strike, our fellow citizens expect that their State National Guard will ready and quickly provide essential, life-saving services.

As presented in our own State Civil Support OPLAN, the confidence of the people of Rhode Island in their National Guard is important to preventing panic, minimizing anxiety, and maintaining law and order during a crisis. In light of the confidence placed in us by our fellow citizens and their expectations for us to respond effectively, readiness remains the #1 priority for the Rhode Island National Guard. As Soldiers and leaders, we all appreciate that there are many aspects of readiness including, training, equipping and manning.

Training and equipping for our Defense Support of Authorities (DSCA) mission remains a focus and is aptly integrated across the state through unit Mission Essential Task List (METL) training and equipment readiness reporting. The unit manning component of readiness, however, is especially challenging and, of course, drives our recruitment and retention efforts. As soldiers and leaders, we must work to

provide our fellow Guard members with rewarding military career options and properly compensate our Soldiers for their time and efforts with meaningful and challenging training. At the individual Soldier level, if you have not already earned the Rhode Island National Guard Recruiting Ribbon, or it has been several years since your last award, I would ask that you look to your communities, places of work, and potentially extended family and friends to identify those conscientious individuals who would gain from and appreciate the opportunity to serve.

It is important to recognize that the Rhode Island National Guard is a diverse force that serves a diverse community.

Many of us are only a few generations removed from our immigrant forbearers. If you have not already seen the recent speech by Lt. Gen. Silveria, Superintendent of the Air Force Academy, please search for it on-line and spend

a few minutes watching it. All I will ask is that if you are not mature enough to treat people with dignity and respect, and to support inclusiveness and diversity within the Rhode Island National Guard, is that you please follow the advice provided

by Lt Gen Silveria in his speech.

In closing, I would like to reiterate how proud I am to be a member of the Rhode Island National Guard. I know I am fortunate to have the opportunity to serve with so many exceptional and dedicated people. For those members of the Rhode Island National Guard whom I have not yet met, I look forward to the opportunity to introduce myself.

I am fortunate to have the opportunity to serve with so many exceptional and dedicated people.

...the confidence of the people of Rhode Island in their National Guard is important

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ESGR Bosslift with 1-103d FA Photos by Sgt. Terry Rajsombath, Public Affairs Specialist

The Rhode Island National Guard Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) hosted a Bosslift on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017. Employers from around R.I. were invited to fly on a C-130J to Fort Drum, N.Y., to observe R.I.'s 1-103d Field Artillery Battalion on their Annual Training.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Callahan greets employers from around Rhode Island at the Bosslift on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017.

Sgt. Lindsey Walsh of the Rhode Island National Guard sits across from a Rhode Island employer on a C-130J prior to takeoff at the Bosslift on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017.

Employers from around Rhode Island pose in front of a M777 Howitzer at Fort Drum, during the Bosslift on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017.

Employers from around Rhode Island enjoy Meals Ready to Eat (MRE's) at Fort Drum during the Bosslift on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017.

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Leapfest 2017 By 2nd Lt. Kaidian Smith

The Rhode Island National Guard hosted its annual International Parachute Competition, known as Leapfest, on the morning of Aug. 6, 2017 at the University of Rhode Island and the surrounding area.

Approximately 74 teams, 34 of which come from the United States military, and 40 of which are from eight partner nations around the globe, participated in this training event and competition.

The trophy for 1st place for the Leapfest 2017 competition is awarded to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

Leapfest is an international parachute competition hosted by 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard, to promote esprit de corps and a high level of technical expertise among the international paratrooper community.

The International Wings Exchange Jump was held immediately following the Leapfest competition.

The International Wings Exchange Jump features jumpmasters from around the world instructing parachutists on the airborne doctrine and procedures of the jumpmaster’s home nation. The international jumpmasters then lead the parachutists on an airborne jump, using their doctrine and procedures.

At the completion of all the International Wings Exchange Jumps, the jumpmasters award the parachutists with the Airborne Badge of their home nation in a symbolic exchange of friendship and cooperation. Parachutists from around the world proudly wear the Airborne badges of other nations as a symbol of the unique brotherhood between Airborne forces.

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Two 143d Airlift Wing Members Promoted to Chief Master Sergeant

By Senior Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, The 143d Airlift Wing had the distinct pleasure of promoting two of its finest Airmen to the highest enlisted rank, Chief Master Sergeant. Senior Master Sergeants Brian Robitaille, Mission Support Group Superintendent, and Andrea Albanese, Contracting Superintendent, were promoted to

Chief at a ceremony held at Quonset Air National Guard Base during the August drill.

Approximately one percent of the enlisted population attains the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. The leadership of the 143d Airlift Wing has been fortunate throughout its history to have such outstanding leadership in the senior enlisted ranks, ready and capable to lead our Airmen.

Congratulations Chief Robitaille and Chief Albanese on your promotion.

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OCS CLASS 60 Graduation By 2nd Lt. Kaidian Smith,

At a ceremony held Aug. 20, 2017 at Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, RI, five members of the Rhode Island Army National Guard received their commission following a rigorous 18 month program with the 243d Regiment Regional Training Institute that challenges selected enlisted Soldiers and prepares them to become leaders and 2nd Lieutenants in the RI Army National Guard.

Brig. Gen. Bennet Singer, Land Component Commander, recognized 2nd Lt. Jeffery Knez as the Distinguished Honor Graduate of the Officer Candidate School Class 60. Knez was the recipient of the Major General Edgar c. Erikson award. A replica of the “sons of liberty� bowl designed by Paul Revere is awarded on behalf of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to the officer candidate with the highest overall rankings in physical fitness, leadership and academics.

2nd Lt. Michael Costello received his commission as a Military Intelligence Officer. Knez received his commission as an Infantry Officer. 2nd Lt. Joshua Medbery and Stephen Siclari received their commissions as Adjutant General Officers. 2nd Lt. Kaidian Smith received his commission as a Signal Officer.

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Lieutenants Costello, Knez, Medbery, Siclari, and Smith received orders of assignment to various units within the RI National Guard.

Air Force Memorial Dedicated at RI Veterans Memorial Cemetary By: SMSgt Janeen Miller Photos by: SSgt John Vannucci 143 AW/PA

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n September 9, 2017 a new Air Force Memorial was dedicated at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, RI. The memorial is a joint project of the RI Regional Squadron, Sampson Air Force Base Veterans Association, Inc., and the Rhode Island Chapter, Air Force Association. It was erected at the cemetery to honor veterans of the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and the Army Air Corps. There are memorials dedicated to the other services at the cemetery but this is the first dedicated to the Air Force.

“I am honored to represent the United States Air Force and the Rhode Island National Guard during ceremony that honors all Rhode Island Airmen who paved the way for the success and tradition that continues today,� said Brig. Gen. Arthur Floru, Director-Joint Staff.

The ceremony was presided over by Colonel (ret) Leo H. Fox, USAF and guest speakers included Congressman David N. Cicilline, RI 1st District, Congressman James R. Langevin, Jr. RI 2nd District, RI Lieutenant Governor Daniel J. McKee and Brig Gen Arthur J. Floru, Director, Joint Staff, RI National Guard.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

By Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143d Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Beginning late Aug., the 143d Airlift Wing responded to the call for help following three major hurricanes in a big way. As soon as Hurricane Harvey moved into Texas, the 143d began preparing for the call. The 143d AW C2 Operations was activated shortly after Harvey made landfall to sustain the intensified operations. Once that call came on Sept. 1, the 143 AW swung into action and hasn’t let up yet.

The 143d Operations Group has flown a total of 89 sorties delivering close to 750 passengers and 164 short tons of cargo to the areas that were hit by the massive hurricanes.

Cargo included bottled water, meals ready to eat, and equipment necessary to the relief operations. Additionally several 143d AW Airfield Management Airmen deployed to Savannah, Georgia to assist in the hub-andspoke airlift operations there.

The 143d Logistics Readiness Squadron’s Air Terminal deployed a team of 15 Airmen to St. Croix during and following Hurricane Irma. The team operated the critical air terminal

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operations center in St. Croix moving cargo and personnel in and out of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The 143d Force Support Squadron deployed their Disaster Relief Mobile Kitchen and 15 Airmen to St. Thomas to feed and sustain the teams and individuals deployed there for hurricane relief. And, finally, the 143d Maintenance Group deployed 11 Airmen to the 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, Georgia to assist maintenance operations at the main hub for Air National Guard flying operations for hurricane relief.

The Airmen of the 143d Airlift Wing epitomize the National Guard’s motto of Always Ready, Always There. Each and every Airman on the team has been standing by ready to answer the call in whatever capacity needed while sustaining day to day operations at the Wing.

Photos by: SMSgt Janeen Miller and provided

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Brig. Gen. Thomas R. Bouchard Promotion Photos by Sgt. Terry Rajsombath, Public Affairs Specialist

Brig. Gen. Thomas. R. Bouchard receives his promotion at the Rhode Island State House, Aug. 3, 2017.

Brig. Gen. Thomas R. Bouchard stands before family and friends during his promotion ceremony at the Rhode Island State House, Aug. 3, 2017. Bouchard began his military career in 1984, enlisting into the Army Reserve and shortly after, joined the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo congratulates newly promoted Brig. Gen. Thomas R. Bouchard, during the promotion ceremony held at the Rhode Island State House, Aug. 3, 2017.

Bouchard began his military career in 1984, enlisting into the Army Reserve and shortly after, joined the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). He holds a masters degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College and a masters in business administration from Boston College.

Brig. Gen. Thomas R. Bouchard holds his general’s flag during his promotion ceremony at the Rhode Island State House, Aug. 3, 2017. Bouchard has led two overseas deployments as a company executive officer and as a company commander. Bouchard holds a masters degree in strategic studies from the U.S.

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Operation Rhody Ready 2017 By: Senior Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143 AW/PA

Four C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and several-hundred Airmen from the 143d Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guard, traveled to the Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Michigan to conduct an Operational Readiness Exercise.

The exercise, Operation Rhody Ready 2017, assessed the wing’s capabilities, mission preparedness, and served as a tool to prepare Airmen to operate in a deployed environment.

During the exercise Airmen were challenged with simulated scenarios including; responding to alarm conditions, structural fires, suspicious activity, and aircraft operations. The exercise scenarios tested their skills, knowledge, and responses while in a stressful environment. These training events allow Airmen to enhance readiness for rapid deployment in support of contingency operations and disaster relief operations.

During the exercise, the 143d deployed two C-130Js and aircrews from Alpena to support relief efforts following Hurricane Irma. The crews deployed to Alpena in support of the exercise and quickly changed their mission set, standing by for orders to assist in relief operations that could require movement of personnel or logistics.

Two years in the planning, this exercise took place while the Wing simultaneously supported hurricane Irma relief operations. “It’s a great testament to the capabilities of the men and women of the Rhode Island Air National Guard, said Colonel Daniel Walter, 143d Airlift Wing Commander, “this week was testament to that, as we deployed to support our neighbors in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

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The U.S. Uniformed Services

management system: Joint Knowledge Online found at

Leaders Leader Training to Introduce System for the Uniformed Services Course June 2016 Provides leaders a working knowledge of the BRS and the DoD plan to educate the force prior to the date of implementation on January 1, 2018. This course is also available to family members on Military One Source at www.militaryonesource.mil/.

Personal Financial Managers Financial Counselor/Educator Course September 2016 Offers training and resources to equip financial and retirement advisors with the training and resources they need to support commanders, Service members, and families.

Additional information will be available to prepare these experts to counsel Service members regarding their options.

.

New Accession

Components

New Accession Course January 2018

Opt-In Course January 2017

All members who enter the Uniformed Services after January 1, 2018 will be educated on the options available under BRS. These members will receive this training during their first year.

Fully educate BRS Opt-In eligible members on the benefits of both the current military retirement system and the BRS. This course allows members to make informed decisions on which retirement plan best suits their financial needs. It will include financial calculators to aid in evaluating financial options.

December 31, 2017: All members of the uniformed services on or before this date will

2016: Leader and Professional Financial Services Training

At a Glance

December 31, 2018: Opt-In enrollment window closes.

Opt-In Window

*All training and education initiates with the release of training resources and will continue on an ongoing basis.

January 2017: Opt-In training for all eligible service members begins.

January 1, 2018: System.

JKO is the DoD online training management system. BRS courses can be found on JKO at www.militaryonesource.mil.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

1/126 Aviation; Always Ready, Always There

By Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Simmons, 110th Public Affairs Detachment

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oldiers of the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, Rhode Island Army National Guard epitomize the National Guard’s motto. “Always ready, always there” as they prepare to embark on October 4,2017 for another deployment to Southwest Asia.

Approximately 270 Soldiers from the Rhode Island National Guard’s 1st Battalion,126th Aviation Regiment, General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) will deploy in support of the 449th Theater Aviation Brigade to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve.

The GSAB is comprised of National

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Guard from six states and is equipped with UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook Helicopters that will provide critical mission support for air assault, air movement and air ambulance ( MEDEVAC) evacuation. Soldiers with the GSAB are trained in a wide variety of military occupational specialties including helicopter pilots, crew chiefs, flight medecs and equipment maintainers. Additional specialties supporting battalion operations include; communications, medical, logistics and human resource positions. ”It’s a medevac mission,” said Sgt. 1st Class Craig Ribeiro, air ambulance paramedic, C Company, 1/126.

“It’s fulfilling because you’re helping

people. I enjoy being part of the team and helping the guys on the ground.”

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, Rhode Island Army National Guard have supported 13 overseas operations since 2004, in Honduras, Iraq, Afghanistan, Panama, Kuwait, Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.

Traditionally, most National Guard personnel serve one weekend a month, two weeks a year, although personnel in highly operational or high demand units such as the 1/126 Aviation serve far more frequently. At the height of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan nearly 28% of total U.S. forces in the regions consisted of mo-

bilized National Guard and Reserve components.

The head of the National Guard Bureau General Joseph L. Lengyel said that Soldiers will endure higher levels of training and more time away from their jobs and their families which will result in more deployments.

Lengyel also said, “If they’re going to do all this training, they want to, and expect to be sent to go to do something with it, whether it’s Afghanistan or Iraq or anywhere around the globe.

“This will be my fifth deployment,” said Sgt Paul Tremblay, UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief, C Company, 1/126.

“I’ve been to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and one deployment within the United States, supporting an active duty unit.

The hardest thing about deployments is being away from my family… The best part is coming come.”

Sgt. Kyle Newman, an air ambulance paramedic, C Company, 1/126 is also a paramedic in her civilian career.

“This will be my third deployment,” said Newman. “I love flying. I love being a paramedic and helping people. We have challenging missions that bring the unit closer together and build camaraderie.”

Staff Sgt. Daniel Henrique, UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief, C Company, 1/126 said, “This will be my second combat deployment, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the mission. Training is a priority, I’m a flight instructor for flight medics and crew chiefs, and enjoy training Soldiers to always be ready.

The Aviation Battalion is commanded by Lt. Col. Brian Hennessey and Command Sgt. Maj. Nicky Peppe “The 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation continues to answer the call with pride and resolve. The men and women of this command are a balanced mix of experienced veterans and young Soldiers. They are well trained, well lead, and are among the finest Soldiers in the Army today. They have my fullest confidence, and I am both proud and grateful to be part of this team,” said Lt. Col. Hennessey.

The militia, called the National Guard since 1916, has served community, state and nation for nearly 400 years.

Citizen Soldiers have fought in every major American conflict from 1637 to present day operations. Men and women of the Army National Guard are still defending their families, neighbors and nation. Soldiers of the 1st Battalion 126th Aviation Regiment continue the long proud tradition. “Always ready, always there.”

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RING Soldiers excel during Military Police Competitive Challenge

Sgt. Zachary Scuncio, assigned to the 169th Military Police Company, and Spc. Ernest Coit, assigned to the 115th Military Police Company finished first among all National Guard teams in the Military Police Competitive Challenge held Sept. 17-19, 2017 at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. This highly competitive event was open to all Major Military Police Commands throughout the three US Army components; Active Duty, Reserves and National Guard.

Sgt. Scuncio of Richmond, R.I. and Spc. Coit of Lincoln, R.I. participated in the two-person team competition during the Military Police Regimental Week which consisted of a non-commissioned officer and a Soldier, and finished fourth overall in a field of 21 teams.

The three-day competition consisted of a physical endurance assessment, written exams, “hands-on” warrior tasks and battle drills, and weapons qualification on the M4 rifle, M9 sidearm and shotgun. The competition also included a day and night land navigation course, urban orienteering, two obstacle courses and law enforcement tasks to include battlefield forensics.

The physical endurance assessment included three separate ruck marches and a modified physical training test consisting of a rope climb, 200M dummy drag, push-ups, and a 3 mile run, while wearing a protective mask for 1.5 miles of the course.

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All competitors were required to be currently serving in a Military Police Career Management Field (CMF). The winning team was from the 94th Military Police Battalion, Camp Humphreys, Korea.

“These two Rhode Island Army National Guard Soldiers represented our State and Brigade in a highly professional manner and competed at a very high level with the Active Duty MP Corps units,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Wall, CSM of the 43d Military Police Brigade. Their efforts will have long-term positive effects on the junior members of our organization.”

Brig. Gen. Matthew Dzialo, Assistant Adjutant General-Air, Retires Senior Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143d Airlift Wing Public Affairs

At a ceremony Sunday Aug. 6, 2017 held in an aircraft maintenance hangar at Quonset Air National Guard Base where he began his career nearly 38 years ago, Brigadier General Matthew Dzialo, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Rhode Island Air National Guard was recognized for his service and retired.

Brig. Gen. Dzialo began his career in December 1979 as an enlisted turboprop mechanic with the 143d Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

He remained in that position until receiving his commission through the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science in October 1982. Following his commissioning, Brig. Gen. Dzialo served in multiple capacities in the 143d Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron ultimately taking command of the squadron in 1989.

Brig. Gen. Dzialo has completed multiple deployments around the world in support of Operations Desert Storm, Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. He also served as Director, J4, Logistics and Engineering Directorate, North American Aerospace Defense Command/ United States Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado during a two-year broadening assign-

ment period outside the Rhode Island National Guard. Upon return from his assignment to Northern Command, Brig. Gen. Dzialo was appointed as Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Joint Force Headquarters, Rhode Island National Guard where he completed his distinguished career.

During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Christopher Callahan, Adjutant General and Commanding General, Rhode Island National Guard, presented the Distinguished Service Medal and the Rhode Island Star to Brig. Gen. Dzialo for his outstanding service to our state and nation.

The hangar may not have been the same hangar as the now demolished P13 that Brig. Gen. Dzialo began his career working in. And the C-130J Super Hercules may not be the same aircraft Brig. Gen. began his career working on; however, he stated that there was nowhere else he would rather close out his career than in a C-130 maintenance hangar surrounded by his fellow Airmen and family.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

The Rhode Island Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion kicked off it's Retention Benefits Seminar today at the URI's W. Alton Jones Campus in West Greenwich, RI. The seminar was designed to give Soldiers who are close to end of their enlistment an opportunity to see what is available to them prior to making their decision. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Ramaglia)

Erasing ETS: Retention Benefit Seminar Story and Photos by Staff Sergeant Peter Ramaglia

The Rhode Island Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion hosted a Retention Benefits Seminar on Aug. 6, 2017 at the University of Rhode Island’s W. Alton Jones Campus in West Greenwich, RI. The seminar, the first of its kind in the RI Army National Guard, was designed to give Soldiers who are within the 120-day window of completing their enlistment an opportunity to speak with various units within the Rhode Island National Guard with the hope of retaining these individuals.

“What we’re trying to do with this seminar is to provide a one-stop shop for retention so the Soldiers, particularly those looking to ETS, get the best and most up-to-date information available so they can make their final decision,” said Major Alan Dufresne of the Recruiting & Retention Battalion.

The seminar began with a briefing shortly after the Soldiers arrived where they received information about the

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units and subject-matter experts on the ground.

Upon completion of the briefings, the Soldiers rotated through six, 30-minute sessions, where they met with the Family Assistance Center, 43d Military Police Brigade, 56th Troop Command, the Regional Training Institute, the Medical Detachment and they wrap up their visits with the Recruiting and Retention’s Bonus Incentives briefing.

At the 43d Military Police Brigade and 56th Troop Command’s tables, representatives from the units that fell under those two major

commands were represented.

The goal of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion is to host a Retention Benefit Seminar for Soldiers bi-annually in the future.

“I see the program taking wings,” said Dufresne when asked what he thought of the future of this program. “I’m getting a lot of good vibes from the major commands and the G1 to continue this program. Ultimately, if a Soldier doesn’t want to stay in their current military job specialty but still wants to stay in, retaining that Soldier and all the expertise they bring is still a win for the Rhode Island National Guard.”

With the major commands and G1 present at the seminar, should a Soldier want to reenlist, the process would be streamlined.

This program has value in that a Soldier doesn’t have to go through layers of chains of command, instead we bring all of the players in that process to the Soldier, said Dufresne.

The Recruiting and Retention Battalion is aware that not every Soldier wants to be reenlist and have their eyes on other options.

“We want to give these Soldiers the most updated information there is in regards to their career opportunities within the RI National Guard and reenlistment,” said Dufresne.

“If some of these Soldiers don’t want to reenlist today, that’s fine as well. At least they get a hand shake out of it and a thank you for their service. We want to let them off on that good foot. We want to let them know that we care and that they’re a value to us.”

Staff Sgt. Gerald Knight recites the Oath of Enlistment today at a Retention Benefits Seminar after reenlisting into the Rhode Island National Guard for more six years. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Ramaglia)

Soldiers participating in the Rhode Island Army National Guard Retention Benefits Seminar speak with a subject matter expert of another military job specialty today at the URI's W. Alton Jones Campus in West Greenwich, RI. The seminar was designed to give Soldiers nearing the end of their enlistment the most up-to-date information in terms of retention.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Ramaglia)

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Col. Eliseo Nogueras Promotion Photos by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Simmons Public Affairs Specialist

Lt. Col. Eliseo Nogueras is promoted to the rank of Colonel at a ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters, Cranston RI, September 9, 2017. The new rank is pinned on by his sons Captain Chaplain Eliseo Nogueras Jr and Samuel Nogueras. Col. Nogueras currently serves as Command Chaplain for the RI National Guard.

Ida Nogueras, wife of Newly promoted Colonel Eliseo Nogueras receives the honorary rank of Brigadier General during a ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters, Cranston RI, September 9, 2017. A time-honored tradition in the RI Army National Guard is to promote the spouse of a newly promoted officer, one rank higher.

Newly promoted Col. Eliseo Nogueras is congratulated

by Brigadier General Bennett Singer, Land Component Commander, RI Army National Guard during a ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters, Cranston RI, September 9, 2017. Col. Nogueras was initially commissioned in 2002 after 14 years of enlisted service and currently serves as Command Chaplain for the RI National Guard.

Col. Eliseo Nogueras thanks his wife, Ida Nogueras during a promotion ceremony attended by numerous friends, family and distinguished guests at Joint Force Headquarters, Cranston RI, September 9, 2017. Col. Nogueras currently serves as Command Chaplain for the RI National Guard.

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