Ocean State Guardian - Online Issue #2

The Rhode Island National Guard’s RING Communicator is now active. Please click on the website below to ask a question, offer a comment, request military support, or request historical military records. www.riarmynationalguard.com/RINGCommunicator This tool was developed to enhance two-way communication with individuals, organizations and major stakeholders who require assistance from the Rhode Island National Guard or wish to partner with our organization.

You can also find a link to the RING Communicator at the top right corner of our website at www.ri.ng.mil.

Rhode Island National Guard

The Ocean State Guardian Fall 2014

The Governor of Rhode Island and the Captain General of the Rhode Island National Guard

The Honorable Lincoln D. Chafee The Adjutant General of Rhode Island and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard

MG Kevin R. McBride Director of Joint Staff Rhode Island National Guard

www.ri.ng.mil www.ri.ng.mil

IN THIS ISSUE...

Don’t let your “Guard” down

4

Rhode Island State Police host 9/11 Ceremony

5

Officer Candidate School Commissioning

6

JUICE

7

Senior Leader Symposium

8

PawSox Celebrate 35th Armed Forces Night

9

Officer Candidates Study Leadership at Gettysburg

10

State Partnership Program Bahamas 2014

15

Regional TAG Conference

17

Leapfest XXXI

18

RI National Guard Soldier to Honor Graduate

21

Airmen Participate in Air Force Record

23

RI Soldiers Achieve German Proficiency Badge

24

Force Support Squadron’s Innovative Training

25

BG Charles E. Petrarca Jr. 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

2LT Megan Burmeister SSG Peter Ramaglia Public Affairs Office (401) 275-4038

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE (401) 275-4038

Feedback on The OSG content, please email: ngristaffpao@ng.army.mil _____________________________ Like us on Facebook: /RhodeIslandNationalGuard Follow us on Twitter: @RINationalGuard Check out previous issues of The OSG www.issue.com/RIPAO

ON THE COVER Paratroopers board a CH-47 prior to their first jump at Leapfest XXXI. (Photo by Army Sgt. Terry Rajsombath)

Fall 2014 / Rhode Island National Guard | 3

From the State Command Sergeant Major Command Sergeant Major Michael Lewis

Don’t let your “Guard” down

It has been a busy 2014 and this year has flown by all too fast.

As a member of this command, you should give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back for your hard work and commitment.

Don’t let your guard down in 2015 and, most importantly, don’t get complacent. The Budget constraints and challenges will continue in 2015.

We must all continue to be good stewards of the funds allocated to us as we plan and execute training and mission preparation.

With the new NCOER firmly in sight, I encourage my Army NCOs to use this Training Year to focus your energy on making sure you are relevant to the fight. Completing your Professional Military Education (PME) is a priority in a more competitive environment. This includes SSD and progression through graduation of PME and it will become more necessary than ever before. Being an SSD and PME graduate will clearly demonstrate your readiness for promotion. In order to attend PME you must be physically ready by meeting the requirements in AR 600-9, AR 350-1, and TC 3-22.20. No one is more responsible for your career than you!!

The issues I am most concerned about in the near term are the health, safety and well-being of our members. I plead with each of you to understand the importance of safety.

4 | Ocean State Guardian / Fall 2014

Buckle-up when driving, don’t text and drive, don’t dial and drive, etc.

Always exercise safety while on the road whether in an automobile or on a motorcycle. Alcohol and motorized modes of transportation do not mix well!

Whatever you do, remember that it is never in your best interest to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol! I can’t stress enough the importance of calling a sober driver or taxi when attending holiday parties and enjoying the spirit of the holidays. Please remember that you have friends in the organization that are willing assist you.

I want to take a moment to inform you of the TAG’s Medicinal Use of Marijuana policy. Rhode Island law indicates that Medicinal Marijuana is meant for patients with “debilitating medical conditions” and such conditions are commonly not compatible with continued Military service. If you possess a Registry Identification Card (RIC) for your use and possession for medicinal purposes, you should notify your Commander immediately and you will be referred for medical evaluation.

This is not a form of punishment but rather an evaluation of your health to ensure physical fitness for continued service. If you possess a RIC as a registered primary care giver, you do not need to divulge that information; however, you should take every pre-

caution to ensure you do not ingest marijuana in any form.

Look around, listen and pay attention. Remember that the care we provide for each other doesn’t stop at the end of the duty day. I know we have members within our ranks that are struggling during this season.

Whether it is from the loss of a loved one, financial burden, loss of job or broken relationship they shouldn’t have to go it alone (Battle buddy and Wingman systems). I ask all of you to please reach out and offer a helping hand to those in need. Put them in contact with the Chaplain, a member of their chain of command, medical professionals, financial counselors, etc. Don’t forget that we have a large number of programs within the National Guard that are available to help our team members who are in need.

Most importantly, let’s open our doors to someone in need during the holidays if they are asking for help. Reach out and take care of our family members! Leave no one behind!

In closing, from my family to yours, I wish you great joy and happiness during this time. May God Bless each and every one of you and your loved ones giving them good health and a plentiful bounty!

Happy Holidays and my best wishes for a successful New Year!

RHODE ISLAND STATE POLICE

HOST 9/11 CEREMONY

By 2LT Megan Burmeister, Public Affairs Specialist, RING

Representatives from law enforcement, the military, and the fire service honored family members of those lost with a white rose at the Rhode Island State House today.

Brigadier General Charles E. Petrarca Jr., Land Component Commander of the Rhode Island National Guard, read the names of the Armed Forces fallen in the War on Terror since the attacks of 9/11.

Thank you to the Rhode Island State Police for planning, hosting and including the RI National Guard in the ceremony.

We will never forget.

BG Charles E. Petrarca Jr., Rhode Island National Guard Land Component Commander, reads the names of the fallen from the War on Terror since the attacks of 9/11. (Photo by 2LT Megan Burmeister)

Fall 2014 / Rhode Island National Guard | 5

Candidates raise their hand and swear the State and Federal Oaths of Office during their commissioning

Officer Candidate School’s Class 57 reviews Gettysburg maps at the site of the Eternal Peace Air Light Memorial, ceremoy at the Quonset National Guard Base in North Kingstown, RI on August 24, 2014. (Photo by northwest of Gettysburg, where heavy fighting occurred on the first day.

2LT Megan Burmeister, Public Affairs Specialist, RING)

OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL

COMMISSIONING By 2LT Megan Burmeister, Public Affairs Specialist, RING

Four new officers joined the Rhode Island National Guard on Sunday, August 24, 2014 at the Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingston, RI.

The four candidates received the Federal Oath of Office from BG Petrarca, Rhode Island National

Guard Land Component Commander, and the State Oath of Office from Secretary of State, Ralph A. Mollis. As the Candidate’s raised their right hands, they swore to uphold the Constitution and protect the State and Nation from enemies, foreign and domestic.

This event OCS Class 57 (Photo by 2LT Megan Burmeister, Public Affairs marked the Specialist, RING) completion of 18 months of challenging training for the candidates. They participated in two 2-week annual training events and over 12 months of traditional drill

6 | Ocean State Guardian / Fall 2014

weekends that tested their leadership and military competence.

Congratulations to the Rhode Island National Guard’s newest 2nd Lieutenants: Christopher Devine, Richmond, RI Sara Graham, Bridgewater, MA Scott Tarricone, Cumberland, RI Charles Wesley, Cumberland, RI

Each candidate will receive orders of assignment to various units within the Rhode Island National Guard. Upon commissioning, the new lieutenants will attend their basic branch training at various active duty posts throughout the country.

JUICE

For three weeks in June 2014, three communications organizations of the RIANG were on the front lines of cyber warfare battle with our adversaries. For the first time in memory, all three communications units, 102nd Network Warfare Squadron, 143rd Communications Flight, and 282nd Combat Communications Squadron, sent cyber defenders to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. There, they took part in the annual Joint User Interoperability Communications Exercise (JUICE). The exercise brings together US forces with government, coalition, and industry partners to forge new, joint interoperable communications solutions that meet the requirements of today’s dynamic conditions and withstand the rigors of tomorrow’s joint force. Recently, JUICE has attracted the attention of the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) and cyber community because of its effectiveness in uncovering problems, both technical and doctrinal, and elevating it to the appropriate level.

RIANG forces led the engagement, operating the Joint Network Control Center (JNCC) and Joint Cyber Center (JCC), both reporting to a communications section. The exercise involved a series of simulated events. In addition to these events, the JNCC and JCC de-

By Major Stefano McGhee, RIANG J6

fended against real world aggressors a great deal of praise for all the tasks from around the globe that repeatsuccessfully completed. The joint edly probed the JUICE network as service experience was a great one tests were being executed. At one and had many looking forward to point, a Facebook post about the ex- the next opportunity to bring their ercise resulted in a marked increase technical skills to bear in protection in the daily number of probing atof cyberspace. The RIANG repretacks over the course of the exercise sented one of the largest groups in showing that the enemy was watchthe exercise and will be invited back ing. The participants took actions next year to participate again due in daily to repel the attacks and advise no small part to the excellent work. downstream users of the nature of the attacks.

Leadership teams also packaged up reports of all attacks for reporting to Strategic Command and Cyber Command. The members of the JNCC and JCC consisted entirely of Guard and Reserve members of the Air Force, Navy and Marines while the entire exercise was run by the Army’s Communications-Electronics Command.

The exercise was successful and the parRhode Island Air National Guardmen man their work stations as they participate in the annual Joint User Interoperability Communications Exercise at Aberdeen ticipants received Proving Ground in Maryland this past June.

Fall 2014 / Rhode Island National Guard | 7

SENIOR LEADER

SYMPOSIUM

3 | Ocean State Guardian / Fall 2014

The Rhode Island National Guard senior leaders gathered in August at the Showcase Cinema in Warwick, RI for the Senior Leader Symposium that boasted three key themes, Back to the Basics, Full-Spectrum Readiness, and Standards and Discipline.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Marc Genest, co-director of the Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups at the Naval War College in Newport, spoke about various forms of global and domestic threats.

Other speakers included State Command Sergeant Major Michael Lewis for the Army and the Air Guard’s Chief Master Sergeant Lorraine Casucci.

The Adjutant General, MG Kevin R. McBride wrapped up the event by thanking the crowd and encouraging them to move forward with the symposium’s three key themes in mind.

Pawtucket red sox CELEBRATE 35th ARMED FORCES NIGHT

By 2LT Megan Burmeister, Public Affairs Specialist, RING

The Pawtucket Red Sox honored service members at McCoy Stadium on June 26th, 2014.

This was the 35th Armed Forces Night hosted by the PawSox, who host the event to remember the sacrifices of service members, past and present, whose sacrifice and dedicated service helps preserve the freedoms enjoyed today.

This annual event included more than 30 members of the Rhode Island National Guard participating to include the noncommissioned officer of the year, SGT Stephanie Engro, 115th Military Police Company, and SFC Adom Vita, Rhode Island National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command.

Engro, Vita and two former military service members threw out opening pitches to start the game following a ceremony honoring past, present and future members of the Armed Forces.

The 88th Army Band performed the National Anthem and the Guards of Thunder provided a cannon salute to conclude the ceremony.

The PawSox beat the Norfolk Tides, 7-3, finishing off the night on a high note.

Top: SFC Adom Vita from the RI Recruiting and Retention Battalion poses with a PawSox catcher after throwing out a first pitch at McCoy Stadium. SFC Vita was one of the servicemembers, past, present and future honored at the annual Armed Forces Night at McCoy Stadium.

Bottom: SGT Stephanie Engro, RI National Guard NCO of the Year holds her daughter while Paws, the Pawtucket PawSox mascot entertains them before the game. SGT Engro was one of the servicemembers, past, present and future honored at the annual Armed Forces Night at McCoy Stadium.

Fall 2014 / Rhode Island National Guard | 9

Officer Candidate School’s Class 57 reviews Gettysburg maps at the site of the Eternal Peace Light Memorial, northwest of Gettysburg, where heavy fighting occurred on the first day.

OFFICER CANDIDATES study leadership at GETTYSBURG

By Major Jonathan Elliott, OCS Company Commander

LTG (ret.) Hal Moore in his lessons on preparing for battlefield leadership said that students must one, read military history and two, visit historic battlefields with maps and books in hand. With one of the greatest battlefields in American history less than a day’s drive from Rhode Island, the RI ARNG OCS Class # 57 accomplished exactly that. The battlefield, provided an opportunity for lessons in leadership and tactical operations, and an extremely productive training experience. The Battle of Gettysburg lasted for three days in July of 1863 and though the Civil War endured for two more years, and is considered the major turning point of the entire war. One cannot help but feel that Army leaders, studying at all levels, stand to benefit greatly through careful dissection of the events surrounding that epic battle.

Included in the Officer Candidate School Program (OCS) of Instruction is a staff ride event focused on battlefield study of leadership and tactics.

10 | Ocean State Guardian / Fall 2014

The Army’s Center of Military History Gettysburg Staff Ride guide asks the question of how we can expect to learn the realities of war unless it is properly studied.

The Staff Ride, as always, is utilized as an exceptional capstone event and is certainly the most popular from the students’ perspective. More important than its popularity and awe inspiring ability, the Staff Ride is one of the most useful mental exercises the OCS program can implement as a practical learning event.

Historical battlefield and leadership study is an essential professional development tool for future officers as it brings together all the principles learned throughout the course and enhances one’s ability to glean current lessons by actually walking the terrain and understanding it from the individual Soldier’s and leader’s perspectives. It is important to realize that while equipment, technology and tactics change, the overall lessons at the strategic, operational and tactical level, truly transcend time and location. The ability to rec

ognize the culmination of these lessons from some of our own history’s greatest military minds will ensure the ability to apply them in future decision making.

The RI ARNG Candidates of OCS Class # 57 researched and prepared briefs at various locations of the battle as part of their assignment. The purpose was not to provide a regurgitation of history but to quickly summarize the events to move into a critical thinking discussion by highlighting what could be gained from this area in how to improve themselves and others for future Army missions. To understand the tactical decisions that were made, students discussed key players on both sides and explained their decisions based on knowledge at the time. Along with studying the types of leaders present, the OCS Class walked the terrain and used the Principles of War, operating environment principles PMESII-PT, METT-TC and the Troop Leading Procedures (TLP’s), leading into and immediately following particular points of the battle, to analyze how the entire course of the battle, and maybe the war, was decided through the actions at this point. There is no way to understand the significance of Little Round Top or Culp’s Hill without standing on them and seeing their impressive domination over the surrounding terrain. Harnessing the importance of principle lessons, such as key terrain, clearly communicating, maintaining the initiative and understanding weapons

capabilities, to name a few, are just as important in today’s Army, 151 years after Gettysburg.

The OCS Class and Instructors dove into a variety of lessons on how leadership can be studied from this Battle and applied to their own development. While the lessons are endless, here are a few highlighted historical examples worth sharing. The key component to each discussion hinged on the ability to recognize how studying these lessons allows us to improve our own leadership skill set and apply the lessons learned here to everyday decisions in our personal and professional lives.

First, we discussed General Joe Hooker’s relief as Commander of Union Forces and replacement by General Meade just days before the battle. General Meade, left with very little information on the state of the Army, led to a discussion on the importance of left-seat/right-seat rides and leaving the position better than you found it for the incoming commander.

General John Buford’s ability to re-structure the Union Cavalry force and its mission translated into a discussion on adapting tactics, techniques and procedures with current technology and to meet the enemy’s threat. Further, we talked about how re-structuring the Army (TDA & MTOE Changes) occurs regularly to keep pace with the Army’s mission essential task list (METL). Adaptability and flexibility is a key fundamental for any leader.

Failure to bend can lead to obsolete modes of thinking.

Also, General Buford’s decision to hold the ground on the northwest side of Gettysburg against General Heth’s Division (CSA) of General Ewell’s Corps (CSA) would only be an acceptable risk if he properly communicated and “painted the picture of the battlefield” to General Reynolds of the Union’s First Corps, the closest infantry available to support defense of the key terrain. General Reynolds, considered to be one of the best Union Commanders at the time, was killed during the first day. Students found the site where he fell and remembered his final words, “forward, for

The Class stands next to the RI Monument dedicated to 1st Rhode Island Artillery, Battery A (139 men) commanded by Captain William A. Arnold of Providence. The monument is located at the bloody angle near the copse of trees, the high water mark of Pickett’s charge.

God’s sake forward” as a lesson in leading from the front.

Combat is chaos and the individual/leader reaction to it can lead to great action and decisiveness or the opposite. General Ewell of the CSA, failed to maintain the initiative on the first day and capture Culp’s Hill, a key piece of terrain. Further study revealed that General Lee’s orders to General Ewell allowed for his discretion by stating “take the hill – if practicable.” Ewell felt his Soldiers were tired and incapable of taking it till the next day. Indecision led to failure. As a result, the Union Army set their priorities of work properly and reinforced Culp’s Hill by digging in throughout the night. The Union’s ability to maintain security on that hill, and the right flank of the whole line, throughout the rest of the fight proved essential to the Union’s victory. We reinforced the lessons of setting priorities of work and the discipline

to ensure you are prepared, as procrastination is as dangerous in war as it is in peace. These were decisions made in real time, under stressful conditions, yet the second and third order effects are readily available for our close examination and discussion.

The CSA Cavalry Commander, General J.E.B. Stuart is heavily scrutinized for leaving the General Robert E. Lee uninformed of the disposition of Union Forces leading into Gettysburg. However, General Stuart was given discretion by General Lee to capture essential supplies, which slowed the Cavalry down from being able to properly complete its mission. It was also General Lee’s decision to stay and attack the Union at Gettysburg without knowing the enemy’s outlook and after advising his corps commanders to avoid a general engagement on the first day. Further, General Lee had other cavalry commands available at his disposal but did not dispatch them to complete the

Officer Candidate Scott Tarricone discusses General Sickle’s Corps advance into the Wheatfield & Peach Orchard against General Longstreet’s Corps.

mission he required of General Stuart. These occurrences incited debate as to who could be blamed for this failure on the battlefield and understanding proper delegation of workload, clearly communicating orders, understanding the commander’s intent and conducting step 8 of the TLP’s – supervise and refine. General Stuart mentioned the wagons he captured when he finally linked up with General Lee. The reply was simply that they did not do them any good, anymore.

While discretion allows for subordinate initiative, it can lead to different interpretations of the mission and completion differently than otherwise expected.

On the second day, CSA attacks were to occur simultaneously on the right and left flanks of the Union line, which was now in the form of the infamous fish hook. However, delays in coordination between General Lee’s Corps Commanders, General Ewell and Longstreet, led to an uncoordinated and costly stalemate. The Confederate lines were spread thin over nearly nine miles while the Union fishhook created tight interior lines from which they could resupply, reinforce and send information quickly. From this, the OCS Class reflected on the importance of unity of command, executing on time (hitting SP), and the danger of only completing minimum expectations.

General Longstreet’s unexplained delay was interpreted as his disagreement with orders, however, by his taking matters into his own hands affected the bigger picture and created unintended consequences.

At the same time of these Confederate attacks, General Daniel Sickle’s, Commander of the Union’s III Corps, pushed his divisions forward against the enemy’s line to apparently gain better ground. This unexpected action led to harsh fighting in areas that would become known as the Peach Orchard, the Wheatfield and Devil’s Den. The OCS Company visited these sites to hold a discussion on how the enemy always gets a vote and the best laid plans must be flexible enough to quickly receive fragmentary orders to adjust. Additionally, the Class visited the site of the 20th Maine’s famous defense of Little Round Top of the far left flank of the line under Colonel Joshua Chamberlain. The heroism and dedication here unquestionably contributed directly to the Union victory.

The night after the second day, General Meade called for a council of war, where it was determined the Confederates would attack the center, if they at-

tacked. This council proved to be a historical example of the modern day military decision making process (MDMP) and war-gaming the event. On the third day, the Confederates did attack the center of the line and the Union was prepared. General Longstreet, knowing that the attack of 12,500 Soldiers would likely fail, delegated the decision to commence the attack, infamously known as Pickett’s Charge, to Colonel Anderson of the artillery. Standing at the site of where General Lee met his troops retreating from that attack, the class discussed making hard decisions as a leader and that they are not to be delegated. Looking out over that plain and remembering General Lee’s remarks, “it is all my fault”, was a very powerful and poignant reminder that leaders are responsible for all that their unit’s do and fail to do.

Other important lessons that are often lost to the casual observer include the logistical requirements of such massive armies. The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and the Union Army of the Potomac held roughly 71,000 and 93,000 Soldiers respectively. The means to supply, feed, arm, and move these forces is quite significant. We discussed the many aspects of logistics and their importance. In relating logistical requirements to the current environment, David Zucchino’s book “Thunder Run” aided a discussion how the 3rd Infantry Division armored vehicles outran their support on their ground invasion into Baghdad in 2003. The commanders pushed so hard and so fast that the initiative was nearly lost to ensure that beans, bullets and fuel were protected and could reach the front lines safely, securely and in a timely manner.

In addition, the political, economic and civilian considerations were just as important in 1863 as they are today and in any operating environment the US Army will find itself in the future. Reminders of the tens of thousands of French civilians were lost during the D-Day invasion and bombings were discussed as to how important the operating environment is to consider with military operations. Collateral damage is not just structural and physical, but can defeat support and morale as well. Reviewing the Gettysburg resident’s reactions before, during and in the aftermath of such chaos and destruction is an often overlooked aspect of this fight. The Class took an opportunity in the museum to review some of the items dedicated to Fall 2014 / Rhode Island National Guard | 13

highlighting this aspect and a discussion on battlefield ethics revolved around civilian’s presence and impact.

Neither Commander intended to fight on this ground nor on these days, yet Gettysburg proved one of the most critical battles in our nation’s history. It is essential that stewards of the military profession examine it to know why. Having the luxury to examine on the sidelines, we could think about the decisions made and how we would have acted differently in today’s operating environment, which allows for greater clarity in thinking when in any situation, especially stressful ones. Gettysburg proved to be perfect to achieve that end.

For those of who have never read, or wish to know more about the Battle of Gettysburg, then I highly recommend “They Met at Gettysburg” by Edward J. Stackpole. Due to the voluminous amount of references available on Gettysburg, this book served as the only mandatory reference material for the OCS

Class as part of their staff ride assignment because of its focus on a solid understanding of the events, leaders involved and the lessons to take, highlighting the importance of this study.

If you’re interested in seeking a new career path or believe you have what it takes to be an officer and future leader of the RI ARNG, then consider the Officer Candidate School conducted at the 243rd Regional Training Institute, Camp Varnum, Narragansett. This State OCS program follows a traditional M-Day schedule by completing Phase 0 (Camp Varnum - MAR 15JUN15), Phase I (2 weeks in Camp Nianic, CT – JUL 15), Phase II – (Camp Varnum – AUG 15 – JUN 16), Phase III (2 weeks in Camp Fretterd, MD – JUL 16), AUG 16 Graduate/Commission as 2LT in RIARNG. Contact the OCS Company Commander, MAJ Jonathan Elliott at jonathan.m.elliott12.mil@mail.mil or the 243rd RTI at #401-275-4700 for further information on pre-requisites.

Officer Candidate Class 57 on top of the dedication to Soldiers who fought on Little Round top.

14 | Ocean State Guardian / Fall 2014

Staff Sergeant Kenneth Michael Riley II, of the Rhode Island Air National Guard,143d Airlift Wing, Civil Engineering Squadron, Structures shop, checks the joists to a new roof for the women’s barracks and latrine for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) at the Coral Harbour Base in Nassau, Bahamas on June 17, 2014.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sergeant John V. McDonald)

STATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

BAHAMAS 2014

By Master Sgt. John McDonald, 143d Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

Members of the Rhode Island Air National Guard’s 143d Airlift Wing from the Civil Engineering Squadron (CES), Force Support Squadron (FSS) and Public Affairs (PA) launched its inaugural group Deployment for Training (DFT) to support the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) at the Coral Harbour Base on June 14-27, 2014.

The National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) is a United States Department of Defense program managed by the National Guard that links U.S. States with partner countries around the

The flag of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas

world for the purpose of supporting the security cooperation objectives of the geographic Combatant Commands. By linking States with designated partner countries, the SPP aims to promote access, enhance military capabilities, improve interoperability and enhance the principles of responsible governance. Furthermore, the SPP aims to foster the integration of reserve and active component forces into a “total force.”

Begun in December 2005, the Rhode Island National Guard State Partnership with the Bahamas has generated a series of cooperative initiatives ranging from disaster preparedness to business cooperation and university partnerships. Some positive benefits from the program are;

• Provides experience and training for Guardsmen • Develops relationships with partner country • Encourages partners to co-deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan • Improves retention or provides other incentives for Guardsmen • Guardsmen benefit from partner country’s experiences • Improve military interoperability between US and Partner Nation forces

During this recent DFT, the 143d CES provided their expertise on a joint mission with Bahamian engineers of the RBDF on several projects around the base. The Structures/Heavy Equipment shop helped with a newly begun, ongoing construction project of the women’s barracks/latrine. The project consisted of rough interior framing on the first and second floors and included the framing of the roof. The team worked side-by-side with their Bahamian counterparts to complete the roof project. The shop tackled numerous tasks which

Fall 2014 / Rhode Island National Guard | 15

involved an added welding project. is intended to streamline processes, inaugural DFT with photojournalA steel fence post was repaired for maximize customer service and cut ism and video support. the front gate and they installed new the costs of maintaining separate or- Fostering positive foreign steel cage stairs to block off a high ganizations and that’s what the 143d relations is a key mission of the voltage area. The Power Pro Shop Force Support Squadron sought to National Guard through the State along with their colleagues prodo. They provided three hot meals Partnership Program. “This trip has vided rough electrical installation, per day for over 33 personnel totalbeen a great beginning in what will a new electrical panel and a smoke ing up to 1,400 meals executed hopefully be a continued partnerdetector/life safety system in the in addition to daily supply runs ship between Rhode Island Air new building. The Heating, Ventila- to the local markets. FSS worked National Guard and the Royal Bahation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) hand-and-hand with RBDF cooks mas Defence Force. The Bahamians shop contributed to the mission by creating spectacular dishes with have offered outstanding support completing several trouble shooting a Bahamian twist for the Airmen. to our Airmen at their base and it’s tasks to exciting Airman First Class Oluwatomisin Nmn Oyekan of the Rhode Island Air National Guard,143d Airlift Wing, include; to see the Civil Engineering Squadron, HVAC shop checks the refrigerate pressure for an air conditioning system for the comteamRoyal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) at the Coral Harbour Base in Nassau, Bahamas on June 19, 2014.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sergeant John V. McDonald) pressor work and changes, friendrepair ships that of wall have deunits/ veloped split ac, from the central construcair systion sites tems and to the portable kitchen air units. during The just a Water short and Fuels period Systems of time,” Mainsaid tenance Major (WFSM) Kathleen shop Mashared their expertise to the task by They accommodated members with honey, 143d Civil Engineering finishing rough plumbing, rough dietary constrictions and/or food Squadron, DFT/ OIC. The Bahamas water main feed and overall base allergies while maintaining a strinDFT 2014 was not only a successsurvey for the water system. They gent budget. ful mission, but it also allowed our also repaired numerous pressure

The addition of Public Afmembers to shine and fulfill their issues and helped trouble shoot the fairs allowed the group to connect annual training in a real world cross-connection problems Coral with local counterparts and also environment, actively engaging in Harbour was experiencing. In adprovided the opportunity for memthe ongoing U.S. National Guard dition, the WFSM shop took on an bers to participate in the CommisState Partnership Program with the assignment to demo old tile on the sioning Ceremony of her Majesty’s Bahamas. balcony of the training building Bahamian Ship, Arthur Dion Hanna overlooking the Parade Grounds. on Kelly’s Dock in Downtown

The Force Support structure Nassau. PA also documented the 16 | Ocean State Guardian / Fall 2014

p RESGISTER AT: HiringOurHeroes.org

REGIONAL TAG

CONFERENCE

Rhode Island hosted State Adjutants General from the Northeastern Region of the U.S. at the end of September for the Region I TAG Coordination Meeting.

The meeting at the Artillery Company of Newport & Naval Station Newport was attended by Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont.

During the 4-day meeting, TAGs covered various topics ranging from individuals situations, lessons learned, and shared experiences.

Fall 2014 / Rhode Island National Guard | 17

A U.S. paratrooper is seen from the air after exiting a CH-47 helicopter during Leapfest Aug. 4, 2014.

Leapfest is an Airborne parachute competition sponsored by the Rhode Island National Guard to promote high level technical training within the International Airborne community. (U.S. Army Photo

by Sgt. 1st Class Horace Murray)

LEAPFEST XXXI By 2LT Megan Burmeister, Public Affairs Specialist, RING

The opening ceremony would take place at 8 o’clock but Leapfest officially began as the sun rose on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014. A small group of paratroopers gathered a mile away from the official ceremony area where they paused in remembrance of all their fallen comrades, with special significance given to those who jumped on D Day, 70 years ago.

Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Dyer, 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island National Guard, addressed the group quoting Shakespeare’s “Henry V” from memory and ending with the famous line, “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he, today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.” The gathered paratroopers silently toasted the fallen paratroopers of WWII and of the more recent conflicts.

The leadership of the host unit, 56th Troop Command, had a decision to make, and were still watching the skies while toasting the fallen. Like those that they honored they too needed to decide to jump in the face of adverse weather.

“We have the ceiling so the pilots can see and the rain is OK,” said Dyer. “We can jump in the rain so Leapfest is on.”

The honored guest of the competition was retired Pvt. Robert Osborne, a WWII veteran with extensive combat history who had jumped into Salerno, Italy and Holland during his service stated, “The young men I’m looking at today, you are the future of the airborne.

We made the path; I hope you guys follow it.” Osborne then started the event, “I declare Leapfest 2014 competition open. Jumpers don your chutes.”

Leapfest, hosted by the Rhode Island National Guard, is central in developing a sense of camaraderie and community. Through an extensive training pro 18 | Ocean State Guardian / Fall 2014

gram and closing the event with a competition, Leapfest builds confidence in both the United States Service members and International paratroopers.

“Sure it’s about winning the competition but it’s also about building camaraderie as international parachutists,” said WO2 Shaun Forsyth, a competitor from New Zealand. “It is also about us, we deploy with Americans, Australians, and British forces mainly and it’s about us being able to fit into one of their companies or brigades and jump into action if we have to.

That’s what it is all about.”

Partnerships and coalitions evolved over the years, no more importantly than within the Airborne community. Leapfest provides train-

ing that directly reflects this broadening of coalition partnerships.

“The purpose of Leapfest is to provide an opportunity for parachutists from around the world and around the United States to demonstrate their proficiency in parachute operations in a competitive environment and at the same time we try to foster relationships with paratroopers and Armies around the world” stated Lt. Col. David Neary, Executive Officer, 56th Troop Command.

Leapfest began in 1982, with the intention of maintaining ties to international Service members through the efforts of the initial members of A Company, 19th Special Forces Group, Rhode Island National Guard. These relationships developed while the Soldiers

conducted training missions overseas. The original intent of Leapfest was to provide a training event that would also be fun but it soon evolved into a competition that measured individual skill and ability.

The 56th Troop Command, the administrative headquarters for A Company became the host organization as the competition grew to include participants from over forty countries around the world and across the branches of the United States military. This year’s competition featured eight international countries sending participants.

“The competition is the culmination of many hours of coordination and integration amongst nations and the Rhode Island National

An Italian Army paratrooper from team 17, fights against his inflated parachute canopy on the Drop Zone during Leapfest XXXI, in Kingston, R.I., Aug. 2, 2014. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brady Pritchett)

Fall 2014 / Rhode Island National Guard | 19

(left) U.S. Army paratrooper from team 16, drags his inflated parachute canopy toward an X on the Drop Zone during Leapfest XXXI, in Kingston, R.I., Aug. 2, 2014. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brady Pritchett) (right) U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Weaver dives for the X on the Drop Zone during Leapfest XXXI, in Kingston, R.I., Aug. 2, 2014.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brady Pritchett)

LEAPFEST XXXI COMPETITION WINNERS: Best Individual Time: 0.65 SFC Johnathan Ward, Warrior Training Center, Fort Benning, Georgia Guard to ensure a successful event,” said Lt. Col. Peter Parente, Rhode Island National Guard Public Affairs Officer. “There is no part of Leapfest that isn’t training.

This valuable training, which exercises multiple units from within and outside our organization, positions us well for future operations.”

Hosting Leapfest is a large undertaking. U.S. Military units across Rhode Island, New England and the country provide the personnel and equipment to get Leapfest off the ground and keep it in the air. Riggers travel from Indiana to provide support handling the large amount of parachutes and the Connecticut and Pennsylvania National Guard provide the large platform CH-47 Chinooks.

“This event is high level, technical training” stated Col. Chris Callahan, Commander, 56th Troop Command. “But you can not underestimate the human element. We are building relationships within the international Airborne community. The importance of this training cannot be understated.”

20 | Ocean State Guardian / Fall 2014

Best Team Time: 33.35 Team 52, Group Support Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, Utah A South African Paratrooper is penned with U.S. jump wings during Leapfest XXXI in Kingston, RI., July 30, 2014. Leapfest is an Airborne parachute competition sponsored by the Rhode Island National Guard to promote high level technical training within the International Airborne community. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brady Pritchett/ Released)

RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER TO HONOR GRADUATE

By SSG Peter Ramaglia, RING Public Affairs Specialist

From Army Ranger, to Bristol Police Officer, to Rhode Island National Guardsman, to Massachusetts State Police Officer, the ride for Sergeant First Class Luke Bonin, has been eventful with no signs of slowing down.

Bonin, 33, currently serving as a platoon sergeant with the 1/182nd Infantry, graduated the Massachusetts State Police Academy on May 9, 2014 as the Distinguished Honor Graduate from a class of 174 Troopers.

Bonin’s journey began in 2002 when he was assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment out of Fort Benning Georgia. With the 75th, Bonin deployed twice to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq.

While on his last Iraq deployment in 2005, Bonin began exploring a career in law enforcement, and due to the tour, he missed a Massachusetts State Police hiring announcement.

“I happened to see an ad for the Bristol Police Department in the newspaper,” said Bonin. “I told my wife that I would toss my name into the hat and see what happens.”

Without a college background, Bonin thought he was under qualified. However, a few months later he was invited to attend the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy. He graduated the academy in 2006, fourth in his class, and with a firearms award to boot.

Later, Bonin joined the Rhode Island Army National Guard as a combatives instructor for the 243rd Regional Training Institute.

After completing Combatives Levels 1-4 and the Inter-service Non-lethal Individual Weapons Instructor Course (INIWIC), he moved from the combatives room to the Pre-mobilization Training and Assistance Element (PTAE) to train deploying Soldiers.

Bonin transferred back to the Infantry with the 1/182nd as a weapons squad leader in 2013.

“I found training deploying Soldiers to be very

rewarding and fulfilling, and began to really miss training in the field,” said Bonin.

While maintaining his position with the Bristol Police Department and the Rhode Island Army National Guard, Bonin saw a hiring announcement for the Massachusetts State Police, this was the first opportunity he had since missing the 2005 announcement.

“As a police officer in Bristol, I loved my job and knew I had found my profession,” said Bonin.

“However, I sometimes found myself missing the fast pace life of the Ranger Regiment. I felt that the MSP offered [me] the chance to combine the best of both worlds, a fast-paced, high-speed, career in law enforcement.”

The hiring process for the Massachusetts State Police was a 4-year journey for Bonin.

He took the written examination in 2009 and didn’t start the MSP academy until December 2013.

With more than 1200 applicants, applying for a little less than 200 slots to fill the class, each phase of the hiring process was critical.

“To me, the hardest obstacle was the written test, not because it was difficult, but because the threshold was so high,” said Bonin. “Anything under a 97 and you didn’t even get an invite. I knew if I could get to the fitness test and interview I would do well.”

Bonin credits the RI Army National Guard for helping him stay in shape and ready for the MSP fitness test.

“The Guard had supported a PT program that I was participating in that left me in peak physical conditioning when I took my fitness tests for the hiring process,” he said.

“I remember after each phase of the selection was completed, a new roster would be posted online, and I would count how many roster numbers were left,” he said. “As it dwindled, I would calculate my odds of getting Fall 2014 / Rhode Island National Guard | 21

Bonin.

“The academy was far more challenging from an academic perspective than any military training I had gone through,” he said.

In a class of 174 graduates, Distinguished Honor Graduate is no easy achievement.

Bonin had to look no further than his Army training to get him through some of the physical and mental rigors of the academy.

“I was well prepared for the “stress inoculation training” that the academy provides,” he said. “I have been cold, tired, wet, and hungry all at the same time enough times to just suck it up. More importantly, I’ve learned to work with other people under those kinds of conditions. Not feeling the burden of that stress allowed me to handle the other rigors

Recruit Luke Bonin (first row, second from the right) stands at attention on his first day at the Massachusetts State Police Academy.

selected.”

The final phase before being invited to the academy was a background investigation, including an interview with a Massachusetts State Police Detective.

After all phases were completed, the Bonin family waited…

And waited…

“It seemed like an eternity went by with no word,” said Bonin.

“I heard rumors of candidates receiving appointment letters in the mail, but I hadn’t gotten one. I started to think I had missed the boat until my wife Heather ran into the house one day with a letter from the MSP in her hand. I was excited and terrified at the same time. It was a huge commitment.”

The letter with an invitation to the academy came in the fall of 2012.

The academy was 23-weeks long, Bonin would live there Monday through Friday, earning minimum wage at a straight 40 hours per week.

“Heather and I had endured separation through all of my previous schools and deployments, but all with better pay and most before we had kids,” said Bonin. “When Heather told me she was up for the challenge, I knew I was too.”

The physical and mental rigors were tough but manageable, said 22 | Ocean State Guardian / Fall 2014

more easily. Considering that driving, shooting, and combative skills were also included in my overall average, my training both as a Soldier and prior police officer paid off there as well.”

When asked how it feels to graduate from such a prestigious law enforcement academy as the honor graduate of his class, Bonin remained humble and said that he’s excited to start out on a new adventure.

“Right now I’m focused on becoming a good trooper, but in a couple years I’ll be looking for a new challenge within the organization,” he said. “Finishing at the top of the class was great and I am very proud of that and grateful to those who helped me along the way. However, I am hoping it will be a footnote to a great career ahead.”

Distiguished Honor Graduate, Trooper Luke Bonin (left) stands with Colonel Timothy Alben after the Massachusetts State Police Academy graduation ceremony in May. Photo courtesy of the Massachusetts State Police.

AIRMAN LEADERSHIP SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN AIR FORCE RECORD

By TSgt. Arthur DesLauriers, 143d Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

Nine Rhode Island Air National Guard Airmen participated in the Air Force’s Airman Leadership School at the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center (TEC). They joined an additional 225 Airmen to complete their leadership training and graduated on June 25, 2014.

The 143d Airlift Wing & 282d Combat Communications Squadron’s Airmen were students of the TEC’s Satellite ALS Class14-4. The students of this class were among the largest single graduating ALS class ever in the U.S. Air Force history, said TEC officials.

The initial home station

portion of ALS was conducted at Quonset via the Airlift Wing’s course facilitators. It consisted of five weekends of instruction. The students attended class in a classroom on Quonset ANGB while the TEC’s Paul H. Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center instructors taught the class via the TEC TV broadcast studio using one way video and two way audio technology.

“The course allows you to learn leadership situations in a small group setting and practice the leadership skills with the guidance of seasoned NCOs,” said Senior Airman Americo Botelho of the 282nd CBCS.

Following the home station instruction portion the students’ in-residence ALS portion consisted of two weeks of campus classroom instruction as well as physical fitness sessions and other training and tests.

“The class was tough but well worth the time and effort,” said SRA Heloisa Pereira of the 143d LRS.

For more information about Satellite Professional Military Education courses please contact your training manager or email SMSgt Joseph Hart at Joseph.

Hart@ang.af.mil.

Airmen from Rhode Island sit during their graduation ceremony on June 25, 2014.

The Airmen graduated from Airman Leadership School in a class of 244 which is a record number of graduates from one class.

Fall 2014 / Rhode Island National Guard | 23

ikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/German_Armed_Forces_Badge_for_Military_Proficiency.jpg

Rhode Island Soldiers Achieve German PROFICIENCY BADGE

By CPT Kate Zaccaria, 110th Public Affairs Detachment (Above) The German Armed Forces Badge was concieved in the 1970’s and awarded to German soldiers who meet all of the German proficiency requirements to be a soldier. (left) Rhode Island Soldiers participate in the swim portion of the fitness test to acquire the German Armed Forces Badge. (Photo by Cpt. Kate Zaccaria)

Rhode Island National Guard Soldiers from various units throughout the state tested their military proficiency to achieve the German Armed Forces Badge in August at Camp Fogarty, East Greenwich.

“This event is a culmination of a relationship between the Rhode Island National Guard and the German consulate,” said BG Charles E. Petrarca Jr., Land Component Commander for the Rhode Island National Guard.

Dating back to the 1970’s 24 | Ocean State Guardian / Fall 2014

the German Armed Forces Badge (GAFB) was awarded to German soldiers as a way to show others that they had met all the proficiency requirements that was, and still is, needed to be a soldier.

The GAFB consists of eight events that include; running, swimming, road marching, and basic soldiering skills. Soldiers compete over a two-day period to complete all eight events, which make up the German Army’s physical fitness test.

Every year, German soldiers are required to take the proficiency test to remain in the service.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for both officers and enlisted Soldiers to earn an award,” said LTC Gloria Berlanga, the Rhode Island National Guard Recruiting and Retention Commander.

Force Support Squadron Innovative readiness training

By MSgt. Janeen Miller, 143d Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

Airmen from the 143d Force Support Squadron were given a unique opportunity, this summer, to apply their skills using their new Disaster Response Mobile Kitchen Trailer (DRMKT) to support an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program in Raymond, Maine.

Innovative Readiness Training provides real-world training opportunities for our Service members and units to prepare them for their wartime missions while supporting the needs of America’s underserved communities. Civil-military IRT projects enhance unit training and readiness while filling a community need.

For this particular IRT program, the non-profit

organization, the Boy Scouts of America, provided the materials needed and the military, specifically the Air National Guard, and Army and Marine Reserves, provided the manpower. The IRT program at the Boy Scouts Camp, Camp Hinds is scheduled to take place over five consecutive summers. In this first year, approximately 450 Airmen, Marines and Soldiers from about a dozen states worked on the project providing major improvements to Camp Hinds. “Basically, the Boy Scouts outgrew their facility,” said Major Allyson Benko, a member of the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, who served as the of-

The Disaster Response Mobile Kitchen Trailer (DRMKT) is read to serve at Camp Hinds.

(Photo by MSgt. Janeen Miller)

Fall 2014 / Rhode Island National Guard | 25

ficer in charge at Camp Hinds.

The service members are building vertical and horizontal structures, installing plumbing and electrical upgrades, and building cabins from the ground up. Our Force Support Squadron members were tasked with feeding all of these servicemen and women three hot meals per day.

In addition, although not part of the tasking, our FSS members set up activities such as whiffle ball games, movie nights, and campfires. Also in addition to food services, the FSS personnel took care of lodging plans and issues.

“Hot meals really make a big difference in the morale of the troops,” mentioned Major Benko.

If the servicemen and women were to leave the camp for meals it could take up to two hours. With the addition of our FSS Airmen and their DRMKT they save time and money.

The Marines in particular were ecstatic to find that hot meals were available three times a day, added Major Benko, they even went so far as to say that this was the best food they had ever had on a mission like this.

When asked about their contributions to the mission the FSS Airmen were anxious to answer. Senior Airman Adry Rodas, who was in charge of the storeroom during this mission said that she is looking forward to getting back to Quonset and getting into the storeroom there to apply the knowledge that she has gained during the IRT to better our system. She was very pleased to work with Services units from across the United States. Senior Airman Anthony Hammond, one of the shift leaders, was responsible for making sure that everyone had what they needed to cook their meals and 26 | Ocean State Guardian / Fall 2014

making sure that the kitchen staff was safe. He also ensured that any Airmen who came from other units were trained properly on the DRMKT to guarantee that operations were safe and the food always came out on time. He said that his favorite part of the mission was training the Airmen from the other units and putting that training and knowledge to work. His least favorite part were the o-dark-thirty wake up calls!

Master Sgt Alan Levada, the NCOIC of the 143d FSS crew said that this mission will have a positive effect on the 143d FSS as a whole.

It gave an opportunity to perform tasks outside of the typical deployment/wartime tasks and processes.

He said, “It lets us wear our National Guard hats. With the DRMKT it allows us to have the ability to help our local folks when we are responding to local disasters.” This training on the DRMKT during the IRT is instrumental to being ready for those disasters. “When people

think of the National Guard during emergencies they usually think of the Army Guard. This [training] will allow us to show that the Air Guard is ‘Always Ready, Always There’ too,” added Levada.

The six Airmen assigned to this 12 week mission, Master Sgt Alan Levada, Technical Sgt Jermaine Lewis, Senior Airman Adry Rodas, Senior Airman Anthony Hammond, Airman First Class Gretchen Delano, and Airman First Class Julia Cumplido have returned to the 143d Force Support Squadron and are putting their training to work.

The living quarters for the servicemen and women working at Camp Hinds. (Photo by MSgt. Janeen Miller)

The Rhode Island National Guard’s RING Communicator is now active. Please click on the website below to ask a question, offer a comment, request military support, or request historical military records. www.riarmynationalguard.com/RINGCommunicator This tool was developed to enhance two-way communication with individuals, organizations and major stakeholders who require assistance from the Rhode Island National Guard or wish to partner with our organization.

You can also find a link to the RING Communicator at the top right corner of our website at www.ri.ng.mil.