www.ri.ng.mil
Rhode Island National Guard
The Ocean State Guardian Spring 2013
Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Stay safe on those bikes! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2012 Outstanding Airmen of the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 U.S. Army Air Corps aviator receives Rhode Island’s second highest award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Governor of Rhode Island and the Captain General of the Rhode Island National Guard
Thunder in Vermont 103rd rocks Camp Ethan Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
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 and Land Component Commander 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
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R.I. National Guard obstacle course focuses on Sexual Assault Awareness Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Winter storm pulls in Guard, local agencies, to help folks dig out. . . . . . . . 12 C-130 Squadron first to perform new airdrop method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Community College of the Air Force graduation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
LTC Peter Parente
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE (401) 275-4038 ngristaffpao@ng.army.mil
Public Affairs Specialists
SGT Megan Burmeister SGT Peter Ramaglia Public Affairs Office (401) 275-4038
ON THE COVER
Feedback on The OSG content, please e-mail:
ngristaffpao@ng.army.mil
THUNDER IN VERMONT Cover composed by Army SGT Peter Ramaglia
The Ocean State Guardian is published by AQP Publishing, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the Rhode Island National Guard, under written contract with the Rhode Island National Guard. This Rhode Island National Guard magazine is an authorized publication for employees and military members of the Rhode Island National Guard. Contents of this publication are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the state of Rhode Island, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, or the Rhode Island National Guard. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the state of Rhode
Island, DoD, the Rhode Island National Guard, or AQP Publishing, Inc. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Office of Public Affairs, Joint Forces Headquarters – RING. All photographs and graphic devices are copyrighted to the Rhode Island National Guard unless otherwise indicated.
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Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island MG Kevin McBride, Adjutant General, Commanding General, Rhode Island National Guard
As our organization prepares for training at multiple annual training sites, we are reminded that the brave men and women of the Rhode Island National Guard continue to deploy into harm’s way after 10 years of fighting in defense of our freedom and values. This spring, members of both the Rhode Island Army and Air Guard left the comfort of their home and families and once again answered our nation’s call. To continue to honor the service of our deploying service members and to remain a strong and relevant force, we must remain focused on the health and welfare of our entire organization. We must continue to provide realistic training and challenge our Soldiers and Airmen so they are ready to respond at a moment’s notice. To ensure that we remain a viable force, we must also refocus our attention to recruiting and retention efforts statewide. One of my highest priorities this year is to expand our recruiting efforts so that all those who want to serve or serve again understand the wide variety of opportunities that exist in the Rhode Island National Guard. To accomplish this
requires a team effort. I have directed each command to work closely with the Recruiting and Retention Command to maximize our efforts to grow the ranks for both first-time enlistees and service members who have elected to transition from our nation’s active duty forces. I am confident that our organization will achieve the training and recruiting goals established this year. This coming year will be especially challenging due to the effects of sequestration and budget uncertainty. The annual Open House and Air Show that typically draws almost 100,000 spectators was recently canceled due to specific guidance from the Department of Defense. Leapfest XXXI was also canceled for the same reason, limiting the opportunity to encourage potential candidates to join our organization. The final effects of the sequestration are unknown, but I am confident the professional Soldiers and Airmen of the Rhode Island National Guard stand ready to execute the mission, regardless of the inevitable hurdles. Fortunately, in Rhode Island our elected officials have recognized the
challenges that our service members and veterans face. Our organization is proud and thankful to participate in the many programs designed to promote job growth and the overall financial well-being of our returning veterans in these difficult economic times. Additionally our veterans have, on multiple occasions, a forum to give feedback to our elected officials and foster an understanding of some of the challenges and concerns veterans face. Recent events such as the Boston Bombing and the numerous cyber attacks aimed at our infrastructure and economic base, remind us all that we must stay vigilant and strong at home and abroad. Our organization will continue to be tested on a federal and state level. I am confident that the leadership and each service member will be up to the challenge. As always, I am proud to serve with you and as the commanding general of the Rhode Island National Guard. Standards and Discipline!
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Stay safe on those bikes! BG Charles E. Petrarca Jr., Assistant Adjutant General for Army, Rhode Island National Guard
Spring is finally here and the snow has melted. The warmer weather means more motorcycles out on the road. As some of you may know, I am a rider and love to be out on my bike. I would like to take this moment to address motorcycle safety and offer you these tips for safe riding. Always wear your personal protection equipment, helmet, sturdy shoes and gloves, which are critical. Always check your bike before you ride. Never drink alcohol, as it impairs your ability to
react, and always ride the speed limit. The most important aspect of riding is situational awareness. Drive defensively and always have a plan. As an example, when stopping at a light, check your rearview mirror for traffic coming up behind you and have an escape route planned if it becomes apparent you might be hit. Watch the driver’s eyes in the side view mirror to make sure they see you. If they do not, do not pass until they do. Maintain at least two car lengths in local traffic from
the vehicle in front of you and three on the highway. This will give you adequate time to react to all vehicular traffic. Remember, there is nothing between you and the road. Get it right every time, prepare before you ride, follow the rules, or you risk serious injury. Enjoy this spring and summer with your friends and family, but please do it safely and always “Ride Safe.”
Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) ready to help Who is a TAA?
TAA is a statewide resource advisor for service sembers of any branch and their families to A help them access their many benefits, such as:
Healthcare ∙ TRICARE entitlements ∙ Community resources Career-safe counseling referrals ∙ Dental issues Job search assistance ∙ Financial hardship assistance ∙ Records acquisition Why the TAA will meet your needs: • Over 90% of our staff are veterans or spouses of military members. • Many have worked through the disability process themselves and receive disability compensation. • They have a strong partnership with numerous state and federal assistance services. Where is the TAA? We are located in Cranston, R.I., but we can also go off-site for large events including mobilizationdemobilizations and unit events/drill weekends. What You Mean to Us: You served your country; now let us serve you.
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to
For assistance, please contact:
Sgt. Maj. Chuck O’Connor (Retired) Contractor, HPSC Inc. Transition Assistance Advisor Rhode Island National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters Command Readiness Center 645 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920-3097
Office: 401.275.4198 or DSN 247.4198 Fax: 401.275.4306 or DSN 247.4306
serve in any war...shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” — President George Washington
E-mail: charles.b.oconnor@us.army.mil
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By MSgt Janeen Miller, 143rd Airlift Wing, Public Affairs
At a ceremony held May 5 in the 143rd Airlift Wing Headquarters building at Quonset Air National Guard Base, four Airmen were recognized for their outstanding achievement in the Air National Guard. The Outstanding Airman of the Year Program is managed by the enlisted force to recognize individual contributions by enlisted members assigned to the 143rd Airlift Wing in their roles as members of the Air National Guard and as citizens of their community, state and nation. This program also provides commanders with a tangible process to determine the individuals who will compete for state Outstanding Airman of the Year and the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for the Air Force. The first category, the Outstanding Airman of the Year, recognized SrA Adam Amaro of the 143rd Security Forces Squadron. Amaro, who volunteered to deploy with the 143rd Security Forces Squadron in support of the AEF cycle,
Airman of the Year, SrA Adam Amaro, 143rd Security Forces Squadron, and BG Mark Jannitto, Deputy Adjutant General, Rhode Island. Photo by TSgt Jason Long
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Airman of the Year, SrA Adam Amaro, 143rd Security Forces Squadron, and Col Robert Germani Jr., 143rd Airlift Wing vice commander. Photo by TSgt Jason Long
was selected by his peers to receive the Outstanding Airman Award while attending a pre-deployment course. He was recognized as an outstanding performer by the Air Mobility Command Inspector General during the recent Wing Operational Readiness Inspection. Amaro was also selected as the Airman of the Year for the state. The Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, SSgt Amanda Avila of the 143rd Airlift Squadron, distinguished herself by playing a critical role in the success of the 2012 Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show, and she was instrumental in developing the Wing’s Student Flight program. Avila
also coordinated the first-ever movement of four Navy Exercise Torpedoes through Quonset State Airport, resulting
NCO of the Year, SSgt Amanda Emerick, 143rd Airlift Squadron, and Col Robert Germani Jr., 143rd AW vice commander. Photo by TSgt Jason Long
Senior NCO of the Year, MSgt Jessica Barry, 143rd Airlift Squadron, and Col Robert Germani Jr., 143rd AW vice commander. Photo by TSgt Jason Long
Senior NCO of the Year, MSgt Jessica Barry, 143rd Airlift Squadron, and BG Mark Jannitto, Deputy Adjutant General, Rhode Island. Photo by TSgt Jason Long
First Sergeant of the Year, SMSgt Scott Shangraw, 143rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, and Col Robert Germani Jr., 143rd AW vice commander. Photo by TSgt Jason Long
in the successful and safe accomplishment of the mission. MSgt Jessica Barry, also of the 143rd Airlift Squadron, was recognized as the Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for both the Wing and the state. Barry was handpicked by 143rd Airlift Squadron’s leadership to attend a demanding C-130J instructor loadmaster course. She is the first female loadmaster instructor in the 143rd AW, and she was selected to attend the first Joint Airdrop
Inspection Course at Quonset ANGB. Barry was recently selected to participate in a women’s veterans documentary by Cox Communications and was also honored as a member of the University’s Golden Key International Honor Society which recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement and excellence among students from all disciplines. Finally, SMSgt Scott Shangraw of the 143rd Logistics Readiness Squadron was recognized as the 143rd Airlift Wing
First Sergeant of the Year. Shangraws’ accomplishments include his ability to execute flawless leadership while deployed as the first sergeant for the 451st Expeditionary Operations Group of 700 members and 10 Squadrons. He has been identified by the 143rd Logistics Readiness Squadron as the most proactive first sergeant in the section to date, and he currently serves as the president of the RIANG First Sergeants Council.
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U.S. Army Air Corps aviator receives Rhode Island’s second highest award By Officer Candidate Megan Burmeister
Rhode Island Air National Guard member retired Capt Edouard Jacques received the Rhode Island Star and was promoted to major in the Unorganized Militia in a ceremony presided over by MG Kevin McBride, Adjutant General of Rhode Island and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard. Schofield Armory in Cranston was filled with service members, friends and family to honor Jacques’ long years of service. The Rhode Island Star is the state’s second highest military award and is given only in the case of exceptionally meritorious service to the state or federal government in a duty of responsibility. Jacques received the award for his distinguished military career, including 30 missions flown as a bomber pilot in the 8th Air Force between April 1944 and April 1945. Many of the mission targets were cities such as Cologne,
Capt Edouard Jacques, center, was awarded the Rhode Island Star and promoted to major in the Unorganized Militia. Photo by SGT Peter Ramaglia
Metz, Aachen, Magdeburg, Hanover and Berlin. Jacques’ last combat mission targeted a town near Hitler’s mountain
retreat, Berchtesgaden, also known as the Eagle’s Nest, in Bad Reichenhall in Bavaria. It was the last mission of the war flown by the 8th Air Force. Due to the skill, teamwork and luck of the crew, they never lost a plane or man on any mission. As a citizen of Rhode Island, Jacques served on the Coventry Town Council, eventually becoming town president. In addition he has served on many boards and commissions, most recently as the chairman of the Coventry Housing Authority. Jacques also celebrated his 92nd birthday on the day of the ceremony. He addressed the audience, thanking his loving wife, friends and family for their support throughout his career.
During his address to the audience, Capt Edouard Jacques thanks his loving wife, friends and family for their support throughout his career. Photo by SGT Peter Ramaglia
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THUND ER in Vermont 103rd rocks Camp Ethan Allen By SGT Mark Braden
As billows of smoke rose from the rolling Vermont hills, and the loud booms of cannons thundered throughout the empty golden wasteland of the Camp Ethan Allen training center, Soldiers from Bravo Battery nicknamed “Killer Bees” 1st Battalion, (from North Smithfield) 103rd Field Artillery Regiment, Rhode Island Army National Guard, fired M-777A-2 “triple seven” howitzers during a live-fire training exercise April 20 in Camp Ethan Allen’s training area. Putting what they learned to the test, Bravo Battery Soldiers staggered the three triple sevens in a “Lazy W,” known throughout the artillery community as a formation to maximize command, control and survivability. About 10 Soldiers stood by each weapon system ready to receive their fire missions, load 155 mm high-explosive rounds, fire the howitzer and destroy the targets, roughly eight miles away. With the cold Vermont mountain chill in the air and damp, rainy conditions, the “Killer Bees” spent their day perfecting their cannon crew drills between fire missions in the middle of April. Three to five minutes are all the Soldiers have to set up an M-777A-2 howitzer to fire. Patiently waiting on top of a large hill for grid coordinates, they tell stories or jokes to pass the time. Once, the section chief shouts the order, “prepare to fire,” to his team, he enters in the correct coordinates before sending the 100-pound round into the impact area. Forty-three seconds later, a large cloud of smoke rises from
PVT Michael Solomon, B/Battery 103rd FA, North Smithfield, R.I., Rhode Island Army National Guard, puts a point detonating fuse on a 155 mm round for live firing at Camp Ethan Allen, Vt. Photo by SGT Mark Braden
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SPC Ray Redmond pulls the lanyard on gun #2 during a live-fire exercise held at Camp Ethan Allen, Vt. Redmond is cannoneer #2 on gun #2. Photo by SGT Mark Braden
the valley. Someone begins telling another story while waiting for the next mission.
SGT Christopher Martley is section chief of gun #2 and is explaining to The Adjutant General, MG Kevin McBride, what each cannon crew member does during a live-fire exercise. Photo by SGT Mark Braden
“We don’t get many chances to fire our weapon systems, so when we do, we take full advantage of it,” said SSG Richard Carroll, section chief, Bravo Battery, 1/103rd FA. Soldiers must also have assurance that everyone in their section is proficient in all tasks when using a multi-manned weapon such as the M-777A-2 howitzer “It takes a lot of teamwork,” Carroll said. “The weapons system is crewed by a 10-man section. Each crew member is responsible to know and understand all the primary jobs of the gun section. The constant practice of crew drills ensures we put steel on target as quickly as possible.” Cross-training is critical in the field artillery community. Soldiers often jump from one position to another during high-tempo operations and may find themselves operating with a different crew section. “We expect to meet all firing standards regardless of the crew members and operational tempo,” said Carroll. “We all are cross-trained; everybody knows everybody’s job,” Carroll said. “That’s one of the main things we work on because we have a four-minute crew drill, and we will switch people around so everybody has the same time no matter where they are at in the piece.” The following hours were spent firing the triple sevens from different angles of elevation, giving the Soldiers a chance to experience its full capabilities. “It’s always satisfying to see the first rounds of the year go down downrange,” said CPT Brian Prochet, B/103rd FA commander. “It’s what we do and why my Soldiers are proud to be Redlegs.” Although each battery may get to train during drill weekends, annual training is the only time that all the batteries are able to come together as a battalion to conduct live-fire missions. Over the course of the exercise, the battery fired approximately 66 rounds. “This type of training is helping my Soldiers develop the skills, the confidence in their skills, ability to
The Adjutant General, MG Kevin McBride, puts his autograph on the first round to be fired in the new year, an artiilery custom. Photo by SGT Mark Braden
recognize any situation and how the weapon performs,” said SFC Jeff Lemire, platoon sergeant, Bravo Battery, 1/103rd FA. “When we get to annual training, they are familiar with the weapon and the type of mission we have to do with the weapon.” “Firing in April removes the thin coating of rust on the veterans and builds confidence in our newest unit members. I am confident we are on track for a successful annual training event,” Prochet said. Rhode Island’s finest lived up to their artillery motto “Play the Game.” This live-fire exercise is a warm-up to the two-week annual training this year in Fort Drum, New York.
State SGM Lewis pulled the lanyard on gun #2 during the live-fire exercise held on Camp Ethan Allen, Vt. on April 20. Photo by SGT Mark Braden
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R.I. National Guard obstacle course focuses on Sexual Assault Awareness Month Members of the Rhode Island Air and Army National Guard gathered April 7 at the obstacle course on Camp Fogarty, East Greenwich, for a day of competition, reflection and awareness. The Rhode Island National Guard Sexual Assault Awareness Team organizes this event once a year during Sexual Assault Awareness month in order to bring Soldiers and Airmen together to test their knowledge of the National Guard’s zero tolerance policy for sexual assault and also their awareness of the resources available to them. The Rhode Island National Guard works to prevent sexual assault and sexual harassment within its ranks. The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program educates service members on their duty to protect and assist others who may be suffering from sexual assault or harassment. The RING held the obstacle competition to exemplify the ethical struggles that all Soldiers and Airmen confront throughout their careers. Eleven two-person teams competed for the fastest total time. Each team was required to complete nine obstacles and answer SAPR-related questions in between the obstacles. The competition is a reminder to National Guard members that they need to maintain the high physical,
mental and ethical performance standards required by the Rhode Island National Guard. MG Kevin McBride, Adjutant General, Commanding General, R.I. National Guard, presented trophies to the first, second and third place teams.
A Rhode Island Air National Guardsman traverses an obstacle in support of Sexual Assault Awareness during the RI NG Sexual Assault Awareness Annual Obstacle Course event April 7th. Photo by Air Force MSgt John McDonald, 143rd AW/PA
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143rd Airlift Wing Commander Col Arthur Floru traverses a balance obstacle in support of Sexual Assault Awareness during the RI NG Sexual Assault Awareness Annual Obstacle Course event April 7th. Photo by Air Force MSgt John McDonald, 143rd AW/PA
MG Kevin R. McBride speaks to participants, volunteers and supporters about the importance of team building exercises like the RI NG Sexual Assault Awareness Annual Obstacle Course event and the importance of Sexual Assault Awareness. Photo by Air Force MSgt John McDonald, 143rd AW/PA
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Winter storm pulls in Guard, local agencies, to help folks dig out
A Rhode Island National Guard Soldier assists a fellow Rhode Islander in need during the February 2013 Nor’easter. Photo by Army SGT Terry Rajsombath
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By Officer Candidate Megan Burmeister
The Rhode Island National Guard assisted state and local agencies in recovering from the effects of the February 2013 nor’easter. Approximately 350 service members were activated to help dig out Rhode Islanders from the major winter storm. Military police assisted local agencies in Tiverton, R.I., with conducting health and welfare checks on citizens in the heaviest hit areas. As part of the service, military police provided transportation to local shelters for residents without heat or power. Soldiers of the 861st Engineer Company conducted route clearance missions throughout Rhode Island and in some areas of Connecticut, allowing utility companies to repair downed power lines and speed the recovery process. The engineers worked in concert with state and local law officials and utility companies, allowing residents of Rhode Island to return to normal faster and safer than during prior storms. Airmen of the 143rd Airlift Wing worked to maintain the flight line and runway of the Quonset State Airport, allowing the UH-60 Black Hawks to conduct missions, including flying FEMA representatives in a damage survey.
A Rhode Island National Guard Soldier guides his driver as he backs into a parking spot during the February 2013 Nor’easter. Photo by Army SGT Terry Rajsombath
The Rhode Island National Guard, state and local agencies’ participation and cooperation allowed for a relatively
quick recovery for the state of Rhode Island. Due to this planning and the collaboration of the citizens of Rhode Island, there were no reported deaths associated with the storm in Rhode Island.
PVT Langlais of the 43rd Military Police Brigade and a local Tiverton firefighter review a map prior to a mission. Photo by Army SGT Terry Rajsombath
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C-130 squadron first to perform new airdrop method By Capt Brian Maguire, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron executed the first combat Extracted Container Delivery System airdrop on April 29, successfully demonstrating the increased accuracy that this new technology provides.
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The new airdrop method, known by the shorthand XCDS, is designed to pull the CDS bundles out of the aircraft at a faster rate than the current airdrop process, which improves the overall accuracy of the drop itself. “Normally a bundle falls out of the aircraft due to gravity, with the speed mostly dependent on the deck angle of the aircraft,” said Capt Raeanna Elms, 772nd EAS and Longmont, Colo., native. “With XCDS, there is an additional parachute attached to a group of bundles, that pulls them out of the aircraft together and at a faster speed, resulting in a smaller dispersion area on the ground.” For the loadmasters working with the CDS bundles, the new method adds more complexity to the rigging inside the aircraft, said SrA Marisa Powers, 772nd EAS loadmaster and Coventry, R.I., native. Because of the added complexity, Powers and her fellow loadmaster on the mission were very thorough in their preparations. “We needed to seriously hit the books
more than usual, get in there and read everything a million times and understand,” said Powers, who is deployed from the 143rd Airlift Wing of the Rhode Island National Guard. “My partner and I felt like we did a great job, sitting there for a solid two hours and highlighting, saying, ‘This is what I feel like is important and we’ll go over it again tonight.’” Crews with the 772nd EAS received some XCDS training back at home station before deploying. For Powers, the training included one flight back in the States, plus ground qualification. They came here qualified, but the new procedures still required a learning curve. “It was definitely a little more complicated drop,” Powers said. “Because it was the first time in theater, we obviously didn’t want to mess it up, but we went line by line, sentence by sentence to double, triple check that every tie was made right, that every knot was in place.” Powers was part of the aircrew on the first mission, but she made the airdrop sound as if it was no big deal.
“I’m just doing my job. It’s awesome that we were the first, but I was just doing my job,” she said. “All that aside, it’s the mission in the end we’re looking toward – it’s the safety of the guys on the other end receiving it. It’s all about helping the guys downrange.” After the bundles were pulled out the back of the aircraft – a surprising sight according to Powers, since the CDS bundles usually trickle out the back – the accuracy of the XCDS drop was proved. The dispersion area of the bundles on the drop zone was about two-thirds smaller, highlighting the value of the XCDS method in having the best placement for the Soldiers. “Our goal is to get the people on the ground what they need, where they want it,” Elms, who is deployed from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., said. “Plus, since we’re trying to build a positive relationship with the local people, we want a more accurate airdrop method that reduces the risk of a stray bundle damaging their homes and crops.”
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Community College of the Air Force graduation The new graduates: •1 st Lt Michael Ciacciarelli 143rd Operations Support Flight •M Sgt Thomas Calouro 143rd Security Forces Squadron •T Sgt Luis Gonzalez 143rd Airlift Squadron •T Sgt Matt Noponen 143rd Civil Engineering Squadron •T Sgt Thomas Pirnie 143rd Security Forces Squadron •T Sgt Michael Reed 143rd Logistics Readiness Squadron •S Sgt Steven Parker 143rd Civil Engineering Squadron •S rA Michael Plante 143rd Airlift Squadron Community College of the Air Force graduates are presented with Certificates of Completion by Col Robert Germani Jr., 143rd Airlift Wing vice commander. Photo by TSgt Jason Long
By TSgt Arthur DesLauriers, 143rd Airlift Wing, Public Affairs
Nine Community College of the Air Force associate degrees were awarded during a commencement ceremony May 5 in the P-1 Auditorium, Quonset Air National Guard Base. One of the major goals of the Air Force is to assist Airmen in their professional and personal development. The prime vehicle for achieving this goal is education. The Community College of the Air Force, the largest community college in the world, is exclusively for Air Force enlisted members. CCAF was activated in 1972 in order to gain academic recognition for the technical training conducted by Air Force schools. CCAF holds regional accreditation through the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and grants the Associate of Applied Science degree. During the ceremony, the graduates were presented their degrees by Col Robert Germani Jr., 143rd Airlift Wing vice commander. 16
Germani remarked on the importance of education and the continuance of the learning process, “One thing that can never be taken away from you is your education.” He thanked each degree recipient and challenged everyone to continue the learning process.
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•A 1C Chad Doire 143rd Medical Group
Since 1977, about 2.7 million Airmen have had the opportunity to receive a CCAF degree. In 2012, CCAF awarded 20,148 degrees to 18,949 students. The CCAF is the largest accredited community college in the United States.
Community College of the Air Force graduates are presented with Certificates of Completion by Col Robert Germani Jr., 143rd Airlift Wing vice commander. Photo by TSgt Jason Long