ocean state guardian - online issue #8

Ocean State Guardian |1

2| Rhode Island National Guard


Featured

OSG

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2016 Open House & Air Show Recap

Marlin Shield 2016

RI’s Best Ranger Representative

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:Brig. Gen. Christopher P. Callahan

Managing Editor:Col. Peter Parente, State Public Affairs Officer

Contributing Editor:1st Lt. Mark Incze,Commander, 110th Public Affairs Detachment

Layout & Design:Staff Sgt. Peter Ramaglia,Public Affairs Specialist

Contributors:State Public Affairs Office143d Airlift Wing Public Affairs110th Public Affairs Detachment1-126th Aviation BattalionJoint Force Headquarters RIRI Military Family Programs

Also in this issue:7th Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Obstacle CourseRhode Island Honors 1SG McKenna143d Airmen Conduct CDDAR trainingRhode Island National Guard Hosts Earth Day 2016Military Police Conduct Training at Big RiverEditorial on the OCS ProgramRhode Island National Guard Living MemorialCyber Patriot 2016And more...

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I hope you and your families are enjoying the summer sea-son. As the newly appointed Director-Joint Staff, I wanted to convey a few thoughts to our entire Guard family during a time when many of us are recharging for the next chal-lenge and mission. But please keep in mind that while some of us are fortunate enough to take some well-deserved time off to spend with family and friends, many of our Rhode Island National Guard Teammates are deployed or preparing to deploy.

First, my family and I would like to thank everyone for the support we have received over the years. We are so proud to be on the Team. As I continue in my new position as Director, Joint Staff, I need to ensure the Soldiers and Airmen of the Rhode Island National Guard are in the best position to suc-ceed. I am confident we will be successful because of the demonstrated Teamwork that the RI National Guard is known for throughout the nation.

My number one priority as the Director-Joint Staff is to ensure we have a healthy environment

for not only the 3200 men and women on our Team but those we collaborate with throughout the year. By continuing to tell “the Guard story,” we will grow as an organization and attract those who want to serve and expand opportunity for personal growth. Our unique capabilities and diversity set us apart and provide a foundation of strength. Our Service members are proud of their work and believe they are part of something that is special and makes a difference. Examples of this pride and self-less service can be seen daily through our actions and com-mitment, in and out of uniform. We also serve as an example to our state within each city and town. We must continue to commit ourselves to a changing culture that develops, mentors, and trains our men and women through programs that foster di-versity, opportunity, and values.

To accomplish this requires a Team approach. Our leader-ship can continue to set goals and priorities but it is up to each Soldier and Airmen to internal-ize the values that have set us apart. Our culture is diverse and spans several generations. This adds value to our organi-zation and provides a strong mentoring roadmap for success to many who have joined our

ranks. Our values define our cul-

ture and these values are not negotiable. Societal changes, healthy debate, countless news forums and opinions are now part of our lives and in many cases enhance a healthy demo-cratic and free system. Healthy debate is a value we all defend and the constant flow of sound-bites, points of view, instant messaging and numerous social media platforms are an essen-tial part of our global environ-ment. However, they can never cloud our focus or duty we have as Service members. Our mis-sion as our nation’s warfighters must always drive our goals and objectives. It’s what we do and what we are expected to do. Our Team provides ready forces every day, regardless of the ever-changing environment, because of our professionalism and dedication.

It is an honor to contin-ue serving in the RI National Guard. It is especially gratify-ing to have worked with some of our nation’s finest Soldiers and Airmen. Please enjoy the remainder of the summer and let’s take a moment to reflect on our values, refocus on our objectives and always keep our deployed service members and their families in our thoughts.

COLUMN

A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRCTOR-JOINT STAFF

Brigadier General Arthur Floru


From pulling into the gate at Quonset Point, to a safe return home, Rhode Island’s Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) endured intense training and comradery-building during annual training at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.

Instructions and accommoda-tions on the first day exceeded all standards. Upon arrival to the flight line at Quonset the Soldiers of JFHQ’s loaded onto C-130J’s manned by members of the Rhode Island Air National Guard. After a short flight to Ft McCoy everyone worked to-gether to download equipment and gear onto vehicles provid-ed by the advance team. The advance team ensured barracks were established prior to arrival which allowed the detachment to occupy the classroom and begin training within an hour.

Classroom instruction began with subject matter experts preparing Soldiers for the up-coming land navigation courses. Despite humid weather, thick brush, destroyed markers, and the potential of rattlesnakes, the Soldiers of the JFHQ embarked on two daytime iterations of land navigation training, consisting of three points and one night-time iteration consisting of two points. Every Soldier safely and successfully completed these tasks without incident.

Tired, yet motivated, JFHQ’s started day three in the class-room where they conducted their primary marksmanship instruction in preparation for the M-16 range. Following the instruction, and thanks to an impeccable range, all Soldiers were able to zero their weapons safely and timely. Although the inclement weather temporarily shut down operations, the range was able to re open and ran smoothly long into the night.

The pistol range on the fol-lowing day enabled the Soldiers to become familiar with the M-9. Weapons cleaning provided down time to prepare physical-ly for the following day. Rising before the sun, a unit “fun run” was led by Maj. King and 1st Sgt. Lyons. Sgt. 1st Class Gibbs skillfully called cadence keep-ing the Soldiers motivated and in step. Once heart rates were up and motivation was high, JFHQ transitioned to the leader-ship reaction course. The teams worked together to cross the chal-lenging obsta-cles by step-ping, lunging,

lifting, and pulling to successful-ly complete each task.

Organization, leadership, and communication enabled the Soldiers of JFHQ’s to step away from their normal routine and accomplish every basic warrior task that was required of them. They were able to push their limits both physically and men-tally during this training period as well as improve the esprit de corps of the organization. After an entertaining MWR event and an early C-130J flight home, JFHQ’s annual training was a complete success and enjoyed by all members.

Mission complete!

JFHQ CONDUCTS ANNUAL TRAINING AT FORT McCOY

by Staff Sgt. Jennifer McCoy, Joint Force Headquarters

A member of the Rhode Island National Guard Joint Force Headquarters travers-

es an obstacle during the unit’s annual training in Fort McCoy, Wisconsin in June

2016. (Photo courtesy of 1st Sgt. Lee-Ann Lyons, Joint Force Headquarters)


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

A parachutist from the United States Southern Command kicked off the 2016 Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show by jumping with the United States’ colors on June 11, 2016 at the Quonset Air National Guard Base in North Kingstown, R.I. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Simmons)

The 26th annual Rhode Island National Guard (RING) Open House Air Show was held this year on June 11 and 12, at Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Each year the RING opens its gates to the public for an opportunity to say “thank you” to its neighbors. The Open House and Airshow gives the citizens of Rhode Island an inside look into the Guard’s numerous capabilities, while treating them to a free air show of military and civilian performers.

Thanks to the hard work of the men and women of the RING, planning the 2016 show was so smooth that some people feared something may have been missed. While that was not the case, this year’s event did not come without some unique challenges.

Just over one week before the show, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds were scheduled to be at the RING Open House Air Show and suffered an unfortunate mishap in Colorado Springs, CO.

Fortunately, Maj. Alex Turn-er, the pilot of the number 6 jet that crashed, was able to eject

safely. Following the incident a safety investigation was necessary, and on Tuesday prior to our show the RING was informed that the Thun-derbirds would not be able to attend. But the show must go on and the rest of the sched-uled performers, along with the R.I. team, worked together to

FEATURE ARTICLE


adjust as necessary. Weather was not entirely cooperative, and the show had to end early on Saturday, but the sun was shining on Sunday and the show, in fact, went on.

In contrast to the challenges faced, one of the many suc-cess stories from the 2016 Open House Air Show was the addition of commuter train ser-vice to the event. In hopes of reducing the amount of vehicle traffic, one of the biggest chal-lenges faced every year, the Rhode Island Department of

Transportation partnered with the National Guard Association of Rhode Island and for the first time in the 26 year history of the show a train service was offered to the public. Patrons who took the train were very pleased with the service and the Department of Transpor-tation expressed interest in bringing the service back for the 2017 show.

To date, the National Guard Association of Rhode Island has been able to donate more than $2 million dollars to

charity from the Rhode Island National Guard Open House Air Show, and will add to that amount this year.

The success of the show is owed to the Soldiers and Airmen of the Rhode Island National Guard, the show staff, countless volunteers, show sponsors, and the support received from Rhode Island’s elected officials and its citi-zens. As always, thank you.

A member of A. Company, 19th Special Forces Group assists an air show spectator as she tries on various pieces of special forces equip-ment at the 2016 Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show on June, 12, 2016 at the Quonset Air National Guard Base in North Kingstown, R.I. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Simmons)

Members of F. Company, 1-126th Aviation Battalion demonstrate a casual-ty extraction during the combined arms demonstration at the 2016 Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show on June, 12, 2016 at the Quonset Air National Guard Base in North Kingstown, R.I. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Simmons)


The 243d Regional Train-ing Institute at Camp Varnum in Narragansett, Rhode Island is home to the Rhode Island State Traditional Officer Candidate School (OCS). The mission of OCS includes the development of Warrior Leaders in the skills necessary to lead, train, and mentor Soldiers. It is here that Soldiers of different ranks, back-grounds, and years of service will test their mettle by pursuing the responsibility of becom-ing an officer in the Rhode Island Army National Guard (RIARNG). While the Rhode Is-land OCS program is a long and demanding course, the quality of instruction and development will set graduates up for suc-cess as they begin their careers as commissioned officers.

The four phases of OCS cover 16 months and follow the traditional “one weekend a month, two weeks a year” schedule. General Dwight D. Eisenhower once wrote, “the one quality that can be devel-oped by studious reflection and practice is the leadership of men.” The course is de-signed to allow time for many lessons to be implemented into the training. Both on and off drills, candidates work with their

peers, plan and prepare for the following training missions and serve in various student leader-ship assignments. This reflects the process that will occur as an officer and leader within a unit.

Once commissioned, for-mer classmates serve alongside each other as officers in the RIARNG. This is an addition-al advantage of the R.I. State traditional program. My class-mates and I, while assigned to different branches, units, and positions around the state, have regularly shared our experienc-es, knowledge, and lessons learned to help each become better officers.

The biggest ben-efit of the R.I. OCS program is the cadre. The cadre’s mission is to guide and develop quality future leaders for the RI-ARNG. This is evident in the experience, qualifications, and passion that each brings to the task. They each know that the

product of their program is not for the benefit of the officer can-didate alone, but for the future of the RIARNG. This enormous responsibility dictates that the training standards and expecta-tions must be high.

The R.I. OCS program is a fully accredited training in-stitution. What sets R.I.’s pro-gram apart is what is included in the program beyond what is required. For example, guest speakers from across the Army have been invited to share with candidates while they are

studying at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.. Professional reading books and articles, and associated student briefs, have been added to the class require-ments to drive home the importance of General Eisen-hower’s “studi-ous reflection

and practice [of] leadership.” Most importantly, cadre take their own time to mentor past

By 2nd Lt. Rebecca Gard, 1-126th Aviation Battalion

“I cannot speak highly enough of the quality of training and devel-opment available to those interest-ed in becoming officers offered through the R.I. Traditional OCS program.”

O.C.S.


graduates. No one element demonstrates their commitment to developing leaders more than guiding new officers after com-missioning.

Completing the RIARNG OCS program gives each new officer the tools to be successful as a leader and as a Soldier. The most important lessons the cadre teach are the responsi-bilities of leadership, the care and passion it requires, and to always take care of Soldiers. This does not diminish the phys-ical, academic, and leadership tasks that are required to grad-uate. What the cadre teach is that it takes all these pieces, together, to be successful.

When I attended my branch’s Basic Officer Leader Course, my course included

newly commissioned officers from across the country, repre-senting each Army component and commissioning source. I again relied on the lessons and training I received at OCS.

I cannot speak highly enough of the quality of training and development available to those interested in becoming officers offered through the RIARNG traditional OCS program. It will set graduates up for success, provide the tools for leader-ship development, and build a foundation for a career in the RIARNG.

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 RIARNG, then consider the Of-

ficer Candidate School conduct-ed at the 243rd Regional Train-ing Institute, Camp Varnum, Narragansett. This State OCS program follows a traditional M-Day schedule by complet-ing Screening Board (MAR 17) Phase 0 at Camp Varnum (APR 17-JUN 17), Phase I at Camp Niantic, CT (2 weeks – JUL 17), Phase II at Camp Varnum (AUG 17 – JUN 18), Phase III at Camp Fretterd, MD (2 weeks – JUL 18), AUG 18 Graduate/Commission as 2LT in RIARNG. Contact the OCS Company Commander, Maj. Jonathan Elliott at [email protected] or the 243rd RTI at #401-275-4700 for further infor-mation on pre-requisites.

An officer candidate with the 243d Regional Training

Institute’s Officers Candidate School waits to board a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter at Camp

Varnum in Narragansett, R.I. prior to training. (Photo provid-

ed by Maj. Jonathan Elliott)


By Captain Jarred Rickey, 1-126th Aviation Battalion

MARLIN SHIELD 2016

FEATURE ARTICLE


MARLIN SHIELD 2016By Cpt. Jarred Rickey, 1-126th Aviation Battalion

A Bahamian Soldier guides a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter manned by members of the 1-126th Aviation Battalion, Rhode Island Army National Guard, into position during a sling load training event in the Bahamas during Exercise Marlin Shield 2016. (Photo

provided by Cpt. Jarred Rickey)


A group of Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation (GSAB) deployed to the Baha-mas on 28 April 2016, in support of Exercise Marlin Shield 2016. The 23 Soldiers from Task Force Wolfpack self-deployed their three UH-60 helicopters from Quonset State Airport to the United States Navy Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center on Andros Town, the Ba-hamas. The aviation task force, commanded by Captain Jarred Rickey, provided rotary wing aviation support for the Ground Force Commander from April 30 to May 16, 2016.

Marlin Shield 16 is a bilat-eral, counter-terrorist exercise aimed at improving interop-

erability between the Royal Bahamian Defence Force, US Northern Command and the US Special Operations Command North. The Rhode Island Army National Guard was invited to participate in the exercise to provide valuable aviation sup-port due to the remoteness of the exercise locations, and to enhance our state partnership with the Bahamas. Planning for the mission began in July of 2015.

During the two week exer-cise, task force Soldiers partici-pated in every aspect of the ex-ercise. Soldiers were tasked to work in the Special Operations Command North Joint Opera-tions Center on Coral Harbour

base at the Royal Bahamian Defense Force Headquarters. These Soldiers were the link between the aviation unit, the Ground Force Commander and the Combined Exercise Con-trol Group. In 15 days the task force flew 202 hours while con-ducting more than 50 missions. The aircraft sling loaded more than 19,000 pounds of all-ter-rain vehicles, tools, construction material, and life support and communications equipment to several island locations in the northern Bahamas.

The main efforts for the exercise were three target as-saults over a nine day period. Task Force Wolfpack provided 24 hour casualty evacuation

A U.S. Navy vessel cuts through the ocean as a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from the 1-126th Aviation Battalion fly’s off in the distance. (Photo provided by Cpt. Jarred Rickey)


A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter manned by members of the 1-126th Aviation Battalion, Rhode Island Army National Guard, maneuvers into position during

a sling load training event in the Bahamas during Exercise Marlin Shield 2016. (Photo provided by Cpt. Jarred Rickey)

Twenty-three Soldiers from Task Force Wolfpack self-deployed their three UH-60 helicopters on April 28, 2016 from the Quonset State Airport to the United States Navy Atlantic Undersea Test and Evacuation Center on Andros Town, Bahamas.

(Photo provided by Cpt. Jarred Rickey)

support for the exercise partic-ipants and airborne command and control, intelligence, sur-veillance, and reconnaissance during each target assault. The task force also conducted casualty evacuation cold-load training with the Royal Bahami-an Defense Force commandos and supported movements from the Bahamian Government, including the Royal Bahamian Defense Force acting Comman-dant, Captain Tellis Bethel, and Brigadier General Christopher Callahan, the Adjutant General of Rhode Island.

The exercise concluded May 14, 2016. The task force rede-ployed on May 16 and returned to Quonset State Airport on May 18.


MILITARY POLICE TRAIN AT BIG RIVER

(Left) Soldiers from the 169th Military Police Company emerge from the woodline of the Big River Manage-ment Area as they approach a simulated downed UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter on April 2, 2016. The platoon would moments later secure the crash site while performing emergency aid to simulated crash survivors before evac-uating them to safety for medical treatment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Ramaglia)

(Right) Soldiers from the 169th Military Police Company evacuate simulated casualties from a simulated UH-60

Blackhawk Helicopter crash site at the Big River Manage-ment Area in Coventry, R.I. on April 2, 2016. This lane also provided the Soldiers a chance to move as a pla-

toon and react to various simulated ambushes until they reached the crash site. (U.S. Army National Guard photo

by Staff Sgt. Peter Ramaglia)


Three Airmen from the 282d Combat Communications Squadron, North Smithfield, Rhode Island, were recognized by Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo and Rhode Island National Guard leadership at a ceremony held Sunday, May 15, 2016 at the North Smithfield Air Guard Station.

The 282d Combat Commu-nications Squadron Airmen of the year are; for the Airman category, SrA John M. Roias, for the Non-Commissioned Officer Category, Staff Sgt. Matthew J. McNamee, and for the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Category, Master Sgt. Glenn McGlynn.

Each year the Air National Guard recognizes individuals who have contributed signifi-cantly in the areas of profes-sionalism, leadership and per-sonal achievement. Individuals are selected in the categories of Airman of the Year, Non-Com-missioned Officer of the Year, and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.

“The Airmen honored here today are the selfless and ded-icated citizens within our state

that inspire confidence and provide us with an example of what can be accomplished with hard work,” said Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be a part of today’s ceremony honoring some of our organization’s best,” said Brigadier General Christopher Callahan, Adjutant General, Commanding General, Rhode Island National Guard, “I am proud of their accomplishments and want to thank their families

for supporting their efforts.”“Our people are responsible

for the success of our mission,” said Major Amalia McCaffrey, 282d Combat Communications Squadron Commander, “It is a great pleasure for us to honor these individuals for their out-standing achievements.”

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, Captain General of the RI National Guard,

presents Senior Airman John Roias the Airman of the Year certificate of recogni-tion on May 15, 2016 at the North Smith-field Air National Guard Station in North Smithfield, R.I. (U.S. Air National Guard

Photo by Master Sgt. Janeen Miller)


282d COMBAT COMMUNICATIONS AIRMEN AWARDED


The Rhode Island Nation-al Guard (RING) can trace its lineage back more than 375 years. In 2007, the Rhode Island National Guard Retirees Association decided to create a monument to raise awareness of the organization.

“We had been around for so long that people didn’t remem-ber us,” said Bob Urquhart, RING Retirees Association Chairman. “We wanted to build something that would put some visibility on the National Guard in the state.”

Five years after the origi-nal concept was adopted, the Rhode Island National Guard Living Memorial was dedicated in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter R.I., in 2012.

The primary source of fund raising is selling engraved bricks around the statue, but

much of the memorial is owed to donations of labor and prod-ucts. Companies donated over $40,000.00 in material and labor. The RING Retirees raised over $112, 998.00 including state grants, the sale of bench-es and were the recipients of numerous donation.

“People came out of the woodwork and were so quick to say “what can I do to help”?” said Urquhart. “That blew me away. We weren’t expecting that.”

Donations came from the across the businesses and associations of Rhode Island but it was the RING Retirees Association whose hard work that brought the Living Memorial to life.

“It was a labor of love,” stated Urquhart. “We worked very hard to bring it about.”

The RING Retirees wanted to build a quiet place for rest and contemplation. Today, the Living Memorial stands serene against the backdrop of the Exeter forests, teaming with life and sound. The stark contrast of stone, bronze and forest, puts a finishing touch on the con-templative mood started by the stone benches, arranged in a circular pattern overlooking the forest.

The upkeep of the memorial relies upon ongoing donations of time and effort from the National Guard Retirees Asso-ciation, who dutifully remove weeds and debris that appear each spring from the brick and cobblestone. Their reward is a memorial unlike any other in any other state.

LIVING MEMORIAL

RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD

by 1st Lt. Mark Incze, Public Affairs Specialist


At a ceremony held at the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol, R.I., April 1, 2016, Rhode Is-land Governor Gina Raimondo, Captain General of the R.I. National Guard signed a bill into law naming the stretch of Rt. 114 in Bristol/Warren between the Mount Hope and Warren bridges “The 1st Sergeant P. Andrew McKenna Memorial Highway.” 1st Sgt. McKenna, who grew up in RI, was killed in August 2015 in a suicide bombing while serving with the U.S. Army Special Forces in Kabul Afghanistan. In attendance were McK-enna’s parents, R.I. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, R.I. Representative Jim Langevin and several members of the R.I. House and Senate.

RI HONORS SOLDIER KILLED IN AFGANISTANby Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143d Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo signed a bill naming the 1st Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna Memorial Highway on April 1, 2016 at the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol, R.I. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Janeen Miller)

Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo unveils the 1st Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna Memorial Highway sign on April 1, 2016 at the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol, R.I. The sign will be used to mark a stretch of highway between the Mt. Hope Bridge and War-ren Bridge. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Janeen Miller)


On Wednesday, May 25, 2016, the 2016 Cyber Patriot Award Ceremony and Banquet was hosted by the Rhode Is-land National Guard Recruiting Battalion in honor of more than 20 participating Cyber Patriot Teams at the Crowne Plaza Ho-tel, Warwick, Rhode Island.

The event celebrated the first place finish of the Roger’s High School team, from New-port, Rhode Island, and featured citations from Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo.

The Cyber Patriot Competition is a national lev-el competition for middle and high school students and is sponsored by the Air Force Association. It is part of their National Youth Cyber Education Program, which also includes an introductory elementary school component. The goal of the competition is to introduce students to the field of cyberse-curity, and expose them early to

some of the foundational princi-ples.

This year, 111 students throughout R.I. formed 20 teams, which were paired with an industry partner for spon-sorship and ongoing mentor-ship. Each team, together with a coach engaged in a cyber security exercise weekly. On a monthly basis, teams participate in competitions where they re-ceive a virtual image and have to identify and fix the vulnera-bilities. Teams gained and lost points throughout the process, which helped track progress and performance.

“Throughout this out-reach initiative, the Rhode Island National Guard (RING) has been a pivotal and enthu-siastic partner. Both the Army Computer Network Defense Team under Lt. Col. Mike Te-treault and the Air 102nd Net-work Warfare Squadron under Maj. Christopher Allen have been instrumental in making this competition successful in Rhode

Island,” said Meghan Martinez, an organizer of the competition.

Other sponsors of the annual competition include the Rhode Island State Police Cy-ber Crimes Unit, National Grid, the Town of Middletown, Roger Williams University, New En-gland Tech, University of Rhode Island, Salve Regina University, and the Tech Collective.

“During this year’s com-petition, Chief Bob Hewett of the CND Team had two stu-dents he was mentoring enlist in the RING. Inspired by Chief Hewett’s leadership and dy-namic with his team, Lt. Col. Stephen Guertin and Maj. Jason Lafferty were the driv-ing force behind the wonderful event. They share our belief that the Cyber Patriot competition should be viewed and celebrat-ed just as any sporting or other extra-curricular achievement, and helped us raise the bar for future years,” said Martinez.

2016by 1st Lt. Mark Incze, Public Affairs Specialist


Airmen from the 143d Airlift Wing Crash Damaged or Dis-abled Aircraft Recovery (CD-DAR) Team performed their annual training requirement at Volk Field Air National Guard Base March 15-18, 2016.

Volk Field Air National Guard Base (ANGB) provides facilities and equipment for Airmen to perform hands-on training. The Airmen are required to perform CDDAR training annually, but do not have the facilities or equipment available for hands-on training locally.

Sending Airmen to one of the Air Force schoolhouses for an-nual or refresher training can be very expensive. When the 143d Maintenance Group learned of the availability of the facilities, equipment and expertise at Volk Field, they could not pass on the opportunity. The team was flown out to Volk Field by the

143d Airlift Wing, and were met by an enthusiastic training team and terrible weather. But that didn’t stop the team from getting straight to work. During the re-view from the first training day, after dealing with constant rain and very heavy wind conditions, Staff Sgt. Kalyn Addessi, CD-DAR team member, said, “The weather wasn’t too bad because it was worst case scenario.”

Senior Airman Chelsea Leb-ron added, “It’s more realis-tic [than] what we have back home,” referring to the unpre-dictable Rhode Island weather.

Technical Sergeant Ian Day, who has been a member of the 143d CDDAR team for more than 10 years, and had not seen a more successful training event, spoke about the training and resources the Wisconsin Air National Guard provides at their facility, “It has been 10 years

since I’ve done this training and out of all the scenarios we’ve had at home, this is the only one that I’ve been to that actual-ly brought to light all the training that I had 10 years ago.”

Some of the members that attended the training had not been to the formal schoolhouse yet. Tech Sgt. Jarred Sur-prenant said it was a, “great ex-perience for the new guys. They can learn a lot out here before they go to school,” adding that some of the members on the team that had just gone to the formal training found the training at Volk Field better.

Overall, the training was a huge success and the team hopes to hold additional train-ing events at Volk Field in the future.

CDDAR TRAINING FOR RI AIRMENby Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143d Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

Airmen from the 143d Airlift Wing conduct Crashed Damaged or Disabled Aircraft Recovery training on March 16, 2016 at Volk Field Air National

Guard Base in Wisconsin. (Photo provided by the 143d Airlift Wing)

7th ANNUAL OBSTACLE COURSE CHALLENGE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS

A volunteer presents a sexual assault

and rape preven-tion themed ques-tion to an Airman

participating in the 7th Annual Sexual

Assault Awareness Obstacle Course

Challenge on May 15, 2016 at Camp

Fogarty in East Greenwich, R.I. The

event is typically held in April during Sexual

Assault Awareness Month, but was post-poned to May due to

inclement weather. (U.S. Air National

Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Kristi McDonald)

A team of Airmen traverse an obstacle during the 7th An-nual Sexual Assault Awareness Obstacle Course Challenge on May 15, 2016 at Camp Fogarty in East Green-wich, R.I. Each year, during Sexual Assault Awareness month, the Rhode Island National Guard Sexual Assault Prevention and Re-sponse team host this event to bring aware-ness to the members of the RI National Guard about Sexual Assault statistics and preven-tion. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Kristi McDonald)



Airmen Rivera and Millette of the Rhode Island Air National Guard traverse an

obstacle during the 7th Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Obstacle Course Chal-

lenge on May 15, 2016 at Camp Fogarty in East Greenwich, R.I. (U.S. Air National

Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Kristi McDonald)

A team of Soldiers run to their next ob-stacle as the participate in the 7th Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Obstacle Course Challenge on May 15, 2016 at Camp Fogarty in East Greenwich, R.I. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Kristi McDonald)


Many soldiers can say that they have competed in a Spar-tan Race or a civilian obstacle course open to the general public. Fewer can say that they have competed in the Best Ranger Competition; a men-tally and physically grueling non-stop, three-day challenge hosted by the U.S. Army at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Most recently, fewer than 100 Soldiers can say that they have participated in both races simultaneously. One of those Soldiers is Rhode Island’s own, Cpt. Jose Moreno, command-ing officer of the 182nd Infantry.

“Friday morning and through-out the night we had done a lot of rucking, running, swimming, shooting, warrior tasks, and Ranger tasks, with no sleep,”

said Moreno. “So, right after Ranger tasks, we were shipped right out to the Spartan race.”

Moreno said that although the Spartan race was open to the public, civilian competitors were not allowed to begin their race until after the Rangers.

“It was my first Spartan race,” said Moreno.

Despite it being his first Spartan race, Moreno has competed in the Best Ranger competition three times. Com-peting in 2013, he placed 25th, but was unable to complete the competition. In 2014, he came in 19th place, and most recent-ly he finished the race in 8th.

Like all things achieved in the military, Moreno didn’t accomplish the race alone. In order to compete in the Best Ranger Competition, Soldiers are paired up in two-man teams and must cross the finish line together; many times

Soldiers are paired up with other Soldiers from outside of their home unit. Moreno finished his most recent

race with, Sgt. 1st Class Troy Conrad, from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

“I met [Conrad] in Novem-ber,” said Moreno. “He and I clicked right away.”

During the month of No-

“I’m using these lessons to moti-vate and train my guys.”

by Sgt. Terry Rajsombath, 110th Public Affairs Detachment

FEATURE ARTICLE

Captain Jose Moreno and his partner Sgt. 1st. Class Troy Conrad of the Pennsylvania National Guard crosses the finish line at the 2016

David E. Grange, Jr. Best Ranger Competition in Fort Benning, Geor-gia. (Photo provided by Cpt. Jose Moreno)


vember, retired Sgt. Maj. John Burns, U.S. Army National Guard coach for the Best Ranger Competition, assessed potential racing candidates and paired each soldier up based on his assessment.

“We had no idea we were going to get paired until Janu-ary,” said Moreno.

The National Guard Bureau (NGB) provided funds and re-sources for Moreno and seven other Soldiers to represent the Army National Guard. Moreno traveled down to Ft. Benning during the month of January, and trained with Conrad for three and a half months prior to the race.

“The only other units that really trained there were the Ranger Training Brigade (RTB) and the 3rd Ranger Battalion,” said Moreno. “It really gave us a leg up.”

Having a feel for the lay of the land was a great advan-tage, but inevitably a huge ele-ment for successfully complet-ing the competition came down to grit and determination.

“During the first day you start off with about 100 Rangers, 50 teams, and at the end of the competition, we ended up with 46 Soldiers, 23 teams,” said Moreno. “The attrition rate there speaks volumes.”

Many Soldiers drop out of the race for various reasons. Injury, fatigue and lack of sleep are often common reasons.

“You don’t get any sleep,” said Moreno. “Day one is just non-stop physical events, you try to get some sleep here and there, but it just doesn’t work out. Day two there’s some down time where you can get some shut eye for half an hour or 45 minutes tops. Then it’s a non-stop continuation until Sunday afternoon at the end of the competition.”

Moreno said that what kept him going was knowing that Conrad was relying on him.

“That’s what it really comes down to,” said Moreno. “You can fail yourself, but are you gonna fail the guy that’s de-pending on you? Those were my very specific motivations

to keep me moving during the Ranger Competition.”

Moreno said that every Best Ranger Competition he’s endured has taught him in-valuable lessons, which have helped him grow personally and professionally.

“I’m using these lessons to motivate and train my guys,” said Moreno. “Every time I go down there, I’m always pumped. You’re surrounded by guys who are A type per-sonalities. You’re surrounded by guys striving to be the best and that’s very contagious; you bring that back to your home unit.”

Moreno’s advice for Soldiers looking to challenge them-selves in the Best Ranger Competition is to first have confidence.

“You’ve got to trust yourself and your abilities 100 percent, because that’s what’s going to keep you moving forward,” said Moreno. “Any shadow of a doubt will just fail yourself and your partner. You have to have 100 percent confidence in yourself to go in.”

Moreno said that given another opportunity he would compete in the Best Ranger Competition again.

“All these attempts weren’t in vain,” said Moreno. “They were all stepping stones towards a win.”

Captain Jose Moreno of Team 48 prepares for the next event in the 2016 David E. Grange, Jr. Best Ranger Competition in Fort Benning, Georgia. Moreno and Team 48 teammate Sgt. 1st. Class Troy Conrad from the Pennsylvania National Guard finished 8th out of 51 teams. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Kristi McDonald)


On Friday, April 22, 2016, the Rhode Island Army National Guard’s Environmental Branch and the Child and Youth Pro-gram joined forces to hold the first ever Bring Your Child to Work Day and Earth Day cele-bration. 20 Army and Air Nation-al Guard members, along with 29 of their children, ages six to 13, participated in a number of fun-filled activities aimed to engage participants and to pro-vide education on how they can make a positive impact on the environment and their commu-nity.

Families rotated through three stations where they participated in hands-on learning opportu-nities all focused around the importance of environmental

stewardship. Biodegradable birdfeeders were crafted to provide food for birds and other wildlife in the area. Children were also able to upcycle plas-tic food containers into per-sonized planters to take home. This stressed the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling

products. It encouraged the chil-dren to consider growing their own food.

The children then ventured with staff members into a wood-ed area to collect natural ob-jects such as braches, rocks, leaves, and flowers to create their own art such as collages

by Mrs. Holland Tulip, Rhode Island National Guard Child and Youth Program Coordinator

Rhode Island National Guard Enviornmental Coordinator Elizabeth Stefanik helps service

members and their families prepare to

plant flowers during Bring Your Child to Work for Earth Day

2016 at Camp Fogarty in East Greenwhich,

R.I. on April 22, 2016. (U.S. Army National

Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Ramaglia)


and mobiles. This opened their eyes to all the hidden beauty in nature.

The families had a chance to get their hands dirty, planting flowers and shrubs in our Camp Fogarty Memorial Garden to create an aesthetically pleasing environment and to inspire an appreciation of the environment for those who visit the proper-ty. During this activity, families learned about carbon seques-tration, soil stabilization, and gardening techniques.

Many thanks go out to all the volunteers who helped make this event possible, both the families and staff members had a wonderful day together. Just as the beautiful flowers and shrubs continue to grow around Camp Fogarty, we all look for-ward to the continued growth of this important event!

(Left) Major Jason Dean and his son pre-pare biodegradable planters during Bring Your Child to Work for Earth Day 2016 at Camp Fogarty in East Greenwhich, R.I. on April 22, 2016. The children and their par-ents got to participate in various organic and biodegradable crafting stations during the event. (U.S. Army National Guard pho-to by Staff Sgt. Peter Ramaglia)

(Below) Rhode Island National Guard service members and their families partic-ipated in various organic crafting opportu-nities during Bring Your Child to Work for Earth Day 2016 at Camp Fogarty in East Greenwhich, R.I. on April 22, 2016. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt.

Peter Ramaglia)

With the help of Rhode Island National Guard Enviornmental Coordinator Eliza-beth Stefanik service members and their

families plant flowers during Bring Your Child to Work for Earth Day 2016 at Camp

Fogarty in East Greenwhich, R.I. on April 22, 2016. (U.S. Army National Guard photo

by Staff Sgt. Peter Ramaglia)


The Wingman concept is still a way of life for retired Tech Sgt. Vincent Laquale. Sgt. Laquale who served in the 143d Airlift Wing’s Engine Shop, but has been retired for over a decade. That does not stop him from

providing a service he has provided to his fellow Airmen in maintenance since the ear-ly 1980’s. “There used to be another guy,” said Laquale, “but he retired and they said to me, ‘do you want to do it?’ so I said,

sure.” This was when the 143d Airlift Wing was still based at TF Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island. Since then, Sgt. Laquale has been coming to the base, first Green, then Quon-set, on the Thursday before the drill weekends and sharing his barber skills so Airmen can get a good haircut before the drill, between their work periods.

Tech Sgt. Laquale comes from a line of barbers. His father was a barber and all of his brothers had to learn the trade to work in the family business. “I did it all through high school,” he said, “until I joined the Navy.” He came back from the Navy and worked as a barber again

RETIRED AIRMAN, BUT NOT A RETIRED WINGMAN


Scissors, clippers, brushes and other tools used to cut hair rest on a table after being prepped by Tech Sgt. (Ret.) Vincent Laquale. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Janeen Miller)


before joining the Air Guard as a traditional guardsman and getting a full time job working for the City of Cranston. Now, he has retired from both, and he said that coming to the base to give haircuts gives him some-

Members of the Rhode Island Defense Economy Commission visited Quonset Air National Guard Base, May 11, 2016. The primary focus of the event was to present the results of a study on the Economic Impact of the Rhode Island National Guard to the state economy. The mem-bers were also briefed about the mission of the Rhode Island National Guard and the 143d Airlift Wing by Colonel Arthur Floru, RIANG Chief of Staff, and Colonel Joseph Francoeur, 143d Operations Group Com-mander.

thing to do. “I keep tabs on my buddies in the unit,” he added. He enjoys coming down each month, catching up with the Air-men, meeting new Airmen, and seeing how everyone is doing.

Air Force Instruction 36-2618, The Enlisted Force Struc-ture, better known as the “Little Brown Book” says, in paragraph 3.1.6. and again in paragraph 4.1.6., “Know and understand the Wingman concept: Airmen take care of other fellow Airmen. Being a good wingman means you share a bond with other Air-men. You can be counted on to support each other, in all situa-tions, both on- and off-duty.” Re-tired Tech Sgt. Vincent Laquale takes that passage one-step further, into retirement.

QUONSET AIR BASECIVIC LEADER TOUR


Tech Sgt. (Ret.) Vincent Laquale cuts a fellow Air-man’s hair during a drill weekend at the Quonset Air Na-tional Guard Base in North Kingstown, R.I. (U.S. Air Na-tional Guard photo by Master Sgt. Janeen Miller)


A lot of people ask me why I do it, why I’m in the Army.

In the Spring of 2016 I fin-ished serving two wonderful years as the Student Rabbi for Temple B’nai Israel of Pe-toskey, Michigan. Petoskey is a beautiful little town of 5,000 nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, surrounded by massive birch bark forests, and located 40 miles west of

the Mackinac Bridge, which connects the upper and lower peninsulas. It’s peaceful. It’s tranquil. It’s quiet. The air you breathe is fresh, and the peo-ple you meet are some of the most welcoming and friendly as you could ask for the world over.

The shul (a Jewish house of worship) is located on the corner of Michigan Street and

Waukazoo Avenue. On the second corner is Parr Memorial Baptist Church. On the third corner is the First Church of Christ, Scientist. And on the fourth is the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish.

Allow this to sink in for a minute. Four different religious institutions, who all see God and faith differently, dwelling together in harmony and friend-

WHY I SERVE IN THE MILITARY

by Cpt. Aaron Rozovsky, Chaplain Candidate, 43d Military Police Brigade


ship. Most Americans wouldn’t think twice about this. Why? Because thankfully it’s such a common sight in this land of ours that we accept it without question.

Sadly though, much of the world isn’t like Amer-ica. In many places, your religion, your political affil-iation, your race, could have serious consequenc-es. In many places, diversity isn’t a rich cultural tapestry that illuminates people’s lives, but is rather the cause of hatred and genocide.

A minute’s walk from the synagogue is the town’s war memorial where the names of Petoskey’s fallen sons are forever enshrined. One of those who is remembered is Navy SEAL Senior Chief Petty Officer Heath Robinson. Se-nior Chief Robinson was killed in the mountains of Afghanistan when the helicopter he was riding in was shot down on August 6th, 2011. I didn’t know the Senior Chief, but I was in Afghanistan the day he was killed. I would go often to the memorial, kneel down, put my hand on his name, and simply say “thank you”.

I do what I do, whether it’s carrying a 50 lb rucksack up the side of a mountain, honing my warrior skills, or missing numerous family and religious events due to deployment and training, because I want my

children, and their children, to enjoy the same hard fought liberties that I have had all my life.

I want them to be able to wear a kippot in public, build

a sukkah on their front lawn, affix a mezuzah to their doorpost, or light the hanukkiah in their front windows as I have done without any fear or retribu-

tion. I want them to be able to be best friends with a Roman Catholic from Rhode Island, a Methodist from Oklahoma, and a Kosovar Muslim from Virgin-ia, as I have been, without it being a crime. I want them to walk into a synagogue, look at the church or mosque next door, wave to the priest, pastor,

or imam, and not think there is anything weird about that. I want them to be free, as I have been free.

We have worked extremely hard to get where we are today as a country, and it hasn’t come easy. A lot of that price has been paid by incredible men and women. Each gener-ation has not only served in the armed forces, but also sacri-ficed their bodies, their minds, their spirits, their youthful days, and even their lives for the rest of us. We live in the land of the free, and it remains that way because of brave men and women like Heath Robinson.

That’s why I do it.

“...I want my chil-dren, and their children, to enjoy the same hard fought liberties that I have had all my life.”

The memorial plaque of Senior Chief Petty Officer Heath Robinson, a Special Warfare

Operator with Navy Seals is displayed in Veteran’s Park in Petoskey, Michigan.

Robinson, 34 of Detroit, Michigan was killed in Afghanistan after being shot down on August 6, 2011. (Photo courtesy of Cpt.

Aaron Rozovsky)


Brigadier General Arthur J. Floru, former 143d Airlift Wing Command-er, is pinned by his family at a promotion ceremony held at the Rhode

Island State House on June 24, 2016. Brig. Gen. Floru is now the Director - Joint Staff, Rhode Island National Guard.

CONGRATULATIONS!

ocean state guardian - online issue #8

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