v31, no 3...g u a r d l i f e 2 guardlife vol. 31, no. 3 index family assistance centers (army and...
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G U A R D L I F E2
GUARDLIFEVol. 31, NO. 3
Index
Family Assistance Centers (Army and Air)
GUARDLIFESTAFF
EditorsLt. Col. Roberta Niedt
Lt. Col. Kris FrazierCapt. Yvonne Mays
Sgt. 1st Class Kryn WesthovenSenior Airman Beth Prichard
Assistant Editor-ProductionTech. Sgt. Mark C. Olsen
Staff PhotographerStaff Sgt. Robert Stephenson
Staff WritersRoman Martyniuk
Staff Sgt. Barbara HarbisonSpc. Sherwood Goodenough
GUARDLIFE is published bi-monthly us-ing federal funds under provisions ofAR 360-1 and AFI 35-101 by the PublicAffairs Office of the New Jersey De-partment of Military and Veterans Af-fairs for all members of the New JerseyArmy and Air National Guard. The viewsand opinions expressed herein are notnecessarily those of the Department ofDefense, the Army, the Air Force or theNational Guard Bureau. Letters may besent to: GUARDLIFE, Public Affairs Of-fice, P.O. Box 340, NJDMAVA, Trenton,NJ, 08625-0340. E-mail at: [email protected]
CoverMemorial For The HeroesStaff Sgt. Shawn Betten helps RyanDuffy get closer to the Global War onTerrorism Memorial after the dedi-cation ceremony May 28. See storyon page 20. Photo by Tech. Sgt.Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.
Inside CoverRaising The Battalion FlagA member of the 42nd Military Po-lice Company raises the Battalion’scolors as the sun rises over an Iraqimosque on Forward OperatingBase Danger, Tikrit Iraq. Photo bySgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson,NJDMAVA/PA.
Jersey City Armory678 Montgomery Street
Jersey City, NJ 07306-2208POC: Sheila Kelley
Lawrenceville Armory151 Eggert Crossing Road (Armory)
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-2897POC: Jane Hackbarth
Morristown Armory430 Jockey Hollow Road
Morristown, NJ 07960-0499POC: Sgt. Fred Giberson
Somerset Armory1060 Hamilton StreetSomerset, NJ 08873
POC: John [email protected]
State Office – Fort Dix3650 Saylors Pond Rd.
Fort Dix, NJ 08640POC: CW4 Ralph Cwieka (609) 562-0668
Teaneck ArmoryTeaneck & Liberty Roads
Teaneck NJ 07666-0687POC: Sgt. 1st Class Minnie Hiller
Toms River Armory1200 Whitesville RoadToms River, NJ 08753
POC: Mike [email protected]
Woodbury Armory120 Progress AvenueWoodbury, NJ 08096
POC: Heather [email protected]
108th Air Refueling Wing3327 Charles Blvd.
McGuire AFB, NJ 08641POC: Tiffany Colby (609) [email protected]
Joint FAC 177th Fighter Wing400 Langley Rd.
Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234POC: Joan F. Searfoss (609) 645-6248
For More Information Call Our Toll Free Number 1-888-859-0352
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TAG's MessageIce Run177th CCMSgt Message108th Ravens Provide SecurityNJNG Celebrates Unity DayExercise Trident FuryInfantry Returns To Jersey CityIf It's Tuesday, It Must Be TikritArmy Guard Needs More Warrant OfficersNews Guard Families Can UseSignals From The 250thShort RoundsArmy And Air Enlisted PromotionsLast Round: GWOT Memorial Dedicated
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TAG's Message - Our New Jersey Inter national GuardBy Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General - New Jersey
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State Command Sgt. Maj. Richard S. Adkins (left) and Maj.Gen. Glenn K. Rieth (second from left) pose with members
of the 50th Main Support Battalion during the TAG's recentvisit to Iraq.
iven the number of missions and the wide variety of deployment locations around the world involving
members of our New Jersey Army and Air National Guard,it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to refer to our citizen-Soldiers as members of the New Jersey InternationalGuard. Regardless of the fact that we’ve had Soldiers andAirmen deploy to three continents and across the entirebreadth of the United States, I want to assure each of you,and your families, that regardless of where you maydeploy, or for however long, you’ll always remain animportant part of our New Jersey Guard family.
Together with State Command Sergeant Major Rich-ard S. Adkins, Jr., and other members of my staff, I’ve hadthe opportunity to personally visit our deployed troops inGuantanamo Bay, Cuba; Italy; Germany; the Sinai; Ku-wait; Turkey; and Iraq. Despite the fact that you arefederally mobilized, you still remain my concern, myresponsibility and you remain my Soldiers and Airmen.
And let me just say, You’re all doing an outstandingjob! You’re making a difference and you comprise anextremely important component in our nation’s nationaldefense forces.
There is no doubt that what we’re doing in this GlobalWar Against Terrorism is absolutely critical to America’ssafety and security. From convoy escorts through themost dangerous areas of Iraq to serving as MP’s inGermany. From flying record numbers of in-flight airrefueling missions to participating in the multi-nationalObserver Force in the Sinai. From providing security atmilitary installations and nuclear facilities here in NewJersey to flying air patrols in the skies over the northeast
quadrant of North America. From providing critical transpor-tation, maintenance, and supply support on the front lines;from Guantanamo to Turkey. From Burlington to Baghdad;each and every day, you demonstrate the truly uniqueaspect of the citizen-soldier …our ability to answer the callto arms…and to adapt successfully to effectively performwhatever mission we are called upon to fulfill.
Whether you’re serving in Southwest Asia or some-where in New Jersey; whether deployed in support ofOperation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom or Noble Eagle;whether Army or Air, you represent New Jersey at its best.You perpetuate the rich tradition and glorious history of ourNew Jersey National Guard. And, most important, youcontinue to make us proud of your unequalled dedication,professionalism, and patriotism.
You have the full support of your families and commu-nities back home and the full support of the entire NewJersey National Guard and the entire New Jersey Depart-ment of Military and Veterans Affairs. It’s up to each andevery one of us here at home, and each and every familymember, to support our troops. They have answered thecall to serve... they have courage, determination, andfortitude...but they also have hearts. Wherever they are forhowever long, they need to know they are appreciated,thought of, and missed. Time and geography may conspireto distance us from each other ...but nothing will everovercome the bonds of family. I’ve said this before and I’llsay it again ...and I’ll keep saying it throughout the durationof any deployment involving our New Jersey Soldiers andAirmen...”We are family. We will always be family.”
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Ice Run: On The Road With The 50th MSBStory and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson, NJDMAVA/PA
Convoy commander 1st Lt. Scott Nemeth (right) goes overlast minute instructions with (l-r) Specialists WilliamThornborrow, Patrick Calandrillo and Bill Desain.
Turret gunner Spc. Patrick Calandrillo removes hisKevlar helmet upon entering the safety of the FOB aftercompleting the first leg of the combat logistical convoy.
F OB SPEICHER, IRAQ - It’s a run they make day in and day out, pushing much needed supplies up to
other Forward Operating Bases (FOB’s), but it’s nevera “routine” mission for members of Alpha Company,50th Main Support Battalion, 42nd Division SupportCommand, New Jersey Army National Guard. Vigi-lance is the word of the day for all the members of theteam, including 1st Lt. Scott Nemeth, and active dutySoldier attached to Alpha Company.
“They’re just waiting for us to go to sleep at thewheel,” notes Nemeth, re-ferring to the insurgencythat permeates his area ofoperation. Nemeth is theconvoy commander for thisparticular run from one FOBto another, a trip of approxi-mately 70 miles that snakesits way through the heart offormer dictator SaddamHussein’s home district.
Rolling ThunderThis convoy, or combat
logistical patrol, was com-prised of seven vehicles: twogun trucks and three up-
armored humvees, which carried 50 caliber machineguns and MK 19 grenade launchers, and two tractor-trailer cabs, one hauling a refrigerated container full ofice. The goal was to get the ice up to the troops at theFOB. The problem was getting past the numerousimprovised explosive devices (IED’s) that might possi-bly be buried along the way. Earlier, Nemeth sat in ona briefing where a map overlay showed that there wereapproximately eight to 10 IED’s that had been discov-ered or detonated along the route Alpha Companywould be traveling, which was no surprise to him. Thisstretch of road is no friend to U.S. Soldiers.
“Any place that they want us to stop is a place thatwe don’t want to stop. We want to keep going,” saysNemeth. “Stopping on this road is the last thing wewant to do.”
Combat Logistical Patrol start times are varied, sothat they don’t fall into a routine. Alpha Company’svehicles left the FOB at six that morning, making goodtime at speeds of up to 50 miles an hour.
Running the GauntletAfter a quick run through downtown Tikrit, the
convoy moved tactically, clearing the road beforethem of civilian vehicles in order to drive unimpeded toits final destination. The radio squawked as membersof Alpha Company spotted the numerous craters leftby previous IED’s. Some had been patched up but
others were just holes in theground.
The desolate country-side moved by at a fast clipas the convoy passed nu-merous sheep herders tend-ing their flocks. At one pointthey passed a herder stand-ing next to one of his sheeplying dead in the road, anormal occurrence in an-other time and place, butsomething to be wary of forthis convoy as they pass by.IED’s can come in all shapesand forms, either buried inthe ground, carried in a ve-
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Alpha Company Soldiers pause in their Level II up-armoredvehicles after finishing the first leg of the combat logisticalpatrol to the FOB.
Ice Run continued
hicle, or strapped to a sui-cide bomber. In one in-stance, a donkey wasstrapped with explosives.To members of Alpha Com-pany, a dead sheep lyingin the road could be an-other IED.
“This is usually a twoand a half to three hourtrip and we made it in alittle under two hours,”noted turret gunner Spc.Patrick Calandrillo as theyarrived at the FOB. “Wewere hauling ass today.”
The trailer was ex-changed for an empty one and the tactical vehiclesrefueled for the trip home while the team membersgrabbed a quick meal out of MRE pouches. TheSoldiers know that there is always a risk associatedwith traveling outside the relative security of the FOBand into the Iraqi countryside, but they understandthat they are highly trained troops utilizing the latest“Level II” up-armored vehicles and they understandtheir mission.
“We’re trying to do this hearts and minds thingwhere we’re trying not to make everybody mad, but atthe same time we’ve got to watch them and in somecases you’ve got to point your weapons at them,”explains Spc. Bill Desain. “We don’t want to pissanybody off but we don’t want to leave anything openeither.”
Nemeth agrees, with one caveat. “It is their coun-try and we’re trying to help them but it is my convoy andI have a responsibility to protect my convoy and I will dothat,” he says with determination.
Wake-up CallTwenty minutes into the trip back the lead truck
reported a fresh crater and mounds of rubble coveringthe roadway ahead. Evidently some sort of explosivedevice had detonated since the convoy passed byabout an hour earlier. This meant that the convoywould have to move off the road to go around the
obstacle. The area to theside of the road could alsohave been mined, but thealternative of stopping theconvoy and setting up aperimeter was just as dan-gerous. As it was, the ve-hicles had to slow down asthey approached the ob-stacle. “All convoy elements,keep moving as quick asyou can,” Nemeth warnedover the radio. Each ve-hicle circumvented the ob-stacle. About 500 metersahead the convoy encoun-
tered another new crater. Again the seven vehicleswere able to quickly move around the debris withoutincident.
After getting back up to speed, Nemeth reportedthe grid coordinates of the new craters to higherheadquarters, where they would be recorded andwould appear in the next brief.
An hour and a half later, the convoy arrived backat their home base without incident. Nemeth gatheredhis team around him for a quick After Action Review.The new craters were discussed.
“We tracked the ones that we passed coming in,but this was different,” says Nemeth, referring to thetwo new holes in the highway. “There wasn’t anyvisible evidence of another bomb for us to stick aroundor take accountability of. We went through, we calledit in. Obviously, some stuff just blew up there. I’m notgoing to sit there and see if the bad guys are stillaround. We’re not the gunners . . . we’re just thedelivery guys. That’s exactly how we roll and let thehunters go hunting.”
Mission accomplished, the Soldiers prepare foranother convoy tomorrow. Although it’s never “rou-tine,” it’s still just another day in Iraq for members ofAlpha Company, 50th Main Support Battalion, NewJersey National Guard.
Editors Note: All references to specific baseswere removed for security reasons.
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From The 177th CCMSgt: PatriotismBy Command Chief Master Sgt. Herbert Mimler, photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Mildren, 177FW/CF
Patriot – One who loves his country,and supports its authority and
interests. his is one definition of a patriot. How can we display patriotism?
How can we bring this trait out in everyGuardsman?
There are countless ways and thespectrum runs the gamut, from the flagraising on Mount Suribachi by the Ma-rines on Iwo Jima and the firemen in theWorld Trade Center, to the little thingssomeone does that go unnoticed.These unnoticed acts are just as impor-tant as those that get all of the atten-tion. These acts are what makes theUnited States military what it is. In reality, we are allpatriots. Patriotism is what you feel inside, you are the onewho decides what is the right thing to do, when it has to bedone, regardless of the inconveniences or other prevailingcircumstances.
Everyone in the Guard is a volunteer. We are in theGuard because we want and choose to be. Regardless ofthe reasons or motivations that prompt someone to raisetheir right hand and swear an oath to support and defend theConstitution of the United States and our respective states,Guard members made a positive decision to be part of ournation’s military. That positive act, of stepping forward andtelling our communities, the state and the nation that theycan be counted on, makes each and every Guardsman, apatriot.
As leaders and NCOs, we need to recognize and findthat little spark of patriotism and develop it to the maximum.That little spark that develops when the hero makes thatdecision to do what has to be done at that critical momentshould not catch any senior leader or NCO by surprise.Everyone has that spark in them. Again, we just need tofind it and give it the opportunity to shine!
It is human nature to want to do the right thing. Veryrarely does someone do something wrong intentionally.We have to provide people with the opportunity to performto the best of their ability. Realize their will, find it and guidethem in the right direction. We can do this by leading byexample, doing the right thing, and taking responsibility forour own actions. If we use all of the tools in our toolboxesto guide the people around us, we can bring out the best in
our people. By getting to know yourpeople, you let them get to know you.This does not need to be a huge under-taking. First impressions are lastingimpressions and they are the impres-sions that people carry with them; andin some cases, for a lifetime.
You can tell quite a bit about aperson the first time you meet them. Imet a young Airman the other day on arefueling mission I happened to be on,and we were both excited to be experi-encing what was happening around us.I am near the end of my career and theyoung Airman had been a member ofthe ANG for just seven months. His
attitude, conduct and bearing, along with his approach to allthat he was responsible for that day was admirable. I knewhe had all of the potential a person needs to be a futureleader in the Air National Guard. It was a genuine pleasureto be around such an enthusiastic and energetic individual.The Airman was the one I had a chance to meet, but theother Airmen on the aircraft exhibited the same profession-alism that he did. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance tomeet and converse with all of the other Airmen. Yet, for me,it was quite a thrill to be surrounded by younger Airmen,who are the Air National Guard's future. It made me veryproud and pleased to know that we are moving forward in theright direction. And it is imperative that we let our peopleknow that they are important, that they are appreciated andthat they are doing the right thing.
People are our most valuable asset and our mostimportant resource. As leaders, we need to insure that ournewest members receive all the guidance we can provide asthey embark on this most exciting time in their lives.Entering military service is like opening a novel to its firstpage; how it ends is determined by the content betweenpage one and the last page. If we are to help mold a futuregeneration of patriots, we need to be certain that each newmember has all of the “content” they will need to besuccessful team members. We want to make sure theystay around to finish the book.
There is an old maxim that states, “actions speaklouder than words.” So let it be by our actions that we arejudged and let it be our actions that nurtures the nextgeneration of patriots.
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108th Ravens Provide SecurityBy Staff Sgt. Barb Harbison, 108ARW/PA
B eyond families, full-time jobs and their jobs at the 108th Security Forces Squadron, seven
members of the 108th Air Refueling Wing have abusy life flying around the world providing security forAMC aircraft and crew.
These men are part of the team called Ravensthat fly with AMC aircraft to locations where there isa high terrorist or criminal threat and no directAmerican or allied security support.
Gen. Walter Kross, former AMCCommander, implemented thePhoenix Raven Program in 1997in the aftermath of the KhobarTowers bombing and othercritical events around the world.The Raven program becamean Air Force-wide program in2004.
Senior Master Sgt. GriegMoore, senior member of the108th Raven team, said that theteam members were some of thefirst people activated after 9/11 andwere on active duty for two years.
Many of the senior NCOs were employed asstaging managers during that time period; Mooreserved as one in Germany for 10 months helping toprovide site security surveys for Afghanistan. MasterSgt. Dave Beun has served as staging manager inPuerto Rico for flights going to South America.
Some of the flights for which the Ravens providesecurity are diplomatic support with congressionaldelegates and diplomats, often leaving from AndrewsAir Force Base, Md., going any place in the world.
Beun said the last time he counted he had beento nearly 60 countries. What makes his travels all themore interesting is that he, like the other 6 on theteam, is a traditional airman. He said his civilianemployer, the Mount Laurel Police Department, hasbeen very supportive of his regular deploymentsaround the globe. In fact the Mount Laurel Police havebeen doubly supportive of the 108th Ravens as a
second member of the team, Master Sgt. MichaelRakauckas is also a member of their department.
“All of our families, employers and the wing havebeen very supportive and understanding, which isessential for what we do,” said Moore. He cited hisown employer, Blockbuster, where he is the regionalmanager for loss prevention for four states. When
Moore returned from his two-year activation after9/11, the company gave him a certificate
thanking him for the time he spenthelping to keep America safe.
According to Beun and Moore,2-6 people are on a team for eachtrip and the team member canbe left downrange with littleguidance to perform their tasks. “You may have a situationwith civilians where you have tonegotiate out of a escalating
situation,” said Moore.Once selected for Ravens
training, airmen attend a two-weekschool at the Air Mobility Warfare
Training Center, Fort Dix. Moore andBeun agreed that the school is physical, rigorous
and intellectual.Days start with a 4-6 mile run, followed by hours
of classes, then more physical training – Ravens aretaught hand-to-hand combat, along with doinghundreds of push-ups every day. “There are no daysoff, a number of night exercises and you learn toqualify with various weapons,” said Beun.
The 108th Raven team currently has four othermembers; all but one has a civilian job in a relatedfield. Master Sgt. Mark Bajada is with the DoverTownship Police Department, Tech. Sgt. John Bunceis a police sergeant with Florence Township andTech. Sgt. James Hancock is a DEA agent. SeniorAirman Rajhun George is the only one on the teamnot working full-time in law enforcement, but since heis a student, maybe time will tell what his professionwill be.
NJNG Celebrates Unity DayBy Roman Martyniuk, NJDMAVA/PA; photos by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA
G U A R D L I F E8
he New Jersey Army and Air National Guard celebrated
Unity Day on June 9, at the Na-tional Guard’s Joint Force Head-quarters at Fort Dix.
The theme for Unity Day 2005is “Share Your Heritage With Us.”Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The
Adjutant Generalof New Jerseywas the keynotespeaker. "The militaryhas been at theforefront ofmany major so-cial changesthroughout ournation’s history"stated Maj. Gen.Rieth. "Our Na-tional Guard,
New Jersey’s Home Town Team,reflects America’s many diversecultures and ethnicities and trulyrepresents all of New Jersey’smany faces. Today is an opportu-nity to join together and celebratethe fact that regardless of wherewe come from, we’re all proud tobe Americans.”
Originally the New Jersey De-partment of Military and VeteransAffairs had sponsored a numberof different heritage celebrations.Unity Day brings this wide varietyof ethnic and cultural celebrationstogether.
The pro-gram startedwith a drill teamdemonstrationby the New Jer-sey NationalG u a r dC h a l l e N G eYouth ProgramCadets, bag-piper, multi-cul-tural displaysand a truly
Unity Day began with a 5K Fun Run. Maj. Jesse Arnstein,21st Civil Support Team won with a time of 18:03.
unique multi-ethnic food samplingexperience. Numerous displaysfeatured African-American, NativeAmerican, Caribbean/WestIndies, Filipino, German, Hispanic,Italian, Irish, Korean, Asian Pa-cific Islanders, Middle East andDominican Republic cultures.Also, the Federal Women’s Pro-gram, Buffalo Soldiers, TuskegeeAirmen, Fort Dix ACS Interna-tional, N.J. Army and Air GuardRecruiting, and the 108th SpecialEmphasis Program Managersparticipated in the program.
Everyone got the opportunity to try the new foods.Numerous tables displayed a varietyof materials on different cultures.
New Jersey's ChalleNGe Youth DrillTeam performed for the celebrants.
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n May more than 90 members of the 177th Fighter Wing journeyedfrom Atlantic City, N.J., to CanadianForces Base Comox in BritishColumbia, Canada to participate inan international exercise thatinvolved fighter aircraft from theUnited States and Canada andAWACS aircraft from NATO .
Designed as an air and seadefense exercise, Exercise TridentFury was the largest of its kind totake place off the coast and in theairspace over Vancouver Island,British Columbia.
In addition to the various aircraft,the naval exercises included fiveCanadian Navy warships, fiveCanadian Coast Guard cutters andthree ships from the U.S. Navy.
The exercise was considered a success becauseit allowed dis-similar aircraft to fly and fight againsteach other as well as against naval targets. A
Exercise Trident FuryBy Tech. Sgt. Paul Connors, 177FW/HO; Photo courtesy Canadian Air Force
I
A 177th F-16 shares the tarmac with a Canadian Air Force P-3. American,Canadian and NATO forces trained for both land and sea battles.
learning experience for American and Canadian units,both nations’ military are already planning for additionalexercises like Trident Fury in the future.
he 177th Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) conducted a mock “mini-war” in its annual
cantonment, held during the May UTA.With a table of scenarios designed by Disaster
Preparedness, the entire CE Squadron participatedin various battlefield scenarios that contained realworld training for personnel deploying in future AEFrotations. Eighty-two CE members received supportfrom the 177th Security Forces Squadron (who actedas aggressors) and the 177th Services Flight, whichprovided the evening meal for CE as they remainedovernight in their cantonment.
The exercise planners created conditions thatunit members could expect to encounter whiledeployed to the Middle East.
177th Civil Engineers Go To WarBy Tech. Sgt. Paul Connors, 177FW/HO; photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA
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G U A R D L I F E10
Infantry Returns To Jersey CityPhotos and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA
n April 21, the last GTMO rotation Welcome Home ceremonyhonored the 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry in Jersey City.The Battalion, which had just completed a nine-month
deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, received a triumphantwelcome home. Family, friends, Jersey City Police and FireDepartment members, elected officials, community members, alongwith fellow National Guard Soldiers and Airmen participated. Theevent's highlight came when 40 Battalion Soldiers were reenlistedin the New Jersey Army National Guard.
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If It’s Tuesday, It Must Be TikritPhotos and story by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson, DMAVA/PA
n the next issue of Guardlife, you will see a number of stories about the troops of the 42nd Divisio Support Command (DISCOM), who are making history in Iraq as you read these words.
Through an arrangement with National Guard Bureau, I was able to follow a number of New JerseSoldiers as they went about the business of providing support to those helping to rebuild a recentlliberated, but still war-torn country.
While there I enjoyed the honor of visiting the fighting men and women of New Jersey’s NationaGuard. By commercial jetliner, C-130 Hercules propeller plane, UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, C-Galaxy cargo jet, Humvee, gun truck and by the boots on my feet I traveled to and around Iraq.
I saw the achievements and sacrifices made by soldiers in Camp Doha, Kuwait; Camp VictoryForward Operating Base Danger, FOB Speicher, and FOB Warrior.
I witness the profound contributions to the Army and our nation by members of the 250th SignaBattalion, the 42nd Military Police Detachment, the 50th Main Support Battalion, the 42nd DivisioSupport Command, 119th Corps Support Battalion and the 1-150th Aviation Support Battalion.There was no way I could tell the full story of all the dedicated men and women of the 42nd DISCOMwho are making history in Iraq.
I want to thank DISCOM for all the support that they gave me and members of the National GuardBureau Public Affairs team. Without their help these stories would not have been possible.
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G U A R D L I F E14
Army Guard Needs More Warrant OfficersBy Roman Martyniuk, NJDMAVA/PA; photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kryn Westhoven
he New Jersey Army Na- tional Guard is looking for
more than a few good men andwomen to fill 35 technical spe-cialty and an expected six avia-tion vacancies in the New JerseyArmy National Guard’s WarrantOfficer (WO) Corps.
People like the NJARNG’snewest warrant officer, PatrickDaugherty. WO1 Daugherty,formerly a Sergeant First Classand the Chief Paralegal NCO inthe JAG office graduated withhonors from Warrant OfficerCandidate School (WOCS) atFort Rucker, Ala, May 20.Daugherty, a Woolwich Town-ship resident in GloucesterCounty is a qualified Jumpmas-ter and a veteran of seven years with the Army andfive years with the NJARNG.
The newest Warrant Officer described WOCSas both mentally and physically challenging and thetoughest four weeks of training he has experienced inhis military career to include airborne training at FortBenning and jumpmaster school at Fort Campbell.
Now back home at the JAG office at Fort Dix, theAGR Legal Administrator will be busy assisting andmanaging the day-to-day operations of the Army’slegal office that includes the AGR Staff Judge Advo-cate, the Staff Judge Advocate, five attorneys, a legaladministrator, and a paralegal NCO. Daughertyattributes the JAG’s ever increasing work load on thelarge number of mobilizations and deployments andthe related need for increased numbers of pre-mobi-lization briefings, wills, powers of attorney, familycare plans; and assisting commanders and staff ofthe New Jersey National Guard and their families ondiverse legal issues arising from mobilizations.
According to DA PAM 600-11, a WO is the highlyspecialized expert and trainer, who, by gaining pro-gressive levels of expertise and leadership, oper-
ates, maintains, administers,and manages the Army’s equip-ment, support activities, or tech-nical systems for an entirecareer. Primary areas of WOspecialties in the NJARNG in-clude Personnel/Admin, Avia-tion, Quartermaster, Mainte-nance/Ordnance, and Signalwith plans to expand in FieldArtillery and Military Intelligence.
Basic appointment quali-fications for WOs include: mini-mum GT score of 110; mustmeet height and weight stan-dards of AR 600-9; be a U.S.citizen, or have entered the U.S.lawfully for permanent resi-dence; possess or be able toobtain a secret clearance; be a
high school graduate, or pass the GED; must be ableto pass an AR 40-501 Chapter 2 Appointment Physi-cal, and must have letters of recommendation spe-cific to the requested WO MOS from Company,Battalion, and Brigade level Commanders.
Upon approval, ALL applicants must success-fully complete a weekend Pre-Warrant Officer Can-didate Course at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvaniaand will have two years after Federal Recognition asa Candidate to complete WOCS at Fort Rucker.Graduates of WOCS are appointed as a WO1, andhold a conditional MOS 001A0. Rated Aviationgraduates remain at Fort Rucker where they willcomplete flight school. Technical Service graduatesreturn to home station, and then have two years tocomplete Warrant Officer Basic Course at the Pro-ponent to become MOS qualified and retain WOstatus.
Soldiers that wish to pursue a warrant officercareer should contact CW2 Glenn Eckenrode whowas selected as the NJARNG’s first full time WarrantOfficer Recruiter. Chief Eckenrode can be reachedvia e-mail at [email protected].
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Chief Warrant Officer 1 Patrick Daugherty
G U A R D L I F E15
News Guard Families Can UseCompiled by the Guardlife Staff
The cadets of the New Jersey National Guard ChalleNGeYouth Program collectively logged more than 1,000 hoursduring community service week in June. The cadetsworked at Cape May Point State Park assisting with theongoing Woodland Restoration Project. In addition, theycleaned up miles of trash as a part of the N.J. Adopt-A-Highway Program. The ChalleNGe cadets conducted amassive clean up at the National Guard Training Center inSea Girt. Prior to Memorial Day, the cadets cleaned andprepped approximately 30,000 headstones at the Brig.Gen. William C. Doyle cemetery in Arneytown. Besidescontributing to beautification efforts across New Jersey,ChalleNGe cadets develop an understanding andappreciation for the true spirit of service and volunteerism.Photo courtesy New Jersey ChalleNGe Program.
ChalleNGe Cadets Perform Community Service
Program Supports FamiliesNational Guard Bureau Family
Programs recently launched theNational Guard Outreach and Part-nership Program.
Formed in December 2004, theprogram is designed to strengthenand enhance support for NationalGuard families and service mem-bers by building and reinforcingthe capacity of resources from fed-eral, state and local governmentagencies along with veteran, vol-unteer and private organizations.
The Program is meant to aug-ment assistance to families andservice members. The program’smission is to strengthen supportservices, especially for geographi-cally-dispersed families who maynot have easy access to a militaryinstallation. Logon to www.guardfamily.org for more information onthe National Guard Outreach andPartnership Program.
Great Adventure Family DayFamily Day will be held at Great
Adventure on Saturday Sept. 24. Tickets will be $17 each are avail-able at Family Assistance Centers.
Increased GI Bill Benefits ForGuardmembers
All Reserve Component Sol-diers supporting operations afterSept. 11, 2001, are eligible for thenewly created Montgomery GI BillChapter 1607.
The monthly education assis-tance allotment of $288 has beenincreased to anywhere from $401to $803. Soldiers who deployedare eligible as long as they remainin good standing with their units.
To apply, go to www.gibill.va.gov and enter the Chapter 1607webpage. Complete electronicapplication and print out signaturepage. Attach a copy of your DD-214 to the signed signature pageand send both to the address listedon webpage. Payments are ex-
pected to be sent as early as Octo-ber 2005 and will be retroactive toyour date of enrollment. Specificquestions about GI Bill paymentsmay be addressed to the VA Re-gional Office at 1 (888) 442-4551or through email at the VA website.
The Joint Force Headquarterseducation team can be reached at609-562-0975 Monday-Friday be-tween 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FRC Offers GrantsThe Family Readiness Council
has established a Grant Programthat will provide both Family andBusiness Grants to deserving NewJersey National Guard families im-pacted by deployment.
Business grants are up to$5,000 and family grants $2,500.Those interested should contactFamily Assistance through thehotline at 1-888-859-0352. TheCouncil’s website [email protected] can provide additionalinformation.
G U A R D L I F E16
s part of Operation Iraqi Freedom III and the 42nd Infantry Division’s Task Force Liberty, the
250th Signal Battalion is providing the backbone ofthe voice and data communication network for theDivision Area of Operation.
The soldiers of the 250th Signal Battalion, whousually drill one weekend per month in Westfield,Somerset and Cherry Hill, are now at places many ofus cannot even pronounce. These citizen Soldiershave not only met the challenges of mobilization anddeployment, but have demonstrated their pro-fessionalism, technical expertise, ingenuity andinnovative approach time and time again.
As temperatures now average well above 100degrees daily, the Soldiers of the 250th Signal Battalionhave not let their guard down. These signalerscontinue to operate and maintain their MobileSubscriber Equipment, while leadership at everylevel ensures that every Soldier gets adequate rest,drinks plenty of fluids, eats, exercises and takes timeto themselves to relax and unwind.
Time is passing very quickly and before we knowit, we will be back home.
Signals From The 250thPhotos and story by Capt. Joseph Pipas, 250th Signal Battalion, Iraq
A
G U A R D L I F E17
Short Rounds: Generals, Jessica And Nick,DSMs And The Byrds
Col. Bell Promoted To GeneralCol. Steven L. Bell (center) is promoted to BrigadierGeneral by his wife Cynthia (left) and Maj. Gen. Glenn K.Rieth (right), The Adjutant General of New Jersey, in aceremony at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville onMay 1. Brig. Gen. Bell is the Assistant Adjutant General,New Jersey Army National Guard. Photo by Sgt. 1st ClassRobert Stephenson, NJDMAVA/PA.
Jessica And Nick Visit GSABJessica Simpson and Nick Lachey visited the 1st Battalion,150th General Aviation Support during a USO tour in May.Pictured left to right: Spc. Heather Freeman, Spc. JulietteBentacourt, Pfc. Mikel Ehntholt, Nick and Jessica andSpc. Candace Briggs. Photo courtesy 1-150th GSAB.
Byrds Flock TogetherSergeant Majors' Cora A. Byrd (left) and Vivian V. Byrd(right) - no relation, are serving together again at Joint ForceHeadquarters-New Jersey. The two attended Basic Trainingtogether in December 1977. Photo by Lt. Col. RobertaNiedt, NJDMAVA/PAO.
3-112 Receives DSMMembers of Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artilleryreceived the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal(NJDSM) in a special ceremony held in Lawrenceville June4. The NJDSM, New Jersey's highest military award, wasoriginally issued in 1858 but was infrequently used until re-authorized by Governor Kean in 1988 as an appropriate wayto honor all of these returning combat veterans andacknowledge the debt the state owed them for their service.Photo by Lt. Col. Roberta Niedt, NJDMAVA/PAO.
G U A R D L I F E18
Short Rounds: Check, Ribbon Cutting AndCombat Patches
Joint Family Assistance CenterOn June 11, the 177th Fighter Wing held a ribbon cuttingceremony for the new Family Support office. Pictured (l-r)Cheryl Betten, Col. Brian Webster, Commander, 177thFighter Wing; Congressman Frank LoBiondo, 2ndCongressional District; Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, TheAdjutant General of New Jersey; Maj. (Ret.) Joan Searfoss,Brig. Gen. Maria Falca-Dodson, Deputy Adjutant Generaland Brig. Gen. Eugene Chojnacki, Commander, New JerseyAir National Guard. In addition to housing the Air GuardFamily Support office the space also has an office for aFamily Assistance Representative from the Army Guardmaking this facility the first of its kind in the state of NewJersey. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen 177FW/PA.
5K Nets 12KOn May 14, the 254th Combat Arms Regiment’s OfficerCandidate School held its First Annual Sergeant SamNutter Benefit 5K Run at the National Guard TrainingCenter at Sea Girt. The event was held in the memory ofSgt. Sam Nutter, an Officer Candidate of Class 47 who wasdiagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away on Jan. 2.The event raised more than $12,200, to be placed in a trustfund for Sgt. Nutter’s three children. The amount exceededthe OCS TAG challenge by $2,200. The run, which wascreated by OCS Class 48, with the assistance of variousother ARNG units and local corporations, will become anannual event passed on from the senior OCS class to thejunior class. To learn about next year’s event log-on towww.nutterrun.org. Photo by Eric Petrevich, Senior OfficerCandidate, Class 48.
On April 11, Lt. Col. Sharon Tootell, Commander,119th Corps Support Battalion, presented each CompanyCommander with a 1st Corps Support Command (COSCOM)patch. The combat patch will be worn by all the Soldiersas their Shoulder Sleeve Insignia For Former WartimeService. COSCOM was formed in 1950 and serves as theSupport Command for the 18th Airborne Corps.
“When the country called on its military to fight forfreedom, 1st COSCOM Soldiers have been ready to makethe ultimate sacrifice to insure freedom's ring is heard allover the world,” stated Lt. Col. Tootell. The 119th CSB isnow a part of this proud heritage. Photo courtesy 119thCorps Support Battalion.
119th Receives COSCOM Patch In Ceremony
G U A R D L I F E19
Army And Air Enlisted PromotionsMaster Sgt. Daniel J. Calderale (Army) and Master Sgt. Paul B. Thompson, Jr. (Air)
New Jersey ArmyNational Guard
To Sergeant Major(E-9)
Vivian B. Byrd
To Master Sergeant(E-8)
Michael A. Iskander
To Sergeant FirstClass (E-7)
Donald L. Bennett Jr.Julio C. BorgonoJohnny McDaniel
Geraldine McDanielsJames A. Rebenski
Erinn D. Watkins
To Staff Sergeant(E-6)
Michael AlvaradoCarlos R. Ayala
Roy E. BadillofierovichAnthony G. DelittaRobert A. Dollaway
James J. DudaTodd L. Friedman
Christopher D. JaegerGeorge R. KaschakKevin A. KauffmanRichard G. Loftus
Clifford F. McNally Jr.Mark D. Minisi Jr.
Daniel Miskowsky Jr.Hector L. Rivera
Jose S. TassialvarezLouis E. Tuck
Thomas R. WeaverRachelle White
To Sergeant(E-5)
Boris AriasMichael J. BarisoGary P. Barwick
William H. Beldock, IIIErnest A. Benjamin
Anilkumar D. DomadiaScott E. Dromgoole
Mark J. FischerJeremiah J.Goldsworthy
Pablo GonzalezWendy L. GuevaraJim H. Hamilton-
WilliamsSung Ho Han
Daniel R. HenselJoseph G. Hoffman
Jaime I. JimenezRyan J. JimenezJohn K. Kinyon
Donald W. Little, IIElizabeth Lopez
Christopher S. O’BrienGerald R. O’rourkeAlvaro S. Rodriguez
Matthew RutchShawn P. Scott
Nathaniel Simmons Jr.Michael D. Small Jr.
Howard J. SmithJennifer TerranovaJason P. TierneyErik D. Widland
Gregory T. Williams
New Jersey AirNational Guard
To Chief MasterSergeant (E-9)
Thomas M. DicksonDonald Martenz
To Senior MasterSergeant (E-8)
Paul R. St. Pierre
To Master Sergeant(E-7)
William W. BarnesLuis R. Collazo-
MoralesJason L. GiocondaJose A. GonzalezJorge A. NarvaezAllison J. Phillips
Richard N. SacconeGarth D. St. GermainDominic Tedesco, II
John C. White
To TechnicalSergeant (E-6)Gary D. Benson
Robert J. Fishman,Rodney A. Harris, Jr.
Byron B. JaramuzchettMatthew J. Johnson
Milton F. Lecompte, Jr.Michael McDuffie
Leonard J. Simmons
To Staff Sergeant(E-5)
Gabriel R. ArmstrongNelson R. L. BrownRyan M. ButcherAntonio Colon, III
Sonny R. DagostinoJames Gillespie, III
Lori K. GreenKimberly R. Hall
Lakisha D. MenifeeAlfonso R. Mitchellrios
Robert E. SheetsJoseph A. Valentine
To Senior Airman(E-4)
Erick A. ContrerasJessica A. Craig
Nicole D. GuzmanGretchen L. Hayes
Andre L. LazaroPatrick T. Lilly
Benjamin J. Shamy
To Airman 1st Class(E-3)
Christopher A.Hotchkin
Jeanie M. HubbardAndrew J. Kohlbecker
Andrey Plaxin
To Airman Basic(E-2)
Laura A. BelloNicole E. Del ValleJohn S. Fernandez
Cody R. MartinFrankie A. Perez
Nicholas A. Loglisci
CongratulationsTo AllREMEMBER,
EVERYONEIS A
RECRUITER.
State of New JerseyDepartment of Military and Veterans AffairsPO Box 340Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0340
Last Round: GWOT Memorial Dedicated
PRSRT STDU.S. Postage
PaidPermit No. 294
Tucker, GA
On May 28, a ceremony took place on the groundsof the New Jersey Department of Military and VeteransAffairs. The Global War on Terrorism Memorial honoredfour members of Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 112th FieldArtillery who were killed in action in Iraq in June 2004:Staff Sgt. Frank Carvill of Carlstadt; Staff Sgt. UmbertoTimoteo of Newark; Sgt. Ryan Doltz of Mine Hill; andSpc. Christopher Duffy of Brick.
Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General ofNew Jersey stated, “It is most fitting and appropriatethat we all come together to honor the service, sacrifice,and the sacred memories of these four brave soldierson this, the first official observance of Memorial Daysince their loss.” Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen,NJDMAVA/PA.