BAYONET
the
The Official Magazine of the Maine National Guard
Vol 4 // Issue 2
AIRMEN DEPLOY TO ARCTIC CIRCLE
CENTENIAL OF MEXICAN BORDER MISSION
BEST WARRIOR COMPETITION MAINE GUARD SOLDIERS COMPETE FOR TITLE OF NCO AND SOLIDER OF THEYEAR GUARDSMAN EARNS PLACE ON NATION BIATHLON TEAM
DOMESTIC HOT WATER 101
FREEIN-STATE COLLEGETUITION NEWBENEFITFORMAINEGUARDMEMBERS
Vol V Vo ol 3 //// IIssue ssu ss ue e1
Intro The Maine National Guard office of Public Affairs is pleased to present the June 2016 edition of the Bayonet Magazine. The Bayonet is the official magazine of the Maine National Guard and is made possible by Soldier and Airmen provided content and feedback. This edition highlights some of the recent accomplishments and updates from the Maine National Guard, including the 265th Combat Communications Squadron to the Arctic Circle, the Maine Army National Guard’s Best Warrior coverage, Free In-state Tuition Benefits, a Guardsman earns a spot on the National Guard Biathlon Team, a Soldier saves the life of a 6-year-old child, and much, much more. If you enjoy the content that is provided in the Bayonet and would like to see more of it, please consider “liking” the Maine National Guard on Facebook (URL is provided next to Facebook logo on this page) where weekly updates and news are shared with the public.
BAYONET
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The Adjutant General BRIG. GEN. DOUGLAS FARNHAM Assistant Adjutant General - Air BRIG. GEN. GERARD BOLDUC Assistant Adjutant General - Army BRIG. GEN. HUGH CORBETT Public Affairs Officers MAJ. NORMAN J. STICKNEY (ARMY) MAJ. DEVIN ROBINSON (AIR) Managing Editor SGT. 1ST CLASS PETER MORRISON Journalists SGT. 1ST CLASS PETER MORRISON STAFF SGT. ANGELA PARADY STAFF SGT. TRAVIS HILL SPC. JEROD DYE Contributors CHAPLAIN (COL.) ANDREW GIBSON 1ST LT. JONATHAN BRATTEN A.J. BALLARD Layout and Design MAJ. NORMAN J. STICKNEY
Questions and feedback: Public Affairs Office, Building 8, Camp Keyes, Augusta, ME 04333 Phone: (207) 430-5759 Email: ng.me.mearng.list.public-affairs@mail.mil Online: www.me.ngb.army.mil
Thank you for your continued interest and unwaivering support to your National Guard. Always Ready! Always There! -Public Affairs Officer
Maj. Norman Stickney https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maine-National-Guard/286347663430
https://twitter.com/mearng
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mearng
The Bayonet is produced by the Citizen Soldiers / Airmen of the Maine National Guard, and is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of this publication are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, National Guard Bureau, nor the Maine National Guard. All pictures are Maine National Guard photos unless otherwise identified.
Maine Army National Guard Spc. Sarah Myrick runs in rainy conditions on May 1, 2016, qualifying for the National Guard Marathon Team. Soldiers and airmen from various states ran alongside 10,000 other competitors through downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. Myrick placed twelfth among women during the race.
(Photo courtesy the Nebraska National Guard)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE A Message From
Best Warrior Competition:
Soldiers Compete to Represent Maine as the Best of the Best
The Adjutant General, Brig Gen Doug Farnham
Guardsman Earns Place on National Centenial of the Mexican Border Mission: Biathlon Team Maine Guard in Texas
Airmen Battle Cold:
Domestic Hot Water 101 Understanding Energy Use and Types
Bring Combat Comm to Arctic Exercise
The Chaplain’s Word The Chaplain’s Word
Soldier Saves Child’s Life
Maine Guardsmen Recognized for Immediate Life The Saving Actions Bayonet Vol. 4 // Issue 2
A MESSAGE FROM
the adjutant general
brig. gen. douglas a. farnham
“The concept of service is what allows us to meet the demands, expectations and sacrifices of our profession. The concept of service is what allows us to maintain our proud tradition and heritage.” Maine National Guard Team, As the Adjutant General, the most common question I am asked is, “Do you like your new job?” My usual answer is something like, “Yes, how could you not like it? Great people, great mission, great time to be in the National Guard.” I usually follow with, “Of course, I loved my job as the Commander of a 101st Air Refueling Wing with unmatched operational engagement and a great reputation.” But it is much more than a ‘great job’. I believe everyone that puts on the uniform understands that. If the Maine National Guard was only a job, I don’t think we could sustain the level of effort that we have for the past fifteen years. If the Maine National Guard was only a great place to work, I don’t think we would have the same record of accomplishment over the last decade and a half. We excel because the Maine National Guard is a great place to serve! Strangers in area restaurants have picked up your lunch tab, free tickets are provided on a regular basis to events and folks on the street say “thank you for your service!” They aren’t thanking you for going to work. Young and old line the parade routes to shout, “thank you” while many restaurants and retailers offer discounts. This is not because you chose a great place to go to work and like your job. They thank you for your service. Service to them. Service to your state. Service to your country. “Service before Self” and “Selfless Service” Are our core values. It’s a choice we have made. It’s a choice we make every day. The concept of service is what allows us to meet the demands, expectations and sacrifices of our profession. The concept of service is what allows us to maintain our proud tradition and heritage. The next question I am asked is, “What are the important issues facing the Maine National Guard?” There are many issues: readiness, force structure, air tanker nuclear mission, aircraft simulator, and fulltime
manning --to name a few. I think the number one issue we face is recruiting and retention. It is both a current issue and a strategic issue. We have faced recruiting challenges for a variety of reasons including inconsistency of bonuses, lack of in-state tuition assistance and a shrinking pool of eligible candidates. The great news is that this past legislative session was the passage of L.D. 1612, which included tuition assistance for any serving Maine National Guard personnel. We thank the Maine Legislature and Governor LePage for getting this done. We also owe a thank you to the University of Maine System, Maine Community College System and Maine Maritime Academy for making this possible. A big thank you is also due the current and retired members who advocated, called legislators and other influencers that kept the focus on this issue. This is a BIG deal and an important tool to recruiting and retention efforts. Strategically, recruiting and retention will be critical for our future. As we posture ourselves for new and relevant missions, we must have the ability to recruit and retain talent. If you are involved in schools or youth activities, it is apparent in most parts of the state the numbers are shrinking. Nationwide 70% of 17-24 year olds are ineligible for military service due to physical standards, medical issues, education level, or drug/legal issues. We all need to help this next generation make better choices. You are familiar with the math from here. Of the 30% eligible to serve; 97% choose not to—making you the 1% both eligible and willing to serve. You can help change the math. We need you to. For both the Army and Air National Guard, current and retired members, you are our biggest source of leads for new recruits. Tell your story. Tell our story. Talk about your service. Describe the difference between a job and choosing to serve. Talk about opportunities. Talk about the great people, great mission, and proud heritage. Provide leads to our recruiters. We all have a vested interest in our communities. Let’s change the math. If we can recruit and retain talent, there is no question in my mind we will continue to be good at what we do with a great reputation and our future will be bright. This is a great time to be in the Maine National Guard! Our mission matters. You matter. Thank you for choosing to serve! Brig. Gen. Doug Farnham Adjutant General Maine National Guard
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centenial of the mexican border mission the maine national guard in texas
A
s World War I raged in Europe, all was not calm on the American side of the Atlantic Ocean in the summer of 1916. Mexico had been wracked by a civil war since 1910, as rival factions vied for power. In a tangled mess of alliances and intrigue, two sides slowly took shape in 1915: Venustiano Carranza, a constitutionalist, backed by the United States, and Emiliano Zapata, a revolutionary, who was supported by renowned fighter Pancho Villa. In a series of battles, Carranza’s forces had defeated the revolutionaries under Zapata and Villa so that by the end of 1915, most of Mexico was controlled by Carranza. In a desperate gamble to try to get the U.S. involved in the war, Villa began raiding border towns in New Mexico. This caused the U.S. commander of Fort Bliss, Brigadier General John J. Pershing, to mount a punitive expedition against Villa. Raids and counter-raids continued into 1916, as tensions mounted between the U.S. and Mexico. As Pershing pushed further into Mexico with his force of Regulars, the Border States requested additional troops for security from Villa’s raiders. Such was the fear of a general conflict that President Woodrow Wilson authorized the activation of 140,000 National Guardsmen from all across the nation. This was the first use of the President’s authority to call up the Guard, as outlined in the National Defense Act of 1916, which had been signed earlier that year. It was the first mass mobilization of the National Guard and it tested the War Department’s mobilization plans. It has since been referred to as, “The Great Call-up.” On June 19, 1916, orders arrived at the Adjutant General’s office at Camp Keyes, Augusta: the 2nd Maine Infantry Regiment was to go to the border. At the time, the Maine National Guard consisted of the 2nd Maine and thirteen numbered batteries of Coast Artillery. Rather than remove the Coast Artillery from their vital position defending Maine’s shores, the infantry alone would be sent to the border. This caused much unhappiness in
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Soldiers of the 2nd Maine Infantry Regiment pose for a photo at Camp Keyes before leaving for the Border, June 25, 1916. (Courtesy “Images of America: Augusta”)
The Machine Gun Company of the 2nd Maine Infantry Regiment at Camp Maine in Laredo. The majority of the men of the Machine Gun Company were from the Bangor Area. (Courtesy Maine National Guard Archives)
Left: A map depicting the Area of Operations for the Maine National Guard from the late 19th century. (Courtesy of the Library of Congress) Right: The band of the 2nd Maine Infantry, also the University of Maine Band, performs a Sunday concert at Camp Keyes, circa 1916. The band was incredibly popular amongst Guardsmen and civilians when the regiment was on the Border. (Courtesy Maine National Guard Archives)
the Coast Artillery outfits, and many men requested transfers to the infantry to be part of the “big show.” From June 19 to 28, the 2nd Maine gathered at Camp Keyes and was recruited to full strength under the command of Colonel Frank Hume. Many men joined just for the opportunity for adventure and excitement that the Mexican border mission posed. The entire University of Maine band joined up, becoming the regiment’s band section, an association that would last well into the 1940’s. It was the only college band in the entire U.S. Army. Incidentally, the band leader was Adelbert W. Sprague, the man who set the “Maine Stein Song” to music. This song would not only become Maine’s state song, but also the regimental march of the 103rd Infantry Regiment, which is what the 2nd Maine would become in World War I.
O
n June 29, the men of the 2nd Maine boarded trains for Laredo, Texas. For two days they traveled in uncomfortable day coaches with three men to a seat. When they reached Kansas City, they were switched to sleeper cars, which were far more comfortable and allowed the men to get some sleep. The 1,043 Maine men arrived in the important border town of Laredo on July 4 – two years later to the day, most of these same men would arrive at Belleau Wood, France, to relieve the Marines there in some of the worst combat of World War I. But this was all in the unknown future to the Maine men, who quickly set up a neat and orderly camp outside the town and began settling in.
On July 17, morale was greatly lifted when the Mainers received light khaki uniforms to replace their heavy woolen ones. This was a great relief, as the heat was something to which the Mainers were ill-accustomed. The three battalions of the regiment prepared to take over patrolling duties from other units in the area that were leaving. The 2nd Maine shared their duties in Laredo with National Guardsmen from Missouri and New Hampshire, as well as several outfits of Regulars. Conditions at Laredo were generally good: the Army supplied good food and required the local municipality to put in modern plumbing and medical facilities. When not on duty, troops could go into town to take in a movie or go shopping for souvenirs which they
would then send home. The regimental bands made quite an impression, holding frequent concerts in the town square, for soldiers and civilians alike. But the 2nd Maine was there to establish security, and the soldiers grew restless at not being used. At the end of July, the regiment was broken up by companies and sent out to secure San Ignacio, Zapata, and various crossings along the Rio Grande. Here, the Maine men learned how to march long distances with full packs and equipment, how to set up outposts, and how to sustain themselves as soldiers. It was a valuable learning experience for all of the men, especially the officers. By September, the 2nd Maine was assembled in Laredo again. In a short time, they were relieved by the 2nd Florida Infantry and were on their way home again. The city of Laredo was sad to see them go. The city newspaper wrote, “Laredo regrets to lose the Maine boys and their excellent college band. Since their coming here they have made an excellent reputation as gentlemen as well as soldiers and leave Laredo with a clean record, not a single one of their men having been arrested for any violation of the civil law while here.” The 2nd Maine was mustered out in Augusta on October 28, 1916. Less than six months later, the men would be called back into Federal service, this time bound for France. The officers and men of the 2nd Maine – now the 103rd U.S. Infantry in 1917 – would take the lessons they learned on the Mexican border and apply them in combat in World War I.
1st. Lt. Jonathan Bratten is a contributing editor of the Bayonet and serves as the Maine National Guard Historian. He is always looking for photos, documents, and stories from past and current deployments. Contact him at: jonathan.d.bratten.mil@mail.mil
Airmen Battle Cold, Bring Combat Comm to Arctic Exercise
Story by Staff Sgt. Travis Hill, Photos by Master Sgt. Peter Dootz
B
odø Air Station, NORWAY – Members of the 265th Combat Communications Squadron traveled north of the Arctic Circle recently to join more than 15,000 military members from 14 NATO nations in a land, air, and marine exercise. The massive multi-national exercise, nicknamed Cold Response 16, was held in the Trøndelag counties in arctic Norway and was an opportunity for NATO militaries to expose their members to the extreme effects of arctic winters including high winds, subzero temperatures and constantly changing weather conditions. “This unique climate provided an opportunity and avenue for military forces to test, confirm and adapt to cold weather operations while working globally with other participating countries,” said Master Sgt. Kenneth Nelson, 265th CBCS first sergeant. For their part in the exercise, the 265th deployed 16 Airmen to remote Bodø Air Station, Norway where they would be responsible to deliver a suite of equipment that would provide satellite based communication services – including voice, data, wireless and cross-banding of radio frequencies – to the 555th Fighter Squadron out of Aviano Air Force Base, Italy.
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“This exercise was an incredible opportunity to extend services to a live customer, with real world communications requirements,” Master Sgt. Peter Dootz said. “We had to adapt and overcome issues such a cold windy weather, icy conditions, and operating within a foreign country, all while coordinating with active duty components half a world away in Italy.” It may have been just an exercise, but the importance of reliable communications services were decidedly realworld. “Any time you have jets in the air, even in an exercise environment, reliable communication is an absolute necessity for safety, security, and situational awareness,” Sgt. Dootz said. “The most satisfying part of the mission for our team was successfully installing all of the network services the 555th Fighter Squadron needed to be able to fly their sorties.” With summer in Maine arriving shortly, the 265th has set their sights on warmer climates as they plan to travel next to Puerto Rico to support exercises there. These exercises are becoming commonplace for the 265th, and their travel schedule for the coming months is already beginning to fill up.
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The chaplain’s word There was an old man who had 17 horses and three sons. In his will it stated that the oldest would receive half of the horses, the second would receive one third, and the last son one ninth. Upon his death, the sons were confronted by the odd bequest. They argued and argued and nearly came to blows on how to divvy up the animals. After all, someone had to lose out. They went to an old friend of their father’s for help. “Your Father would be very disappointed in all of you”, he said with a sigh. “Here he raised you to share and to work together. Yet you are fighting over animals that you never earned and are trying to get the most you can, even at the cost to your brothers. You are only seeing what you might be losing, not what you have gained!” The brothers looked sad. The oldest asked, “What then should we do?” The man smiled. “Your father was like a brother to me. Here, take one of my horses and you will have eighteen. Divide them as your father wished.” The oldest son chose first, but remembering the words of his father’s friend, he did not take the best ones, instead leaving them for his brothers. Likewise the second
son left the best of the remainder for his younger brother.
look to the vast resources that we DO have, very often we end up with an abundance.
The eldest, who was to get half, took half of eighteen: nine. The second son took his share, 1/3rd, which amounted to six. The third son took the last portion, 1/9th, which was two. But then they were perplexed even further. You see, nine plus six plus two is seventeen. They had one left over.
In our new reality, we may take for granted the great gifts that we enjoy, living in a great country; serving a great National Guard. So too, we need to be thankful for what God has granted: Eternal Life, Perfect Grace, and Endless Love. It is easy for us to forget these blessings as well. It is easy to If we panic, “Ah,” said the father’s take those that we complain, and have friend taking the love, our God, a generally poor dispobridle of the our very lives sition, it will only result in horse that was for granted. confl ict and further dissatisleft, incidenMake a point tally, the best faction. If, on the other hand, of counting horse of all. “I your blesswe look to the vast resources suppose you ings every day. that we DO have, very ofwon’t be needing Then share what ten we end up with an mine after all.” you can. Very ofabundance. ten, we don’t realize We, the Guard, are defiwhat we have until we do nitely in a world where the monies give it away; perhaps that is why we once knew are starting to beGod has shared so much with us! come less and less. Though I know that many of you reading this are not “into the weeds” of military finances, and my not even realize the limitations we are facing, these limitations are none-the-less real. As we see from the story above, if we panic, complain, and have a generally poor disposition, it will only result in conflict and further dissatisfaction. If, on the other hand, we
Chaplain (Col.) Andrew Gibson Senior Army Chaplain Maine Army National Guard
MAINE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD BEST WARRIOR competition: 2016 Story and Photos by Spc Jerod Dye,
hree lower enlisted and four noncommissioned officers from the Maine Army National Guard participated in the state level of the Best Warrior Competition April 1-3, 2016 at the United States Armed Forces Reserve Center in Bangor, Maine.
T
the state level competition.
Soldiers competing at this level have already won their unit and battalion level competitions.
Some competitors are already leaders in their respective units and weighed in on the importance of the event. “There’s big training value in this and as an NCO that’s one of my major charges,” said Sgt. Eric Pierce, a competitor. “Those who report to me and those who I have contact with and beyond get to learn from those who have more experience. That’s the whole foundation and backbone of the army. That’s the whole foundation of being a leader, being an NCO.”
The Best Warrior Competition comprises of many events testing each competitor’s ability to complete basic soldier tasks with a high level of proficiency. The competition began Friday with an M-16 marksmanship test as well as a stress shoot. The stress shoot event requires soldiers to run a half mile immediately before shooting to elevate their heart rate, simulating a stressful combat situation. After these two events, the soldiers were required to face a board of sergeants major who quizzed them on general military knowledge. “In these competitions, if you’re waiting to be told what to do, if you’re waiting for a leader to step up, you’re not going to get very far,” said Sgt. Maj. John Brooks of the 120th Regional Support Group and the organizer of The Bayonet Vol. 4 // Issue 2
“These competitions really do challenge the youngsters in the Maine Army National Guard. I believe it will eventually lead to stronger leaders for the organization.”
“I am learning a lot,” said Spc. Sean Pfahlor, a Military Policeman with the 488th military police company and a competition participant. “I learn actually at every single station, they go over the answers and will say what you did right, and what you did wrong, and what you need to improve on.” Brooks stresses that every soldier must know their basic soldier skills, “I truly believe that every soldier is an infantryman. Thats why we go to basic training. And this event focuses on those basic tasks, to fight and win our nation’s wars.” Sunday’s events consisted of a 10 mile ruck march beginning and ending at at the Brewer Armory. Afterwards a mystery event, previously unknown to the soldiers and NCOs, was revealed. Participants were required to call for artillery strikes over a radio.
The event continued Saturday morning with a modified Army Physical Fitness Test where each competitor completed two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups, followed by After the mystery event, scores were tallied a three mile run replacing the standard two and an awards ceremony congratulating the mile run. winners of the competition was held. After the APFT soldiers conducted a round robin style series of events testing the Soldier’s proficiency with weapons, moving, communicating, and navigating.
“We’re very evenly matched,” said Pfahlor. “And even for knowing each other for such a short period of time, we’re all good friends and will be happy no matter who wins.”
Competitors from Maine Army National Guard units competed in the Best Warrior Competition held at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Bangor, Maine. Soldiers and NCOs tested their mettle in basic Soldier skills, with the top NCO and junior enlisted advancing to the regional finals. Left: Spc Alexander Layman plots grid coordinates on a map during the land navigation portion of the competition. Above: Soldiers participate in a demanding, stress shoot at the weapons range. Competitors ran 800 meters to their firing point and had to switch to various firing positions where their accuracy was scored. Below: Sgt Eric Pierce evaluates a casualty and a Soldier throws a hand grenade during various Best Warrior competition events.
Sgt. Jhustin Welch was named the NCO of the Year and Spc. Alexander Layman was named Soldier of the Year. Welch and Layman competed in the regional level of the Best Warrior Competition at Camp Niantic, Connecticut placing third and second place respectively.
Members of the 265th Combat Communications Squadron traveled north of the Arctic Circle recently to join more than 15,000 military members from 14 NATO nations in a land, air, and marine exercise. The massive multi-national exercise, nicknamed Cold Response 16, was held in the Trøndelag counties in arctic Norway and was an opportunity for NATO militaries to expose their members to the extreme effects of arctic winters including high winds, subzero temperatures and constantly changing weather conditions. (Unit Public Affairs Representative Photo by Master Sgt. Peter Dootz/Released)
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Ric Tyler, co-host of the George Hale / Ric Tyler show on the Voice of Maine was the guest speaker for the 25th Annual Interfait Prayer Breakfast at the Augusta Armory. A musical performance by the Belfast High School Acapella choir. In attendance were Gov. Paul R. LePage, and Brig. Gen. Douglas A. Farnham, the Adjutant General for the Maine National Guard.
The concept of a day of prayer dates back to the Continental Congress. President Truman signed a congressional bill that mandated that each subsequent President designate a National Day of Prayer at his/her discretion. President Ronald Reagan’s 1983 proclamation stated that the two primary intentions of that day “were that it would be a day when adherents of all great religions could unite in prayer and that it may one day bring renewed respect for God to all the peoples of the world.” Later, in 1988, Congress set the annual observance as being the first Thursday in May. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Peter Morrison/Released)
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Gov. Paul R. LePage signs the tuition bill, part of L.D. 1612, into law on April 14. The bill provides free instate tuition rates to the University of Maine system, the Maine Maritime Academy and the Maine Community College System for currently serving Maine National Guard members. “The Maine National Guard is second to none, and this tuition program reaffirms that,” said Governor LePage. “By providing our soldiers and airmen with the opportunity for a highquality, low-cost education in Maine, we are honoring their service and investing in the future of Maine.” Information about eligibility requirements will be added to the following website: http://www.me.ngb.army. mil/recruiting/tuition.aspx (US Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Peter D. Morrison / Released)
Story by Spc. Sarah Myrick, Photos by Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey
MAINE GUARDSMAN EARNS PLACE ON NATIONAL GUARD BIATHLON TEAM CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - A human resource specialist for the Command Group of the Maine National Guard competed in the National Guard Biathlon Championships at Camp Ripley, Minn. Feb. 26 - March 4, 2016 placing in two events and earning All National Guard Team honors. The National Guard Biathlon combines Nordic skiing with shooting a .22-caliber rifle at 50 meter targets in the prone and standing positions. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer MacGillivary placed second in the Women’s 7.5k sprint and third in the Women’s Pursuit 10k race.
MacGillivary started skiing when she was three years old, inspired by her athletic father who took her along to sporting competitions. She competed in high school and now for the Army National Guard. She said skiing motivates her to stay in shape and gives more variety to her workouts.
Now she wants to set a good example for her kids. She said she wants to show them that it can be fun to stay in shape and that the cohesiveness of getting together with other runners and athletes is a really good feeling. She often runs with her daughter, for fun and at road races. “It’s Her performance earned her a spot on the National Guard All- motivating now that my kids are older and can participate with Guard Team; soldiers and airmen on this team represent their me,” said MacGillivary. state in international competitions. MacGillivary enjoys working out on her own, but being a part of MacGillivary first competed in the Biathlon in 2014. She was the Maine National Guard biathlon team means a lot to her too. forced to sit out the 2015 season due to illness, but came back Each member has strengths; some are better shooters and some this year at the top of her game despite the unfavorable weather are better at skiing. conditions. Snow had to be transported to the race course due “When you have the team there your mind isn’t thinking, ‘this is to the warm winter and each race had to use the same loop. difficult’ or ‘how much longer do I have,” she said, “It’s a sense of “I definitely like to challenge myself and see improvement from camaraderie and helping each other get better.” year to year,” said MacGillivary. “This year it was very exciting to see that all my hard work was starting to pay off. I felt more con- She said they very supportive and together the members make an effort to get to the range and work out during PT times and fident this year. It seemed easier.” The Bayonet
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after hours. They did a week-long training exercise in Vermont at Camp Ethan Allen in February.
Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer MacGillivary, a human resource spe-
“Being a soldier, I want to make sure I stay in shape,” said MacGillivary, “and set a good example for my subordinates.”
cialist for the Command Group of the Maine National Guard
MacGillivary said the biathlon team is definitely looking for more members and you don’t need to be an expert skier or shooter to get started, just be willing to commit yourself to time at the range, time running or time roller skating.
Camp Ripley, Minn., Feb. 26 - March 4, 2016. The National
competes in the National Guard Biathlon Championships at
Guard Biathlon combines Nordic skiing with shooting a .22 caliber rifle at 50 meter targets in the prone and standing positions. MacGillivary placed second in the Women’s 7.5k
“Come talk to one of us on the team and we can give you pointers on what to do for training,” said MacGillivary, “Right now would be a great chance to join us in the off season and see us training throughout the year.”
sprint and third in the Women’s Pursuit 10k race. Her performance earned her a spot on the National Guard All-Guard Team; soldiers and airmen on this team represent their state
The Maine National Guard relay team, which skied 7.5k together and shot both prone and standing placed 13th this year.
in international competitions. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Anthony Housey, Minnesota Public
“We had a really solid team this year,” said MacGillivary, “It was a very fun week.”
Affairs)
DOMESTIC HOT WATER 101 I
By AJ Ballard, Certified Energy Manager
f your existing domestic hot water system is 10 years or older, then you should consider replacing it because you will most likely save between 10 to 30% or more in energy use! The Maine Army National Guard has saved over 50% in energy use by upgrading and replacing domestic hot water units throughout the state.
There are number of ways to make domestic hot water (DHW) as indicated in the figure below which list, in general order, from the least to most efficient way to make DHW.
The Maine Army National Guard (MEARNG) DHW inventory currently consist of all the above except for tankless immersed and oil. This article will focus on the “tankless� units since this is the technology that is primarily being installed in MEARNG facilities. The MEARNG uses tankless gas (or propane) for all new construction projects. Tankless hot water heaters, also known as on demand or point source water heaters are the most energy efficient because they only use energy when the faucet is turned on. Since the MEARNG uses hot water intermittently, this saves energy because there is no hot water sitting around in a tank being heated for the typical infrequent demand in the armories and readiness centers.
The pictures below show the new tankless water heaters for the Aviation Readiness Center in Bangor and the Calais Armory retrofit project currently underway. Both of these facilities have cascading tankless hot water systems for the showers, kitchen and restrooms. Cascading, simply means if one person is in the shower then only one unit will run whereas, if all showers are being used simultaneously, then units will be energized to meet the increasing hot water demand. This system results in substantial energy savings for the MEARNG. The schematic below shows how tankless gas water heaters work; cold water in, the burner fires, which heats the tubes around the exhaust, then the heat transfers to the cold water in the tubes and out comes the hot water.
Calais cascade tankless system for the kitchen
During the design for the Bangor Aviation Readiness Center (AVRC), the design engineers energy model compared three systems; a large central hot water tank that circulates hot water around the building (typical for commercial buildings), a zone with tanks located throughout the building and the MEARNG Tankless on demand cascading system. The energy model results clearly showed the Tankless units using approximately 50% less energy per year and just under $20,000 over the life cycle of the equipment. For the home owner: a word of caution, the manufactures of tankless hot water heaters advertise the maximum output of hot water in gallons per minute (GPM). The GPM is based on the ground water or incoming temperature. In Maine the average ground water temperature is 45 F therefore, the output will be less than what the manufacture advertises, see the table with the ground water temperature vs. output for a typical tankless water heater (you have to read the small print). The cost for these units are approximately $1,000 plus installation. A typical shower uses 1.5 to 2 gallons of hot water a minute, so a unit installed in Maine will produce about 4 gallons per minute which should meet most household demands. The next article will discuss the Hybrid Heat Pump hot water heaters which also has a generous Efficiency Maine rebate http://www.efficiencymaine.com/at-home/waterheating-solutions/. These units are excellent if you have a electric hot water heater in your basement because they act as a dehumidifier as well.
A.J. Ballard is a Certified Energy Manager and is a contributing editor of the Bayonet. He serves as the Maine Army National Guard Energy Manager within the Directorate of Facilities Engineering.
HOMETOWN HERO SOLDIER SAVES 6-YEAR-OLD BOY BY STAFF SGT ANGELA PARADY
A
Maine Army National Guardsmen was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal March 6, in recognition for his quick thinking and actions in saving the life of a young boy in Norway, Maine.
Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Way was attending a financial course at the Maine National Guard’s Norway armory in October 2015 when a man rushed into the classroom holding his young child, yelling that Nathan was dead. “I could see that the man was visibly shaken, so I instructed him to give his son to me and I laid him down onto the floor so I could quickly assess the situation,” said Way. Way began to check for responsiveness, while his wife, Heather, dialed 911. Nathan, with his blonde hair reminded Way of his own young children, and his heart sank for the family. “The boy had no pulse, there was no rise and fall of the chest, and his lips had turned blue from lack of oxygen,” said Way. After checking to make sure the airway was clear, Way began to administer CPR. His military training had provided him with many opportunities to treat fellow Soldiers, but never children. “I just kept thinking please, Lord, help this kid,” said Way. During the third round of rescue breaths, Nathan opened his eyes. At this time, he was breathing on his own, but it was very shallow. Way, the Readiness Noncommissioned Officer and Platoon Sergeant for the 251st Engineer Company (SAPPER) in Norway has served in the Army for 12 years. Way said his time in the military helped prepare him to handle difficult and traumatic situations with confidence, especially in keeping others calm. In this situation he was able to render care to Nathan, which enabled the clearly shaken parents to recover enough from the traumatic event to be able to answer the questions from Way, and later the 911 dispatcher. Way sat with Nathan and his mother Jessica while they waited for the ambulance to come. During that ten minutes, they talked with Nathan and kept him awake until the professionals were able to take him to the hospital and stabilize him. Way and Heather went to visit later that evening, and Nathan was doing better, but Way said he was still shaken by the day. After the incident, Way reached out to his senior leadership not to discuss his actions that day, but to request additional training for Soldiers employed in a full-time status throughout the state. All Soldiers are combat lifesaver trained, but that course does not include CPR measures. In his previous unit, the 11th Weapons of Mass Destruction- Civil Support Team, CPR training is mandatory so he was able to draw upon what he had learned in that class. Way emphasized, “I believe that it is important full-time staff are trained in CPR, and eventually all Soldiers. I personally learned very The Bayonet Vol. 4 // Issue 2
Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Way talks to Nathan Curtis following a ceremony at the Norway armory. Way was recognized for his actions in saving the 6-year-old’s life back in October when the boy stopped breathing and became unresponsive. After that event, Way took action to make CPR training available to more full time staff within his unit and the Maine Army National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Angela Parady)
quickly that you never know when things are going to happen, and as Soldiers we are looked to by others as always having the answer in the time of need and being prepared to respond during an emergency. I know that we already have so much on our plates, but I believe this is truly important, and could determine life or death for someone.” Leadership for the 133rd Engineer Battalion, 52nd Troop Command, and the Maine National Guard Safety Office listened to Way’s request. The Battalion has put a stronger emphasis on CPR and other lifesaving training so that more Soldiers would be able to respond to emergencies like this and make a difference. “Way was trained properly and was in the right place at the right time to fulfill our mission to protect the citizens of Maine,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Dill, command sergeant major for the 133rd. “We all hope that we could do the same. With training, more of us will.” The Meritorious Service Medal Way was honored with is a military award presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States. “Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Way is an exceptional Soldier,” said Dill, “He has strong family support and is a man of faith. He truly embodies the Army values. He is a Soldier, a professional, a father and a leader that all should aspire to be.”
in state tuition waived for
members of the maine
national guard Tuition costs are now waived for members of the Maine National Guard attending any University of Maine System school, Maine community college, or the Maine Maritime Academy. This benefit is available in addition to any other educational resources students have access to. Infantryman Private Carlton Grey of Rockland sees the waiver as a weight off his shoulders. “It’s like a sigh of relief because now I know I’m not going to have to worry about having a life full of debt.” He will start his Criminal Justice program at the University of Maine this fall. Private Autumn Cash is assigned to the 133rd Engineer Battalion in Brunswick as a fuel handling specialist. “I just think a lot of people don’t go to college because they don’t have the money for it. [People make college plans], but life gets in the way of a lot of people’s future goals.” Autumn will commute from Vassalboro to the University of Maine at Augusta starting this fall. This new educational benefit shows the respect that Maine’s elected officials have for those who serve our state and nation - and their interest in having better-educated, uniformed members. While not every Maine Guardsman will take advantage of the waiver, the entire force is better for aving it available.
An animated Private 1st Class Audriana Fortier of Winslow summed up the benefit for us: “19 weeks for a life of education!” with a snap of her fingers. Audriana, now back from her training, is continuing her nursing bachelors program at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. “There’s no excuse now not to go to school.” For additional information about this new benefit, you can visit http://freetuitionforme.com, of visit the official website of the Maine Army National Guard (this benefit is available to both Maine Air National Guard and Maine Army National Guard members) http://www.me.ngb.army.mil/recruiting/tuition.aspx, or scan the QR Code below with your smart phone.
Recruit sustainment program
Soldier of the quarter What are your goals? Steadily take on more responsibility, challenge myself and becoming a better leader. What are your future plans? Attend classes at the University of Maine in Augusta this fall to study criminal justice. Why did you join the Maine Army National Guard? The Guard opens a lot of doors to opportunities in the private and public sector. Learning new skills, college benefits, training opportunities that translate to real world experience, and leadership.
Did you know: Private Cash graduated her military training as the Distinguished Honor Graduate. An honor reserved for the top graduate of each class based on leadership, academics and physical fitness.
Name: Autumn Cash Rank: Private, E-2 Military Occupational Skill: 91F, Small Arms Repair and Artillery Unit: Forward Support Company, 133rd Engineer Battalion, Brunswick, ME Basic Training Location: Fort Jackson, SC Advanced Individual Training: Fort Lee, VA Hometown: Vassalboro, ME High School: Erskine Academy, Class of 2015 Hobbies and Interests: Fishing and Reading
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She offers the following advice for anyone who is preparing for basic combat training: “Its all temporary,” Cash said. “Embrace the [challenges] and do the best you can do. That is all anyone can ask for.” In addition to her early successes in the military, Cash volunteers some of her spare time to the Liberty Food Bank.
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