Ocean State Guardian - Online Issue #9 by Rhode Island National Guard

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2| Rhode Island National Guard

Featured

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

Leapfest 2016

Managing Editor: Col. Peter Parente, State Public Affairs Officer Contributing Editors: 1st Lt. Mark Incze 2nd Lt. Daniel Starr Layout & Design: Staff Sgt. Peter Ramaglia, Public Affairs Specialist

A Hero’s Return Home

Innovative Readiness Training

Also in this issue: Reputation Management Institute of Excellence Rhody Run for the Troops Celebrates 3 Years Ye Olde Carnival for Heroes SOD-G Change of Command Airmen Receive Advanced Training at NE Tech OCS Graduation Garden of Heroes A Pre-Leapfest Boss Lift Rhode Island’s First Female Drill Sergeant Rosie’s Girls A State in Need Highway Dedicated to 1st Sgt. McKenna

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COLUMN

REPUTATION

MANAGEMENT A message from Command Chief Master Sergeant Jose Baltazar

Abraham Lincoln is remembered as a man with great character, but he was also conscious about the importance of having a good reputation. He once said of the two, “Character is like a tree and reputation like it’s shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” In other terms your reputation is the way you are perceived by others, and character is how you truly are. Unlike the tree that cannot control the shape of the shadow that it casts, we as individuals have the ability to control our reputation. It can be both shaped and controlled with knowledge. I submit to you a few points that I have observed throughout my military career that can improve your reputation. First, maintain the highest level of personal readiness to meet mission requirements. Personal readiness includes staying technically ready. This is accomplished by having a proficient skill level commensurate with your rank and duty position. This can also be achieved by holding yourself responsible for meeting deadlines and being a reliable team 4| Rhode Island National Guard

player. Additionally, personal readiness includes your physical readiness, the importance of which cannot be understated. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will enable you to fulfill the physical requirements of the organization. Mental fitness, or resiliency, is equally important. Be aware of matters that can affect your mental readiness, such as your quality of life, financial situations, sexual harassment, discrimination, stress, marital problems, and substance abuse. Should any of these problems exist, utilize the multitude of resources, such as Military One Source, that are available within the organization to resolve them, enabling you to return to mission ready as soon as possible. Personal readiness can also encompass spiritual readiness, which is the development of those personal qualities necessary to get you through times of stress, hardship, and tragedy. This may or may not include religious activities. A reputation is built on your character combined with the effort that you put forth in everything you do. The perception of others is created from

attention and energy. Taking pride in your craft is undoubtedly a key to a good reputation. You sought out the military and raised your right hand voluntarily. Continue to conduct yourself as a patriot, stay passionate about your job, take ownership for your actions, do your best work, and always seek improvement both as an individual and for the organization. Get involved in your unit by seeking out additional responsibility volunteering for special projects and active participation in councils. Find ways to stay connected and show your interest in keeping your unit moving forward. A good reputation takes a lifetime to establish and only a minute to destroy. Be cognitive of your reputation and protect it at all cost. By knowing what is required of you to maintain your personal readiness and then to give the necessary effort, your reputation will proceed you rather than following behind you like the shadow of a tree.

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INSTITUTE OF EXCELLENCE By Sgt. Terry Rajsombath, 110th Public Affairs Detachment

The Rhode Island Army National Guard celebrated the graduation of 21 Soldiers from different components, units, and branches from the 243d RTI’s (Regional Training Institute) Basic Military Police Course (BMPC) on Aug. 7, 2016. Graduates of the course reclassified their primary military occupational specialty (MOS) to 31B, Military Police Officer. “We had one active-duty Soldier, one reservist and the remainder being national guardsman from all over the country,” said Lt. Col. Ronald Tammaro, Commander of the 243d RTI. Tammaro indicated that 5 of the 21 graduating soldiers were 6| Rhode Island National Guard

from Rhode Island. “I was a Microwave Systems Operative Maintainer and I wanted to be a police officer,” said Sgt. Paul M. Gromley, a prior active-duty Soldier and the distinguished honor graduate from the BMPC. Gormley is assigned to the 772nd Military Police Company, out of Boston, Massachusetts. He served five years active-duty prior to joining the Massachusetts Army National Guard, before making the decision to reclassify as a Military Police Officer. The BMPC is a four week course, broken into two, two week phases. Throughout the

course, while the RTI cadre conducted training, they themselves were being evaluated on their performance as instructors, by the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) evaluators. “We were being evaluated by active-duty,” said Tammaro. “We came up meeting [their requirements] and doing very well. The instruction we use is TRADOC certified. So the standards that the National Guard used for training 31B reclassification are the same as active-duty.” Tammaro said that the RTI achieved a score of one hundred percent and also the designation of the institute of

Photo courtesy of Staff Sgt. Brian Prive, Instructor, Basic Military Police Course

excellence. “It’s all a team effort,” said Tammaro. “It’s not one person, it’s my staff, my Soldiers, it’s my MP instructors, and it’s my state for giving me the equipment and money that we needed.” Master Sgt. Thomas McCarthy, the Quality Assurance NCO for the 243rd RTI, said that the program of instruction (POI) for training comes from TRADOC, so their standards of training is no different from anywhere else in the Army; but it is the quality of the staff that sets us them apart. “It’s the people that we bring,” said McCarthy. “Around 90 percent of our cadre are local

police officers.” As a member of the National Guard, RTI instructors have the ability to share real-world experience from their current civilian career, as well as their experiences overseas as Military Police Officers. “Our instructors are civilian police officers during the day and they are MPs who have deployed,” said McCarthy. “So we take those real world experiences and teach them to our students.” McCarthy said that each instructor at the RTI treats each Soldier as a member of his own unit. “In a re-class, you treat the

student as you want to be treated,” said McCarthy. “Bring them in and mold them.” Gromley, the distinguished honor graduate, said that he was happy to be going home and finishing the background portion for the Boston Police Department. He said that he formed a close-knit bond with his fellow classmates and enjoyed his time training at the RTI. “I found the course to be the best military school I’ve ever been to,” said Gromley. “The cadre are very knowledgeable and very professional. I would recommend the school to anyone.” Ocean State Guardian |7

FEATURE ARTICLE

LEAPFEST By Staff Sgt. Peter Ramaglia, Public Affairs Specialist

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2016

U.S. Army Paratrooper Warrent Officer Greg Suchanek, Special Operations Detachment (NATO) drags his parachute toward a target during Leapfest 2016 in West Kingston, R.I., August 4, 2016. Leapfest is an International parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brady Pritchett)

U.S. Army Paratroopers watch as the CH-47 F Chinook Helicopter lands at the University of Rhode Island in West Kingston, R.I., Aug. 6, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Neil Blue)

Leapfest, the largest, longest running, international static line parachute training event and competition in the world took place on August 6, 2016 on the University of Rhode Island’s Kingston Campus and the West Kingston Elementary School field in Rhode Island. The 56th Troop Command of the Rhode Island Army National Guard hosted Leapfest for the 33rd year. This year’s event brought parachutists to Rhode Island from Bangladesh, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, South Africa, and all reaches of the United States. “Leapfest 2016 was one of 10| Rhode Island National Guard

our biggest, we had 60 teams; 30 international and 30 from the U.S. that participated,” said Colonel Ellis F. Hopkins III, Commander, 56th Troop Command. U.S. Army Paratroopers board the CH-47 F Chinook Helicopter at the University of Rhode Island in West Kingston, R.I., Aug. 6, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Neil Blue)

Each Leapfest team registered five participants, including four jumpers and one alternate. Jumpers exited from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at an altitude of 1500 feet (457

and team event. Each jumper must complete two jumps to be qualified for the individual award, and each team must complete eight jumps in total to be qualified for the team award. This year’s winner of the individual award was Staff Sergeant Dean DeAngelo from the Georgia National Guard. The meters) using a MC-6 static team award went to Detachline, steerable, parabolic para- ment 2, 165th Quartermaster chute. Company out of Seward, NeParticipants aimed to land as braska. close as possible to a marked This event, which is free and area within the landing zone. open to the public, showcased Upon landing and comthe capabilities of our airborne pleting a parachute landing forces and that of our allies fall, participants were timed while providing a unique occaby qualified judges until they sion for family and friends to reached the designated area. witness a military skill set that Leapfest is both an individual dates back nearly a century.

Leapfest celebrates the proud legacy of parachute forces around the world, and highlights the cooperative relationship the U.S. military proudly maintains with its partner nations. “Since 1982, parachutists from all over the world have come to Rhode Island not only to test their skills through individual and team competition, but also to train together, build relationships, and enjoy the esprit de corps,” said Brigadier General Christopher P. Callahan, Adjutant General and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard. “We are proud to host this event and continue building the legacy of the competition, camaraderie, and cooperation.”

A group of U.S. Army, Italian, and Mexican Paratroopers pose for a picture at a re-fuel point in West Kingston, R.I., Aug. 6, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Neil Blue)

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Participants take off at the sound of the horn at the 3rd Annual Rhody Run for the troops at Quonset Air National Guard Base, August 22, 2016. The race is held to raise money for various veterans’ organizations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt Janeen Miller)

RHODY RUN FOR THE TROOPS

CELEBRATES 3 YEARS By Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143d Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The Rhody Run for the Troops annual 5K was held at Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, R.I. on Aug. 22, 2016. The race is sponsored by the National Guard Association of Rhode Island (NGARI) and is held to raise money for various veterans’ organizations. This year marked the third year the Rhody Run has been held at Quonset. The Rhody Run for the Troops 5K began with the Struck family and Packitup. org, an organization that raises funds and collects donations for morale packages to be sent to troops in deployed locations. The race was one of the events the Struck family used to generate the funds for these packages. After eight years of their true patriotism, the Struck family 12| Rhode Island National Guard

decided to take a much-needed break from organizing the race and passed the torch to the 143d Security Forces Squadron Running Club. For the past three years, since the 143d SFS Running Club and NGARI took on the race, it has continued to be a great success, receiving positive feedback from all who have attended. This year’s race was well attended and had 110 registered runners. The day included raffles and a catered lunch following the race. The funds raised by the 143d SFS and NGARI will support organizations such as the National Guard Association of Rhode Island Scholarship Fund, Operation Stand Down RI, Rhode Island Veterans Home, and many more.

Staff Sergeant Meghan Vittorioso of the 143d Force Support Squadron rounds the last corner of the race during the 3rd Annual Rhody Run for the troops at Quonset Air National Guard Base, August 22, 2016. The race is held to raise money for various veterans’ organizations. {U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt Janeen Miller)

By 1st Lt. Mark Incze, Commander, 110th Public Affairs Detachment

The Rhode Island National Guard Family Readiness Center held its 4th annual Carnival for Heroes festival at Camp Fogarty on Saturday, August 20, 2016. The carnival serves as an opportunity for military service member families to receive donated back-to-school supplies free of charge in anticipation of the coming of the school year. This year’s event featured traditional carnival games, face painting, rock climbing, and a bounce castle. Entertainment for the adults included live music and a barbeque. The most popular attraction of the day was a petting zoo featuring kittens, goats, rabbits, and chickens. “We want to thank the families for taking time out of their busy schedules to come and enjoy the festivities. We really appreciate their support, and we look forward to continuing this event in the future,” said Lt. Col. Sharon Harmon, the State Family Program Director.

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Soldiers of the Special Operations Detachment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Global, Rhode Island Army National Guard stand in formation as their guidon flaps in the wind during the promotion and change of command ceremony for Lt. Col. Philip Macchi on August 7, 2016 at the Coventry Air Station, Coventry RI. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Simmons)

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(Left) Col. Philip Macchi assumes command of the Special Operations Detachment – Global, Rhode Island Army National Guard on August 7, 2016 at the Coventry Air Station, Coventry RI. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Simmons) (Below) Col. Thomas Bouchard relinquishes command of the Special Operations Detachment – Global, Rhode Island Army National Guard to Col. Philip Macchi August 7, 2016 at the Coventry Air Station, Coventry RI. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Simmons)

(Below) Col. Thomas Bouchard receives the Meritorious Service Medal on August 7, 2016 at the Coventry Air Station, Coventry RI. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Simmons)

(Above) Col. Thomas Bouchard addresses the family, friends and Soldiers of the Special Operations Detachment – Global, Rhode Island Army National Guard during the change of command ceremony August 7, 2016 at the Coventry Air Station, Coventry RI. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Simmons)

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AIRMEN RECEIVE ADVANCED

TRAINING AT NE TECH Story and photos by Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143d Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Senior Master Sgt. Richard Carpentieri, 143d Airlift Wing Vehicle Maintenance Superintendent, teamed up with the National Guard Bureau, the Air Education and Training Command and New England Institute of Technology to hold the inaugural course here in Rhode Island. Carpentieri is well known for his tenacious pursuit of training and opportunities to better the Rhode Island Air National Guard and the vehicle maintenance career field. Air National Guard vehicle maintenance Airmen from across the United States attended a weeklong Advanced Technical Course at New England Institute of Technology in Warwick, Rhode Island in July. The Airmen learned critical upgrade skills for their career field that they would not normally have the opportunity to learn at their home station. The skills learned at New England Tech will enhance the Airmenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knowledge base and allow them to become more proficient and mission ready. While some of these Airmen may not encounter the tools, vehicles, or prob16| Rhode Island National Guard

lems focused on in the course at their home station, they will possibly be exposed to them in deployed situations.

The distinguished graduate, 2nd Lt. Alexander Kowalski, has his ranked pinned at the Officer Candidate School Commissioning Ceremony at P1 on Quonset Air Base, in North Kingstown, R.I., on Sunday August 21, 2016. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Mark Incze)

CONGRATULATIONS By 1st Lt. Mark Incze, Commander, 110th Public Affairs Detachment

The Rhode Island National Guard would like to congratulate its three newest 2nd Lieutenants, who commissioned on Sunday, August 21, 2016 from the State Officer Candidate School. • 2nd Lt. Alexander Kowalski was the class distinguished graduate and commissioned in the 861st Engineer Company. • 2nd Lt. Michael Rossa commissioned as a military intelligence officer. • 2nd Lt. Justin Foley commissioned as an artillery officer in the 103rd Field Artillery Battalion. We wish each of these Lieutenants the best of luck with their Basic Officer Leadership Courses and their follow-on assignments. 2nd Lieutenants Justin Foley, Alexander Kowalski, and Michael Rossa (left to right) are administered the Oaths of Office by Brigadier General Bennett E. Singer, the Land Forces Component Commander of the Rhode Island National Guard, as part of the Officer Candidate School Commissioning Ceremony at P1 on Quonset Air Base, in North Kingstown, R.I., on Sunday August 21, 2016. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Mark Incze)

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GARDEN OF HEROES By Staff Sgt. Peter Ramaglia, Public Affairs Specialist

The names of 1st Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna and Staff Sgt. Timothy McGill were etched onto a memorial stone and remembered in a memorial ceremony at the Garden of Heroes outside of the State House in Providence, RI on September 24, 2016. Local officials were joined by Rhode Island Gold Star families and Kasim Yarn, Director of Veterans Affairs to observe the unveiling of the Garden’s Memorial Monument. First Sergeant McKenna and Staff Sergeant McGill’s names were carved into the monument alongside the names of 27 Rhode Islanders who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country since September 11, 2001. “Today we take a moment to reflect on the courage and commitment of First Sergeant McKenna and Staff Sergeant McGill, two brave men who gave their lives to protect our freedom,” 18| Rhode Island National Guard

said Lt. Governor McKee. “Our thoughts and hearts are with their families and loved ones. Rhode Island is forever grateful for the service of these two men who are truly American heroes.” “For the families and friends of Tim and Andrew, I know that no words can ever fill the void that their loss has left, but Rhode Island will never forget them,” Governor Raimondo said. “Today, we come together to honor these two heroes. We will always be thankful for their service to our nation and to our state.” McKenna, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Airborne, was a native Bristol RI and a 17 year Army veteran who served on multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He was killed in August 2015 in Afghanistan in a suicide bombing. He is survived by his parents Peter and Carol McKenna of Bristol, Rhode Island and Daughter Rebecca

Yanosik of Fayetteville, North Carolina. McGill, A Company, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, Airborne, was a native of Ramsey, New Jersey who served with the Rhode Island Army National Guard. He was killed in September 2013 after receiving wounds from small arms fire in Gardez, Paktia Province, Afghanistan while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is survived by his mother, Carol McGill and sisters Megan McGill and Lindsey Vanderbeek. The Garden, located on the southwest lawn of the State House, was officially dedicated in 2005 under former Lt. Governor Charles Fogarty. Lt. Governor McKee has pledged his commitment and support to the Garden’s continued care in honor of Rhode Island’s fallen heroes.

A PRE-LEAPFEST BOSS LIFT By Staff Sgt. Peter Ramaglia, Public Affairs Specialist

Approximately 40 employers, representing more than 10 companies and organizations from across Rhode Island, took part in a pre-Leapfest Boss Lift hosted by the Rhode Island Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) at the University of Rhode Island Campus, Kingston, R.I. on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition in the world, hosted annually by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard. Brigadier General David Medeiros, Assistant Adjutant General – Army, was the guest speaker of the ESGR Boss Lift and offered a unique perspective, being both a service member and business owner himself. Medeiros said that he had worked with leadership in both the business world and military and understands how hard it is to keep a business running when a deployment is announced and the business is asked to give up one of their best employees.

“Thank you for your support to our service and to your service members,” said Medeiros in closing. The event was also an opportunity to recognize supervisors who were nominated by their service-member employees with the Patriot Award. The ESGR’s Patriot Award is awarded to an individual supervisor for support provided directly to the nominating service member and his or her family. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployments, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed. Ken Capuano, Rhode Island ESGR Program Support Specialist, presented the Patriot Award to two supervisors, Megan McCormack and Essie Hembree, both of Hinckley Allen Law Firm. McCormack and Hembree were both nominated by Sgt. Christopher Chiaro of the 169th Military Police Company, Rhode Island Army National Guard,

for their dedication and support while Chiaro fulfilled his military obligations. To culminate the event, the employers had the opportunity to receive an orientation flight on UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters flown by members of the 1/126th Aviation, Rhode Island Army National Guard. While on the flight, the employers had a chance on view the Leapfest 2016 drop zone from the same altitude the jumpers would on Saturday during Leapfest. “Having a Boss Lift with Leapfest as the backdrop offers employers a unique view of what it is that their service member employees do while away on drill weekends, and the type of equipment they use on a regular basis,” said Sage Maker, Rhode Island ESGR Program Support Technician. “Offering them an exciting opportunity to fly on a Black Hawk is our way of saying thank you while still being able to showcase the technical knowledge and skill of today’s service member.”

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FEATURE ARTICLE

By 1st Lt. Mark Incze, Commander, 110th Public Affairs Detachment

More than 70 years after his heroic death, Captain Elwood J. Euart, a Pawtucket R.I. native and member of the 103d Field Artillery Battalion, was received by the Rhode Island National Guard Funeral Honors team at T.F. Green Airport, in Warwick, R.I. for a dignified transfer of his remains from the Department of Defense into his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s care on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016. A memorial ceremony honoring the life and sacrifice of Eaurt 20| Rhode Island National Guard

was held on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, at the Keefe Funeral Home in Lincoln, R.I. During the ceremony, Brigadier General Christopher Callahan, the Adjutant General, posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart Medals to the Euart family. Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo also presented the Rhode Island Cross to the family, the highest ranking Rhode Island medal, for his heroic

actions in the South Pacific. Members of the 103d Field Artillery Battalion served as an Honor Guard throughout the ceremony maintaining a constant vigil until Capt. Euartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remains could be laid to rest for the final time. Members of the artillery battalion also served as pallbearers for the movement of their World War II brethren. Capt. Euart was laid to rest beside his parents, Winifred Casey Euart and Elwood

Francis Euart at the St. Francis Cemetery, in Smithfield, R.I. on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, with full military honors. According to one of Capt. Euart’s nephews, Paul Vallee, of Bethel, Vermont, Winifred Euart kept a photo of Capt. Euart on her bedside table her entire life and it was a family decision to bury him with his parents. On Oct. 26, 1942, in the South Pacific, when the USS President Coolidge, carrying 5,440 men bound for the island of Espiritu Santo struck two friendly mines in the mouth of the channel, Captain Henry Nelson, the ship’s commander, ordered the ship be beached in order to safely evacuate the men. Nearly all the ship’s compliment, including Capt. Euart, made it safely ashore. But when

Euart heard there were men still trapped below, he headed back aboard to render assistance. Euart remained aboard the badly listing ship, rescuing trapped service members below decks. Euart was credited for saving several service members that day. As the time passed, the ship slipped off the coral reef and settled in deeper water and eventually sank, trapping Capt. Euart, where he remained for more than 70 years undisturbed in Espiritu Santo’s harbor until 2013. In that year, a team of civilian recreational divers happened upon his remains. After positively identifying the remains with DNA testing, the United States Army deployed a dive team from Hawaii to recover him in 2015, where he remained until funeral arrange-

ments were finalized. “They say no one gets left behind, and the Army has done that. He’s coming back to where he should be,” said Vallee. Captain Elwood J. Euart was a true son of Rhode Island. Born and raised in Pawtucket, R.I., he spent his youth in the Boy Scouts of America, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from the Rhode Island State College, now known as the University of Rhode Island, in the class of 1939.

Rhode Island National Guard leadership render a hand salute as the remains of Army Captain Elwood James Euart are transfered from an aircraft at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, RI to a hurst that will bring them to his final resting place. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Simmons)

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RHODE ISLAND’S FIRST FEMALE DRILL SERGEANT By 1st Lt. Mark Incze, Commander, 110th Public Affairs Detachment Photos provided by Sgt. Christina Petrone

What would it take for you to volunteer to go back to basic training? For Sergeant Christina M. Petrone, of the Rhode Island National Guard, the opportunity to give back and improve an organization she has loved since childhood was all the reason needed. This summer, Sgt. Petrone became the first female drill sergeant in the history of the National Guard with the enthusiastic recommendation of her chain of command. Though drill sergeant school promised to be a challenge, Petrone approached the task with the same determination that had led her into uniformed service in the first place. “He [my father] was always taking me around to Fogarty, all around the equipment. I always grew up around the military, so I knew that I wanted to join. I was 17 and I couldn’t wait, looking at all different kinds of branches, but Army was it,” Petrone proudly stated. “I scored high enough on my ASVAB to qualify for the Military Police, and that was the closest I could come to combat arms at the time…I turned 17 and 10 days later I was sworn in.” After 2 deployments with the 169th Military Police Compa22| Rhode Island National Guard

ny and 1 deployment with the 115th Military Police Company, Petrone applied for a full time position in recruiting. When she was offered the opportunity to work with the Recruit Sustainment Program, she knew she couldn’t pass on the opportunity. “Drill Sergeants are always that first thing the new recruits look at when they first come in. They’re that next level of elite that the kids look at…you’re the first person who gets to look at them [the soldiers] and work with them and mold them into the soldier they are going to become. That’s big for me. That’s why I love being at RSP [Recruit Sustainment Program].” The Recruit Sustainment Program is a drill-weekend program hosted by Recruiting and Retention that bridges the gap between enlistment and basic

training. Recruits often have to wait extended periods between signing their enlistment paperwork and attending their basic training. The RSP helps prepare those soldiers physically, mentally, and academically for the challenges they will soon face. “Getting in there and just getting the discipline into them, getting everything dress-right-dress, do everything right; right uniform, and they’re still learning that,” said Petrone in regards to what she looks forward to doing in the RSP. “It’s a good refresher for Cadre as well. Much of what we do has become automatic, we don’t have to think about it anymore,

thing different. It was a lot to think about,” said Petrone. Now the Rhode Island National Guard has another great training tool for the Recruit Sustainment Program. Sgt. Petrone has been assigned to work with the RSP’s red phase, which is where it all starts for the newest recruits. Despite being the Rhode Island National Guard’s newest recruiter and the only female drill sergeant in the National Guard, Petrone has immediately taken a key role in shaping the future of the force.

so reviewing it and getting back into the formality of it helps us teach it to the recruits.” Getting that expertise and knowledge to bring back to the RSP program wasn’t a free pass. Drill sergeant school is a physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging 9 weeks that replicates the experience of basic training all over again. Students at the course work through red, white, and blue phases of training that simulate the restrictions and discipline of basic training. Over the 9 weeks, they slowly earn their freedoms and privileges back, exactly like their future recruits will. “Being a seasoned E5 and knowing that I was going to get back into the academy, knowing that I was going to be treated like a private all over again was very difficult. Just knowing how much memorization and how much study goes into it, it’s a lot, and I’ve been to many other courses, but this one was someOcean State Guardian |23

ROSIE’S GIRLS By Staff Sgt. Kristi McDonald, 143d Airlift Wing Public Affairs Photos provided by Rosie’s Girls

On July 29 a group of 35 5th to 8th grade girls arrived at the Quonset Air National Guard Base to learn about the 143rd Airlift Wing’s mission and what its members do. They are a part of a camp called Rosie’s Girls, a camp for young girls that got its name from Rosie the Riveter, a World War II icon for women who represents empowerment and leadership. The purpose and goal of the camp is to expose girls to non-traditional jobs in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and math. The idea for exposing these girls to life in the Rhode Island Air National Guard came from a partnership with YWCA. Several members of the unit are 24| Rhode Island National Guard

involved in this program that includes a tour of the base and the opportunity to speak with positive female role models. Capt. Eric Hall spent the day guiding the girls through different parts of the base. “All of the girls were inquisitive, energetic, and in awe of everything the R.I. Guard has to offer”, said Hall. “I think it’s really important that we engage with the community because we are a reflection of it. In fact, we are a reflection of the best of the community. It’s really beneficial that we go out there and we show the community exactly what our mission is, and that we’re looking for people of like-caliber to become a part of our family as well,” Hall said.

The preteen girls all arrived with a full and exciting day planned for them. All of them are from Providence, and many are minority students from underserved communities. The day started with a greeting and briefing from 143rd Airlift Wing Commander Col. Daniel Walter. After that, the girls were introduced to Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, Chief Master Sgt. Denise Detonnancourt, Superintendent of the 143rd Force Support Squadron and the longest currently serving female in the RIANG. Following the initial brief, the group took a tour of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The flying, maintenance

and overall condition of this aircraft to support the state, national and international partners is the main mission at the 143rd Airlift Wing. The tour of the aircraft was conducted by female pilot Col. Kathy Sullivan. After lunch, the girls participated in a pushup contest, and the winner was awarded a coin. Later in the day, they explored everything from the Security Forces Squadron to the Fire Department on base. They also got to see the Army side of the base and tour a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Over the course of the day, the girls were exposed to a number of strong female role models. When asked what the main benefits of this tour were, Hall said, “The message that you can be a leader, and be

a female in the Air National Guard, particularly the Rhode Island Guard is very positive and a truthful message that we should harp on more. It truly is a place where you can be equal to every other member here,” said Hall. The experience was a wonderful one for both the unit and Rosie’s Girls. It was a way for the unit to connect with the community on a different level. It gave the unit an opportunity to show these girls the military way of life, and offer them the opportunity to interact with strong female role models that they can mirror themselves after. The program received so much positive feedback that many members would like to continue it again next year.

They also hope to possibly expand this opportunity to other youth programs throughout the state of Rhode Island. Before Hall ended the tour with the girls, he emphasized the need for them to stay motivated throughout their adolescent years. “We don’t just take anybody.[In the RI Air National Guard] you have to go to school, be able to pass physical tests, be able to stay out of trouble and not do drugs. We’re looking for a particular person, and if you’re willing to make all of those sacrifices you can become part of a family that exists to protect the country and the state,” said Captain Hall.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

INNOVATIVE READ

DELIVERS PRODUCTIVE NA

By Master Sgt. John V. McDonald, 143d A

26| Rhode Island National Guard

DINESS TRAINING

ATIONAL GUARD TRAINING

Airlift Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron

Members from the 143d Civil Engineering Squadron (CES), Rhode Island Air National Guard pose for a group shot in Inarajan, Guam during an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) project on September 5, 2016. The IRT project, in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity Guam is to provide two homes for residents in Inarajan. The members are part of a 36 Airmen crew from a cross section of trades within the CES. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. John V. McDonald)

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Members of the Rhode Island Air National Guard’s 143d Airlift Wing’s Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) and Public Affairs (PA) Office partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Guam for an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) exercise in Injaran, Guam, from Aug. 22 to Sept. 20, 2016. The 36 member team was there to assist in the construction of two homes slated for Guam families chosen by the Habitat for Humanity program. The IRT program is designed to build mutually beneficial civil-military partnerships between US communities and the Department of Defense. The goals are to to provide high quality, mission-essential training for Active, Guard, and Reserve support personnel and units, deliver military readiness and partnership capacity. While creating a spirit of service and volunteerism among all partners and the communities they serve In 1993, the Defense Authorization Act report by the Senate Armed Services Committee stated, “The American people

Senior Airman John Bender (right) and Major Jeremiah Buckenberger from the 143d Civil Engineering Squadron (CES), Rhode Island Air National Guard mixes cement for skim coating which strengthens walls for extreme weather conditions in Inarajan, Guam during an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) project on September 1, 2016. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. John V. McDonald)

have made an enormous investment in developing the skills, capabilities, and resources of the Armed Forces. These resources, if properly matched to local needs and coordinated with civilian efforts, can be a useful contribution to addressing the serious domestic needs

Staff Sergeant Bruno Ramos, 143d Airlift Wing (AW) Civil Engineering Squadron (CES), moves dirt between two houses being built for Habitat for Humanity in Inajaran, Guam on September 5, 2016. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Janeen Miller)

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of the United States.” The 143d Civil Engineering Squadron was the fifth of five Air National Guard units that have deployed in support of this IRT mission. Prior to the Rhode Island Air National Guard’s arrival in August, teams from the Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, South Dakota and Tennessee Air National Guard rotated through the project. The mission provided readiness training and allowed military members to provide a service to the community of Inarajan. “The IRT program provides valuable training that you can’t get on drill weekends. Additionally, it provides Airmen the opportunity to solve problems,” said Major Jeremiah Buckenberger, 143 CES Commander, who also attended the training mission. The members of the 143 CES were from numerous trades

within the Civil Engineering Squadron to include, plumbing, electrician, heating, and others. The electrical section ran all interior conduits and wiring, installed electrical panels, tested all conductors, and calculated utility materials. The pavements and construction section, known as the “Dirt Boys,”graded front yards, corrected drainage ditches, and planned drainage paths. Structures finished interior framing, installed drywall, leveled floors and skim coated exteriors. The water and fuels section fixed all plumbing issues, tested new and old piping systems, finished rough plumbing for water, and installed bathroom vents. Operations managed equipment and tool inventory and ran dayto-day site operations. “Everyone is coming together to make this project happen. Even if there is a trade that we may have not done or didn’t go to school for, with the experience of the Master Sergeants or Supervisors in charge, we get to learn something new,” said Staff

Sgt. David Gallego, 143 CES HVAC Specialist. Overall, this mission provided the 143 AW members training which would normally not be available at home station. Senior Airman Corey Briggs added, “I was able to broaden my skill sets that were not my field of expertise.” Habitat for Humanity of Guam works to provide homeownership opportunity to low-income families in need. This was their inaugural project with the IRT program. The recipients for the new homes are two disadvantaged families. One home is promised to a single mother with three children whose residence burned down and as a result is presently living in a community-donated shipping container. The second home is going to a family of five who recently lost their youngest child and have relocated back to Guam from the mainland. They have come back to restart their lives and are currently living in a one bed-

room, one bathroom apartment. The Innovative Readiness Training program has a ripple effect by influencing many lives. “This project is critical, because it’s going to make or break our strategic plans going forward,” said Alicia P. Aguon, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Guam. She added, “That’s what Habitat is about; it’s about bringing everybody together for the greater good of the community. So you guys coming here focused on doing what you got on your schedule but you’re ultimately helping us as an island.” The IRT program did not expect the houses to be completely finished by the end of the rotations. However, in true Rhody spirit, members of the 143 CES who were available to stay, volunteered to stay an extra week to further complete the two houses. The 143d Civil Engineering Squadron received accolades from the Innovative Readiness Training Duration team, Habitat for Humanity of Guam and the neighborhood of Inarjan. “Rhode Island is a hard-working and close-knit group. I truly appreciated their knowledge, dedication, and camaraderie,” said Captain Dwayne Rogers, IRT Duration team, “these families and the residents of Inajaran will remember the efforts of these men and women for years to come.” Staff Sgt. Jason Cote from the 143d Civil Engineering Squadron (CES), Rhode Island Air National Guard moves earth for a drainage trench in Inarajan, Guam during an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) project on September 1, 2016. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. John V. McDonald)

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ARINGSTATE IN NEED ENGINEERS ASSIST WEST VIRGINIA By 1st Lt. Mark Incze, Commander, 110th Public Affairs Detachment

When the worst flooding since 2010 struck West Virginia in June, 2016, the 861st Engineer Company pivoted from their scheduled annual training at Camp Dawson, West Virginia, to participate in the emergency response and support operations and assist in the cleanup efforts. The flood destroyed more than 1,200 homes and businesses in West Virginia, including more than 500 homes in Roane, where the Engineers were conducting their Annual Training. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We obviously saw what was going on in the news, especially with the counties here down south, and with a full Company 30| Rhode Island National Guard

of Engineers, I absolutely knew we could help the situation,â&#x20AC;? said Capt. Daniel Girouard, Commander of the 861st. The Engineer Company was prepared for immediate emergency response operations by years of experience in responding to hurricanes and snowstorms in Rhode Island, as well as by CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) training. The 861st Engineer Company acquired the CERFP mission in 2011, and since that time has trained above and beyond traditional drill days to become an even more flexible and capable emergency response unit than a traditional company of Engi-

neers. Over the course of the flood response, the 861st Engineers removed thousands of tons of debris from the roads of West Virginia, ensuring free passage for other emergency responders. Their actions allowed for firefighters, ambulances, police, and utility workers to rescue people from their homes, bring supplies to and from shelters, and restore power and water to towns. In response to their actions, the West Virginia National Guard awarded the 861st Engineer Company with the West Virginia Emergency Response Ribbon.

Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo together with Carol and Peter McKenna unveil the new First Sergeant P. Andrew McKenna Memorial Highway sign that will be posted on Rt. 114 in Bristol/Warren RI. First Sergeant McKenna, a native of Bristol, RI, was killed in August 2015 in a suicide bombing while serving with the U.S. Army Special Forces in Kabul, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Janeen Miller)

ROUTE 114 NAMED IN HONOR OF SOLDIER KIA By Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143d Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Family, friends, and fellow service members of Army First Sergeant P. Andrew McKenna gathered at the Rhode Island Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Home in Bristol, RI, Friday, April 1, 2016, for a ceremony where Governor Gina Raimondo signed into law a bill naming a portion of Route 114 in honor of McKenna. The portion of Route 114 in Bristol/ Warren between the Mount Hope and Warren bridges is now the, First Sgt. P Andrew McKenna Highway.

First Sgt McKenna, a native of Bristol, RI, was killed in August 2015 in a suicide bombing while serving with the U.S. Army Special Forces in Kabul, Afghanistan. RI Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, RI Representative Jim Langevin, and members of the Rhode Island House and Senate also attended the ceremony. Ocean State Guardian |31