Ocean State Guardian - Fall 2012

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ON THE COVER

Fall 2012 / Rhode Island National Guard 1

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Rhode Island National Guard

The Ocean State Guardian

Bob UlinPublisher

Justin RitterGraphic Designer

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Fall 2012

The Governor of Rhode Island and theCaptain General of the Rhode Island National Guard

The Honorable Lincoln D. Chafee

The Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island andCommanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard

MG Kevin R. McBride

Assistant Adjutant General for Army and Deputy Commanding General of the

Rhode Island National Guard

BG Charles Petrarca

Commander, Joint Force Headquarters,Rhode Island National Guard

Brig. Gen. Marcus Jannitto

Assistant Adjutant General for AirRhode Island National Guard

Brig. Gen. Donald Lagor

Managing EditorState Public Affairs Officer

LTC Peter Parente

Public Affairs Specialists

SGT Megan BurmeisterSGT Peter Ramaglia

Public Affairs Office(401) 275-4038

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VIGILANT GUARD 2012

Cover photo byArmy SGT Peter Ramaglia

Leapfest XXX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2012 RING Military Youth Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Team Rhody is mission ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Transition Assistance Advisor ready to help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

RING Living Memorial dedicated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Vigilant Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

What does the future look like? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Back to Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Playing the game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Ride 2 Recovery bikers stop in Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chief Master Sergeant Gary “G” Austin retires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

143d Airlift Wing – strengthening security relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2 Ocean State Guardian / Fall 2012


MG Kevin McBride, Adjutant General,Commanding General, Rhode Island National Guard

Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island

As highlighted in this edition of the Ocean State Guardian, we recently tested most of our force in a major NORTHCOM-sponsored exercise called Vigilant Guard 2012. The exer-cise, which took more than a year of planning and coordination, simulated a Category 3 hurricane making landfall in southern New England.

A combined Guard force of repre-sentatives from all six New England states, R.I. Emergency Management Agency, and elements of FEMA, active duty personnel, and state and local fi rst responders descended upon the state to participate in the exercise. The consequences of the hurricane were designed to overwhelm our local fi rst responders and Guard forces. Partici-pants were challenged to respond to multiple simulated events including a collapsed structure, a chemical spill, major power outages, and numerous fatalities and injured. At the conclusion of the exercise, I was extremely proud of the effort and knowledge gained by all who participated. I am confi dent that the Rhode Island National Guard has established a fi rm foundation of communication, response, and coordi-nation with our local, state and federal partners in the event of any disaster.

As we begin the new federal fi scal year, we are once again faced with several critical challenges that will have a direct impact on our future force structure and relevancy. These include unit strength and most impor-tantly, the percent of duty MOS quali-fi ed on the Army side, and AFSC quali-fi ed on the Air side. National Guard Bureau is scrutinizing these critical elements of unit readiness as they assess what the future force structure at the strategic level should look like. We must all focus on ensuring that our units are at 100 percent strength and that our Soldiers and Airmen are fully

trained to perform their military duties. Every leader and fi rst line supervisor must ensure that each of our service members has a clear understanding of their training requirements. In addition, we all must be equally engaged in retaining our Soldiers and Airmen. Over the last year we have seen a drop in our highly successful retention rates. All too often we lose highly trained and motivated service members because our leadership was not actively involved in retention. This results in a greater challenge for our recruiters to fi ll our unit vacancies. Therefore, we must all support this effort by retaining the force!

On a critically important note, the Army, including the National Guard, has experienced its second highest suicide rate during 2011. This was slightly down from the record year in 2010. Unfortunately, in 2012, the number of suicides has escalated once again. As a result, the Army conducted a suicide prevention stand-down day, which included all of our Soldiers. This was done to assist and educate our force on how to recognize and prevent suicides. In an effort to keep suicide awareness and prevention in the fore-front, I strongly encourage each unit to establish a program which extends the traditional “battle buddy” concept to include communication outside the normal drill periods. When the duty day ends or the drill is over is when the risk

increases, especially for those who are struggling with family and employ-ment issues. Communication from a battle buddy in the form of a simple call will go a long way to ensure that we provide the necessary support to the needs of our most important asset, our service members and their families.

October will mark the end of a long and distinguished career for the state command sergeant major, CSM John McDonough. He provided consistent leadership and guidance to the countless enlisted Soldiers who have had the honor of serving with him during his many years of service. CSM McDonough began his career in 1976 as an honor graduate from advanced individual training at Fort Sill, Okla. He quickly moved through the ranks and made a positive lasting impression on all who served with him. I have person-ally had the honor of serving with CSM McDonough on three separate occasions, and often depended upon his advice as the voice of the Soldier. I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude for his loyalty and devotion to the Rhode Island National Guard for more than 35 years. He certainly will be missed. Please join me in wishing him and his wife Lori and family a happy, prosperous, and healthy retirement!

In closing, as the temperature begins to fall and the seasons change once again, we will all begin preparations for the holidays. My thoughts during this upcoming holiday season turn to those Soldiers and Airmen who are still deployed in support of our freedom and way of life and the countless sacrifi ces of their family members. I ask that you keep all of them in your thoughts, and pray for their safe return home. Standards and Discipline!

I am confi dent that the Rhode Island National Guard has established a fi rm foundation of communication, response, and coordination with our local, state and federal partners in the event of any disaster.


What does the future look like?

Brig. Gen. Donald Lagor, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Rhode Island National Guard

Opportunity! Are we taking advan-tage of opportunities in this ever changing budgetary climate? What do we look for in a roles-and-missions changing environment? What oppor-tunities lie within this era of global technological advancement?

There is always trepidation when one thinks of the endless possibili-ties – both good and bad – that could happen to our organization if we just sit tight and hope for the best. However, we are the Rhode Island Air National Guard and have never been known to be complacent. We will not idly sit by while others determine our future. Instead, we will continue to do the things that we do best and capitalize on our strengths – our innovative, creative, motivated people!

Senior RING leadership has remained engaged with both the fi eld and higher headquarters and agen-cies at the federal level – combatant commands, major commands, National Guard Bureau, congressional delega-tions, and other key infl uencers – to ensure that the units of the Rhode Island Air National Guard continue to modernize, transform and remain a relevant and reliable asset to both our Air Force and Air National Guard, as well as being available to perform state

missions in support of our governor through our Adjutant General.

With all of that being said, you are probably asking: “Where are we going or what is the plan for our future?” From my perspective, the 143rd Airlift Wing will continue to fl y the most modern fl eet of tactical airlifters in the USAF fl eet while we pursue an active-associate relationship with the active duty Air Force. This will help better utilize our aircraft for the benefi t of the nation and provide senior mentoring for active duty personnel in both operations and maintenance.

We will continue to provide interna-tional seasoning for our foreign military trainees, which in turn, helps the secre-tary of the Air Force/international affairs, strengthens our relationships with our allies, and provides us with another niche market that others cannot fi ll appropriately. We will continue to do our part in providing people and equipment in AEF rotations, performing inspections at the highest level, and maintaining our readiness at the top of the heap.

We will look to build a fl ight simulator on our grounds at Quonset, which will also help our state’s economic climate by providing additional jobs, attracting trainees, and making a large economic impact for Rhode Island’s benefi t.

In the not too distant future, I believe that we will make the bold move of divesting our combat communica-tions mission area and transform that talented group of personnel within the 281st CCG and 282nd CBCS into a Cyber Warfare Group over a period of time as missions become more defi ned and unfi lled requirements in this new realm of warfare become our Air Force’s biggest challenge to support and sustain. I believe the Rhode Island Air Guard is well positioned to assume this role by expanding on the success of our 102nd Network Warfare Squadron over the past decade. We have the talent, the wherewithal, and the ability to recruit and retain this specialized group of talented technological wizards through both the corporate infrastruc-ture we draw from or through our internal growth in military skills training.

In any event, what makes the RIANG attractive when discussing new, revised, or additional mission areas is the fact that we continue to perform at the highest levels, maintain our strength, and are always accessible. We need to keep that focus, and our future looks very bright indeed!

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Fall 2012 / Rhode Island National Guard 5Fall 2012 / Rhode Island National Guard 5Fall 2012 / Rhode Island National Guard 5

Back to basics

Soldiers and Airmen of the Rhode Island National Guard, I have now had fi ve months on the job and you all have taught me a great deal. It has been an absolute honor to serve with you all. Now that the summer is over and the weather is cooling, it is time to get back to basics. This fall, I will be introducing a program I call “Back to Basics.” Some of you may remember the old IG inspections – we need to return to that format.

Through 11 years of war, our priority has been focused on personnel readiness and mission-essential training, as it should be. But as the war winds down, and we bring our Soldiers and Airmen home, we must focus on some basic items such as: command supply discipline – accountability for our supplies and equipment; training maintenance management – making sure we are providing meaningful training for our Soldiers; and strength management, which includes recruiting and retention and duty MOS qualifi cation

rates. The previously mentioned areas are not all inclusive but give you an idea of the focus. The intent is to maintain a force that is ready for all missions both foreign and domestic, to provide proper equipment and training for our Soldiers and Airmen, and to protect our force structure for the next generation.

Suicide prevention is very high on the priority list. Our Soldiers and their families deserve our attention when a problem arises. Utilize your training and become vigilant for the warning signs. However, if you have questions, seek out a mental health care provider or the nearest chaplain. This comes down to looking out for your battle buddy. I hope you all attended the training at your units in October or will do so in November. If you did not receive prevention training, make it up – you could be the one who saves a life.

BG Charles Petrarca Jr.,Assistant Adjutant General for Army, Rhode Island National Guard

By CSM John J. McDonough IV, 5th State Command Sergeant Major, RIARNG

Playing the Game

In 1976 I boarded a plane for Fort Sill, Okla. Little did I know then that my military career would span 36 years and I would retire as the fifth state command sergeant major of the Rhode Island Army National Guard. My first assignment was with the 103rd Field Artillery. The motto engraved on their regimental crest is “Play the Game,” a slogan which has inspired and guided me throughout my career. I have been privileged to serve as an active Guard reservist for the last 31 years, and I am honored to have been your State command sergeant major for my last seven years. I have been blessed to have served this great country and state. Effective January 2013, I will retire from the Rhode Island Army National Guard.

I am honored to have served with the fi nest Soldiers and Airmen in the National Guard. It has been a tumul-tuous time for the National Guard since Sept. 11, 2001. We have placed our Soldiers and Airmen in harm’s way numerous times in the Global War on Terror. The men and woman of this great organization sacrifi ce much, whether in the defense of the country or assisting and supporting citizens of Rhode Island in mitigating natural disaster. I am extremely proud of all who have answered the call. The Guardian does not have enough pages to express how I feel about my depar-ture, or the many stories contained in a 36-year career. I have been lucky to serve as the CSM of three different brigades, and as the state command sergeant major.

I thank the adjutant generals I’ve served, and I have had the oppor-tunity to serve four MG Centracchio who hired me as the state CSM, BG Enwright and MG Bray, who empow-ered our NCO Corps to be the “Back-bone” of the Rhode Island National Guard, and MG McBride whom I had the privilege to serve as his CSM at three levels of command.

Above all, I thank the sergeants Major, Noncommissioned Offi cer Corps, and enlisted Soldiers who have supported me, mentored me, and befriended me through diffi cult times of being a Guard at war. I have walked among heroes. I wish all the best and thank those who have allowed me the “Play the Game.”


Story and photos by Army SGT Peter Ramaglia

Veterans took to the Rhode Island streets on their bikes on Sept. 11 in support of Ride 2 Recovery’s Minuteman Challenge.

The Minuteman Challenge, a bike ride from Quincy, Mass., to West Point, N.Y., stops in a number of cities over the course of the ride. Providence was the second stop, just under 250 miles from the start point.

Ride 2 Recovery is a cycling group whose mission is to improve the health and wellness of injured veterans by providing a life-changing experience that can impact their lives forever.

Retired GEN George Casey was also a partici-pant during the Minuteman Challenge, accompanying more than 125 cyclists.

When asked how he felt about riding along side Casey, one cyclist said, “He’s great and really down to earth. In fact, he wants us to just call him George.”

The Rhode Island leg of the ride began when the riders crossed the state line from Massachusetts

and arrived in Providence on Sept.10. After resting for the night at the Hilton, the following morning the veterans made their way to the Rhode Island Statehouse. After a ceremony at the Statehouse, the cyclists mounted their bikes and were on the road again, completing the Rhode Island portion of

Ride 2 Recovery bikersstop in Rhode Island

the ride and heading for Connecticut.When the Minuteman Challenge

concludes and before these veterans go their separate ways, the cyclists will make their way from West Point to Manhattan for what they call an “Honor Ride.”

Rhode Island Assistant Adjutant General BG Charles E. Petrarca and Joint Force Headquarters Commander Brig Gen Marcus Jannitto stand on the steps of the Rhode Island Statehouse with participants of the Ride 2 Recovery including retired GEN George Casey, standing to the right of Jannitto, center of photo.

Cyclists gather on the Rhode Island Statehouse steps during their second stop of the Ride 2 Recovery Minuteman Challenge. The Minuteman Challenge is a bike ride in which cyclists begin in Quincy, Mass., and end at West Point, N.Y.


After 39 years of service to the Rhode Island Air National Guard, CMSgt Gary “G” Austin has retired from the 143rd Airlift Wing. Chief Austin is a legend in the 143rd Airlift Wing, more specifi cally in the 143rd Maintenance Group, where he has spent his career with the Air Guard. Austin demon-strated his unwavering dedication to his country, deploying for several contin-gency operations including Operation Desert Storm, Operations Southern and Northern Watch, Coronet Oak, Joint Forge, Joint Enterprise, Opera-tion Provide Comfort, Joint Endeavor, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, returning from his sixth deployment in support of OEF/OIF in November 2011.

During this most recent deploy-ment, Austin seamlessly executed his duties, resulting in a mission-capable rate of 92.2 percent of the

Chief Master Sergeant Gary “G” Austin retiresBy Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143 AW/PA

Rhode Island C-130Js stationed in theater. Also, as a direct result of his watchful care, the Rhody J models

successfully executed 1974 sorties and accumulated 1735.7 fl ying hours.

Austin’s involvement with the plan-ning and execution of the Rhode Island National Guard Open House Air Show for 22 years has played a pivotal role in its overall success and its current repu-tation as a model for others to follow. So much so, air show supporters hope he comes back next year.

Chief’s initiative, dependability, integrity and service before self will leave a lasting impact on hundreds of Airmen at the 143rd Airlift Wing and throughout the Air National Guard and Air Force. In addition to his outstanding service, Chief Austin has been a true friend to many of the men and women of the Rhode Island National Guard. His daily presence will be missed at the 143rd Airlift Wing, but his infl uence will continue to motivate Airmen for years to come.

Col. Dan Walter, Commander 143rd Maintenance Group, awards Chief Master Sergeant Gary Austin with a model stabilizer fin from a C-130J to symbolize the Chief’s contribution to the Rhode Island Air National Guard throughout his years of service.


An important component of our national security strategy is the cultivation of relationships with our foreign partner countries with the hope of building coalitions and working toward common goals—promoting U.S. interests abroad and enhancing global security. Since 2008, the 143d Airlift Wing has played a key role in this effort with the implemen-tation of several C-130J international training programs supporting Norway, Canada, India, Iraq, Denmark and the United Kingdom.

The overall success of the C-130J foreign military sales program has created an increasing demand for C-130J specifi c training programs in fl ight operations, maintenance, and mission support. The Secretary of the Air Force Offi ce for International Affairs estimates that this demand for interna-tional training will signifi cantly increase in the near future as more C-130Js are sold worldwide. The 143d Airlift Wing has answered the call—volunteering its state-of-the-art infrastructure, combat-seasoned instructors, and modern C-130J aircraft to provide our foreign partners with quality training in all areas.

The process begins with the purchase of C-130J aircraft by a foreign partner country and the initial request for training from the U.S. Security Assistance Offi ce

in that country. The request proceeds through SAF/IA then on to the Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron, a component of Air Education and Training Command. AFSAT works directly with the 143d Airlift Wing to implement and approve all Air Force-sponsored security assistance training and to monitor the progress and welfare of sponsored international students.

The 143d Airlift Wing supports the training request either in the form of a Mobile Training Team, designed to provide the training “on location in

143d Airlift Wing—strengthening security relationships with international partners By Lt Col Rick Hart, director, 143 AW International Training Programs

strengthening securitystrengthening security

country” or through an in-residence program utilizing the infrastructure and aircraft at Quonset ANGB to accom-plish all training. Per U.S. Code law, all costs associated with the training must be covered by the foreign country and are reimbursed to the unit through a contract paid to the National Guard Bureau. Areas of foreign disclosure, student management, curriculum administration, program compliance and fi nancial issues are all managed at the unit level with AFSAT and AETC providing oversight.

A group of Indian Air Force Maintenance students pose for a photo outside the Maintenance Hangar at Quonset Air National Guard Base.

Master Sgt. Joe Delfino, Tech. Sgt. Kevin Hunt, Staff Sgt. Matthew Elderkin, Chief Carlos Moniz, and Captain Chris Peloso, members of the 143d Airlift Wing Aircraft Maintenance Mobile Training Team (MTT) pose for a photo in India with members of the Indian Air Force.


The 143d Airlift Wing is perfectly suited to assist SAF/IA and AFSAT in meeting the demand for C-130J training and has already established a formi-dable reputation in the international training arena. Due to our combat expe-rienced instructor corps, world-class facilities, modern aircraft, and renowned hospitality, the 143d Airlift Wing training has become highly desired by countries purchasing the C-130J. An attractive and unique quality of National Guard training is the high level of experience held by our instructors. Most of the support for our international training programs comes from our traditional Guardsman force—a highly seasoned team of war veterans with many years of experience in their craft. This is what makes us attractive to foreign countries around the globe. Global partners not only desire quality training, but they want it from experienced individuals who have, themselves, executed the mission in the combat environment.

Since 2008, the 143d Airlift Wing has successfully provided training in fl ight operations, maintenance, and mission

support to several international allied countries. This enormously successful program will continue to cast a favor-able spotlight on the professional men and women of the Rhode Island National Guard and increase our worldwide reputation. The program increases our unit’s viability in a world of increasing budget constraints, utilizes our aircraft more effectively, and employs a signifi cant portion of

our traditional force in a time of high unemployment.

More importantly, The Rhode Island National Guard has established a new role in the effort to enhance global security and attain national security objectives on a much larger stage. The mission of building partnerships through international training may be a lucrative path for all units in the Rhode Island National Guard.

Tech. Sgt. Kevin Hunt poses with a member of the Indian Air Force during his visit to India with the 143d AW Maintenance MTT.


Jumpers from around the United States and the world participated in the 30th anniversary of Leapfest, the Rhode Island Army National Guard’s largest, longest-standing, interna-tional static-line parachute training event and competition on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 3-4, 2012.

Soldiers from the Rhode Island Guard and Soldiers from the international paratrooper community gathered at the University of Rhode Island Aug. 1 to participate in a Friendship Jump the Wednesday prior to the main event. The jump allows servicemembers who are unfamiliar with the equipment to practice so they can compete during Leapfest on the following Friday and Saturday.

A big change for Leapfest was stretching the event over two days

instead of the traditional Saturday event. This change allowed the more than 700 jumps to happen at a slower pace, lowering the risk of injury or mistake.

The soul of the event hasn’t changed, though. Teams of para-troopers attempt to land on a large X laid out in the center of the drop zone. Jumpers are timed from the moment they land until they hit the center of the X, and the team with the lowest cumulative time wins.

The winning team was the paratroopers of 3rd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment from Quebec, Canada. CPT Lance Jenson, of the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion from New Jersey, placed fi rst for the individual lowest time.

Leapfest 31 is scheduled for Aug. 2-3, 2013.

A parachute rigger from the Indiana National Guard assists MSG Al Tolleson with donning his parachute prior to the start of Leapfest. Servicemembers from all U.S. military branches and international military travel to participate and assist in Leapfest. Photo by: SGT Megan Burmeister


Leapfest competitors must first go through Jump Master Personnel Imspection in order to get in the aircraft. The inspection checks to ensure that jumpers correctly put the chute on.Photo by: SGT Megan Burmeister

A competitor runs for the X. Once the jumpers land they must reach a giant X in as little time as possible, a feat made more difficult by the giant parachute slowing them down.Photo by: SGT Terry Rajsombath

Competitors will run, jump or crawl to the X in order to make a good time.Photo by: SGT Terry Rajsombath


On Monday, Aug. 20, 59 of Rhode Island’s finest troops stood in formation as they awaited orders from command. For many, it was their first deployment. Feelings of worry and excitement filled the room as loved ones said their good-byes, and the troops were met with new faces. Although this deployment was short, saying goodbye is always diffi-cult. At the sound of a whistle, all troops headed out the door and boarded the buses for a week at YMCA Camp Fuller in Wakefield, R.I., the location of the 2012 Rhode Island National Guard Military Youth Camp.

Chatter and laughter filled the buses, and it was clear that all of the campers, ages 9-15, junior counselors, ages

16-17, and counselors were excited to see what the week would hold for them. And who could blame them? There was so much to do over the next five days! Together with their squads, they sailed, kayaked, climbed a rock wall, created time capsules, played sports, went to a water park and so much more! During the evenings, the whole camp gathered for a campfire, a talent show, an outdoor movie night, and laughed through Wacky Wednesday, where the campers dressed up in their wackiest outfits and headed to our carnival.

While the campers were busy having fun, they also learned the importance of good character – trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring,

and citizenship. Not only did their character and confidence grow, so did their community of military peers. Each camper left with new friends and enthusiasm for next year’s camp!

On Friday, Aug. 24, a homecoming celebration was held in which MG McBride joined families in welcoming the campers home. The 2012 RING Military Youth Camp brought the summer to an end and, through character education and cooperative learning, prepared our youngest troops for a successful school year.

By Holland Tulip, State Youth Coordinator, R.I. National Guard

2012 RING Military Youth Camp


By Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143d Public Affairs Manager

The 143d Airlift Wing joined forces this summer with the 107th Airlift Wing and the 914th Air Reserve Wing, both of Niagara, N.Y., to form the 125th Air Expeditionary Wing for an Operational Readiness Inspection. After more than a year of planning and coordination, home station and fl yaway exercises, thousands of sandbags, and plenty of Meals-Ready-To-Eat, the Air Mobility Command inspector general rated the 143d Airlift Wing – Mission Ready!

When the IG team arrived July 18 at QuonsetANGB where the inspection process began. On July 19-20, about 300 members of the 143d fl ew to Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., for the deployed portion of the inspection. During an ORI, members of the team are expected to deploy and redeploy personnel and associated equipment, support and protect deployed forces, and respond to an evolving series of ability-to-survive-and-

operate events. Through hard work and dedication, the team was able to get the job done successfully under extreme circumstances. At the debriefi ng, held at the wing on July 31, the 143d AW earned seven IG coins for individual excellence, 10 indi-vidual recognitions and eight team recognitions for their efforts.

By Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143d Public Affairs Manager

The 143d Airlift Wing joined forces this summer with the 107th Airlift Wing and the 914th Air Reserve Wing, both

When the IG team arrived July 18 at QuonsetANGB where the inspection process began. On July 19-20,

Team Rhody is

continued onto page 17

Col. Arthur Floru, commander of the 143d Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guard and the simulated 125th Air Expeditionary Wing located at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, keeps operational control of the wing from a simulated bunker during a simulated attack. Photo by: Tech Sgt. Jason Long


A member of the 143d Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron, Rhode Island Air National Guard, keeps the Base Defense Operations Center informed from the entry control point of the simulated 125th Air Expeditionary Wing located at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan. The 125th AEW is composed of members from the 143d AW, 107th AW of Niagara, N.Y., and 914th AW also of Niagara. They have joined forces for their Operational Readiness Inspection. Photo by: Master Sgt. John McDonald

16 Ocean State Guardian / Fall 201216 Ocean State Guardian / Fall 2012

A member of the 143d Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron, Rhode Island Air National Guard, sits watch at the Entry Control Point of the simulated 125th Air Expeditionary Wing located at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich.Photo by: Master Sgt. John McDonald

At the ready!

1 2

3

1 Master Sgt. Jay Ahearn of the 143d Airlift Wing Safety Office, Rhode Island Air National Guard and the simulated 125th Air Expeditionary Wing located at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., takes a drink from his canteen while wearing MOPP 4 after a simulated attack. Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Jason Long 2 A Rhode Island C-130J Super Hercules sits on the ramp at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich. during the 143d Airlift Wing’s Operational Readiness Inspection. Photo by: Master Sgt. John

McDonald 3 A member of the 143d Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron, Rhode Island Air National Guard, watches for simulated enemy activity at the simulated 125th Air Expeditionary Wing located at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich. Photo by: Master Sgt. John McDonald


“You folks put a lot of training and a lot of effort into this, and you proved that you are ready to go fi ght for our nation at any point, any time, anywhere,” said Col Mike “OB” Ober-broeckling, AMC IG team chief. “The members of the 143d Airlift Wing are clearly ready and capable of performing their global air mobility mission.”

Following the offi cial debriefi ng, the wing was fi nally able to let out a collective sigh of relief. Col Arthur Floru, 143d Airlift Wing commander, along with MG Kevin McBride, Adjutant General of the Rhode Island National Guard, addressed the team as a whole. While expressing his gratitude to the team for their gallant efforts, Floru explained the secret of our success to McBride: “It’s just what we do! It’s back to the “Rhody” magic that you just can’t mathematically solve – Why we do it all and why we always say yes. We’ve talked about changing our wing mission statement to one word – ‘Yes’ or ‘Win’ – and that’s just what we do.”

Floru and McBride recognized several additional individuals for their hard work and dedication to the team. “I am absolutely not surprised at the results. Let me also qualify that by saying I am proud to serve with you. It is my honor to be in this room today with each and every one of you,” McBride said during the recognition ceremony. “This is a testament to the leadership, the dedication and the service of all of you and your families.”

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Why the TAA will meet your needs:• Over 90% of our staff are veterans or spouses of military members.• Many have worked through the disability process themselves and receive disability compensation.• They have a strong partnership with numerous state and federal assistance services.

Where is the TAA?We are located in Cranston, R.I., but we can also go off-site for large events including mobilization-demobilizations and unit events/drill weekends.

What You Mean to Us: You served your country; now let us serve you.

Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) ready to helpWho is a TAA? A TAA is a statewide resource advisor for service sembers of any branch and their families to help them access their many benefi ts, such as:

For assistance, please contact:Sgt. Maj. Chuck O’Connor (Retired)Contractor, HPSC Inc.Transition Assistance AdvisorRhode Island National Guard, Joint Force HeadquartersCommand Readiness Center645 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920-3097

Offi ce: 401.275.4198 or DSN 247.4198Fax: 401.275.4306 or DSN 247.4306

E-mail: [email protected]

Healthcare · TRICARE entitlements · Community resources · Career-safe counseling referralsDental issues · Job search assistance · Financial hardship assistance · Records acquisition

“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war...shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”

— President George Washington

Dear Reader,To make the Ocean State Guardian the best magazine possible, we would

like to hear your feedback. After all, this magazine is for you.

Thank you, OSG Staff

Would you like to see more personal stories, events,advice (fi nance, fi tness, etc.)? How do you feel about the

presentation of the magazine, photo quality, readability, etc.?

Please email [email protected] with your feedback. All comments are received at the Rhode Island National Guard Public Affairs Offi ce, Cranston, RI.

Also, check us out on Facebook at:

facebook.com/RhodeIslandNationalGuard

and on Twitter at twitter.com/RINationalGuard.

We appreciate your feedback and look forward to hearing what you have to say about the next issue of the Ocean State Guardian!


Healthcare · TRICARE entitlements · Community resources · Career-safe counseling referralsDental issues · Job search assistance · Financial hardship assistance · Records acquisition

The Rhode Island National Guard Retirees Association held a dedication ceremony for the Rhode Island National Guard Living Memorial Sept. 16 at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery.

The purpose of the memorial is to highlight the history of the Rhode Island National Guard throughout its 375-year existence. The RING Retirees Associa-tion, a nonprofi t organization, designed the memorial to include a 6 ½-foot-tall Minuteman bronze statue on a 6-foot granite base, three granite walls and six granite benches.

Bob Urquhart, chairman of the RING Retirees Association Memo-rial Committee, echoed the sentiment of U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman James Langevin and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts the hope that the memorial will serve as a place of refl ection, that people would come to honor the Guardmembers of the past who fought to ensure that the citizens of Rhode Island and the United States

remain free. Urquhart also expressed the hope that the memorial would be seen as a living memorial because the Guard’s mission continues. Soldiers and Airmen will continue to step forward to protect the state and the country.

“The National Guard is about being a part-time militia, about being called out at a moment’s notice to support the community and our country,” Urquhart said. “This isn’t about a specifi c war or event; it’s about answering the call to arms for 375 years. It’s time we erected a memorial to the National Guard of Rhode Island.”

The memorial cost $250,000 to build and was funded in part by the sale of bricks making up the base of the memorial. The association will continue to sell bricks in order to fund the annual maintenance of the memorial. Anyone interested in purchasing a brick should check out the RING Retirees Associa-tion website: www.ringretirees.homestead.com

RING Living Memorial dedicatedBy SGT Megan Burmeister

A life sized bronze statue stands atop the RING Living Memorial in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter, RI. The RING Retirees Association hopes the memorial will stand as a reminder that the Soldiers and Airmen of the Rhode Island National Guard are always ready, always there. Photo by: SGT Megan Burmeister


By Army SGT Timothy Cordeiro, 110th Public Affairs

The Rhode Island National Guard kicked off its annual training exercise on July 30th, with the launch of Vigilant Guard 2012 at the Command Readiness Center in Cranston.

More than 1,100 Soldiers, Airmen and members of federal agencies participated in the four-day event that was constructed to keep the Soldiers and Airmen of Rhode Island and the surrounding areas ready and able to tackle any disaster they may be called into action for.

The exercise was designed to simulate a cata-strophic event that would over task the capabilities of civilian fi rst responders and RI Emergency Manage-ment Agency (RIEMA), to the level where support from RI National Guard was essential to the safety, response, and recovery operations of the state and its communities.

Operation Vigilant Guard was a great success, said Maj. Russell Degraw. In the result of an inevitable disaster here, I believe we will all be ready to assist in whichever way we can to the best of our abilities.

Degraw, the Vigilant Guard Project Offi cer, was in charge of the planning and coordination of the exercise.

Vigilant Guard 2012 simulated a Category 3, catastrophic hurricane, which would cause extensive power outages, loss of communication capabilities, mass-casualties, collapsed structures, and shelter shortages.

The exercise helped maintain the readiness of Soldiers and Airmen, as well as federal agencies in the event of a catastrophic natural or man-made disaster, said Degraw.

“It’s not a matter of if a storm is going to hit, it’s really a matter of when,” said Degraw. “We’re trying to better prepare ourselves to better support our commu-nities and our state.”

A Rhode Island Air National Guard Airman mans the radio during Vigilant Guard on July 30, 2012.

Members of the 115th Military Police Company perform civil disturbance training during Vigilant Guard on July 30, 2012.

In a joint setting, members of both the Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard, along with regional partners work together in the Joint Task Force Operations Center during Vigilant Guard 2012.

A mock protestor yells out as members of the 115th Military Police Company perform civil disturbance training during Vigilant Guard 2012.

Ocean State Guardian - Fall 2012

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