The Official Magazine of the Rhode Island National Guard

FALL 2005

EDITION

OCEAN STATE

GUARDIAN

 VOLUME II ISSUE 4

OCEAN STATE

GUARDIAN

RING 5TH ANNUAL

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM

DIVERSITY TRAINING

IN PROVIDENCE, RI

Third Annual

CSM E. A. McConnell

Memorial

Golf Tournament

AIR SHOW/OPEN HOUSE

SETS ATTENDANCE

RECORD

AIR SHOW/OPEN HOUSE

SETS ATTENDANCE

RECORD
 Ocean State

 GUARDIAN

 EDITORIAL STAFF

Adjutant General

Brigadier General John Enright

Assistant Adjutant General, Air

Brigadier General Michael Hickey

Chief of Staff

Colonel Brian Goodwin

Public Affairs Officer

LTC Micheal McNamara

Editor/Design

Sergeant John Cervone

Reproduction Staff

SFC Richard Rowe

 Or you may e-mail:

michael.mcnamara@ri.ngb.army.mil

Reader Contributions are encouraged.

For guidelines contact the Public Affairs Office at:

(401) 275-4193

 (401) 275-4338 (Fax)

 Submit articles or photographs to:

RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD

JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS

COMMAND READINESS CENTER

645 NEW LONDON AVENUE

CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND

02920-3097
September 2005 * Volume II Number 4 OSG

Features:

TOP STORY:

Departments:

See Your Rhode Island

National Guard Open

House and Air Show

Photographs. Page:

Chaplains Corner Page:

Army Guard History

Page:

Military Humor Page:

Air Guard News Page:

TAG’s Visit To Germany Page:

CSM Memorial Golf

Tournament Page:

The appearance of any commercial advertisements or private organizations in this publication does not constitute endorsement, either stated or implied, by the RING.
America is a place of freedom and opportunity. We are caring toward neighbors in need and generous to

the sick and struggling. We are a strong, decent, and good-hearted country. All of us are blessed to be citizens

of the United States and are proud to call America our home.As a symbol of our patriotism, the American flag

continues to invoke pride and resolve among our people, especially when we see it next to a headstone, on the

masts of our military ships, worn by the generations of Americans who have proudly served our country, or

emerging from the wreckage caused by a natural or man made disaster. Flying over public buildings,

monuments, schools, and homes, our flag is testament to the ideals of American democracy. For more than

200 years, the American flag has served as a symbol of our country’s enduring freedom and unity. Old Glory

has welcomed generations of immigrants to America’s shores and is displayed proudly on homes, at schools,

and over businesses across our country. During times of war, our flag has rallied our citizens to defend the

blessings of liberty at home and abroad. It has accompanied our troops into battle and been given to grieving

families at the grave sites of fallen heroes. Today, as our brave men and women in uniform fight terrorism and

advance freedom, the flag inspires patriotism and pride across our Nation and around the world. I urge all

Americans to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by flying the Stars and Stripes from their homes and

other suitable places.

From The Desk Of The Adjutant General

Brigadier General John Leonard Enright Sr

Brigadier General Enright was born on June 28, 1947 in Providence,

Rhode Island. He attended Hope High School in Providence, RI; earned a

Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administrations at Bryant College

and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Salve Regina

University. He enlisted in the United States Army in March 1967, receiving

his commission from USA Field Artillery Officer Candidate School on

January 16, 1968 and graduated from the US Army Rotary Wing Aviator

Course in March 1969. He served on active duty from March of that year

with one tour in South Vietnam from April 1969 to April 1970 with release

from active duty in July 1971. He enlisted in the Rhode Island Army National Guard in July 1971 as a

Captain. He completed a variety of courses to include; OH-58A qualification and IP course, UH-1H

IP course, AH-1F qualification and IP course, Instrument Examiner Course, NVG IP course, Field

Artillery Officer Advanced course, Resident Command and General Staff College, Aviation Safety

Officer course, and the US Army War College.Brigadier General Enright has held an assortment of

important command and staff positions within the National Guard to include: Commander,

Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2/103rd FA Group; Platoon Leader/Operations Officer/

Executive Officer/Commander, Troop D, 1/26th Cavalry Regiment; Commander 1/126th Aviation

Regiment; Commander 56th Troop Command; Staff Officer, Headquarters State Area Command;

Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Rhode Island Army National Guard; and Chief of Staff, Rhode

Island Army National Guard. Brigadier General Enright currently holds the position of Assistant

Adjutant General, Rhode Island Army National Guard.Brigadier General Enright is a Master Army

Aviator with 6,980 hours flight time and his awards include: The Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious

Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Medal with twenty-two Oak Leaf Clusters; Army

Commendation Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Reserve

Component Achievement Medal; GWOT Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Armed Forces

Reserve Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon;

Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; Rhode

Island Star w/oak leaf cluster.His civilian affiliations include: Life Member, National Guard Association

of the United States; Life Member, Association of the United States Army; Life Member, Army Aviation

Association of America; Life Member, Reserve Officers Association; Life Member, US Army War

College Alumni Association; Military Order of Foreign Wars, Rhode Island Chapter; and the

American Legion, Post 311.He is married to the former Karen Farrell. They have two children, John

and Kathleen. Brigadier General and Mrs. Enright live in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
 FROM THE DESK OF THE

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR

 JOHN McDONOUGH

STATE COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR

RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD

To the men and women, of the Rhode Island National Guard, in uniform

today, I certainly want to join in thanking you for your truly outstanding

service to our country. You’re doing noble work. And we’re so deeply grateful

to you. And future generations will be in your debt. All of you are members of

the finest army on the face of the earth. Let there be no doubt about that!

And I’m very happy to say that the U.S. Army is becoming more flexible,

more innovative, better prepared to tackle the new challenges that we face.

Of course, such a bright prognosis seemed anything but certain back in the

U.S. Army’s very earliest days. I recently was reading a book on General

George Washington who, before he was President, of course, was the first

Commander of the Continental Army. He feared that his task might be too

great for him. And indeed the Army endured years of misery and

setbacks.Continental Soldiers always seemed to be one misfortune away

from defeat. They faced terrible shortages — of food, of supplies, of

medicine, ammunition. And George Washington, of course, was within

inches of being fired as a failure.Yet the United States would not be here

today, as it is, without the courage and tenacity of those Citizen-Soldiers

who against all odds — and despite all of the hardships they faced —

followed through on the simple vow: that “We will be free.”This has been the

Army’s proud calling ever since its earliest days. It has made it’s mark in

history in engagements so storied that they can be summoned to our

consciousness by the mere mention of the names: Gettysburg, Normandy,

Ia Drang,and Iraqi Freedom. It was the United States Army whose Rangers

parachuted into Kandahar in the earliest days of Operation Enduring

Freedom. It was the United States Army that sent the 101st Airborne to

tackle the Taliban in the mountains of Afghanistan, and whose 3rd ID made

the Thunder Runs into Baghdad with speed and audacity that caught the

enemy by surprise. And it was the United States Army whose 4th ID pulled

Saddam Hussein from a spider hole. And it is the United States Army that

every day is going on the offensive against the violent extremists who

killed 3,000 men, women, and children on September 11th, 2001. They’ve

had to serve not just as Soldiers, but as diplomats; not just as warfighters,

but as peacekeepers. And with every new challenge, they have

demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion. For over 200 years, the

Army has been at the forefront of defending the freedom that makes our

country such a very special place.The Army story is America’s story —

where men and women are judged not by race or religion or family heritage,

but by merit. Where anyone with a desire to serve and anyone with the drive

and talent can excel.May God bless all of you and may God continue to

bless our wonderful country.

43rd MP Brigade in Germany for Warfighter Exercise

The 43rd Military Police Brigade participated in a

“Warfighter Exercise”, this past July, in Germany. The

Warfighter exercise and the Battle Command Training

Program were created in the early ’80s to mentor key

Army leaders. It was designed as a way to put expert

retired Army officers in mentoring positions to work with

corps and division commanders. The BCTP observercontrollers watch the exercise, take notes and tell the

exercise players what they saw. Warfighter’s computer

simulation is technology at its best. The exercise players

get realistic intelligence reports on enemy troop and vehicle

movement from software programs that create the reports

by combining satellite data with actual aerial photos of

specific terrain where the exercise scenario takes place.
The Rhode Island National Guard’s Family Assistance

Program conducted a Youth Development Program at Camp Fogarty, East Greenwich,

Rhode Island. The Camp was held from July 10th to July 15th. Sixty four young adults, from

communities throughout state, began their semi- military training on Sunday, July 10th and

ended on Friday, July 15th. This type of “Youth Camp” allows young children to demonstrate

their overall character and strengths while participating in various “Team Activities”. Instructors

and Counselors, from both the Army and Air guard, instruct the children in various actions such

as learning to march, perform physical training, on a daily basis, and how to conduct

themselves in a military camp environment. They make their beds and ensure that their area is

neat and orderly. They raise the American Flag each morning and lower it each evening. They

are taught the importance of this ceremony and are all given a chance to participate in it. They

eat their meals in a military dining hall and are instructed on the importance of maintaining a

proper diet. During the week long event they practice using “night vision goggles, they go

hiking at Purgatory Chasm, camp out overnight and then participate in a rafting trip at the Zoar

outdoor family resort. Their Counselors are all volunteers and their reason for volunteering is

simply to try to help these young people develop ideas and skills that will help them in the

future. Lt. Colonel Robert Behm and Laura Paton have been instrumental in making this event

a success along with the other counselors and outside sponsors. This is just another way the

National Guard tries to give back to the community that it has sworn to protect.

RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD

5TH ANNUAL

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

CLOSING CEREMONIES

The Rhode Island National

Guard Open House and Air Show set a

new record for this year. The weekend

event set a new attendance record for the

largest single day crowd in the show’s 13-

year history. Over seventy five thousand

people attended the performance on

Sunday, June 19th and over forty thousand

watched the National Guard’s annual

show on Saturday which featured

performances by various aircraft,

including thunderbirds, tomcats, and

parachute teams. The SOC Parachute

team, the Shockwave Jet Truck, military

fighter jets and experimental planes along

with the amazing Blue Angels performed

to the enjoyment of their fans and a good

time seemed to have been had by all. All

proceeds from the Air Show are donated

to charities throughout Southern New

England.
THE AIR SHOW IS

NOT ALL FUN

AND GAMES
BUT THE CROWDS LOVE IT!

RHODE ISLANDERS AT WAR
RHODE

ISLANDERS

IN

SOUTH WEST

 ASIA
RHODE ISLAND RECRUITERS - “24/7 Soldiers”

Rhode Island Recruiters

at the Convention Center.

At Camp Fogarty helping

out at “The Youth Development”

 Camp.

Driving in heavy traffic, on Sunday,

in downtown Providence. HELPING AT

THE ROCK

WALL

DoD Announces Increase in Death Gratuity and SGLI

The Department of Defense announced a significant increase in the death gratuity for the survivors of service members killed

in action and the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage for service members deployed to designated

combat zones.The Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror and Tsunami Relief Act

2005 (Public Law 109-13) increases this immediate cash payment from $12,420 to $100,000 for survivors of those whose

death is as a result of hostile actions and occurred in a designated combat operation or combat zone or while training for

combat or performing hazardous duty. The supplemental also increases the maximum amount of SGLI coverage from

$250,000 to $400,000 for all service members effective Sept. 1, 2005 and provides that the department will pay or reimburse

the premiums to service members, who are deployed in a designated combat zone for $150,000 of SGLI coverage. Until the

effective date for the SGLI increase, the supplemental provides for a special death gratuity of $150,000, retroactive to October

7, 2001, for survivors of those whose death is in a designated combat operation or combat zone or occurred while training for

combat or performing hazardous duty. The Secretary of Defense has designated all areas where service members are in

receipt of the combat zone tax exclusion as qualifying combat zones and all members deployed outside the United States on

orders in support of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom as participating in qualifying combat operations.

Effective immediately, survivors of service members, who die in these qualifying zones or operations, will receive the

increased benefits. The services will also identify eligible survivors of service members who died in these designated zones

and operations since October 7, 2001 and begin making the retroactive payments within a few days.The process of identifying

all eligible beneficiaries and completing these retroactive payments will take several months .Survivors of members who did

not die in a designated combat operation or combat zone, but were training for combat or performing hazardous duty, will also

qualify for the increased benefits.

Working With

Youth Development
Saturday, May 14, 2005, an Annual Ecology Day was held

at the JAYCEE Corridor & Arboretum Lane in West Warwick.

Coincidently, this was also the day that “Armed Forces Day”

was being celebrated.On the site of the original RI

Food Bank, now stands a City Park, dedicated to the future

of not only West Warwick but of our Planet as well.

Members of the West Warwick JAYCEES paid homage to RI

Military Veterans and also to our Good Earth with prayers

and by planting flowers. Mr. Gerry Fitta also read the following

words written by Sgt. John Cervone as a memorial to the past

a past that has bittersweet memories for many combat veterans.

“Although not as publicized as many Rhode Islander’s

might enjoy, there is a certain degree of political and social

friction regarding the war in Iraq today. Recent Anti-war

demonstrations in Providence bear evidence to this fact, as

well as various articles in our leading newspaper. It appears

that not everyone in Rhode Island is in accord concerning

the type of operations being conducted in the Middle East.

I use the term Middle East as per South West Asia.

Perhaps because of my age, or because most of my life

has been filled with visions of the killing and the destruction

and the hundreds of other horrors that have taken place

there. Sad, also, that most have been perpetrated in the

name of religion. As we are still living in a free society, we

have the privilege to disagree with those in control, and are

usually safe from any retribution. A free society, by the

way, in which most of us have ensured the freedom of, by

our service in foreign and hostile lands. As a Disabled

Veteran of the War In Viet Nam, I remember the dissension

and the political turmoil that existed throughout the active

military at that time , and I also remember the way those in

power tried to eliminate the dissension. I won’t venture to

mention any of their methods, but suffice to say, none of

them really worked. The active military of the early 1970’s

was not an organization that many wanted to be a part of. It

took decades to restore the U.S. Military to the pinnacle of

success that it stands at today. Let us all pray, that none of

us ,who lived through those turbulent times, have to go

through it again. Let us pray that this war comes to an end

before public opinion becomes an obstacle that sends our

nation spiraling into an abyss that will be very difficult to redirect”

 West Warwick JAYCEES

 of Kent County

ECOLOGY Weekend &

PEACE DAY Ceremony

 A MEDITATION

 “God has created me to do

 Him some definite service.”

“Rhode Island National Guard Assist”, is a group of citizen volunteers who serve to support the troops by

supporting their families. Their mission is to insure that our soldiers, while called to duty, can be confident that

their loved ones are in safe hands. Their goals: to organize a volunteer corps, and match their skills with the

needs of the families, and to demonstrate our active support for the brave men and women serving our country.

These photos were taken the 16 of March 2005, at Harbour Point Financial Group, in Providence.A certificate of

appreciation was presented to them for offering their services to the National Guard families on RINGASSIST.
RI small-business award winners of 2005 announced

A Cumberland veterinarian has been named the 2005 Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year by the

Small Business Administration. Dr. Joyce R. Gifford, owner of the Abbott Valley Veterinarian Center, and nine

other small-business owners and advocates were honored during the annual Rhode Island Salute to Small

Business awards dinner on May 17, at the Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln.Gifford opened her practice in 1998

with the last direct SBA loan issued in the state and she received help from SBA resource partners in

developing her business plan. She recently received SBA-guaranteed loans to buy a building and purchase

new equipment to build a state-of-the-art veterinary center and pet grooming salon.Other award winners include

Rhode Island’s SBA Entrepreneur of the Year, Jeffrey Jordan, who heads a marketing company called Rescue

Productions, based in Providence.The recipient of The Jeffery H. Butland Family-owned Small Business of the

Year is Gordon A. Kilday Jr., president of Quonset Auto Body; Small Business Exporter of the Year is Charles

F. Reade Jr., president of Reade Advanced Materials; the Financial Services Champion award goes to Laura M.

DiSano, senior vice president of Bank of America of Providence. The Home-based Business Champion is Ann

Marie Marshall of the Rhode Island Microenterprise Association; the Women in Business Champion is Louis

Soares of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation; the Veteran Small Business Champion is Lt.

Col. Mathies J. Santos, Rhode Island Committee, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; and the Small

Business Journalist of the Year is Bridget Botelho, a reporter for the Providence Business News.

An ESGR “Employer Recognition Event” was held at Quonset Point on June 17, 2005.

DIVERSITY TRAINING IN PROVIDENCE
Soccer Field Dedicated To National Guard

Hero

Friends and family wanted the memory of Staff Sgt.

Joseph Camara to live on where it would make the most

lasting impression — on a new soccer field named for

him. Tedeschi Realty and the Shaw’s Corp. turned an

empty field in New Bedford’s South End into the Sgt.

Joseph Camara Memorial Soccer Field. Friends

remembered Camara as the perfect police officer, the

perfect soldier and the perfect friend. “As a soldier, he

optimized what a noncommissioned officer should be,

always putting the soldiers first, the mission first,” said

Sgt. 1st Class Dean Lawrence, who grew up with

Camara and served on the police force and in Iraq with

him. The police department will build a permanent

memorial to Camara on the field. Camara and Sgt.

Charles Caldwell were killed in 2003 when their vehicle

struck a makeshift land mine near Baghdad. They were

the first Rhode Island National Guard soldiers killed in

action since World War II.

 A wise Cadre member once told me “that if it’s not

raining then we aren’t training.” On the Providence

College ROTC Spring 2005 FTX, the cadets of Patriot

Battalion did a lot of “training”. From Friday April 22 to

Sunday, April 24 cadets trained at Stone’s Ranch, East

Lyme CT, in what was frequently a torrential downpour.

As an MSIII, that is, as a cadet in my junior year in college,

this was my last chance for training before going to LDAC

this summer. For those of you who are confused, LDAC

stands for Leaders Development Assessment Course.

Also known as Warrior Forge, LDAC is an intense 33 day

camp designed to test the skills of every ROTC cadet

from across the country and rate them in terms of their

mastery of these skills. One of the skills crucial to LDAC

success is the ability to lead at the squad and platoon

level. During the FTX MSIII cadets were placed in charge

of squad and platoons to sharpen their leadership skills.

Friday night was spent patrolling and learning how to set

up hooches. Unfortunately we only set up the hooches for

practice and would not be sleeping under them. Majority of

Saturday was spent conducting squad level exercises with

missions ranging from knocking out a bunker to

conducting an ambush. When it came time for my turn at

leadership, the cadre put me in charge of leading my

squad on a reconnaissance mission. My mission was a

great success, but the cadre kept me humble by pointing

out areas of improvement in my mission. These points as

well as many others I picked up over the weekend are

important learning tools I will take with me to LDAC this

summer.The most interesting part of the weekend came

Saturday night when the cadre decided it was time to think

“outside the box” and get creative. As part of their plan

they made me the platoon leader in charge of conducting a

defense, something I had never done before. With more

than 20 eyes watching me and waiting for guidance, I

prepared to execute the biggest mission I had yet to face

as a ROTC cadet. Three hours later I stood in the center

of my Defense with blanks firing, simulation artillery

exploding and glow sticks flying. When it was all said and

done it was unclear who won this mock battle. Despite

the mayhem caused by the lack of experience and the

darkness of night I now have a better understanding of

how to conduct a platoon sized element, defend, and work

at night. Like the STX lanes this served as a great learning

point that I will take with me to camp. By the end of the

mission Saturday night, everyone’s wet-weather gear had

soaked trough leaving every cadet cold, wet, and

miserable. Yet, every cadet sucked it up and drove on.

Even in the most miserable of conditions, the cadets of the

Patriot Battalion proved that they have the guts and

determination to succeed. I have no doubt that my fellow

MSIIIs and I will all succeed at LDAC this summer.

For the first time since the war on terror

began 3 1/2 years ago, a Rhode Island National

Guard unit is being deployed for a second time.

One hundred members of the Headquarters

Brigade of the 43rd Military Police, which spent

seven months guarding detainees at

Guantanamo Naval Base, in Cuba, in 2002, were

deployed in August for a year’s service in Iraq. It

is believed that the Rhode

Island National Guard will

continue to see deployments

throughout the next several

years, and it’s extremely

critical that all Rhode

Islanders continue to support

these outstanding young

men and women. Our best

wishes and blessings go out

to our comrades and friends

in the 43rd.

THE 43RD MP

 BRIGADE DEPLOYS

Spring FTX 2005

by Cadet Rachel Williams
Latest C-130J evolution arrives on desert ramp

by Capt. Vanessa Hillman379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs6/13/2005

The faster more powerful C-130 Hercules J-models and the stretch version C-130J-30s arrived in Southwest

Asia on June 7 and 8, bringing state-of-the-art technology to the war on terrorism. Airmen with the Rhode Island

Air National Guard’s 143rd Airlift Squadron, the California ANG’s 146th AS and the Maryland ANG’s 135th AS

joined forces here as the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron supporting airlift missions in Iraq, Afghanistan

and the Horn of Africa. Looking at the aircraft from the outside, the untrained eye would be hard-pressed to see

what the “J” fuss is about, but inside the aircraft it becomes obvious.The removal of the manual cargo locking

system that required the loadmaster to walk to the front of the bay to lock cargo down gives loadmasters a

break, said Master Sgt. Kevin Dodd, a loadmaster with the 746th EAS deployed from the 143rd AS. “There is

no manual cranking of the cargo straps,” he said. “(In the J-model) you flip a switch throughout the plane to

lock the cargo in place, cutting fatigue time down.”Also, pilots can “feather” the props when loading and

unloading troops. With feathering, pilots “can turn the propellers as the troops walk in or out the back of the

aircraft,” Sergeant Dodd said. This eliminates the massive blast in the faces of people boarding. The high-tech

Herk comes equipped with intense amount of avionics that are light years ahead of the previous models. “The

new C-130J is a big flying computer,” said Staff Sgt. Shea Reed of the 379th Expeditionary Aircraft

Maintenance Squadron deployed from the 163rd AS. Combining such high technology and extreme desert heat

can pose challenges for maintainers. “ Anything will have problems in this heat, and there is more of a

tendency for the avionics to short out, but that’s something you can control,” she said. “Especially with the Jmodel. The improvement to the aircraft’s air-conditioning system, intended to prevent difficulties with the

avionics, is a bonus to those who work on it,” Sergeant Reed said. “New avionics means a new mindset for the

crew,” said Master Sgt. Kevin Givens of the 379th EAMXS’ avionics communications and navigation systems

section deployed from the 143rd AS. “The plane went from one computer cable line to nine, with each having a

redundant system, totaling 18,” Sergeant Givens said. “If a crew chief, loadmaster or other person on the team

makes a change it can affect a number of other systems. It makes us work as a team,” he said.”It creates a

closer bond (among the crews),” Sergeant Givens said. “We get to learn more about their jobs, and they get to

learn about ours.” Avionics troubleshooting is another benefit of the new design, said Tech. Sgt. Russell Giroux,

of the 379th EAMXS’ avionics communications and navigation systems section deployed from the 146th AS.

“Pilots and avionics technicians (get) more information to troubleshoot because the computer narrows what is

wrong or gives you a fault code,” he said. “You find your answer faster, saving time and money. ”However, all the

advances would make for one big paperweight without the bird’s new muscle. “Power is what gives us the

capability over the other models — that is the biggest difference,” said Lt. Col. Dan Walter, 746th EAS

operations officer deployed from the Rhode Island ANG. The four upgraded engines deliver more raw power,

equaling shorter takeoff distances, flying at higher altitudes and better fuel economy. “The additional speed and

certain circumstances can double the capability (of the previous C-130 models),” Colonel Walter said. If two C130s, one being a J-model, took off at the same time with equal cargo heading for the same destination, the Jmodel could arrive faster, aircrews could unload their cargo quicker and fly back with enough time to give them

enough crew rest to fly another mission the next day.”

Mexican Border Crisis

In November 1915, Captain Raynal Cawthorne Bolling organized and took command of a unit that became the

1st Aero Company, New York National Guard. It is recognized as the ANG’s oldest unit and its lineage is

carried by the 102d Rescue Squadron, New York ANG. On 13 July 1916, the 1st Aero Company mobilized

during the border crisis with Mexico. It trained at Mineola Field, New York. Bolling’s unit was joined at Mineola

by the 2nd Aero Company of Buffalo and 12 Guard officers from other states. Both air units remained at

Mineola during the crisis.

AIR GUARD HISTORY

Observation Aviation

After the war, National Guard aviation was placed on a permanent basis over the initial opposition of the Army’s

General Staff. During the interwar period, 29 Guard observation squadrons were formed. Their pilots, including

Captain Charles A. Lindbergh of Missouri’s 110th Observation Squadron, concentrated on honing flying skills

and supporting ground forces training. Guard airmen also participated in state missions. For instance,

Arkansas’ 154th Observation Squadron flew some 20,000 miles carrying supplies and relief workers during the

floods that ravaged that state in 1927.
For some, the idea of death is an unpleasant one best avoided.

Unfortunately, death itself cannot be so easily avoided and the

failure to plan can cause additional stress for spouses and

families when they are least able to cope with it. “Families can

get overwhelmed when tragedy strikes,” said Navy Captain Karl

Bernhardt, director of Retired and Annuitant Pay for the Defense

Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). “Many of the retirees we

support have wives, husbands and families who are left with

unfinished business when the retiree passes away.

Unfortunately, many have no idea that action is required to notify

DFAS of the death in order to avoid overpayments of retired pay.”

In addition to maintaining the pay accounts of active and reserve

military members, DFAS administers the Military Retirement

Fund and pays approximately 2 million retirees each month.“We

make every effort to strike a balance,” Bernhardt said. “On one

hand, we need to make sure each retiree is paid the right

amount on time. On the other, we have a responsibility to

safeguard the fund on behalf of the American taxpayers. When a

retiree dies, his or her entitlement to retired pay ends and any

payments made after that must be recovered.”DFAS is required

to recover all overpayments. In many cases, this means simply

transferring funds from the retiree’s bank account back to DFAS.

However, if the funds have been spent or distributed, debt

collection efforts can be initiated to reclaim the money. This can

be especially difficult for elderly spouses.When a military retiree

dies, a number of federal, state and local agencies have

procedures for notifying DFAS. These include the Social Security

Administration, Veteran’s Administration, military service

casualty assistance offices, and state and local veteran affairs

offices. Overpayments occur when spouses and families fail to

contact these agencies, or DFAS itself, and notify them that the

deceased was a military retiree.“It falls to the spouse, children

or close friends to take care of many things,” Bernhardt said,

“including the termination of retired pay. In many cases, the

survivors don’t know the requirements or procedures. Months

later, they are burdened with collection efforts. It’s a situation that

can be lessened or eliminated with a bit of planning.”The

casualty assistance offices of the Army, Navy, Air Force and

Marine Corps encourage retirees to develop a checklist for their

spouse and families to help them navigate the difficult transition

when the retiree dies. Most military base casualty assistance or

retired affairs offices can help in completing this list, or lists can

be downloaded from the Internet from service and veteran

organization Web sites. According to Bernhardt, a few hours

spent gathering the information for the list will save months of

aggravation and grief later on.“The checklist can be kept with a

retiree’s will and other legal documents. When the time comes

and those documents are needed, the checklist is ready to

guide the survivors through the legal and governmental

processes. I would recommend putting the notification of DFAS

near the top of the list.”DFAS Retired and Annuitant Pay Services

maintains a customer contact center staffed with experts in all

aspects of retired pay. The center can be contacted at (800) 321-

1080. Callers who select the menu option for death notifications

receive a higher priority and are routed to staff members who

can assist them in terminating retired pay and initiating the

process for survivor’s benefits. A survivor’s checklist can help

eliminate the unwelcome surprises in life, allowing more time to

enjoy the benefits the military retirement.

An Ounce of

Prevention......

Cervone, tell me I didn’t just

hear “Whoops”

 and “Weapon” in the same

sentence!

It was originally developed as the Armalite AR-15 in the late

1950s and early 1960s by Eugene Stoner of Armalite

Systems, formerly of Costa Mesa, California. The AR-15 was

initially adopted by the U.S. Special Forces, and later found

favor with the general army. It was later produced by Colt and

other makers. The total quantity produced in all models worldwide has been about 7 million. The first revision to the M16

was minor—the replacement of the original “pronged” flash

suppressor with a “birdcage” model because of complaints

that the pronged version snagged on brush in Vietnam. Early

U.S. users in the Vietnam war had numerous reliability

problems. Some believe that this is because those users

(who had allegedly been told that the gun required very little

maintenance) had neglected maintenance and the neglected

guns became extremely unreliable. However, other evidence

points to subtle problems with compatibility between the

ammunition and the early versions of the gun, such that even

perfectly maintained and cleaned guns were unreliable. The

gunpowder of early version M16 ammunition was cleanburning, and the gun did not require chrome plating in the

receiver area. It is widely believed that a last-minute change

to the gunpowder formula was made shortly before the gun

was introduced into service. While resulting in a higher

muzzle velocity, it caused the weapon to foul much more

quickly, and because it lacked plating, it would tend to jam. In

Vietnam, some soldiers were issued a unique version of the

M16 called the XM-177 or CAR-15. The XM-177 had a shorter

barrel (~26 cm) and a telescoping stock, which made it

substantially more compact and significantly handier.

Numerous problems with muzzle flash and loud report

resulted in Colt modifying the design to produce the XM177E1 and XM-177E2 toward the end of the Vietnam conflict.

The final XM-177E2 had a 29 cm barrel with a long flash

suppressor. This version became known as the “Commando”

model and was issued in limited numbers to special forces,

helicopter Air Force pilots, officers, radio operators,

artillerymen, and troops other than front line riflemen.

HISTORY OF THE M-16
Spiritual warfare just like physical warfare is real. Every day that we see American soldiers being killed and maimed in

combat an unseen battle rages around us and in us. The unseen battle that rages around us consist of the forces of good

against the forces of evil. The price we pay to enter this battle is our soul. What is the most dangerous aspect of this

battle? In war, we usually have a general idea of who our enemy is. When we enter life’s daily battles we are not that

fortunate. Our enemy comes disguised in many costumes and in many hosts. He will tempt us with kindness and promises

of future fame and fortune. He will try to confuse us into believing that only we are important and that we should not allow

the results of our actions to sway us from our chartered course. No one is more important then we are and we should crush

anyone who attempts to hinder our quest. We are surrounded by temptation and evil every day of our lives. How can you

fight against a force that seems so overpowering and overwhelming? As soldiers, when we go into a battle we bring the

tools of our trade with us and we wear whatever we believe will protect us from a fatal wound. We would not bring a knife to

a gun battle so when we are fighting the forces of evil we need to bring the correct state of mind with us. To fight

victoriously, we need to dress properly and carry the right weapons. Sounds simple enough. The Word of God even tells us

what to wear and what to fight with. However, the problem is that all the equipment is spiritual in nature and must be utilized

by faith. Faith in what we have been brought up to believe is our weapon. The “Golden Rule” is our weapon. That is not the

rule which states to; “Do unto others before they do it to you”. We should try to treat others as we ourselves would like to

be treated. Compassion is not a weakness but in many ways it shows true strength. Who among us has never made a

mistake? Who among us can remember when someone did us a good turn just because it was the right thing to do?

Selfishness, pride and arrogance are but a few of the enemies we must fight against on a daily basis. Prayer is one of the

weapons you can use to battle and defeat your enemy. Look in the mirror and tell yourself, “Today, I will place upon my

head the helmet of salvation in order to guard my thoughts and I will proudly wear my vest of righteousness to protect my

heart from the influence of my enemies. On my feet I shall wear sandals of peace and I shall try to share that peace with

others. I will not use a sword or lance as a weapon in order to defeat that evil which is attacking me. Instead, I will pick up

my shield of faith and use it to protect me from my enemies’ fiery darts. I shall use it consistently and will always keep it in

good condition. My sword shall be the spirit which is your word. Your word is more powerful that any physical blade and I

shall wield it effectively. I shall always bear in mind that the truth of your promises will defeat the attacks of my enemies. To

defeat these enemies on a daily basis we must draw on the divine power of our God. We need to remember that God has

given us the authority to combat the devil where ever we may find him. Every day our enemy Satan and his forces will try to

take advantage of our weaknesses. The Devil will use lies and temptations in order to defeat us. But he will be unsuccessful

when we are battle ready and we will truly see the glory that our Lord has waiting for us, not here on earth among the proud

and the foolish, but in heaven with the brave and the righteous.

The Chaplains Corner

By: Sgt John Cervone

Minister Universal Life Church

*Subject: F-16 noise complaint...From the Arizona Republic on-line. A complaint post from a moron, and the reply.

Complaint: Quote: A wake-up call from Luke’s jets, Jun. 23, 2005, 12:00 AM - Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we

thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m., a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over

Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes

feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns’ early-bird special?

Any response would be appreciated.”

The reply is classic, and a testament to the professionalism and heroism of the folks in the armed services. The response:

Quote:

Regarding “A wake-up call from Luke’s jets” (Letters, Thursday): On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship of F16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt. Fresques was an Air

Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day. At 9 a.m. on June

15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on

the letter writer’s recount of the flyby, and because of the jet noise, I’m sure you didn’t hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my

words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son’s flag on behalf of the president of the United States and

all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured. A four-ship flyby is a display of

respect the Air Force pays to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs

seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects. The letter writer

asks, “Whom do we thank for the morning air show?” The 56th Fighter Wing will call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and

parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their

lives.

CO 63rd Fighter Squadron - Luke Air Force Base

* Exactly as e-mailed to me by Lieutenant Colonel M. Santos
Children are getting more and more overweight, and a University of Missouri-Columbia professor

says if the trend continues, every youngster in America will be obese by 2044. And every adult will

be dangerously overweight by 2058. Professor Frank Booth presented his conclusions in a lecture

in Nashville, Tenn., at an annual conference for the American College of Sports Medicine. Booth’s

findings are based on data from previously published studies by other researchers, along with

statistics from the Federal Centers for Disease Control. His study focused on children and physical

inactivity, but he said eating habits also are a major contributor to obesity. Booth acknowledges that

obesity will probably never actually reach 100 percent of the population, but he said the trend is

important. It demonstrates the crisis. “There are limitations to our example, but our example is

meant to show the extremeness of our problem,” Booth said. “No one wants to harm children, and,

essentially, allowing this to occur is allowing harm to our children.” Booth, a physiology professor,

said a 1950s study estimated children spent 10 hours a week in sedentary activities during their

waking hours, such as playing board games and watching television. Current data shows children

now spending, on average, about 45 hours per week in sedentary activities such as playing video

games and watching television. He said childhood obesity rates remained flat at 4 percent until the

mid-1980s. Now 16 percent of U.S. children are considered obese. Not only is obesity rising each

year, but the rate at which it is rising is increasing, he said. “At least initially, adults have to take the

responsibility. They’re not sufficiently taking responsibility now. If they were, what is occurring would

not be occurring,” Booth said. “A lot of times, parents say, ‘Do your homework,’ or ‘Do the dishes.’

Parents have to say, ‘Go outside and play.’ ... Children do not have the mental maturity to decide on

their own to be active.” He suggested families take walks or do other outdoor activities together.

More than just parents need to be involved, he said. Schools and social networks, such as the Cub

Scouts and Girl Scouts, need to be continually encouraging more physical activity. A separate

recent study, released by the Centers for Disease Control, concluded that being mildly overweight is

OK and being obese is not as dangerous as previously thought. The CDC study has come under

heavy criticism from scientists, and CDC chief Julie Gerberding has since acknowledged potential

flaws in it. She pointed out that obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, renal

failure and some cancers. Booth said being mildly overweight should never be considered OK. “The

problem is, you’re not permanently in the overweight category,” he said. “You become obese.” Tom

LaFontaine, a practicing exercise physiologist in Columbia, was at the conference and heard

Booth’s speech. In addition to working with patients on diet and exercise plans, he teaches part time

at MU. “I think Frank is right on target,” LaFontaine said. “Obesity has been rising exponentially for

20 years.” From television remote controls to riding lawn mowers, LaFontaine said, Americans have

engineered physical activity out of their lives. If this prediction comes to fruition, then in fifty three

years, our nation is going to be in sad shape, (No pun intended),indeed. What is wrong with us?

Why are we letting a problem that can be controlled by using a little self control and denial overtake

us? Years ago, Nancy Reagen, the President’s wife, became famous for implementing a phrase

whereby children could turn away from drugs. “Just Say No!” Simple but supposedly effective, I

guess. Why can’t we just say no to food? Where has our self esteem and our self image gone?

Have we truly become a nation of sheep born and bred to blame anyone and anything but ourselves

for our problems? Apparently, we have. Have we totally lost our self control and can not even stop

ourselves from turning into obese, slovenly, sorry looking individuals? Apparently, we have.

Apparently, we have met the enemy, and the enemy truly is us.

This? OR This?

The Decision is Truly Ours!

All of America over-weight by 2058

University of Missouri-Columbia

scientists predict.
Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance

by Red Skelton

As a schoolboy, one of Red Skelton’s teachers explained the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance to his class.

Skelton later wrote down, and eventually recorded, his recollection of this lecture.

I --Me; an individual; a committee of one. Pledge - - Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity. Allegiance - -

My love and my devotion. To the Flag - - Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is

respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody’s job. of the United States of

America - - That means that we have all come together. States - - Individual communities that have united into forty-eight

great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet

united to a common purpose, and that is love for country. And to the Republic - - Republic—a state in which sovereign power

is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it’s from the people to the

leaders, not from the leaders to the people. For which it stands, One Nation - - One Nation—meaning, so blessed by God.

Under God, Indivisible - - Incapable of being divided. With Liberty - - Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one’s own

life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation. And Justice - - The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others. For

All - - For All—which means, boys and girls, it’s as much your country as it is mine.

Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, ‘I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,

and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for

all.”, should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.

When not in uniform men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left

shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and

render the military salute.

Respect for flag

No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be

dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags

are to be dipped as a mark of honor.

No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag

patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of

patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.

Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. (k) The

flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed

in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

National March

The composition by John Philip Sousa entitled ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever’ is hereby

designated as the National March of the United States of America.

Why is the Flag patch “backwards” on Military uniforms?

Army Regulation 670-1, “Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia,” updated most

recently September 5, 2003, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the U.S. flag

patch on the Army uniform.

The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the American flag

patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that “the star field faces forward, or to the flag’s own

right. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer’s right, and gives the effect of the

flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward. The appropriate replica for the right shoulder

sleeve is identified as the ‘reverse side flag’.”
Guard Civil Support Teams Provide WMD Expertise to

Communities

Members of the 61st Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team at Camp Robinson like to think

of themselves as a fire department. “We’re ready to go, but we don’t go until the bell goes off,” said Air

Force Lt. Col. Keith Bauder, commander of the unit since it stood up five years ago. The “bell” would

sound in the event of an attack or incident involving chemical, biological or radiological agents, nuclear

hazards or high-yield explosives. As one of 55 units of its kind nationwide, within the National Guard, the

61st CST would respond to, advise and assist local and regional authorities. “Our mission is to help the

first-responding community,” said Bauder. The first 10 civil support teams were established shortly after

then-President Clinton announced their formation in 1998 and were certified — meaning they were fully

staffed and met specific training and performance standards — in 2001. The Arkansas unit was part of

the second phase of CST roll-ins, established in 2000 and certified two years later. Today, every U.S.

state and territory has a team, with 32 certified and another 12 expected to get certified by late summer.

The Arkansas team, with 16 full-time members — 16 Army National Guard and six Air Guard — is part of

a national network that Bauder said brings specialized skills to support local responders during

emergency. Teams undergo 15 months of individual and unit training, then fine-tune their skills daily so

they’re ready to respond during a crisis: identifying agents or substances involved, evaluating the threat,

and helping local authorities determine the best response. “We practice hazardous-material and WMD

detection on a daily basis, and we work with our equipment on a daily basis,” said Army Maj. Robert

Baye, the team’s medical officer. “This is our fulltime job, not a distraction or an additional duty like it is

for most other people. And that’s probably our greatest strength.” Local and state authorities who train

regularly with the 61st CST are “very, very receptive” to the unit and its capabilities, Bauder said. “We’re

held in high esteem by the community,” Baye said. “We bring something to the table and into the fight that

not a lot of people have.” Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, “the bell has gone off” for the unit

17 times. Six incidents involved anthrax scares. Others involved a chemical plant explosion in nearby

Conway, Ark., and the illegal dumping of fly poison. In February 2002, the unit was called into action when

the space shuttle exploded over Texas, carrying tanks of highly explosive chemicals with it. “This shows

the kinds of situations we’re capable of responding to,” said Army 1st Lt. Mike Allen, the survey team

leader. “It doesn’t have to be a terrorist event.” During each incident, the unit deployed with its two key

pieces of equipment: a mobile lab used to analyze chemical and biological agents, and a

communications suite capable of linking responders and their local, state, federal and military

headquarters. “With each mission, we take away important lessons learned and apply them to our

training so we can become even better at what we do,” said Army Staff Sgt. Wright Cookus, the survey

team chief. Cookus, who had 12 years of experience in

the nuclear-biological-chemical specialty before

becoming a full-time 61st CST member, said he enjoys

the mental and physical challenges of the job. Other unit

members say they like being on the forefront of new

technologies and techniques in emergency response.

“Everything we’re involved with is high-tech and cuttingedge,” said Baye. “That makes this a really cool job.” But

the greatest satisfaction, they said, is knowing that they

can help make a difference in the event of a catastrophic

event and help protect their local communities. “It feels

good knowing that if you do everything the way you’re

supposed to, fewer people will get hurt and you’ll help

minimize the losses,” Cookus said.
 “Bring your buddy to drill” has been

a staple tool in the commander’s recruiting tool box

for years. The theory is the same; current soldiers

and airmen are going to be the best recruiters. They

know why they joined, what interests their friends,

and their friends are more likely to take their

recommendation at face value. Bring your buddy to

drill takes the word of mouth process one step

further by inviting the member’s “buddy” to come

and observe training for a day. A Guard member can

not only tell a friend about the unit, but also show

what the unit does. The buddies are shown videos

of deployed Guard units, briefed on the history of the

National Guard and shown

military equipment, including

the M-16 rifle, the Squad

Automatic Weapon and a

night vision scope. Soldiers

who refer buddies that enlist

in the National Guard also

earn incentives that can

include Guard logo items,

promotions, or even a trip to

Airborne School, depending

on the number of referrals

who join.

New Program Offers subsidized

child care to Guard, Reserve

 The Defense Department has joined forces with national

agencies to help Guard and Reserve families in finding

and affording child care while Mom or Dad are deployed

in support of the global war on terrorism. “Child care, as

you know, is one of the top (concerns) voiced by families

as well as by Commands on what’s needed,” said Jan

Witte, director of the Pentagon’s Office of Children and

Youth. Her office monitors the new program, dubbed

Operation Military Child Care. DoD, in partnership with the

National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral

Agencies, which administers the program, designed this

initiative to benefit those who do not live near military

installations, Witte said. “We have a contract with

NACCRRA to assist us in finding spaces outside the

military community for those Guard and Reserve

(members) who are deployed and active duty (people)

who are not near a military installation,” Witte said. “We

also hope to assist in reducing the out-of-pocket expense

to the servicemember.” When a parent is deployed, she

said, the remaining parent may discover that child care is

something the couple hadn’t had to think of before. And

need is not the only consideration. The extra expense can

be shocking. While OMCC doesn’t fully subsidize child

care, it does work to reduce the financial burden, Witte

said. The fees are based on a sliding scale that takes into

consideration total family income and the care provider’s

actual cost, among other things. To take part in the

program, a family member would apply through

NACCRRA via a special Web site or by a toll-free call to

(800) 424-2246. The child-care provider also must apply

— an important step because of how the subsidy, which

comes through the Children and Youth office, is paid out,

Witte noted. “The subsidy goes to the program, not to the

individual,” she said. The program officially kicked off

March 3, but has been operational as a pilot program

since late November 2004, Witte said. About 40 families

are through the application process. “We feel like this is

one area to provide assistance for the total force,” she

said. “We had not been

doing much prior to this

time for the Guard and

Reserve as far as child

care and school-age

programs have gone.” She

said the new program

could get about 5,000

Guard and Reserve

servicemembers’ children

into child care.

But that number could fluctuate if there is a change

in the funding, she pointed out, which comes in the

form of supplemental funding through Congress.

Congress has funded the program for $7 million,

Witte said, though officials hope to expand the

program in the future to try and accommodate

some of the 38,000 children of active duty

servicemembers in need of child care. NACCRRA

also supports the Guard and Reserve through a

program called Operation Child Care. OCC is a

voluntary NACCRRA program that provides up to

six hours of free child care to Guard and Reserve

families whose deployed servicemember is

returning home for rest and recuperation.

“(NACCRRA) felt it was service back to the nation

to thank the servicemembers for their sacrifices,”

Witte said. Witte said NACCRRA is a very wellrespected alliance of all the child-care resource

and referral agencies in the nation.
The 43rd Infantry Division was inducted into federal service on Feb. 21,

1941. The National Guard unit was primarily made up from infantry

regiments of the 172nd Vermont, the 103d Maine, and the 169th

Connecticut. The 118th Combat Engineers from Rhode Island made up

the fourth New England state in the 43rd. Other units from among these

four states were the 118th Medical, HQ Division (Headquarters), the

103d; the 152nd; the 192nd, and the 169th Field Artillery Battalions.The

division first trained at Camp Blanding, Florida. It was supposed to be

only a one-year stint, but Dec. 7, 1941 changed all of that. The 43rd was now in for the duration of

the war. After completing advanced training in Mississippi, and large scale maneuvers in Louisiana

and the Carolinas, the 43rd shipped out of Fort Ord, California in October of 1942. It took the

transport ships almost three weeks to reach New Zealand.

Stationed first in New Zealand, the 43d Division island hopped its way up the Pacific chain.

Operations were conducted on many islands, some well known, others never before heard of.

Guadalcanal; the Russell Islands; New Georgia, where the 43rd took heavy casualties taking Munda

airfield. The Drinimour River in New Guinea, Luzon and Manila in the Philippines. The 43rd was

slated to be one of the first invasion forces on Japan proper. It was thought by many that the division

could well be decimated. Japan surrendered instead, and the 43rd went to Japan as an occupation

force. For their actions in the Philippines, the 43rd was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation. The

43rd Division was nicknamed the “Winged Victory” Division after Gen. Leonard F. Wing. He took

over command in 1943. Gen. Wing was the only National Guard officer to command an active duty

division in World War II.

Rhode Island National Guard History

SOD-G RETURNS TO

 RHODE ISLAND Air Ambulance Company

Returns To Rhode Island

After 18 Months

Members of the 249th Air Ambulance Company returned to

RI after 18 months of deployment. The soldiers left Rhode

Island in November 2003. They’ve been in the

southeastern part of the United States providing air

medical evacuations for the U.S. military.

Eleven members of Special

Operations Detachment G arrived

back home in Rhode Island this past

June. They had been deployed for

nearly one year. They spent time in

Djibouti, Iraq, Yemen and Kenya.
Aerial Porters Move the World

In keeping with the lead of my fellow commanders who have chosen to educate you on the

mission of their respective squadrons , I thought it fitting to expound on the job of the Aerial Port

Squadron in the hopes of demystifying the mission of the squadron “at the end of the base”. An

aerial port is designed to provide an airbase with a cargo and passenger movement capability

anywhere in the world. Our Designed Operational Capabilities statement requires us to be

capable of supporting a maximum on ground of three aircraft within 24 hours of deploying

anywhere in the world. What does this mean? Simply that we need to be capable of

simultaneously loading or unloading three aircraft, regardless of type, under any conditions, as

well as planning and reporting these activities. Seems like a simple enough requirement right?

Look a little closer. For starters, aerial porters must be able to see all incoming and departing

air mobility flights in order to effectively plan for their handling. Our Air Terminal Operations

Center (ATOC) has the organic capability to feed into the Global Transportation Network via any

mode of in-transit visibility software in order to predict and report any mobility aircraft events

which take place at our location. ATOC personnel must be able to manipulate global tracking

software to accurately reflect updates to troop and cargo movement as well as aircraft locations. ATOC personnel are also

responsible for insuring “on time, every time” service for incoming and departing mobility aircraft and assigning and

tracking ramp personnel in order to achieve this standard. In so far as handling aircraft is concerned, our ramp personnel

must be able to download any type of military or civilian contractor airframe. This requires a detailed knowledge of cargo

and material handling equipment and the ability to match and operate the correct equipment for the requirements of a

specific type of cargo. ATOC load planners and ramp personnel both, need to understand and apply the intricacies of the

aircraft load-planning process and need to be adept at both the manual load planning method and the complex automated

load planning system. Additionally, ramp personnel are also required to show proficiency in downloading aircraft in combat

conditions with engines running, and also in blackout conditions utilizing night vision goggles. Aerial porters are also

responsible for passenger and cargo handling. Cargo personnel are required to track, store, and retrieve cargo which is

either en-route, embarking, or terminating at their particular port. The nature of the various types of cargo being shipped in

the area of responsibility (AOR) in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom (OIF and OEF) speaks to the skills

required by cargo personnel in order to effectively accomplish their mission. Aerial porters need to be certified as

hazardous material handlers in order to insure regulatory compliance in storage, packing, and movement of hazmat

materials, which accounts for about 35 percent of all cargo moved in the AOR today. Though usually considered a

secondary or additional function, aerial porters are also required to maintain proficiency in aerial delivery. Accordingly,

many air transportation technicians (2T2s) have earned their rigger wings and are responsible for the safe packing,

rigging, and retrieval of cargo parachutes as well as the manufacture and maintenance of training and actual cargo

bundles. This aerial port function is most visible while in-garrison as the Port supports the Wing’s airdrop mission. Once

deployed however, this mission is typically assumed by the Army yet it remains a great example of the versatility required

of your standard aerial porter. Given the breadth of the Port’s mission, I’m sure you are wondering how many AFSCs are

required to make it run? Aside from training, the first sergeant, personnel, and administrative, only one AFSC comprises

the actual “Port”. 2T2 personnel are required to gain and maintain proficiency in each of the key skill areas described in

this article. Versatility is the norm as opposed to specialization. The importance of aerial porters in the Global War on

Terrorism (GWOT) has never been more apparent. The 2T2 career field has been identified as a stressed career field since

the inception of the GWOT. 2005 saw the 143rd Aerial Port activate two unit training codes (UTCs) for a one-year period.

These 25 aerial porters bolstered the ranks of their active duty colleagues at McGuire AFB, N.J., one the Air Force’s

larger aerial ports of embarkation, before being sent forward to Karshi-Khanabad Air Base (K2), Uzbekistan for an AEF

rotation. While at K2, the 143rd APS provided the only aerial port capability to the base and was widely recognized for

their expertise and mission effectiveness. Many of the procedures currently being employed at that major Port facility

were created and instituted by 143rd personnel. Currently, the 143rd APS is anticipating a formal tasking to activate

another 24-person UTC for one year in 2006. As with the first activation, 24 additional unit members have already

volunteered for this activation and are currently being trained. Additionally, three of our five officers have, or are about to,

deploy to the AOR in support of OIF, OEF or both. They will fill operational spots at theater aerial ports as well as staff

key positions at the Combined Air Operations Center in support of Air Mobility planning and execution. In fact, the 143rd

APS contributed 9,427 mandays in support of the GWOT alone in 2005. That’s what we call making a contribution! As

you can see, the 143rd APS is alive and well and continuing to show that it is ready and relevant.

 By: Lt. Col. Denis Riel,
AIR GUARD NEWS

National Guard runners from across America paced

each other and kept each other motivated during the

running of the 2005 Lincoln All Sport/National Guard

Marathon, held May 2, 2005, in Lincoln, NE.

Among the runners were Captain Ronald Cloutier

and TSGT David Durning of the Rhode Island Air

National Guard.

TSGT David Durning Captain Ronald Cloutier

PROMOTIONS

To Senior Airman

Jarrod F. Pinette

Adam K. Pontbriant

To Staff Sergeant

Brad S. Branconnier

Nicole L. L’Heureux

Ryan K. Switzer

Steven J. Tellier

Airmen with the Air Force’s premier expeditionary

entertainment troupe, Tops In Blue, sang the

national anthem before game 6 of the National

Basketball Association finals on June 21. Eighteen

vocalists from the 2005 Tops In Blue team performed

the anthem before the nationally televised game

between the Detroit Pistons and the San Antonio

Spurs.

To Technical Sergeant

Michael D. Turillo

To Master Sergeant

Dennis J. Stone

To Chief Master Sergeant

Scott F. Lunn

If we are ever going to cross ethnic lines, we

must first deal with the unbalanced views we

have about one another. Anyone who says that

they do not have biased views or thoughts about

anyone else is probably not being completely

forth coming . We are only human and in order

to make sense out of our differences we need to

start with a very simple assumption. That assumption being that diversity is God’s idea. The

United States of America is a heterogeneous

society, and part of the challenge that we face –

and the reason why we need to face it – is

because we’ve got bad and unbalanced information about each other. We must learn to

tolerate and not obliterate. We need to build a

community that it is safe for differences. It matters less where we are from – what really matters is where we are going. We need to accept

our diversity. Let us embrace it and make it

work for us and not against us. Let us accept

diversity as the art of thinking independently

together

 DIVERSITY

 IS OUR FRIEND

Cervone, How Much

Diesel Did You Use?

Diesel?

Try JP-41.

You Should

See Him At

The AirShow!

LOCAL

HUMOR
Thirty more members of Rhode Island’s Air National

Guard deployed to Southwest Asia this past July to fight

the war on terror. Outside the brick building P-1 ,on

Quonset Air Base, the sky was misty and bleak. Inside

the dining hall, there had been an attempt at

cheerfulness. A flag covered the cafeteria line. Mission

Accomplished, said one of three banners. Great Job.

God Bless America.The room bustled with that pre-trip

anticipation, but included a more sober twist. Envelopes

were on the giveaway table. The Washington Lodge 5 of

the Masons had donated free phone cards. Children got

coloring books titled When My Parent Has to Go

Away.The 30 members of the 143rd will join 600 Guard

members deployed overseas in Iraq, Kuwait,

Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates

and Yemen.Though not based in Iraq, the 143rd will be

close to war. The unit will maintain the C-130J cargo

plane and then fly the new military aircraft on missions

into Iraq and Afghanistan. The week before a Rhode

Island crew conducted the first combat airdrop in the C130J, opening the back door of the plane and pushing

supplies into a hostile region on the border of Pakistan

and Afghanistan. The deployment is relatively short: 60

days. But the Guard is rotating its Air Guard in and out of

Southwest Asia. Some members were on their second

or third rotation, some on their first.Knots of families

clustered, hugging, laughing, committing to memory one

another. Nine o’clock came fast. The blue buses idled

outside in the rain.Just pumped up, ready. Ready to go

do our job!” said Sgt. Lee Exline, 52, one of the California

Air National Guard members who flew to Rhode Island to

join the 143rd. We say Good bye and God bless to our

departing comrades.

Airmen from the 143rd head

to Southwest Asia

U.S. Air Force C-130J conducts

first-ever combat airdrop

U.S. Air Force history was made this past July when

the newest addition to its cargo fleet proved another

capability during the first-ever U.S. Air Force C-130

J-model combat airdrop.The C-130J “stretch”

successfully dropped 12 bundles of civic aid and

supplies weighing 16,000 pounds during two

airdrops in the vicinity of Kandahar, Afghanistan.

These air drops were part of the larger civic

assistance program ground units run concurrent

with their maneuver operations.The newest model

Hercules includes turboprops with composite

propellers, digital avionics including a heads up

display for each pilot, reduced manpower

requirements, increased reliability and lower

operating costs. It comes in standard-length or a

stretched version that can accommodate two

additional pallet positions.“The contribution to the

war effort we provide is profound - anywhere,

anytime, anyplace,” said Lt. Col. Brian Jurkovac,

379th Expeditionary Operations Group deputy

commander. “Supporting the warfighter is what we

are about, it’s all we are about, and we’ll do whatever

it takes to deliver what he needs to execute his

mission. That is the essence of (tactical) airlift and

that’s what sets us apart from everybody else.”The

deployment of the C-130J into Southwest Asia June

7 is the second time the new model has been in the

U.S. Central Command theater of operations.A

Rhode Island Air National Guard crew from the 143rd

Air Wing, Quonset-Holland ANG Base, deployed to

the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, flew this

mission.There are C-130Js owned and operated by

the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Air National Guard, U.S.

Coast Guard, Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air

Force, Danish Air

Force and the Italian

Air Force.The last

Coalition airdrop

carrying civic

assistance bundles

was dropped June

17 in the vicinity of

Bagram,

Afghanistan.

A group of Rhode Island National Guard troops r eturnsed home, from SouthWest Asia, this past summer.

Thirty members of the 143rd Airlift Wing arrived back home at the Quonset Air National Guard base on

Saturday, July 16th, 2005. The troops’ return is part of the 143rd’s on going rotation in support of Operation

Enduring Freedom. The rotation is expected to last through the end of this year.
Flag Folding

As an Army and Navy custom, the flag is lowered daily at the last note of retreat. Special care

should be taken that no part of the flag touches the ground. The Flag is then carefully folded

into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during

the war for Independence. In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the

blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night. This custom of special folding is

reserved for the United States Flag alone.

How to fold the Flag

To properly fold the Flag, begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the

ground.

Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges

securely.

Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.

Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag.

Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.

The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.

When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.
YOUR ARMY HUMOR
It has been very cold and rainy here

every day. The mud is unbelievable; it

sticks to your boots and just keeps

building up until you are like 4 inches

taller. Everyone here is sick, from the

commander on down at least a little. I

have been struggling with sinus problems

since Kuwait. I just can’t seem to kick it

yet, but I am better off than a lot of

people. I have been flying around

Baghdad a lot. All we do is go from LZ

(landing zone) to LZ all day long taking

people just 5 miles down the road and

back. We fly everyone from generals to

UN bigs to civilians. I guess nobody

wants to take the chance of getting

kidnapped or attacked, but there haven’t

been any lately.

 Soldiers words from Iraq A Soldier’s Words

I pack a few belongings, say goodbye to family

 and friends And leave my home to serve my country.

I am a soldier. I train for war And one day in my

 camouflage of green, I hide unseen in forest,

 swamp or sand-My gun in hand to slay the enemy.

I fight horrible wars in order to establish peace.

I deny myself liberty so I can bring freedom

 to others. I respect all cultures and all religions.

I am an American soldier - defender of Democracy-A

bridge to freedom, honor, justice, mercy, hope.

My buddies are my family. I live on whatever sustains me.

I sleep in ditches with little water

And no shower for weeks on end.I never complain about

 the hardships of life. I welcome them.

“The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself

forgotten.”

Calvin Coolidge

“The first method of estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at

the men he has around him.”

- Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince

“I would rather he had given me one more division”

- Rommel, when Hitler made him a Field Marshall

“Blood alone moves the wheels of history.”

- Benito Mussolini

“Rascals, do you want to live forever?”

(Ihr Racker, wollt ihr ewig leben?)

- Frederick the Great, 1757.

When the guards hesitated at the battle of Kolin.

The purpose of all war is peace.

- Saint Augustine, 354-430

“War is delightful to those who have had no experience of it. “

- Desiderius Erasmus,

Dutch humanist, ca. 1466–1536

War is too important to be left up to the politicians!

General Jack T. Ripper

Dr Strangelove

All right, they’re on our left, they’re on our right, they’re

in front of us, they’re behind us...they can’t get away

this time”

- Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, USMC

Things are going good here in Mosul and will be better when we get back. I have been having a lot of trouble with the ngb email

addresses. I hope this gets through. I am running the PSD team which is the Personnel Security Detail for Col. Rooney. The

first day we were out with just the 103d guys we got hit by an IED. Nobody got hurt. they, The anti Iraqi forces set it off early and

it just broke some windows. Then they hit us 6 days later and again nobody injured. Other than that, like I tell my wife, nothing

has happened.
PVT ARRUBLA ANDRES

SPC BARLOW PETER

SGT BERGANZA ALIDA

SSG BRUNELLE KEVIN

SFC CARREIRO CHRISTOPHER

SPC CROPLEY JASON

SPC CRUZ BRIAN

SGT DAVIS ZACHARY

SGT DIAZ EDWIN

SSG DUNCAN JEHU

PVT FABERLLE PEDRO

SGT GAGNE JASON

SFC GEREMIA RAYMOND JR

SGT HOLLINRAKE DAVID

SFC LETOURNEAU KENNETH

SGT LEWIS MATTHEW

SPC MARTIN EDWARD II

SGT MARTIN JOSEPH

PVT MONTOYA JUAN

SPC MUSCO JEROME JR

SFC ODONOVAN DARREN

SGT OLIVEIRA DANNY

PFC ORELLANA WILLIAM J

SPC PALMQUIST TIMOTHY

SPC QUINONES JOSE JR

SGT RODRIGUES PAULO

PVT SALEMI AMANDA

PFC SANTOR JOSEPH

SPC SIMONEAU ROBERT

SFC SMITH JON DANIEL

PVT SNELL JOSHUA BRIAN

SFC SNYDER EDWIN

SFC STORM HENRY

SFC WALLACE ANDRE

ARMY GUARD PROMOTIONS

 SFC ANGEL GREGORY

 SPC BARBRIE MICHAEL

 PFC BEAULIEU JASON

 SFC BLANCHETTE GARY

 PFC BROSNAN DAVID

 SFC CARDENTE ANTHONY

 SGT CASAVANT PETER

 PVT COSTA NICHOLAS

 PVT CUDWORTH CORDELL

 SPC CUMMISKEY ADAM

 SGT DALPE DAVID

 SGT DASILVA ANTONIO

 PVT DENTON PATRICK

 SGT DIRAIMO JOHN M

 SGT ELDERKIN CHRISTOPHER

 SGT FISHER KRISTOFOR

 PFC FRENCH WALTER

 SGT FREUDIGMANN MARIA

 PFC GEMMA MICHAEL

 SGT GIRARD STEPHEN

 SPC GONZALEZ JOSE

 SGT GUGLIELMO DOMENIC

 PFC GUIMARAES NELSON

 SSG GULLIFER MATTHEW

 SFC HARRIS KEITH

 PVT HENNE GRANT

 SFC HOLLAND JASON

 SFC JACQUES PAUL 5

 SGT JAMEEL SHAFAQ

 SPC JASWELL JASON

 PFC JENNINGS CRAIG 2

 PVT JUMELLES GIANNY

 PFC LAPIERRE DOUGLAS

 SGT LUBO LUIS

 PVT MCMILLIAN JUSTIN

 SGT MELLO ERIC

 SGT MOTA ANTONIO

 SPC NAGBE NATHAN

 SGT NATALE COSTANTINO

 SFC NELSON CARL

 SFC PALMER KENNETH

 SPC PECKHAM ANDREW

 SGT ROACH MELANIE

 SFC SILVA WAYNE

 SGT SMITH KEVIN

 PVT STLAURENT JAMES

 SGT VIEIRA JOHN

 SGT WILLETTE CATHERINE

 MSG WONG MICHAEL

 PVT WOOD MEGAN

US ARMY HISTORY

Since it’s birth on 14 June 1775 ,over a year before the Declaration of Independence ,the United States Army

has played a vital role in the growth and development of the American nation. It won the new Republic’s

independence in an arduous eight ,year struggle against Great Britain, at times providing the lone symbol of

nationhood around which patriots could rally. ,During the Civil War it preserved the Union through four , years

of bitter conflict that turned brother against brother. It has repeatedly defended the United States against

external t hreats, from the “second war of independence” with Great Britain in 1812 through the crusades that

finally rid the world of the specters of Nazi totalitarianism, Japanese imperialism, and world communism.

The defense of the nation has always been the Army’s primary mission but, not its only one. From the

beginning the Army has also been involved with internal improvements, natural disaster relief, economic

assistance, domestic order, and a host of other contingencies. Although these missions may not have always

been those it would have chosen for itself, our Army has drawn great satisfaction from knowing that when the

nation was in need, it answered the call.
OCEAN STATE GUARDIAN IS AN AUTHORIZED MAGAZINE PUBLISHED QUARTERLY

BY THE RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD. CONTENTS OF THE GUARDIAN ARE

NOT NECESSARILY THE OFFICIAL VIEW OF THE U.S.GOVERNMENT, THE

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR THE RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD.

OCEAN STATE GUARDIAN

 SEPTEMBER 2005
THE OCEAN STATE GUARDIAN IS AN AUTHORIZED MAGAZINE PUBLISHED QUARTERLY

BY THE RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD. CONTENTS OF THE GUARDIAN ARE NOT

NECESSARILY THE OFFICIAL VIEW OF THE U.S.GOVERNMENT, THE DEPARTMENT OF

DEFENSE OR THE RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD.

OCEAN STATE GUARDIAN

 SEPTEMBER 2005

RHODE ISLAND ARMY

 NATIONAL GUARD

 BATTERY B 1/103rd FA