Ocean State Guardian - Spring 2009

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Spring 2009 / Rhode Island National Guard 1

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Rhode Island National Guard

The Ocean State Guardians

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Marie LundstromEditor

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Spring 2009

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From the Adjutant General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2You’re ready, but is your family? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Commander’s Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Leaders shape character development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3The Staff Sgt. Christopher Potts Memorial Road March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Stronger relationships mean a stronger army . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Rhode Island general receives second star . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5“March Smartness” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6PPAC members honored by National Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7ESGR holds first Job Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8ROTC instructor earns national teaching honor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Back to the basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE • (401) 275-4038 • [email protected]

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

The Honorable Donald L. Carcieri

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

Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray

Assistant Adjutant General for Army and Deputy Commanding General of the

Rhode Island National Guard

Brig. Gen. Brian W. Goodwin

Commander, Joint Force Headquarters,Rhode Island National Guard

Brig. Gen. Matthew J. Dzialo

Assistant Adjutant General for AirRhode Island National Guard

Col. Paul L. Ayers

Managing EditorState Public Affairs Officer

Lt. Col. Denis J. Riel

Public Affairs Specialists

Sgt. John CervoneSgt. Megan Burmeister

Sgt. Peter Ramaglia

Public Affairs Office401-275-4038

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Rhode Island Guardsman hosts History Channel series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10“Angels of the Battlefield Award” presented . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11R.I. National Guard Soldiers support military values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Camp Fogarty hosts Annual Militia Encampment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14A lone bugler plays “Taps” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142nd Lt. Damian Murphy receives rare Direct Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15In the front windows of the Dowler family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16State partnership brings Bahamian First Responders to North Providence . . . . . . 17Soldiers and Airmen gather in the spirit of friendly competition and charity . . . . . . 1743rd Military Police Brigade changes command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Guardsman receives safety award from Brig. Gen. Brian Goodwin . . . . . . . . . . . . 18BNOC and the NCO Creed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Maj. Gen. Bray visits SOCSOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Anti-Terrorism Exercise heightens 143d Airlift Wing awareness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Mathew A. Lavoie received the “Angels of the Battlefield Award” for his performance in Iraq from December 2005 to June 2006.

Photographed and Composed bySgt. Emilio Lopez, Public Affairs Photographer - National Guard Bureau

Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Mathew A. Lavoie received the “Angels of the Battlefield Award” for his

ON THE COVERIn each issue there will be a photo of someone holding a copy of the previous issue. First five to find it win a prize. E-mail your answer to:

[email protected].

In each issue there will be a photo of someone In each issue there will be a photo of someone holding a copy of the previous issue. First five to find it win a prize. E-mail your answer to:

READERSHIP COMPETITION

Island, DoD, the Rhode Island National Guard, or AQP Publishing, Inc. of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, politi-cal affi liation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Offi ce of Public Affairs, Joint Forces Headquarters – RING. All photographs and graphic devices are copyrighted to the Rhode Island National Guard unless otherwise indicated.

The Ocean State Guardians is published by AQP Publishing, Inc., a private fi rm in no way con-nected with the Rhode Island National Guard, under written contract with the Rhode Island National Guard. This Rhode Island National Guard maga-zine is an authorized publication for employees and military members of the Rhode Island National Guard. Contents of this publication are not neces-sarily the offi cial views of, or endorsed by, the state of Rhode Island, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, or the Rhode Island National Guard.

The appearance of advertising in this publica-tion, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the state of Rhode

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2 Ocean State Guardian / Spring 2009

Lest we forget

Maj. Gen. Robert T. BrayAdjutant General, Commanding General Rhode Island National Guard

From The Adjutant General

Springtime brings with it April showers, May fl owers, and, for us who serve in the military, a time of remembrance and rededication to our mission.

Having presided over a number of ceremonies during the Memorial Day weekend, as well as having had the honor of speaking at our own Rhode Island Garden of Heroes on May 30, I remain inspired by the memory of those who have gone before us and the sacrifi ces they have made. The latest example was found in the bitter sweet ceremony at the Garden of Heroes where two more names of Rhode Island heroes who made the supreme sacrifi ce were added to that solemn monument.

Unlike most of our citizens, those of us who wear the uniform in defense of this great country are bound to remember the values represented by Memorial Day through out the year. Those core beliefs which call men and women across this great land to enlist in the armed services, bring with them an unspoken realization that they could fi nd themselves in harm’s way at a moment’s notice. This realization also means we could be called to give our life in service of our country at any time.

Though nobody enlists with the belief they will die in defense of their nation, we all understand it is a possibility. That is the key value that distinguishes us as warriors and separates us from the rest of society. Those who have made that ultimate sacrifi ce are remembered during this season. We must also remember their sacrifi ce, as well as the values and the commitment to personal service, so that others may be free.

Let me share with you a favorite quote of Ernie Almonte, our past ESGR chairman. Unfortunately, its author remains anonymous, but its message has special meaning to all of us who serve, or who have ever served in the armed forces:

“What is a veteran? A veteran is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check, made payable to the United States of America, for an amount up to and including his or her life.”

At this time of year, I call upon each of you to rededicate yourselves to those values which inspired you to write that check to the United States of America; service before self, courage, dedication, loyalty, the Warrior Ethos and the Airmen’s creed. For us, these are daily requirements, and we must be ever mindful of exactly what that means. We must do so for the security and future of this great country, but also for the memory and legacy of those who have gone before us. Lest we Forget. Hooah

Brig. Gen. Mathew Dzialo, Commander RI National Guard Joint Force Headquarters

As members of the National Guard we train monthly in our MOS or AFSC in order to execute the mission. At a moment’s notice we are prepared to don our uniform,

report to our duty station and assume our responsibilities. But is your family as prepared as you are, and can they survive without your presence?

As we approach another hurricane season, we each have to ask ourselves: how prepared is my family? Many Rhode Island residents live in areas of the state that were devastated during the 1938 hurricane. As we have seen in recent history with Hurricane Katrina many families were ill prepared to evacuate or to shelter-in-place.

If you were on duty and could not get home to help them, would they know what to do, where to go, what to bring? Would they know how to communicate with you if the cell sites were inoperative, and the land lines were chocked with calls? If the answer is no, then you need to have a conversation with the family and run through scenarios so they are prepared.

FEMA and RIEMA web sites are excellent resources, use them to make your plans and checklists. If your family had to make a quick decision to evacuate, you need to know that they are as prepared as you are to execute and survive. As we train to do our jobs we need to prepare our families and feel confi dent that they are as capable as we are of “riding out the storm.”

You’re ready, but is your family?


Commander’s Column

As we head into the summer months I would like to take this opportunity to address SAFETY. The Rhode Island National Guard strives to provide the safest possible working conditions for all employees. Accidents are extremely costly to you, your family and the RING. The RING is committed to preventing accidents, which is what safety is all about. Safety is a joint responsibility and requires active participation by all employees. No matter how much the RING spends on safety equipment and training, or how many safety rules are pub-lished, unless each employee uses the equipment provided or follows the safety rules that have been developed, there can be no safety program. Each of us must use the proper tools and equipment for the task at hand, follow the appropriate safety rules, and always use good judgment when question-able working conditions arise. Remember that no task is so important or so urgent that we cannot take the time to perform our tasks in a safe and responsible manner.

I also want to address motorcycle safety. Motorcycle safety is of paramount concern and here are a few tips to keep you safe during motorcycle season.

Be visible: • Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motor-

cycles and reacting in time. • Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night.

• Use refl ective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle.

Dress for safety: • Wear a quality helmet and eye

protection. • Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet. • Wear leather or other thick, protective clothing. • Choose long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots,

and gloves.

Remember: Give yourself space. People driving cars often just don’t see motorcycles. Even when drivers do see you, chances are they’ve never been on a motorcycle and can’t properly judge your speed.

I believe that the guidelines presented in the RING safety programs are good basic guidelines, which at a minimum, should be followed to prevent: • Loss of life or injury to any person • Loss of time and productivity from any assigned task • Damage to property or property of others

I want to thank each of you for your service and for your commitment to making the RING a safe place to work.

Brig. Gen. Brian GoodwinAssistant Adjutant General for Army Rhode Island National Guard

By Col. Paul L. Ayers, RIANG Assistant Adjutant General for Air

One of the most important responsibilities of leaders is to develop the character of our Soldiers and Airmen. Character includes morals, work ethic, personal drive,

loyalty, and selfl essness and other qualities. These traits make up a person’s core values. All members of an organiza-tion ultimately shape each other, but the leadership is directly responsible for and should be actively involved in the process. We are literally shaping our future by developing the charac-ter of our most valuable asset, our Soldiers and Airmen.

The process is especially important for our newest recruits. When they arrive on station following basic training and technical qualifi cation school, their expectations are high. We need to make certain that we provide the proper environment, expectations, challenges and performance feedback to ensure that they achieve their highest potential.

The environment should be notably military. Particularly during UTAs, units must have a plan to engage Soldiers and Airmen throughout the day. Events must start on time.

Dress and appearance and military bearing need to be impeccable. Fitness training has to be engrained into the culture of the organization.

Leadership needs to state expecta-tions clearly and to challenge Soldiers and Airmen at all levels. The appropriate professional military education and suggested civilian educa-tion should be clearly understood. Leaders must set the bar high. Research clearly shows people will rise to the occasion when challenged. Conversely, they will languish in mediocrity when not challenged. Demand the highest performance!

Finally, Soldiers and Airmen need to be guided with regular performance feedback. The diffi cult task for leaders is confronting poor performance with constructive feedback. Leaders must reinforce the good performance and address poor performance with helpful criticism. Leaders at all levels of our organizations must embrace this task of character and professional development. Although challenging, this is a tremendous opportunity to shape our future.

Leaders shape character development

Commander’s Column

As we head into the summer months I would like to take this opportunity to address SAFETY. The Rhode Island

• Use refl ective strips or decals on your clothing and on your

SAFETY


Eight hours and nine minutes. That’s how long it took a group of 17 Soldiers and Naval Corpsmen to road march the 113th Boston Marathon April 20 in the 2009 installment of the Staff Sgt. Christopher Potts Memorial Road March. Setting out on the 26.2 mile journey from Hopkinton, Mass., the group carried both 35-lb. rucksacks and the memory of fallen Rhode Island Guardsman Potts. They fi nished with a light jog toward the fi nish line in Copley Square in Boston.

Now in its fourth year, the event was started in 2006 by 1st Lt. Michael Calcagni and 1st Lt. Ryan Hogan, both of 1/103d Field Artillery, when the two set out on the trek in Potts’s honor. Potts, deployed with A Battery (Forward) 1/103d FA, was killed in action in Taji, Iraq, Oct. 3, 2004. The junior offi cers felt that a road march raising money to benefi t a scholarship fund in Potts’s name was the best means to honor both his sacrifi ce and enduring legacy.

This year’s event proved to be the most successful yet. With 17 participants, the marathon team was a spectrum of the Rhode Island Army National Guard, including members of the 1/103d Field Artillery, 173d Infantry (LRS), Medical Detachment, 115th Military Police Company, and

Providence College and University of Rhode Island ROTC programs, plus a detachment of Naval Corpsmen sta-tioned at Newport Navy Base.

The group began gathering weekly in January to conduct training but also spent much time raising funds in support of this year’s chosen charity, the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Wounded Warrior Project is an organization that serves to support and empower combat veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. By May 2009, the team had raised over $8,000 in support of this effort in Potts’s name.

Eight hours and 26 miles after stepping off from the start point at 5 a.m., the group turned right onto Hereford Street and then left onto Boylston Street, with the fi nish line in clear sight. The cheers and chants of the crowd on both sides deafened the Soldiers but was more than enough motivation to carry the group past the fi nish line in memory of their fallen comrade.

Eight hours and nine minutes. That’s how long it took a group of 17 Soldiers and Naval Corpsmen to road march the 113th Boston Marathon April 20 in the 2009 installment of the Staff Sgt. Christopher Potts Memorial Road March. Setting out on the 26.2 mile journey from Hopkinton, Mass., the group carried both 35-lb. rucksacks and the memory of

Providence College and University of Rhode Island ROTC Providence College and University of Rhode Island ROTC programs, plus a detachment of Naval Corpsmen sta-tioned at Newport Navy Base.

The Staff Sgt. Christopher PottsMemorial Road March

Soldiers of the Rhode Island National Guard road march the Boston Marathon for a fallen comrade, Staff Sgt. Christopher Potts.


As members of the world’s premier fi ghting force, Army Soldiers sacrifi ce for our country every day, and so do their loved ones. Military life places extreme hardship on relationships, especially in wartime, so the Army – backed by Congress – has committed unprecedented resources to help Soldiers build stronger relationships through the Strong Bonds Program.

Strong Bonds has specialized programs for single soldiers, couples and families. Those Soldiers being deployed or redeployed can also learn special coping tactics.

Strong Bonds empowers soldiers and their loved ones with rela-tionship-building skills, and connects them to community health and support resources. It is a holistic, preventive program committed to the restoration and preservation of Army families, even those in crisis. The program is initiated and led by the Army chaplains. More than 90% of those who have attended the program rate it positively.

With Strong Bonds, participants not only bond with their loved ones, they bond with other Army families, chaplains and the Army community as a whole. In turn, our Soldiers realize that they’re not in this alone. They have an entire army of support, both on duty and off.

Please contact Chaplain Kip Averett at [email protected] or 401-275-4070 for more details and information about any upcoming Strong Bonds events.

STRONGER RELATIONSHIPSMEAN A STRONGER ARMYBy Chaplain Kip Averett

On Saturday, March 8, 2009, Brig. Gen. Thomas Haynes was promoted to Maj. Gen. and assigned new duties in the Air National Guard. Maj. Gen. Thomas Haynes was awarded his second star in a ceremony held at the Rhode Island State House.

Maj. Gen. Haynes, of East Provi-dence, will assume new duties as assis-tant to Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, commander of the Air Mobility Command. This com-mand consists of active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve.

Brigadier General Thomas HaynesPromotedto MajorGeneral


http://www.uiu.edu/military



The RING team members competing in “March Smartness” were Nicole Benz, Michelle Desillier, Gabriele Kurtis, Timothy Matchett and Liz Morse.

The Rhode Island Jump$tart Coalition hosted the fi fth Rhode Island LifeSmarts teen consumer competition, nicknamed Sovereign Bank “March Smartness,” on March 6, 2009, at the Rhode Island State House. Eight teams of teenagers competed; seven were from local high schools, with one team made up of young people whose parents were Rhode Island National Guard members.

The Rhode Island Guard team made it to the third round but unfortunately lost by one point. The National Guard team was coached by Julie Silfven and Laura Paton. The team members were Nicole Benz, Michelle Desillier, Gabri-ele Kurtis, Timothy Matchett and Liz Morse. Parents of the Rhode Island National Guard team members are Eric Benz, Tom Desillier, Jeff Kurtis, Brian Matchett and Robert Morse.

LifeSmarts is a fast-paced, quiz-bowl-style program of the National Consumers League coordinated in Rhode Island by the Rhode Island Jump$tart Coalition. Teenagers are quizzed

and rewarded for consumer knowledge in fi ve areas: per-sonal fi nance, technology, environment, health and safety, and consumer rights and responsibilities. Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis and General Treasurer Frank T. Caprio spoke to all of the competitors before the fi nal matches, stressing the importance of consumer education.

Program coordinator Jim Hedemark of the Rhode Island Jump$tart Coalition recalled the excitement of this year’s competition, “This year’s ‘March Smartness’ had all of the elements of the NCAA basketball’s ‘March Madness. Players were thinking quickly on their feet as their teams moved through the brackets.”

The North Providence High School team took Barrington High School into a tie-breaker match before becoming state champions and earning the right to represent Rhode Island in the national LifeSmarts competition in late April in St. Louis, Mo.

By Sgt. John Cervone


Providence Performing Arts Center President J.L. “Lynn” Singleton and Chairman of the PPAC Board of Trust-ees Joseph W. Walsh were formally recognized Feb. 11 by the Rhode Island National Guard for PPAC’s outstanding support of military mem-bers through their “Seats for Service Members” programs. Sue Stenhouse, director of community relations, Offi ce of the Governor, was also honored. Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray presented the honorees with certifi cates, and each received a challenge coin. According to Bray, challenge coins are given to people who provide outstanding sup-port, to prove membership in a unit or career fi eld and to enhance morale. It is considered to be a great honor to receive a challenge coin. Bray noted, “The efforts of PPAC on behalf of the men and women of the R.I. National

Guard were certainly deserving of this accolade.” The recognition event was held at RING headquarters in Cranston.

“PPAC is very grateful for this spe-cial recognition from the R.I. National Guard and the courtesies extended to

Providence Performing Arts Center

PPAC members honored by National Guard

Providence Performing Arts Center President J.L. “Lynn” Singleton, Chairman of the PPAC Board of Trustees Joseph W. Walsh, Sue Stenhouse, (far left) director of community relations, Office of the Governor, and Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray (far right).

us by Maj. Gen. Bray and his team. There are so many men and women from R.I. who unselfi shly dedicate their lives to protecting our country, and we only hope the ‘Seats for Ser-vice Members’ program will let them know how much PPAC, as well as the entire community, greatly appreciates their outstanding sacrifi ces and coura-geous efforts. We would also like to thank the program’s very generous sponsors, whose funding made these ticket donations possible. We look forward to continuing the program for many years to come,” said Singleton. The “Seats for Service Members” program, launched in spring 2008, funds and provides preferred orches-tra seating for PPAC Broadway, contemporary, and family shows to Rhode Island service members and their families.

RING Living Memorial update By Bob Urquhart, Chair, RINGRetireees Memorial Committee

The foundations are complete. Thanks to the coordination of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Tom Rezendes, $10,000 in materials and labor have been donated by various contractors.

If you haven’t already done so, order your personalized brick. Please go to www.ringretirees.home-stead.com. We have already raised $45,200. This amount is for 208 personalized brick orders so far.

http://www.ringretirees.home-stead.com

http://tricaredentalprogram.com

http://www.ringretirees.home-stead.com


ESGR holds fi rst

Job FairOn March 9, 2009, for the fi rst time in Rhode

Island, employers were able to have direct and free recruiting access exclusively to current members of the National Guard and Reserve. The Job Fair was a cost-free event for all attendees. Employers were able to meet with interested applicants and were provided with information about the various military units in Rhode Island in order to determine how indi-vidual applicants’ skills and training could benefi t their organization.

In these tight economic times, this was a great opportunity for both potential employees and employers to meet and discuss present and future options which could benefi t their particular situations. Held at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, in Cranston, R.I., the event was sponsored by the Rhode Island Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve under the guidance of ESGR Executive Director Donna Callahan.

Employers were able to speak directly with Rhode Island’s senior military leaders who were on hand to answer questions about the advan-tages of hiring part-time military service mem-bers. The entire event was a marked success, as over forty Guard-friendly employers were on hand as well as many prospective employees.

Some of the companies on hand looking for prospective candidates were the Coventry Police Department, Blue Cross–Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Toray Industries, the Rhode Island National Guard Human Resource Depart-ment for technician and AGR positions, the State of Rhode Island and Amica Insurance. The hope for this kind of event is that more will be staged as the year progresses.

Perhaps 2009 will become the year that will be proclaimed the “Tip of the Spear,” in putting Americans in our National Guard and Reserve, as well as all Americans, back to work.

Rhode Island Army National Guard Maj. Jason M. Lafferty, assistant professor of military science at Providence College, was honored recently as one of the country’s most outstand-ing ROTC instructors by the National Defense Industrial Association.

Lafferty received the 2008 Col. Leo A. Codd Memorial Award, which is presented annually to three instructors nationwide from each ROTC branch: Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is the fi rst time a Providence College faculty member has earned the honor.

The award represents the achievements of PC’s cadets – whom Lafferty leads and mentors – at various U.S. Army training facilities and events throughout the country.

Lafferty is a Woonsocket, R.I., native and veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He joined the RIARNG in 2005. Prior to his assignment at PC, he served as the aide-de-camp for the Rhode Island National Guard Adjutant General.

Lafferty was commissioned as an infantry offi cer after graduating from the University of New Hampshire’s Army ROTC program in 1998 and has served in Hawaii, Egypt, and Iraq. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was involved in combat operations in Sadr City, Baghdad, where one of his responsibili-

ties was securing key polling and ballot material during the historic 2005 Iraqi elections.

Lafferty, who has been with the college since 2007, said his time at PC has stood out in a special way.

ROTC instructor earns national teaching honor

Maj. Jason Lafferty

On March 9, 2009, for the fi rst time in Rhode Island, employers were able to have direct and free recruiting access exclusively to current members of the National Guard and Reserve. The Job Fair was a cost-free event for all



We are a society consumed with image and fads. We look for the latest and greatest from “experts” and sworn testimo-nials. We all want the perfect beach body with minimum input for maximum results.

Fact: most of us don’t know how to work out properly. There is a well known strength and conditioning coach named Alwyn Cosgrove who addresses these very issues. In his book, “The New Rules of Lifting” he offers several rules to remember when it comes to physical fi tness. I’ve found that these basic prin-ciples are effective in achieving the results I look for, and they work for every fi tness level.

Exercises that use lots of muscles in coordinated actions are better than those that force muscles to work in isolation.

Not many of us plan on being competitive body builders, which means doing isolated movements like leg extensions, bicep curls, and lateral raises will have very little payoff to us and will increase the amount of time we spend in the gym. These muscles weren’t designed to work in isolation. No matter how big your biceps are, they aren’t very effective unless all of your pulling muscles are proportionally strong. Your body is an incredibly smart system and will avoid being biome-chanically dysfunctional, so unless chemically induced, your body will fi ght being disproportional.

Don’t do the machines.

To get the biggest bang for your buck; spend the time to learn free weight routines. Nothing is better for muscle development and fat loss — depending on repetitions, weight, and rest period — than the basic move-ments i.e. squats, dead lifts, bench press. Machines are developed to mechanically isolate your muscles (see point #1). The leg press and leg curl machines can isolate and exer-cise a specifi c muscle; however they don’t mimic any of our body’s basic

functions — push, pull, twist, squat, lunge, jump — which counters the body’s natural tendency to stay proportional. Some machines are better than others. Pulling machines aren’t too bad. You can make pretty good gains with these machines, and they can actually improve what you can do with free weights. Stay away from the pushing machines! These machines limit your range of motion and eliminate the use of any of the stabilizing muscles that support the intended muscle group. Many of these machines can force your joints to move into unnatural rages of motion, which can cause damage.

Don’t worry about “bulking up”

Any time I suggest strength training, especially to women, the fi rst thing they tell me is that they don’t want to get big. Ahhh, if it were only that easy. Gaining good muscle is no easy task. If it were, I imagine we wouldn’t be talking about it. Genetics, diet, workouts and most importantly, gender, play a big role in the amount of muscle a person can develop.

In perfect conditions, the average male can build about 1.5 to 3 pounds of muscle per month, though a woman will gain less. Gender does not affect the quality of our muscle,

but does infl uence the quantity. Although men’s and women’s muscle tissue are characteristi-cally the same, men generally have more muscle tissue than women do because muscle size is increased by the presence of testosterone, the male sex hormone. Simply put, women do not carry the bone struc-ture or hormone to get “bulked up.”

Strength training builds muscles, i.e. lean body mass, and increases your energy level and metabolism. Forget the stereotype that strength training is just for muscle heads because building lean muscle is the best way to start burning fat. It’s not about building bulk. Use strength training exercises to build a base level of muscle which will naturally burn calories.

We are a society consumed with image and fads. We look for the latest and greatest from “experts” and sworn testimo-nials. We all want the perfect beach body with minimum input

Fact: most of us don’t know how to work out properly. There is a well known strength and conditioning coach named Alwyn Cosgrove who addresses these very issues. In his book, “The New Rules of Lifting” he offers several rules to remember when it comes to physical fi tness. I’ve found that these basic prin-ciples are effective in achieving the results I look for, and they

Exercises that use lots of muscles in coordinated actions are better than those that force muscles to work in isolation.

Not many of us plan on being competitive body builders, which means doing isolated movements like leg extensions,

functions — push, pull, twist, squat, lunge, jump — which counters the body’s natural tendency to stay proportional. Some machines are better than others. Pulling machines aren’t too bad. You can make pretty good gains with these machines, and they can actually improve what you can do with free weights. Stay away from the pushing machines! These machines limit your range of motion and eliminate the use of any of the stabilizing muscles that support the intended muscle group. Many of these machines can force your joints to move into unnatural rages of motion, which can cause damage.

Don’t worry about “bulking up”

Any time I suggest strength training, especially to women, the fi rst thing they tell me is that they don’t want to get big. Ahhh, if it were only that easy. Gaining good muscle is no easy task. If it were, I imagine we wouldn’t be talking about it.

BACK TOTHE BASICS

By Capt. D. Pineault


Rhode Island Guardsmanhosts History Channel series

Sgt. 1st Class Terry Schappert, of Company A, 19th Special Forces Group, Rhode Island Army National Guard, has been selected to host a new History Chan-nel series entitled “Warriors.”

The new series, which premiered March 12, 2009, features Schappert as the eyes and ears of the viewer as he travels the globe to discover exactly what it takes to be a warrior.

The show goes inside the culture of the most famous warriors of all time. Their weaponry, tactics and their psyche are explored and examined. Every episode tells the dramatic story of one of the world’s iconic warrior groups such as the Vikings, Aztecs, barbarians, and the Samurai. The program also includes descriptions of the rituals, technology and strategy that made them so mighty.

As the host, Schappert delves deeply into the mindset of a soldier, revealing what made these indi-viduals rise above others to lead, to fi ght and often to die. Each show explores a climactic battle that showcases the warrior’s strengths, weaknesses and life-and-death struggles. From the Zulus to the Maori to medieval knights, Schappert becomes a true member of each warrior culture as it is explored and examined from the weapons used to the pre-battle rituals to the initiations.

The fi rst episode revealed recent archeo-logical discoveries that have unearthed secrets of a fi erce warrior society appar-ently built on human sacrifi ce, bizarre rituals and deadly weapons. A bloody battle at the ancient city of Dos Pilas in Guatemala led to the downfall and disappearance of this powerful pre-Columbian warrior society.

Upon graduating from the University of North Carolina with a degree in anthropol-ogy, Schappert joined the U.S. Army in 1988, beginning his military career with the 82nd Airborne Division. While he was assigned to a reconnaissance unit, he com-pleted Ranger School. Schappert did not stop there. After serving in the Persian Gulf War, he challenged himself once again, by becoming a Green Beret. He left the mili-tary in 1997 and went on to pursue a career as an actor.

The horror of 9/11 brought Schappert back to the military, because he felt he could not stand by while his

Good to see you guys! Sgt. 1st Class Terry Schappert (r.) and a comrade exchange pleasantries with local Iraqi children.

Sgt. 1st Class Terry Schappert, a member of Company A, 19th Special Forces Group, Rhode Island Army National Guard, has been selected to host a new History Channel series entitled “Warriors.”

country began a war on terrorism. He enlisted in the National Guard and has been deployed on training and combat missions all over the world, most recently in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.



Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Lavoie, of the Rhode Island National Guard’s Medi-cal Detachment, received the “Angels of the Battlefi eld Award” in Washington D.C., March 11, 2009. The award is presented by the Armed Services YMCA and pays tribute to military medics and corpsmen who administer lifesaving medical treatment to U.S. troops on the front lines. Keynote speaker for the “Third Annual Angels of the Battlefi eld Award” ceremony was Gen. David Petraeus, USA Commander, U.S. Central Command.

Lavoie was presented the prestigious award because of his commend-able performance above and beyond the call of duty. While assigned to the 172nd Infantry (Mountain) from December 2005 till June 2006, he performed his duties as a platoon medic with exemplary skill and dedica-tion. His calmness and his medical skills were responsible for helping to save the lives of countless United States and coali-tion Soldiers. There are many accounts of his heroism that were mentioned but one that has exceptional merit occurred during the second half of the unit’s deployment in Iraq. While conducting daily combat patrols, his company came under numerous IED attacks. During such attacks, he treated countless U.S. Soldiers and TCN’s, always under the danger of secondary devices being exploded. Lavoie had the honor of accepting the award for all Army National Guard medics and was able to bring it home to Rhode Island.

The Armed Services YMCA is a nonprofi t national affi liate of the YMCA of the USA. It is the leading provider of social and support services to members of the U.S. military and their families. The organization is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that highlights the way American individuals, groups and corpora-tions are supporting the nation’s men and women in uniform.

Staff Sgt.Matthew A. Lavoie and friend Mohamad Ali in Iraq.

“Angels of the Battlefi eld Award”

presented

R


R.I. National Guard Soldiers Support Military Values

INTEGRITY FIRST

http://usaa.com

http://usaa.com


Major Michael Moricas

Maj. Michael Moricas has a reputation. He is known for his quiet demeanor and utmost professionalism. When he deployed to Afghanistan with other members of the Rhode Island National Guard, there were no doubts about his abil-ity to do his duty admirably. Moricas deployed as a member of an Embedded Training Team, a group of military person-nel attached to units of the Afghan National Army to serve as mentors.

On Aug. 31, 2008, Moricas heard the call over the radio and directed his team of two Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and six personnel to the aid of a U.S. Army unit that was under heavy direct fi re from anti-Afghan forces. He led a response which facilitated the medevac of a

wounded Soldier, and with complete disregard for his safety, he led a counter attack. Moricas’s actions resulted in 15 anti-Afghan force casualties.

When interviewed, Lt. Col. Ellis Hopkins, who deployed with Moricas, spoke candidly about Moricas’s abilities and dedication. “The thing is, he didn’t have to do any of it. No one would have thought anything about it if he didn’t go out, if he just stayed where he was.”

Moricas embodies what it is to be a Soldier, putting aside your self and helping your fellow Soldier. Whether it’s lend-ing a hand on a task or being there in their hour of need, it is personal courage to do what is right even if you aren’t required to.

R.I. National Guard Soldiers Support Military Values

ARMY VALUE: Major Michael MoricasMajor Michael Moricas

Maj. Michael Moricas has a reputation. He is known for his quiet demeanor and utmost professionalism. When he deployed to Afghanistan with other members of the Rhode Island National Guard, there were no doubts about his abil-

wounded Soldier, and with complete disregard for his safety, he led a counter attack. Moricas’s actions resulted in 15 anti-Afghan force casualties.

When interviewed, Lt. Col. Ellis Hopkins, who deployed

Honor

Senior Airman Joseph Fournier

AIR VALUE:

Senior Airman Joseph FournierSenior Airman Joseph Fournier INTEGRITY FIRST

Personal courage has long been associated with our Army. With physical courage, it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, espe-cially if taking those actions is not popular with others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable.

Face fear, danger or adversity – physical or moral

The Rhode Island Guard prides itself on the ability of its Soldiers and Airmen to take the training they receive with the National Guard and apply it to their civilian careers. Some-times they take away the ability to work successfully as a team or to lead by example. Sometimes what they take away may have a more direct correlation to a Soldier or Airman’s civilian career.

Joseph Fournier is one of those Airmen. Senior Airman Fournier is a fi refi ghter. He serves in the Rhode Island Air National Guard as an Aerospace Firefi ghter. He is pres-ently stationed at the Quonset Air National Guard Base. Prior to joining the RIANG, Senior Airman Fournier served for three years on active duty at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina. On his return to New England, Fournier

accepted a position on the Cambridge, Mass. Firefi ghter Department; they had held that position for the entire time Fournier was away.

Fournier’s supervisors describe him as a mentor and a leader by example. He trains hard and carries that training into the civilian world where his military training gives him an extra edge.


A lone bugler plays “Taps”

Members of the Rhode Island National Guard Funeral Honors Detachment train in precision firing methods.

Rhode Island’s historical militia units participated in their annual encampment May 2-3, at Camp Fogarty, East Greenwich, R.I.

The public and media were invited to a formal military ceremony on Saturday, May 2, at 2 p.m., for the traditional observation of the 233rd commemoration of Rhode Island Independence Day. Highlighting the event was the reading of the proclamation by Attorney General Patrick Lynch, followed by the fi ring of a 13-cannon salute by the R.I. National Guard’s Guards of Thunder unit.

Rhode Island general law empowers the governor to authorize the militia to an encampment for the purpose of military drilling and maneuvers. Accordingly, the 14 Rhode Island National Guard historic militia units conducted their formal annual encampment that weekend, from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.

The formal military formation included current Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard units joining their traditional militia brethren on the Camp Fogarty parade fi eld, and featured an inspection of the troops by Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray and Attorney General Lynch. Additionally, Maj. Michael Moricas, 56th Troop Command, R.I. Army National Guard, was presented with the Army Commenda-tion Medal with “V” device for valor for his actions during combat operations while deployed to Afghanistan in 2008.

Rhode Island historic militia units:The Artillery Company of Newport, established 1741; Kent-

ish Guards, established 1774; Pawtuxet Rangers, established 1774; The Gloucester Light Infantry, established 1774; Varnum Continentals, established 1775; Bristol Train of Artil-lery Rhode Island Militia, established 1776; Federal Blues of Warren Rhode Island Militia, established 1798; Battery B, 1st Light Artillery, established 1861; Battery C, 1st Light Artillery, established 1861; 2nd Rhode Island Regiment, established 1861; Le Regiment Bourbonnais, established 1780; The Independent Light Dragoons, established 1795.

Camp Fogarty hostsAnnual Historical Militia Encampment

A lone bugler plays “Taps,” send-ing the notes of that musical prayer echoing into the timelessness of the moment and fl oating toward the heavens in a fi tting benediction. “Please accept this fl ag on behalf of a grateful nation.” These reverent words are spoken as a deceased veteran’s appropriate family member is being presented with the nation’s fl ag. Members of the Rhode Island National Guard’s Funeral Honors Detachment speak these words on a daily basis. These dedicated men and women make certain that the last farewell to their comrades in arms is carried out with dignity and professionalism.

In order to ensure that each member of the Honors Detachment is



Members of the Rhode Island Militia prepare to fire their artillery piece.


“Direct commissions are only available to exceptional Soldiers” so states the regulations governing the Direct Commission Program, NGB-ARH Memo # 04-038.

So it is impressive that Staff Sgt. Damian Murphy of the Rhode Island Army National Guard was recently successful in obtaining a direct commis-sion to second lieutenant Dec. 16, 2008.

Even to be considered for a nomination for a DC, a Soldier must meet strict criteria. Part of what made Murphy so exceptional was that he had actually interrupted an earlier officer career path in Officer Candidate School in order to go to Iraq in 2005 with his Soldiers of D Company, 3/172nd Infantry Regiment.

This voluntary withdrawal from OCS initially labeled him “not eligible for a direct appointment” by the National Guard Bureau. However, Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray, the Adjutant General of Rhode Island, did not find that answer acceptable. An appeal was filed by the RING Director of Operations, Col. Joseph Rooney. Rooney said, “I wrote my letter explaining why Murphy’s disenrollment should be reex-amined. To the credit of the Army, they realized it was for altruistic reasons and granted him an exception to policy.”

Murphy was the first Rhode Island Army National Guard Soldier to successfully complete the entire direct commissioning process in four years. He is currently assigned to the 169th Military Police Company.

“I enjoy and look forward to the additional responsibility,” Murphy said of his commission. “I have already been a team and squad leader and wanted another opportunity to directly lead troops.”

2nd Lt. Damian Murphy receives rare Direct Commission By Sgt. Megan Burmeister

Staff Sgt. (Now 2nd Lt.) Damien Murphy in Iraq.

properly trained to correctly carry out their duties, members of the detach-ment are sent to Camp Robinson, Ark., to attend the Professional Education Center. Here they are taught all the necessary skills they will be required to perform at a military funeral. Their classes include drill and ceremony, the manual of arms, weapons training, the proper folding and presentation of the flag and one of the most important aspects of their training – the proper wearing of their uniform. The Funeral Honors Detail usually consists of seven members. These individuals must determine that their uniforms meet military regulations and are worn with professionalism and pride.

Upon graduating from the Profes-sional Education Center, each individ-ual is also certified to be an instructor and a facilitator. This ensures that all

new members of the detachment will be trained in the highest professional manner possible. On Friday, January 23, 2009, the newest members of the Rhode Island National Guard’s Funeral Honors Detachment were presented with their course comple-tion certificates and a hearty well done from State Command Sgt. Maj. John McDonough and Chief Master Sgt. Lori P. Casucci. Also present at the ceremony were Chief War-rant Officer 3 Paul Rao, program manager; Howard Jackson, civilian co-coordinator; and Chief Master Sgt. John Angellini, field NCOIC.

These Soldiers and Airmen went through forty hours of very intense training, and the smiles on their faces revealed the gladness and relief they felt upon completing the course. Their instructors were firm and relentless,

as they trained their pupils to execute every movement of the ceremony without hesitation or error.

The senior instructors were Spc. Rudy Bohorguez and Sgt. John Young. The professionalism and confidence they had instilled in their trainees was proof of the great job they had completed.

As with the military itself, our armed forces’ last farewell to comrades is steeped in custom and ceremony. Members of the Funeral Honors Detachment are tasked with ensuring that all Funeral Honors Ceremonies are conducted with professionalism and dignity. The training that these men and women receive ensures that no veteran will ever be deprived of this honor and that their legacy will be remembered by all who attended their memorial service.


In the front windows of the Dowler family’s home in Barrington two electric candles glow day and night, a symbol of hope — hope that a husband and son will return home from Iraq and Afghanistan safely.

For the wife and mother left waiting, Rosemarie Dowler, hope is what keeps her going.

Ms. Dowler knows well the struggles of having a loved-one serving in the military. Her husband, Charles, is a career military man in the Rhode Island Air National Guard. He has been serving in Afghanistan and was duehome fearlier this week. Her older son, Dereck, followed his father’s footsteps into the Air National Guard. He served for seven years beforehoe left military life. And Ms. Dowler’s younger son, Robert, is currently on active duty in Iraq. He is also in the Air National Guard.

Despite the drawbacks and diffi culties, Ms. Dowler said she is very proud of her family.

“Sme body’s got to do it. It helps so my grandchildren can sleep at night,” she said.

Rosemarie said it is diffi cult being the one keeping things together at ome . She has been on her own since her husband and son Robert were deployed in January. She expects them home sometime later this month or in June.

Rosemarie said it is the little things that get to her at times — handling alone the mundane tasks, like grocery shopping, or clean-ing the yard — that she and husband usually tackled together.

“It’s the stupid things, like taking out the trash, cleaning the cat box, anything to do with the computer,” she said.

On the plus side, she said the house stays cleaner and there is a lot less laundry.

Chuck works for Verizon Wireless when he is home. He is also the handyman for the ome , making sure the house is taken care of. He is usually involved with one project or another.

Beforehois latest deployment,hoe began building an addition and planned to make shelves for the new room. With him away from ome , sme fchanges had to be made.

“Ihoired sme one to do the shelves, which is really weird,” Rosemarie said, “it’s been lonely at ome .” In past years when her husband or elder son was deployed, her youngest was still ome . Now that has changed and brings new worries.

“Sme people worry about their kids skipping school for a day. I worry about mine not coming back alive,” she said.

Rosemarie said her strong relationship with her husband means she misses him on more than one level. The couple com-municate by e-mail and the occasional phone call, but there is no substitute for being there.

“He’s my best friend, that’s what makes it hard,” she said.Chuck has served more than 25 years in the Rhode Island Air

National Guard. He is now a Senior Master Sergeant,hcurrently serving in Afghanistan.

Duringhois years of service,hoe has been deployed to Egypt,hKuwait,hSaudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Panama and Columbia, as well as locations within the United States with Hme land Security. He is one of a team which performs emergency medevac; the team also provides all communications in support of combat operations,h

search and rescue, and unmanned aerial reconnaissance for southern Afghanistan.

Chuck said the most interestinghpart of ois job is meetinghpeople from all over the United States and all over the world.

“I enjoy talking with the locals, I fi nd it amazing sometimes that in the grand scheme of things the average Joe Citizen from a country like Afghanistan just keeps on doing their thing regardless of the war around them, whether it’s plantinghcrops, herding goats,hor building a mud house,” he said.

Chuck Dowler also mentioned how certain reptiles seem to fi nd him no matter where he is serving in the world.

“Ihoate snakes; yet no matter where I deploy I always seem to be the one to fi nd them. A couple of weeks ago I was moving some materials and had a viper give me a dirty look,” he said.

He has strong reasons for continuing to serve despite the diffi -culties or dealing with snakes and working thousands of miles away from the comfort of ome .

“For my family, friends,hneighbors and a way of life, I’d rather keep the counter-terrorist fi ght here and the folks in the United States out of oarm’s way,” he said.

Robert Dowler is a Senior Airman who has served in the Rhode Island Air National Guard for the past four years. His current deployment to Iraq is his fi rst overseas.

College benefi ts and continuing a family tradition are two of the reasons Robert chose to serve.

“My family has served in the U. S. military as far back as any of us can recall,” he said.

His job involves combat communications. “Things are not like they are back at ome . There are no phone

lines and Internet connections. We have to supply all those things ourselves and distribute them base-wide,” he said.

Dereck Dowler teaches math to high school students in Orange, Mass. During his seven years in the Air National Guard, he reached the rank of military staff sergeant.

“I fi nished out my contract and decided I had enough. I wanted to be able to focus on my career and my family,” he said.

Dereck and his wife Shannon have two children, Alex and Dant . The oldest grandson, Alex, two and a half, misses his grand-father Chuck, his “Poppa.” Although the child understands “Poppa’s helping people,” it’s still diffi cult.

“Alex no longer wants anybody getting on a plane,” Rosemarie said. Rosemarie said Dereck wanted to be there for those events that

are often impossible for sme one with a military career to attend.“He remembers what it was like to not have dad in the stands for

baseball and football games,” she said.

By Cindy VanSchalkwykBy Cindy VanSchalkwyk

In the front windowsof the Dowler family


State partnership brings BahamianState partnership brings BahamianState partnership brings BahamianFirst Responders To North ProvidenceFirst Responders To North ProvidenceFirst Responders To North Providence

Rhode Island’s partner in the State Partnership Pro-gram is the Bahamas. During the last few years, delega-tions from Rhode Island and the Bahamas have met to discuss new ideas and to implement new procedures, including a union between the University of Rhode Island and Bahamian Scholastic Institutions.

In the post 9/11 world, the U.S. government has not only assigned each state a partner, but various states have also been given the ability to respond to both man-made and natural hazards and emergencies.

Much of this has been achieved by disbursing hun-dreds of millions of dollars in grants to local communities in order for them to purchase new equipment and to be instructed in new training methods.

Members of the Bahamian Police and Fire Department were in North Providence this past winter to exchange ideas and discuss new methods of saving lives with their American counterparts.

Inspector Ernest Hanna of the Bahamian Police and Fire Department noted how impressed the delegation was with the equipment and knowledge being displayed.

Members of the Bahamian Delegation went on to explain that they deal with the same chemicals and hazards in the Bahamas as we do in the United States. They expressed the urgency they felt to become more educated and guided so they could become trainers and facilitators for their associates back home. They also said the programs were helpful in many ways, that they always return home with a wealth of knowledge to pass on to their peers.

Members of the Bahamian Police and Fire Department trained in North Providence with members of the North Providence Fire Department as part of the State Partnership Program

Members of the Bahamian Police and Fire Department trained in North


Rhode Island National Guard members gathered at the Thayer Ice Arena in Warwick on April 4, 2009, to raise money for the Soldiers and Airmen Relief Fund.

The Soldiers, Airmen and family members who attended the hockey game managed to raise $1,116 for the Soldiers and Airmen Relief Fund. The Soldiers and Airmen Relief Fund is designed to provide Soldiers and Airmen in need with funds to help them overcome difficult financial times.

The Rhode Island Army National Guard team was led by Capt. Brian Prochet. The game started with the Army team holding 4 to 1 lead. By the end of the second period, the Air Force team had tied the score and went on to score twice more in the third period. The Air Force team was led by former Lincoln High School teammates Garrett Riel and Zach Fletcher. The Air Force team’s high scorer was Lt. Col. Arthur Floru who either scored or assisted on all but one goal.

The Rhode Island Army National Guard team lost to the Rhode Island Air National Guard team, 6 to 5. Brig. Gen. Matthew D’zialo awarded the victors the Adjutant General’s Cup while the Army and Air Force songs played.

The Rhode Island Air Guard Hockey Team stands at attention for the Star Spangled Banner.

Soldiers and Airmen gather in the spiritof friendly competition and charity


On March 8, 2009, the 43rd Military Police Brigade underwent a Change of Command ceremony at Rhode Island College, Providence.

Col. James E. Keighley assumed command of the unit from Maj. Gen. Kevin R. McBride. Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray, the Adjutant General of the Rhode Island National Guard, presided over the Change of Command ceremony.

Soldiers from the 43rd Military Police Brigade were mobilized in August 2005, and after completing their initial combat training at Fort Dix, the unit was deployed to Iraq. Their mission was to provide command and control in support of Task Force 134 and Multi-National Force – Iraq. They also oversaw the closure of the Abu Ghraib Detention Center in July 2006, built a new detention

facility, and expanded an existing facility, making it the largest detention facility in the world. The 43rd MP Brigade was also responsible for the development of the Iraqi Corrections Offi cer Academy, which trained over 1600 Iraqi Correction Offi cers.

In June of 2007, the 169th Military Police Company was mobilized, and after completing their initial combat train-ing at Fort Dix, was deployed to Iraq. While in country, the unit went out on patrols with Iraqi Police Offi cers as part of their training and helped set up police stations throughout Al-Anbar Province. The unit’s work is expected to have a positive lasting effect in the Al-Anbar Province, once con-sidered one of the most dangerous regions in the country.

The company returned to Rhode Island June 26, 2008.

43rd Military Police Brigadechanges command

On March 8, 2009, the 43rd Military Police Brigade underwent a Change of Command ceremony at Rhode Island College, Providence.

Col. James E. Keighley assumed command of the unit

43rd Military Police Brigadechanges command

Guardsman receives safety award fromBrig. Gen. Brian GoodwinBy Capt. Jeffrey S. Kurtis, FA, OIC, Field Reset Program

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Feighery was presented Feb. 27, 2009, with the Assistant Adjutant General’s Coin for his excellence in the area of soldier safety for the Field Reset Program. Brig. Gen. Brian Goodwin made the presentation.

On Feb. 27, 2009, Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Feighery was presented with the Assistant Adjutant General’s Coin for his excellence in the area of Soldier safety for the Field Reset Pro-gram. Brig. Gen. Brian Goodwin made

the presentation. Feighery has been on ADSW orders since fall 2007 as the fi rst sergeant for the program. His duties include but are not limited to overall program supervision, fi nancial oversight, program direction, quality control, individual Soldier advisor, and ultimately, the primary source for all safety aspects of the operation.

Along with Goodwin in presenting the coin were Col. Walsh and Lt. Col. Entwistle. Goodwin reinforced how important safety is to mission accom-plishment as well as to the well being of each Soldier. He said he was aware of the occupational hazards while working within the maintenance area of the RI Army National Guard and that he appreciated Feighery’s atten-tion and dedication to this critical area of the Field Reset operation.

Feighery has personally initiated safety standards throughout the Field Reset program, which includes numer-ous maintenance bays and painting facilities. His creative and “out-of-the-box” thinking aimed a spot light on shop safety and has been the contributing factor in keeping Soldiers safe and working.

The establishment of a light-hearted “Wheel of Punishment” for safety viola-tions helps Soldiers remember to put safety fi rst. Upon an identifi ed violation, the Soldier will spin the wheel to exact his “punishment.” The wheel consists of about a dozen “reminders” ranging from the Soldier’s APFT maximum push-ups to commander’s discretion to a Get- out-of-Jail-Free space. All in all, the wheel has acted to enforce important and required safety standards, build camaraderie and increase physical fi tness. Feighery has signifi cantly contributed to the mission readiness of our redeploying units through his efforts in the Field Reset program.



No one is more professional than I.

I am a Noncommissioned Offi cer, a leader

of soldiers. As a Noncommissioned Offi cer,

I realize that I am a member of a time honored

corps, which is known as “The Backbone

of the Army”. I am proud of the Corps of

Noncommissioned Offi cers and will at all times

conduct myself so as to bring creditTwenty NCOs graduated April 5, 2009, from the Regional Training Institute in Camp Varnum. This was the Basic Noncommissioned Offi cers Course Class 09-001. On hand to congratulate the graduates were Command Sgt. Maj. John McDonough, Lt. Col. Ellis Hopkins, Commander of the 243rd RTI, and Capt. Kip Everett, Chaplain, JFHQ. The graduates received certifi cates and many kind words from the distinguished guests as well as inspirational words of spiritual encouragement from Capt. Everett.

As the graduates read the Creed of the Noncommissioned Offi cer, a

reverent silence seemed to fall over all of those present. Whenever you stop for a moment and read the words written in the Creed of the Noncommis-sioned Offi cer, try to realize what they truly mean. They are not just words to glance over, and then forget about, as many habitually do. We are Soldiers not civilians. As Soldiers, we are empow-ered to take our careers seriously and live these words, not just utter them. They are words often written in blood by Soldiers who have come before us and truly earned the title of NCO.

We are all well aware that the non-commissioned offi cer is the backbone of the Army. A true NCO will lead by example and never show favoritism. An NCO earns that title; it is not simply awarded. An NCO does not need to be loved or hated by their troops. An NCO needs to earn their respect and the confi dence. That is leadership. Anyone can be given the label “Leader,” but to earn the title is something to treasure for the rest of your life.

NCOs should always place their Soldiers before themselves and always ensure that the Soldier, the private fi rst class scanning for IEDs, the specialist sitting in the turret of a Humvee, the private who has not had a hot meal in four weeks, the specialist who does not have to worry about doing PT – when the 110-degree heat is evaporating their very being – that they are the fi rst line of defense, they are the tip of the spear. As NCOs it is our job to bring them home safely, in body, mind and spirit.

I realize that I am a member of a time honored

corps, which is known as “The Backbone

of the Army”. I am proud of the Corps of

Noncommissioned Offi cers and will at all times

conduct myself so as to bring creditconduct myself so as to bring creditTwenty NCOs graduated April 5, Noncommissioned Offi cers and will at all times

Twenty NCOs graduated April 5, Noncommissioned Offi cers and will at all times reverent silence seemed to fall over reverent silence seemed to fall over Noncommissioned Offi cers and will at all times reverent silence seemed to fall over Noncommissioned Offi cers and will at all times

conduct myself so as to bring creditreverent silence seemed to fall over

conduct myself so as to bring creditconduct myself so as to bring creditreverent silence seemed to fall over

conduct myself so as to bring credit

BNOC and theNCO CREED

of the Army. A true NCO will lead by example and never show favoritism. An NCO earns that title; it is not simply awarded. An NCO does not need to be

confi dence. That is leadership. Anyone can be given the label “Leader,” but to earn the title is something to treasure for the rest of your life.

Soldiers before themselves and always ensure that the Soldier, the private fi rst class scanning for IEDs, the specialist sitting in the turret of a Humvee, the

four weeks, the specialist who does not

the 110-degree heat is evaporating their very being – that they are the fi rst line of defense, they are the tip of the spear. As Twenty NCOs graduated April 5, 2009, from the Regional

Training Institute in Camp Varnum. Sgt. Christopher Chobanian reads the NCO Creed. The twenty were the Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course Class 09-001.

Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray, along with State Command Sgt Maj. John McDonough, traveled to Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., this past winter in order to convene with and attend briefi ngs by members of the Special Opera-tions Detachment-Global, Rhode Island Army National Guard. They also met with Army Brig. Gen. Hector E. Pagan, commander of Special Operations Component, U.S. Southern Command (SOC-SOUTH) and members of his command.

The two- day visit proved enlightening and also seemed to build a high degree of esprit de corps among the visiting general’s staff and the SOCSOUTH mem-bers. Pagan had high praise for the Rhode Island contingent and hoped that they would be involved in future missions.

On Saturday, March 28, 2009, 14 members of the S pecial Opera-tions Detachment-Global (SOD-G) returned home to Rhode Island.

Maj. Gen. Bray visits

SOCSOUTH

Maj. Michael Manning receives the Defense Meritorious Service Medal from Brig. Gen. Hector E. Pagan, Commanding General, HQ, Special Operations Component, U. S. Southern Command (SOCSOUTH).




Anti-Terrorism Exercise Heightens 143d Airlift Wing Awareness

During the September 2008 Uniform Training Assembly, the 143rd Airlift Wing underwent an

installation exercise at Force Protec-tion Condition DELTA, the fi rst time an exercise had been conducted at that level since the tragic events of 9/11.

In actuality, this exercise actually began in June during the Rhode Island Air Show. Army Intelligence opera-tives in civilian clothes were invited to attempt to exploit any weaknesses or vulnerabilities of the Quonset Air National Guard Base during what is known as a “Red Team” exercise. They played the role of a fi ctitious Al-Qaida cell in R.I. disguised as civilians here for the air show. The intelligence they gained during the June UTA was the driving force behind the September exercise which eventually drove the base to higher FPCON levels.

The exercise identifi ed several areas where the ANGB was prepared for a terrorist incident and other areas

where improvements were needed. Additionally, the Air Force Incident Management System, an overarching plan for dealing with a terrorist attack, was used.

However, the most important insight to come out of this new exercise was the lesson that we must be ready to respond to the threats we face in this Global War on Terror, both here and overseas, at a moment’s notice. The skills exercised in train-ing are directly applicable to those needed while deployed.

Remember, the next time you see someone walking through your area that doesn’t belong there, be sure to question them or call base security. The next time they may not be actors!

By Lt. Col. Peter Horne143 Airlift Wing/Anti-Terrorism Offi ce

Fully suited, the 143rd Airlift Wing Fire Department responds to a notional call of smoke in a building during the annual Anti-Terrorism Exercise at the 143d Air Wing, Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

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Ocean State Guardian - Spring 2009

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