Features
Nation’s Oldest Relieves Steel Spike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Teamwork in the Massachusetts National Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Military Police Soldiers Return Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Not Just a Shooting Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Vigilant Guard: Task Force Massachusetts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
On the Cover
Members of the Massachusetts National Guard’s 1st
Civil Support Team load one of their vehicles onto a
Mississippi Air National Guard C-17 as they prepare to
depart for a Vigilant Guard exercise in western New York,
Nov. 2, 2009 (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Don Veitch,
65th Press Camp Headquarters).
Visit the Massachusetts
National Guard Web site
www.ma.ng.mil
The Adjutant General
Maj. Gen. Joseph C. Carter
Camp Edwards Hosts Air Assault and Pathfinder Schools . . . . . . . . 18
102nd Intelligence Wing Dedicates DGS Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
National Guard Soldiers Steal Spotlight at PGA Event . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Guard Provides Support at Fall River Celebrates America Festival . . 25
Guard Unit Changes Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Departments
Command Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Service Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Short Takes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Public Affairs Officer
Maj. Lisa Ahaesy
Managing Editor
Maj. James Sahady
Staff
Lt. Col. Chuck Perenick
Lt. Col. Jack McKenna
Capt. Brett Walker
Master Sgt. Pallas Wahl
Sgt. 1st Class Steven Tedeschi
Staff Sgt. Don Veitch
Sgt. James Lally
Sgt. Cynthia Brabant
Senior Amn. Eric Kolesnikovas
Spc. Michael Broughey
Spc. Juan Carlos Leon, 211th Military Police Battalion,
Massachusetts National Guard, greets his family in a
taped message from Iraq. The video, a surprise for the
family, aired on the scoreboard at the Boston Bruins’
Seats for Soldiers event at the TD Garden in Boston,
Nov. 12, 2009 (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Don Veitch,
65th Press Camp Headquarters).
Maj. Gen. Joseph C. Carter, The Adjutant
General of the Massachusetts National
Guard, took time at the 39th Legislative
Conference, sponsored by the Congressional
Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., to pose for a
Cape Verde newspaper photo (Courtesy
photo by Ervin “Tootsie” Russell).
www.ma.ng.mil
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are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the National
Guard Bureau or the Massachusetts National Guard.
The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Government, the Department
of Defense, the National Guard Bureau or the Massachusetts National Guard.
The Nation’s First
1
Command Message
Enduring Sacrifice and
Demonstrated Bravery
I would like to take this opportunity to highlight
an enduring example of unequalled sacrifice and
courage displayed by Massachusetts Soldiers
about 150 years ago during a period when our
great nation struggled with ending the existence
of the long and degrading practice of slavery.
The prelude to the American Civil War included
John Brown’s raid on the federal arsenal at
Harpers Ferry, W. Va., in an effort to secure arms
for his vision of a slave rebellion, further fueling
the fire of ideological differences between the
North and South.
Secession of the southern states from the United
States began with South Carolina on Dec. 20,
1860, just prior to the March 4, 1861, inauguration of President Lincoln, and continued through
the firing by Confederate forces on federal Fort
Sumter on April 12, 1861, starting the American
Civil War.
service. Finally, on Jan. 26, 1863, shortly after
President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation
had gone into effect Jan. 1, 1863, Gov. Andrew
received correspondence from Edwin M. Stanton,
secretary of war, authorizing him to enlist into
service of the United States, “persons of African
descent.”
Recruiting for the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer
Infantry Regiment began immediately. The first
recruits arrived at Camp Meigs in Readville,
Mass., – now Hyde Park – in February 1863.
These new recruits who volunteered for service
in the Union Army displayed tremendous sacrifice and courage, considering the many years of
degradation and omission of citizenship and
equality they previously suffered.
At the outset, abolitionist Gov. John A. Andrew of
Massachusetts petitioned the federal government
to allow him to form a regiment of black Soldiers
within the Massachusetts Militia for service in
the Union Army.
It took nearly two years of bloody warfare
before blacks were allowed to even fight for the
Union in hopes of securing full citizenship for
themselves and future generations. Yet even
without guarantee of equal treatment, they
volunteered to help end the rebellion and restore
the union of the states despite unequal pay
and no authorization to receive commissions as
officers.
Gov. Andrew was repeatedly denied the authority
to officially raise a black regiment for federal
Consider for a moment the fact that they faced
the potential of being killed not only in combat
Col. Sterling D. MacLeod,
54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment Commander
but even had to overcome the threat of a death
sentence if captured by Confederate forces as
proclaimed by Jefferson Davis, Dec. 23, 1863.
Despite these obstacles, the 54th Massachusetts
Volunteer Infantry Regiment was formed,
trained and deployed to South Carolina where on
July 18, 1863, their accomplishments at Battery
Wagner immortalized the bravery and courage of
Soldiers of African descent. LUXEMBOURG – Members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, conducting its annual Fall Field Tour of Duty by visiting European battle
sites in Normandy, Belgium and Luxembourg, stand before a monument here, Oct. 9, 2009 (Courtesy photo).
The Nation’s First
3
Service Member Spotlight
Pfc. Andrea Miedzionoski
By Staff Sgt. April Mota, 101st Engineer Battalion
BAGHDAD – Less than one year ago, Pfc. Andrea Miedzionoski, Forward
Support Company, 101st Engineer Battalion, found herself signing on the
dotted line at her local military entrance processing station.
Miedzionoski, 30, from Peabody, Mass., now serves as a signal support
systems specialist, working on the company’s convoy support team and
helping maintain their radios.
with open arms. “I came into a tight-knit group and was instantly taken in
and warmly welcomed. I’ve quickly created a very strong bond with
everyone here. We’ve got a great team,” said Miedzionoski.
Since joining the unit, Miedzionoski has continuously stepped up to the
plate to get the job done, displaying the initiative and motivation of a well
seasoned Soldier. Miedzionoski was inspired by her cousin, an Army Ranger, to join the
Massachusetts Army National Guard. She saw the sense of pride he had
for himself and his country. “I was looking to have that same pride in
myself as my cousin had. I was looking for some meaning in my life,” said
Miedzionoski.
Miedzionoski attended basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., then went on
to her military occupational specialty school at Fort Gordon, Ga. She
graduated and immediately reported to her home station with the 101st
Engineer Battalion in Whitinsville, Mass. One day later, the unit departed
for their mobilization station at Fort McCoy, Wis., to begin the train up for
deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“Reporting to a unit that was leaving the next day was a little nerve
wracking; it definitely had its ups and downs. Ultimately, I think it was the
best situation though. I was still focused on my military training I had just
received,” Miedzionoski explained.
Her main concern with deploying so soon after graduating was that she
knew no one in the unit. But as soon as she arrived, she was welcomed
Pfc. Andrea Miedzionoski, Forward Support Company, 101st Engineer Battalion,
225th Engineer Brigade, from Peabody, Mass., works on verifying
communication frequencies of the command post’s radio (U.S. Army photo by
Staff Sgt. April Mota, 101st Engineer Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade).
Spc. Nickolay Bashko
By 2nd Lt. Amanda Ponn, 182nd Area Support Medical Company
READING, Mass. – Eight years ago at the age of 14, Spc. Nickolay Bashko,
182nd Area Support Medical Company, boarded a plane in the Eastern
European country of Belarus and traveled with his parents and younger
brother to establish a new home in the United States.
After graduating from Lynn, Mass., High School in 2004, Bashko enlisted
in the active duty Army and was stationed at Fort Irwin, Calif. “I was
looking for adventure,” he explains. In 2007, Bashko deployed for 14
months with the 557th Maintenance Company, an element of the National
Training Center Support Battalion. His unit was tasked with missions
different than what you might expect of a maintenance element, to include
convoy-recovery missions. Bashko’s primary job was security of entry
control points at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. On the transition from Fort Irwin
to Iraq, he jokes, “I was already used to the desert. Sometimes I felt like
we were just on the other side of Fort Irwin!”
While in Iraq, Bashko gained his U.S. citizenship and describes the
naturalization ceremony as one of the most memorable moments of the
deployment. “I was sworn in with over 200 others at the Al-Faw Palace in
Baghdad. There were soldiers from Russia there, but no one else from my
country, Belarus. It was really neat!”
Spc. Nickolay Bashko monitors a radio at a check point in Iraq during his 20072008 deployment with the 557th Maintenance Company from Fort Irwin, Calif.
Bashko is now assigned to the 182nd Area Support Medical Company, Concord,
126th Brigade Support Battalion, 26th “Yankee” Brigade, Massachusetts Army
National Guard (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Amanda Ponn, 182nd Area Support
Medical Company, Massachusetts National Guard).
Bashko, now 22, reported to the 182nd ASMC in March 2009 after serving
on active duty for three and a half years. He is a generator equipment
repair specialist in the company’s headquarters section. Bashko enjoys
serving in the Massachusetts Army National Guard because he is able to
attend college and also for the camaraderie he has found with his unit. The Nation’s First
5
Soldiers of the 101st Engineer Battalion and the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) face each other at attention during the transition-of-authority ceremony. On Aug. 30, 2009, at Camp Liberty, Baghdad, the 101st Engineer
Battalion officially relieved the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tracy Knowles, 101st Engineer Battalion, Multi-National Division Baghdad).
By 1st Lt. Michael R. Lind, 101st Engineer Battalion,
Multi-National Division Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Mark this date: history was made.
On Aug. 30, 2009, the 46th Engineer Combat
Battalion (Heavy) and 101st Engineer Battalion
swapped places in a symbolic transfer-ofauthority ceremony at Camp Liberty, Baghdad.
As the Steel Spike 46th steps down, the Nation’s
Oldest, the 101st, rises to fill their place in
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Serving in Iraq for 15 months, the 46th has been
awaiting the moment of departure. After nearly
three months of mobilization training, the
101st Engineer Battalion has been eager to take
the helm.
The 101st Engineer Battalion has a distinguished
record of service to the nation that dates back
more than 373 years. The unit participated in
numerous conflicts from the Colonial wars to the
present day Global War on Terror. Answering
the call yet again, the 101st began its journey to
Iraq in mid-June 2009. The only organic units
come in the form of Headquarters Support
Company and Forward Support Company, both
hailing from Massachusetts. The other units to
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Minuteman Winter 2010
Maj. Joshua Goodrich of Webster, Mass., and Command Sgt. Maj. Peter Chase of Derry, N.H., unfurl the 101st
Engineer Battalion colors during the transition-of-authority ceremony at Camp Liberty, Baghdad. On Aug. 30,
2009, the 101st Engineer Battalion officially relieved the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) of duty in
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tracy Knowles, 101st Engineer Battalion,
Multi-National Division Baghdad).
join are the 1434th Engineer Company (Vertical)
from Michigan, the 1192nd Engineer Company
(Horizontal) from Ohio, and the 621st Survey &
Design Team from North Carolina. Though all
elements left their home stations as separate
units, they came together to form one unified
battalion at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 101st
Command Sgt. Maj. Peter Chase said that the
unit “came together faster and closer than I
could have hoped for.”
From June until the beginning of August, the
101st worked long and hard to validate its
necessary mobilization tasks which included
construction effects, convoy operations, and
base defense. Once August rolled around, the
101st was deemed ready and flew to Camp
Buehring, Kuwait.
In Kuwait, the Nation’s Oldest acclimated to
the harsh desert environment while focusing
on IED defeat training, convoy operations,
counter-insurgency briefings and weapons
familiarization. Following a two-week stay at
Camp Buehring, the 101st packed up for
Baghdad.
Arriving in Iraq in mid-August, the 101st
conducted relief in place operations under the
guidance of the 46th. The intent of this transition
is to familiarize an incoming unit with the current
battlefield environment and to offer advice on
how to conduct in-theater operations. Chase
noted that because of the Steel Spike Battalion,
“The relief in place/transition of authority was
From left to right, Lt. Col. Matthew Zajac, Maj. Gen. Daniel Bolger, Maj. Joshua Goodrich and some special
guests salute during the national anthem at the transition-of-authority ceremony in Camp Liberty, Baghdad.
On Aug. 30, 2009, the 101st Engineer Battalion officially relieved the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy)
of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tracy Knowles, 101st Engineer Battalion,
Multi-National Division Baghdad).
smooth because our leaders in the 101st and
the 46th prepared us for success.”
In a symbolic transfer of authority ceremony,
Maj. Gen. Daniel Bolger, commanding general,
Multi-National Division Baghdad, said, “Every
combat engineer battalion that comes to Iraq
comes to fight and to work.” He conveyed to
each Soldier his satisfaction about a job well
done by the 46th while offering a few words to
the Soldiers of the 101st. “The 101st is tough,
smart ... ready to fight, ready to work, which
makes it easier for the 46th to go home today
with honor,” he said.
While the future remains uncertain, the Nation’s
Oldest is prepared with full confidence to meet
the challenges ahead. The Nation’s First
7
By Army Capt. Dustin Walker, 126th Brigade Support
Battalion, Massachusetts National Guard
CAMP EDWARDS, Mass. – I had never been to
an annual training. My friends thought I was
going on a vacation paid for by the commonwealth as they only heard “Cape Cod” when I
told them I would be gone for two weeks with
the 126th Brigade Support Battalion. It was no
vacation. It was something much more rewarding, and to sum up my experience in one word
it would be Teamwork.
Teamwork is often an overused term that should
be used with more discretion. However, it was
evident from the start of our annual training that
this word was appropriate . With many of our
Soldiers gone for deployments, at military
occupational specialty qualifying schools and
alternate ATs, our battalion had just over 100
Soldiers of widely varying MOSs. They had to
hone their MOS skills while maintaining tactical
proficiency that will keep them alive in combat.
With limited personnel numbers, a company
level task force was created integrating all of the
medical, signal, supply, transportation and
maintenance units for annual training, which
was named Task Force Viper.
Task Force Viper was responsible for executing
combat logistical patrols and humanitarian
8
Minuteman Winter 2010
medical missions in conjunction with realistic
enemy and civilian situations that patrols could
face overseas. An opposing force controlled by a
training team in Task Force Mohawk – battalion
headquarters – was constantly waiting for these
Viper patrols to put their MOS and tactical skills
to the test. Operating out of Tactical Training
Base Kelley, Viper executed the troop leading
procedures and refined standard operating
procedures. Soldiers gained tactical proficiency
in their battle drills. Logistical support was
transported and received; vehicles from both
Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment
(quick reaction force), provides covering fire to a
126th Brigade Support Battalion element being
engaged by an opposing force during annual training
2009 at Camp Edwards, Mass. (U.S. Army photo
courtesy of the 126th Brigade Support Battalion).
inside and outside Mohawk were recovered and
maintained; and medical training was conducted
on the training lanes at Falmouth Hospital and
during sick call. Watching Soldiers from
different companies and MOSs come together
was an amazing evolution during my time at
Camp Edwards.
Additionally, the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry,
was concurrently training at Camp Edwards.
Realizing the training opportunities our units
could create, we both came up with some new
coordinated scenarios for the Soldiers. The
181st’s B Company augmented some of our
opposing force elements, while Viper was
tasked with providing logistical support to 181st
headquarters with 181st’s D Company as a
quick reaction force element. After getting
attacked, Viper elements coordinated directly
with 181st battle space owners for help just as
they would in a real combat situation. Combined
after-actions reviews were conducted with the
181st, and many of the intricacies of coordinating
with inorganic elements in a combat situation
were identified by both units.
More teamwork was shown by Detachment
One, Company C of the Air Ambulance Unit
that flies out of Camp Edwards. They eagerly
showed the Viper Soldiers how to load a
Opposite page: Detachment One, Charlie Company,
provides air evacuation support to the 126th Brigade
Support Battalion (U.S. Army photo courtesy of the
126th Brigade Support Battalion).
casualty onto their new Pave Hawk helicopters
at Otis Air National Guard Base. Viper executed
medical evacuation missions later in the day,
and the pilots conducted several rotations to
ensure the maximum training value for their
crews and the Soldiers of the 126th BSB.
Lastly, the training would not have been possible
were it not for the coordination between the
126th BSB, the 26th Yankee Brigade and the
staff at Camp Edwards. Training needs and
requirements based on constant evaluations
drove the scenarios and exercises as opposed
to being inflexible to changes in the planned
training calendar.
Opposing Force personnel get ready prior to an engagement with 126th Brigade Support Battalion elements
(U.S. Army photo courtesy of the 126th Brigade Support Battalion).
I was left with one overarching theme driven
down from the leadership into the Soldiers’
ethos – genuine teamwork. This was epitomized
at the end of the training cycle when Lt. Col.
Thomas Stewart, commander of the 126th BSB,
brought his battalion together to watch the
movie “Miracle,” about the teamwork of the
1980 U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team defeating the Soviet Union. Stewart talked not only
about this application of teamwork to the 126th
internally, but about our bigger role as a player
in the National Guard and U.S. Army. As Stewart
said, “Extra attention to resourcing your unit’s
training enables us to train as we fight. The Battle
Focused Training manual spells it out when it
references the responsibilities of leaders to provide Soldiers with realistic, exciting, challenging
and demanding training. Partnering with other
units and agencies enables us to exponentially
increase this realism.”
The 126th BSB showed me that they are capable
of being the type of team players necessary
to accomplish their missions and that this
application of teamwork doesn’t end with the
126th BSB – it is widespread throughout the
Massachusetts National Guard. Multi-echelon training with the 182nd Air Support Medical Company and Detachment One, Charlie Company, Massachusetts National Guard (U.S. Army photo
courtesy of the 126th Brigade Support Battalion.)
The Nation’s First
9
Military Police Soldiers Return Home
By Army Maj. James Sahady
Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs
TAUNTON, Mass. – Not even the cold and cloudy
afternoon distracted the more than 200 family
members, friends and fellow Soldiers welcoming
home the 165 members of the 772nd Military
Police Company of the Massachusetts National
Guard at the Taunton Armory on Oct. 17, 2009.
Flags, signs, balloons, yellow bows and a stream
of red, white and blue were lined up outside the
armory, as the large crowd anxiously awaited
the return of the Soldiers.
Capt. Derek Baran, commander, 772nd Military Police
Company, Massachusetts National Guard, marches
his unit in front of a cheering crowd outside the
Taunton Armory, Oct. 17, 2009 (U.S. Army photo by
Maj. James Sahady).
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Minuteman Winter 2010
Nearly one year ago, Soldiers of the 772nd said
goodbye to their families on the Green. The
772nd Military Police Company mobilized in
October 2008 at Fort Dix, N.J. This October day,
they were home marching on Route 44, headed
toward a cheering crowd.
“It is good to be home!” said Spc. Stephen
McKenna of Natick, a three-year veteran of the
Massachusetts National Guard surrounded by
several family members and friends. McKenna
said he conducted security patrols as part of his
duties and that it was a relief to be back home.
The Soldiers spent the last year in Iraq training,
mentoring and coaching Iraqi Police. The unit
was led by Capt. Derek Baran of Marblehead,
Mass., a 12-year veteran of the Massachusetts
National Guard, and 1st Sgt. Edward Peterson
of Billerica, Mass., a 21-year Massachusetts
National Guard veteran.
The Soldiers of the 772nd are no strangers to
law enforcement. Baran has been a trooper for
four years with the Massachusetts State Police,
and Peterson is a four-year officer of the
Billerica Police Department. About 40 percent of
the unit are employed by federal, state and
municipal agencies, and about 50 percent have
deployed overseas in the past.
Sgt. Jon Rose of Fall River, Mass., a team leader
for the 772nd with 18 years in the Massachusetts
National Guard, said, “We conducted security
patrols and vehicle checkpoint operations as
part of our mission; it was very satisfying to
complete it and return home.”
Rose, who has now completed tours of duty
in both Afghanistan and Iraq, was reunited
with his wife, Sarah, and his two daughters,
Lauren and Maegan. Rose is also a five-year
veteran of the Fall River Police Department.
“I’m looking forward to returning to the force,”
he said.
Sgt. Glen MacDonald, also of Fall River, Mass.,
a team leader for the 772nd with 13 years in the
Guard, echoed that it was good to be home.
MacDonald, who served four years in the U.S.
Marine Corps, has also been deployed to both
Afghanistan and Iraq.
MacDonald said the company served as a
“Police Transition Team” and assisted the Iraqi
Police to become a better trained force.
MacDonald also has a background in law
enforcement and has spent five years with the
Fall River Police Department.
There were thoughts Saturday of Spc. Matthew
Pollini of Rockland, Mass., who wasn’t among
the group returning home. Pollini, a newlywed,
was killed in January when his vehicle overturned near al-Kut, Iraq.
Sen. Marc Pacheco, D-Taunton, was in attendance
to show his support for the troops. “We’re very
Outside the Taunton Armory, Oct. 17, 2009, Sgt. Jon Rose, team leader, 772nd Military Police Company,
Massachusetts National Guard, reunites with his family after a one-year deployment to Iraq. From left to right,
Rose’s daughter Lauren, his wife, Sarah and daughter Maegan (U.S. Army photo by Maj. James Sahady).
pleased that all but one member came back
to us safe and sound,” Pacheco said. “We did
lose one man in an accident, and our hearts go
out to his family. This is a real celebratory day
for the families who have been waiting a year
for their return. These men and women are
true patriots.”
A more formal welcome home ceremony for the
Soldiers has yet to be scheduled. After a one-year deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sgt. Glen MacDonald, team leader,
772nd Military Police Company, Massachusetts National Guard, reunites with his family outside the Taunton
Armory, Oct. 17, 2009. From left to right, MacDonald’s wife, Tracie, his daughter, Rylie, sons, Aiden and Logan
(U.S. Army photo by Maj. James Sahady).
The Nation’s First
11
Not Just a Shooting Match
By Sgt. 1st Class Steve Tedeschi, Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs
FORT DEVENS, Mass. – For some Soldiers, the Northeast Marksmanship
Competition can be a shooting match for competing regionally.
The 2009 competition was held over a four-day period, from Sept. 10-13.
Not even the rain kept the Soldiers from competing. The inclement
weather did slow the competition down at times, wetting down the targets
and making the scoring difficult for the competitors. “If you live in New
England, you learn to shoot in every weather condition that there is,” said
Sgt. 1st. Class Peter Scirpo, senior marksmanship coordinator, Small
Arms Readiness and Training Section, Joint Force Headquarters,
Connecticut National Guard.
Although the number of competitors was down this year from last year
because of many units deploying, Sgt. 1st Class Millard Butler of SARTS
JFHQ Vermont National Guard, the Pistol Range NCOIC, and a four-year
veteran of the regional match, said, “There is starting to be more participation because we are going to war now. People are realizing they need
to stay alive. They need to learn how to shoot. So they now know they
need to get into the program instead of sitting back like before.” SARTS
organizers of the competition are hoping that the word will get out about
the annual match for next year’s competition.
Soldiers and Airmen are starting to see the competition as an opportunity
to sharpen their skills to keep themselves alive if and when they are
deployed. “Matches encourage competition, and competition encourages
people to do better at what they do,” said Sgt. 1st Class Rocky Richards,
SARTS JFHQ, New Hampshire National Guard, and NCOIC of the rifle
range during the competition.
Sgt. David Hobbs of the 110th Maintenance Company, a match competitor,
said, “This is extremely important. Most National Guardsmen only get to
shoot once a year. As much time as you can get on the range is important
to your fundamentals. Shooting is a perishable skill. If you don’t do it that
often, you lose whatever you learned the last time you went,” noted Hobbs.
“You can’t go wrong with getting trigger time. The thing about the Guard
is everyone gets to shoot once a year. No one gets the trigger time that
they really need,” echoed Sgt 1st Class Tighe Spady, also from the 110th
Maintenance Company.
“It is an important skill – shooting,” said Butler. “All the other stuff seems
to get a lot of attention, but the bottom line is what brings a Soldier back
home to his family if he gets into a firefight and is able to hit his target.
So this is one of the most important skills, and I’m glad it is getting a little
recognition.”
SARTS organizers of the competition are hoping that the word will get out
about the annual match for next year’s competition. Soldiers and Airmen
wanting to compete in the annual event should start preparing in the
spring for the September match. The Nation’s First
13
By Army Staff Sgt. Don Veitch, 65th Press Camp Headquarters
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – More than 230 Massachusetts National Guard
Soldiers and Airmen traveled to Western New York to participate in
Operation Vigilant Guard on Nov. 2, 2009.
Vigilant Guard is a national exercise providing an opportunity for National
Guard units to train in emergency response situations and work with
local, state and federal agencies. National Guard Bureau and United States
Northern Command sponsor the quarterly Vigilant Guard exercises.
The five-day military/civilian disaster response exercise simulated a 5.9magnitude earthquake striking the Niagara Falls region. The scenario
called for catastrophic damage throughout the area and multiple training
sites to simulate an overwhelmed local response force, requiring outside
assistance.
The size of the exercise provided training for individuals and units as well
as command and control elements managing the logistics involved in
moving housing and feeding the troops from multiple states.
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Minuteman Winter 2010
Sgt. 1st Class Michael Kleinebreil, reconnaissance noncommissioned officer,
1st Civil Support Team, Massachusetts National Guard, listens to a training
mission brief prior to entry into an earthquake damaged building as part of a
Vigilant Guard exercise in Lockport, N.Y., Nov. 3, 2009. The training scenario
outlined the damaged building as a PVC pipe factory that became a chemical
danger to the community and the environment (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt.
Don Veitch, 65th Press Camp Headquarters).
“This is the first time we’ve seen anything of this magnitude,” said Warren
DeTemple, technological hazard program specialist, Federal Emergency
Management Agency. Exercises like this strengthen the interoperability
between the National Guard and civilian teams, he said.
Massachusetts Guardsmen role-played assisting the local response
teams as different states rotated through the exercise. The 1st Civil
Members of the Massachusetts National Guard’s Chemical, Biological,
Radiological, Nuclear or High Yeld Explosive Enhanced Response
Force Package remove a casualty with a flexible litter from the ‘rubble
pile’ training site in Tonawanda, N.Y., Nov. 3, 2009. The CERFP
provided casualty search and rescue, casualty decontamination and
medical support on site (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Don Veitch,
65th Press Camp Headquarters).
The Nation’s First
15
Support Team loaded their equipment and personnel onto a
Mississippi Air National Guard C-17 and flew out of Hanscom
Air Force Base and set up at an abandoned building in
Lockport, N.Y.
The building represented a PVC pipe factory that had been
damaged during the quake and posed a hazard to the community and environment. CST members donned protective
gear and searched for toxins. During the search, team members discovered evidence of drugs and documented their
findings.
The main training area, “the rubble pile,” was more than 20
miles northeast in Tonawanda, N.Y. The rubble pile is filled
with debris that simulates a multi-story building leveled by
an earthquake with mass casualties and obstacles.
The casualties were a combination of medical dummies
and live role-players with various applications of trauma
makeup. The pile’s obstacles included uneven terrain,
collapsed concrete and crushed cars.
The site provided room for the hundreds of military and
civilian workers to spread out their personnel and
equipment for chemical, biological, radiological,
nuclear or high yield explosive training exercise.
“You need to have something like this,” said Lt. Col.
Matthew Cooper, weapons of mass destruction
branch chief, Joint Force Headquarters-N.Y. “Look at
Sgt. James
Massachus Kivlehan (left) and
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Staff Sgt. Edward M. Cole, ropes squad leader, Massachusetts CERFP, monitors radio traffic during a Vigilant Guard exercise in Tonawanda, N.Y., Nov. 3, 2009
(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Don Veitch, 65th Press Camp Headquarters).
16
Minuteman Winter 2010
the number of people being trained. You can’t
replace that.” He said the rubble pile here is
important because it is a live pile that isn’t
strapped down and provides more realistic
training.
The Massachusetts CBRNE Enhanced Response
Force Package provided casualty search and
rescue, casualty decontamination and medical
support on site. Search and rescue personnel
scoured the debris looking for casualties and
carefully moved them out to either medical
decontamination or treatment areas.
“This is the biggest exercise I’ve been involved
in,” said Staff Sgt. Edward M. Cole, ropes squad
leader, Massachusetts CERFP.
Cole said his team was responsible for evaluating
and extracting casualties and was excited to be
out training to save lives. Disaster response
training is a break from the regular drill, he said.
“The site was very realistic,” said Sgt. Charles
Rozier, a medic team leader with the 79th
Troop Command, Massachusetts National
Guard. “The most rewarding part of the exercise
was getting everyone together and building
some cohesion,” he said.
The injured that were moved off the rubble pile
were moved through the decontamination
stations when necessary. The decontamination
teams would then sanitize the casualty so they
could receive proper medical treatment.
“We can treat anything from advanced cardiac
life support, intubation, stabilization through
fractures,” said Air Force Capt. Christina
Sampsonis, physician assistant, 102nd Medical
Group, Massachusetts National Guard. During
the training day, the medical personnel treated
18 critical patients, said Sampsonis.
Sampsonis said the CERFP’s mission was to
replace the local counterpart without disruption.
“Our medical group is outstanding,” said
Sampsonis. “Everyone does a great job.” Their
success is a result of the quality of the personnel
assigned, she said.
The Massachusetts Guardsmen left New York
better prepared to handle the real-world situations the exercise simulated and with invaluable
experience on the rubble pile.
DeTemple said the event was beyond expectations and felt that each state should host a
Vigilant Guard exercise. Members of the Massachusetts National Guard’s
Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive
Enhanced Response Force Package prepare to
decontaminate a simulated casualty as part of a
Vigilant Guard exercise in Tonawanda N.Y., Nov. 3,
2009. The CERFP provided casualty search and rescue, casualty decontamination and medical support
on site (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Don Veitch,
65th Press Camp Headquarters).
The Nation’s First
17
Soldiers from the Massachusetts National Guard, the Virginia National
Guard and the Pennsylvania National Guard practice rappelling out of a
hovering UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at the Regional Training Institute
Air Assault school in Camp Edwards, Mass., Aug. 20, 2009
(U.S. Army photo by Capt. Brett Walker).
Camp Edwards Hosts Air Assault and
Pathfinder Schools
By Army Capt. Brett Walker, Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs
CAMP EDWARDS, Mass. – More than 150 Soldiers from across the
country earned the privilege of wearing the Army’s coveted Air Assault
badge through completion of an intensive 10-day school at Camp
Edwards’ Regional Training Institute in August. The school trained Soldiers
in methods of harnessing equipment and personnel to helicopters for
expedited transportation to and from the battlefield.
The Camp Edwards Air Assault school began Aug. 11, 2009, with more
than 250 students. Army Staff Sgt. Scott Corbin, an Air Assault instructor
with Company B of the National Guard Warrior Training Center, said that
within the first few hours nearly 50 of those students had already been
excused from the training – screened out by a rigorous obstacle course
recently built to specific Air Assault standards. The attrition rate continued
to climb as 50 more students were dismissed for failing to complete the
six-mile and 12-mile ruck marches in the allotted time and using improper
procedures for passing the sling-load test.
Army Spc. Brett Smith of the 116th Infantry Regiment, Virginia National
Guard, agreed that the most difficult part of the school was the sling-load
test, in which students had to identify proper techniques of affixing large
pieces of military equipment to a helicopter. He also asserted that his
favorite part of the school was rappelling out of a helicopter hovering 80
feet above the ground.
Army Sgt. Miranda Carter, Virginia National Guard, who graduated from
Air Assault school last summer, said, “Rappelling out of the aircraft is the
most fun – it’s the adrenaline of the moment.”
18
Minuteman Winter 2010
Sgt. 1st Class Allen Watts, noncommissioned officer in charge of Air Assault
school at Camp Edwards, demonstrates the reliability of his equipment to Soldiers
gathered 80 feet below on Lee Field at Camp Edwards, Mass., Aug. 20, 2009
(U.S. Army photo by Capt. Brett Walker).
This year, it was Carter’s responsibility to provide administrative assistance
to the 55 cadets attending the school. The cadets, all of whom are drilling
members of their respective state National Guards, demonstrated a higher
graduation rate than the general ratio in the class.
“I think their college studying skills have a lot do with it,” said Carter. She
also noted that the cadets were in particularly good physical condition
because they had recently completed their leadership development camp.
The cadets hailed from colleges in South Dakota, Montana, Virginia and
North Carolina. Some Soldiers traveled even further than that to attend
the Air Assault school here. National Guard Soldiers from as far west as
Washington and Oregon supplemented members of the Massachusetts
National Guard participating in the training.
Simultaneous with the Air Assault training taking place on Camp Edwards,
noncommissioned officers from the Warrior Training Center were also
instructing 37 National Guard Soldiers on Pathfinder operations elsewhere
on the same Army installation.
Army Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raudszus, a Pathfinder instructor, said,
“Pathfinder school is similar to Air Assault school, but more detailed.”
Pathfinder school is four days longer than Air Assault school. It also
includes a two-day culmination exercise in which students are evaluated
on their knowledge of the course material, ability to apply that knowledge
in a field environment, ability to devise a proper plan, and leadership skills.
The course includes procedures for harnessing military equipment to
helicopters, but mainly focuses on teaching Soldiers to set up drop zones
for individuals and equipment parachuting out of aircraft.
“I would say right now the focus of Pathfinder operations
is leaning toward Afghanistan for aerial resupply missions,”
said Staff Sgt. Troy Richardson, a Pathfinder instructor.
Richardson said the two hardest parts of the training
are the written drop zone test and the practical
sling-load inspection.
The difficulty of the sling-load test is a recurring theme
linking the Pathfinder school and the Air Assault school,
but it is also may be the most important part.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Crookstan, a member of the
141st Military Intelligence Battalion, Utah National Guard,
and one of the Air Assault school students, said, “The
ability to properly use sling-load techniques is the most
important part of the school because it will allow Army
forces to transport Soldiers and equipment over natural
and enemy-emplaced obstacles.”
Army Spc. Sterling Hacker, another member of Virginia’s
116th Infantry Regiment, was among the 153 Soldiers who
graduated from Air Assault school at Camp Edwards Aug. 21, 2009. Hacker
has only one regret regarding the training he received, “If only they’d let us
do the Aussie rappel,” he said, referring to a face-first form of rappelling.
The Air Assault and Pathfinder students learned a lot over the two weeks.
Among the lessons learned were methods of integrating air assets into
ground maneuver operations and knowledge of the first-class training
facilities available on the Massachusetts Military Reservation. Cadre member Cpl. Derek Bates, Company B, Army National Guard Warrior Training Center, commands an Air Assault student to rappel from a UH-60 Black Hawk
helicopter as part of the final task in the course at Lee Field on Camp Edwards, Mass., Aug. 20, 2009 (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael V. Broughey).
The Nation’s First
19
102nd Intelligence Wing Dedicates DGS Facility
By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Reitano, 102nd Intelligence Wing Public Affairs
OTIS ANG BASE, Mass. – The 102nd Intelligence Wing officially marked
the initial operating capability of the 102nd Intelligence Group’s $1.8
million Distributed Ground Station facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony
Nov. 6, 2009.
Maj. Gen. Joseph C. Carter, Massachusetts National Guard Adjutant
General, presided over the event, which was attended by Maj. Gen. Michael
Akey, Massachusetts Air National Guard Commander, Col. Anthony
Schiavi, 102nd Intelligence Wing Commander, Col. David DeNofrio, 950th
Electronic Systems Group Commander, as well as elected officials and
community leaders.
The Air Force DCGS is a weapon system that provides multi-discipline
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance decision superiority information to U.S., allied, coalition military forces, government agencies, and
emergency first-responders.
“This is a world-class weapons system,” said DeNofrio. “There is no other
Air Force, service or combat support agency that has anything that can
hold a candle to what is in front of you.”
The 950th ELSG, based at Hanscom AFB, Mass., was responsible for
developing, acquiring and integrating the highly classified technologies
behind the weapons system.
“With each change in unit designation and mission and the arrival of new
and more advanced aircraft, in each era of its existence, Otis Air National
Guard Base has been on the cutting edge of America’s air defense system,”
said Carter. “So it’s really not remarkable that we gather here today to
acknowledge the beginning of a new mission for Otis and a new era for
the 102nd Intelligence Wing.”
The intelligence facility is part of the Air Force’s larger network-centric
Distributed Common Ground System of ground stations, distributed
sites, collaborative work centers, and remote sites that produce strategic,
operational, and tactical intelligence supporting combat operations.
“This interim facility will allow intelligence analysts to execute their
wartime mission while awaiting construction of the new facility,” said
Col. James LeFavor, 102nd Intelligence Group Commander.
The permanent $14.4 million, 33,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to
be operational in 2011 and will allow the intelligence group to perform the
full range of its mission.
The 102nd Intelligence Wing, Otis Air
National Guard Base Operations Center of
the new Distributed Common Ground
System mission. The new mission provides
multi-discipline intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance decision superiority
information to U.S., allied and coalition
military forces, government agencies and
emergency first-responders across the full
range of military operations (U.S. Air Force
photo by Master Sgt. Sandra Niedzwiecki).
A member of the 102nd Intelligence Wing,
Otis Air National Guard Base, Cape Cod,
Mass., analyzes mission data as part of
the Intel Wing’s new Distributed Common
Ground System mission. The new mission
provides multi-discipline intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance decision
superiority information to U.S., allied
and coalition military forces, government
agencies and emergency first-responders
across the full range of military operations.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt.
Sandra Niedzwiecki)
20
Minuteman Winter 2010
Otis intelligence analysts have been performing
the DGS mission at other locations worldwide
since 2008. With the addition of this facility, those
same Guardsmen will now be able to support the
fight on terrorism from their home state of
Massachusetts.
The new Otis facility, dubbed DGS-Massachusetts,
is the 11th such location to commence operations
– joining five active duty and five Air National
Guard sites within the Air Force. Once the permanent facility is completed, Otis will become the
third Air National Guard site, after Kansas and
Indiana, to operate a full-range DGS.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the official
party and more than 100 Otis personnel attended a
ground breaking ceremony at the future site of the
permanent DGS facility.
“With the support of our federal and state civilian
and military leadership, we were fortunate to
secure the funding to build this state-of-the-art
intelligence facility,” said Schiavi. The new facility
will be energy efficient and environmentally
compliant.
In an effort to facilitate the construction process,
Schiavi, a licensed heavy equipment operator,
climbed into an excavator and began demolishing
an old security forces operations center where the
new intelligence center will be located. The Nation’s First
21
National Guard Soldiers Steal Spotlight
at PGA Event
By Army Capt. Brett Walker
Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs
NORTON, Mass. – Hall of Fame Red Sox outfielder Jim Rice is notorious for his aversion to
reporters, but there was no evidence of that
when he was approached by a military journalist
Sept. 1, 2009, at the opening of the PGA Tour’s
Deutsche Bank Championship in Norton, Mass.
“You protect us and provide us that important
service, so we try to provide entertainment to
you through sports,” said Rice, who played 16
seasons with the Boston Red Sox. “If we didn’t
have a strong military working for us, we’d be at
war all of the time and never have time to play
baseball or golf.”
Pictured from left to right: Brett Quigley, current professional golfer; Fred Lynn, former Boston Red Sox player;
Sgt. John O’Riordan, Massachusetts National Guard and Purple Heart recipient; Staff Sgt. Dale Beatty, former
member, North Carolina National Guard and Purple Heart recipient; Sgt. Gerald Tehan, Massachusetts National
Guard and Purple Heart recipient; and Andy Brickley, former Boston Bruins player, pose before the start of the
Pro-Am golf tournament preceding the official Deutsch Bank Championship on Sept. 1, 2009, in Norton, Mass.
(U.S. Army photo by Maj. James Sahady).
Rice joined 20 other legendary Boston-based
athletes, 21 professional golfers, 63 talented
amateur duffers and the Massachusetts Army
National Guard at the Players Club of Boston for
PGA Tour golfer Brad Faxon gives advice to Hall
of Fame outfielder Jim Rice. They won the PGA’s
Deutsche Bank Pro-Am in Norton, Mass., Sept.
1, 2009. Both athletes took time to converse with
members of the Massachusetts Army National
Guard during the tournament (U.S. Army photo
by Capt. Brett Walker).
Capt. Brett Walker, public affairs officer, caddies for
PGA Tour golfer Rick Price (center), while Boston
Bruins Color Commentator Andy Brickley, sporting
a yellow ribbon, approaches his ball during the
PGA’s Deutsche Bank Pro-Am in Norton, Mass.,
Sept. 1, 2009 (Photo by Brad Owens).
22
Minuteman Winter 2010
a charitable Pro-Am golf tournament preceding
the official Deutsche Bank Championship.
The spotlight was certainly on the athletes, but
the presence of the Massachusetts Army National
Guard was apparent and appreciated. Three
M-109 howitzers firing 12 rounds made sure of
that – both announcing the presence of the Guard
and serving an integral role in signaling the start
of the shotgun style Pro-Am game.
“Having the military out here is really a big deal,”
attested Matt Toenjes, tournament coordinator
for the PGA, succinctly summarizing the sentiment of the PGA and the 1,700 volunteers
supporting the Deutsche Bank Tournament, the
vast majority of whom were sporting yellow
ribbons on their chests.
“All PGA tournaments have a military focus now,”
said Toenjes.
He noted that most PGA tournaments have at
least one day where members of the military are
granted free admission. Some tournaments go
even further, such as the AT&T National in
Washington, D.C., where wounded veterans do
some of the television commentary.
In his eight years as the PGA’s tournament
coordinator, this was the first time Toenjes had
seen howitzers participate in the festivities.
Sgt. 1st Class William Murphy was the gunnery
sergeant for the detachment of the 1st Battalion,
101st Field Artillery Regiment, that attended the
Deutsche Bank Championship. Murphy has participated in about 300 ceremonial artillery events,
10 already this year. He concurred that this was
the first time his unit supported this particular
event. “Every time you fire the guns, it’s training,
even if they’re blanks,” said Murphy. “Plus it’s fun.”
The same Soldiers who fired blank rounds from
M-109 howitzers at the golf tournament will likely
be firing live rounds out of M-119 howitzers in Iraq
soon, as they will be deploying to Iraq in 2010.
The extent of the military involvement at the PGA
Tour event far exceeded the artillery salute. Brig.
Gen. Thomas J. Sellars, commander of the
Massachusetts Army National Guard, gave the
opening remarks and emphasized the professionalism of the PGA. “The mark of a truly
professional organization is how they give back
to the community in which they live.”
Two wounded Soldiers from the Massachusetts
National Guard, Sgt. Gerald Tehan and Sgt. John
O’Riordan, and one wounded Soldier from the
North Carolina Army National Guard, Staff. Sgt.
Dale Beatty, were honored before the assembled
participants of the Pro-Am.
Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Sellars, Massachusetts Army National Guard Commander, poses with former Red Sox
stars Dennis Eckersley, Jim Rice and Fred Lynn at the PGA’s Deutsche Bank Pro-Am in Norton, Mass.,
Sept. 1, 2009 (U.S. Army photo by Maj. James Sahady).
to sign autographs, take photos and converse
with members of the Massachusetts Army
National Guard.
Former Patriots linebacker and recent Football
Hall of Fame inductee Andre Tippett stopped
between the 11th and 12th hole to address a
uniformed Soldier.
“Any time we can reach out to the military
service, be it through donations or charity
events or professional sports, it’s a good thing,”
said Tippett. “We appreciate their service and
what they’re doing.”
Brad Owens, a professional caddie, hailed a
National Guard Soldier from the sidelines and
offered him the opportunity to caddie a hole for
PGA Tour golfer Rick Price.
“I like the military’s involvement with this
event,” said Owens handing over the bag of golf
clubs. “If you’re American, you better.”
Price was equally outgoing in his appreciation of
members of the Massachusetts Army National
Guard. “It’s awesome to have you guys out here,”
said Price to his interim caddie. “I do not have
any military background, but I certainly support
the troops.”
Brad Faxon, a front runner on the PGA Tour,
approached a uniformed Army officer just before
teeing off on the 14th hole to greet him and
make small talk.
“Ask any athlete what is the most important
tournament to win, and they’ll say the majors
followed by the tournament closest to home,”
said Faxon, who is from Rhode Island. “This is
my Fenway Park. This is my Gillette Stadium.”
Faxon realized the preliminary part of his goal.
His five-some, which included Rice, won the ProAm portion of the tournament. Ultimately, he did
not win the Deutsche Bank Championship, but
he, along with the Boston sport legends and the
PGA, certainly created a winning atmosphere
for the members of the Massachusetts Army
National Guard. Maureen O’Conner, course chairwoman for the
tournament, said that free tickets will also be
offered to Soldiers for the tournament, along
with access to the exclusive Master Card Club,
where refreshments may be purchased.
Speculating on the origin of the tournament’s
military focus, Dave Anderson, chairman of the
championship support staff for the Deutsche
Bank Championship, said, “I think it was just
proposed at a meeting and received overwhelming support.”
Beyond the obvious gestures of recognition, the
tournament’s participants proved their individual
appreciation for military service by taking time
The Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment,
Massachusetts Army National Guard, fire their M-109 howitzers to signify the start of PGA’s Deutsche Bank
Pro-Am in Norton, Mass., Sept. 1, 2009 (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Brett Walker).
The Nation’s First
23
By Army Capt. Brett Walker, Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs
FALL RIVER, Mass. – Various elements of the Massachusetts National
Guard assisted the Fall River Chamber of Commerce in providing
wholesome entertainment for nearly 100,000 people at the Fall River
Celebrates America Festival Aug. 8-10, 2009.
“The National Guard is a very important component,” said Robert
Mellion, chief executive officer of the Fall River Chamber of Commerce.
“Not just for security, but also to help spotlight volunteerism and
community involvement.”
The festival featured carnival rides, live bands, illusionists, dance troupes,
an exotic animal display, obstacle courses for children, locally prepared
foods and beverages, fireworks and an amateur singing competition
called Fall River Catches a Star.
Members of the 101st Field Artillery Battalion, 181st Engineer Battalion and
the 976th Military Police Battalion all volunteered to provide assistance
to the city of Fall River in administering the annual event. Sgt. Gabriel
Amaral of the Recruiting and Retention Command, Massachusetts Army
National Guard, described the Soldiers’ mission as providing security,
helping the chamber of commerce and simply maintaining a presence.
Recruiters were also on hand to discuss opportunities in the
Massachusetts Army National Guard with eligible citizens.
Mellion was very pleased with the conduct of the Guard members at the
festival. “We are very, very grateful that the Massachusetts National
Guard has volunteered to participate in this festival. It’s been discussed
repeatedly by our board how appreciative we are,” he said.
Dressed as a pirate and toting a live parrot, Rick Oliveros was the
manager of the Kids World section of the festival for the second year
in a row.
“The Massachusetts National Guard gives everyone the sense of a quiet,
controlled, safe environment,” said Oliveros. “It’s really important to
give parents that sense of security that comes from having the National
Guard here.”
In addition to placating the fears of parents, the presence of the
Massachusetts National Guard also convinced the Department of
Homeland Security to allow the carnival section of the festival to extend
onto an international shipping dock. According to Oliveros, that was a
strict stipulation imposed by the Department of Homeland Security.
“We couldn’t put on the festival without the Massachusetts National
Guard,” said Oliveros.
Organizers of the festival were not the only ones to welcome the Soldiers.
Michael DeAlmeida was the Fall River Catches a Star singing competition
champion in 2006 and was asked to come back this year as the master
of ceremonies. “It’s nice to put a face to the men and women serving our
country,” he said.
The Massachusetts National Guard’s tent was overwhelmed with visitors
who stopped briefly to extend their gratitude.
One such visitor was from Mississippi and
thanked them for the flood relief efforts the
Massachusetts National Guard provided to her
after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast.
Jason Rua, chairman of the Fall River
Celebrates America Festival, estimated that as
many as 50,000 people may have attended on
Saturday night alone. A constant level of
approximately 5,000 people was additionally
maintained throughout the day.
The Fall River Celebrates America Festival is an
annual event that takes place in mid-August. Courtney Faris of Fall River demonstrates push-ups
for Sgt. Gabriel Amaral of the Recruiting and
Retention Command, Massachusetts Army National
Guard, as Spc. Casey O’Brien of the 379th Engineer
Company, Massachusetts Army National Guard,
and members of the Recruit Sustainment Program
watch on Aug. 8, 2009, at the Fall River Celebrates
America Waterfront Festival, Fall River, Mass.
(U.S. Army photo by Capt. Brett Walker).
The Nation’s First
25
Instructors Wanted at
Regional Training Institute
Army National Guard, is the premier military
training facility in the Northeast. If you are
motivated, enjoy working with troops and
present a professional appearance, this is an
excellent opportunity to enhance your career
advancement prospects.
We are looking for sharp staff sergeants and
above who meet height/weight and APFT
standards with a desire to pass along knowledge
and experience to other Soldiers. Training
Soldiers is one of the most fulfilling tasks that a
noncommissioned officer undertakes. Teaching
new Soldiers how to drive some of the largest
vehicles in the Army inventory is critical to our
commonwealth and nation.
is the oldest state-run military academy and
officer candidate school in the United States.
Prospects must be 88M and Army Basic
Instructor Course qualified. If you aren’t ABIC
qualified, the RTI provides nationally recognized
instructor credentialing. Getting ABIC qualified
is a great way to earn promotion points and
further your career. If you have recent combat
experience, your expertise may save lives.
While recent combat experience is preferred, it
isn’t mandatory.
It has served as the prototype on which all
other state military academies have been
modeled. Today, the 101st RTI, Massachusetts
For more information contact Lt. Col. Chuck
Perenick at chuck.perenick@us.army.mil or
(508) 968-5978. A U.S. Army Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) unloads a military equipment storage container.
The HEMTT mission is to provide heavy transport capabilities for supply and re-supply of combat vehicles and
weapon systems for the Army and Marine Corps (U.S. Army stock file photo).
The Massachusetts National Guard Regional
Training Institute needs 88M – motor transport
operator – instructors for the summer of 2010.
The 101st Regional Training Institute, formerly
known as the Massachusetts Military Academy,
26
Minuteman Winter 2010
Fun with Plastic Explosives
By Army Sgt. James C. Lally, Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs
FORT DEVENS, Mass. – Combat Engineers
from the Massachusetts Army National Guard
trained with plastic explosives at Fort Devens,
Mass., Aug. 1, 2009.
The 182nd Engineer Company (Sapper),
Massachusetts Army National Guard, conducted
demolition training during their drill weekend
using a variety of plastic explosive charges.
“I became a
combat engineer
to blow stuff up.”
–– Army Pvt. Matthew Regis
182nd Engineer Company (Sapper)
Massachusetts Army National Guard
Combat engineers use explosives to disable
minefields and other obstacles intended to stop
friendly forces from advancing on the battlefield. It is necessary for a unit that handles
explosives as part of their prescribed duties to
achieve and maintain a high level of proficiency
and safety while handling them.
Army 1st Sgt. Michael T. St. Cyr of the 182nd
Engineer Company (Sapper), Massachusetts
Army National Guard, said, “Normally, we use
explosives for the purpose of destroying roads
and bridges to prevent the enemy from using
them. We also clear minefields so our forces can
advance to their objectives, but when we were in
Iraq, we also had six Soldiers who were qualified to blow up improvised explosive devices.”
The range at Fort Devens provides a safe environment for the Soldiers to practice individual
tasks of preparing, placing and detonating small
explosive charges. After placing their charges,
the Soldiers could watch them explode from a
protective trailer equipped with safety glass.
Army 1st Sgt. Michael T. St. Cyr from the 182nd
Engineer Company (Sapper), Massachusetts Army
National Guard, teaches Pfc. Brendan Dekoschak
how to arm a Bangelor charge for blowing up
obstacles on Fort Devens, Mass., Aug. 1, 2009
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. James C. Lally).
Army Staff Sgt. Michael Rosa from the 182nd
Engineer Company (Sapper), Massachusetts
Army National Guard, made sure the newest
Soldiers in the unit prepared their charges
properly and safely but also made them feel
comfortable by cracking jokes and making small
talk with them about his passion for being a
combat engineer. “I really love blowing things
up,” Rosa said.
Army Pvt. Matthew Regis from the 182nd
Engineer Company (Sapper), Massachusetts
Army National Guard, was new to the unit,
and the drill was his first opportunity to use
explosives. Regis said, “I became a combat
engineer to blow stuff up. I thought it sounded
fun and figured why not?”
When the unit detonated a large underground
cratering charge, the shockwave from the blast
could be felt under foot like a rippling wave,
causing all of the Soldiers to laugh and enjoy
their weekend doing what they love – blowing
stuff up. The Nation’s First
27
Guard Unit Changes Command
By Army Maj. James Sahady
Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs
REHOBOTH, Mass. – The Massachusetts Army
National Guard’s 79th Troop Command has a
new commander and an emerging mission in
support of Joint Task Force – Massachusetts
and Homeland Security.
Lt. Col. Paul M. Landry assumed command of
the 79th Troop Command from Col. John G.
Chapman in a ceremony conducted on Redway
Plain in Rehoboth, Aug. 9, 2009. This historical
field was part of the Redway Farm in Colonial
times and used as a training ground for the
Rehoboth militia. The Homestead of Capt. James
Redway, commander of the Rehoboth militia in
the mid-1700s, was located across the road
from Redway Plain.
The 79th Troop Command of the Massachusetts
Army National Guard is responsible for planning,
enabling and supervising matters of homeland
security under direction of the president of the
United States or the governor of Massachusetts.
Maj. Gen. Joseph C. Carter, The Adjutant General,
Massachusetts National Guard, presided over the
passing of the command’s organizational colors
between Chapman and Landry.
Col. John Chapman, outgoing commander, 79th Troop Command, right, relinquishes the colors to Maj. Gen.
Joseph C. Carter, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard, who will then transfer the colors to Lt.
Col. Paul Landry, center, incoming commander, 79th Troop Command, at the historic Redway Plain located in
Rehoboth, Mass., Aug. 9, 2009 (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Brett Walker).
Carter praised Chapman for his service and
leadership. “His stewardship of the 79th Troop
Command has ensured that the incoming
commander receives a well trained and highly
motivated unit capable of accomplishing any
mission,” he said.
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Minuteman Winter 2010
the Nation’s First,” said Landry. “Today on this
field used by the militia forces to train in 1700,
we continue that legacy of being the Nation’s
First,” he said.
In officially appointing Landry as the commander
of the 79th, Carter ordered of him, “Above all
else, may you provide your Soldiers a leadership
example so that they can continue to exemplify
the values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless
service, honor, integrity and personal courage.”
In his civilian job, Landry is a lieutenant with
the city of Everett Police Department and is
currently on military leave serving as the
team chief for the Pre-Mobilization Training
Assistance Element preparing mobilizing
Massachusetts National Guard Soldiers for
future deployments in support of Overseas
Contingency Operations.
Landry, 45, has been a member of the
Massachusetts National Guard for 26 years and
has served in numerous command and staff
positions within the Guard. He has a variety of
experience uniquely suited to the mission of
the 79th Troop Command. He has served as a
chemical officer, military police officer and
public affairs officer.
Other dignitaries included Brig. Gen. Thomas
J. Sellars, commander, Massachusetts Army
National Guard; State Command Sgt. Maj.
David Costa, Massachusetts National Guard;
Rehoboth Town Selectman Kevin R. McBride,
who also holds the rank of major general in the
Army National Guard; and Rehoboth Police
Chief Stephen J. Enos.
“In 1636, Massachusetts organized the first
militia forces, the birth of the National Guard –
Landry lives in Sudbury, Mass., with his wife,
Susan, and children, Brooke and Sean.