Guard Times Magazine Program (WCAP)

Volume 11 Number 3

www.dmna.ny.gov Serving the New York Army and Air National Guard, Naval Militia, New York Guard and Families FROM THE LEADERSHIP Parting Thoughts for our Force: Individuals Matter in our Organization's Success y the time you read this, "I would like to leave you with three final thoughts: BI will no longer be your Adjutant General. "Do everything with integrity at the forefront. It has been an unbelievable 30 months serving with the best per- "Be humble – treat everyone with respect. sonnel our nation has to offer. "And finally, be generous," Whether Airman, Soldier, NY Guard volunteer, Naval Militia or -- Maj. Gen. Anthony German, former Adjutant General of New York civilian, each one of you should ally professional and dedicated You are all truly great Americans be commended for the job you do in everything you do. Whether and it has been a privilege to serve Maj. Gen. each and every day in service to it is responding to a domestic with you as your commander. Anthony German our state and nation. operation and helping our citizens The members of our state mili- Although you will have a new in need, or deploying to Africa, tary forces, the Naval Militia and make a difference. You should all Adjutant General – the 54th –and Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North or the New York Guard, have also be proud of your uniforms, your I will be another picture on the South America, you accomplished been impressive to watch in action. organizations, and the people you fourth floor hallway in Latham, I every mission I asked you to do. All of you Naval Militia members work with every day. still get my chance to communi- I was once asked by a Soldier signed on to serve our state, even One of the great things about a cate my thoughts one last time. what my goal as The Adjutant though most of you already bal- military organization is that it goes I am a strong believer that com- General was. I had not previously ance a part-time-military career on doing good things no matter manders at any level should be in thought about it in such a way. in the Reserves and your civilian who is at the helm. command for 3-5 years – some After reflecting on the question workforce. Commanders come and go and shorter, and very few longer. I for a while, I said I would love to I appreciate the professional- people come and go, but the orga- believe the same holds true for The shake every person's hand in the ism Naval Militia members have nization and its traditions remain. Adjutant General. organization, talk to them, and brought to their missions whether The New York National Guard has After nine years serving at the learn about them. it is running a boat in New York tremendous history and tradition state headquarters, four as the Air I would also like to thank them Harbor, filling sandbags on Lake ranging from the Revolutionary Guard Chief of Staff, two as the for their many sacrifices and the Ontario, or cooking meals at War through the Civil War to the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, sacrifices of their loved-ones. As Camp Smith. World Wars, and now Iraq and one year as the Commander of with many goals I have set – I Our small force of New York Afghanistan. our New York Air Guard and the failed. I have not yet managed to Guard men and women have I know this great organization, last two-and-one-half as Adjutant shake all of your hands, but each proven that they are there when with great people, will keep doing General and Commander of the of you and your families have we need them. I am grateful for great things. Air Guard, I have decided it is time been in my thoughts and prayers the effort you put into training on I would like to leave you with for someone else to lead this great these past 30 months. It has been your own time – and often your three final thoughts. organization. As for my future, I an honor for me to get to know so own dime – so you can be there Do everything with integrity will be taking a position in Wash- many of you, and your families. for New York when needed. at the forefront – always do what ington, D.C. and I will continue Whether it was in a classroom, in Finally, I want to thank our is right no matter who is or is not my service there. the field, or on the flightline, I have state and federal civilians for the around. Serving as the Adjutant General cherished each conversation. work you do every day that helps Be humble – treat everyone with and being responsible for the New New York is a big state and there support our men and women in respect and remember the reason York Army and Air National are a lot of you, and you continue uniform as they deploy overseas or you are successful is because of all Guard, the Naval Militia, the New to move around as you train and go on state active duty. the people around you. York Guard and our federal and deploy. So, I am sorry I have not The New York National Guard And finally, be generous. Be state civilian workforce has been been able to meet each one of you and the New York State Division generous with your time, your tal- the capstone to my military career personally. I have been able to of Military and Naval Affairs are ents and your accolades for others. and I have found it incredibly see and appreciate, however, the great organizations with great mis- Thank you for who you are and rewarding. impact that each one of you has sions. You get to serve the people I salute each and every one of You, the had on this great state. of the United States of American, you...thank you all for a job well members of our Nothing we do could be-done the people of New York State, and done. Army and Air alone, and it is because of your the people of your hometowns. National Guard individual work that we are able to That service is a true privilege. ...Tony are exception- accomplish everything that we do. You do things every day that Volume 11, Number 3 This Issue’s Highlights:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Commander in Chief Faces of the Force Maj. Gen. Anthony German, The Adjutant General Eric Durr, Director of Public Affairs 4 Soldier uses Medical Skills to Save Boys Life Col. Richard Goldenberg, Public Affairs Officer 6 Guard Soldier Earns Silver Medal in Taekwondo Capt. Jean Kratzer, Command Information Officer Around the State Spc. Andrew Valenza, Guard Times Photographer 8 Soldiers Tackle Course to Help Build Fitness About Guard Times 9 Senior Leader Retires After Four Decades of Service TheGuard Times is published quarterly using federal 10 Soldiers and Airmen on Duty for Flood Clean-up funds authorized under provisions of AR 360-1 and The Joint Force AFI 35-101 by the New York State Division of Mili- tary and Naval Affairs and the New York Army and 12 NY Chaplain meets with African Counterparts Air National Guard Public Affairs Office. 13 Civil Support Team Trains with Landing Craft

Views which appear in this publication are not neces- Army National Guard sarily those of the Department of Defense, the Army, 14 Engineers Help Rebuilding in Puerto Rico the Air Force or the National Guard Bureau. 15 MPs Train at Leavenworth Military Prison TheGuard Times has a circulation of 17,000 and is 16 NY Soldiers Travel to France, Belgium for WWI Centennial distributed free to members of the New York State 18 Aircrews Assist in North Country Fire Fighting Military Forces and employees of the Division of 19 Helicopter Maintainers Hone Skills in Texas Military and Naval Affairs. 20 Warrant Officers Celebrate 100 Years Submissions 22 53rd Troop Command Units Refine Skills at FIG Articles, photos and letters are welcome. Please pro- 23 NY Guardsmen on the Attack as WWI Came to a Close vide article submissions via email saved in Microsoft 24 Camp Smith Infantry School Challenges Troops Word or rich text format (rtf) along with high resolu- 25 Honor Guard Training Makes Better Soldiers tion digital (jpg) photos. Submission deadlines are January 15 (winter issue), April 15 (spring issue), July Air National Guard 15 (summer issue), and October 15 (fall issue). Send your submissions to: 26 New Commander of the 224th Air Defense Group 27 Four Airmen Deploy to Assist in Oregon Wildfire Guard Times 28 Officer Takes " Final Flight" after 33-year Career DMNA-MNPA 29 Airmen Compete for German Proficiency Badge 330 Old Niskayuna Road Latham, New York 12110-3514 New York Guard OFFICE (518) 786-4581 FAX (518) 786-4649 or [email protected] 30 NY Guard 89th Band Musicians Perform with Rainbow Division Band New York Naval Militia Complimentary or Back Issues of the Guard Times are available. Contact us at the address above or visit us 31 Militia Christens New 35 foot Landing Boat on the web for current news, photos or to download prior issues at www.dmna.ny.gov Spc. Joshua Yajcaji, assigned to Company B, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, takes aim while concealed at the start of infantry reclassification course 18-002's final field training exercise, which lasted 48 hours at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y., Aug. 13, 2018. Photo by Cpl. Nnaemeka Onyeagwa, 369th Sustainment Brigade.

FRONT COVER: Sgt. Robert Majewski responds to a casualty situation while squad leader Sgt. Chris Cormack inspects the line of defense while receiving contact from OPFOR in an urban training environment during Basic Leadership Course instruction at the Yavoriv Combat Training Center in Ukraine, July 11. Photo by 1st Lt. Derrick Garner, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. BACK COVER: Staff Sgt. Anthony Cosentino, assigned to the 107th Civil Engineer Squadron, works on pouring concrete at the West Virginia School for the Blind and Deaf during unit Innovative Readiness Training in Romney, W. Va., June 21, 2018. Photo by Staff www.dmna.ny.gov Sgt. Ryan Campbell, 107th Attack Wing. FACES of the FORCE Soldier uses Medical Skills to Save Boys Life Story by Staff Sgt. Michael Davis, 138th Public Affairs Detchament TROY, N.Y. - National Guard Hudson, N.Y., police department She used quick thinking to members spend countless hours already assessing the scene. improvise a flashlight from her every year training for the next When McKenzie saw the phone to administer a concussion big mission. For Spc. Nicole 12-year-old boy lying on the rocks test, took his vital signs, and kept McKenzie that mission wasn’t below she shouted to Cavallo, talking to him so he stayed awake overseas – it was below an over- “let’s go!” They both ran to the and alert. pass on her way home from her shallow end of the overpass, Next, she shouted to a bystand- Yonkers, N.Y., armory on Aug. 3 climbed over a fence, and dropped er above to grab the CLS bag from McKenzie, a cable systems in- 10 feet to the jagged ground her trunk and throw it down. staller and maintainer – or ‘cable below. Working in tandem with Ca- dog’, – with A Company, 101st The boy, a resident of the vallo, they used splints from her Signal Battalion, saw a flash of red Bronx, had left the Andrus Cam- bag to secure his neck, arm and going over a guard rail on the Saw pus in the Bronx. Andrus is a pri- leg, and stayed with him until the Mill River Parkway and immedi- vate, nonprofit organization that medics arrived and took him to ately pulled her car to the side of provides services for vulnerable Westchester Hospital. the road. children, children with special The Westchester County Police “I saw what looked like the needs, and children with severe records department confirmed the outline of a boy going over the emotional and behavior issues, assistance from McKenzie and the side,” McKenzie said. “I knew according to news reports. pivotal role that both the National something was wrong.” Andrus staff were speaking Guard and local police played Her instincts had been with the boy when he jumped in working together to assist the sharpened by nearly six years of Spc. Nicole McKenzie, a member from the overpass he had been young boy. combined Army training, which of Alpha Company, 101st standing on. McKenzie doesn’t think she’s Expeditionary Signal Battalion, erased all doubt and hesitation at McKenzie, who spent three a hero and would never ask for used her combat lifesaver skills to the scene. help save the life of a 12-year old years on active duty with the recognition. For her, it’s all about “Thanks to my Army training, boy who jumped from an overpass 168th Multifunctional Medi- loyalty to her unit and her com- it was all automatic; everything in Yonkers on August 3, 2018. Photo cal Battalion and just completed munity. by Sgt. Harley Jelis, 138th Public was fluid,” McKenzie said. Combat Life Savers (CLS) training “I wear the uniform every day Affairs Detachment. She ran over to the edge where with the Guard, immediately be- because I want to help Soldiers – I she saw Police Officer Jessie Fer- gan to triage the injuries the boy want to help people,” McKenzie reira Cavallo, of the Hastings-on- sustained in the fall. said. “This is my family.” WWII Veteran Speaks with 105th Airmen Director of the Air Guard Visits NY NEWBURGH, N.Y. --World War II infantry veteran Alan Moskin ROME, N.Y. -- Lt. Gen. Scott Rice, Director of the Air National speaks with Airmen, assigned to the 105th Airlift Wing, at Guard spent more than three hours with the Airmen from Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh N.Y. June 27, 2018. the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, N.Y., on Aug. 1, 2018. Moskin, was raised Jewish, and liberated a concentration camp. Courtesy photo. Photo by by Staff Sgt. Julio A. Olivencia, 105th Airlift Wing.

4 GUARD TIMES Troops take to Skies for Reups

Sgt. Ilya Titov, assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, negotiates the obstacle course for the Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Fort Indiantown Gap, Penn., July 24, 2018. Photo by Spc.Andrew Valenza, Joint Force Headquarters. Runner-Up for Guard's Best Warrior

Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Military Police Soldiers who reenlisted on FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Penn. - Sgt. Ilya Titov, the New York board a flying CH-47 Chinnook helicopter on July 19 ,2018, Army National Guard's top enlisted warrior, was the runner up in a pose for a group photo after the flight at Fort Indiantown Gap, nationwide competition to find the top Soldier in the entire Army Pennsylvania. The Soldiers are --from left front-- Specialist National Guard. Michael Cerrato, Headquarters Company, 102nd Military Police Titov, a member of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, based at the Battalion; Sgt. Kirk Moon, 222nd Military Police Company; and Sgt. Brian Frail, 222nd Military Police Company. 105th Military Lexington Avenue Armory, was competing in the junior enlisted Soldier Police Company Soldiers in the rear are, from left, Specialist category in the Army National Guard's Best Warrior Competition. Kevin Hamilton; Sgt. Justine Peterson and Sgt. Stephanie He competed against five other Soldiers selected through a series of Hazelett. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Crego, 102nd Military competitions held around the country. The grueling three-day event was Police Battalion. held at Fort Indiantown Gap, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania July 25-27. Titov, an infantryman, joined the Army National Guard in 2013. To make it to the Fort Indiantown Gap competition, Titov had to first be picked as the top Soldier in New York. After winning that competition he went on to win in the enlisted Soldier category in a competition of Soldiers from across the northeast. Non-commissioned officers compete in a separate category. Titov was competing in the enlisted category because he was originally a specialist when he entered the competition. The event tests the Soldiers' physical fitness, military knowledge, marksmanship, and command of military skills like donning a gas mask or treating a casualty. The culmination of the event was 12-mile forced march across the historic battlefield at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Soldiers carried a 35-pound pack and weapons through historic locations like Little Round Top, Devil's Den and Cemetery Ridge. The winner of the National Guard enlisted Best Warrior competition , FORT IRWIN, Calif. -- Lt. Col. Jason Lefton, left, commander of Spec. Bailey Ruff , a Soldier in the North Dakota Army National Guard, the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Regiment, reenlists will go on to compete against winners of competitions held by the Army Spc. Assimiou Yaya in a UH 60 Blackhawk helicopter in flight Reserve and the Active Army. during the battalion's training at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, C.A. on Aug. 14, 2018. Courtesy photo. Along with the runners up award, Titov received a Pennsylvania Na- tional Guard Commendation Medal.

Volume 3, 2018 5 Guard Soldier Earns Silver Medal in Taekwondo Story by Col. Richard Goldenberg, Joint Force Headquarters LATHAM, N.Y. - New York Army National Guard Spc. Nashayla Harper, an Albany resident, earned a second place award in the 2018 Taekwondo National Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah July 2-9 as part of the All Army Taekwondo Team. Harper, 25, is an aviation operations specialist with the 42nd Spc. Nashayla Harper confers with her coach after a sparring Combat Aviation Brigade Head- session June 26, 2017, at Fort quarters. She won the silver medal Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. in the women's light-weight class. Harper is part of the 2018 All- As a member of the Army's Army Taekwondo Team. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Erich B. Smith, Taekwondo team, Harper par- National Guard Bureau. ticipated with other athletes from the Army's World Class Athletes with the Guard Times magazine Program (WCAP). The program in 2016. allows Soldier-Athletes to train Harper, who joined the Guard and compete in their chosen sports in 2014, said she took up Tae- and represent the United States at kwondo when she was just three international competitions. years old, and described the sport WCAP's head coach Master as a "family thing" for her. Sgt. David Bartlett said Harper Her mother Shaunelle Smith performed extremely well at the also competes in the sport, and national competition. her father Michael Harper racked "I was proud Nashayla Harper up seven national championships, Spc. Nashayla Harper won silver in the women's light-weight class. SHe got to the finals. She was on fire; she said. is a member of the All Army Taekwondo team and serves in the New she did very well," Bartlett said. The Army team began training York Army National Guard. Photo by Brittany Nelson, IMCOM. The team beat an Army record June 5 at Fort Carson, Colorado. with six total medals in the July Every year Soldiers apply to the competition, two gold and four All Army Taekwondo team and Hellfighter Ruck March silver. the qualifiers train with the WCAP CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, N.Y. -- Soldiers assigned to the Harper will now go on to Soldiers on post. The group of ath- 369th Sustainment Brigade ruck march at Camp Smith, part of their Fort Drum and Camp Smith, N.Y., dual site annual training compete at the 2018 Taekwondo letes prepared with high intensity Aug. 16, 2018. Photo by Cpl. Nnaemeka Onyeagwa, 369th International games in Rio de workouts for the 2018 Taekwondo Sustainment Brigade. Janeiro, Brazil in November. National Championship in early A Korean martial art, Taekwon- July and their hard work paid off, do combines elements of older the coach said. Korean martial-arts traditions and "I am very excited and im- other martial-arts practices. pressed with our athletes. Looking Competitions occur during back at my time with the team this three 2-minute rounds. Since Tae- is the best performance and medal kwondo competitors score points count we have had in the history by kicking and punching their op- of Army Taekwondo. Last year we ponents, it requires more skill than tied the most medal count from boxing, Harper said. 1999 and this year we beat that," "As precise as boxers are with said All Army head coach Staff Sgt. their hands, we have to be with our Jonathan Fennell. feet," Harper said in an interview

6 GUARD TIMES A Breath of Fresh Air for MPs

Sand Tables during AT LAKEHURST, N.J.. -- 1st Lt. Colin Boyle, executive officer of the 107th Military Police Company, 104th Military Police Battalion, prepares a sand table during the unit’s annual training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst , N.J., August 13, 2018. Photo by Sgt. Jeremy Bratt, 138th Public Affairs Detachment.

Band Performs across state LIDO BEACH, N.J.. -- Spc. Miranda Bank, a member of the 42nd Infantry "Rainbow" FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Penn. -- Sgt. 1st Class Jose Velez, a military police Soldier Division Band belts out a number at with the 222nd Military Police Company exits a gas chamber during annual Camp Anchor, a camp for special needs chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) preparedness training here, adults and children, run by Nassau July 14, 2018. More than 350 New York Army National Guard Soldiers from military County in Lido Beach, N.Y. on August police, engineer and transportation companies used this year’s three weeks of 8, 2018, as part of the band's annual training and the improved multi-million dollar facilities at Fort Indiantown Gap to training summer concert tour. Photo by increasing readiness. Photo by Spc. Amouris Coss, 138th Public Affairs Detachment. Capt. Mark Getman, NY Guard.

Volume 3, 2018 7 AROUND THE STATE

Soldiers Tackle Course to Help Build Fitness Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, N.Y. - Thirty New York Army National Guard Soldiers from across the state who needed some help in order to pass the Army’s new physical readiness test got it during a seven day course held at Camp Smith Training Site, August 6- 12. Dubbed the Tactical Athlete Course, or TAC for short, the course is a pilot program that focuses on total Soldier readiness and fitness, according to Sgt. Major Joseph Fisher, the operations sergeant major for the 106th Regional Training Institute. The 106th ran the course. The Army Combat Readiness Test will con- sist of six events, designed to prepare Soldiers for combat tasks, and will replace the current New York Army National Guard Soldiers who participated in the Tactical Athletes Course (TAC), three-event Army Physical Fitness Test by stand together at their graduation ceremony, Aug. 12, 2018. The TAC is a seven-day course that October of 2020. trains Soldiers to be physically and mentally fit. Courtesy photo. Since ten percent of the New York Army National Guard’s 10,000 Soldiers have problems ment. These include: with one or more of the current events, this --The standing power throw, which change could present real challenges, Fisher requires the Soldier to throw a ten explained. pound ball; TAC is designed to help Soldiers meet this --The strength deadlift, which more rigorous physical fitness requirement by requires a weight set; focusing on nutrition education, physical train- --The leg truck, which requires a ing, and psychological development. pull-up bar; “If we're not deployable and can’t do our job, And the 250-meter sprint, drag, and then it creates a huge problem for the Army at carry, which requires weights. large.” Fisher said, “If 10 percent of our Soldiers The seven-day program was suc- are flagged, that’s almost an entire battalion cessful in helping Soldiers change their worth of Soldiers, so we want to take a holistic behavior Fisher said. approach to fitness and nutrition.” Even after the course ended the A fitness trainer taught the course and the participants were hitting their local New York Army National Guard Soldiers taking part in Soldiers got the opportunity to take the new gyms and were continuing to work the seven-day Tactical Athletes Course, designed to help Army Combat Readiness Test. together to stay motivated and had them pass the new Army Combat Readiness Test, prepare to execute a test at Camp Smith on August 11, 2018. The current Army Physical Fitness Test created a Facebook page to help them Thirty Soldiers from across the state took part in the pilot consists of sit-ups, pushups and a two mile run. share, since they live across the state, program run by the 106th Regional Training Institute. The new test will include the two-mile run and he added. Courtesy photo. pushups. But the new pushups will require a Soldier to go all the way to the ground and then raise “If we're not deployable and can’t do our job, then it creates a huge problem their hands from the ground and extend them for the Army at large.” before doing another push-up. This, according to Army fitness experts better measures upper -- Sgt. Major Joseph Fisher, operations sergeant major, 106th Regional Training Institute body strength. The other four events will involve equip-

8 GUARD TIMES Senior Leader Retires After Four Decades of Service Story by Col. Richard Goldenberg, Joint Force Headquarters LATHAM, N.Y. - Brig. Gen. Patrick Center retired from military service after nearly 40 years in uniform following a ceremony held at the Joint Force Headquarters here July 31. Center, from Charleton, N.Y., who served as Director of Joint Staff for the New York Na- tional Guard since 2016, first enlisted in 1979 before attending Officer Candidate School in 1985 and receiving a commission in June 1986. "It really is an honor to do this for Pat," said Air National Guard Maj. Gen. Anthony Ger- man, the Adjutant General for New York during the ceremony. "He's one of the most solid people I ever met." German presented Center with the Army Le- gion of Merit and the New York State Conspic- uous Service Medal for his lifetime of service in the New York Army National Guard. "I'm happy for Pat, who is able to retire today, but I'm sad for us that he's able to retire today," German said. Center's responsibilities as Director of Joint Maj. Gen. Anthony German awards Brig. Gen. Patrick Center with the Conspicuous Service Medal in Latham, N.Y., July 31, 2018. Center retires after nearly 40 years of service to the New York Army Staff coordinated all of New York's Military National Guard. Photo by Spc. Andrew Valenza, Joint Force Headquarters. Forces during domestic operations for civil authorities. women during state emergencies German said. Center has also served as the Deputy Officer Center oversaw the work of Joint Task Force "One thing you have to understand about in Charge of the United States Property and Empire Shield, the New York National Guard him is that he's a logistician through and Fiscal Operations Office for New York and as standing security force in New York City, two through," German said. executive officer for the Adjutant General of Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Sup- Prior to his service as Director of the Joint New York. port Teams, the FEMA Region II Homeland Staff, Center served as Chief of Staff of the New "It is my honor to have served 40 years in the Response Force, civic outreach programs of the York Army National Guard and was Director of Guard," Center said. "In hindsight, nearly all of Citizens Preparedness Training Teams and the Logistics when the Guard responded to storms it was fun." New York Counterdrug Task Force. in 2011 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Troops Other jobs include commander of the 369th During his time as Director of the Joint Staff, under his direction pumped half a million gal- Quartermaster Battalion, Supply and Services New York deployed Army and Air Guard forces lons of fuel to local government vehicles, moved Branch Chief for the New York Army National to Texas, Puerto Rico, Florida, and the Virgin critical supplies across the state, and managed a Guard's Logistics Office, Commander for Head- Islands in response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, logistics support area for 2,500 troops. quarters Company of the 427th Support Bat- and Maria in the summer and fall of 2017. Center's problem solving and leadership talion, Assistant Logistics Officer for the 42nd New York Military Forces were also involved was critical to the success of National Guard Infantry Division, quartermaster company in a massive collection and distribution of response forces around the state, German said. commander and transportation detachment donated goods for Puerto Rico and responded "As another hurricane season approaches, commander. to Lake Ontario flooding with a massive sand New York is ready," Center told the leadership He has served as a federal technician work- bag operation, a tornado in western New York at the ceremony. ing full-time for the National Guard throughout in the summer of 2017 and snowstorms in the "To all of the Soldiers and Airmen, thank you his career. Hudson Valley in 2018 that resulted in lost for the countless hours of hard work during "In today's society, there are so few who com- power for hundreds of thousands of people. state emergencies that always seem to occur mit to a career that spans 40 years," said New Center leveraged a career in logistics on a late Friday afternoon," Center told the as- York Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Richard management to the problems and challenges sembled staff. "Your work is never done. May I White after presenting Center with a governor's of domestic operations and the deployment, remind you that hurricane season is approach- proclamation, "no less having the distinction of equipping and operations of Guardsmen and ing?" doing it right, so congratulations."

Volume 3, 2018 9 Soldiers and Airmen on Duty for Flood Clean-up Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff BINGHAMPTON, N.Y. - Two hundred New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were on state active duty on Wednesday, Au- gust 15, after 6.83 inches of rain fell on some parts of the Finger Lakes region on Tuesday, August 14. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo ordered the Guard response as the state declared a disaster area in 14 counties in the Finger Lakes area and Southern Tier of New York counties where heavy rains caused streams and lakes to rise. The declaration allows the state to move assets—including Guard Soldiers and Airmen— to assist local governments. On Tuesday 30 Airmen from the 174th At- tack Wing, based at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, were deployed to Ovid, N.Y. to assist local governments there in clearing debris. A priority was to clear roads and keep drainage ditches and culverts from clogging and overflowing. The 204th Engineer Battalion in Binghamton mobilized 25 Soldiers with high-axle vehicles Pfc Dakota Button, assigned to the 827th Engineer Company clears flooding mud and debris in for immediate storm response. The Susquehan- Binghamton, N.Y., Aug. 15, 2018. Soldiers were responding to flooding throughout many areas na River flows past Binghamton and the river’s of Binghamton assisting civilians and the Department of Transportation. Photo by Spc. Andrew water level was four feet over flood stage at one Valenza, Joint Force Headquarters. point before it subsided Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday morning, August 15, an additional 150 Soldiers and vehicles were placed on duty in Auburn, N.Y, Binghamton, Walton, N.Y. and Horseheads, N.Y. All elements were equipped with LMTV vehicles and Humvees capable of negotiating flooded areas. The Soldiers came from additional companies of the 204th Engineer Battalion and the 102nd Military Police Battalion in Auburn. The New York National Guard also placed an additional 50 members of the 369th Sustain- ment Brigade on standby at Camp Smith Train- ing Area in the Hudson Valley near Peekskill, N.Y. The New York Army National Guard also had two UH-60s with hoist capability standing by at the Rochester International Airport Army Aviation Support Facility. The Finger Lakes region of New York stretches through the middle of the state and includes 11 lakes, the longest of which is 38 New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 827th Engineer Company respond to flooding in Binghamton, N.Y., Aug. 15, 2018. Soldiers were responding to flooding throughout miles long. The region is a major tourism desti- many areas of Binghamton assisting civilians and the Department of Transportation. Photo by Spc. nation and wine industry center. Andrew Valenza, Joint Force Headquarters.

10 GUARD TIMES 106th Rescue Wing Remembers Jolly 51 WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. -- Above left, A memorial plaque honors Airmen who perished in a helicopter crash in March in Iraq, is presented at the 106th Rescue Wing August 4, 2018. Four of the seven members of the HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter, call sign Jolly 51, were assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing . Photo by Daniel H. Farrell. At right, Col. Michael Bank, 106th Rescue Wing commander, Maj. Rick Montana, 308th Rescue Squadron Commander, and 106th Rescue Wing Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Hewson, view the Jolly 51 memorial plaque at F.S. Grabreski Air National Guard Base. The plaque memorialized all seven members of the helicopter killed in the crash in March. Photo by Staff Sgt. Adam Juchniewicz, 106th Rescue Wing.

Special Forces Conduct Helocast Training

27th Brigade Soldiers Home from Ukraine BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Members of the West Virigina Army National NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. --A Soldier assigned to the 2nd Guard's 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) exits a CH-47 Squadron, 101st Cavalry, returns to his family at Niagara Falls Chinook assigned to New York's Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion AIr Reserve Station, Niagara Falls, N.Y., Aug. 2, 2018. Ninety-five 126th Aviation, over Lake Erie on Sept. 5, 2018. The New York soldiers returned after 10 months serving as part of the Joint aircrew assisted the Special Forces Soldiers in helocast training. Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. Photo by Master Sgt. Photo by 2nd Lt. John Peralta, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation. Brandy Fowler.

Volume 3, 2018 11 THE JOINT FORCE

NY Chaplain meets with African Counterparts Story and photo by Maj. Al Phillips, Joint Force Headquarters GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, GERMA- Ghana, partnered with North Dakota; and lizes people to refine us, to smooth us out, this NY, - National Guard Chaplains from states Kenya, which is partnered with Massachusetts; is what by, with, through signifies-to establish partnered with African militaries, met with attended the workshop. regional security, mitigate extremism their African counterparts here August 23-26 The four day workshop was designed as a And restore confidence," he added. as U.S. Africa Command hosted a meeting professional and spiritual workshop to build U.S chaplains seek to be enablers for the Afri- for chaplains as part of the National Guard upon evidence-based expertise, studies of can chaplains, Klein said. State Partnership Program. experienced chaplains and how to ultimately The four-day meeting was worthwhile, said The American chaplains and their counter- succeed in the role as chaplain in Africa, Ehler Col. Dr. Tobias Maluku, Chaplain Service Chief parts exchanged ideas and best practices during said. of Staff for South Africa National Defense Force the four day workshop. AFRICOM hosts chaplain gatherings be- we wish God's blessing going forward to the "As chaplains we must be committed to the tween American and African nation's military future. I want to express our gratitude for this service and needs of the service members and chaplains regularly. informative event," Masuku said. that is why I am here," said New York National Information exchange and the need for dia- Guard State chaplain Lt. Col Scott Elher. "Here logue is critical to chaplains, Ehler said. today, New York tomorrow and South Africa Americans may not understand how things later, I go where I am needed." work in Africa, the African chaplains empha- New York has a State Partnership Program sized. with South Africa. The South African National "If there is an issue with a neighboring Afri- Defense Force has 180 chaplains, the largest can country-the US should not go in ill-advised chaplain's corps on the continent. but should seek the advice of another African The National Guard State Partnership country first because we see ourselves as broth- Program links a unique component of the De- ers," said Botswana Defense Force Chaplain partment of Defense - a state's National Guard - David Taote Mapitse. with the armed forces or equivalent of a partner The AFRICOM Command Chaplain empha- country in a cooperative, mutually beneficial sized the importance of an African proverb in relationship. Working on the continent: "If you want to go State Partnership program states conduct fast-go alone. However, if you want to go far-go Lt. Col. Scott Ehler, the New York National joint training and conduct officer and NCO Guard's state chaplain, speaks with South with partners" exchange visits. The chaplains meeting is part of African National Defense Force Chaplain Col. "As a chaplain, we work with such a col- that effort. Malcom Pillay, during a meeting of American legiate crowd and we do so by, with, through and African chaplains conducted as part Chaplains from Nigeria, partnered with working together," AFRICOM Command of the National Guard's State Partnership California; Botswana, partnered with North Program at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Chaplain (Col.) Michael Klein said. "God uti- Carolina; , Djibouti, partnered with Kentucky; Germany on August 21, 2018.

24/7/365 NYARNG Behavioral Health Access

The New York National Guard provides an information access line for Soldiers who may experiencing behavioral-health related concerns. The line is continuously monitored by licensed BH professionals who work full-time with Soldiers and their families providing support, education, clinical services, and resource connection. All too often Soldiers have questioned who to turn to for support and who can be trusted with such sensitive information. Behavioral Health Professionals are HIPAA certified and place great value on privacy and confidentiality. They understand Army regulations, the unique challenges faced by Soldiers and their families, and military ethos and they are ready and available to provide support. If you are experiencing a behavioral health concern, please contact the NYARNG Behavioral Health Access Line at: 1-833-NG-CARES (1-833-642-2732)

12 GUARD TIMES Civil Support Team Trains with new Landing Craft Story and photo by Spc. Andrew Valenza, Joint Force Headquarters WATERFORD, N.Y.-The New York National Guard’s 2nd Civil Support Team tested their ability to deploy a biological, chemical and radiological survey team by boat to a shoreline during a joint exercise with the New York Naval Militia on Saturday, Sept. 8. The exercise required the 2nd Civil Support Team, known as a CST, to load an all-terrain vehicle full of supplies on board the Naval Militia’s new landing craft – LC- 350-- in Rensselaer, N.Y. and move north up the Hudson River to Peebles Island State Park in Waterford. Once at the park, the Civil Sup- port Team Soldiers and Airmen Sgt. First Class Thomas Myers, from the 2nd Civil Support Team, drives an ATV off of New York Naval Militia LC- drove the ATV on shore, set up 350, a landing craft, at Peebles Island State Park in Waterford, N.Y., Sept. 8, 2018. an operating station and then conducted a survey sweep. When The CST trains to identify through eight inches of water but Naval Militia Commander Don complete they packed up, loaded chemical, radiological, biological it worked, he said. McKnight, who heads the Naval back on board the landing craft or nuclear agents and advises local The New York Naval Militia is Militia’s Military Emergency Boat and returned south down the responders on dealing with them. made up of members of the Navy, Service. Hudson River. The 2nd CST covers upstate New Marine Corps and Coast Guard “It was kind of a mucky beach The ability to deploy by boat York while the 24th CST based at reserve who volunteer to respond and it was a shallow approach and allows the CST to reach areas that Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn focuses to state emergencies and events we had some water intake issues,” could not be reached by road due on New York City. on state active duty. They put the McKnight said. “But that is what to flooding or other conditions, In the upstate New York region skills they learn in federal service you train for.” explained Major Lance Woodard, the 2nd CST is responsible for rail- to work for the state of New York. The mission to Peebles Island the 2nd CST deputy commander. roads and other key infrastructure The Naval Militia operates ten State Park was part of an annual Working together we begin to that cannot easily be reached by patrol boats which operate in New Naval Militia exercise known as understand each other’s capabili- road but can be reached by water, York Harbor, the Hudson River, Rapid Gunwale. ties,” Woodard said. “And we’re explained Capt. Justin Kupinski, and other state waters. While LC-350 was negotiating continuously building that rela- the 2nd CST operations officer. The newest boat in the fleet is the Hudson River, including pass- tionship.” If there was an incident it's LC-350: LC for “landing craft:” ing through a lock, another Naval “I think today went very well,” possible that the only way to get a and 350 for its length, 35 feet. The Militia patrol boat and a Naval Mi- Woodard said. “Not only for the team there would be to insert via boat allows the Naval Militia to litia command post was exercising Naval Militia but for us. This is water," Kupinski said. "being able land supplies and personnel along with Saratoga and Fulton County the first time we’d been able to to put a strike team on a landing the Hudson River, and on Long Is- Sheriff Department Boats and a mobilize a strike team and vehicle craft and deliver them to these land. The boat can also be trailered New York State Police dive team on LC-350.” remote place means we can get to other locations if necessary. on Great Sacandaga Lake. The 2nd CST, one of two New there faster and with all of our While the Naval Militia had The 29 mile-long lake is located York weapons of mass destruction equipment." practiced loading and unloading north of the Mohawk River. The civil support teams, is based at The drill with the Naval Militia the CST’s ATV before, this was the exercise scenario was built around Stratton Air National Guard Base validated the concept, Kupinski first time the crew was landing a the hunt for a bomb attached to a near Schenectady, N.Y. added. The ATV had to drive vehicle on an unknown beach, said bridge.

Volume 3, 2018 13 ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Engineers Help in Rebuilding Puerto Rico Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico- Forty-five Soldiers “This was a tremendously rewarding from the 204th Engineer Battalion spent two experience for 2nd Lt. Andrew Kopf, and weeks helping Habitat for Humanity build a 2nd Lt. Stephen Hoeprich to hone their three-family home in Puerto Rico, July 30 to leadership skills as they await their first August 10. assignment as platoon leaders,” Colomb The work was done as part of the Depart- explained. ment of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training Program under which Soldiers hone military skills, while also helping local communities. In this case, the engineer Soldiers were among a series of National Guard and Army Reserve engineer units helping to construct the housing, explained Major Dan. Colomb, the operations officer for the 204th, which is headquartered in Binghamton, N.Y. Twenty of the Soldiers were members of the battalion’s 1156th Engineer Company, which specializes in vertical construction (Carpentry, Masonry, Plumbing, and Electrical). The other Soldiers came from other companies in the battalion, Colomb said. The building, designed to resist hurricanes, is being constructed in the Quintana neigh- borhood of San Juan. The New York Soldiers worked with a local contractor hired by Habitat Soldiers of the 204th Engineer Battalion at work on the construction of a three-family home being built by Habtiat for Humanity in San Juan, Puerto Rico on August 7, 2018. The battalion for Humanity, ensuring that materials arrived sent 45 Soldiers to Puerto Rico to assist in the construction as part of the Department of Defense on time and provided expert advice if needed, Innovative Readiness Training Program. Photos by Maj. Dan Colomb, 204th Engineer Battalion. Colomb explained. The 204th Engineer Soldiers were responsi- For engineer Soldiers who do something For the Soldiers the mission was a an addi- different in civilian life, this was also a great ble for building the forms and pouring all of the tional chance to improve their skills, he added. walls on the first floor, both internal and exter- chance to get more experience within those “This mission allowed our Soldiers to ac- engineer disciplines, he added. nal. The unit also did some work on assembling complish training for their individual readiness scaffolding and framing for the second floor, Deploying to Puerto Rico was not new for while also fostering relationships through the the New York Army National Guard. before turning that over to the next iteration, community tie-in and partnership,” he said. Colomb explained. In the wake of Hurricane Maria, which “They were exercising their MOS (Military caused massive destruction on Puerto Rico, While a portion of the 204th Soldiers worked Occupational Specialty) skills running the on the site for the Habitat for Humanity project, the New York National Guard deployed 300 full gamut of the construction engineer tasks, Soldiers to help. other engineers did work for the Puerto Rico everything from carpentry and masonry work Air National Guard at Muniz Air National Soldiers from the 152nd Engineer Company, to plumbing.” the 442nd Military Police Company and the 3rd Guard Base and for the Puerto Rico Army The Soldiers got to see the end result of the National Guard at its Camp Santiago facility, Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment were sent project, he emphasized. to the island. Colomb said. “Sometimes at annual training we dig a hole Overall, it was a good mission for the New The 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation, flew four and then fill it back in, this project was reward- UH-60 Black Hawks on relief missions. York Soldiers and their leaders, Colomb said. ing in that we could see tangible results that will He broke the 45 Soldiers into two platoon The New York Air National Guard also flew be handed over to fellow citizens in need” he missions bringing supplies to the island. sized elements and assigned each of them to a explained. new a second lieutenant, Colomb explained.

14 GUARD TIMES MPs Train at Leavenworth Military Prison Story and photos by 1st Lt. Derrick Rocker, 102nd Military Police Battalion FORT LEAVENWORTH, years executing and mas- Kan. -Soldiers from the tering detention operations 102nd Military Police at Fort Drum. Although Battalion spent their June corrections and deten- 4 - 18 Annual Training tion operations are very at the Department of similar in their training Defense’s newest military tasks, we weren’t receiving prison here. the amount of corrections Forty-four Soldiers from training that I felt the the 102nd MP Battalion’s Company needed,” Chen Headquarters Company, said. which is headquartered “By having our AT at in Auburn, spent Annual Fort Leavenworth, it pro- Training working with vided us with invaluable their counterparts from the training that we cannot 705th Military Police Bat- receive in New York. Our talion (Detention) at the Soldiers were actually Joint Regional Corrections able to conduct on the job Facility at Fort Leaven- training inside a minimal/ worth. medium custody correc- The Joint Regional tional facility,” she added. Corrections Facility Along with the MP cor- houses military members New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters rections officers, Soldiers convicted of crimes who Company of the 102nd Military Police Battalion, conduct riot control training at Fort with supporting military are serving a sentence of Leavenworth, K.S., June 7, 2018. The Soldiers were conducting joint training with the skills were able to shadow 705th Military Police Battalion. up to ten years. It is adja- their active duty counter- cent to the more famous parts inside the JRCF. mission, “ Chen added. United States Disciplinary During five days of on- The HHC Soldiers were Barracks which houses the-job training the Sol- kept busy with training military inmates serving diers worked with active that would benefit both longer sentences. duty Soldiers, gaining valu- their military and civilian The Soldiers assigned to able experience that they careers. the 102nd Headquarters could bring back home Soldiers spent an entire Company are Military Po- with them, Chen said. day conducting medic lice Corrections Officers, “ The Support MOS’s training, which served as which means their role is such as our cooks, medics, a re-fresher to maintain to guard prisoners. engineers, admin, supply, those skills. Other training While at Fort Leaven- commo, and the Chaplain included financial readi- worth, the 102nd MP BN Assistant, were also able to ness, metabolic testing, Soldiers received training conduct on the job train- nutrition awareness, and on riot control techniques, New York Army National Guard Sgt. Danielle Dillard, a ing, “ she said. physical fitness. member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company forced cell extractions, and “This allowed them The New York Soldiers of the 102nd Military Police Battalion, places a defensive techniques in a nasopharyngeal airway tube in Spec. Jacob Smith’s to have better insight on attended a semi-profes- corrections environment. nose during combat life saving training training at the what exactly their role is sional arena football game This was valuable train- Joint Regional Corrections Facility, Fort Leavenworth, inside the facility. A lot in Kansas City, received a K.S., June 9, 2018. ing according to Capt. of our training at home guided tour at the World Katie Chen, the Head- station is MP oriented, but War One museum, and enjoyed the training and implement in future train- quarters and Headquarters this training showed the toured the Fort Leaven- felt like they gained valu- ing,” Chen said. Company commander. support MOS’s just how worth national cemetery. able knowledge and skills “The Company has critical they are for our “The Soldiers definitely to bring back home and spent the past numerous

Volume 3, 2018 15 New York Soldiers Travel to France, Belgium for WWI Centennial Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff

Soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Division visit the Chateau-Thierry American Monument in Suippes, France on July 26, 2018. Photo by Capt. Jean Marie Kratzer, Guard Times Staff.

TROY, N.Y. - Fifty members of the 42nd Twenty-five members of the 42nd Infantry African-American regiment in a segregated Infantry Division, the 27th Infantry Brigade Division, headquartered in Troy, traveled to Army. The 15th New York was renamed the Combat Team and the 369th Sustainment France July 23-30. 369th Infantry and fought as part of the French Brigade were in France in July, August and Ten members of the 27th Infantry Brigade Army. September as part of the Army-wide effort to Combat Team, headquartered in Syracuse, took The unit became famous as the Harlem mark the American Army’s contributions to part in a visit to France and Belgium August 3-9 Hellfighters. victory in World War I. and five Soldiers from the 369th Sustainment The delegation led by Major General Steven The Army had units and Soldiers partici- Brigade, from New York City, were in France Ferrari, the current 42nd Infantry Division pating in five major commemorative events from September 19-26. commander, was the lead element for the com- in France leading up to the centennial of the All these units trace their history back to memorations of the Second Battle of the Marne, Armistice on November 11, 2018. World War I. All took part in memorial events fought in July of 1918. conducted by the American Battle Monuments Spc. Steven Snyder, a 20-year old member of Commission and the U.S. Army Center for the division headquarters said it was great to be Military History. on the ground where the division fought. The 42nd Infantry Division was created in "It's one thing to read and listen to and learn the summer of 1917 by bringing together Na- about all the things they did 100 years ago in tional Guard units from 26 states. Col. Douglas France, but it's another thing to go there,” he MacArthur, the division’s chief of staff, and said. eventually its commander, came up with the During their visit to France the 42nd Infan- idea as a way to get Soldiers to France quickly try Division Soldiers took part in: without slighting any one region of the country. • An Education and Unit Commemoration The 42nd Division would stretch across Day on July 25 where Soldiers visited his- America like a “rainbow,” MacArthur said and toric Meuse-Argonne battlefield, and placed a that gave the division its nickname. memorial wreath at the Douglas MacArthur The New York component of the Rainbow memorial at Landres-et-St. Georges. division was the 69th Infantry Regiment, re- • Traced the actions of the division on July 26 named the 165th Infantry Regiment. at the Champagne Marne battlefield, visited the The 27th Brigade traces its history back to Chateau-Thierry WWI American Monument, what was originally the 6th Division made up of the Aisne Marne American Cemetery and the Brig. Gen. Joseph Biehler, right, stands with New York National Guard troops. The Division Croix Rouge Farm 42nd Division Memorial. a World War One “Doughboy” Cpl. John was renumbered and went to war serving with •And took part in a ceremony at the location Koenig and 1st Lt. Matthew Sowers at the the British Army as the 27th Division. of the Battle of Croix Rouge Farm, where Ala- Oise- Aisne American Cemetery in Seringes The 369th Sustainment Brigade traces its bama troops fought and then at the Oise-Aisne et Nesles, France on July 28, 2018. Photo by Capt. Jean Marie Kratzer, Guard Times Staff. roots back to the 15th New York Infantry, an Cemetery on July 28.

16 GUARD TIMES New York Soldiers Travel to France, Belgium for WWI Centennial Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff Members of the Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation, the division's veterans association, also visited the battlefields and participated in the events. Former 42nd Infantry Division commanders were part of this contingent. While there were plenty of official events, one of the best parts was meeting people informally, said Capt. Jean Marie Kratzer, the commander of the division’s Headquarters Sup- port Company. “One of the really cool things was meeting the French residents in the small villages who remember that the Americans were there and made a difference during the war,” she said. The ten Soldiers from the 27th Brigade, led by 27th Brigade Commander Col. Christopher Cronin, visited sites in Belgium and France Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Mclean, assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Support Team, prays during a ceremony at Flander’s Field American Cemetery, Waregem, Belgium, August where the 27th Division fought as part of the 4, 2018. Photo by Spc. Andrew Valenza, Joint Force Headquarters. American II Corps with the British Army. Serving alongside Australian and Canadian honoring the 27th Division. areas where the 369th Infantry fought during troops, the 27th Division played a key role in A 27th Brigade color guard also took part World War I and laid a wreath at a memorial cracking the German Hindenburg defense line in a Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in dedicated to the 369th Infantry during a cer- in September 1918. the Beligum City of Ypres. The Menin Gate is a emony at Hartmannswillerkopf, in the Alsace The 27th Brigade delegation took part in British war memorial commemorating Soldiers area of France. commemorative ceremonies at Flanders Field who died in the Ypres area where the 27th Divi- American Cemetery in Waregem, Belgium sion fought. where Soldiers from the 27th Division are 369th Sustainment Brigade Commander buried. There is a memorial at the cemetery Col. Steve Bousquet, and four Soldiers visited

A little boy from France holds an American flag at the Oise- Aisne American Cemetery Sgt. Chance Ahlberg, assigned to the 427th Brigade Support Battalion, reads about the in Seringes et Nesles, France for a ceremony Newfoundland Memorial, Beaumont-Hamel, France, Aug. 6, 2018. Photo by Spc. Andrew Valenza, on July 28, 2018. Photo by Capt. Jean Marie Joint Force Headquarters. Kratzer, Guard Times Staff.

Volume 3, 2018 17 Aircrews Assist in North Country Fire Fighting Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff and Spc. Andrew Valenza, Joint Force Headquarters

ALTONA, N.Y. - New York Army National The two UH-60 helicopters flew 73 drop three times, due to the amount of fuel used Guard UH-60 Black Hawk aircrews from missions on Friday and delivered 48,180 gal- from transporting such heavy loads. 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation, dropped lons of water on the fire before returning to By Monday afternoon the fire was 65 per- more than 126,000 gallons of water on a 526 Latham after dark. cent contained. acre forest fire burning in Flat Rock State On Saturday, July 14 crews and helicopters Just in case they were needed New York Forest on Friday July 13, Sunday July 15, and were on standby, but fire officials did not call Army National Guard aircrews were on Monday, July 16. for their assistance. standby again with two UH-60s to respond if The fire, located 10 miles south of the Cana- On Sunday, July 15 the New York Army Na- required, on Monday, July 16. dian Border just outside New York’s Adiron- tional Guard aircrews went into action again. Each spring a select number of pilots and dack Park, began on Thursday, July 12. The two UH-60s delivered 52,800 gallons of crew chiefs train on using the Bambi buckets Over 200 personnel—New York State Forest water on the fire in 80 drop missions. to pick up and dump water to prepare to fight Rangers, Department of Environmental Con- Monday morning, July 16, two UH0-60 wildfires. servation fire crews, and local volunteer fire aircrews were back on standby again, but did The pilots need the additional practice departments-- have been part of the response. not expect to be used. On Monday afternoon, because a helicopter has a very different feel Crews from Quebec and Vermont have also though fire fighters called for help one more when it is carrying 5,400 pounds of water responded, according to Clinton County time and the aircraft flew north from Latham. underneath it. emergency officials. Two UH-60s dropped conducted 38 drops According to Staff Sgt. Jimmy Rose, a crew Smoke from the fire could be seen across and delivered 25,080 gallons of water on the chief, the Soldiers like doing these kinds of Lake Champlain in Vermont, according to fire. missions. reports. Each fully loaded Bambi bucket weights “Reacting to state emergencies are the best With temperatures in the 80s over the more than 5,400 pounds. types of missions” Rose said, “You’re working weekend the six hours or more in the air were The helicopters used a lake two miles for the people of New York State, and when fatiguing for the pilots and aircrew, said Chief away from the fire site to fill the buckets, you’re doing your job, that’s who I prefer to do Warrant Officer 3 Tom Brunschmid, one of the Brunschmid said. it for.” pilots. Each day the aircrews had to stop and refuel The biggest challenge for the aircrews was coordinating with the New York State Forest Rangers on the grounds who were directing the water drops, Brunschmid said. Because the military radios in the UH-60 don’t match the frequencies of the radios used by the Rangers, the Blackhawk crews had to speak with the ground on hand-held radios, he explained. New York State Police helicopters were initially called in to fight the fire. The New York State Police flies civilian versions of the UH-1 Huey helicopter and can deploy firefighting buckets which can drop 220 gallons of water. On Friday, the New York Army National Guard was asked to put two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and eight aircrew on standby to assist if necessary at Army Aviation Support Facility #3 in Latham, N.Y. just outside of Albany. The UH-60s can deploy fire-fighting buckets, known as Bambi buckets, which can hold 660 gallons of water. Those aircraft were deployed to the Platts- Staff Sgt. Jimmy Rose(right), assigned to 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Division, and civilian burgh area to support fire crews on Friday Steven Rosen, load a Bambi bucket onto a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter in Altona Flat Rock, N.Y., July, 13, 2018. The NYARNG responded to a forrest fire that broke out in Altona, N.Y., that spread afternoon. across hundreds of acres, from July 13-15.

18 GUARD TIMES Helicopter Maintainers Hone Skills in Texas Story and photo by Sgt. Mathew Kratts, 642nd Support Battalion CHORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Some 30 Sol- diers from Bravo Company, 642nd Support Battalion deployed here to the Corpus Christi Army Depot for annual training June 16-30 to prepare troops for aviation maintenance skills across nine different specialty func- tions. The Soldiers, based out of Ronkonkoma, N.Y., conducted maintenance training to support their work on UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook aircraft. Bravo Company is the 642nd Support Bat- talion’s aircraft maintenance company and the Soldiers received a full spectrum of maintenance tasks, explained Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Hernandez, responsible for coordinating the hands-on training at the depot. “The training was phenomenal,” Hernandez said. The experience was invaluable, he said. “We were able to do a week's worth of work in two days,” Hernandez said. He credited the success of the training to the quality of Soldiers. “We have a lot of talented Soldiers in the Spc. Andrew Lewis, a member of Bravo Company, 642nd Support Battalion, uses test equipment to repair avonics components at Corpus Christi Army Depot in Corpus Christi, Texas in June.Thirty unit and it was a great opportunity using the Soldiers from Bravo Company, 642nd Support Battalion conducted their annual training at the equipment available and the right tools to train Depot from June 16-30 to get hands on training for helicopter maintenance tasks. on,” he said. Corpus Christi is the Army’s largest facility of “The training was phenomenal. The experience was invaluable,” its type in the world for aviation maintenance. It provides an environment for the aviation -- Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Hernandez, 642nd Support Battalion Soldiers and technicians to work on complex anywhere else, said Staff Sgt. Vianney Patino, an depot counterpart to gain proficiency on their maintenance issues otherwise unavailable at aircraft electrician. specific skill. home station. “We were able to work at a depot level Some of the Soldiers received additional This type of hands-on training is critical for maintenance which means we would strip the training that will benefit not just their military the battalion to function efficiently, said Sgt. aircraft to bare bones,” Patino said. “By learning service but add commercial certifications for Daniel Maher, a full-time military maintenance exactly how to wire a helicopter, it cuts down civilian work as well. technician in Ronkonkoma. “I hope we can go on maintenance time because you know exactly Both Patino and Levine received aviation again.” where everything is routed…it was labor inten- industry certificates after completing a five–day The state-of-the-art facilities allowed the Sol- sive but we were happy to do it.” soldering class during the training. diers to get in-depth knowledge, gain valuable “The equipment was great,” said Spc. Nicho- “The course taught both civilian sector and experience and utilize specialized equipment las Levine, an aircraft electrician. “It was much military Inter-Process Communication (IPC) only found at this facility. different so it helped us use different techniques standards and is good for two years,” Levine Hernandez felt the training was exactly what for repairs… It definitely showed us what right said. the National Guard needs right now. looks like.” These IPC standards are used by electronics “You can get good training at the unit, but Levine is also a full time federal military manufacturer’s world-wide to standardize the nothing compares to working at the only facil- technician at the flight facility in Ronkonkoma assembly production of electronic equipment. ity in the world where you can actually test the and plans to bring back some of the procedures This certification allows these Soldiers to be blades on a helicopter.” and equipment used at the depot in order to proficient at both military and civilian in the The work at the Army depot provided op- make the unit shop cleaner and more efficient. electronics industry. portunities for maintenance work unavailable Each New York Soldier worked alongside a

Volume 3, 2018 19 Warrant Officers Celebrate 100 Years of Service Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff LATHAM, N.Y.--The New York to implementing new systems Army National Guard marked and new technologies said Chief the 100th birthday of the Army’s Warrant Officer 3 Kelly Fancher, a Warrant Officer Corps with a personnel expert in the New York short ceremony on Monday, July Army National Guard’s military 9. personnel office. Major General Anthony Ger- Warrant officers are the ones man, the Adjutant General, and charged with making sure systems other leaders, along with warrant work and teaching others, she said. officers working in the New York The New York Army National National Guard headquarters, took Guard currently has 237 war- time out of their schedule to mark rant officers out of a total force of the centennial of the Army War- just under 10,000 Soldiers, said rant Office Corps. Command Chief Warrant Officer In today’s Army, warrant officers Jacqueline O’Keefe. are highly specialized technical The state is authorized 305 war- experts in fields ranging from New York National Guard State Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jackie rant officers but there is a shortage intelligence, to maintenance, to O’Keefe speaks during the 100th Warrant Officer Birthday ceremony of personnel in some of the highly on July 9. O’Keefe read a proclamation by Lt. Gen. Timothy Kadavy, the personnel management. They’re technical military intelligence and Director of the Army National Guard, about Warrant Officers during the also helicopters pilots and can signal corps slots, she said. celebration. Photo by Spc. Andrew Valenza, Joint Force Headquarters. command detachments and gener- Warrant officers have a long ally run the Army’s fleet of ocean birthday of the Army Warrant Of- ficer looked like a great way to get history. and water craft. ficer Corps because that is the day ahead, he added. The Army Warrant Officer They account for about three that congress established the Army Rowinski is a mobility war- Corps traces its history back to percent of the Army’s force and Mine Planter Service; Soldiers rant officer assigned to the 42nd headquarters clerks created in stand between the enlisted ranks charged with using floating ocean Infantry Division. His specialty 1896 to help run the Army. They and officer corps in the Army’s mines to protect key American is knowing how to move people were initially considered civilians rank structure. waterways and harbors. and equipment and making sure but eventually they were given Being a warrant officer means The act gave the Army the everything gets there on time. military status. being a “pioneer” when it comes authority to create 40 Warrant of- In civilian life he is an engineer But July 9, 1918 is the official ficers who would serve as masters, for the New York State Depart- Combat Lifesavers Qualify at Camp Smith mates chief engineers and assistant ment of Transportation, but he is engineers on the ships and boats currently on active duty working that would be used to plant the as the logistics officer for the New mines. York Homeland Response Force. Congress created only one Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael warrant officer rank, but it did Zanghi, the New York Army Na- authorize different pay scales for tional Guard State Aviation war- masters, first mates, second mates rant officer, said his role is to help and marine engineers. the commissioned force do their In 1920, Congress expanded the job and mentor other aviators. “I’m Warrant Officer program. Warrant a go between, “ he said. officers were approved for clerical, Chief Warrant Officer 4 administrative, and band leading Timothy Schultz, has served as an activities. intelligence warrant officer since CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. -- New Entering the warrant officer pro- 1994. He became a warrant officer York Army National Guard Soldiers conduct Combat Lifesaver gram was a way for him to further because of the opportunities, training here July 20, 2018. The Soldiers qualified on their field his military career said Chief War- Shultz said. medical skills as part of the Future Leaders Course, a program rant Officer 3 Joshua Rowinski. “I like to mentor, I like to train, to prepare specialists and sergeants for the Basic Leader Course. Photo by Spc. Andrew Valenza, Joint Force Headquarters. He had been serving as a and I like to lead from the front,” sergeant and being a warrant of- he said.

20 GUARD TIMES Senior Leaders Visit 101st Signal Troops in Kuwait

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT -- New York National Guard senior leaders visited with deployed Soldiers of the 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion July 24, 2018 following the unit's deployment overseas in May. From left to right, Command Chief Master Sgt. Amy R. Giaquinto, New York's Senior Enlisted Advisor, Brig. Gen. Michel Natali, commander of the 53rd Troop Command, Maj. Gen. Anthony German, the Adjutant General of New York, and Command Sgt. Maj. Cory Cush, senior enlisted advisor of the 53rd Troop Command. The battalion provides communications in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, providing communications support for more than a dozen operating sites in some seven countries across the Middle East.

Humvee Inspections Senior Leaders Brief at Liberty Hunter LATHAM, N.Y. --Staff Sgt. Christopher Boehm conducts FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Brig. Gen. Thomas F. Spencer, Assistant Division a maintenance inspection on a unit humvee July Commander, 42nd Infantry Division receives an operations briefng from 10, 2018. Boehm is assigned to the Headquareters Soldiers representing the variety of units participating in the Liberty Company, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry, Photo by Spc. Hunter training exercise at Fort Drum on Aug. 11, 2018. Photo by Cpl. Andrew Valenza, Joint Force Headquarters. Nnaemeka Onyeagwa, 369th Sustainment Brigade.

Volume 3, 2018 21 53rd Troop Command Soldiers Refine Skills at FIG Story by Cpl. Nnaemeka Onyeagwa, 369th Sustainment Brigade LATHAM, N.Y. - Three hun- trainers known as VCATs, Peters changes within the unit in the training was viewed as a challenge dred and seventy Soldiers from said. 16 years I have been here,” said to not only meet but exceed the 53rd Troop command military “We are here to make sure stan- Wheeler, who is a Buffalo resident. growing expectations of the Army, police, engineer and transporta- dards are adhered to and expecta- “All the new, eager Soldiers are ex- Kinney said. tion companies used two weeks tions are met,”he said. cited to show off what they already The unit moved 26 vehicles in of training time and improved This year's training pro- know and learn new skills.” a convoy: a combination of 1088 multi-million dollar facilities at vided the engineers with the Every year a National Guard and 1098 family medium tactical Fort Indiantown Gap hone their skills from July 7-21. 1156th the opportunity to test unit's summer training allows its vehicles and Humvees from their The four units training at Fort their readiness and efficacy as a Soldiers to refresh their technical home station of New Windsor, Indiantown Gap were: company,according to unit leaders. skills while giving newer Soldiers a N.Y, he added. One-hundred and thirty three While the 105th Military Police chance to apply what they learned The logistics of transporting Soldiers from the Buffalo, N.Y. Company focused on increasing in school to real life. vehicles and equipment forms based 105th Military Police Com- the first part of their training and pany. mission as a premier trucking - Seventy four Soldiers from company. the Auburn N.Y., based 222nd "Our second mission is to Military Police Company. achieve an enhanced level of readi- - Forty four Soldiers from the ness," said Capt. Nicolas Thomas Camp Smith N.Y., based 1156th Cardiello, a native of Bronx N.Y. Engineer Company. and an Afghanistan war veteran. - One-hundred and twenty "We are getting better at what we three Soldiers from the New Win- do; it feels really good to come out sor, N.Y., based 1569th Transpor- and practice our jobs." tation Company. “I believe most of the goals of "We train to make us better,” this annual training have been said Sgt. First Class Joshua Nowak, achieved. It’s separated into three the senior gunner for the 222nd phases: crawl, walk, and run,” said Military Police Company. Sgt. Martin Bradley, truck driver Nowak, a 20-year Soldier and with the 1569th. Bradley, a 12-year military Buffalo, N.Y., native, said he Soldiers with the 1569th Transportation Company react to contact has seen plenty of changes and during annual training at Fort Indiantown Gap, Penn., July 16. More combat veteran with three deploy- improvements to the training regi- than 350 Soldiers from transportation, military police and engineer ments with the Army and Marines, companies used the training to improve Soldier and unit readiness. mens over the past two decades. said, “right now we are in the walk Photo by Spc. Amouris Coss, 138th Public Affairs Detachment. “The training this summer has phrase, by next training we should clearly been better than any we be at the run phrase.” have had since I came to the unit their readiness level, they also used “These missions are slightly dif- The tactical lanes at Fort 12 years ago; it’s a progression that this time to integrate new Soldiers ferent from what I am used to, but Indiantown Gap are very similar I am proud to be part of," Nowak to the unit, according to Sgt. 1st they are designed to sharpen the to the theaters of conflict that the said. Class Amanda Wheeler, the readi- basic skills of a military police offi- military has involved in recent The 1156th Engineer Company ness noncommissioned officer for cer,” said Sgt. Andrew Robert Kin- times. It’s easy to see why most used their experience from a year- the company. ney, a military police officer with units line up to train here in the long deployment to Kuwait and Thirty new Soldiers became the 105nd Engineer Company. summer,Bradley said. Iraq to design the 2018 Annual part of the unit since the previ- Kinney, a 9-year veteran of “A last minute location change Training plan they oversaw as eval- ous summer training through the unit and an Iraq War veteran located us alongside of three other uators, said 1st Lt. Douglas Leon- initial military entry and a change noted that this year’s training has New York Army Guard units,” Cpt. ard Peters the Executive Officer of in military occupation. The unit been very realistic, and that there Nicolas Thomas Cardiello. “But, 1156th Engineering Company. had 15 Soldiers move on to new have been a lot of parallels with the benefit of working with our Real-world experience was units and duty assignments, she deployments. brother and sister units is immea- beneficial when running convoy explained. For the 1569th Transportation surable. lanes and using new virtual convoy “It’s great to have seen the Company, this year’s summer

22 GUARD TIMES New York Guardsmen on the Attack as WWI Ends Story by Col. Richard Goldenberg, Guard Times Staff SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - then four weeks later; breaking the The days from August 8 to Nov. German defensive “Hindenburg 11, 1918 have gone down in Line “ on September 25-29. World War I military history as The initial attack of the 53rd “The 100 days”. Brigade failed to penetrate the This period was marked by a German defensive line. A renewed series of attacks launched by the attack on September 28-29 by the French, British and American 54th Brigade cracked the enemy armies; which defeated the Ger- position. man Army, resulting in massed “The advance was then contin- surrenders retreat; and the end of ued with little resistance until the the fighting. remaining troops arrived at the New York National Guard first wire entanglements of the Soldiers played a key role in this Hindenburg Line,” wrote Capt. J.F. fighting: breaking through the Oakleaf for a 108th Infantry Regi- Hindenburg Line near Belgium, ment reunion in 1921. and taking part in the largest “At this point they met the full New York Soldiers of the 27th Division celebrate the signing of the American battle of all time in the Armistice that ended World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. The division had resistance of a fortified posi- suffered heavy casualties while attacking through the Hindenburg Line Meuse-Argonne region of France. tion such as the world had never as part of the British Fourth Army. National Archive photo. Serving under the command of known,” Oakleaf wrote. General John J. Pershing, com- There were 65 officers and 3,721 the Normandy Invasion in which mander of the 42nd Division’s 84th mander of the American Expe- men killed or wounded. 156,000 Americans participated. Brigade. MacArthur replied that if ditionary Force and the United “The position was held against There were 26,277 Americans they failed, his name would be at States First Army, was New York severe counter attacks and enfilad- killed and 95,786 wounded by the the top of the casualty list. City’s own “Fighting 69th” Infantry ing artillery and machine,” Oakleaf end of the campaign. By October 16th, they reached Regiment, now reflagged as the wrote. Australian soldiers joined Twenty-seven French and the crest of Chatillon. With the 165th Infantry. the New Yorkers in overcoming American divisions—including the capture of a key height by the The 165th was part of the 42nd the defense. 42nd—were part of the attack that 32nd Division on the Rainbow’s “Rainbow” Division, comprised of The 27th resumed the offensive began on Sept. 25 and ended on right flank, the Americans finally National Guard Soldiers from 26 on October 8 and advanced 21 Nov. 11. It was designed to cut off pierced the Kreimhilde Stellung states and the District of Colum- miles and forced the Germans to the entire German 2nd Army and defensive line. bia. retreat. sever the enemy railroads. In the third phase of the of- The French 161st Division, part The fighting since September The Harlem Hellfighters at- fensive, launched November 1, of the French 4th Army, had its had cost the division half of its tacked on Sept. 25 and fought the allied attack forced German own New Yorkers in its ranks: New infantrymen killed or wounded by through mid-October; advancing disengagement and retreat. The York’s 15th Infantry Regiment, re- October 25 when they went into nine miles and outrunning the attack became a pursuit. designated as the 369th Infantry, reserve. French units on their flanks. Elements of the 42nd at- “Harlem’s Hellfighters.” In the rugged region around In mid-October the 42nd Divi- tacked towards Sedan. The race to The all-black infantry regi- Sedan and Verdun known as the sion and the 69th Infantry got into Sedan ultimately was set aside on ment was assigned under French Meuse-Argonne—for a river and the fight. November 7 when French forces command to bolster the strength a wood—the men of the 69th The objective given to the liberated their city. With American of French forces and avoid the Infantry ( the 165th Infantry Regi- 42nd Division was the German forces across the Meuse River, Ger- complications of a segregated ment) and the 369th Infantry ( the defensive stronghold at Côte de many began to seek peace terms American army. Harlem Hellfighters) - were among Chatillon, part of the defensive on November 8. Guardsmen of New York’s 27th 1.2 million Americans fighting the line known as the Kreimhilde As New York Soldiers reorga- Division were part of the British largest American battle ever. Stellung. nized to continue the allied attack, Army in Belgium. The Meuse-Argonne Offensive “Give me Chatillon or a list of word spread through the lines that Along the Somme River in was bigger than the World War 5,000 casualties,” Major General fighting would end at the 11th northern France, the 27th Division II Battle of the Bulge in which Charles Summeral told Brig. Gen. hour of the 11th day of the 11th fought first in early September and 500,000 Americans fought, or Douglas MacArthur, the com- month. The Great War was over.

Volume 3, 2018 23 Camp Smith Infantry School Challenges Troops Story and photo Cpl. Nnaemeka Onyeagwa, 369th Sustainment Brigade CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, N.Y. - Ten Army National Guard Soldiers from the Northeast are now qualified to wear the sky blue cord and crossed rifles of the infantry after completing a two-week reclassification course taught here. Conducted by the New York Army National Guard’s 106th Regiment Regional Training Institute, the three week class turns Soldiers with a variety of other military occupations into infantry Soldiers. Course 18-002 began on Aug. 3, 2018 with 15 candidates and graduated 10 infantrymen on Aug. 17, 2018. Three of the graduates were New York Army National Guard members. Starting October 2018, the 106th RTI will be one of only six locations where Soldiers can attend the reclassification and other infantry career courses. “It takes a special person to want a chance to become an infantry Soldier, to fight for your Spc. Michael A. Shriver, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, and Staff Sgt. Mickey country and loved ones at home and asking Kostelink, assigned to the 106th Regional Training Institute prepare for a mock assault during the nothing in return,” said staff Sgt. John Dust- infantry reclassification course final field training exercise at Camp Smith Aug. 13, 2018. man, the senior course instructor at the RTI and 25-year combat veteran. “We want heart, a willingness to learn, course made it to the final task, a 48-hour- “I don’t expect those who graduate this straight field training exercise (FTX) in the course to become experts on the infantry, but I self-motivation, the desire and the mountains and woods at Camp Smith. That task was all that stood in their way to earn the expect after what they go through they should determination to succeed,” have it inside to always try and push through at sky blue U.S. Army infantry colors and badge. all times,” said Dustman. Camp Smith consists of 1,900 acres with -- Staff Sgt. John Dustman, senior RTI training assets and simulators. The infantry is an extremely physically de- infantry instructor manding occupation and only accepts Soldiers During the FTX, students go out as a platoon Michael A. Shriver, a prior service Marine into its reclassification course who request the and are led by two of the course instructors. assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry change and are exceling in their military duties They move tactically throughout the woods Regiment. like the Army physical test, marksmanship, and while going up against role playing enemy Fitness is a big concern for infantry Soldiers driver’s qualifications. combatants made up of their course instructors since they train and operate with a high-level of Students learn to master some of the infan- and handpicked Soldiers. physical activity. try’s weapons systems like the Browning .50 “The 2-day FTX was designed to test all they “The ruck marches, loaded with at least 45 Caliber Machine Gun and the M240 machine had been training on, and what is required to pounds of gear, and the infantry 5-mile run gun, while familiarizing themselves with other enter the infantry,” said Staff Sgt. Morgen P. were the most difficult part,” said Spc. Movado systems like the M320 grenade launcher and Sealy, the course manager and an Afghanistan A. McKoy from Queens, a logistics specialist the M16 rifle with the M203 grenade launcher combat veteran. with 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment. attachment. “The best part of the course is seeing the pro- What surprised Mckoy was just how effective They are also taught current scientific strate- gression in the students from day one till when the instructions, tactics and procedures were at gies on how to maintain a peak level of physical we get to the field,” said Sealy. this level. fitness that included safety considerations while “We want heart, a willingness to learn, self- “The lessons we were taught trained us on working out, injury control, environmental motivation, the desire and the determination to how to tactically move in densely wooded considerations, and other techniques. succeed,” says Dustman. “My personal expecta- areas,” said McKoy. “I want this occupation to “There is a lot of good knowledge going tion is that after this course they keep learning prove to myself that I can do it.” around and a lot of good guys here,” said Spc. the craft even more.” Ten of the fifteen Soldiers who started the

24 GUARD TIMES Honor Guard Training Makes Better Soldiers Story and photos by Cpl. Nnaemeka Onyeagwa, 369th Sustainment Brigade CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.--Six New York Army National Guard Soldiers, out of a class of 14, completed a demanding 40-hour course in military funeral honors taught at Camp Smith Train- ing Site near Peekskill, N.Y., August 26-31. “The State’s Level One Military Funeral Hon- ors Academy is a physically demanding course designed to train and test Soldiers’ composure, proficiency and fluidity while doing different variations of the nine unique positions of the modified funeral honors,” explained Sgt. 1st Class Tomas Couvertier, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Honor Guard program. The course is taught by members of the New York Honor Guard who have served long enough to become certified trainers and are still serving in the program. “Performing funeral honors is not usually at the top of the list of what Soldiers have the Above, Pfc. Michael Kerr, an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, performs opportunity to do, practice or train on while an arrangement of the flag on a casket while on a simulated hearse as part of the graveside in the military. It’s certainly not a part of the procedure during the Military Funeral Honors Course at Camp Smith Aug. 30, 2018. Below, Kerr military that is glamorized,” said Staff Sgt. and other Soldiers simulate a flag dress during the casket carry sequence with guidance from course trainers at the 40-hour Level One training. Luis Celeste, a regional coordinator with the program and a heavy vehicle driver with the trainee to really prefect the level one Solider 1569th Transportation Company. responsibilities,” said Sgt. Josh Sanzo, a trainer “However, these Soldiers sought out the and distinguished honor graduate from the Feb. academy for the opportunity to become a 2018 course. “This is something I cherish.” valuable part of the program that provides final Any former service member who was honor- military honors to service members,” Celeste ably discharged is entitled to funeral honors said. consisting of at least two honor guard mem- The course aims to not only help Soldiers be- bers, the playing of Taps, and the presentation come more knowledgeable about military hon- of a flag during services. ors but also make the students better Soldiers. “I think the program as a whole helps keep “It’s a challenge making sure Soldiers who The instructors draw from events and their and improve on discipline and composure,” are coming to this course have been afforded a experiences during actual funerals to role-play said Spc. Thalia Pellot, a fire control specialist good deal of training and have some experience and simulate possible distractions and unex- assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 258th taking part in funerals details,” Couvertier said. pected changes during a funeral at the academy. Field Artillery. “I feel the course has perfected ”Making sure the Soldiers are prepped with Soldiers who show proficiency at these posi- everything that I have done so far in the Honor the right gear and are in the right physical con- tions while distracted is one of the require- Gu ard .” dition is a big concern,” said Couvertier, who ments to graduate, Celeste explained. The rigorous standards of the course not only has been in the program for more than nine Graduates have to be able to perform all mili- instill the precise movements required for the years and is a graduate of this course as well. tary funeral honors except for the full military funeral ceremony, but also reinforce fundamen- Soldiers attending the course learn to execute honors detail, which is reserved for level two tal military lessons as well, she said. military movements with M14 rifles, which military funeral honors graduates and above. “I expect graduates to continue training, were equipped for the Army in the 1960s. The New York Honor Guard performs more improving, and keep perfecting their military They learn the proper sequence to fire a -fu than 700 military funerals a month and expects funeral honors tasks and skills,” Couvertier neral salute, carry a casket and move as part of to surpass 9,000 by year's end. said. “I took over as NCOIC last August; we are a 7-Soldier casket team, as well as learning how “It’s been absolutely amazing to see my going to try and shoot for more courses and to move in-sync. progression in the three years since being a training next year.”

Volume 3, 2018 25 AIR NATIONAL GUARD GUARD

New Commander of 224th Air Defense Group Story and photos by Timothy Jones, 224th EADS ROME, N.Y. - Col. Paul J. Quig- on the E-3 B/C. ley, a Manlius resident, formally In 1998, Quigley became an took command of the New York instructor and flight commander Air National Guard’s 224th Air at the 325th Training Squadron Defense Group (ADG) on Friday at Tyndall Air Force Base. Named during an assumption of com- Operations Group Instructor of mand ceremony at the Eastern the Year in 2000, Quigley trained Air Defense Sector (EADS). more than 500 Air Battle Manag- The 224th ADG is responsible ers during his three-year tour. for conducting EADS’ mission. A He was then assigned to the North American Aerospace De- 12th Airborne Command and fense Command (NORAD) head- Control Squadron (ACCS). While quarters unit, EADS is responsible at the 12th ACCS, he served as for the air defense of the eastern Flight Commander, Training United States. Staffed primarily by Flight Commander, and Senior New York Air National members, Director. Selected to lead the first the unit includes a Canadian JSTARS sortie of Operation Iraqi Forces detachment, U.S. Army and Freedom (OIF), Quigley partici- Navy liaison officers, and federal pated in 27 combat missions dur- civilians. ing OIF and Operation Enduring Quigley received command Freedom. He subsequently served before a crowd of about 100 family, as the 116th Air Control Wing friends and fellow Airmen. Brig. Executive Officer and completed Gen. Timothy J. LaBarge, the his JSTARS tour with more than Chief of Staff of the New York Air Brig. Gen. Timothy J. LaBarge, left, Chief of Staff, New York Air National 750 flight hours. Guard, passes the 224th Air Defense Group guidon to Col. Paul J. National Guard, served as the of- In April 2004, Quigley joined Quigley, June 29 at an assumption of command ceremony held at the ficiating officer for the ceremony. Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS) in Rome, N.Y. More than 100 Airmen the New York Air National Guard. Quigley replaces Col. John M. and family members attended the ceremony. Quigley commanded the At EADS, he has served as Evalu- Balbierer, who is retiring. 224th Air Defense Squadron at EADS prior to Group command. ator Mission Crew Commander, A native of Kings Park, New Flight Commander, Chief of th York, Quigley graduated from the Bills Salute Members of 107 Attack Wing Weapons and Tactics and Chief of U.S. Air Force Academy in 1992. Standardization and Evaluation. Following graduation, he attended Prior to command of the 224th the Air Force Undergraduate Con- ADG, Quigley served as the Com- troller School at Tyndall Air Force mander of the 224th Air Defense Base, Florida. Upon completion, Squadron Commander from Quigley was assigned to the 552nd August 2015 to June 2018. Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where he served as Weapons Direc- tor, Evaluator Air Surveillance Officer, and Electronic Combat Officer for the 965th AWACS ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- New York Air National Guard Airman 1st Squadron. While at the squadron, Class Jessica Ramos-Woodard, assigned to the 107th Attack he deployed in support of four op- Wing, shakes hands with Buffalo Bills wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III during the Bills’ training camp at St. John Fisher erations in Iraq and one in Haiti. College Aug. 5, 2018. Military members from Western New York Quigley completed his AWACS as- participated in the team’s Military Appreciation Day. Photo by signment with nearly 2,000 hours Master Sgt. Brandy Fowler, 107th Attack Wing.

26 GUARD TIMES Airmen Deploy to Assist in Oregon Wildfire Story by Col. Richard Goldenberg, Joint Forces Headquarters SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Four New York Air Local firefighters employed the JTACs to National Guard members of the 274th Air map fire breaks and control lines to assist in the Support Operations Squadron deployed to containment of the fire. Grants Pass, Oregon to assist firefighters "These four JTACs bring a special skill set contain a wildfire that forced the evacuation along with advance command and commu- of more than 700 local citizens from their nications equipment systems that allow them homes in southwest Oregon. to directly assist on scene commanders," said The Airmen, based at Hancock Air National Col. Gary Charlton II, Vice Commander of the Guard Base in Syracuse, N.Y., traveled to Spo- 107th Attack Wing, the higher headquarters of kane, Oregon over the past weekend for indi- the 274th. vidual training with civil authorities to integrate "The information they provide allows com- aviation operations in wildland firefighting. manders to make real-time decisions to better The Airmen are Joint Tactical Air Control- combat the wildfires and add in the protection lers, known as JTACs, and are highly skilled of life and property of those actively fighting the experts in integrating aviation capabilities Oregon Army National Guard Pfc. Solomon wildfires and those effected," he said. for ground forces. The training provides an Quijano, with Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, The Grants Pass wildfire at Taylor Creek 218th Field Artillery Regiment, checks for hot additional qualification for supporting civil started July 15 from a lightning strike and is spots during a firefighting training exercise authorities. currently 39 square miles in circumference. at the Oregon Department of Public Safety The four join nearly 150 other members of Standards and Training in Salem, Ore., Aug. The fire, covering some 25,000 acres, is about the Oregon National Guard called to duty to 28, 2017. Courtesy photo. 30 percent contained as of August 1, accord- assist in wildfire suppression of the Garner ing to the Pacific Northwest National Incident command and control of NATO and US strike Complex fires later this week by Oregon Gover- Management Team. aircraft when friendly forces are in close range nor Kate Brown. Over 1,100 firefighters and support person- of enemy forces. The New York Airmen were requested by the nel are working to contain the fire and protect The role of JTACs is to identify targets and Air National Guard and the National Inter- structures in the affected areas. make sure fighter aircraft neutralize the threat. agency Fire Center over the weekend and began The 274th Air Support Operations Squad- The Airmen will bring these air-ground integra- operations earlier this week. They will remain ron regularly deploys members of the unit as tion skills to the firefighting incident command on site in support as wildfire containment teams. The squadron is a Tactical Air Control in Oregon to help contain the wildfire at Taylor efforts continue and remained on the mission Party (TACP) unit. The TACP team assumes Creek. until August 22. 105th Airlift Wing Salutes Fallen Airman, Staff Sgt. Lobraico

NEWBURGH, N.Y. -- Airmen assigned to the 105th Airlift Wing pay respects during a memorial service for Staff Sgt. Todd “TJ” Lobraico at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Sept. 5, 2018. Lobraico was killed during combat operations outside of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, Sept. 5, 2013. Photos by Staff Sgt. Julio Olivencia, 105th Airlift Wing.

Volume 3, 2018 27 Officer Takes 'Final Flight' after 33-year Career Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff STRATTON AIR NATIONAL member; and his son Phillip, a GUARD BASE, Scotia, N.Y.—Af- CAP cadet; on board with him. ter a 33-year career that included “It was a real honor for those of two years at the US embassy us on the plane to fly with Dave,” in South Africa, New York Air said Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Bryan National Guard Lt. Col. Dave Benedict. “I’ve known him for 13 Panzera made his final Air Force years and he is first rate.” flight on Tuesday, July 17. Panzera, a resident of Warnerv- “It is a whole mix of emotions,” ille, N.Y., joined the Air Force in Panzera said after touching down 1985 as an enlisted Airman. He in LC-130 “Skier 02.” “It’s amazing served as a crew chief on a C-130 that your career lasts decades and before he entered Embry Riddle then it is over in an instant.” Aeronautical University in 1989. The 51-year old Panzera, who Panzera was enrolled in Air has overseen the annual Civil Force ROTC and when he gradu- Air Patrol Cadet encampment at ated he commissioned as a second Stratton Air National Guard Base lieutenant and sent to flight school. since 2014, decided to spend his He joined the 109th Airlift wing last time behind the controls of an as a traditional guardsman in 1994 LC-130 flying 27 CAP Cadets on and in 1995 he flew his first mis- an orientation flight. sion to Antarctica in support of the The final flight is a tradition in National Science Foundation. which a retiring military pilot’s During his career he’s landed at accomplishments are recognized the southernmost runway in the by his peers following his or her world, at Amundsen- Scott Base at last mission. the South Pole and the northern- Panzera, at the controls of the most runway at Canadian Forces transport, made the traditional Station Alert at Ellsmere Island pass over the administrative build- New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. David Panzera, pilot for the 109th above the Arctic Circle, Panzera Airlift Wing, walks with his son Phillip, a Civil Air Patrol Cadet, after ing and then landed to be greeted said. completing his last flight in an LC-130 Hercules July 17th, 2018 at by family, friends and colleagues. Stratton Air National Guard base, Scotia N.Y. Photo by Senior Master “When I looked at my orders His wife, two daughters and two Sgt. William Gizara, 109th Airlift Wing. the other day, I had a total of 2.5 sons, sprayed him with a fire hose calendar years of duty time on Africa. He also worked with the education, and oversee the cadet from a base fire truck for the tradi- Antarctica,” Panzera said. militaries of Lesotho and Swazi- program which produces future tional wet down. Then his mother He figures he’s flown about land, the two small landlocked aerospace leaders. Eva Panzera followed up with a 4,000 hours in the Antarctic and countries within South Africa. “They mirror the core values spray of Champagne. another 1,250 hours on Greenland He got to help South Africans of the Air Force,” Panzera said. The final flight is tradition- missions, with almost 1,000 more attend American military schools “When I got to see the cadet ally a training flight, so this was a spent on Department of Defense too, Panzera said. program and how it dovetailed chance to do something with the missions worldwide, Panzera said. “It was an amazing time,” he so nicely about what I knew and cadet program, Panzera explained. One of his coolest jobs was added. loved about the Air Force, I had to The co-pilot is also involved with serving as the New York National Then, at the Air Command and get involved.” the CAP cadet program and the Guard’s State Partnership Program Staff College he was introduced to Panzera serves as director of scheduled loadmaster, Airman 1st representative at the United States the Civil Air Patrol and its Cadet cadet programs for the composite Class Jason Falvo, was once a CAP embassy in Pretoria South Africa program, Panzera said. CAP squadron which meets at Cadet in the program at Stratton, from 2007to 2010, Panzera said. The Civil Air Patrol, the Air Stratton Air National Guard Base. Panzera said. He worked out of the defense Force’s official auxiliary, consists “I’ve had a lot of fun growing He was also able to have his attaches office and arranged part- of men and women who volunteer this program here at the base,” he father Joseph, a retired Air Force nership training between the New their time to perform emergency said. security policeman and CAP York National Guard and South service work, promote aerospace

28 GUARD TIMES Airmen Compete for German Proficiency Badge Story and photo by Timothy Jones, 224th Support Squadron ROME, N.Y. - In an effort to promote fitness cated than it sounds. Participants start from a and morale, the 224th Support Squadron prone position, laying stomach down on a mat, conducted a German Armed Forces Profi- jump up and sprint around a cone and back to ciency Badge competition here August 29. the starting point, where they must return to A decoration of the Bundeswhehr, the stomach-down position before the next sprint. Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Participants were assigned scores based on Germany, the badge is one of the few foreign their times and all three tests had to be com- awards approved for wear on U.S. uniforms. pleted within 90 minutes of the start. Master Sgt. Eric Stone and Tech. Sgt. Sean Second-day events included a 100-meter Redden organized the competition, which swim, a first aid evaluation and a Nuclear, Bio- included four Airmen from the 224th Air logical and Chemical test while wearing chemi- Defense Group, which provides the forces at the cal protective suits. The road march and pistol Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome. qualification took place on the third day. Three Airmen from the 109th Airlift Wing Staff Sgt. Michael Carson of the 224th Airmen wore their Airman Battle Uniform Support Squadron performs the flexed-arm participated as well. Stone and Redden became during the swim and had to complete the hang August 29 during the German Armed qualified test proctors by completing a training course in less than four minutes to pass. In the Forces Proficiency Badge while test proctor session conducted by the German liaison officer road march, each Airman wore ABUs and a Master Sgt. Eric Stone keeps time. The at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. competition was part of an EADS effort to helmet while carrying ruck sacks weighing 33 promote fitness among Airmen. Fitness, firearms proficiency and military pounds. To achieve the highest score, partici- skill components administered over three days pants had to cover 7.46 miles in less than two Lt. Col. Paul Bishop, the 224th Support make up the test. The first day was dedicated hours. Squadron Commander, encouraged the profi- to the basic fitness test, composed of eleven Two Airmen qualified for the badge. Staff ciency badge competition as a way to promote 10-meter sprints, followed by a timed, flexed- Sgt. Caleb Adam of the 224th ADS achieved the physical fitness. Plans are underway to conduct arm hang and a 1,000 meter run. highest score, qualifying at the gold level, while future tests for the badge, with the hope of The 10-meter sprint event is more compli- Tech. Sgt. Redden qualified at the bronze level. attracting more participants from within the Engineers Assist in West Virginia Community Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Campbell, 107th Attack Wing ROMNEY, W. Va., More than 30 members of main areas,” he said. “We are putting in wheel- sections within the squadron.” the 107th Civil Engineer Squadron based at chair accessible ramps, and also putting in four “It’s been hard work, but it’s been good,” Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station took park bathrooms, one on each floor and in each wing, Freiburger said. “Everyone has been great to in an Innovative Readiness Training mission that will be fully ADA compliant.” each other and working together well, and com- at the West Virginia School for the Deaf and The work was accomplished under the In- ing together to get the mission done.” Blind, June 10-23, 2018. novative Readiness Training program, which The Guardsmen were the first of four rota- brings aid to underserved communities. tions working on the project. The school serves "We are getting good AFSC and construc- children with numerous disabilities, however it tion skills training," Forrest said. "We don’t faces certain accessibility issues. have these opportunities during drill weekends “With the school being an in-residence because of limited time, said Forrest. school, the kids actually live here during the This has allowed younger Airmen in the week,” said Maj. Ryan Forrest, commander of 107th to learn from the more experienced. It the 107th Engineers. also gives some of them a first introduction to Some of the facilities needed to be brought the trades. up to standards of the Americans with Disabili- “Everyone has been great, I came down ties Act (ADA), Forrest said. without any knowledge in this area,” said Air- “Even though this is a school for the deaf and man 1st Class Brandon Freiburger, a firefighter blind, they have children who have multiple 107th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen pour assigned to the 107th CES. “I was curious about disabilities.” concrete to create a ramp at the West Virginia what they would have me do here, and I’ve School for the Blind and Deaf in Romney, W. “We are putting handicap access into the actually had the chance to work with all the Va., June 21, 2018.

Volume 3, 2018 29 New York Guard

NY Guard 89th Band Performs with Rainbow Division Band LIDO BEACH, N.Y.-- The New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division band was joined by seven members of the New York Guard 89th Band led by Captain Roy Coates, who served as an assistant conductor during the band’s 42nd Infantry Band tour throughout the summer. Photo by Cpt. Mark Getman, New York Guard.

Clean-up at Camp Smith for NY Guard Moving day CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, N.Y.--Soldiers from the New York Guard removed old furniture during their July and August drill at the New York Headquarters moved from their previous headquarters building 503 CSTS, which they have occupied for over 15 years and they moved to their new headquarters building located in building 84. Photo by Cpt. Mark Getman, New York Guard.

30 GUARD TIMES New York Naval Militia Militia Christens New 35-foot Landing Craft Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff ALBANY, N.Y.-- The New York and Romans when an offering was vehicles along the Hudson River the Naval Militia Emergency Boat Naval Militia’s newest boat can given to Poseidon, the god of the shoreline in Rensselaer. Service. cut through the water at 44 miles sea, in order to ensure the ship's The Naval Militia crew and The 35 foot vessel weighs 15,000 per hour and deposit a small safety, McKnight explained. CST members worked together to pounds and has a draft of 30 inch- vehicle or 27 personnel onto any The New York Naval Militia figure out the best way to load and es which allows it to work close to shoreline necessary. began seeking to acquire a landing unload the ATV from the boat and shore. The crew of three personnel The boat "LC-350" – LC for craft style vessel six years ago after tested the stability of the boat with can beach the boat at unimproved "landing craft" and 350 for the Superstorm Sandy hit New York, a load on board. landing sites to load or off-load 35-foot length of the boat-was ac- McKnight said. The goal, according to McK- personnel, vehicles or supplies cepted into service during a short It became clear that there was a night, is to provide new capa- over the bow ramp to otherwise ceremony at Albany's Jennings need for a boat that could be used bilities for the New York Military inaccessible locations. Landing park on the Hudson River to deliver relief supplies and per- Forces. It is powered by twin Mercury on August 7. sonnel along New York's 127 miles The New York Naval Militia will Optimax 250HP outboard engines. LC-350 is designed to deliver of coastline and the 150 miles of initially base the vessel in Albany The landing craft can deliver up three tons of emergency supplies, a Hudson River from New York City and then relocate it for mission to 3 tons of equipment or supplies vehicle, or 27 personnel to beaches to Troy, N.Y. support down the Hudson River with a 7.5 foot wide bow door or shorelines along Long Island or On August 17 the New York Na- this fall near Indian Point. and 17 foot length of cargo area the Hudson River during flooding val Militia and the 2nd Civil Sup- The boat can also be trailered forward of the wheel house. or other emergency situations. port Team (CST), which is trained to any location in the state when The LC-350 has a catamaran The boat's bow is a ramp which to identify chemical, biological and needed. twin- hull design which increases can be dropped to allow access to radiological threats, tested the abil- An application for a federal Port stability. It also has the ability to the shore by people, or vehicles. ity of the craft to load and unload Security Grant was approved in pivot 360 degrees when needed. . The LC-350 provides a new one of the 2nd CST’s survey team 2016 to add the Munson Boat to level of capability to New York's Military Forces, said Naval Militia Rear Admiral Timothy J. Zakriski, the commander of the Naval Mi- litia. Naval Militia forces can now deliver cargo and people directly to a shoreline during flooding or if roadways are unusable, he said. The boat, constructed by the William E. Munson Co. of Burl- ington, Washington, can also serve as a patrol vessel when necessary. The boat was christened by New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs employee Lisa Bogardus. Bogardus was selected because she played a key role in applying- for the federal port security grant which pays for three-quarters of the boat's $317,000 cost, according to Naval Militia Commander Don McKnight, the commander of the Military Emergency Boat Service Members of the New York National Guard's 2nd Civil Support Team unload an ATV from the New York which operates New York's ten Naval Militia's new landing craft, LC-350, during a joint training exercise conducted on the Hudson River in patrol boats. Rensselaer, New York on August 17, 2018. The Naval Militia Sailors and CST members were testing the ability of the boat to load and unload the ATV, used by CST chemical, biological and radiological survey team members, The ritual of christening a ship on the shore. Photo by Spc. Andrew Valenza, Joint Force Headquarters. or boat dates back to the Greeks

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