Volume 13 Number 2

www.dmna.ny.gov Serving the New York Army and Air National Guard, Naval Militia, New York Guard and Families FROM THE LEADERSHIP A Year Like No Other, a Response Like No Other ello everyone. Today, as I for people who do not abide by their and required personnel protective Hwrite this note, it is June 15, sworn oath of service to protect equipment when riding. Water and 2020 and day 100 of our COVID-19 and defend the Constitutions of the fire safety is especially important for response efforts. By the time you United States and the State of New young children. When training, re- read these remarks, it will be well York and to live by our military member military vehicle speed is 50 into summer. I hope that things values. It is that simple. MPH unless the road's speed limit across the state and nation will When violations are reported, is lower. Everyone is a safety Officer have improved significantly by commanders have an inherent or NCO when training. If you see then. New York is reopening and responsibility to investigate. Com- something unsafe, stop the action moving forward. The governor's manders have the full spectrum of and make immediate corrections. New York Forward plan is working administrative and/or disciplinary Thank you again for everything and allowing regions to reopen in actions at their disposal. you do. You are fantastic service phases. The response of our service The safety and well-being of our members and civilian employees. members and civilian employees is service members is our highest We simply could not do what we do nothing short of astounding. priority. To that end, we are work- without each one of you. Stay safe Maj. Gen. Raymond Shields 2020 will be a historic year by all ing with the Walter Reed Army In- and healthy! accounts – it certainly will be a year stitute of Research and the Warrior none of us will soon forget. Resilience (WRAIR) and Fitness Starting back in March, the New Division of the National Guard York Military Forces were called Bureau to conduct two studies of into State Active Duty (SAD) to our personnel to assess the force's assist with the COVID-19 crisis - wellness and resilience. initially in New Rochelle, but then For all those Soldiers and Airmen rapidly expanding into New York who participated in the decedent City, Long Island, the lower Hudson recovery and transportation mis- Valley, and then eventually across sions with New York City, West- the entire State. We then received chester County, and Orange County presidential approval to place the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Army and Air National Guard on the WRAIR has developed a tool to federal Title 32 502(f) orders start- assess service members at regular ing on 28 March 2020. intervals to determine their psycho- Then on May 25, 2020, Minne- logical health. The entire leadership apolis police officers killed George team strongly encourages participa- Floyd. His death sparked massive tion in this study. civil unrest unseen in our country The other assessment run by the since the 1960s. Combined with National Guard Bureau's Warrior the needless death of George Floyd, Resilience and Fitness Division the COVID crisis, and the resulting looks at the entire force to look at economic downturn in our econo- stressors associated with deploying my, 2020 is a year like no other. for the COVID-19 response, those I want to reiterate that we are not deploying, and the impacts of an organization that lives by and family and community stressors as- practices our respective service's sociated with dealing with the CO- core values. Racist, hateful, violent, VID-19 crisis. Senior leaders will and hurtful conduct or comments, use the results of this study across which discredits the reputation of the country to inform programs our military services, are not accept- regarding resiliency. Both of these able. We have no room in our ranks efforts will help the total force and improve resiliency programs. Keeping on the theme of safety Senior Airman Paul Lambert, assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing, dons and summer vacations, I ask every- personal protective equipment to assist the City of New York Office one to refocus on keeping them- of the Chief Medical Examiner recovering the deceased in New York selves, their families, and their units City, May 2. National Guard members supported the city's recovery of safe. It is also motorcycle season; decedents during the peak of the pandemic. See our related story on page 12. Photo by Senior Airman Sean Madden, 106th Rescue Wing. wear the required reflective vests Volume 13, Number 2

This Issue’s Highlights: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Commander in Chief Faces of the Force Maj. Gen. Raymond Shields, The Adjutant General Eric Durr, Director of Public Affairs 4 New York City Emergency Room Doctor Joins Guard in midst of Pandemic Col. Richard Goldenberg, Public Affairs Officer 5 109th Airlift Wing Chaplain Provides Easter Mass at Javits Medical Station Maj. Jean Kratzer, Command Information Officer 6 Soldier on Third Career Response Mission to NYC Ryan Campbell, Guard Times Staff 7 Aviation Officer Beats COVID-19, Joins the Response Fight About Guard Times Around the State TheGuard Times is published quarterly using federal funds authorized under provisions of AR 360-1 and 8 NY National Guard Marks Memorial Day during Pandemic AFI 35-101 by the New York State Division of Mili- 9 Honor Guard Provdes Socially Distant Final Salutes tary and Naval Affairs and the New York Army and Air National Guard Public Affairs Office. The Joint Force

Views which appear in this publication are not neces- 10 New York Responds to Coronavirus Pandemic sarily those of the Department of Defense, the Army, 12 Guard Takes on Grim Job in New York City the Air Force or the National Guard Bureau. 14 Joint Effort Turns Convention Center into Treatment Center 16 Infantry Troops Deliver Meals to Rural Seniors TheGuard Times has a circulation of 17,000 and is distributed free to members of the New York State 17 New York Also Responds to Lake Ontario Flooding Military Forces and employees of the Division of Army National Guard Military and Naval Affairs. 18 Aircrews Train for Wildfire Season across New York State Submissions 20 Cavalry Scouts Sharpen Skills in Winter Training Articles, photos and letters are welcome. Please pro- 21 Virtual Change of Command for 153rd Troop Command Leadership vide article submissions via email saved in Microsoft Word or rich text format (rtf) along with high resolu- 22 69th Infantry Soldiers Turn Travel Time to Training Time tion digital (jpg) photos. Submission deadlines are 23 Virtual Drills the new normal during COVID-19 response January 15 (winter issue), April 15 (spring issue), July 24 42nd Division Liberates Notorious Concentration Camp 75 years ago 15 (summer issue), and October 15 (fall issue). Send 25 Culinary Soldiers Cook for National Title in Connelly Competition your submissions to: Air National Guard Guard Times DMNA-MNPA 26 Skibirds Complete Operation Deep Freeze for 2020 330 Old Niskayuna Road 27 Attack Wing Welcomes New Commander in Socially Distant Ceremony Latham, New York 12110-3514 28 NY Air Wings Provide Flyover Salute to First Responders, Essential Workers OFFICE (518) 786-4581 FAX (518) 786-4649 or [email protected] 29 Combat Rescue Officer Takes Command at Rescue Wing New York Guard and Naval Militia Complimentary or Back Issues of the Guard Times are available. Contact us at the address above or visit us 30 State Defense Force supporting Pandemic Response on the web for current news, photos or to download prior issues at www.dmna.ny.gov 31 NY Naval Militia Rededicates Bell of USS Flusser New York Army National Guard Spc. Reagan Long, assigned to the 827th Engineer Company of the 204th Engineer Battalion, alongside Pfc. Naomi Velez, assigned to the 152nd Engineer Support Company register people at a COVID-19 Mobile Testing Center in Glenn Island Park, New Rochelle March 14 2020. Photo by Sgt. Amouris Coss, 138th Public Affairs Detachment.

FRONT COVER: 1st Lt. Camille Valenza, a Fire Direction Officer in Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery, puts together a test kit at the Brooklyn Testing Site on May 1, 2020. Soldiers assembled over 3,000 kits in the day to support regional COVID-19 testing. Photo by 1st Lt. Greg Cheung, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery. BACK COVER: Spc. Matthew Hart, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery, carries a large box of prepackaged meals to a licensed delivery vehicle at the Hunts Point - Bronx Food Distribution Site on April 8, 2020. Photo by 1st Lt. Kyle Kilner1st Battalion, www.dmna.ny.gov 258th Field Artillery. FACES of the FORCE NYC ER Doctor joins Air Guard During Pandemic Story by Maj. Michael O'Hagan, 106th Rescue Wing WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. in New York, went to med school — A New York City emergency in New York, I did my residency in room doctor at the heart of the New York also,” he said. “You always fight against COVID-19 added have a love for your hometown. I another role to his already im- think being in New York was a big pressive lists of medical creden- attraction, being able to help my tials on March 18: flight surgeon hometown.” in the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing. Paladino’s relationship with the Now a major, Dr. Lorenzo Pala- 106th Rescue Wing began when dino, has 20 years of experience as he was teaching Army Special an emergency room doctor and has Forces medics at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. also been training the pararescue- Dr. Lorenzo Paladino, an emergency medicine physician in Brooklyn, men of the 106th Rescue Wing’s Paladino’s journey into medicine enlisted into the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, 103rd Rescue Squadron in medical started with scuba diving, then as the coronvirus pandemic spread through the city, March 18, 2020. Courtesy photo. techniques for the past six years. scuba rescue, then becoming a New York City paramedic before In civilian life, Paladino is As- for working in now overcrowded Instead, with downtime being so deciding on medical school. While sociate Professor of Emergency emergency rooms in America’s precious at the moment, he decided working as a resident in training, Medicine at SUNY Downstate largest city. to come to the wing in person to Special Forces Soldiers would rotate Medical Center and also at Kings “I’ve been in places where the have the oath of office administered through his hospital for training and County Hospital Center. Research basics like toilet paper and food were by Lt. Col. Glyn Weir, the 103rd Paladino, as a former paramedic he conducted on the use of a single scarce even for us as the rescuers, Rescue Squadron commander. would teach them. ventilator to support up to four sub- but also where the medical supplies He then carried out his first ac- “The pre-hospital environment is jects in 2008 was cited in a March were scarce for us. So I’ve grown tion as a major that afternoon, hold- a different animal” than working in a 26, New York Times article on the accustomed to working in those ing a training session for the 103rd hospital and because he understood COVID-19 crisis. environments,” Paladino said. “but Rescue Squadron’s pararescuemen. that, he could share that perspec- “We are grateful and proud to it is very alien to do that in my own He recalled not answering to one of tive with the soldiers, Paladino have Dr. Paladino join us,” said Lt. zip code.” the PJs calling him a major for the explained. Col. (Dr.) Stephen Rush the 106th He and other medical colleagues first time, realizing “oh, he’s talking Eventually, he was invited to teach Medical Group commander. knew the coronavirus hitting China to me,” said Paladino. at the Special Forces School itself Paladino also traveled to Wash- would spread to the United States The ability to attract people like where he meet Dr. Rush from the ington to discuss his research with and worked to get ready, Paladino Doctor Paladino to join is what 106th Rescue Wing. Rush, in turn federal health officials. said. makes the Air National Guard so hooked him into teaching classes to “He is a master educator at one of “For those of us who had our unique, said Col. Michael Bank, the the Air National Guard pararescue- New York City’s busiest emergency finger on the pulse, we had a little commander of the 106th Rescue men, known as PJs for short. rooms’ Rush said. “His clinical skills bit of a heads up,”he said. “ We could Wing. “I want to help those who are and research background are a see what the situation was going to “I am continually amazed at helping us, the soldiers, the PJs, the force multiplier for the Air National look like, what the burden was and the level of talent and ability we Airmen, I want to help them do Guard, the Air Force and the para- the equipment that was going to be recruit to our team,” Bank said. “Dr. their job because they are helping rescue community.” needed ahead of time.” Lorenzo Paladino has already been us for the greater good,” Paladino Paladino said he made his deci- The problem, he said, was that making a difference for us as an explained. sion to join the New York Air Na- doctors and hospitals in China and instructor and we couldn't be hap- Along with working in a big city tional Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing Europe were also trying to order the pier to have him join our team. As hospital, Paladino has operated in over a year ago. He liked the idea of same equipment at the same time. the commander of the 106th Rescue austere environments. He’s worked being able to serve in his commu- His swearing in to the armed Wing, I am proud we are home to in the aftermath of earthquakes in nity while also serving the nation, forces was planned before the cur- some of the best medical minds in Haiti, disasters in South America, Paladino said. rent health crisis and there was dis- the military.” and with refugees in Iraq. “I was always a New Yorker. I was cussion about putting it off or doing These experiences prepared him born in New York, went to school it by teleconference, the doctor said.

4 GUARD TIMES Air Guard Chaplain Delivers Easter Mass in NYC Story by Maj. Patrick Cordova, 105th Airlift Wing NEW YORK — Social distancing support for people who needed it or Nicholas Mancuso, a religious affairs service members and Defense sup- requirements made traditional wanted it”, Marvel explained. “We Airman from the 109th Airlift Wing ported civilian agencies can worship, Easter services a no-go on Easter are in the midst of Holy Days for who is assigned to the Javits New find support for their religious Sunday, April 12 2020, but New several religions and our spirituality York Medical Station. needs, relax, meditate, or simply York National Guard and active is an important part of how we stay “We provide a location where enjoy a cup of coffee,” he said. duty service members working at balanced in this crisis.” the COVID-19 alternate health “Communion is a reminder to care facility at New York City’s Javits Convention Center still got Christians of the presence of God a chance to receive Easter com- and Easter is our holiest day,” said munion safely. Marvel. “We had 140 people come Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jacob Marvel, and receive communion yesterday.” the wing chaplain for the 109th “We also had at least a dozen Airlift Wing, made sure anybody more stop in from different faiths – who wanted to receive communion they came to light a candle or pick that day had the chance. up matzo bread,” he said. Members of the Unified Com- The Easter services were held in mand at the hospital erected in the a room set up to provide a respite convention center, now called the from the demands of caring for Javits New York Medical Station, COVID-19 patients or supporting stopped by as their duties allowed, to the Javits operation, and dubbed the Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jacob Marvel conducts Easter Mass for service mark the holiest day of the Christian Gotham Resilience Center. members at the Javits Convention Center in New York City while calendar. “It’s a room set up for everyone following social distancing guidelines April 12, 2020. Photo by Maj. Patrick Cordova, 105th Airlift Wing. “My goal was to provide spiritual at the Javits”, explained Staff Sgt. 107th NCO awarded Financial Manager of the Year Story by Lt. Col. Jess Traver, 107th Attack Wing NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — New York Air Senior NCO of the Year for 2019. National Guard Master Sgt. Jennifer DeW- “I feel very humbled and honored to be ispeleare’s passion for math and numbers, awarded the financial management senior coupled with the satisfaction of helping solve non-commissioned officer of the Year for the problems and working with people has led to ANG," DeWispeleare said. "I knew I was being a National Guard Bureau award distinguish- submitted for the award but I did not think I ing her as a professional accountant and would be selected because of all of the talent in non-commissioned officer. the Guard. I knew I was competing against the Each year the Air National Guard receives best of the best so to win was a surprise but I nominations for the Financial Management and am very grateful to have been selected.” Comptroller Award program. The Undersecre- Enlisting in 2007, DeWispelaere is a financial tary of Defense (Comptoller) states “this award management craftsman and is the lead accoun- emphasizes our commitment to recognizing tant for the 107th. Her current job responsibili- our many outstanding and talented financial ties include overseeing all functions of vendor managers. The awards program is designed to pay and travel disbursements, conducting formally recognize the exceptional performance multiple audits and assisting the budget office of deserving personnel who have contributed with end of year closeout. significantly to increasing the effectiveness of “I love the satisfaction that comes from Air Force operations at a time when the nation helping others solve a problem they are dealing is facing significant fiscal challenges.” Master Sgt. Jennifer DeWispeleare, a financial with," DeWispeleare said. "I have always been For 2019, 67 nominations from across the management craftsman assigned to the self-motivated to excel not just in my job but 107th Attack Wing, received the Financial Air Guard were sent in. DeWispeleare, repre- anything I am doing. It sounds cliché but if Management Senior NCO of the year for 2019 senting the 107th Comptroller Flight, 107th from the Air National Guard. Photo courtesy you aren’t going to give it 100% it is not worth Attack Wing, was one of 11 nominated before of the 107th Attack Wing. doing.” ultimately receiving the Financial Management

Volume 13, Number 2, 2020 5 Soldier on third NYC Emergency in 20-Year Span Story and photo by 1st Lt. Lauren Warner, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade NEW YORK — For the tion Center, along the west third time in his career, side of Midtown Manhat- New York Army National tan, was converted in late Guard Sgt. 1st Class March by the National Joseph Maloney, a Roch- Guard and Army Corps of ester resident, is back in Engineers to an alter- New York City respond- nate treatment facility ing to an emergency. for the projected wave of In 2001, Maloney was COVID-19 patients across one of the 3,000 New York New York City. National Guard members He works in the Uni- mobilized in response to fied Command Post, the the Sept. 11 attacks on National Guard element the World Trade Center that oversees the manage- by airliners hijacked by ment and administration terrorists. of the site to assist with In 2012, Maloney was the overall safety of the back in New York City station. Maloney is part of when 4,400 National a joint military team and Guard Soldiers and Air- expressed his apprecia- men were mobilized tion for his other military after Superstorm Sandy counterparts. slammed into the state on “I worked closely with October 29. Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Maloney at the Javits New York Medical a team of five awesome, Now Maloney is back Station in the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, on May 3, 2020 where he is hardworking, Army and serving as the safety non-commissioned officer in charge for safety. Maloney is on his in the Big Apple again, Air National Guard Sol- third emergency deployment in New York. He responded to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks responding to the CO- on the World Trade Center, and to the response to Superstorm Sandy in 2012. diers, all working towards VID-19 pandemic at Jacob the same end goal,” he said. Javits Convention Center Soldier, he oversaw the time; because I haven’t lost humbled to have the op- In each deployment in Manhattan as one of staffing, dispatching and the reason I joined,” said portunity to promote three experience, Maloney made 3,600 New York National tracking of over 150 Sol- Maloney. Soldiers to specialist at the a different contribution, Guard members on duty diers that were going out While he never expected World Trade Center (Me- he said. for this emergency. on their respective mis- to be back in New York morial), right at the same Following 9/11, Maloney “Although each experi- sions in the community. City three times in his location I was promoted worked at Ground Zero ence had their differences, Now, at Javits Medical career for such large scale when I was down here in one of the wash racks. my experiences were all Station, he is responsible events, he knows that the during 9/11 for Operation He was responsible for the same, no matter my for the safety of those National Guard efforts are Trade Center,” Maloney clearing contaminants off rank,” Maloney said. “We’re entering and exiting the appreciated, Maloney said. said. the trucks removing the there to help the people of convention center. “The citizens of New “On top of that, it was debris of the Twin Towers New York and answer their The common thread York have always been also the same day as my to prevent any contami- calls.” through all three deploy- appreciative when the 20th year anniversary nated dust from blowing Maloney, normally ments is providing service National Guard shows up when I raised my right off onto the streets of New assigned to the 642nd to his community, Maloney to help,” he said. hand to join the National York City. Support Battalion in said. Maloney celebrated his Guard. It certainly was a After Super Storm Sandy Rochester, is deployed “I joined the National 20 years of military service day I'll never forget,” said struck New York City and to the city as the safety Guard 20 years ago be- while in New York City Maloney. Long Island, he was the non-commissioned officer cause I wanted to help the and even had the honor battle staff non-commis- in charge (NCOIC) at the citizens of New York State of promoting a few of sioned officer for Joint Task Javits Medical Station. during emergencies or his Soldiers to mark the Force Blackheart. The Jacob Javits Conven- natural disasters. I jump special date. As a more experienced to the opportunity each "I was honored and

6 GUARD TIMES Soldier Beats COVID; Joins the Fight Story and photo by Maj. Patrick Cordova, 105th Airlift Wing “The Guard is excellent at making quick work of large projects and does it well. We built something the world has never seen before,"

-- Warrant Officer Christopher Gallant, Javits Medical Station Safety Officer in the meantime, he remained in quarantine Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST). and treated his symptoms with over-the- As the officer in charge, Freed’s team is respon- counter medication, which he explained was a sible for testing people for the COVID-19 virus. great help. “I had heard that Warrant Office Gallant had “By Thursday, March 19 I was about 90% bet- previously tested positive for COVID-19 while ter and Friday, March 20 was back to normal,” my team and I were training the doctors and Gallant said. nurses about decontamination techniques to Gallant, who is waiting to attend Army Avia- help keep the same,” Freed said. He continued tion Initial Entry Rotary Wing training in May by explaining they had been shipped new anti- to become a Black Hawk pilot, followed the body tests, which Gallant was a good candidate Suffolk County Department of Health guidance for before using them on a larger scale.” on when he could return to work. This type of test looks for viral anitbodies in “While in recovery, I had put in a request the blood as opposed to an active presence in to volunteer for state active duty to help the the back of your throat. COVID-19 response,” Gallant said. “If you’re actively sick, the polymerase chain Gallant explained he had to wait 14 days reaction (PCR) tests being used at the drive- Army Warrant Officer Christopher Gallant, from the onset of symptoms to ensure it was thru sites are typically a better test since your assigned to Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation, served as safety officer safe for him to back to work, so he scheduled body may not have developed antibodies at that at the Javits New York Medical Station in another test to show he was COVID-19 nega- point,” Freed said. “Basically, one test can help Manhattan, N.Y., April 21, 2020. Gallant tive. determine if you were sick and one test can help tested positive for COVID-19 in March and “Although my symptoms were nonexistent determine if you are sick.” made a full recovery before coming on duty and volunteering for an antibody test. for over a week, I still got a positive result after He explained the test is done through a small 14 days since the onset of symptoms,” Gallant amount of blood with a buffer solution and NEW YORK — Army National Guard War- said. results come back in 10-20 minutes. rant Officer Christopher Gallant has seen After further coordination with Army doc- The 24th CST is equipped with a mobile lab both sides of the fight against COVID-19. Af- tors, he was able to go on duty as of April 4, the team uses in the regular duties of finding, ter surviving the disease, Gallant is back on being assigned as the safety officer at the medi- identifying and mitigating CBRNE materials. duty at the Javits New York Medical Station, cal center that was setup in the Javits Center in “We were excited that the antibody test was where more than 1,090 COVID-19 patients Manhattan. able to confirm Warrant Officer Gallant had have been treated. “On a daily basis I am constantly working built-up antibodies for the COVID-19 virus,” Fresh from Warrant Officer Candidate with civilian agencies such as the U.S. Army Freed reported. “Having a tool that can help get School, by March 16 he was in self-quarantine Corps of Engineers, state fire and Northwell Soldiers and Airmen back to duty is critical to with COVID symptoms. With body aches, Health along with various military forces work- maintaining our effectiveness as a force,” Freed persistent headaches and a fever, Gallant, a full- ing at Javits,” Gallant said. continued. "It’s also critical that people like Gal- time Federal Aviation Administration air traffic The corps of engineers have been handling lant, who became ill, recovered and returned controller from Amity Harbor, Long Island, most of the building projects while Northwell to the fight, are part of the New York National knew there was a possibility he had the disease. Health is a private company that was brought in Guard’s COVID-19 response effort." “Overall the symptoms were very mild but by the governor to manage patient intake. “The Guard is excellent at making quick they completely fit with COVID symptoms,” They also established a sick call for New York work of large projects and does it well,” Gallant said Gallant who is assigned to the New York National Guardsmen working there as well as said. “We built something the world has never Army National Guard’s Bravo Company, 3rd procedures on how to handle possible CO- seen before and it would not have been possible Battalion, 142nd Aviation. “By Wednesday, VID-19 positive cases. without the great teamwork and knowledge that March 18 I still had the same conditions and That’s where Gallant was approached by everyone brought to the table.” called my doctor to get tested.” Army Maj. Robert Freed, the deputy com- Editor's Note: Ryan Campbell also contributed The wait time for results was three days and, mander for New York’s 24th Weapons of Mass to this story.

Volume 13, Number 2, 2020 7 AROUND THE STATE

Celebrating Memorial Day During the Pandemic Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff

LATHAM, N.Y. — Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York, recognized Memorial Day 2020 on Friday, May 22, in a ceremony designed to comply with CO- VID-19 pandemic social distancing require- ments. The short ceremony featured a bugler, the singing of the national anthem, remarks from the adjutant general, and the placing of a wreath at the New York National Guard memo- rial to fallen Guardsmen at New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Head- quarters in Latham, N.Y. What was missing, though, was the crowd of 300 or so Soldiers, Airmen and civilian em- ployees who normally show up in front of the headquarters building for the annual ceremony. Instead, the Memorial Day ceremony was taped so it could be posted online, and the adjutant general and other participants wore Army Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for New York and Command Sgt. Maj. David protective facemasks. Piwowarski, the New York Army National Guard Senior Enlisted Advisor, present a wreath The goal, Shields explained, was to continue and render honors during a Memorial Day weekend remembrance ceremony to honor fallen to recognize the importance for Memorial members of the New York National Guard, May 22, 2020. Members conducted the ceremony with appropriate PPE and using social distancing measures. Photo by Col. Richard Goldenberg, Joint Day—especially for military members—while Forces Headquarters. still abiding by the health guidelines laid down by New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. nation is an all hands on deck affair. Today, May “Perhaps in an odd way, with everything The governor has encouraged communities 22, 2020, there are only a handful of us here to closed on Monday, it will give us more time to and groups to recognize Memorial Day, but pay tribute to our fallen service members,” he reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to he has also asked them to do so in groups no said. defend our country,” Shields said. larger than ten people. The standard ceremony But it is important to remember what Memo- During the event, Soldiers and Airmen who was redesigned to reflect those mandates. rial Day is about and so it is fitting that the have fallen in combat or those who have passed Along with eliminating the audience, the New York National Guard’s leaders conduct a away here at home are recognized. This year moving parts of the traditional ceremony were ceremony, Shields said. seven Soldiers and Airmen who passed away changed so participants could stay six feet Memorial Day weekend will not be the same here at home were recognized. apart, explained Maj. Josh Heimroth, the execu- either, he noted. Since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, 39 New tive officer to the adjutant general. The number “There will be no parades, except maybe York Army and Air National Guard Soldiers of moving parts were kept to a minimum, he some vehicle parades. There will be no gather- and Airmen—7 Airmen and 32 Soldiers— have said. ings at cemeteries. There will be no big picnics, lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Instead of marching the Color Guard into no concerts, and amusement parks and camp- most recent casualties occurred in 2018 when a place, the flags were already in position when grounds statewide will remain closed,” Shields HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopter flown by the ceremony started. Only the narrator, the said. the 106th Rescue Wing crashed in Iraq. adjutant general, and the chaplain had to move What will continue, Shields said, is the sense The New York National Guard currently during the ceremony. The wreath presentation of duty and need for mission accomplishment has around 800 personnel deployed overseas. was also simplified. that motivates members of the New York Na- Six hundred of those Soldiers and assigned to “This is definitely a usual Memorial Day, one tional Guard. the headquarters of the 42nd Infantry Divi- that we will not soon forget,” Shields said. There will still be 3,500 Soldiers and Airmen sion which is commanding Army forces in the “Normally our annual remembrance of the on duty across the state this weekend respond- Middle East. men and women who gave their lives for our ing to the COVID 19 crisis, he added.

8 GUARD TIMES Honor Guard Provides Socially Distant Salutes New rules for rendering final honors across the state Story and photo by Capt. Avery Schneider, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team BUFFALO, N.Y. — Despite the whatever we’ve got to do,” Clark said. impact of the COVID-19 pan- Limits on attendees at a service demic, the New York Army Na- don’t just apply to the honor guard. tional Guard’s Military Funeral They impact the number of family Honors Program continues to members allowed to attend, too. provide final salutes to veterans. “We’ve done services where it’s Traditional parts of the cer- hundreds of people there, and now emony, including the detail leader it’s a handful of people,” Clark said. kneeling before a family member “And once in a while you get them and carefully handing them the live-streaming, too. It’s not really flag, have been eliminated to something you saw before.” ensure social distancing. She said not kneeling in front of The changes comply with the the next of kin to present the burial Centers for Disease Control and Spc. Austin Dycha and Sgt. Nikole Clark, members of the National flag took the most getting used to. Prevention’s health guidance for Guard Military Funeral Honors Team, remove the flag from the casket “Kneeling in front of someone controlling the coronavirus. of Army Spc. Levelzo Lyles during his funeral in Lackawanna, New York, and looking into their eyes, and On a warm and cloudy morning May 14. Dycha and Clark wore cloth face masks as part of precautions presenting them a flag is kind of a on May 14, Sgt. Nikole Clark and used during military funerals to prevent the spread of COVID-19. worth-a-thousand-words kind of Spc. Austin Dycha stepped out at normally be available: modified each time, which meant they thing, a big gesture, a more power- Holy Cross Cemetery in Lacka- full honors for retirees or those knew where to stand and how the ful gesture,” Clark explained. wanna, New York to conduct a who died while on active duty; or ceremony would play out. Clark and Dycha say what they ceremony under the new rules. modified honors for Army veter- But new restrictions on which offer families during the pandemic The two-member honor guard ans with an honorable discharge. gates vehicles enter from, and is a sense of normalcy in a far- team surveyed the cemetery’s Nine Soldiers, including a firing caskets sometimes interred before from-normal time. granite-walled mausoleum and party, perform the modified full a service begins, mean Clark and “It’s definitely less intimate,” began preparations for the funeral honors. Only two perform the Dycha have to adjust quickly. Clark said. “You just have to make of Raymond Kegler, an Army Air modified honors. “We’re trained to manage it and do with it and still know that the Forces corporal in World War II. Based on National Guard think on our feet. We make it work, family understands.” They donned jackets and service Bureau guidelines, a maximum caps, brushed off lint, and pulled of three soldiers are currently on white gloves. allowed, so New York’s program is Then they added the newest only offering modified honors. part of their uniforms: black cloth Where they are permitted, each masks. individual ceremony is directed by The masks are the primary pro- a detail leader like Clark, who has tection against COVID-19, now the duty of presenting the burial required during funeral honors. flag to the veteran’s family. The funeral honors program “The detail leader will deter- was performing an average of 850 mine how safe they feel at the services per month, statewide, service and has the option to place down to 350 since the pandemic the flag six feet from the next of Memorial Wall Honors New York Fallen hit New York. kin, or on the casket,” Rosario said. CAMP SMITH -- New York Air National Guard Senior Master “Although veterans are passing, Soldiers like Clark and Dycha Sgt. Todd Lobraico Sr., a Gold Star father and member of the some cemeteries are not allow- are dealing with a lot of uncertain- 105th Airlift Wing, views the memorial wall commemorating ing honors to be performed at the 39 New York Army and Air National Guard members who have ty as they perform the time-hon- moment,” explained 1st Lt. Melisa died in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, unveiled at Camp ored traditions of the final salute. Smith February 27. His son, Staff Sgt. Todd Lobraico Jr., who Rosario, the officer in charge of the Small details like which way a was killed in Afghanistan in 2013, is commemorated on the program. funeral procession arrives at the memorial wall. Photo by Sgt. Jonathan Pietrantoni, 138th Two types of ceremonies would Public Affairs Detachment. cemetery are normally the same

Volume 13, Number 2, 2020 9 THE JOINT FORCE

NY Responds to Coronavirus with 3,620 Troops Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff LATHAM, N.Y. — Over 22.7 million meals There were 81 New York Guard and 84 New Guard Soldiers turned the Javits Conven- delivered, 311,321 COVID-19 tests collected, York Naval Militia members responding as well. tion Center into the Javits New York Medical 270,686 phone calls answered and 25,554 The National Guard, Governor Andrew M. Station, staffed by active military medical pallets of medical supplies warehoused and Cuomo said, played a key role in the state’s personnel. The South Beach Psychiatric Center 6,394 distributed. pandemic response. on Staten Island became another alternate care Those are some of the numbers that describe “You showed up when other people played it facility with Guard support. the New York National Guard response to the safe. You had the courage to show up,” Cuomo Guard personnel assisted in controlling ac- COVID-19 crisis from March to June of 2020. told members of the New York National Guard cess to care facilities at Westchester Convention Along the way, troops established four alter- at the Jacob Javits Center on March 27. “You Center, SUNY Old Westbury and Stony Brook. nate care facilities - including one at the Jacob had the skill and the professionalism to make a Soldiers and Airmen worked at warehousing Javits Convention Center which treated 1,095 difference and save lives.” the tons of medical supplies pouring in. They COVID-19 patients - and helped the Medical The response, Cuomo added, is historic. worked in four established sites such as the De- Examiner of New York City conduct the digni- “Ten years from now, you'll be talking about partment of Homeland Security and Emergen- fied recovery of 2,882 New Yorkers who died today to your children or your grandchildren cy Services warehouse in Oriskany. Temporary during the crisis. and you will shed a tear because you will warehouses were set up at Stewart Air National What started as the deployment of several remember the lives lost. You'll remember the Guard Base and at the Javits Center. hundred troops to a “containment zone” placed faces and you'll remember the names and you'll A critical mission was assembling COVID-19 around a outbreak in New Rochelle on March remember how hard we worked and that we tests for the state Department of Health. Teams 10, grew to over 3,620 troops on duty by May. still lost loved ones,” he said. of 30 to 50 Airmen and Soldiers combined items There were 2,994 New York Army National Initially, Soldiers and Airmen provided food into 1.6 million test kits. Guard Soldiers and 470 New York Air Na- to New Rochelle families who missed school The tough- tional Guard Airmen on the mission on May 5, meals, cleaned facilities, delivered hand sanitiz- est mission, organized into six regional task forces and two er and established the first state-run COVID-19 according mission specific teams. drive-thru test site. to Maj. Gen. One unusual mission was staffing a call Ray Shields, the center established to answer questions from the adjutant general of public and schedule COVID-19 tests. New York, was as- An executive order put New York on PAUSE sisting the Office of March 22 and the mission grew. Testing sites the Chief Medical were established on Long Island and New York Examiner of City. Food distribution began in the city too. New

Pfc. Daijah Simins, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery, unloads Spc. Gilliam-Gray Shawnese assigned to the 101st Pfc. Gian Zimnis, a 1st Battalion, meals from a pallet at the Staten Island food Signal Battalion, gives instructions to people in their 69th Infantry combat medic, secures distribution site April 10. Meals are placed in vehicles at the COVID-19 Mobile Testing Center in a COVID-19 swab in Brooklyn, N.Y., waiting taxis for delivery. Photo by 1st Lt. Nate Glenn Island Park, New Rochelle, April 8. Photo by Sgt. April 20. Photo by Senior Airman Sanders, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery. Jonathan Pietrantoni, 138th Public Affairs Detachment. Sean Madden, 106th Rescue Wing.

10 GUARD TIMES Staff Sgt. Zachary Heberlein, assigned to the 107th Attack Wing, holds up a sign he uses to communicate with residents at a drive-through COVID-19 testing site in Buffalo, N.Y., May 5. He is supporting state agencies at one of 15 test Pfc. Kristoffshakur Larmond, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery, distributes sites across New York. Photo by Capt. Avery boxes of produce and canned goods at a Brooklyn food pantry in Bushwick N.Y., May 27, 2020. Schneider, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Photo by 1st Lt. Kyle Kilner, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery.

311,321 2,272 13,555 1,699,969

DriveThru Tests Civil Support Antibody Tests COVID19 Test Kits Team Mobile Lab Collected Collected Assembled Tests Completed

25,554

6 71,015 Pallets Warehoused Access Control Gallons of Hand Sites Supported Sanitizer Delivered 6,394 Pallets Distributed

907,000 1,409 1,878 Square Feet Cleaned The final patient is discharged from Javits New York Medical Station Throughout Direct Medical Care Mask Fit Tests May 1. Javits, supported by a National Guard unified command post Patients Treated Conducted 22 treated 1,095 patients. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Locations Class Kleynia Mcknight, Joint Task Force NY / NJ.

most personal,” Shields By June, Soldiers and Airmen were staffing 22,738,679 told members during an 15 drive-up test sites and five coronavirus anti- 12,931 270,686 Meals Distributed April 2 visit. body testing sites. Decedents recovered Call Center Calls Handled 267,451 At Elmhurst Medi- While over 22 million meals were delivered Meals Prepared cal Center, a public in New York City, Soldiers also provided meals city hospital the New to Chenango County senior citizens and sup- New York National Guard COVID-19 Response Statistics as of June 5, 2020. York Times called the ported food drives in the Mohawk Valley. As of 5JUN2020 epicenter of the virus, As he crisscrossed the state, Shields said he York City with the dignified recovery of people 14 pararescue Airmen from the 106th Rescue has been continually pleased by how the force who died in their homes. Wing helped overwhelmed staff for four weeks. works together, he told leaders during a June 1 Normally 25 people die at home in New York The pararescue Airmen managed ventilator meeting. Things happen as they should, he said. City each day. On some days, the 250 Soldiers use and helped turn over patients to help them “Everyone should be proud of the work and Airmen on the mission dealt with over 200 breath better. They were “force multipliers,” said being done and the efforts of our total force to decedents. Lt. Col. Stephen “Doc” Rush, the 106th Rescue ease the suffering of our fellow New Yorkers,” “Your work makes a difference for families Wing’s medical group commander. Shields said in a May 14th email to troops and at a very critical time of need when their loss is “They were there to give staff support,” he said. leaders.

Volume 13, Number 2, 2020 11 Guard Takes on Grim Job in NYC Pandemic Response Story by Col. Richard Goldenberg, Joint Force Headquarters NEW YORK — The toughest COVID-19 mis- sion facing the New York National Guard fell on 255 Soldiers and Airmen sup- porting New York City’s Office of the Chief Medi- cal Examiner, according to Army Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York. The Medical Examiner’s officer is responsible for the dignified recovery of people who die outside of a hospital. The agency Above, Senior Airman Anita Walter, staff was overwhelmed at assigned to the Fatality Search and the spike in COVID-19 Recovery Team, outside Bellevue Hospital related deaths in the city of Senior Master Sgt. Gary Fiorillo, left, and Senior Airman Paul Lambert in New York City, April 4. Below, 1st Lt. Shawn Lavin, the team commander, gives 8.5 million, so city officials assist the New York City Medical Examiner with deceased recovery in New York, May 2. Photo by Senior Airman Sean Madden, 106th Rescue Wing. a morning briefing April 4. The Airmen turned to the New York are trained in the recovery of remains National Guard for help. York City on Tuesday, trail vehicle.” processing during disasters. Photo by Senior Airman Sean Madden, 106th Rescue Wing. In just two months of touched down Wednesday As workload increased, steps and mission support, Guards- morning for training with an additional 220 Army National men assisted in the recov- the OCME and Thursday Guard Soldiers, from the Guard personnel provide ery of 2,882 city residents. we were out on the road,” 101st Signal Battalion, the the manpower for remov- Soldiers and Airmen re- described Air National 152nd Brigade Engineer ing and transporting those sponded around the clock Guard 1st Lt. Shawn Lavin, Battalion and 2nd Battal- remains,” Lavin said. in March, April and May the commander of the ion, 108th Infantry, among “Everyone understands to handle the dignified 107th FSRT. other individual Soldiers, the gravity of the situation,” removal of remains. “The city hospitals are at mobilized for duty. he explained, noting how “Your work makes a dif- or just about at their capac- The Air Guard also unprepared his Airmen provided chaplains and be- ference for families at a very ities,” Lavin said in March. provided 28 additional were to be in people’s homes havioral health specialists critical time of need when And the second and third- Airmen to augment teams. to help remove decedents. to speak about stress. their loss is most personal,” order effect is the “down- “Soldiers understand the “It is a humbling experi- The support is help- Shields said on April 2. stream impact,” Lavin said, mission, how important ence. You see things you’d ful because no amount of For the New York referring to morgues and it is and that their help never thought you’d see in training or preparation National Guard, the mis- funeral homes. is greatly needed,” said your military service,” he readies you for the job, sion started March 23 The National Guard as- Command Sgt. Maj. David said. “It is a mentally taxing said Senior Airmen Anita when 13 Airmen of the sisted with the recovery of Piwowarski, the New York and physically taxing job.” Walter from the FSRT. 107th Attack Wing Fatality remains from deaths across Army National Guard’s Every element received “Something about seeing Search and Recovery Team city in private homes, hos- senior enlisted advisor fol- training from OCME staff. the real thing just hits you a (FSRT), based in Niagara pitals and nursing homes. lowing a visit April 12. The training highlighted little different,” Walter said. Falls, reported for duty From daily highs around At the peak in the city the unique personal pro- The toll was challeng- in New York City. They 100 recoveries, Airmen and April 7, two dozen people tective requirements, inter- ing, but the consensus deployed to assist the Of- Soldiers worked in teams were dying every hour. actions and procedures. was a commitment to the fice of the Chief Medical with medical examiners. The teams operated “The OCME, they do mission, knowing that it Examiner (OCME) to “Teams go out each day,” across the city, supporting it day to day, so they have mattered, Shields said. transport the anticipated Lavin said. “We’ll dispatch all five boroughs. been excellent mentors,” “Everybody feels like high number of deaths. with the OCME in their “The Medical Examiner Lavin said. they are part of the solu- “We arrived in New vehicle and our team in the handles the appropriate The National Guard also tion here,” Lavin said.

12 GUARD TIMES Panoramas of the Pandemic

Spc. Justin Farber, assigned to the 152nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, assembles COVID-19 test kits at the Department of Health Spc. Dylan Messina of the 104th Military Police Wadsworth Center in Battalion, plays with Dakota, a Labrador Retriever Albany, N.Y., April 4. Photo service dog from Puppies Behind Bars in Manhattan, by Mike Wren, N.Y. State Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Morrison, a combat medic April 21. Puppies Behind Bars is a nonprofit that trains Department of Health. prison inmates to raise service dogs. Photo by Senior specialist assigned to 24th Civil Support Team, processes Airman Sean Madden, 106th Rescue Wing. a COVID-19 test at a rapid mobile testing site located at the Javits N.Y. Medical Station in New York April 27. Photo by Sgt. Michael Bezares, 138th Public Affairs Detachment.

Spc. Justin Lederhouse, assigned to Charlie Troop, 2nd Squadron, Sgt. Keyanna Joseph, left, and Spc. Francis Aquino, 101st Cavalry Regiment, both assigned to the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery, welcomes Niagara County provide telephone registration to staff the Medical residents to a COVID-19 Readiness Corps at the Brooklyn Call Center March 27, testing site in Sanborn, 2020. The Soldiers assisted in registering volunteers New York, Apr. 29, 2020. Pvt. Mathew Burke, left, and Pfc. Janelle McKoy, assigned into city medical care facilities during the pandemic. Photo by Capt. Avery to the 104th Military Police Battalion, deliver COVID-19 Photo by Command Sgt. Maj. Russell Gallo, 1st Battalion Schneider, 27th Infantry tests to a nursing facility in the Bronx, N.Y., May 26. Photo 258th Field Artillery. Brigade Combat Team. by Senior Airman Sean Madden, 106th Rescue Wing.

Master Sgt. Nicole Cafarelli, a member of the 106th Rescue Wing, dons Sgt. Christopher Conklin, left, assigned to Charlie Troop, protective gear at the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, speaks with Command COVID-19 testing site at Sgt. Sean Wedgwood, assigned to D Company, 427th Sgt. Maj. David Piwowarski and Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, Jones Beach, N.Y. on May Brigade Support Battalion, collects information from a the Adjutant General of New York, at a COVID-19 testing 15. Photo by Staff Sgt. New York State Police trooper at a COVID-19 antibody site in Sanborn, N.Y., May 5. Photo by Capt. Avery Christopher Muncy, U.S. testing site in Williamsville, N.Y., May 5. Photo by Capt. Schneider, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Air Force Reserve. Avery Schneider, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Volume 13, Number 2, 2020 13 Joint Effort Turns Javits Center into Treatment Center Story by Col. Richard Goldenberg, Joint Force Headquarters NEW YORK — Anticipating a together, you give them a problem tidal wave of COVID-19 patients and they’re working, they do a flooding New York City hos- fantastic job.” pitals, the New York National On March 19, Cuomo an- Guard teamed up with the Army nounced that the site would be for Corps of Engineers, the Federal non-COVID-19 patients. The plan Emergency Management Agency was to open bed space across city (FEMA) and dozens of state and city agencies and turned a con- hospitals. vention center into an alternative “It’s been a very unique experi- treatment center. ence to come into this building New York established the facility when there was only 10 of us, to in the expansive Jacob Javits Con- meet with the Army Corps of En- vention Center on the west side of gineers and to see it transform to Manhattan, utilizing its 1.8 million the facility it is today,” said Air Na- square feet of space, establishing tional Guard Maj. Edward Roden, its first 1,000 beds March 27. assigned to the 105th Airlift Wing "We are doing things we have and serving as the unified com- National Guard Soldiers of the 133rd Composite Supply Company never done before to find more mand post safety officer. demonstrate assembling a cot at the Jacob Javits Convention Center The sheer number of military in New York City March 26, 2020. A team of Soldiers and civilian hospital beds to ensure our health- employees would put in place thousands of potential hospital beds. care system is not overwhelmed and civilian agencies, each with a Photo by Senior Airman Sean Madden, 106th Rescue Wing. when the apex hits,” said Governor stake in the medical station, was Andrew M. Cuomo March 27 at overwhelming, Roden said. Meanwhile, the unified com- methadone treatment in the hopes the Javits Center. Forces on site include Army mand went to work to redo the that by increasing the acuity of “We are on a rescue mission to and Air National Guard members, infrastructure needs, said Zachary care that could be treated here, the save lives, and I am proud to be on active Army forces, Navy represen- Iscol, the center deputy director. hospitals would have more people this mission with all the brave men tatives from the USNS Comfort, “The team here immediately to send us,” Iscol said. and women of the National Guard, Marines, Coast Guard Sailors and went to work identifying every But in less than a week, the mis- healthcare workers and first hundreds of reservists from the possible way to increase our sion changed again. responders who are truly doing Army, Air Force and Navy. capabilities by sourcing medical Realizing that the coronavirus God's work,” Cuomo said. “To see all the units come equipment like x-rays, sonograms, could rapidly overtake capacity at The New York National Guard's together, different Army, Air EKGs, lab equipment, dialysis, and city hospitals, state officials deter- Dual Status Command was tasked Force, HHS (Health and Human with establishing the unified com- Services), FEMA, for them to all mand post for the facility with work together. It’s pretty impres- what would be 2,700 staff. sive,” Roden said. A combined task force of Guard City hospitals discharged as members, active duty and reserve many non-COVID-19 patients as medical forces and hundreds possible to clear bed space. So the of officials from city, state and decision was made to take on con- federal agencies equipped Javits valescing COVID-19 patients. with thousands of beds. Then, The change meant dramatic up- over two more weeks equipment grades to equipment and staffing and staffing were added to create needs, Deeley explained. "The goal a complete hospital center to care post kept moving," Deeley said. for coronavirus patients. "We just had to keep moving the National Guard Soldiers work to complete the initial 1,000-bed medical ball forward." “That’s been the biggest chal- station at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City March lenge, just getting everyone The Army's 44th Medical Bri- 26, 2020. The site, a unified effort between city, state and federal together,” said Col. Dennis Deeley, gade moved equipment into Javits agencies, saw 1,095 patients in the effort to relieve COVID-19 patients the unified command post inci- and the state purchased other across New York City hospitals. Photo by Grace Simoneau, Federal Emergency Management Agency. dent commander. “Once they’re necessary patient care equipment.

14 GUARD TIMES “We are on a rescue mission to save lives, and I am proud to be on this mission with all the brave men and women of the National Guard, healthcare workers and first responders who are truly doing God's work,”

-- New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

133rd Composite Supply Company Soldiers warehouse shipments of a FEMA Field Hospital at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City March 25, 2020. The Javits Center converted to a temporary medical facility to ease bed shortages during the COVID-19 outbreak. Army Maj. Sean Shirley, assigned to the 9th Field Hospital, briefs medical Photo by Senior Airman Sean Madden, 106th Rescue Wing. staff at the Javits NY Medical Station. The combined effort of active military healthcare providers and National Guard facility staff saw 1,095 assisted in monitoring the donning That's good news. ICU admissions patients treated as an overflow for city hospitals. Photo by Chief Mass and removal of PPE for personnel is down, that's good news.” Communication Specialist Barry Riley, Joint Task Force NY/NJ. working with COVID-19 patients. "The fears of overwhelming mined Javits would become the The unified command post, run “Javits is a very real success the health care system has not relief valve for COVID-19 care. by the 104th Military Police Battal- story and what the people here happened, thanks to the phenom- The National Guard staff, Army ion, supported personnel tracking, have accomplished in a short enal front line workers,” Cuomo medical leaders and government operations, logistics, contracts, and amount of time is nothing short of said, “thanks to all the additional agencies again went back to work. building management. remarkable,” Iscol said. capacity that the hospital system “We’ve been up and running, Many of the National Guard The entire team rose to meet all created; thanks to the work that we’ve had three significant chang- Soldiers are city residents, and the sorts of challenges, ranging from our federal government did, Army es. We got through those, worked mission took on special meaning backup power generation, N95 Corps of Engineers, providing the through them nights, weekends, for them, explained 1st Lt. James fit testing, fire evacuation plans, beds at Javits and Comfort." everybody pulled together and got Rucinski, the command post As- patient meal contracts, formulary it done,” Deeley said. sistant Personnel Officer. management or fatality manage- Javits staff had to establish “I’m a Manhattanite, born and ment plans, Deeley said. intensive care beds, isolation wards raised,” he said. “I’m proud to be The center was able to take in its and all of the logistics, pharmaceu- mobilized in my hometown, the first 45 patients April 6. The num- tical supplies, staffing and medical epicenter of the whole thing.” ber of patients seen at the medical needs for the needs of a compre- Staffing of the medical station station grew to 1,095 patients. hensive coronavirus care facility. comes from the 44th Medical “Our job was to help allevi- “In less than a week, the team Brigade based at Fort Bragg, North ate the strain on New York City's here turned a medical shelter into Carolina. hospital system and to give our one of the largest COVID hospitals The 531st Hospital Center from doctors and nurses a fighting Army Staff Sgt. Patricia Thomas, in the city,” Iscol said. Fort Campbell, Kentucky and the chance,” Iscol said. a surgical technician assigned Hospitalizations in city hospitals to the 531st Hospital Center, Javits became that overflow 9th Hospital Center from Fort Fort Campbell, Ky., dons exam relief valve, Deeley said. Hood, Texas had some 600 per- reached a plateau of new admis- gloves before heading onto the The mission of keeping supplies sonnel on site, providing adminis- sions around April 9, meaning patient floor at Javits New York and equipment flowing into the tration of the treatment floor. the capacity to provide care was Medical Station, April 2. Soldiers stretched, but did not break. began operating a temporary facility went to the Guardsmen Additional National Guard medical station March 30 in an of the 133rd Composite Supply Soldiers conducted access control, “You see the flattening of the effort to relieve the burden on Company. These Soldiers had also monitoring the thousands of curve,” Cuomo said April 15. “Net local hospitals. Photo by Spc. helped set up the facility. arriving staff each day. They also change in hospitalizations, down. Chafelmer Kroll, Army North.

Volume 13, Number 2, 2020 15 Infantry Soldiers Deliver Meals to Rural Seniors Story and photos by Sgt. Alexander Rector, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team NORWICH, N.Y. — Soldiers from the 2nd keep the clients safe.” Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment’s Delta In an effort to protect volunteers and the Company ensured senior citizens in one of program's clients, agency officials decided to New York’s most rural areas, trapped inside by suspend operations mid-April until a safer way the COVID-19 pandemic, received the meals to continue the program could be identified. they greatly needed. “We stopped regular daily meal deliveries on Soldiers, who drill in Ithaca, have delivered the 13th of April,” Lisk said. “When we stopped more than 12,750 meals in Chenango County on the 13th we had given them enough food to for the Chenango County Area Agency on Ag- last until we restarted.” ing since the mission began in late April. County officials then suggested the National The rural county is located northeast of Guard could alleviate some of the program's Binghamton and south of Syracuse, and has a stress and help resume operations, Lisk said. population of 50,000 people scattered across 899 Soldiers began the mission April 21, us- square miles of rolling hills and valleys. ing Chenango County Public Transit buses to The Chenango County food delivery mission deliver meals across the sprawling region. “They is one of many food distribution missions New just showed up and started working,” Lisk said. York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have “I was impressed on how organized they were.” been conducting since New York initiated its Though the Soldiers have an extensive coronavirus pandemic response at the beginning involvement in the program, their involvement of March. is only temporary, and they The largest effort has been addressing food have far from taken over, insecurity in New York City, where Soldiers have they emphasized. assisted local food distribution at key distribu- “The volunteers make all tion centers with more than 22 million meals. of the food and put it into The distance and dispersion of people in the the bags and boxes for us,” rural regions of the state makes getting food to said Spc. Ross Gillman, an people more demanding, local officials said. infantryman assigned to The Chenango County Area Agency on Aging Delta Company. “Then we meal delivery program provided thousands of go to the houses on the bus meals a week to residents across the county. The and deliver the boxes of non- agency's meal delivery program has provided perishable goods.” elderly residents with hot meals. “It seems like everyone But the unique challenges presented by the is happy to have us COVID-19 global health pandemic caused here,” Gillman said, county leaders to rethink how to implement the “All of the volunteers program during these uncertain times. are extremely thank- “Normally we have over 100 volunteers that ful and people are volunteer for us,” said Jackie Lisk, the nutritional really happy to have services coordinator for the Chenango County us here.” Area Agency on Aging. “We used to send out “I remember the hot meals every day, but now we are doing fro- other day there was zen and shelf stable.” this little kid and he While trying to sustain operations, Lisk was so excited to see was forced to find a way to keep the program us,” Gillman said. running while keeping both the clients and “He asked us, are you volunteers safe. guys in the Army? “Several of our volunteers are aged 60 and Captain America is above and are in the category that is most at Above photos, Soldiers assigned to Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, in the Army! 108th Infantry Regiment, conduct food distribution April 23, 2020. risk,” Lisk said. “We didn't want to expose them Since beginning the mission, Delta Company Soldiers have assisted the any more than they had to and we wanted to Chenango County Office of the Aging delivering more than 12,750 meals.

16 GUARD TIMES NY also Responds to Lake Ontario Flooding Story by Mark Getman, New York Guard Headquarters SYRACUSE, N.Y. — With water levels in Lake Ontario four feet higher than average, the New York National Guard put 46 personnel on state active duty to help control flooding this spring. This is in addition to 3,600 personnel on duty as part of New York’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The New York Army National Guard Soldiers, along with a few mem- bers of the New York Guard and New York Naval Militia—both state only forces—installed several 250-foot lengths of water barriers and emplaced 9,324 sandbags to protect the Monroe County Sheriff boat launch since missions began on April 27. Joint Task Force Ontario, based out of the Thompson Road Armory in Syracuse, worked with local agencies on missions identified by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Soldiers assigned to JTF Ontario build a sandbag wall in Rochester near the Monroe County Sheriff Boat Launch on April 29, 2020. New “It feels good to be on my first state active duty mission, where I am York mobilized 46 members of the New York Army National Guard, the helping out,” said Pfc. Ameer Jumadeen, a member of the 1156th Engi- Naval Militia and New York Guard to respond to flooding along the Lake neer Company and a Queens, New York, resident. “This is why I enlisted.” Ontario shore line. Photo by New York Guard Officer Candidate Michael This is the fourth year that the New York National Guard has been Rehbaum. tasked to control flooding on Lake Ontario. In 2019, a total of 627 New York Military Forces members took part in “It feels good to be on my first state active duty mission, flood control missions from May to September. At one point, 400 person- nel were on duty. where I am helping out. This is why I enlisted,” Heavy rains throughout the Great Lakes region, combined with flood- ing rivers in Ontario and Quebec, resulted in higher than normal water -- Pfc. Ameer Jumadeen, 1156th Engineer Company levels in Lake Ontario, according to the International Joint Commission. The commission regulates water levels in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. While water levels are higher than average on Lake Ontario, they are still six inches lower than they were in May, 2019, according to Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Peno, the New York National Guard’s meteorologist. Water levels currently continue to fall, and are expected to drop an additional inch over the next 30 days, Peno said. However, he cautioned, heavy storms could result in higher water levels. Meanwhile, the members of Joint Task Force Lake Ontario are inventorying supplies and getting ready for missions. “I have been in the Army National Guard for four years and it's really great to directly help my community. I feel proud of the work that I'm doing here,” said Spc. Tom Biviano, an East Rochester resident assigned to the Headquarters and Service Company, 204th Engineer Battalion. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Ward Ontario works a water pump on April 29, 2020. Soldiers assigned to JTF Ontario filled water bladders at the Monroe County Sheriff Boat Launch. Photo by New York Guard Officer Candidatge Michael Rehbaum.

Volume 13, Number 2, 2020 17 ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

NY, Connecticut Aircrews Train for Wildfire Season Story by 1st Lt. Lauren Warner, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade CAMP SMITH, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. — The last time New York deployed National UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crews from the Guard helicopters on a fire-fighting mission New York and Connecticut Army National was in July 2018. Two UH-60 helicopters were Guards spent May 19 honing the skills need- called to a forest fire in Flat Rock State Forest ed to turn a helicopter into a fire-fighting where the aircrews dropped 126,000 gallons machine at the Camp Smith Training Site. of water on the 526-acre fire over a three day Twelve Soldiers flew three UH-60s to prac- period. tice scooping up, flying and dumping 2.8 tons The 660-gallon Bambi Bucket weighs over of water onto a simulated fire using the Hudson 250 pounds with no water. It takes at least two River as both a water source and a target. people to open the bucket for operational use. The purpose of water bucket training is to The Bambi Bucket is attached to a cargo coordinate, train and recertify pilots between hook on the aircraft and then an electrical con- New York and Connecticut to assist with fight- nection is made to operate the bucket. This is ing wildfires. completed prior to pre-fighting the aircraft. Helicopter crews that may be needed to fight Using an electrical actuator, the switch is en- fires have to train with the buckets, a brand gaged to open the bladder of the Bambi Bucket called Bambi Buckets, each spring. and dispense the water over a designated area. “The most important thing about this mis- A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter manuevers to For this training exercise, the Blackhawks sion is building relationships between states drop water from a 660 gallon Bambi Bucket into the Hudson River during fire bucket followed a route over the Hudson River, just be- and in the future, if we are called upon to work training conducted by aviators from the New low the Bear Mountain Bridge, with the Bambi together, we are able to work together seamless- York and Connecticut Army National Guards Bucket slung below the aircraft. The Bambi ly,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Peter Haack, on Tuesday, May 19 in Cortlandt Manor. Bucket was lowered into the river, filled up, and a New York Army National Guard pilot from Photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Pietrantoni, 138th Public Affairs Detachment. the water was dispensed using a manual release Southold, New York. at the target location. The joint exercise was the result of an agree- agreement called for the two states National This equipment is used to put out wildfires, ment between New York Governor Andrew Guards to exercise together. structure fires and to even set up additional M. Cuomo and Connecticut Governor Edward The governors announced that the states water sources, Haack said. Lamont announced in August 2019 for both had agreed to conduct an exercise to test their Haack has completed this training several states to work together as part of a new Emer- response to a brush fire that crosses state lines. times over the course of his career. gency Management Interstate Compact. The

Above, a crew member aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter stares down into Lake Ontario, helping coordinate dumping 2,000 gallons of water near Hamlin, New York, May 6. Far left, CH-47 crew members help direct water bucket drops during the training. The Chinook's pilots and crew were practicing scooping and dumping the water out of Lake Ontario using a "Bambi Bucket" in preparation for firefighting missions. Photos by Capt. Avery Schneider, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

18 GUARD TIMES For pilots that have never done this, the May Battalion 142nd Aviation, and 19 training gave them the opportunity to learn Haack explained. 6,000 from more seasoned pilots and become trained The battalion’s Charlie pounds the pilot up on the water bucket missions. Company is part of the Con- needs a heightened sense of The training exercise was especially valuable necticut Army National Guard. awareness and coordinate with all because many of the Connecticut aviators are “They are our sister com- members of the crew. in the same unit the New Yorkers are, the 3rd pany. So, we get to achieve “I just want to do the best job that I can, commonality working be- it is a new mission I have never done,” Behu- tween the units, face time niak said. and partnership between Although, Haack and Behuniak are from both units,” Haack said. two different states, they both agreed that there Now, that they are able to partner with Con- are no differences in their standard operating necticut, they are able to learn their differences procedures. and work toward becoming a more efficient, The goal, Behuniak said, is to be able to cohesive unit, he added. respond to a fire within four hours to a fire in Connecticut Army National Guard Chief the northeast. Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan Behuniak, a mem- “This enhanced response time and training ber of Detachment 2, Charlie Company, 3rd really helps everyone out. You have qualified Soldiers prepare a 660 gallon Bambi Bucket Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, was one of crews on both sides of the boarder,” Behuniak for use under a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopterr during fire bucket training conducted by the pilots conducting the fire bucket training said. aviators from the New York and Connecticut for the first time. “When it comes to it, we take a really deep Army National Guards May 19 at Camp Smith. Behuniak, a facility instructor pilot based at self-pride in being able to help everyone out, Photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Pietrantoni, Bradley International Airport, said that because our neighbors, our friends, our loved ones,” 138th Public Affairs Detachment. a full Bambi Bucket can weigh between 4,000 Behuniak said. Aviator's Final Flight After 34 Years of Service Story and photo by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff LATHAM, N.Y. — New is a chance for the pilot's New York Army National School and was commis- sioned in 1990. York Army National colleagues and family to Guard aviation facility at Guard Col. Mark Slusar salute and recognize him. Albany International Air- took his traditional final "Throughout my career I port at 2:30 on Thursday, flight on Thursday, May had the privilege of work- May 21 after a half hour 21, as he wraps up a ing with a lot of incredible flight out over Columbia military career that began people, most of which are County and back. When in 1985. fellow New Yorkers. I was the UH-60 returned it During his career, Slusar also fortunate to have an passed under the cross wa- commanded a detach- opportunity to see different ter jets of two airport fire ment of the 3rd Battalion, parts of the United States fighting trucks as a salute. 142nd Aviation Regiment and the world and fly in Slusar was greeted by his during a deployment to many of them," Slusar said. family and well-wishers, Bosnia-Herzegovina in "However, I am most to include Maj. Gen. Ray 2002-03, and commanded thankful for the friends Shields, the adjutant gen- a detachment of the 369th and my family that sup- eral of New York. Sustainment Brigade in ported me throughout my Slusar enlisted in the Kuwait in 2012. career. It was an outstand- Army in 1985 and joined Taking a final flight as a Col. Mark Slusar is greeted by his wife, Sandra, and ing 34 plus year run," the New York Army Na- military pilot is traditional daughters Abigail and Camryn, following his final flight Slusar added. tional Guard in 1988. He for those approaching at the Latham Aviation Support Facility hanger on May Slusar landed back at the attended Officer Candidate 21, 2020, in Latham. retirement. The occasion

Volume 13, Number 2, 2020 19 Scouts Sharpen Recon Skills Story and photo by Ryan Campbell, Guard Times Staff BEAVER HOLLOW, N.Y. Avenue armory in Buf- At night they train with — More than 40 Soldiers falo, Cassidy said they are their night and thermal from New York National always looking to get out vision equipment. Pro- Guard’s Charlie Troop, for field training as much ficiency gained here will 2nd Squadron, 101st as possible. payoff should C Troop be Cavalry Regiment spent “We try not to stay at deployed, Cassidy said. the weekend training at home station too much,” “Big picture, the squad- a private campground, Beaver Hollow, March 13 Cassidy said. ron is the eyes and ears of and 14, 2020. Over the course of the the brigade commander,” The heavily wooded weekend, there were day Cassidy said. “We can go to area provided the setting and night tasks to com- areas where the mounted for teams of dismounted plete. What might seem troops can’t, primarily cavalrymen to conduct simple during the day can restrictive terrain, urban patrols in the face of a suddenly seem daunting terrain and we can get in simulated enemy. Fellow at night. there and learn about the C Troop members acted as “You can go through a area and be undetected.” opposing force, waiting to scenario during the day Most of the 101st Cav- be encountered during the but then at night it will alry is mounted, mean- day as well as at night with seem completely different,” ing they conduct their the use of thermal vision. Cassidy said. “So we will operations in the Humvee “We’re going to be con- be really focusing on those vehicles assigned to them. ducting zone reconnais- tasks.” However, C Troop is “It’s awesome being part dream to be in a command sance and screen to meet Some of those tasks dismounted and gets by on of Charlie Troop,” Cassidy position and I’m more than squadron mission essential Cassidy explained, are area foot, requiring this extra said. “It’s every officers ecstatic to be here.” tasks,” said Capt. Patrick and route reconnaissance. training, Cassidy said. Cassidy, commander of C Troop. “Beaver Hollow is privately held and they have been so good to us to allow us to train out here.” Cassidy continued by explaining the importance of finding new training areas for his unit to train it as different terrain will always provide new and different training scenarios they can utilize. “Once you’ve seen the ground before and used it once or twice it becomes second nature,” Cas- sidy said. “So in order to maintain proficiency on our reconnaissance tasks we need to see different terrain.” When C Troop doesn’t need to be at their home Above photos, Soldiers assigned to Charlie Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment from Buffalo, enter the woods at Beaver Hollow, N.Y., for training on various types of day and night reconnaissance, March 13, 2020. station at the Mastin

20 GUARD TIMES Taking Command via Teleconference Story by Capt Avery Schneider, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York presided over the Army National Guard Col. Jamey ceremony from his Barcomb, an Iraq War veteran home. and Amherst resident, took In his remarks, Bar- command of the 153rd Troop comb noted that 300 Command in a virtual ceremony of the troop command on May 3. soldiers were deployed Barcomb took over from Col. in support of the New Michael Fowler who headed the York National Guard's brigade since 2017 and is retiring COVID-19 response. after 30 years of military service. "These are unprec- The 153rd Troop Command, edented times, but with a strength of 1,600 Soldiers is the National Guard's headquartered at the historic Con- responses to times like necticut Street Armory in Buffalo these are not unprec- and is the higher headquarters for edented," Barcomb the 102nd Military Police Battalion said. "Throughout our in Auburn, the 204th Engineer history, as an organi- Battalion in Binghamton and the zation, we have stood 501st Explosive Ordnance Dis- Col. Jamey Barcomb gives his first address as commander of the 153rd Troop strong, remained posal Battalion in Schenectady. Command in Buffalo, N.Y., May 3 during a virtual change of command ceremony ready and answered conducted by teleconference. Courtesy photo. Normally, a change of command the call when needed." would involve a formation of The 153rd Troop the Virgin Islands in less than 72 experience. troops with battalion command- Command is currently responsible hours. It was the fastest overseas "I look forward to him tak- ers and their flags present. The for overseeing National Guard response time for New York Army ing charge of the 153rd Troop incoming and outgoing command- emergency response operations in National Guard elements in New Command at a critical time for ers would transfer the 153rd Troop Western New York in conjunction York State history. our country and our community," Command's colors to signify the with the 107th Attack Wing of the In his final address to his James said. transfer of authority. New York Air National Guard. soldiers, Fowler said he wondered Barcomb, who grew up in The Sunday ceremony made James called the day bittersweet throughout his career if he was Albany, has served for more than history by being the first for the as he bid farewell to Fowler. making a difference, but found 27 years in the active duty, Army New York Army National Guard to "You led American Soldiers both there were key times when he Reserve and the National Guard. be conducted virtually. Because of in harm's way and on numerous knew he was. Barcomb deployed to Iraq in current social distancing require- state active duty missions over 30 "The most difference came from 2004 with the 98th Training Divi- ments, the traditional ceremony years," James said to Fowler. working alongside some of the sion as a Military Transition Team was replaced with a teleconference. The 153rd Troop Command best men and women in America," Leader embedded with an Iraqi Senior military leaders, friends supported multiple civil support Fowler said. "People that share the infantry battalion. and family members called in and operations and relief efforts dur- commitment and dedication to He participated in overseas followed along with a slide pre- ing Fowler's command, including make a difference. When a team training exercises in Japan in 2008 sentation narrated by the brigade's Snowstorm Stella, and Hurricanes like that comes together you can and South Korea in 2017 and was personnel officer. Irma and Maria. accomplish so much and it creates mobilized in response to hur- Barcomb and Fowler spoke Under his leadership, the a legacy you can be proud of." ricanes Irene in 2011 and Sandy from offices in the armory, while command's Soldiers mobilized In welcoming him to the role of in 2012, as well as in response to Brig. Gen. Jack James, commander and moved millions of dollars of brigade commander, James lauded Western New York's winter storm of the 53rd Troop Command, equipment to Puerto Rico and Barcomb's diverse professional in 2019. "These are unprecedented times, but the National Guard's responses to times like these are not unprecedented. Throughout our history, as an organization, we have stood strong, remained ready and answered the call when needed,"

-- Col. Jamey Barcomb, Commander, 153rd Troop Command

Volume 13, Number 2, 2020 21 Spc. Guadalupe Lopez, an M249 SAW gunner, practices taking out enemy targets during training at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, N.Y., on January, 11, 2020. Soldiers of the 69th Infantry conducted ground combat-focused field exercises at the 106th Rescue Wing base as part of their monthly training. Photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin J. Donaldson, 106th Rescue Wing. Troops Turn Travel Time to Training Time in January Story by Airman 1st Class Kevin Donaldson, 106th Rescue Wing WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. — Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, It was the first time the company had used the location. 69th Infantry’s Bravo Company spent more time training and less On January 10-12, the 85 Soldiers focused on basic squad tactics of fire time traveling, when they conducted basic tactics training at Grabres- and maneuver, explained Capt Matthew Calvo, the company commander. ki Air National Guard Base here during their January drill weekend. "Company leadership gave classes on attack drills, then the platoon The Farmingdale, N.Y.-based infantry company —one of four maneu- used the 106th terrain and ran attack lanes by squads," Calvo said. "The ver companies in the 69th Infantry— is two hours away from training Soldiers ran these drills repeatedly until the morning of the 12th." areas at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and over 90 minutes away, In each training lane the squad leaders practiced maneuvering one on a good traffic day, from Camp Smith in the Hudson Valley. fire team against an enemy, while the other fire team laid down a base of And the ranges and maneuver areas at Fort Drum are a six hour ride. fire. Infantry squads practice this kind of leapfrog attack until it becomes But the Air Guard Base at Westhampton Beach is less than an hour’s second nature, Boyle explained. drive from the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Farmingdale. "This type of training enables us both to identify as well as deal with That means the company’s limited weekend training time can be spent possible weaknesses and also communication concerns in a low-level in the field and not on the bus, said Bravo Company 1st Sgt. Timothy environment," Boyle said. Boyle. The terrain at Gabreski, located on the eastern end of Long Island, is In addition, there’s less overhead involved in using the training areas perfect to practice light infantry tactics, he said. the Air Guard maintains at Gabreski than at Camp Smith or Fort Dix, The fact that it is so close to the company’s home base allowed them to Boyle said. really maximize their time, Boyle added. Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base is the home of the 106th "We had a successful weekend training, the 106th was an ideal training Rescue Wing. The wing conducts search and rescue operations with site, and we would like to continue training here," Calvo said. special aircraft and highly trained pararescue jumpers. He was pleasantly surprised at how helpful the wing leadership was in "Training at the 106th is great because of the proximity to our home making the training happen, Calvo added. station," Boyle said. "We can spend more time training as opposed to Command Chief Master Sgt. Michael Hewson, the 106th’s command commuting and preparing to train. This training site is perfect for the chief, said that the wing was happy to help Soldiers train. platoon or company size." "The joint Army and Air Guard coordination and collaboration are The combined Gabreski Air Guard Base and Suffolk County Airport important to meeting our state and federal mission," Hewson said. "It complex encompasses 1,451 acres, so there is enough room to run small was a pleasure to assist the 69th Infantry with our resources here at the unit infantry training. 106th."

22 GUARD TIMES Army Conducts 'Virtual Drills' Due to COVID-19 Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff, and Capt. Avery Schneider, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Sgt. Heather Hiltbrand track of her Soldiers’ progress when he wasn’t spent her April 25 drill weekend at home with sitting on her keyboard to keep warm. her cat, Kevin, rather than at the Thompson “Every single time I took him off the com- Road Armory. puter, he went right back on,” Hiltbrand said. Hiltbrand, a signal support systems special- Along with completing online training in ist in the Headquarters and Headquarters cyber security, anti-terrorism and hazardous Company of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat materials awareness, the drill also involved Team, wasn’t AWOL. She was drilling virtually digital records reviews, individual counseling because of the COVID-19 pandemic. and evaluations, and a check of the company’s Instead of leading hands-on training, Hilt- phone alert roster. brand spent the weekend doing online training At a time when Soldiers can’t be together, and calling her Soldiers, and moving her cat off senior leaders have been stressing the impor- the computer. tance of communication. So Hiltbrand used Her commander, Capt. Dan Krug, said lead- less-traditional means of keeping in touch. ers made a “good call” in having a virtual drill. “I facetimed a couple of my Soldiers,” Hilt- The goal was to comply with the governor’s While conducting a "virtual drill" with Headquarters and Headquarters Company of brand said. “It was a little bit easier to see what social distancing directives and still give Soldiers the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from was on their computer so I could help them out.” credit for drill, explained Col. Steve Rowe, the her home in Syracuse, N.Y. on April 18, 2020, Drill weekends were not the only training New York Army National Guard chief of staff. Sgt. Heather Hiltbrand faced some unusual that changed. Enlisted Soldiers who would have The last normal drill for the New York Army challenges. Her cat Kevin kept climbing on her computer keyboard. Photo by Sgt. attended the Basic Leader Course at Fort Dix, National Guard occurred March 14-15. Heather Hiltbrand, 27th Infantry Brigade New Jersey in May were instructed to switch to On March 15, Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the Combat Team. an entirely-online class. adjutant general, directed all nonessential drills As the state “opens up” after almost 90 days be performed as a MUTA-2, a one-day drill in- many count on it. of social isolation, the New York Army National stead of the traditional MUTA-4 weekend drill. Hiltbrand spent her April drill on her couch, Guard conducted hybrid drills in June, Rowe Soldiers were to stagger their attendance in her Syracuse home, in civilian clothes. said. Soldiers attended drill in person for three at the drill and large formations were to be “I was pretty much working out of my living hours at a time during the weekend and com- avoided. The goal, Rowe said, was to mitigate room, trying to get as comfy as possible, answer- manders ensured that only 25% of a unit was any risks of transmitting the virus. ing phones and emails all day,” Hiltbrand said. present at any time. The 27th Brigade’s Headquarters Company She joked that her new kitten helped keep Soldiers wore facemasks and other personal had half the unit report in at a time and protective equipment and practice social avoided formations. distancing, and large groups remain With the number of COVID-19 cases limited, Rowe said. in New York growing, mainly down- Some Soldiers had not been at drill in state, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo put person in 80 days and so it was impor- in place a “New York State on Pause” or- tant to stay connected, he emphasized. der that closed non-essential businesses While he looks forward to the next and banned large gatherings of people. time he can see his Soldiers in-person, It took effect March 22. Krug sees drilling “virtually” as a viable Although more and more Soldiers alternative for keeping companies trained. were being mobilized for the CO- “At the back of their minds, every VID-19 response, with almost 3,000 commander from now on should have a at one point, that still left at least 6,000 contingency plan,” Krug said. Soldiers who needed to drill. Sgt. Jeffrey Heeder, a member of Headquarters and Support His advice to fellow leaders: get Company, 642nd Aviation Battalion; and Pfc. Catalina Munoz, The goal, Rowe explained, was to familiar with technology for video con- keep them connected to their units and assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalioin, 142nd Aviation, work in the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade command ferencing and online training now so it’s give them a “good” month toward their section in Latham, N.Y. on May 20 while wearing protective effective when needed again. overall yearly training requirement. masks and practicing social distancing. For March, April and “You don’t have to wait for a quaran- May, Soldiers not on duty as part of the COVID-19 response Leaders also wanted to ensure Soldiers tine situation like this to use it,” Krug earned a paycheck for the month, since participated in "virtual drills' where they undertake training at home. Photo by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff. said.

Volume 13, Number 2, 2020 23 Rainbow Soldiers Commemorate Dachau Liberation Story by Maj. Jean Kratzer, 42nd Infantry Division CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT site, was to include veterans, survi- Their service spanned all elements Linden, accepted the surrender of -- The COVID-19 lockdown vors, families and members of the of the World War II division. the concentration camp. stopped 42nd Infantry Division 42nd ID. The 42nd, along with the The group availability was The 45th “Thunderbird” veterans who liberated the Nazi’s 45th Infantry and 20th Armored coordinated through the efforts of Division also had forces arrive at Dachau concentration camp in Divisions are credited with liberat- the Rainbow Division Veterans’ Dachau on April 29, approaching World War II from being back in ing Nazi Germany’s first concen- Foundation, the legacy organiza- the camp from another direction Germany for the 75th anniver- tration camp. tion of the division veterans as- and fighting through an adjoining sary of that event. Ferrari took the phone call from sociation charged with preserving Waffen-SS training compound. Instead, the eight veterans who a conference room with his Depu- the history of the division. The 20th Armored Division had are now in their 90s, marked the ty Command General for Sustain- Each man recounted their its combat commands in support anniversary on April 29, by speak- ment, Brig. Gen. Thomas Spencer, unique memories from liberation of both infantry divisions. ing with the commander of the and Division Command Sgt. Maj. day at Dachau, ranging from being The liberating Americans dis- New York Army National Guard’s Corey Cush. Other members of part of the lead combat elements covered more than 32,000 prison- 42nd Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. the division staff listened in. to the Soldiers who came by after- ers in a camp originally intended Steven Ferrari in Kuwait, where he The veterans that joined the call wards and saw the consequences for only 5,000. currently commands the Army’s were Dee Eberhart, Frank Burns, of Nazi Germany’s Final Solution. Just a day before liberation, in Task Force Spartan about their Hilbert Margol, Elbert Dobbs, "I want to thank all the veterans their haste to evacuate prisoners experiences that day. Gerald Eaton, Chester Pettey, Rus- on the call today thank you for from other camps, a train with The commemorative event at sel Fielding and Fidel Mendoza. your service,” Ferrari said after about 40 railway cars arrived. It Dachau, which is now a historic hearing the veteran’s accounts. had left Buchenwald concentration “After every meeting we say, camp filled with 5,000 prisoners. 'Rainbow, never forget!' and we 2,310 of them died on the train’s will never forget the history of this three-week journey to Dachau. division." With the 222nd Infantry Regi- The 42nd is known as the ment arriving and seeing the rail “Rainbow Division” for its service cars was Lt. Russel Fielding, the in World War I as a multi-state Na- anti-tank platoon leader. tional Guard division that was said “When we arrived at Dachau to span the country like a rainbow. there was corpses in each car,” Elbert Dobbs, a sergeant in the Fielding recalled. “It was cold, but 222nd Infantry Regiment, was they did not have clothes to cover with the leading units of the divi- them. They they died of cold and sion arriving at Dachau on that malnutrition.” Sunday afternoon in 1945. The lengthy rail transport to “When our convoy arrived and Dachau was intended to eliminate opened the gate, we were able to as many prisoners as possible from look into the camp,” Dobbs said. exposure or starvation. “We were looking at a large open “What is the complaint about area. Several prisoners walking man’s inhumanity to man?” said slowly, doing what looked like Fielding, now 99 years old in Pitts- policing the grounds and what burgh, Pennsylvania. looked like flat cars stacked high Nearly every Soldier of the 42nd with bodies in front of low build- Division arriving at the camp ings.” passed by what has become known Maj. Gen. Steven Ferrari, commander of the 42nd Infantry Division, Dobbs, now 99 years old in as the “Death Train,” said Pfc. speaks via teleconference from his deployed headquarters at Camp Peachtree City, Georgia, said he’d Chester Petty, a driver and radio Arifjan, Kuwait with eight World War II division veterans, April 29, 2020 never forget the image of those operator for the commander of the to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Dachau victims. 2nd Battalion, 232nd Infantry. Concentration Camp in 1945. The ceremony, scheduled in Dachau, was canceled due to social distancing needs of the coronavirus pandemic. The 42nd Division deputy “I noticed a lot of gaunt, hollow- Photo by Sgt. Trevor Cullen, 42nd Infantry Division. commander, Brig. Gen. Henning eyed and starving people walking

24 GUARD TIMES 75th Anniversary with Conference Call from Kuwait

around in prison garb. There was continued its advance towards an over-powering odor in the air, Munich, the birthplace of Nazism. and I wanted to find out where it “The next morning, we were was coming from,” Petty said. on our way to Munich,” Fielding “I followed it and came to the said. “As we approached Munich, rail yard. I saw the box cars with we found balconies and doorways corpses piled in and hanging out covered with the white sheets of of the doors. That memory has surrender. Perhaps not officially, stayed with me the rest of my life,” but the war was over, and Dachau said Petty, now 94 and living in would never be forgotten,” he said. Abita Springs, Louisiana. "We thank you for all that you Petty stayed in the Army and did,” Ferrari told the group. “We retired as a lieutenant colonel after thank your families for supporting An American Soldier greets survivors at the Dachau Concentration 26 years, including additional you, and again I want to say thank Camp, April 29, 1945. Soldiers of the 7th Army, including the 42nd and 45th Infantry and 20th Armored Divisions, liberated the camp. Photo service in Korea and Vietnam. you for your service.” courtesy of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The 42nd Division liberation of "We take it upon ourselves to be Dachau was completed within a good stewards of our Army profes- and to make sure that we continue and future, will know the sacrifices matter of hours, and the division sion and the history of this division it and make sure the Soldiers, past you made,” Ferrari said. Cooks Compete to be Army's Best Story and photo by Sgt. Matthew Gunther, Joint Force Headquarters CAMP SMITH, CORTLANDT MANOR, Kitchen in the woods at Camp Smith near to like a part of the team,” she added. N.Y. — The lunch prepared by the mess sec- replicate field conditions. Some of the Soldiers who cooked on March tion of Fox Company, 427th Brigade Support Evaluators from Fort Lee, Virginia, watched 8 were still in school when the mess section Battalion March 8 included lentil vegetable every step of the process, checking service competed in 2019. soup, baked stuffed pork chops, and cottage schedules of vehicles and equipment, receipts One of those new Soldiers, Pfc. Gisselle fried potatoes, cream onion gravy, southern for food and supplies by their supply section, Acosta, said she never felt left out. green beans, fresh cornbread and carrot cake. and any other planning and support. “If I ever seemed lost, anyone on the team would Staff Sgt. Eli Solis, the food service manager, While Iowa would win, Solis said he wanted drop what they were doing and walk me through was hoping his nine culinary Soldiers would his Soldiers to grow from the experience of be- it. We like to have fun, but the competitiveness and also cook up victory in the Army’s annual food ing in the competition. teamwork is always apparent,” Acosta said. service competition, along with a great lunch. “Most of these Soldiers are new to the Army, The lunch prepared at Camp Smith was the straight from their initial training,” he said. final test in their effort to beat out three other “In preparation for this event I have had to mess sections for the title of best cooks in the teach them basic cooking principles like knife Army National Guard. skills and following recipes. There are other The New Yorkers were competing in the things that are harder to teach: teamwork, at- Army’s Connelly Food Service Competition tention to detail, and overcoming adversity, all against three other Army Guard units from skills required for this competition as well as Nebraska, Virginia and Iowa. the real world,” explained Solis, who is a profes- The New York culinary specialists previously sional chef in civilian life. won their regional competition during annual Spc. Erica Bishop, a senior cook, said the training at Fort Drum, N.Y. in July 2019. team improved a lot between July and the The Phillip A. Connelly Program, named for March 8 evaluation. a food industry icon, recognizes outstanding “We really took the feedback that we received cooks and culinary teams in the Army. to heart and tried to strengthen any weak areas The Fox Company team, which drills in Spc. Rose Bishop, assigned to the culinary we had,” Bishop said. section of Company F, 427th Brigade Support Queens and supports the the 1st Battalion, “Additionally we needed to bring our new Battalion, prepares a meal March 8 at Camp 258th Field Artillery, set up their Containerized Soldiers into step with us and make them feel Smith for the Army's cooking competition.

Volume 13, Number 2, 2020 25 AIR NATIONAL GUARD GUARD

109th Airlift Wing Completes Season on South Pole Story by Master Sgt. Christine Wood, 109th Airlift Wing

Above, an LC-130 "Skibird" assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing sits at on the skiway at Willliams Field, Antarctica, on Feb. 6, 2020. Below, a penguin observes operations at the field. The Wing flies ski-equipped aircraft for Antarctic research. Photo above by Lt. Joshua Bowers and below by Tech. Sgt. Gabriel Enders, 109th Airlift Wing.

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD commander of the 109th Airlift Wing's 109th arctic Treaty and the 32nd year that the 109th BASE, SCOTIA, N.Y. — The New York Air Operations Group said the wing succeeded in Airlift Wing has supported this Antarctic mis- National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing wrapped everything they had to do. sion. We take a lot of pride in continuing our up its 32nd season of support for American The wing's Airmen accomplished all of their tradition of innovation and readiness operat- research in Antarctica as Airmen and aircraft tasked missions, despite being restricted to us- ing in the harshest conditions on Earth, all began returning home from McMurdo Sta- ing only five LC-130s and flying no more than while safely meeting mission requirements and tion, Antarctica, on February 28. 1,500 hours, he said. exceeding expectations." Kilgore said. From October through February, five LC- "We worked closely with Joint Task Force Among the VIPs the 109th Airmen flew this 130s and 328 Airmen provided support to the Support Forces Antarctica the Antarctic Sup- year was General Joseph Lengyel, the Chief of United States Antarctic research efforts, as port Contractor and the National Science the National Guard Bureau. part of Operation Deep Freeze, the military's Foundation to optimize LC-130 flight hours Operation Deep Freeze, the military compo- support to the National Science Foundation's and missions to ensure that scientists and their nent of the U.S. Antarctic Program, is man- Antarctic Program. supplies got where they needed to be when they aged by the National Science Foundation. The The unit completed more than 200 missions needed to be there," Souza said. unique capabilities of the ski-equipped LC-130 within Antarctica by flying 2,097 passengers to Col. Michele Kilgore, 109th Airlift Wing aircraft make it the only one of its kind in the include distinguished visitors, researchers and commander, deployed as 13th Air Expedition- U.S. military, able to land on snow and ice. support staff, 2,986,036 pounds of cargo and ary Group Commander. This entailed over-see- The LC-130 is the largest ski-equipped more than 640,000 pounds of fuel to research ing the daily flights flown around the continent aircraft in the world which can land on ice and stations across the continent. and operational flow of the 109th's operations. snow. Col. Cliff Souza, a LC-130 pilot and the "This was the 60th anniversary of the Ant-

26 GUARD TIMES Attack Wing Welcomes New Commander in Syracuse Story by Master Sgt. Barbara Olney, 174th Attack Wing SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Colonel traditionally involves the transfer William McCrink III, a 24-year of the wing flag, from the outgo- Air Force veteran, took com- ing to the incoming commander. mand of the 174th Attack Wing This tradition still took place, but during a ceremony at Hancock the participants made sure not to Field Air National Guard Base touch while transferring the flag. on May 3. In his remarks, Smith praised McCrink replaced Col. Michael the Airmen of the 174th for their Smith, who commanded the wing service. since 2016. Smith will be retiring "As I look back as the com- and working as a contractor with mander of the 174th Attack Wing, the 174th Flying Training Unit. I really just want to say thank you Because of the social distancing to all the Airmen. It's been an requirements, the change of com- honor to serve as your commander mand did not take place before the and it's been inspiring and I've traditional massed formation. learned so much from everybody Col. William J. McCrink, 174th Attack Wing Commander, unveils his Only key participants-com- and all the Airmen," Smith said. nametape for the symbolic commander's name change on a wing aircraft manders and a few staff mem- during his change of command at Hancock Field Air National Guard McCrink also praised the mem- bers-took part in the event. The Base, May 3. Photo by Staff Sgt. Duane Morgan, 174th Attack Wing. bers of the 174th Attack Wing in participants wore facemasks and his remarks. the wing has a long list of accom- shown that you are always able to observed social distancing rules "You are an awesome family of plishments, a lot of first's and a quickly adapt." during the event, remaining as far professionals and patriots that I lot of milestones over the last four The wing's members have apart as possible. am proud to be part of put your years but what stands with me the adapted to the requirements of Army National Guard Major country and your state ahead of most is the resiliency of our Air- the COVID-19 pandemic while General Ray Shields, the Adjutant yourselves and I am proud to serve men," McCrink added continuing to accomplish the wing General of New York, presided alongside of you," he said. "You are no strangers to mission and maintain readiness, over the ceremony. "As Colonel Smith pointed out change," he said. "But you have McCrink said. The change of command Three Officers Assume New Commands at EADS Story and photo by Tim Jones, Eastern Air Defense Sector ROME, N.Y. — Three Air National Guard Lt. Gen Marc H. Sasseville, Commander of officers assumed new command positions at the Continental U.S. North American Aero- the Eastern Air Defense Sector in May. space Defense Region-1st Air Force, was the Col. Paul M. Bishop took command of the presiding officer. Sasseville participated via Eastern Air Defense Sector on May 21 with an video teleconference. official first day of command May 28. Filkorn is transferring to Air Force Head- Col. Joseph F. Roos took command of the quarters in Washington, D.C., as the 1st Air 224th Air Defense Group May 28. Force representative with the Chief Architect, Finally, Lt. Col. Steven H. Rathmell took over Advanced Battle Management System. command of the 224th Air Defense Squadron "EADS defends more than 180 million from Roos on May 27. Americans all day, every day, and it is an honor Due to the COVID-19 health restrictions, to become the Commander," Bishop said. "I am Col. Paul Bishop, right, salutes Lt. Gen. Marc all three change-of-command ceremonies were profoundly grateful for this opportunity and Sasseville, the presiding officer during the guidon exchange at the Eastern Air conducted virtually with attendance limited to look forward to working with our outstanding Defense Sector’s virtual change of command immediate family and ceremonial participants. Airmen to overcome the difficult challenges we ceremony on May 21. Sasseville presided The Eastern Air Defense Sector change-of- currently face." over the ceremony via video teleconference. command ceremony between Bishop and Col. Bishop is a life-long resident of nearby Oris- At left is Chief Master Sgt. Tammy Weber, Emil J. Filkorn, the outgoing commander, was 224th Air Defense Group Senior Enlisted kany, and has served at EADS for 26 years. Leader. filmed and distributed to unit Airmen,

Volume 13, Number 2, 2020 27 Air Guard Flyovers Salute Pandemic Responders Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff

Members of the 106th Rescue Wing, joined by members of the New York Army National Guard and New York Naval Militia watch as an HC-130J and pair of HH-60 aircraft fly formation over a COVID-19 testing site at the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center at Jones Beach, N.Y. on May 15. Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Muncy, U.S. Air Force Reserve.

SCOTIA, N.Y. — The 109th Airlift Wing and this time, " said Col. Michele Kilgore, the com- Major who now works as Senior Director of 106th Rescue Wing took part in the Air Force mander of the 109th Airlift Wing. Clinical Operations at Buffalo General Hospi- nationwide salute to medical professionals, The 106th Rescue Wing conducted a multi- tal said the flyovers were appreciated. first responders and essential workers during aircraft circuit of Long Island on May 15. An “It’s really exciting when you see the military Operation American Resolve in May. HC-130J search and rescue aircraft, accom- support the frontline workers here,” Essman The two New York Air National Guard wings panied by two HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue said. conducted regional flyovers as part of the Air helicopters, flew above Long Island hospitals. Force Salute effort that saw Active, Air Guard, The three aircraft launched at noon and con- and Air Force Reserve units conducting morale cluded the counterclockwise flight over more boosting flyovers. than two dozen hospitals by 2 p.m. The effort started April 28 with a combined "We hope that when our first responders, Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds friends and neighbors, all across Long Island flyover above New York City and Long Island. look up in the sky and see their hometown The 109th Airlift Wing conducted a 12-city 106th Rescue Wing flying overhead, they will flyover that covered the Capital Region, the know we appreciate all they are doing in this Mohawk Valley and Glens Falls on May 12. tough fight against COVID-19," Col. Michael Skier 95, and LC-130, launched at 11 a.m. and Bank, the wing commander, said prior to the passed over hospitals across the region, as well flight. "We are in one of the hardest hit areas in as the New York State Capitol. the nation. This is our aerial salute to you all.” First responders across the region turned out In Western New York, the Air Force Reserve’s at hospitals to be part of the event. 914th Refueling Wing, which shares Niagara "This flyover is a way for the men and women Falls Air Reserve Station with the 107th Attack An LC-130 assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing of the 109th Airlift Wing, and the New York Air Wing, teamed up with Vermont’s 158th Fighter passes by an American flag erected on a fire truck ladder during a flyover at St. Mary's National Guard, to say "thanks" to the essential Wing for a flyover on May 12 with a KC-135 workers, medical personnel and first respond- Hospital in Amsterdam N.Y. on May 12. Photo and F-35s flying in formation. by Senior Master Sgt. William Gizarra, 109th ers who are there for all New Yorkers during Jeremy Essman, a retired Air National Guard Airlift Wing.

28 GUARD TIMES Combat Rescue Officer Leads 106th Rescue Wing Story by Maj. Michael O'Hagan, 106th Rescue Wing WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. can't thank the Airmen enough. -- New York Air National Guard They can always be counted on to Col. Shawn Fitzgerald, a gradu- deliver first class mission support ate of the United States Air Force when required" Shields said. Academy, and an Army combat In his remarks, Bank also veteran, took command of the praised the Airmen of the 106th 106th Rescue Wing June 5, dur- for their service during his time as ing a ceremony at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base. commander. Fitzgerald replaced Col. Michael "I am extremely proud and hon- Bank who has led the wing since ored to serve with and for these 2006. great Airmen that make up the He is the first non-pilot and the 106th Rescue Wing. God's speed first Combat Rescue Officer to to all of you and your families," command the 106th Rescue Wing. Bank said. He is the second Combat Rescue Fitzgerald said he was looking Officer to command an Air Force forward to leading the wing. wing. Fitzgerald has served in the Combat Rescue Officers are 106th Rescue Wing since he trans- responsible for coordinating and ferred from the Army to the Air Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Bank, right, the former commanding rescue missions. National Guard in 2006. commander of the 106th Rescue Wing applauds his successor, Col. Shawn Fitzgerald, during the wing socially distant change-of- Bank was promoted to brigadier "I'm honored to be selected as the next wing commander of the command ceremony at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base June 5, general during the ceremony and 2020. Photo by Senior Airman Daniel H. Farrell, 106th Rescue Wing. will be undertaking a new assign- 106th Rescue Wing. I've had the ment at New York Air National good fortune and pleasure to be want to be a part of that team." performs civil search and rescue Guard headquarters in Latham, a part of this wing and I look for- During his time in the Army missions, and assists state emer- New York. ward to continuing to work with when he served as the brigade gency response and disaster relief Because of the social distancing this great team of selfless Airmen," assistant operations officer, he was efforts as directed by the Governor requirements currently in place Fitzgerald said. part of Operation Northern Delay, of New York. during the COVID-19 pandemic, "The 106th Rescue Wing has a combat parachute jump staged More than 150 members of the ceremony did not take place been home to my family and I for by 1,000 soldiers of the 173rd the wing have been mobilized in before the traditional massed the past 14 years. I am proud of Airborne Brigade to seize the support of the state's COVID-19 formation of wing Airmen. Only the great work done by the men Basha Airfield in Erbil during the pandemic response. key participants-commanders and and women of this amazing team. coalition invasion of Iraq in March a few staff members-took part in I know we will continue to lead 2003. He played a part in planning the event. The participants wore the way through this challenging the mission, which was the largest facemasks and observed social time," Fitzgerald added. airborne combat jump into one distancing rules during the event, Fitzgerald graduated from the drop zone since World War II. remaining as far apart as possible. Air Force Academy in 1996 and Fitzgerald transferred to the The change of command was joined the Army first instead of 106th Rescue Wing where served videotaped and made available to the Air Force. He said that was in a variety of positions, includ- wing members and the public on because his father and grandfather ing director of operations for the YouTub e. had served in the Army. He served 103rd Rescue Squadron, com- Army National Guard Maj. Gen. in the Army from 1997 until 2006. mander of the 106th Operations Ray Shields, the Adjutant General "I was able to see firsthand Support Squadron, commander of New York, presided over the the work of Air Force rescue in of the 103rd Rescue Squadron, ceremony. Afghanistan," Fitzgerald said, 106th Mission Support Group Col. Shawn Fitzgerald is the first In his remarks Shields praised explaining why he decided to join Commander and wing vice com- the Air Force. "Watching their non-rated Air Force officer to both Bank and Fitzgerald and the mander. lead the wing. Photo by Airman Airmen of the 106th Rescue Wing. professionalism and ability to The 106th supports Air Force 1st Class Kevin J. Donaldson, "I'm very proud of the wing and accomplish the mission made me personnel recovery operations, 106th Rescue Wing.

Volume 13, Number 2, 2020 29 New York Guard

Keeping Members Healthy CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, N.Y. -- Members of the New York sanitize facilities at that are used by hundreds of service members at Camp Smith twice a day to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Guard is also working on the coordination of water supplies coming into Camp Smith. As of May, 97 members of the New York Guard were placed on state active duty as part of the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic across the state. Most have been assigned to the Camp Smith Garrison Command, while others were assigned to Joint Task Force 2's warehousing mission that conducts daily distributions across downstate of bulk hand sanitizer. Along with overseeing the barracks and the upkeep of facilities, they helped to ensure the nearly 400 service members of JTF 2 could stay healthy in clean and supplied facilities. Courtesy photo. Laying Wreaths During Pandemic NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y — "While on state active duty, aside from my behavioral health duties with the Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard assigned to the N.Y. Office of Medical Examiner mission, today I had the privilege in joining members of the local veterans community, county veterans organization, the county executive and other volunteers to lay flags at veterans' graves in New Rochelle Sunday morning, to honor those who put their lives on the line for our country. It was extra special for me to lay the flag to their final resting place to two special World War II veterans, both of my grandfathers (USN and USCG) and especially to my dad who served (U.S. Army) in Vietnam and died in 2004 as result of his Agent Orange exposure during his time served over there." Photo by Maj. Michael Doria, New York Guard.

Guard Commander Visits NYC NEW YORK — New York Guard Commander Brig. Gen. David Warager, right, and Command Sgt. Maj. David Roger III, visited state defense force members on state active duty for the COVID-19 pandemic response in New York City, May 22, 2020. They visited Guard members working at the Javits Medical Station in Mahattan as well as at Staten Island locations. Photo by Warrant Officer Stephen Johnson, New York Guard Headquarters.

30 GUARD TIMES New York Naval Militia USS Flusser Bell Rings Again After 100 Years Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff LATHAM, N.Y. — A 100 year old ship’s bell 1889 when a Provisional was re-dedicated by the New York Naval Naval Battalion was Militia during a ceremony at New York State organized. The unit Division of Military and Naval Affairs head- was mustered into state quarters on Tuesday, Feb. 25. service in 1891. The 40-pound bell once signaled the time on One year later the the U.S.S. Flusser, a destroyer used to train na- Naval Militia was called val reservists in the 1920s, including members to duty to protect steam of the New York Naval Militia. ship passengers during “The bell before you is the only remaining the 1892 cholera quaran- piece of the U.S.S. Flusser,” noted Commander tine at Fire Island. Don McKnight of the New York Naval Militia Naval Militia mem- in his introductory remarks at the ceremony. bers served in the Span- “It has been nearly 90 years since this bell ish American War and last performed its official functions onboard the the conflicts since. naval combatant before the Flusser was decom- The U.S.S. Flusser bell missioned.” was mounted on the New York Naval Militia Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate Elizebeth Since the 15th century, bells aboard ships destroyer USS Flusser Spain sounds four bells on the refurbished bell of the U.S.S. Flusser were used to signal the time of day so sailors (DD-289), built in 1919 at the New York National Guard State Headquarters in Latham, N.Y., February 25, 2020. Below, New York Air National Guard Maj. Gen. knew when to go on duty. They were also used by Bethlehem Shipbuild- to indicate the ship’s location in fog and are Timothy LaBarge, commander of the New York Air National Guard, ing in Massachusetts and left, and Naval Militia Rear Admiral Warren Smith, commander of the rung to mark the moment when a captain or commissioned February New York Naval Militia, unveil the refurbished bell. The bell served on high ranking officer boards or leaves a ship. 25, 1920. the Flusser 100 years ago, a training platform for Naval Militia Sailors. Photo by William Albrecht, Guard Times Staff. Ships’ bells play a key role in many naval The Flusser was ceremonies. armed with torpedoes The refurbished bell has been mounted in a and 4.5 inch guns. The ship was 314 feet long, new black walnut wood frame and will be used had a crew of 114 men and a speed of 35 knots. during New York Naval Militia ceremonies and It was the third ship to bear that name. will be displayed in the Division of Military and The ship's namesake was a Civil War naval Naval Affairs building lobby. officer, Lt. Cmdr. Charles W. Flusser, who was The bell was rededicated 100 years to the day killed in action on April 19, 1864 when his the U.S.S. Flusser, the ship it was mounted, was ship, the U.S.S. Miami, was in combat with the commissioned in Squantum, Massachusetts at Confederate vessel Albemarle near Plymouth, the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Yard in 1920. North Carolina. “A ship’s bell, foremost, establishes the In 1930 the ship was decommissioned and rhythm of a ship,” said Rear Admiral Warren then scrapped in order to comply with an inter- Smith, commander of the New York Naval national treaty limiting naval armaments. Militia. “It is used for many purposes, but it is a “The Flusser served in the Roaring 20s,” a reference point for life aboard ship.” time of great prosperity, optimism and tech- New York Maj. Gen. Timothy LaBarge, com- nological innovation,” LaBarge said, noting mander of the New York Air National Guard that her decommissioning marked the end of and the senior officer present at the ceremony, the decade before the challenges of the Great remarked on the history of the Flusser. Depression. “The Flusser only lasted for 10 years, reflect- “The Flusser and her bell keep that connec- ing the advances of technology at the time.” Militia unit located there. When the Oswego tion to a time of optimism and her legacy of Armory closed the bell was transferred to the “She is a connection to our naval history,” affluence and prosperity,” he said. LaBarge said. “She connects our Naval Militia New York State Military Museum in Saratoga. Somehow the bell of the Flusser made its And with the striking of four bells at 2 p.m., to the great ships of our Navy history and way to New York. The bell wound up in the heritage, to our naval traditions, a fascinating the bell of the U.S.S. Flusser once again chimed New York State Armory in Oswego, New York, in its official duties a century after decommis- c u ltu re .” probably because at one time there was a Naval The Naval Militia traces its history back to sioning.

Volume 13, Number 2, 2020 31