The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association

FALL 2015

Heart of the AG Corps CSM Edwards assumes AG Corps Regimental Sergeant Major Responsibilities from SGM Shirley

FORT JACKSON – On 27 August 2015, COL Jack L. Usrey, Chief of the Adjutant General’s Corps, conducted a change of responsibility ceremony as CSM Nyeedra Edwards assumed duties as the AG Corps Regimental Sergeant Major from SGM Todd Shirley. CSM Edwards was previously assigned as the Command Sergeant Major, 30th Adjutant General Reception Battalion, Fort Benning, GA, where she served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for Soldiers arriving at Fort Benning for basic training. She also served as G1 Sergeant Major, 32d AAMDC, Fort Bliss, TX, where she managed the AAMDC’s junior Soldiers and NCO Corps. See CSM Edwards’ complete biography within Section I of this edition of 1775. SGM Shirley assumed duties as the 8th Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Sergeant Major on 16 July 2014. Prior to becoming the Regimental Sergeant Major, SGM Shirley was assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps G1 where he also served with the USFOR-A J1 in Afghanistan. SGM Shirley’s next assignment is the Command Sergeant Major for the 18th CSSB in Grafenwoehr, Germany. He will be accompanied by his wife April and their two daughters, Maddie and Sophia.

SGM Todd Shirley affixes the coveted Regimental Sergeant Major streamer in his name to the AG Corps spontoon as the 8th Regimental SGM.

CSM Nyeedra Edwards (right) accepts responsibility as the 9th AG Corps Regimental CSM from COL Jack L. Usrey (Center), Chief of the AG Corps. SGM Todd Shirley (left), outgoing SGM Todd Shirley and Mrs. April Shirley bid AG Regimental SGM looks on. School personnel farewell as the 8th Regimental SGM. SGM Shirley’s next assignment is CSM, 18th CSSB, Grafenwoehr, Germany. 03 THE ADJUTANT GENERAL’S CORPS SECTION III Around the Corps REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS 03 FROM THE EDITOR 36 MG SEAMANDS TAKES COMMAND OF US ARMY HUMAN RESOURCES COMMAND (HRC) SECTION I Regimental Leadership 37 HRC CHANGE OF RESPONSIBILITY 38 1ST CORPS AG WEEK 05 NOTES FROM The Chief of the Corps 40 1ST ANNUAL ALOHA CHAPTER ADJUTANT GENERAL WEEK 06 NOTES FROM The Chief Warrant Officer of the Corps 43 1ST HRSC: CONTINGENCY POSTAL SUPPORT FOR ATLANTIC RESOLVE 07 BIOGRAPHY OF CW5 DAVID G. BETANCOURT 44 THE ARMY’S FUTURE PROMOTION PROCESS: SELECT-TRAIN-EDUCATE-PROMOTE 08 NOTES FROM The Regimental SGM 45 GOING POSTAL: 5 WAYS POSTAL OPERATIONS ARE BECOMING MORE 09 BIOGRAPHY OF CSM NYEEDRA T. EFFICIENT IN AFGHANISTAN EDWARDS 47 VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND YOUR SECTION II Army & HR Professional Reading RIGHT TO VOTE 48 SPONSORSHIP - AN HR FUNDAMENTAL 10 AG OFFICER BRANCH UPDATE 13 AG WARRANT OFFICER BRANCH UPDATE 50 COMBAT TO CORPORATE 14 AG ENLISTED BRANCH UPDATE 52 HUMAN RESOURCES AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT WARFIGHTER TRAINING 16 INTERVIEW WITH SGM LINDA KESSINGER, SUPPORT PACKAGES (WTSPs) SGM, HRC ENLISTED PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT DIRECTORATE SECTION IV Army Bands 17 HEART OF THE AG CORPS - AN AG SOLDIER’S 53 ARMY MUSIC - SPEAKING TO THE HEART CONTENT INSIGHT 25 THE 369TH ADJUTANT GENERAL BATTALION 55 LONGEST SERVING FEMALE WARRANT HONORS MAJ DWAYNE WILLIAMS RETIRES AFTER 43 YEARS OF HONORABLE SERVICE 27 STOP THE 22 A DAY! 56 DEPLOYING ARMY BANDS - MODELS OF 28 300 MILES IN THEIR HONOR - SUPPORTING DEPLOYMENT AND THE WAY AHEAD OUR WOUNDED WARRIORS 60 US ARMY BAND PICTURE-GRAMS 29 THE HEART OF AN OLD MUSTANG (REMEMBERING LTC FRED K. “BUD” SECTION V AGCRA BUDZYNA, 1938-2013) 62 RELEVANCE AGCRA EUROPEAN CHAPTER 31 AN S-1 VOLUNTEER 64 PATTON’S GATEWAY CHAPTER RACES INTO 32 A HEART JOB: ATTENDING TO ARMY HISTORY CASUALTIES AND SURVIVORS 65 2015 AGCRA THIRD ANNUAL 34 ARMY AWARDS - THE HEART OF THE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS MATTER 66 AGCRA AWARD WINNERS 35 ARMY POSTAL OPERATIONS - THE 69 COLONEL ROBERT L. MANNING HEARTBEAT OF THE AG CORPS ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL PRESENTATIONS 70 SUTLER STORE ITEMS 72 NOT GETTING YOUR MAILED COPY OF 1775? 1775, The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, (ISSN 1551-8205) is published by the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, a non-profit organization, headquartered at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and is devoted to the advancement and professionalism of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regiment members. Articles appearing in the journal do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the officers and members of the Regimental Association, nor the Army’s HR leadership. Articles submitted by AGCRA members, Soldiers, other service members or civilian employees of the US military services are expressions of personal opinion, unless otherwise stated, and should not be interpreted as reflecting the official opinion of the Department of Defense. 1775 is scheduled to be published three times a year. Articles for submission are welcomed and should be sent to the address provided below. The editor reserves the right to reject any articles and/or to modify articles for clarity or space limitations. The editor also encourages the submission of photographs and illustrations to accompany articles. By submitting your photograph or illustration, you will release publishing rights of the image to The Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, heretofore known as the AGCRA. If other people appear in your photo, you must have sufficient permission of any recognizable figure, model or person or persons appearing in the photograph to be able to submit the photograph to the AGCRA and to be able to release the publishing rights of the photograph. The AGCRA claims all rights to the usage of your photograph for use within 1775 and on printed and/or digital material. Important - By submitting your photograph to the AGCRA, you agree to all of the terms written above. Requests for authorization to reprint 1775 articles should be sent to the address below.

VP, Publications, AGCRA PO Box 10026 Fort Jackson, SC 29207 EMAIL [email protected] WEBSITE www.AGCRA.com The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | Fall I 2015 | www.AGCRA.com

1st Corps AG Week 30 Lisa Hallett, co-founder 17 of the “Wear Blue to Remember” Program in honor of our fallen Soldiers and SGM Todd Shirley, former Regimental SGM, pose for a picture after the AG Espirit de Corps Run at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The 369th Adjutant General Battalion Honors MAJ Dwayne Williams - COL (Ret) Brent Johnson, former 369th AG Battalion Commander and the 25th Chief of the Adjutant General’s Corps, provides remarks to dedicate the 369th AG Battalion Headquarters building and memorial garden in honor of MAJ Dwayne Williams.

I Corps NCOs and Soldiers attend the HRC Road Show to hear a presentation by CSM Charles Smith, HRC CSM. 33 20

300 Miles in their Honor Supporting Our Wounded Warriors In May 2015, COL Jack L. Usrey, Chief of the AG Corps organized and led AG School personnel and Family members on a 300 mile cycling trip to raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior Program. The Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association Officers OFFICERS PRESIDENT COL Jack L. Usrey SENIOR VP COL (Ret) Michael R. Molosso REGIMENTAL WARRANT OFFICER CW5 David G. Betancourt REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJOR CSM Nyeedra T. Edwards VP, AWARDS CW5 (Ret) David A. Ratliff VP, MEMBERSHIP SFC (Ret) Kenneth M. Fidler, Jr. VP, PLANS AND PROGRAMS COL (Ret) William (Al) Whatley VP, SALES AND SUTLER STORE CPT Timothy S. Hughes VP, COMMUNITY AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS LTC (Ret) Ward D. Ward VP, INFO TECH AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS LTC David C. Welch VP, PUBLICATIONS & ADJUTANT COL (Ret) Robert Ortiz-Abreu, Jr. SECRETARY MAJ (Ret) William C. Villnow TREASURER LTC (Ret) David A. Smoot WEBMASTER MAJ Michael Skiff WEBMASTER SFC (Ret) Paul C. Hessert HONORARY OFFICERS 1775 STAFF AND SUPPORT

HONORARY COLONEL BG (Ret) Earl M. Simms EDITOR COL (Ret) Robert Ortiz-Abreu, Jr. HONORARY WARRANT OFFICER CW5 (Ret) Gerald I. Sims, Sr. ASSISTANT EDITOR LTC (Ret) Ward D. Ward HONORARY SERGEANT MAJOR CSM (Ret) Freddie Lash ASSISTANT EDITOR MAJ (Ret) William C. Villnow COMMITTEE CHAIRS DESIGN, LAYOUT & PRINTING SERVICES Colonial Printing, Columbia, SC AG CORPS PRINT & GICLEE SALES CSM (Ret) Teresa Meagher SUTLER STORE SALES SSG (Ret) Barbara Bishop HR CERTIFICATION LTC (Ret) James J. Galluzzo

hardship, earned the right to become a Additionally, we wanted to hear personal FROMthe US citizen, and today is an outstanding stories of sacrifice, commitment and AG officer and Army HR Professional. endurance to become an AG Soldier EDITOR Hearing of this CPT’s courageous story, and Civilian HR Professional. This edition of 1775 is dedicated we put out a call for similar accounts We hope you enjoy this edition of to the Heart of the AG Corps. COL to support this edition’s theme. As a 1775 and we welcome your feedback Jack L. Usrey, Chief of the AG Corps, Corps, enabling Commanders and by e-mailing comments to magazine@ approached me as Editor and told me supporting Soldiers and their Families agcra.com. of a career counseling session he gave is indeed at the heart of what we do an AG CPT who is a naturalized US on a daily basis. For this edition we citizen from Sudan. This CPT endured wanted to hear from AG Soldiers and Bob Ortiz horrific heartache with the loss of Civilian HR Professionals regarding AGCRA VP Publications & Editor, 1775 Family members trying to flee war torn compassionate articles that truly [email protected] Sudan. Through determination and touch the lives and make a difference Colonel (Retired), US Army heartfelt effort, this CPT truly overcame for the Army-wide clientele we support. AG Corps Hall of Fame Class of 2013 COL JACK L. USREY Chief of the AG Corps, AG School Commandant, and Chief Army Music

4 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com SECTION I Regimental Leadership • NOTES FROM THE CHIEF OF THE CORPS By COL Jack L. Usrey, Chief of the AG Corps, AG School Commandant, and Chief Army Music

oldiers and Civilians of the Corps, PSD2025B 25 meter targets for resolution by each program of instruction (POI) we are very pleased to dedicate this 1st Quarter, FY17 include: requirement and hours allocated in order Sedition of 1775 to the Heart of the AG 1. Establish a Direct Support command to find more time to focus on HR technical Corps. Every day in our Army, AG Soldiers relationship of the Sustainment Brigade and leadership training. The AG School is and Civilian HR Professionals are making HR Company to the Division G1. This redesigning each initial military training a difference empowering Commanders and is accomplished by an HQDA EXORD, (IMT) and professional military education touching the lives of Soldiers and Families similar to the HQDA EXORD 145-15 (PME) course. The Captain’s Career Course in sincere and positive ways. We also have that aligned Sustainment Brigades to a (CCC) course redesign is complete and members within our Corps who have met Division Headquarters. we are concurrently working the Warrant hardship head on and overcome significant 2. Senior Commander Manning (SCM) Officer Basic Course (WOBC), Basic Officer obstacles. It is these stories that we embrace requires that Corps and Division Leadership Course (BOLC), and Advanced in this edition as they demonstrate the Commanders ensure proper manning of Individual Training (AIT) redesigns. foundation of our Corps and the culture we their subordinate units, based on mission We are also publishing AGTUBE “how-to” espouse in supporting the Soldier on point, and readiness requirements. This is videos, designed to respond to requests from alone and unafraid. accomplished by DA G3 published the field, which shows the viewer step by I also have a few updates to provide you requirements with enough time to allow step instructions on how to do HR functions since my last 1775 Regimental leadership the HR Community to execute bottom like: Officer Strength Projections, Mission article. I previously spoke with you about up manning refinements to meet HRC’s Essential Requirements (MER), eMILPO – HR Optimization, which is now renamed manning cycles. The AG School will Dwell Update, eMILPO – Slotting, Datastore Personnel Services Delivery publish a training circular that provides a Basics, and TOPMIS II – Pull Mass ORBs. template to aid HR leaders as they execute We have also developed the Brigade Strength 2020-2025 and Beyond (PSD2025B). The personnel readiness key functions in the AG School, in conjunction with major Army Management Module (BSM2) and published new SCM operating environment, to it on S1Net, which is now being used by over HR stakeholders and CASCOM, is assessing include AGTube “how-to” videos. current HR DOTMLPF-P (Doctrine, 60 Brigade S1 shops. BSM2 allows S1s to 3. Linking the Sustainable Readiness conduct strength management, USR, HR Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership Model (SRM) initiation in 1st Quarter, (and Education), Personnel, Facilities and metrics analysis, and build field / company FY17 to SCM requires deliberate grade slates using pre-designed analytic / Policy) solutions’ ability to enable the coordination across the Army to ensure emerging operational environment, identify formatting tools, precluding the need for each manning requirements are coordinated S1 shop to develop an adhoc solution. We HR DOTMLPF-P gaps, and provide a plan of with training requirements. The AG action to propose HR DOTMLPF-p solutions are also updating BSM2s as units identify a School will publish a training circular new “the Commanders asked” scenario. We that optimally enable future joint combined that provides a template to aid HR leaders arms operations. Near, mid and long term are continuing to develop a Division and as they execute personnel readiness key Corps level module that will enable HRC’s operational environment variables that will functions in the new SRM operating impact HR DOTMLPF-p analysis and the soon to be implemented Enhanced Senior environment, to include AGTube “how- Commander Manning (ESCM) process. An way our Corps will deliver HR support in the to” videos. future include the following: additional near-term objective is developing 4. Increase Postal operations capacity by: HR training databases with software (adobe • US Army Operating Concept (AOC) identifying Postal School graduates and captivate) that allows Soldiers to conduct 2020-2040 top feeding the information into HR key-stroke level training on smart phones and • Force 2025 and Beyond systems; turning off the ability to change tablets that does not require CAC card access. • Army Functional Concept for Sustainment postal school graduate information at the (AFC-S) unit level; and developing a capability In closing, I again thank each and every • Army Warfighting Challenge (AWFC) within the HR Company for all three member of our Corps for the job that you do #16 (Set the Theater, Sustain Operations platoons to provide postal capability. daily in support of Commanders, Soldiers and their Families. As exemplified by our history and Maintain Freedom of Movement) Our new initiative within the Schoolhouse Sustainment Readiness Model (SRM) and culture, we positively touch Soldiers’ • is called AG School (AGS) Redesign. AGS lives on a daily basis and make the difference • Regionally Aligned Forces Redesign answers the question, “How does CSA Directed Task – Increase Division/ for them, while continuing to improve Army • what we’re doing better prepare S1s to enable readiness, and sustain the human dimension Corps G1 Capacity Commanders and take care of Soldiers and Enhanced Senior Commander Manning of our Army. Think Like An HR Operator - • their Families, while building leaders that Be The Difference! (ESCM) are problem solvers and experts in HR • IPPS-A Incremental Fielding Plan tradecraft?” The redesign is challenging Defend and Serve!

1775 | Fall 2015 5 NOTES FROM CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER OF THE CORPS

By CW5 David G. Betancourt, Chief Warrant Officer of the Adjutant General’s Corps

reetings HR Professionals! I am excited solution of our redesign, are tools that enable followed the call of opportunity to support Gand humbled for the opportunity to Commanders to sustain readiness and provide the constitution and defend our nation. Today represent each of you as the 6th Regimental the “so what” to enable mission success. We and always, they represent our Corps with Chief Warrant Officer for our AG Corps. understand that our HR doctrine should run distinction. What an honor to reach out and address our parallel and support the Army’s Force 2025 We also honor those American citizens, tremendous Corps of HR Professionals means and beyond strategy. We acknowledge that members of our profession of arms, and of our 1775 Regimental Journal. The theme of the hybrid environment, where we will see HR Professionals, who courageously faced this 1775 edition is “Heart of the AG Corps.” our future engagements, will have an impact austere conditions of combat and paid the Although we can summarize this concept in a on how we shape our HR delivery efforts to price through disabling injuries. Nonetheless, collective fashion, by acknowledging the total include how we train our Corps. Nonetheless, in facing great adversity and challenging effect of how our HR concepts consistently at the root of the equation, that living “single- conditions, our HR wounded warriors found deliver our core principle of service and cell” that is responsible for initiating and a renewed sense of courage and became our support, we would miss the opportunity to sustaining our HR effort is no other than one living examples of selfless determination. acknowledge the individual efforts that lead precious resource: our HR Soldiers! These become our stories, tales and images. to our daily success as HR providers. Our Within our ranks we have a courageous Stories of courageous Soldiers that through current transformation efforts require a shift generation of HR Soldiers: Enlisted, Warrant personal sacrifice and absolute determination in current procedures and a redesign, or re- and Officer alike. Warriors that, with their serve as examples used throughout the service focusing, of how we enable success for our Families, have endured reductions in force; to emphasize the strength of the human spirit. Commanders and their formations. Likewise, multiple field training exercises supporting Stories that become the instrument that assists we must continue to improve our ability to all Components; multiple deployments to leaders in developing resilient Soldiers, ready support the individual needs of our Soldiers overseas locations, some of them as a rotational to face great adversity. and their Families. It is essential that in force, others under combat conditions; doing so, we leverage modern technological The bloodline of our Corps is a fantastic changes in professional military education kaleidoscope of blended backgrounds and solutions that improve delivery of HR. One requirements; and budget cuts and force goal should result in efficient HR processes cultures. With a common goal of excellence, shaping mechanisms established to achieve a we work in unison delivering quality service that does not add, but considerably reduces desired Congressional end-strength mandate. the business process workflow, and allows an and support to our brothers and sisters in Nonetheless, our dedicated AG Soldiers, arms. We strive to continuously improve HR increase in our HR Professional’s productive continue to provide the very best service capacity. practices to meet the new conditions in the to the Army at large and remain engaged in battlefield and back in garrison. We work But, what lies at the root of the heart of our looking at revising our business practices to tirelessly to improve the knowledge, skills, AG Corps? We understand that our end- further enhance our delivery of HR services. abilities and education of our HR Soldiers to result, the product of our efforts, and the final And although for some, reaching success has ensure they remain competent, relevant and proven challenging they have stood in-line with the latest technological advances. strong and found fulfillment in their careers. They embody the art Journalist and former First Lady of the State of HR and their testimonial brings of California, Maria Shriver, once said, “It’s new meaning to the science of our always inspiring to me to meet people who feel delivery of personnel service and that they can make a difference in the world. support. Crowned champions of That’s their motive, that’s their passion... I our new generation, the blood that think that’s what makes your life meaningful, feeds the heart of the AG Corps, we that’s what fills your own heart and that’s what pause through this edition of 1775 gives you purpose.” Our AG Soldiers possess to honor their strong dedication and the unique heart of a champion; that relentless commitment. drive that triggers success in everything they do, just like a dormant tree that forces its way Winston Churchill once said, through the worst of winters to bloom at the “Success is not final, failure is not first sight of spring. Our AG Corps is blessed fatal; it is the courage to continue with professionals and leaders that embrace that counts.” This edition of 1775 is core principles that promote and produce dedicated to our Human Resources significant results. The heart of the AG Corps men and women who one way or the is its people. They supply and provide the other found the courage to succeed energy, ideas and self-motivation that enables when faced with unprecedented our HR system to serve, support and make challenges. We honor our HR a difference in the lives of every Soldier and professionals who found courage, their Families. not in the presence of fear, but in the absence of hope, and sailed against Defend and Serve! tides of oppression and tyranny. Led by the sounds of freedom they

6 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com Biography of CW5 David G. Betancourt

CW5 Betancourt was born in Manhattan, Strength Management Division LNO, Systems, and a Master’s Degree in NY and raised in San Juan, PR. He as well as the G1’s liaison to Army G1 Computer Resources and Information graduated from the University of Puerto and G3 at the Pentagon. In 2010, CW5 Management. His military education Rico in 1985 and entered the Army in Betancourt served as the Chief, Army includes the Warrant Officer Basic and 1992 as a 75F. CW5 Betancourt attended Branch for the United States Special Advanced Courses, the Warrant Officer Warrant Officer Candidate School in 1999 Operations Command (USSOCOM), Staff Course, the Warrant Officer Senior and his first duty assignment was with MacDill Air Force Base, FL. In May Staff Course, and Airborne School. the Alpha Detachment, 203rd Personnel 2012, CW5 Betancourt deployed again Services Battalion, Fort Wainwright, AK, and served as the Human Resources CW5 Betancourt’s awards include where he served as a Military Personnel Military Assistant to the Commander, the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Officer. International Security Assistance Force / Meritorious Service Medal (1OLC), United States Forces-Afghanistan. After Meritorious Service Medal (5 OLC), In 2002, CW5 Betancourt served as the redeployment in 2013, CW5 Betancourt Joint Service Commendation Medal, Deputy G1/AG for the Combined Arms volunteered to support the Special Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Center and Fort Leavenworth, KS, where Operations Command Central J1 where Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army he served as the Acting G1/AG and he served as the J1 Personnel Officer. In Achievement Medal (1 OLC), the NATO later as the Deputy SGS. In 2005, CW5 2014, CW5 Betancourt was selected as Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Betancourt served as the S1, Military the Senior Human Resources Technician Service Medal, the Parachute Badge and Personnel Officer for the 5th Special for the III Corps & Fort Hood G1 various other service medals and ribbons. Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, where he provided oversight over Corps KY, where he deployed twice to Iraq in His hobbies include reading, traveling, personnel operations and HR systems, spending time with family, team sports, support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In and managed the HR Warrant Officer 2007, CW5 Betancourt attended Airborne and playing with his four Miniature population at Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, Fort Schnauzers. He is married to Samarie, School and, afterwards, was selected as Carson and Fort Riley. the Forces Command Liaison to Human and has four children: Derrick, Shamar, Resources Command, Alexandria, CW5 Betancourt holds a Bachelor’s Samarie D., and Fransheska. VA. He served as the FORSCOM G1, degree in Computer Information

CW5 David G. Betancourt and his wife Samarie, joined the AG Corps Regimental leadership team on 3 September 2015 at Fort Jackson, SC.

1775 | Fall 2015 7 NOTES FROM REGIMENTAL COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR

By CSM Nyeedra T. Edwards, AG School & Regimental Sergeant Major

reetings Adjutant General’s symbolic of the AG Corps in its’ In closing, I thank you for your dedicated GCorps and Human Resources entirety. The blood represents the HR service to enable Commanders and Professionals around the world! This core competencies and key functions take care of Soldiers and their Families. is my first regimental leadership article that HR professionals must know Your untiring efforts and contributions as the 9th Adjutant General School and become proficient at performing: to our Corps and our Army do not and Regimental Command Sergeant Man the Force, Provide HR Services, go unnoticed. Know that your job is Major. I am truly grateful and more Conduct Personnel Support, and critical and continue to impact the well- so humbled for the opportunity to Conduct HR Planning/Operations. being of others. Let’s continue to keep serve in this capacity. Since my arrival The Organs and Tissues are comprised all those who serve (near and far) in our in August 2015, the AG School and of the thousands of AG Soldiers thoughts and prayers as we reflect on Soldier Support Institute has been and HR professionals in the field “why” we serve. Leaders, I charge you highly engaged in the transition of continuously supporting Soldiers, their to help me inspire our next generation several key leaders throughout the Families, military retirees, and DOD of leaders to aspire to take our places team. I applaud the tremendous efforts civilians. The Body represents the HR before we expire! of all the Soldiers and Civilian staff at support to organizations at the tactical, the AG School. Thank you for a warm operational, and strategic levels Defend and Serve! welcome and seamless transition. throughout the total force. Clearly these You have done a phenomenal job and depictions speak to the “heart and soul” continue to impact the lives of our of past and present Soldiers throughout Soldiers and Families on a daily basis. the AG Corps.

The theme for this edition of 1775 The lessons we’ve learned is dedicated to the “Heart of the AG over the past 14 years will Corps.” My friend Webster defines the truly impact the future of the heart as, “a specialized muscle designed AG Corps. Personnel Services to pump blood to the organs and tissues Delivery Redesign (PSDR) as of the body that need the oxygen we know it is today, will not and nutrients; the center of emotion, provide sufficient HR support especially as contrasted.” I liken this for future requirements. definition to the vital contributions that We know the operating the AG Corps provide to meet Army environment will continue readiness requirements and enable to evolve as will our HR mission command. landscape however, we must assess ways to optimize our To further elaborate, the heart is HR assets to remain relevant.

8 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com Biography of CSM Nyeedra T. Edwards

CSM Nyeedra T. Edwards is a native - Kuwait, Camp Doha, Kuwait as a Army Achievement Medal (7OLC), of Gary, IN. She entered the Army in Personnel Management NCOIC; 18th Military Outstanding Volunteer Service March 1990 and attended Basic Training Airborne Corps, 126th Finance Battalion, Medal and Drill Sergeant Identification and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Bragg, NC as an S1 NCOIC; Badge. CSM Edwards is a recipient Fort Jackson, SC, where she graduated HHC, III Corps, Fort Hood, TX as an of the AGCRA Colonel Robert L. as an Administrative Specialist (71L), Administrative NCO; and 8th Infantry Manning Achievement Medal, AGCRA which later became Human Resources Division, DISCOM, Bad Kreuznach, Horatio Gates Bronze Medal, the Order Specialist (42A). Germany as an S1 Administrative Clerk. of St. Maurice (Infantry) Award, the Nobel Patron of Armor Award, and the Her previous assignments include: CSM Edwards’ military and civilian FORSCOM Major General Aubrey CSM, 30th AG Reception Battalion, Fort educations include all the NCOES “Red” Newman Leadership Award. Benning, GA; G1 SGM, 32d AAMDC, courses, Small Group Instructor Course, CSM Edwards is a lifetime member of Fort Bliss, TX; HQs SGS SGM, Fort Drill Sergeant School, Equal Opportunity 1st Cavalry Division Association and Bliss, TX; First Sergeant and the Battalion Leaders Course, First Sergeant Course, a member of the Warrior Order of the S3 Operations Sergeant, 15th Personnel United States Army Sergeants Major Spurs. She is also a member of the Services Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Academy (Class 59), Command Sergeant prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Fort Hood, TX, where she deployed for Majors Force Management Course, and Club, a recipient of the Honorable Saint 14 months in support of Operation Iraqi the Senior Enlisted Joint (SEJPME) Barbara’s Award, and Order of Molly Freedom 06-08; 13th Corps Support Course. She has earned the degree of Pitcher for her enormous contributions to Command G1 in various positions Masters of Business Administration Field Artillery and Air Defense Artillery throughout her tenure to include G1 from Franklin University, and a Bachelor Corps. She is also a member of the Alpha Sergeant Major (Rear), Chief Strength and Associates degree in Business Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Management, and Plans and Operations Management from the University of NCOIC, Fort Hood, TX; United States Maryland. CSM Edwards is married to CW4 (Ret) Army Drill Sergeant School, Fort John Edwards and they have three Jackson, SC as a Drill Instructor; Bravo CSM Edwards’ awards and decorations children John Jr., Chasity, and Ja’Needra. Company 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry include the Bronze Star Medal, Regiment as a Basic Training Senior Drill Meritorious Service Medal (4OLC), Sergeant; HHC, Army Central Command Army Commendation Medal (7OLC),

CSM Nyeedra T. Edwards and her husband CW4 (Ret) John Edwards, joined the AG Corps Regimental leadership team on 27 August 2015 at Fort Jackson, SC.

1775 | Fall 2015 9 SECTION II AG and HR Professional Reading Dedicated To “Heart of the AG Corps.”

AG OFFICER BRANCH UPDATE

By LTC David C. Welch, AG Officer Branch Chief

am honored and feel extremely MILPER Message Iprivileged to serve as the new AG 15-249). Outdated Branch Chief. I look forward to EFMP information working with all of you as I settle into will also delay the position here at Fort Knox. Working the RFO process together we can make a difference and can cause for our Corps while supporting the frustration with you Commanders, Soldiers and Families and your family. across the Army. I would like to thank Throughout the LTC Jeanine White for the great work year, AG Branch she did for our AG Corps and our HR receives requests Professionals across the Army. We for AG Officers wish her all the best at Senior Service to be considered College over the next year. for nominative The AG Officer Branch Team I would like to share a few points with assignments. These assignments that remain competitive you from my first three months on desk: assignments normally occur outside the for selection to LTC, LTC CSL and normal distribution cycles. Officers Availability. Officers are considered promotion to COL. The majority of the with expired EFMP information will available to move after 24 months’ assignments will be assigned to senior not be nominated for these positions. time on station (TOS) or following Majors with the remaining positions The nominative process normally completion of their Key Developmental reserved for former CSL Officers occurs on a much abbreviated timeline time. There are some exceptions to this following CSL or SSC. These positions with no time to allow you to update policy (e.g., AGCCC, ILE, IG, Joint, are not designed for terminal or pre- your information for submission. By PMS, OCONUS assignments) that result retirement assignments. in 36-month assignments; however, in keeping your EFMP information and Again I am truly honored to serve general if you have 24 months TOS, you your entire record updated, you will as your AG Branch Chief and I look are considered available to move. give yourself a much better opportunity for selection for these highly sought forward to working with you to move EFMP. Officers with a Family member after positions. our AG Corps forward and getting the enrolled in the Exceptional Family right officer to the right job at the right Joint Duty. Joint positions are reserved Member Program (EFMP) must ensure time to maximize their potential. their EFMP information remains for our most competitive officers. To MAJ Assignment Officer, MAJ Mark updated and current. The 2015 LTC put that comment in perspective, joint Campbell CSL board will remove officers from qualification is required for selection competing if their EFMP is expired (see to Brigadier General. We will do our ILE Completion. To be as competitive absolute best to place officers in these

10 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com as possible for selection to LTC, it is Developmental (KD) job for an AG located at https://www.hrc.army.mil/ important for officers who have not CPT. I understand that DA Pam 600-3 Milper/15-176. Also, please disregard completed ILE to do so as soon as states that you must complete at least 12 any documents in circulation that outline possible. Year Group 2001, 2002, and – 24 months with a target of 18 months; the number or percentage of officers (by 2003 officers who have not started the however, we would like to see at least two branch) that will be separated through the common core portion of ILE, should enumerated OERs as a CPT. I would also OSB/E-SERB. contact the AG MAJ Assignment Officer like to point out that the average months As your assignment officer, I can always to discuss options (distant learning, of KD time for an AG officer is around provide each individual officer a file satellite ILE, and resident). Due to board 30 months, so it will not hurt you to have assessment, so please feel free to give me schedule changes, AG Branch expects more KD time. a call and we can further discuss. If you sufficient opportunities for officers to Finally, I would like to thank CPT Baklarz have any further questions please refer to attend the satellite course and even, in for his outstanding service and dedication the link below: select cases, the resident course. while serving as the assignment officer https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/protect/ ILE slating for YG 2006 officers occurred over the past year. He did an awesome assets/directorate/opmd/fy15%20 in conjunction with the FY15 MAJ job ensuring that I was prepared to take cpt%20acc%20osb%20e-serb_final%20 promotion selection board. When HRC over the desk, and I would be remiss if I faqs.pdf releases the board results, officers will didn’t take the time to thank him. I know be categorized into resident, satellite, or that he will continue to do great things ACS / TWI. Below is a snapshot on some distance learning groups. ILE RFOs will for the AG Corps. CPT Baklarz: good broadening opportunities. Remember be released approximately 90-120 days luck on your next adventure! these opportunities are extremely from the course start date. If selected competitive and all packets that are YG 09 OSB / E-SERB. Please refer to turned in will be considered. for resident ILE, officers may not opt my email and Milper Message 15-176 for satellite ILE unless selected for a broadening opportunity program (e.g., JCS Intern). If selected for resident ILE, there may be opportunities to defer to a later year, particularly if you are assigned to a specific unit or program that requires utilization (e.g., USMA). Officers desiring to defer, change their venue, or decline ILE will submit a DA Form 4187 routed through their chain of command and HRC for approval by CG, HRC. Declining ILE means officers will not attend ILE at all (resident, satellite or via distance learning), nor will they be considered for ILE in the future. CPT Assignment Officer, CPT Kristina N. Clark Hello AG Team! I am the new Adjutant General Senior Captains and post- CCC Captain Assignment Officer. I am truly humbled and blessed to have this opportunity to serve alongside you and help you manage your career. My goal is help manage your expectations while fulfilling the Army’s requirements. This means ensuring that your career stays in accordance with DA Pam 600-3. Battalion S1 remains the Key

1775 | Fall 2015 11 LT Assignment Officer, CPT Vivia M. knowledge base in our core HR functions. required documents are uploaded to Brown Cormier Outstanding performance is the key to iPERMS. Additionally, do hesitate to I would like to introduce myself, as the success, regardless of the duty position contact me if there are any doubts or Assignment Manager for Lieutenants you are assigned to. The focus is how concerns. and Pre-CCC Captains. Thank you for well you perform in your assigned job AG Captain’s Career Course. All the warm welcome I have received since and how that performance is reflected on FY16 classes are closed and FY17 assigned to the desk. My goal is to your evaluation report. Your professional courses are slowly filling up. If you have continue to provide excellent service as development is guided by DA PAM 600- 24 months’ time on station, submit a DA my predecessor CPT Matthew McDaniel 3. I encourage you to familiarize yourself Form 4187 endorsed by your chain of did. with this pamphlet. command to me. All others can expect to Lieutenant Assignments. Lieutenants Branch Detailed AG Officers. Once attend after 36 months’ time on station. can expect to be assigned to one of the promotable, branch detailed AG You must be a 1LT(P) to attend. All following positions after graduating officers can expect to attend the earliest CPTs who have not attended and meet from AGOBC: S1 / Adjutant (Battalion), available AGCCC. Prior to the release the TOS requirement can expect to attend Platoon Leader (HR or Postal Platoon), of the promotion list, branch detailed AG following your current assignment. Strength Manager (Brigade S1 Section), officers do have the option to submit a DA Generally, you should expect to receive or Company Executive Officer. I have 4187 requesting attendance to AGCCC in your RFO within 120 days before received numerous inquiries about the interim. course report date. Please visit the link attending Airborne School. Do not Promotion Boards. I strongly below for AGCC course dates. https:// expect to attend Airborne unless you encourage all officers who are eligible www.hrc.army.mil/OPMD/AG%20 are being assigned to a valid airborne for the upcoming FY 2016 Captain Lieutenants%20Captains%20PRE-CCC position. Army Competitive Category Promotion Defend and Serve! Evaluation and Job Performance. I Selection Board to be proactive. Do not encourage each of you to strive for wait until the last minute to take your self-development and increase your DA Photo, update your ORB, or ensure

12 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com AG WARRANT OFFICER BRANCH UPDATE

By CW5 Yinusa A. Adeoti, AG Warrant Officer Branch Manager

reetings 16-02 Distribution Cycle. The 16- individual’s designated specialties or Gagain AG 02 Distribution Cycle is in progress. I meet Army requirements. Warrant Officers. expect every Warrant Officer identified Packets are to be submitted per AR 621- Professional for movement who has yet to contact 1, 7 months in advance of your requested development or communicate with me to do so as starting date of schooling. Prior planning topics for this soon as possible to discuss your next is needed to ensure you have enough edition of 1775 assignment options. time for any delays in processing (such follow: Broadening Opportunity Program as personnel going on leave / absences) Preparation (BOP). Review the applicable MILPER and time for an RFO to be created and for Promotion Message to determine your eligibility released Board. As we await the next promotion for BOP. Your qualifications, academic Congratulatory Message for New selection board message, I recommend achievements, program sponsor guidance, Selectees. Please join me and you start reviewing your personnel and other key factors will be taken into congratulate the following selectees. They records. Don’t wait until the last minute consideration during selection. The were selected by the May and September to discover that you are missing some Director, Officer Personnel Management 2015 Warrant Officer Selection Boards to of your necessary documents needed Directorate, is the final approval authority attend Warrant Officer Candidate School. for a promotion or selection board. It is for all BOP HRC Selection Panel results. Congratulations! important to pay attention to your military Please refer to AR 621-7 and the annual education, civilian education, awards and MILPER Message located at http://www. May 2015 Selectees: assignment information are correctly hrc.army.mil/bop. SSG Toby Colon, 420A depicted on your ORB. We must take SFC Timothy Cox, 420A Training with Industry (TWI). The SSG Juna Cyriaque, 420A time to take care of our records just as we TWI Program is currently under review. provide the same support to our Soldiers. SSG Patrice Dorsey, 420A There will be no TWI announcement SSG Rasaun, Ezellray, 420A Ensure all documents such as OERS, and application until the review has been AERs, awards, etc., are properly filed and SSG Ryan Fleury, 420A completed. Once completed, information SFC Elizabeth Stuart, 420A accounted for in iPERMs. Early review will be sent to the field. and updated records will save you time SSG Daniel Tamez, 420A and unexpected headaches in preparing Degree Completion Program (DCP). September 2015 Selectees: for the next promotion board. The Degree Completion Program allows SFC Nieasha Barnes, 420A Warrants to attend civilian schools Professional Military Education. The SFC Arnaud Bouhan, 420A instead of performing his / her usual SSG Andrew Dorsey, 420A Time in Grade restriction no longer military duties. The Army partially applies to CW2, CW3 and CW4 SSG Ramona Silafau, 420A funded programs are covered in Chapters SSG Tiera Stanley, 420A interested in attending WOAC, WOLIE 4 and 5 of the AR 621-1. The DCP and WOSSE respectively. You are still SSG Michael Sunday, 420A enables selected Commissioned, Warrant SSG Keomany Turner, 420A required to submit your request as soon and Noncommissioned Officers to: as possible in order to enroll into your SFC Carlos Vasquez, 420A class of choice. (1) Complete degree requirements SFC Crystal Wilson, 420A at accredited civilian colleges and SSG Jasmine Young, 420A Missing DA Form 1059. You are universities as a resident student. encouraged to review your iPERMS to I thank you for all you do in supporting ensure your DA Form 1059 for WOAC, (2) Achieve the minimum educational the Army and AG Corps. Defend and WOLIE, and WOSSE are present in your goals set by the Army. Serve! records. I also recommend you move your (3) Pursue graduate studies in academic Enlisted 1059 to your restricted records. disciplines that support either the

1775 | Fall 2015 13 AG ENLISTED BRANCH UPDATE By the Soldiers and Civilians of the Enlisted Soldier Support Branch Edited by LTC Stewart J. Van Buren Expand Your Horizons – Embrace Broadening Opportunities

G Soldiers in the rank of Sergeant The Athrough Sergeant Major have USMEPCOM amazing and unique opportunities to serve workforce is in broadening, nominative, and special 70 percent assignments, sometimes in the most Department remarkable locations. Broadening and of the Nominative positions provide Soldiers Army (DA) with a multitude of opportunities to learn Civilians, and develop new leadership skills, exercise so during a different decision-making criteria, MEPCOM enhance critical thinking skills, and assignment provide an overall better understanding of Soldiers will the depth and breadth of the Department work with of Army and Department of Defense. and supervise Broadening assignments are challenging, DA Civilians. exciting, rewarding, and boost morale. Learning The skill set that Soldiers learn and to hire, develop in these critically important supervise, Career managers assigned to the Enlisted Soldier Support Branch and manage positions will set them apart from their at Human Resources Command led by LTC Stewart J. Van Buren a civilian peers, and set Soldiers up for success and SGM Marlena Goode. as they move forward in their military work force is a critical careers. Broadening, nominative, and and the gratification of developing a skill that will benefit Soldiers throughout special assignments should not be viewed Soldier through teaching new recruits their careers. as less demanding assignments, but as everything about the Army lifestyle. an opportunity to excel. Broadening, There are 65 centers nationwide and in Personnel serve in leadership focused nominative, and special assignments Puerto Rico, providing a wide variety of positions while building themselves into open to AG Soldiers include: MEPS location opportunities; however, one should an effective leader through mastering the NCO / 1SG, Recruiting, Service School keep in mind that many MEPS are not near ability to manage formations / training, Instructors, ROTC Instructors, Ranger military installations, so access to military time management, talent management Units, Drill Sergeant, Equal Opportunity services and programs can be limited. (strengths / weaknesses), and effective Advisers (EOA), Inspector General (IG) Drill Sergeant / AIT Platoon Sergeant: communication skills. One major positions, White House duties, Senior Personnel assigned to Drill Sergeant challenge of being a Drill Sergeant/ Army and Joint Staff positions, Defense / AIT Platoon Sergeant will have the AIT Platoon Sergeant is balancing duty Attaché positions (Embassy Duty), satisfaction of living almost every military requirements with one’s personal or SHARP positions, Special Mission Units, member’s dream. Soldiers chosen for Family life. These positions are extremely and HRC Career Managers. these assignments will teach trainees time consuming. Highlights of a few of these positions are every aspect of being a Soldier through Recruiter: The United States Army as follows: their training and personal conduct. Recruiting Command (USAREC) USMEPCOM: The mission of United These positions require great agility and Mission / Vision Statement states, “An all- States Military Entrance Processing adaptability, qualities that today’s leaders volunteer team sustaining an all-volunteer Command (USMEPCOM) is to evaluate need to “Win in a Complex World”. Army. A mutually supporting relationship applicants by applying established These positions can often become the with Families and communities enabled Department of Defense standards during most memorable in a Soldier’s career. by a network of shared knowledge using processing to determine eligibility for Challenges in these positions test a leader’s leading edge technologies and premier military service. Personnel assigned to ability to maintain self-discipline at all recruiting practices”. Being a recruiter USMEPCOM work in a Joint environment times while functioning with minimal requires dedicated and self-motivated and have the opportunity to process personal and Family time. It requires the NCOs who want to help shape the future applicants to serve in the Department of ability to lead, coach, train, and mentor the landscape of the Army. Recruiters work in Defense. The first exposure each applicant Army’s number one resource, its Soldiers. small teams to find the very best candidates has to uniformed personnel in leadership Drill Sergeants and AIT Platoon Sergeants in civilian society to assess their potential roles is at a MEPS. It is imperative that experience the satisfaction of having a for service in the Army. MEPS personnel set the standard for direct impact on the future of the Army As a recruiter, Soldiers develop sales military bearing and appearance. by changing a civilian into a Soldier, and interpersonal skills that can carry a

14 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com lifetime of benefits. Recruiters are needed assignments where they can observe how positions. throughout the continental United States, senior level commands operate. Personnel In conclusion, it is clear that serving Hawaii, and Alaska, which afford Soldiers work in support of general officers, senior in broadening, nominative, and special the opportunity to work and live in some civilians and other senior officers and assignments and a Soldier’s quality of exceptional places. Recruiters are the tip NCOs. They contribute their impact to performance are the gateways to future of the Army spear out in the communities. the Department of Defense’s future while success. These positions contribute They are Army ambassadors and must receiving senior level mentorship and to grooming Soldiers to become well- uphold the highest standards and ethics. guidance. rounded leaders capable of performing To be considered for recruiting duty, it is First Sergeant Positions: CMF 42A at the highest levels, while being able to ideal you have a 110 GT score; however, currently has 40 USMEPCOM First adapt to a variety of environments. As it is waiverable to a 95 with a minimum of Sergeant positions available across the the Army is ever changing, it is essential 95 in the ASVAB category ST. For details continental United States, Hawaii, and San to have well trained, critical thinkers in its and if interested in recruiting duty, Soldiers Juan, Puerto Rico. NATO Brigade has select formations. A broadening position enables should contact their career manager. First Sergeant positions in locations across Soldiers to demonstrate a different level of EO Advisor (EOA) / IG: Personnel Europe such as Italy, Turkey, Belgium, competency and leadership, marking them assigned to EOA / IG learn skills that Germany and the Netherlands. Other among the most qualified to lead. every military member embody. They authorizations include HR companies, AG branch prefers volunteers for will learn to think critically and become garrison, and select IET positions. First broadening, nominative, and special a more effective leader. A key component Sergeant stabilizations can be granted in assignments. Interested Soldiers should of these positions is to ensure Soldiers’ increments of 12-24 months; however, they contact their career manager within the individual rights are protected, and laws will not exceed a maximum of 36 months. Soldier Support Branch to indicate a and regulations of the Department of the The First Sergeant is the essence of Army desire to perform broadening duties. Army are enforced. Soldiers assigned leadership and its importance cannot Due to rapidly changing requirements, to these special duties receive additional be defined in simple terms. The First a volunteering Soldier is not “held on training and have the opportunity to Sergeant is the cornerstone of a unit’s a bench” pending a position, so it is positively affect the welfare of Soldiers success. They lead the unit proudly by acceptable to check back from time to time at brigade level and higher. Teaching and instilling pride, motivation, and purpose. for availability. To ensure competitiveness, training is a large part of these positions. A First Sergeant’s influence drives an it is vital that Soldiers continually improve Selected personnel will inform and teach organization to success. AG Soldiers themselves and update their records. Soldiers and leaders how they should be who serve successfully as First Sergeants Soldiers should update profile data when treated, and how they should treat others. bring outstanding credit and honor to a profile expires, continually improve Through training and inspections, Soldiers the AG Corp. First Sergeant billets are APFT scores, pursue civilian education, assigned to EOA / IG positions ensure that both prestigious and career enhancing, gain new language skills, and improve GT all Soldiers receive the proper service providing an outstanding opportunity scores if they are below 110. and support. Serving in these positions for Soldiers chosen to serve in these Stay engaged with your career manager, affords Soldiers an opportunity to obtain positions. Only the most highly qualified who will let you know if you are qualified vast knowledge in the fields of EO / IG, and motivated senior leaders are selected and, if not, what you can do to become thereby becoming leaders that are more and assigned as First Sergeants. qualified. AR 614-200, Chapter 9, covers effective. Some factors to consider Leaders in the rank of Sergeant First the qualifications for these positions before accepting an EO / IG position are Class (P) through Master Sergeant can (some profiles may be waived). At times, that personnel must serve outside their be assigned as a First Sergeant based on Soldiers may be selected for broadening, HR core competency for 24-48 months the following: outstanding qualities of nominative, and special assignments and will have limited opportunity to lead leadership, dedication to duty, integrity and without volunteering. If that happens, we Soldiers directly. moral character, professionalism, Military highly encourage Soldiers to embrace the Special / Joint Assignment: These Occupational Specialty proficiency,opportunity, learn from it, and enjoy it! assignments provide further development, appearance and military bearing, and Defend and Serve! growth, and training opportunities. The physical fitness. selection process is strict and only the most Presently, there qualified candidates are selected to serve are several in these positions. Personnel assigned to CMF 42A these positions will have an opportunity to First Sergeant work alongside service members from all vacancies. branches of services. They will learn how Interested and other services operate and execute their qualified leaders strategic vision, and how to integrate joint should step and other governmental agency assets into forward and solving today’s toughest challenges. volunteer for an These positions require Soldiers to think opportunity to strategically. Assigned personnel are serve in these exposed to information and decisions rewarding and made by top leaders, serving in strategic career critical

1775 | Fall 2015 15 Interview with SGM Linda Kessinger, SGM, HRC Enlisted Personnel Management Directorate

What assignments should Soldiers House if the opportunities had been performance and staying competent in take on as broadening assignments? there. My number one choice would our MOS are the critical factors.” “In my opinion they should start with have been to be assigned to Fort Bragg, Drill Sergeant, Recruiter and AIT Platoon and to experience what the Airborne What other thoughts would you like to Sergeants. Depending on their records Community does.” share with AG Soldiers? they can be nominated to work in a high Learn as much as you can in the job you visibility position, NATO, White House, What advice would you give to are in. For example, if you are an Awards Chief of Staff, Corps and Divisions Staff.” junior Soldiers seeking broadening Clerk, I expect that before you leave you assignments? will have learned everything you can in What broadening assignments did “I would tell them not to let someone say all aspects of the job, both in your unit you do? you cannot do it. These assignments are and within the S1. Work on your PT and “I was a Drill Sergeant, EO, and Joint limited and Soldiers need to be persistent. GT scores. Get yourself into military Staff and luckily as a 42A I was able to be You have to be competent in your MOS schools and complete college if you can a First Sergeant and Platoon Sergeant. and try to stay above and beyond your - civilian education is very important Drill Sergeant made me a better leader, I peers. If HRC tells you that you cannot and promotion boards do look at it. Do learned more discipline and motivation. be a Drill Sergeant or Recruiter, call back everything you came into the military to I learned that there are many Soldiers in in six months, submit a volunteer packet. do. And always try to leave each position the Army and they all require different If your PUHLES prevent you from these better off than what you found when you approaches to leadership. I learned how assignments, look for other broadening got there. to take care of Soldiers! As an EO, that assignments that you qualify for.” taught me that we are all different and we Interviewed by: SSG Joselyn Uribe- all have biases and prejudices. It taught Do you think broadening assignments Huitron, HRC, Solider Support Branch me how to treat everyone with dignity and will get Soldiers promoted? Why? respect regardless of ethnicity, religious “As a 42A I would definitely say ‘YES!’ preference or sexual orientation. Working Many 42As do not get the opportunity on the Joint Staff I learned to respect to serve in a broadening assignment, so different Allied Services; we are one big those who do and perform well are ahead team trying to accomplish one mission. of their peers have definite advantages. We are all working toward one goal and However, I cannot say that you need to that is to take care of our nation.” have a broadening assignment to get promoted, I also think just because you What are some broadening assignments do not go into a broadening assignment, you would have done if you had had the it does not make you any less competitive opportunity? as a Soldier or a 42A. Some just do not get “I would have loved to work in a NATO the opportunity or other factors prevent assignment, I would have also gone to them from serving in a broadening USASOC, the Pentagon or the White assignment. As always, manner of

16 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com Heart of the AG Corps - An AG Soldier’s Insight

Editor’s Note - In keeping with the theme of this edition of 1775, “Heart of the AG Corps,” COL Jack L. Usrey, Chief of the Corps, shared some of his writings from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 1, OIF 07-08, and Operation Enduring Freedom XII. The writings that follow include periods in our Corps’ history of preparing for OIF 1, the aftermath of the 6 August 2012 helicopter shoot down in east Afghanistan that killed 31 special operators, and deployment with the Human Resources Sustainment Center in Kuwait. After reviewing these writings they truly resonated with me during my time at The Pentagon during the terrorist attacks on our country on 9-11 and with my deployments to Desert Shield / Desert Storm and OIF 2. If you have ever deployed these writings should also resonate with you. If you have never deployed, these writings provide insights to what Soldiers think about going into harm’s way and how amazing our young men and women who serve in uniform are. COL (Ret) Bob Ortiz Editor, 1775

I Remember By COL Jack L. Usrey Written on 14 February 2003 while serving as Deputy G1, 1st Armored Division Reflections prior to deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 1 remember my first parachute jump as a camp; her parents had been killed and undoubtedly knew what it meant to miss Iyoung platoon leader… she knew we would not let anyone harm a child’s birth… I remember falling in I remember eating rice balls and roasted her while she slept… love with my wife again that day… goat, by hand, sitting cross-legged I remember the boy taking a bath in I remember coming home excited to around a metal pan, not unlike an upside a pothole in the middle of the street in tell my wife that I’d just volunteered down garbage can lid, in the middle of Haiti. I remember seeing a man lower to go to Honduras for six months… I the Jordanian desert… a plastic ice-cream bucket with baling remember the love, support, strength I remember the young Soldiers and twine tied to it into an open manhole; I and understanding of a Christian wife NCOs in my platoon that taught me… I remember watching him pour it over the with an eight-month old that held down forever owe them… head of another man in what I have to the fort while I was chasing the dream believe was an attempt to bathe… of adventure that causes young men to I remember the little girl in Haiti who volunteer to serve their country… would come to our base camp at night; I remember the birth of my first child… she would lie down against the outside I remember the man who flew me from I remember visiting the Honduran family of the concertina wire surrounding our Haiti to North Carolina so I would not miss in Comayagua (Ko-me-ag-wa) on the this magical weekends… all nine of the children, from moment… a toddler to teen, had a role in the toy chest gesture that they made for the baby boy who has my will never eyes… escape me… I remember lying on a drop zone one he was a night holding a Soldier’s broken leg Soldier who

US Army Soldiers unload food and water from a Navy helicopter in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 16 January 2010. The Soldiers, assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, have set up a forward operating base to help establish security and provide humanitarian assistance after the devastating Haitian earthquake. DoD photo by Fred W. Baker III.

1775 | Fall 2015 17 in place as we waited for the medevac of the makeshift morgue… I remember untold number of humanitarian missions helicopter to arrive… unzipping the bags so that the Commander our task force conducted in the towns and I remember the crash… I remember the could identify his Soldiers… villages around us… this was the only black smoke pouring into the sky as I remember the little girl and boy at medical and dental support they ever Paratroopers lay burning and dying from the border crossing between Kosovo received… those doctors, dentists and the thousands of gallons of fuel and debris and Macedonia; their house was across medics are heroes… that swept across them… I remember the street from an asbestos factory… I I remember the birth of my second gently rolling a fellow Paratrooper over remember seeing the accumulation of child… I almost missed it because I was on his side so we could replace his burn asbestos soot on their window seals, on in the hospital cafeteria getting something pad… I remember that no matter how the roof, scattered across the ground… I to eat… the doctors had told us it would fast we put the ointment on the pads, his remember her waving at me… I remember be a girl… HE knew differently… I body would absorb it and need more… I his smile… I remember wondering about remember the birth of my second son… remember looking into his face… a face their future… and my baby at home… I remember falling in love with my wife that wasn’t there anymore… I remember I remember the little boy climbing on again that day… watching him fight to live… I remember the piles of trash that lined the streets I remember the gleaming red poppies the exact spot where he died… of a little town in Honduras in search of growing among the concertina wire in I remember setting up the site to receive something to eat; he couldn’t have been Kosovo… I remember the first time I the remains of the Soldiers that died more than four… I remember thinking passed the mass grave… I remember at the crash site… I remember gently about my baby… I remember missing that nothing could stop the poppies from lowering the body bags to the ground my son’s first steps… I remember the growing… I remember picking one

Arlington, VA, 12 September 2001. A section of the Pentagon lies in ruins following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. US Naval photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Michael W. Pendergrass.

18 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com for my mother and one for my wife… I Beach… I remember the white rows I remember the birth of my daughter… remember thinking that nothing can stop of crosses that did not seem to end… I nothing prepared me for the moment hope… remember walking the beaches of Omaha I realized God had given me a third I remember the night in Haiti what a man and Utah… I remember sharing with my child… a daughter… I didn’t love her any approached me pushing a homemade sons the honor of raising the American more than my sons, but… a daughter… wheelbarrow… he dumped a man at flag that stands guard over the thousands a different kind of love… blonde hair… my feet… he had been attacked with a of men who gave their lives during what green eyes… my wife’s daughter… I machete… I remember watching our is arguably the most defining moment remember falling in love with my wife medic rush to his aid… in United States history… I remember again that day… watching my sons walk among the crosses I remember watching the 5-ton truck I remember these things… and more… and the Stars of David… I remember leave the front gate of our base camp in some more often than others… faces… thinking about the men who never saw Haiti; before the guards could get the sounds… sights… sorrow… happiness… their wives again… the men who never front gates closed, young children began they come to me during the day… the saw the children they left behind grow climbing the sides of the moving truck night… when I am moving… when I up… the children that never were… the and began throwing its contents to those am still… I don’t always know why I husbands that never were… the women who were running behind it. Within remember what I do… they left behind… the wives that never minutes the entire contents was emptied I remember that God watches over me… were… the women who carried the and the streets were clean… they had load for all those years as they fought… I remember that my parents raised me to picked the ground clean of everything… I remember my sons, as young boys do what is right, trust in God and work our trash kept them alive... will do, playing in the grass among the hard… I remember standing in Interlaken, trees… their youthful laughter carrying I remember that my wife loves me Switzerland, on that day… hearing that over the edge of the cliffs that hold the unconditionally… one of the World Trade Center Towers cemetery above the beach… I remember I remember the strength that she gives me had been attacked… I remember as the starting to tell them to quiet down… they daily… news continued to flow in… the other shouldn’t be playing in such a sacred tower… The Pentagon… America had place… I remember why I didn’t tell I remember the healing power of the hugs been attacked… I remember the days them to stop… I could never repay those my sons give me when I walk through the that followed… I remember realizing men for what they did… the greatest gift door… that the America I left would not be the I could give them was exactly what my I remember the hope my daughter’s eyes one I returned to… the words are hard to sons were giving them without knowing give me… find… it… I gave those men my sons for those I do not know what I will remember I remember turning the corner on moments… I gave them their laughter, about tomorrow… the sidewalk and coming face to face their hope, their future… with the cemetery overlooking Omaha

1775 | Fall 2015 19 Daddy’s Baby Girl By COL Jack L. Usrey Written while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2007-2008

knew it would be hard for you to only days before I deployed… same one – that means you can see me Iunderstand – the miles, the months, It’s as if God touched me on the shoulder and I can see you, no matter where I me not there… and told me HE’d known this day am”… I knew it had to be something that you was coming and had prepared for it – And on those nights, if you listen closely could see… or touch… or smell – your especially for you and me… baby girl, when the moon is bright, you’ll tender years, your world so pure and So every night when you look up into hear me whispering in your ear “Daddy black and white… that beautiful sky, with a gentle wind loves you baby girl”… I did not want you to forget me – another blowing, the wisps of your golden blonde That’s our moon… birthday missed and you’ve had so few… hair all around… I needed it to be special, and every day, so And you see the moon, our moon, our that I would not fade – and our secret, so secret – remember that I see it too… that every time you saw it I would come And I see you baby girl – I see your eyes to mind and glow in your heart; knowing and your smile; I hear your laughter and only you and I know… I feel you hug me and tell me that you A way for us to touch – a hug every night love me… before you go to bed… Remember me whispering in your ear, And then I saw it; it was there all along – “When you see the moon, I see the very

20 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com Thank you Mr. President By COL Jack L. Usrey Written while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2007-2008

oday was a day I will never forget and My confirmation is regarding the and women give me hope. They give me TI felt compelled to share it with my remarkable troops we have in our military, hope because they are smarter and more band of brothers and sisters – the Army’s and moreover, the quality of the young disciplined than I was at their age. They First. On the surface, today was about men and women in our Nation. As I sat give me hope because they represent every the President of the United States visiting in the bleachers, an event unfolded that race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, DOD couldn’t be scripted in a million years. education level, religious preference and Civilians and Contractors and thanking Music was playing over the loud speakers political affiliation in our Nation – the them for their service to our Nation. As as we waited and a song from Queen, a strength we derive from this diversity significant as seeing the President was, it group popular in the 1970s, blared from cannot be overstated. They give me hope was an underlying observation – maybe the speakers. The crowd spontaneously because they volunteered to serve our confirmation is a more apt word – that hit began singing along and dancing where Nation while it was at war – they knew me like a ton of bricks. they stood in the bleachers – they were what they were getting into and met it To establish context, the troops rallied booming and it grew with every stanza. head on. They give me hope because our this morning anywhere from three to My words can’t do it justice, but to me world’s state of affairs requires them to five hours before the President arrived it was an incredible moment - the entire be the next “Greatest Generation.” They to go through the required security media pool turned away from the stage give me hope because they hold my screenings before entering a secured and began filming it – the electricity in children’s future in their hands. area. Did I mention it was 38 degrees the air was overwhelming. Think about I leave you with this thought. I submit that and windy? Additionally, several troops I it – these troops were cold, some agitated, no other time in history more embodies overheard talking hadn’t eaten breakfast. some bored, most didn’t know each other, the thoughts Prime Minister Winston Collectively this was a recipe for slightly and in a single moment they became one Churchill, at the height of the Battle of unhappy Soldiers. I don’t mention this to and turned their situation into what I can Britain, presented in his 1940 House of be negative, but because it is an important only describe as magical. Why did this Commons speech than today. While there piece of the story. move me? Because those young men were several salient points in his words that day, the most remembered were, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” I submit to you that history will say the same thing about the men and women jamming to Queen the day the President visited. I would have missed this unique observation if not for today’s event – thank you Mr. President.

President George W. Bush addresses Soldiers in Iraq.

1775 | Fall 2015 21 They Are Why We Are Free By COL Jack L. Usrey Written while serving as the 1st Cavalry Division G1 (Pegasus 1) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 4 July 2011

he Sergeant jumped off a two-story a Lieutenant in the same brigade, was quickly physically been together for only one of the Tbuilding while under intense fire because flown to his side. Their lives were forever five years they’ve been married. They intend he knew that was the fastest way to get to the changed that day – and she will be by his side to stay in the Army – they love serving our fallen Soldier lying in the middle of the street, as he learns to walk again, just as she was at Nation and they are selfless –They are why still being fired upon. The Sergeant shielded his hospital bedside. Both of these young we are free. the wounded Soldier with his body while officers joined the Army well after 9/11 and He was the point man when the enemy bullets flew around him, providing life saving knew they would be called upon to serve their engaged them. He was one of the first to first aid, before pulling him to safety –He is Nation on the battlefield –They are why we be hit. The medic ran through intense fire why we are free. are free. to his side, and after several minutes of He was in the Mine Resistant Ambush The young medic was engaging the full exposure to the enemy, the medic fell Protected Vehicle (M-ATV) when it was hit enemy with his M4 when he heard the call, mortally wounded. The wounded Soldier by an IED. He didn’t wear a military uniform “Medic!”. He ran through intense enemy changed from patient to protector in a second. – he was a Contractor. He gave his life that fire to the wounded Soldier and rendered aid. He covered the medic with his own body and day with three Soldiers because his Nation Again under fire, he carried the casualty to the tried to save his life. He continued to shield needed his expertise to help our Afghan extraction site. When it was determined the the medic despite rounds that were impacting partners. He answered the call and his wife evacuation site was taking too much enemy all around him – he was wounded again – and child will forever know what his sacrifice fire, he carried “his” Soldier through more They are why we are free. cost – He is why we are free. enemy fire to a second evacuation site. When On our Nation’s birthday it is appropriate to The medic jumped from the hovering aircraft the helicopter couldn’t land due to terrain, relay a few of the stories that are lived out and ran through a known minefield to the the medic completely exposed himself to across the battlefields of Afghanistan and wounded Soldier. She assessed his injuries to danger by standing up for several minutes home fronts daily. These are the few chosen be extremely urgent and went to work. She under fire in order to hoist the casualty into ones that have answered the call – they and then retraced her steps through the minefield, the helicopter – He is why we are free. their Families serve this Nation – They are dragging the wounded Soldier towards the She is on her second deployment; her why we are free. evacuation site. Once the helicopter was able husband is as well… but they have never to return, she exposed herself to enemy fire been deployed together. In fact, they have while lifting the casualty into the helicopter – She is why we are free. The wife leaves the house in the early afternoon to shuttle their three children to swimming and gymnastics. She will spend the next 5 hours making sure they are at the right place at the right time, and then she will take them home and prepare their evening meal. Long after they are asleep she will finish washing dishes, washing clothes and the rest of the things required to keep the household running while her husband is deployed. She will go to bed at midnight and wake the next morning to do it all again… for a year – She is why we are free. The young Lieutenant triggered the IED while on a dismounted patrol. His wife, also Army Medics in action evacuating a wounded Soldier.

22 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com A Letter to our Fallen Comrades By COL Jack L. Usrey Written while serving as the 1st Cavalry Division G1 (Pegasus 1) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 6 August 2011

2001. I saw you for the first time when happy day. My older brother disappeared vegetables. Now that I can see your eyes I was seven and I was afraid of you. You last week and we have not seen him since. I realize that you have brown eyes like came into my village with clothes and I hear my mother crying each night; my me and I also see the niceness in your vehicles I had never seen before. You father and brothers talk in hushed tones heart by the way your eyes speak to me. were very big. You wore things that hung to keep me from knowing what is going 2007. I’m thirteen now and I am learning off your body that made me tremble – on – I heard my father say that they took how to read. Shortly after you helped my you looked like a monster walking down him. I know in my heart I will never see village build a road that connects my the street. I could not see your eyes – you my brother again. village to another village in the valley, did not look human. Yesterday I saw your eyes for the first you brought a small group of females I have three brothers and a mother and time. You used to wear dark glasses and that dress like you during a visit. They father. We live in a hut on the side of it made you look scary when you walked began visiting us weekly with a lady from the valley between the river and the through the bazaar where my father sells Kandahar who is teaching the girls in my mountains. My father and brothers have not had a job since the Taliban took over our valley. We sometimes don’t have enough food to eat but most of the time we have water. My mother can read a little and tells me stories about how when she was my age she went to school and learned many things. The Taliban do not allow girls to go to school. One night while I was asleep a loud explosion woke me up. You broke into our home and began fighting from our windows and our rooftop. I put my blanket over myself and cried until the sun rose and you left our home. I did not understand why you were there. I will remember that night for the rest of my life. 2004. Tomorrow is my tenth birthday but it will not be a

1775 | Fall 2015 23 neighborhood how to read and write. It I saw you again today. The last time I saw our valley. He’s had such a hard life. Our is very exciting and I am learning about you I was fourteen. You told me today Family is able to walk the streets of our things I never knew. I am happier than I that this was the third time you have village at night without fear – I never left have ever been. I have my own writing been to my country. It used to be hard to our home at night when I was a little girl. tablet and pencils. I still have the very understand why you left your Family to My son and daughter will be able to go to colorful backpack that you gave me last come to my country but today you made school and then to the university if they year. me understand. You said that you have a choose to do so. 2009. My brothers have a job – they daughter that is the same size as I am and I can now dream of a day when my deliver produce grown in our valley to that we have the same color eyes. You children and their children will have Kabul and other places. They are married told me that you see her when you see choices beyond my father’s imagination. now and live close to us. I have two little me and it makes you want to help me live I can dream of that day because you were nieces and I can’t wait to play school with in a safe neighborhood and get to go to willing to leave your Family and come to them and help them with their homework. school. my country to help me and my Family. I I get to help at the school a few times a 2014. Tomorrow is my wedding day. My know you paid for my children’s dreams week after I finish cleaning our hut and future husband works in the Afghanistan dearly. I know you missed years of your gathering sticks to cook with. Uniformed Police and he is a good man. children’s lives and I know you lost 2011. I look back at things I remember He is a smart, honest person and he friends whose ultimate sacrifice paid the from ten years ago and I am amazed at honors my father in all that he does. We price for my dreams. then and now. We have electricity in our will live close to my father and mother I will honor your gift to my Family and hut and my mother and I are allowed to and I will teach at the girls’ school in our your sacrifice by telling your story to my meet with other women in our valley valley. grandchildren and ask them to tell their at the district center. We share ideas of 2020. My father is not well but he grandchildren. I will wake up every ways to make our Province a better place. is a happy man. He is content and morning and do something to make my We have clean water and plenty of food comfortable in his old age. He’s seen Family and my country better. to eat and I was able to travel to Kabul much in his years but hasn’t known peace In honor of our fallen comrades – they with my parents to visit Family that I like we see now. I am honored that my give all hope. have never seen. father lived long enough to see calm in

24 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com The 369th Adjutant General Battalion Honors MAJ Dwayne Williams

By Latricia R. Lewis, 2LT Kristen Hitt, 2LT Astrid Colon-Moreno, and 2LT Dajah Davis

n 28 August 2015, members of the killed during the terrorist attack on 11 Kelsie Minor and her Family, Dwayne’s O369th Adjutant General Battalion, September 2001. Within weeks of the mother, Ms. Pearl Williams, his brother, Soldier Support Institute, as well as Family attack on the Pentagon, leaders of Fort SFC (Retired) Kim Williams and his and close friends gathered to dedicate the Jackson ensured MAJ Williams was Family and his sister, Carmen Coffey and 369th Battalion Headquarters building honored for his service with a memorial her husband. and memorial garden in honor of MAJ ceremony and a tree was planted in his COL (Ret) Johnson offered his personal Dwayne Williams as well as other fallen memory in front of the old Battalion story of Major Williams when they served Adjutant General and Finance Soldiers. Headquarters. together as follows: “When I came into The guest speaker was COL (Ret) Brent Nearly fourteen years later, MAJ command of the 369th, the Army had a Johnson, who served as the 369th Adjutant Williams was honored again when the major problem with sexual harassment General Battalion Commander during 369th Adjutant General Battalion hosted and sexual assault at another training base MAJ Williams’ tenure as a Company the Memorial Dedication Ceremony involving Drills, Company leadership and Commander. COL (Ret) Johnson was that dedicated the new Battalion female AIT trainees. The Army had gone also the former Fort Jackson Garrison Headquarters building located within the to a chain teaching program to reeducate Commander, and the 25th Commandant recently completed Advanced Individual and stop the abuse. The 369th had the of the Adjutant General School and Chief Training complex. The new headquarters highest percentage of women of any of the Adjutant General’s Corps. was named MAJ Dwayne Williams Hall. unit in the Army. We were working very Additionally, a memorial hard under the leadership of MG Mary garden was planted in Morgan to set a standard of zero defects front of the headquarters for this behavior in the 369th. We were with four single stock the subject of many visits from senior Wax Leaf Ligustrum Army leadership, including the Secretary trees. Three of the four of the Army, Chief of Staff of the Army, trees were dedicated and the TRADOC CG. We spent a lot of during the memorial time on mentorship training with Drill ceremony; one to MAJ Sergeants and company leadership teams. Williams, another tree We also spent a lot of time trying to patch to all fallen Adjutant up our barracks because of their age. General and Finance MAJ Williams was one of my go-to guys COL (Ret) Brent Johnson, former 369th AG Battalion Commander Soldiers from 2001 for the mentorship, visits and barracks and the 25th Chief of the Adjutant General’s Corps, provides through the current date, upgrades. I relied on him very much remarks to dedicate the 369th AG Battalion Headquarters building and memorial garden in honor of MAJ Dwayne Williams. and a third tree to the because of his strength of leadership. fallen Adjutant General He was more seasoned and mature than During MAJ Williams’ three-year tenure and Finance Soldiers for all campaigns the rest of my commanders since he was at the Soldier Support Institute from and operations in our Nation’s history. more senior, experienced and had some 1997 to 2000, he served in the 369th, first The Battalion will dedicate the fourth tree very challenging assignments.” as the Delta Company Commander and in memory of a Finance Soldier during COL (Ret) Johnson described MAJ later as the Battalion Executive Officer. a future ceremony. The ceremony was Williams as a “very strong and quiet In the summer of 2001, following his attended by nearly 350 service members, leader.” He continued, “I knew him for attendance at Command and General distinguished guests and over 40 of his strength in character, duty, Family, Staff College, he was assigned to MAJ Williams immediate and extended sports and faith. He was noted for the Pentagon and served as the Joint Family to include his wife, Tammy, his impeccable judgment well beyond his Officer Distribution Manager. He was son Shelby Williams and his Family, years and experience. He was also

1775 | Fall 2015 25 unflappable. There were always incidents time for his Family in the training base with Soldiers, and and baseball.” Tammy his courses of actions and decisions in was honored, to say the these myriad events were always sound. least, to attend and be When his Soldiers ended up in front of a part of the memorial me for disciplinary actions, his actions ceremony. She prior to that were always on the mark expressed her gratitude and unquestionably sound. He also was to the Soldiers of very good at mentoring trainees and 369th AG Battalion, by ensuring that they had every opportunity saying, “I don’t have to succeed. He imparted this deep the words to express my caring for Soldiers attitude constantly heart and the heart of on his cadre. Strength was his greatest the Family, to know that attribute. He was very even keeled with he is not forgotten and impeccable judgment. He also had an to have him honored awesome sense of humor.” COL (Ret) in this way at Fort Johnson valued MAJ Williams’ service Jackson, a place that and leadership example. COL (Ret) was our home, a place Shelby Williams and Kelsie Minor, son and daughter of MAJ Dwayne Williams and Mrs. Tammy Williams, pose for a photo in Johnson stated further, “Dwayne’s death where we had so many front of MAJ Dwayne Williams Hall was a huge loss to the AG Corps and good times and made actively involved in the community and the Army as he was destined for great wonderful friends is truly a blessing. focusing on aiding kids specifically leadership. MAJ Williams was also a We won’t forget 9/11 and all those that regarding alcohol and drug abuse. fine Family man, very devoted to his suffered that day and I am pleased that The 369th Adjutant General wife, Tammy, and their children, Shelby my husband, my friend, my hero is Battalion, located at Fort Jackson, SC, and Kelsie.” remembered in such a special way. relocated to 2306 Magruder Avenue in MAJ Dwayne the summer of 2014 upon the completion Williams’ Family has of the Advanced Individual Training gone through great barracks complex. Simultaneously, lengths in keeping his the Battalion subsumed the mission memory alive. Because of the Soldier Support Institute’s of his sacrifice and inactivated Training Support Battalion. exceptional leadership, The Battalion provides our Army with MAJ Williams’ Family physically fit, well disciplined, trained has sought to inspire and ready 36B Financial Management others to reveal their Technicians and 42A Human Resource greatest potential by Specialists and provides administrative, Mrs. Tammy Williams, wife of MAJ Dwayne Williams, takes offering the Williams logistical and training support to the a Family photo after the 369th AG Battalion Headquarters Memorial Scholarship. unveiling and memorial dedication ceremony with her children permanent party and students assigned to and grandchildren. The scholarship was the Soldier Support Institute. LTC J.R. established by Ms. Reid and CSM Carolyn Donaldson serve Mrs. Tammy Williams, Dwayne’s Pearl Williams, Dwayne’s mother. It as the Battalion Command Team. wife, also reflected on his positive is available to full-time undergraduate contributions. Mrs. Williams stated, “He contracted ROTC cadets and full- was a non-complicated husband, father, time undergraduate students enrolled About the Authors. CPT LaTondra Paoli and Soldier. He just did what he thought in the College of Commerce and served as the 369th AG Battalion S1 and was right, not only for the Family, but Business Administration, Jacksonville S2; and 2LT Kristen Hitt, 2LT Astrid also in every job and position he held, he State University, MAJ Williams’ alma Colon-Moreno, and 2LT Dajah Davis are loved the Army. I think he would want mater. Each year, approximately eight Adjutant General Basic Officer Leader to be remembered for the things that he students are awarded $1,000 to $1,500 Course Students. did to help someone else and for the job scholarships. MAJ Williams’ Family has he did as a Soldier. He always made also kept his memory alive by staying

26 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com Stop the 22 a Day!

By CSM (Ret) Billy Blackmon

id you know 22 or more American In the interview, they Dveterans take their own lives every both talked about how day? More veterans die yearly from losing Soldiers negatively suicide than from all of our Nation’s wars affected their quality of since the Vietnam Era. This statement life and ability to perform should have gotten your attention. Now their job. To quote GEN STOP and think about this statistic Ham, “I was withdrawn for a moment. Ask yourself, “how but still wanted to be many Family members, friends, and there; I felt like what associates you know that wear, have I was doing was not worn a military uniform or that struggle important because my with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Soldiers were killed. This (PTSD) related issues?” If your answer is something I will never is just “one,” then the reality of this forget and do not want to tragic ending for anyone should start to forget.” BG Patton stated, SFC (Ret) Geoffrey Rhodes (holding the American flag), a resonate. Many Americans take on a he is still haunted by the training developer / project manager at Fort Jackson’s Soldier laissez faire attitude and choose to mind loss of his Soldiers and Support Institute, runs in the Stop Soldier Suicide 10K in their own business, but I submit to you is often awaken at night Belmont, NC. He came in 22nd place, a small irony because that “suicide prevention” is everyone’s thinking he is still under statistics say a Soldier commits suicide every 22 seconds. After the race, SFC (Ret) Rhodes presented the US flag he had business. attack. The brain has a carried and coin for finishing to the parents of a fallen Soldier. funny way of recreating I spent nearly 28 years of my adult life in about their campaign and how they’re an Army uniform and would have never the exact sounds and smells of battle and the metallic taste some get in their mouth. helping veterans suffering from PTSD talked about thoughts of suicide from a find healing. I invite you to watch the first person perspective because it was I want to tell you about another video and after watching, reflect on seen as a “career ender,” especially if you extraordinary individual and former someone you know who may be living were serving in a leadership capacity. Soldier that gave me the courage to write the nightmares portrayed throughout the Those that sought professional mental this story, and continue getting help for video. “Not All Wounds Are Visible but health counseling in a confidential PTSD. His name is SFC (Ret) Geoffrey the Signs Are!” Everyone deals with manner were viewed as weak leaders Rhodes. I met Geoffrey at work and was their demons in their own way. So many and Soldiers. About two months ago, drawn to him because of the 75th Ranger veterans suffering from PTSD choose to I was feeling bad, couldn’t sleep at Crest tattooed on his right forearm. I too, hide their emotions because you can’t be night, and wanted to be separated from am a proud member of the 75th Ranger seen as weak in front of your comrades, Family, friends, and work. For years, I Regiment. We share a common Ranger and you must set the example for other suppressed my emotions, tried hard to not bond, which broke the ice and started us Soldiers. We must find a way to break think about it. I became numb to my true to talking. He served two tours in OIF the silence! feelings, decided never to talk about my / OEF and lost several friends to suicide combat experiences and how seeing the after returning home from the war as a For 28 years, I lived the Army slogans, loss of my fellow Soldiers affected me. result of PTSD. Geoffrey and former “Be All That You Can Be,” “An Army of One” and “Army Strong.” Soldiers I can recall the first senior officers to come Mr. Joshua Ambrose, former Army Specialist, started a campaign to raise have always answered the “Call to Duty” forward and speak out about their PTSD when America needed them. Today, we were GEN Carter Ham and BG Gary awareness for service members suffering from PTSD. Both men found healing in need America to answer our veteran’s Patton. GEN Ham said, “21 December call for help. We’re not looking for any 2004 was my worst day. Twenty-two helping others. Their movement is called, “Stop the 22 a Day.” handouts. Service men and women have (22) Soldiers within my command were always been and will always be the most killed from a suicide bomber during the Geoffrey spends many hours a week and valuable asset of America. It took a lot of Iraq war.” BG Patton also talked about on weekends participating in sponsored courage to write this article and expose the 69 men and women killed under his 5K and 10K running events and Spartan myself for others to possible criticism. leadership during a year long tour in Races to raise awareness for “Stop the However, that’s a chance I’m willing Iraq. These two extraordinary generals 22 a Day” veteran suicides. Geoffrey to take. There is a road to recovery, spoke to CNN’s Barbara Starr about their said, “If I could save just one, then the and thanks to Geoffrey and others, I’m experiences with PTSD in hopes that it life I live would not be in vain.” Please getting the assistance needed to heal. would convince more suffering Soldiers go to their Facebook page (Facebook. Army Strong! to share their stories with others. com/Stopthe22aDay) to learn more

1775 | Fall 2015 27 300 Miles in their Honor – Supporting Our Wounded Warriors By COL (Ret) Bob Ortiz

This past Memorial Day weekend 2015 and in honor of the young men and women who serve our nation, COL Jack L. Usrey, Chief of the AG Corps and a double knee and double hip replacement recipient, as well as AG School personnel and Family members, cycled 300 miles in less than 48 hours to honor and to raise awareness of those Wounded Warriors that need us now and for years to come.

In May 2015, COL Jack L. Usrey, Chief of the AG Corps organized and led AG School personnel and Family members on a 300 mile cycling trip to raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior Program.

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001 and their Families. On that date, America watched in horror as approximately 3,000 people died including hundreds of firefighters and rescue workers. Many warriors note a sense of duty to volunteer for the military following these tragic events. September 11th also served as a stimulus for Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. Operation Iraqi Freedom refers to military operations in Iraq that began March 19, 2003 and officially ended August 31, 2010. Operation Enduring Freedom refers to combat operations in Afghanistan and other regions in support of the Global War on Terror. Operation New Dawn refers to the conclusion of operations in Iraq beginning September 1, 2010 and ending December 15, 2011. For WWP, there is a distinct difference between members and alumni; the term alumni indicates a mutual shared experience and denotes your place in an organization was earned. There are no dues here - those were paid by wearing the uniform and on the battlefield. Use the following link for more information on WWP: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/mission/who-we-serve.aspx

COL Jack L. Usrey, Chief of the AG Corps, working on his first 100 of 300 miles of cycling in support of the Wounded Warrior Project.

Supporting COL Usrey to complete 300 miles of cycling are (from left to right) CW3 Shannon Tyus, MAJ Rick Strong, CW3 Rob Savage, Mrs. Cindy Usrey and MAJ(P) Janelle Kutter.

28 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com The Heart of an Old Mustang (Remembering LTC Fred K. “Bud” Budzyna, 1938-2013) By COL (Ret) John Wood

o speak about the heart of the AG in the 1st Cavalry Division (Rear) one needed to talk. He spoke about his family, TCorps, one must have observed and day, another Captain among many. On how he hated being separated again from experienced the very essence of that top of that and with prior deployment Peggy and his three kids, how this was his center. To define our Corps as a caring experience, Bud came highly proficient, second tour and how hard it was on them entity ever willing to endure hardships to rich in both technical and tactical and himself. At first his sad story was be of service to our fellow soldiers and competence. Several of us “shake and distracting, his New England accent was their Families demands the willingness bake” Captains surely felt threatened by inharmonious to my south Georgia ears, to sacrifice our own personal needs, that. but soon I found my resentment ebbing comforts and even our own ambitions. away and from that evening on Bud Indeed, integral to this center is the became my friend and mentor. conviction that Soldiers are far more Looking back on that time some forty- than instruments of national policy. five years ago, it is clear to me to But since national security requires Bud embodied the mantle of servant- they be sent into harm’s way, they leader. His empathy with Soldiers deserve every consideration to ensure came naturally, I think, because he their well-being and that of their had come from the ranks. Not only loved ones. Whatever one’s rank, was he a seasoned officer but more a true human resource professional importantly he embodied the ethos of embodies those characteristics that a caring leader. Even as he endured his mark him or her as a servant-leader. own hardship of family separation, he How one provides that servant constantly sought to lead and protect leadership ultimately will define their the troops under his charge as well own personal and professional legacy. as guiding them to provide sterling Often someone we meet along the service to the front line Soldiers. He way embodies this hallmark, someone knew their needs because he had been who models the way and challenges one of them. us to make our own sacrifices. In One day he sat in his office calmly the sweltering summer of 1970 such Photo of CPT Fred K. Budzyna, Bien Hoa, Vietnam, talking to a young soldier, convincing a man stepped onto the stage of my 1970. him not to go AWOL. No threats, life in that remote corner of the world no directives, but just telling the young call Vietnam. He was an Old Mustang, But that evening of his arrival, I found man it would not be such a good idea, a former Enlisted man who took a him standing by the hanging beads at would not really solve his problem and commission without a degree, OCS or the door in my hootch. His olive drab he should just forget about it. He did. ROTC or whatever normal way guys and baseball cap was pushed back on his The young trooper just needed someone gals became officers and he was long head as would come to identify him as a to talk to about his concerns and Bud of tooth. Fred K. Budzyna showed up lifelong jock. He did not know me but he

1775 | Fall 2015 29 was the trusted officer Soldiers could go innumerable episodes of his hero George Budzyna left an enduring mark on my to for help. Later, I learned that he had Blanda, an old guy who, to hear Bud tell own life and many others. The lives we fought the bureaucracy of intransigence it, could throw touchdown passes from lead and live become our own personal to obtain a discharge for a sole-surviving his wheelchair. One day he walked in legacy. Bud’s legacy marked his life as son. Whenever he became irritated, it was and told me, “The troops need to play an officer and a Soldier with a caring because someone was “messing over the some ball.” As Recreation Services heart for his fellow Soldiers and their troops.” Bud had been one so he knew Officer, I then oversaw the makings of Families. It was a legacy to be emulated. what unnecessary harassment meant to a softball field on that grassless, rocky morale. Bud also knew that Soldiers Bien Hoa hardpan so he could show were much more than boxes on a map everyone his skills as a fastball pitcher. About the Author: COL (Ret) John Wood to be moved around to meet readiness; Catching his underhand fastball left my is a graduate of AG Officer Advanced they were people with hearts themselves hand sore and red even with a padded Course 4-71, Armed Forces Service needing good, caring leaders. glove. Sure enough, far away from more College 1980, and the US Army War bucolic realms, our troops enjoyed an all College 1988. He commanded the 21st This empathy he had for Soldiers also American pastime a few meters from the Replacement Battalion, 8th Personnel was true of most of us in his orbit, base’s barbed wire fences and minefields. Command, served as Aide-de-Camp to including the junior Captains. When in a General of the Army Omar N. Bradley, despondent moment, when I thought my Our paths crossed infrequently over the and was assigned as Deputy Director chances for an Army career were over and years after Vietnam. The Army sent him of Enlisted Personnel Management I wanted to resign, he just said, “Come off to get a degree and then to CGSC. (PERSCOM), and Director of Strategic on, let’s go over to the mess hall and get a Bud retired after a highly successful run Leadership at the Army War College. cup of coffee.” He talked me out of it and commanding the recruiting district out of He holds the Horatio Gates Bronze and I would go on to enjoy a satisfying career. Albany, NY, a notably tough place to root out enlistments. He should have gone Gold. His wife Randi and he served as Right after he was sent up to Division higher in the ranks and responsibility. missionaries in the Anglican Diocese of Main at Phouc Vinh to take over our AG Egypt. They reside in Raleigh, NC. forward office, an enemy rocket destroyed When Peggy’s email came in December most of his office during the night. By 2013 telling me he had crossed over after 0900 the next morning, Bud had his a long bout with COPD, I felt a deep sense young clerks calmed down and running of loss but also gratitude that our paths off SITREPS on the surviving press for had crossed so long ago. Some things the command group and G-staff. about leadership and selfless service cannot be learned in schools nor marked A lifelong sports fan, he regaled us out by advanced degrees and diplomas. with stories that would make Grantland You learn them from experience and Rice envious. Who can forget the by association with mentors. Fred K.

30 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com An S-1 Volunteer

By Matthew Eveleth, I Corps G1, Enlisted Strength Management, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA

his is an unusual Heart of the AG his German language proficiency he was TCorps article about CW5 (Ret) recruited into the Military Intelligence Michael Fried. Unusual in the fact Corps. In 1969, he was appointed that CW5 (Ret) Fried retired as an MI into the Warrant Officer Corps upon warrant, but has volunteered to work completion of the Vietnamese language in the 201st Battlefield Surveillance course. Through the course of his service Brigade S1 for the past 18 years at he served multiple assignments at Fort Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. As an Bragg, Fort Rucker, Fort Lewis, and Army HR professional I have had the Germany just to name a few. In October pleasure of serving with this man and 1996, Mike Fried retired from active can tell you that his story is absolutely service and has since since been a living amazing and his love of the Army and legend throughout the 201st BfSB where taking care of Soldiers is why he is still CW5 (Ret) Michael Fried, circa 1955. he serves as a full-time volunteer for the volunteering every single day. Even S1 section. A friend to all, CW5 (Ret) enlisted in the Army on March 31, 1955.. though technically is retired MI, he works Fried’s presence is a welcome sight to the within the S1 daily enabling the Brigade CW5 (Ret) Fried’s first assignment was daily HR operations of the Brigade. Commander while simultaneously taking with the 10th Infantry Division. Thanks to care of Soldiers and their Families.

CW5 (Ret) Fried was born in 1934 in Koenigsberg, Germany. In 1939, while fleeing from Nazi persecution, his Family was captured and sent to the Lager Westerbork concentration camp. Lager Westerbork was the concentration camp where CW5 (Ret) Fried’s Family spent the next five and a half years. In the year 1945, CW5 (Ret) Fried and his Family were liberated from Westerbork. At the age of 12, his Family immigrated to the CW5 (Ret) Michael Fried photographed today as a S-1 Volunteer with the 201st Battlefield United States and CW5 (Ret) Fried Surveillance Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.

1775 | Fall 2015 31 A Heart Job: Attending to Army Casualties and Survivors

By David Ruderman, US Army Human Resources Command Public Affairs

“Let us strive on to finish the work we “We are not deterred by budgetary and Branch concentrates on writing and are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, structural challenges,” said CMAOC managing the five governing Army to care for him who shall have borne the Director, COL John A. Cooper. “We regulations and two Army pamphlets to battle and for his widow and his orphan.” know and believe our leadership will determine mission requirements in the - Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural ensure we have the resources to perform field for both CMAOC and the Casualty Address our mission. While these challenges Assistance Centers (CACs). “I like to require us to think differently, they have think of us as being the enabler,” said FORT KNOX, KY – The mission of no impact on the quality of services we Branch Chief Theresa Lever. “We’re the US Army Human Resource Command’s render to our fallen Soldiers and their ones who review the law, the doctrine, Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations loved ones.” codify the law and policy, and other Center (CMAOC) remains constant over regulation too.” Lever said her staff of time: to render full honors and dignity 15 are dedicated to managing policy for to America’s warriors past and present, casualty, mortuary and memorialization and to attend to the needs of their loved efforts, as well as line of duty and fatal ones and survivors when they are gone. incidents brief procedures. Though the mission never ends, the organizational structure of casualty and While the Army G1 is the proponent for mortuary affairs within HRC has evolved Casualty and Mortuary Affairs for the significantly over the past decade, driven Army, policy is written in CMAOC and by the operational requirements of an approved by G1, said Policy, Programs Army at war. In fact, until 2009, casualty and Plans Team Chief Erick Hoversholm. and mortuary affairs used to be separate “The regulations we write and maintain endeavors. are mortuary, casualty, line of duty, fatal incidents brief and memorialization, plus “They used to be separate in so far the two pamphlets that provide guidance as some handled the wounded, some for casualty and mortuary,” he said. handled just the deceased. What we’ve Hoversholm was enthusiastic about the done is combined it all into a notification- ongoing re-writing and realignment of slash-operations cell,” said Roger Dray, the five regulations into one series, which Chief of the Casualty Notification will streamline their use in the field. Section. “When I first came in there “Now all the regulations will be in the were two separate branches, casualty and 638 series. We consider that kind of a mortuary,” said Kevin Logan, Deputy Members of the US Army Human Resources big victory, not only for the staff but more Director of the Casualty and Mortuary Command Honor Guard conduct a flag- importantly for the field. In the past they Affairs Branch. “The mortuary people folding ceremony during a Memorial Day used to have to hunt through the different would make sure the Soldier was buried commemoration at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff, KY on 25 May series to find the right regulation. We’re properly and the casualty people would 2015. Photo by David Ruderman, US Army pretty excited about that because not only make sure all the benefits were done Human Resources Command Public Affairs does it put all the regs there, but it ties in Office. properly. In order for us to provide better with CMAOC – our mission and vision service, we combined them in 2009.” are now all supported by our policy being The move to a case management system One major innovation involved the in one place. It is kind of the hub of the was mandated in 2006 by the Office of establishment of a separate branch wheel,” said Hoversholm. the Secretary of Defense, but it took till to focus on the development and 2009 to implement because of functional implementation of regulations, policy The revisions being published now restructuring and the underlying and procedures without becoming incorporate changes gleaned from personnel changes needed to make it overwhelmed by day-to-day operations. feedback to practices undertaken during happen. “That was a very difficult thing Today the Policy, Plans and Training the major combat operations of the past to do,” said Logan. decade. The previous casualty regulation,

32 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com for instance, was last updated in 2007, A Team of Committed, Compassionate General of the Army. “Death’s great and mortuary policy had been last Professionals. But above and beyond unknowns are what haunt those who have published in 2000, reflecting the needs of regulations and requirements, providing survived. The Families who display a a pre-9/11 world. “So that will be a fresh casualty and mortuary affairs support folded American flag in their homes are update. So many things have changed is a question of compassionate Army never really free of America’s wars.” because the way we are fighting has professionals, both Soldiers and Civilians, changed,” said Hoversholm. “For the last doing whatever it takes to care for the “You have to be called to do this,” said dozen years we have fallen in on existing Families of the fallen and render honor to Bonnell. “This is not the type of job capabilities. That policy and doctrine the service of the deceased, Logan said. you go in 9 to 5 and get a paycheck. You worked in Afghanistan and Iraq for years, “And that’s because of the people that can’t do it. It has to be a heart job. There but now we are going into remote areas of are here. We work from the back. We are things that will hit you, that will the world and taking casualties we hadn’t don’t need acknowledgement. We know. stay with you forever because these are taken before. We had an established We’re a very proud organization. We’re people, they are not cases. “I wish the system for bringing back someone who here for the Army, anybody associated American public knew when a Soldier was killed in action in Afghanistan. We with the Army,” he said. “A lot of people enlists, a Soldier is a Soldier forever,” did not have an established system for don’t know what we do here, and how she said. “For us, if something tragic bringing back someone from Africa. we serve our nation and our Army until happens with that Soldier, we want to Again, the policy becomes more and they read about it or until they experience honor him or her, we want to honor their more important as we go into more it,” said Tony Shafer, Chief of the Case service. I don’t care how they died, my contingency type operations,” he said. Management Section. “We like to get the job is to honor this Soldier who offered to boys and girls home,” said Case Manager take care of us. No one conscripted him, Since policy changes can potentially Roscoe Tidwell. “We like being behind no one forced him. They offered to do impact CAC operations in the future, the scenes. We manage the case, but we this. They volunteered to do this, and I the PP&T Branch reaches out to the advocate for the Families too. That’s all think as a society we don’t appreciate that casualty and mortuary community to we do.” enough. “When something happens to ensure results are collaborative and based on current practice. “We bring in “The Army, in my subject matter experts to talk to the CAC opinion, does a Chiefs and, more importantly, to solicit great job in being questions from them. Then that feeds there to support the annual CAC training,” Hoversholm the Family,” said said. Outreach to the field remains Barbara Bonnell, critical to ensuring support to Families Director of the Fort never falters. PP&T’s Chris Stieb travels Knox CAC located regularly with the IMCOM G1 Casualty at Fort Knox, KY, Program Manager to monitor operations who is responsible and ensure training and practices are up to for all casualty date in the 32 CACs across the nation and assistance missions around the world. “We go every month in northern to a designated CAC. We ensure they are Kentucky and doing the things they’re supposed to do across all or most and provide any training they may need of four other states. on the spot. If we have to adapt training “We in the CACs, HRC casualty case management section chief Tony Shafer reviews to fix some of the gaps, that’s what we we’re there at the weekly case flow traffic June 26 at the Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Center on Fort Knox, KY. Photo by David Ruderman, US do. You need everybody involved in the notification, thoseArmy Human Resources Command Public Affairs Office. process to give the families the best initial actions. And service they deserve,” Stieb said. In then there’s the addition, PP&T Branch develops training process to transition the next of kin to the one of them, the public has to understand for Casualty Notification Officerslong-term outreach folks. But the Army the Army doesn’t forget. We’re not done (CNOs) and Casualty Assistance Officers is available to them forever. As long as as long as their Family wants anything (CAOs) in the field and oversees support they want to be part of us, we are part to do with the Army. It’s an elite society and execution for all military funeral of them,” she said. “We must praise no one wants to join, and I just wish the honors missions, said Lever. “We work the courage of the Family members public knew that we’re there, and we do it well with IMCOM, with the CACs,” said bereaved by our wars,” said COL James because we want to do it,” said Bonnell. Logan. H. Fitzgerald, Deputy to The Adjutant

1775 | Fall 2015 33 Army Awards – The Heart of the Matter

By LTC Wil B. Neubauer and Mr. Timothy J. Barnard

he Army Awards and Decorations of honor, service, skill, as well as, unit research of the Awards Branch, the Army TBranch at Human Resources accomplishments are recognized from was able to help find, reconstruct, and Command is a place where the heart World War I to the present contingency award the magnificent accomplishments truly matters! Taking care of Soldiers, operations across the globe. Each and of this ingenious Soldier. Veterans, and Family Members in every time that a Soldier is bestowed This is just one example in the past few regards to awards they have earned is with the Medal of Honor, it is more than years of the work done by the Awards an incredibly important mission. No just an award. It is also symbolic of the and Decorations Branch. In the past accomplishment or story goes unread by dedicated professionals in the military two years, the Branch has answered the Army’s Military Awards Branch. Each awards program that have exhausted more than 12,000 personnel inquiries request for an award can simultaneously blood, sweat, and tears to ensure the about military awards from Members of bring joy to your heart over memories Soldier is recognized correctly. The exact Congress, Retirees, and Veterans. They of camaraderie, heroism, and service to same energy expended on every Medal of have retroactively processed and awarded our great Nation, and wrench it over the Honor recommendation can be found in more than 2,000 individual decorations, horrors of combat. the research dedicated to a simple inquiry 800 Purple Hearts, and 1,000 combat The Awards and Decorations Branch is from a Veteran about entitlements to badges to Soldiers, and processed and tasked with administering the Army’s additional service or unit awards from the awarded more than 300 unit awards to military awards program. The paramount Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, Desert recognize superior achievement, service, goal is to recognize excellence by Storm/Desert Shield, or Global War on and valor by Army organizations and Soldiers and to motivate them to higher Terrorism. individuals. Finally, the branch has levels of performance and service. Recently, the Awards and Decorations initiated, processed and published more Regardless of when the action occurred, Branch, acting under Title 10, Section than 90 policy changes, to include every decoration earned and not awarded 1130, United States Code, considered updating Army Regulation 600-8-22, in a timely manner means a Soldier was and approved a retroactive Legion of Military Awards. This dedication to not recognized for their contributions to Merit award for an enlisted Soldier from service has resulted in recognition from our Army and Nation. 1943. This Soldier devised a mimeograph the Executive and Legislative branches For the Military, Civilians, and template that allowed mail delivery to the of government, as well as the Chairman, Contractors who make up the front lines when the Victory Mail system Joint Chiefs of Staff. Branch, ensuring that no Soldier goes was inoperable. Through his ingenuity, Thanks to the hard work and dedication unrecognized for their service is more the Soldier ensured that his comrades of this magnificent team, when it comes than a mission. Acting as one heart with received thousands of letters from the to taking care of awards and decorations four chambers, the policy, inquiries, home front. The Soldier’s award was for our Soldiers, Veterans, and Family boards, and administrative teams of the originally lost at the conclusion of World Members, heart does indeed matter. branch work as one to ensure that marks War II. However, through the dedicated

The HRC Awards and Decorations Branch team. Photo Credit – CW4 Stacy-Ann Simms.

34 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com Army Postal Operations - The Heartbeat of the AG Corps

By William Hilsher

he Army Postal Service is the every parcel has to be touched an average organizational online purchases. THeartbeat of the AG Corps. No of five times when processed at APOs. other AG mission comes close to Additionally, the Unit Mail Clerks have The increased popularity of serving as many customers as the to touch the same parcels another five online ordering has also driven an Army Postal Service. Our CONUS times at the Unit Mailroom before they increase in Postal Platoon size from 16 to customer base includes personal mail are delivered to the addressee. The 21 Soldiers, larger buildings for Official services for all barracks, Soldiers and increase of the number of parcels in the Mail and Distribution Centers, APOs, Official Mail Service for every Army mail stream also requires more cubic feet and Unit Mailrooms. Parcel Lockers are command including Active, Reserve of transportation space. Since 100% of now commonplace at many locations. and National Guard for the standard the postage applied to each piece of mail As a result, planning factors continue business week. For overseas units, the goes directly to USPS for moving the to grow (mail pounds per customer per Army Postal Service provides at least mail piece within the United States, each day) and transportation costs rise for the five days of weekly services to all of of the four individual services (Army, Army to meet the ever growing demand the following customers: All Soldiers, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps) are on the APO system to provide morale Civilians and their Family members responsible to pay the transport cost to and logistical support for CONUS and as well as most Contractors, AAFES, move all APO mail between CONUS overseas units and personnel. Commissary, DoDDS, Non-appropriated and overseas destinations. In 2014, the The AG Corps does many fund Employees, their Families, and Army spent over 169 million dollars to different important functions in support Retirees. In short, if you are one of the move Army mail to and from overseas. of our Nation, but the Army Postal 3.4 million personnel issued an Army ID This number does not include ground Card, chances are good the Army Postal Service is providing you some level of postal support. The idea that the exponential proliferation of e-mail and internet communications has diminished the relevance of traditional mail to insignificance is categorically incorrect. While e-mail has reduced our letter class mail volume by more than 65% over the past 20 years, the parcel volume (which was once only mail order parcels) has increased over 300% for the same period and continues to grow. This change in mail content has forced significant changes within the Army Postal Service. The processing of letters requires very limited space and is a fairly stationary function. Typically when processing letters, each letter is touched once at the Army Post Office (APO) level, and touched again one AG Warriors Sorting mail in Baghdad, Iraq. Photo Credit – MAJ Stephanie M. Moss. time (two times if pre-sorted) at the Unit Mailroom when the Postal Clerk places it transportation in the overseas locations, Service is the program that arguably has in the customer’s mail receptacle. which is the overseas Commander’s the largest effect on the Army’s morale. responsibility. The higher parcel volume On the other hand, parcels require The Army Postal Service takes great is not only attributed to personal orders significantly more resources in the form pride in delivering morale, one parcel at from such retailers as Amazon, eBay, or of building space, conveyer belts, and a time, to a hard working Army, just as Zappos, but also the use of the Official rolling containers to process them at both the heart beats to supply life giving blood Government Purchase Card (formerly the APO and Unit Mailroom. Typically, to a hard working body. known as IMPAC Card) by units for

1775 | Fall 2015 35 SECTIONAround the CorpsIII

MG Seamands Takes Command of US Army Human Resources Command (HRC)

By Ray Gall, HRC Command Public Affairs

FORT KNOX, KY – MG Thomas C. July 2012. He previously served with Seamands assumed command of US HRC’s predecessor organization, US Army Human Resources Command in a Army Personnel Command, as Chief, ceremony at its headquarters, the LTG Combat Service Support Team and Timothy J. Maude Complex on 5 June Continental United States Distribution 2015. In his last official act as outgoing Team. He also previously served as commander, MG Richard P. Mustion Assistant Chief of Staff, CJ-1, Multi- passed the HRC colors to MG Seamands National Corps-Iraq, in Baghdad, Iraq. and relinquished command in a ceremony His awards and decorations include the officiated by LTG James C. McConville, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of US Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1/ Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Personnel. Service Medal, Army Commendation The passing of the colors symbolizes the Medal, Army Achievement Medal, relinquishment of command, acceptance Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault of command and enduring confidence Badge and Army Staff Identification placed by leadership. The ceremony Badge. “I can’t tell you what an honor is significant to all Soldiers, regardless it is for me to assume command of this of the era, since they can witness the outstanding organization. I am aware of passing of the symbol of authority from HRC’s reputation for care, concern and MG Thomas C. Seamands accepts the HRC compassion toward our Soldiers, their Guidon from LTG James C. McConville, US the old leader to the new leader, and Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1/Personnel. the passage of the command’s Soldiers’ Families, our retiree community as well as veterans,” said MG Seamands. “So, loyalties and responsibilities from the component. Together we will make the I do know who you are, and I do know old to the new leader. Army stronger.” what you do, and I am thankful to be MG Seamands comes to HRC from the a part of the team. We have a sacred “We say farewell to Rick Mustion, a Pentagon where he had served as Director trust to take care of Soldiers in every legend in the AG Corps,” said LTG of Military Personnel Management since

36 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com McConville in his remarks to HRC accomplished over the past three years. a retirement ceremony during which he distinguished guests and staff. “Rick “There is no doubt this HRC team makes was presented the Distinguished Service is a premier general officer in the AG a difference every day in the lives of Medal, a Certificate of Appreciation from Corps and his impact on the Corps is Soldiers and their Families. You support the President of the United States for his unmatched. The good news for HRC and feel a true sense of responsibility 34 years of service, and a certificate of is today we welcome another giant in to our Army’s most precious asset, our retirement. the AG Corps in his own right, Tom Soldiers. Every single day, you touch Seamands,” added LTG McConville. He thousands of lives in numerous ways,” also praised MG Mustion and lauded his he said. “It’s never easy to say good-bye military career, saying his abilities as a so I will simply give you my thanks. I leader ensured no challenge was ever thank everyone who has been part of too big for him and highlighting the my 34-year journey. It’s been incredible enthusiasm and compassion he brings to and I can say that there have been no everything he does. bad days as a Soldier,” MG Mustion For his part, MG Mustion thanked said. Immediately following the change the HRC work force for all they have of command, MG Mustion took part in

HRC Change of Responsibility

By HRC Command Public Affairs

FORT KNOX, KY – US Army Human Following the ceremony, CSM Smith Resources Command welcomed its retired and was honored for his 31 years of new Command Sergeant Major, CSM service. CSM Smith assumed his duties Wardell Jefferson and bid farewell to as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the HRC CSM Charles E. Smith in a Change of Commanding General on 2 August 2013. Responsibility ceremony 21 August 2015 HRC is responsible for executing the full at the LTG Timothy J. Maude Complex in spectrum of human resources programs Fort Knox, KY. and systems to promote unit readiness; CSM Jefferson comes to HRC from help develop leaders; and sustain the Grafenwoehr, Germany, where he well-being of Soldiers, Veterans, and served as Commandant of the 7th Army their Families. HRC is a premier leader Noncommissioned Officers Academy. in Human Resources support, balancing He holds a Masters in Business the needs of the Army with the needs of Administration from Touro International the Soldier. University as well as a Bachelor’s in CSM Wardell Jefferson became HRC’s newest Business Management from Central CSM at a Change of Responsibility ceremony Texas College. at Fort Knox, KY on 21 August 2015.

1775 | Fall 2015 37 1st Corps AG Week

By 1LT Richard RG Brantley I Corps G1 Officer Strength Management

or several years now the Adjutant building. Spouses, children, friends, and and the new NCOER. MG Seamands’ FGeneral Corps’ Joint Base Lewis- even the family dog were welcomed to executive briefing provided a forum for McChord and Pacific Northwestattend. The 2015 AG Fun Run was the open dialogue between our senior leaders community have teamed up to put together first time we were joined by Mrs. Lisa and the HRC command team. an annual Adjutant General (AG) Week. Hallett, an esteemed member of the local On the morning of the 25 June, MG This year the I Corps G1 hosted the 2015 DuPont community and a Gold Star Seamands and the HRC command team AG week which ran from 24-26 June. Family Member. Mrs. Hallett is the co- joined the Brigade S1 team breakfast at However, unlike other years, Joint Base founder of the “Wear Blue to Remember” the Courage Inn Dining Facility, a Phillip Lewis McChord was privileged to host Program, which seeks to honor our A. Connelly Award winning DFAC. the Human Resources Command (HRC) fallen Soldiers with five kilometer runs, The breakfast was attended by 54 BDE Road show simultaneously. The 2015 marathons, and other special events. S1 senior team members. The group HRC Road Show had special significance discussed mutual challenges, concerns, as it marked HRC’s new Commander, and resource challenges, stressing the MG Thomas Seamands’ inaugural unit importance at every echelon of the visit. The HRC command team’s visit relationship involving the S1 team, to provided an excellent opportunity for include the Command Sergeant Major. the senior leadership from HRC to The Brigade S1 breakfast allowed MG participate in all of the AG Week events Seamands and his staff to reach down to and to interact with the officers, non- the Brigade level and convey its messaging commissioned officers, and Soldiers of and sage advice for the betterment of all Joint Base Lewis-McChord. of JBLM’s HR “difference makers”. AG Week During I Corps’ AG Week, the HRC and this Soldier Support Institute (SSI) delegation year, as met with the Military Personnel Division’s always, leadership. This engagement allowed w a s Waller Hall to showcase the numerous initiated HR initiatives that drive its installation with day to day operations. Here at Joint the “AG Base Lewis-McChord, Waller Hall has Espirit Lisa Hallett, co-founder of the “Wear Blue to Remember” Program in honor of our fallen quickly become a “one stop shop” for de Corps Soldiers and SGM Todd Shirley, former Regimental all in-processing and out-processing Run.” SGM, pose for a picture after the AG Espirit de Corps Run at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. requirements, representing an expertly The AG executed fusion of civilian and military Fun Run, The combined effort of HRC support AG resources accomplishing the critical as it is and AG Community participation was missions of: sponsorship, reception, sometimes instrumental in driving a substantial turn- MG Thomas C. Seamands, CG, and transition. MG Seamands and Human Resources Command, called, is out for several key briefings throughout CSM Charles Smith, HRC’s Command addresses I Corps HR professionals an annual AG Week. The HRC Road Show began during AG Week at Joint Base Sergeant Major, toured the complex Lewis-McChord. event with an executive level briefing from MG and discussed many salient issues with which Seamands. The topics under discussion the military-civilian team that staffs brings the entire Joint Base Lewis- included the Active Component the facility. The HRC command team’s McChord AG Family together for a promotion rates and policies, the experience there demonstrated that the morning of fellowship and community manning challenge and the way ahead, AG community considers Waller Hall

38 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com to be a corner stone in the ability to culminating event of AG week which Corps G1, as the AG NCO of the year; accomplish its mission objectives. brings the AG Community from the entire SPC Joshua Hawkins, 3rd Battalion, 1st Finally, the HRC Branch teams sent Pacific Northwest region together for a Special Forces Group, as the AG Soldier significant representation forwardnight of awards, recognition, good food, of the year; and Mrs. Regina Cook, with MG Seamands and CSM Smith. and camaraderie. The ball was attended Military Personnel Division, as the AG CW5 Joel Smith, the HRC Command by over 380 guests. Integral to the Civilian of the year. Finally, in a first time Chief Warrant Officer, and SGM Linda AGCRA Mount Rainier Chapter’s efforts achievement for one of I Corps’ Stryker Kessinger, the EPMD Sergeant Major, to better the AG Community here at Joint Brigades, the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry conducted one on one interviews with Base Lewis-McChord is the AGCRA Division S1 team was recognized as the Soldiers throughout the duration of their awards program. Every year the Mount Brigade S1 team of the year. stay and executed briefings to the entire Rainier Chapter uses the AG Ball as a Afterwards, MG Seamands delivered enlisted and warrant officer populations special occasion to recognize the hard the AG Ball keynote address before at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. CW5 work and superior effort of the AG Corps’ the assembled members of the Pacific Smith and SGM Kessinger’s briefings finest HR professionals. This translated HRC level principles and year was no different as a stellar messaging lines into articulated group of Soldiers and Civilians guidelines for career management and were assembled to receive professional development. The Soldiers their awards. COL Usrey were able to take advantage of face to face and SGM Shirley presented engagements with branch representatives. MAJ(P) Boyd Bingham SSI also provided maximum support to with the Horatio Gates Gold the I Corps and JBLM AG Week sending medal. The Mount Rainier their Commandant, COL Jack Usrey Chapter also recognized the and SGM Todd Shirley, the former AG following Officer and NCOs Regimental Sergeant Major, to all of the with the Horatio Gates Bronze Medal: CW4 Jim Arnold, the COL Kellogg (far left) and SGM Thomas (far right) on behalf of events. COL Usrey’s visit focused on the the I Corps G1 Team, award the best Brigade S1 Team Award I Corps Human Resources Operations incumbent Mount Rainier to 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. Cell (HROC); a capability the rest of Chapter President; SGM Accepting for the 3-2 Brigade S1 Team are MAJ Tomomitsu, Brigade S1 OIC, and SFC Morales. the Army is integrating into the total Jason Filmore, the 593rd force structure. The HROC is having an Expeditionary Support enormous impact on human resources Command’s G1 Sergeant Major; SGM Northwest AG Community, his speech operations throughout Joint Base Lewis- Peter Robles, the 7th Infantry Division’s spoke about leadership, commitment to McChord and the entire Pacific area of G1 Sergeant Major; and SFC James Soldiers, and the HR discipline, topics operations. Davis. critical to the execution of effective I Corps for several years now, support and sustainment. Finally, a has implemented a unique special and heartfelt thanks, on behalf program of recognition of the Pacific Northwest AG Community for superior service and goes out to the sponsors of the AG Ball: achievement within the AG the AGCRA Mount Rainier Chapter, Community. This program the Pierce County Military Business recognizes the best AG Alliance, and CW5 (Ret) Edwin Nieves. Officer, Warrant Officer,The success of the 2015 Joint Base Lewis- NCO, Soldier, Civilian, and McChord AG Week has re-affirmed I Brigade S1 team at Joint Base Corps’ commitment to the continued Lewis-McChord. For 2015, professional development of the entire I Corps NCOs and Soldiers attend the HRC Road Show to hear I Corps recognized CPT Jodi JBLM AG Community. AG Week this a presentation by CSM Charles Smith, HRC CSM. Krippel, the 6th MP Group year was a continued collaboration AG Week and the HRC Road Show came S1 as the Officer of the Year; between: HRC, SSI, I Corps, 593rd ESC, to a close with the third annual Pacific CW2 Joshua Harvey, 3rd Battalion, 1st the National Guard, US Army Reserve, Northwest Adjutant General’s Corps Special forces Group, as the AG Warrant and the civilian population writ large. Ball. The AG Ball continues to be the Officer of the year; SFC Tamara Berry, I

1775 | Fall 2015 39 1ST Annual Aloha Chapter Adjutant General Week

By LTC Edwin Chilton

hen COL Bruce Jenkins assumed outstanding job not only creating our new top were of stunning offshore islands Wduties as the United States Army, Facebook page (Aloha Chapter AGCRA) like Rabbit Island, as well as the South Pacific (USARPAC) G1 in August 2014, and gmail account (agcraalohachapter@ Shore of Oahu’s coastline and deep blue he soon began to invigorate the Adjutant gmail.com), but also updating email ocean waters. Makapuu’s role in World General’s Corps Regimental Association distribution lists and managing the War II was evident by the concrete (AGCRA) Aloha Chapter. Hawaii is Facebook account to provide the most pillbox bunkers built into the cliffs and home to over 800 Army Human Resources updated information to the most people the granite monument that met us at the (HR) Soldiers and over 90 HR Civilians in the most time efficient manner. We top of the trail. It listed the names and who together support a wide spectrum established monthly meetings and soon ranks of nine Navy flight crewmembers of forces to include Conventional, had both face-to-face and electronic from the PBY-5A “Catalina” that had Special Operations, Joint, Reserves and communication networks that could flown off course and crashed 200 meters National Guard. He recognized the need quickly reach all HR professionals on south of the lighthouse after more than to connect these HR professionals and the island. With leadership established 12 hours on a long-range patrol searching wanted our team to be united in time for and good communication lines in place, for enemy subs and ships 5 days after the the AG Corps Birthday, which was less it was time to bring the masses together attack on Pearl Harbor. than 8 months away. This energized the to meet, network and plan for the future. We gathered to enjoy dinner at the last initial plan for our 1st Annual Aloha Our first social gathering was the original tiki bar in Honolulu, the La Chapter AG Week. Turning such a Thursday Mongolian Grill Dinner at the Mariana Tiki Bar and Restaurant. This diverse and dispersed group into a Hale Koa Hotel (Hawaiian for “House island oasis was founded in 1957 on the cohesive team in such a short amount of the Warrior”), an Armed Forces shores of Keehi Lagoon and continues of time required a completely revamped Recreation Center resort hotel nestled to serve as a historic reminder of the old Chapter organization, continued on a 72-acre tropical oasis fronting the days of Hawaii. It has become a museum professional development and social finest stretch of beach in Waikiki. You of Hawaiiana collected from many of the interaction opportunities. All that hard could not ask for a better setting for a beautiful and most famous tiki-themed work culminated in the Aloha Chapter first meeting – the scenery was beautiful restaurants of the past. We all had a AG Week as we had clearly become one (it’s Hawaii!), the weather was beautiful great time enjoying the old carved tikis, big AG Ohana. (it’s Hawaii!), and the turnout was the Koa Wood tables, their famous mai We brushed the dust off the Aloha outstanding (great AG professionals!). tais and some really good Karaoke. Our Chapter historical files and started work COL Jenkins had the opportunity to next gathering was a Saturday beach day on getting the Chapter active again. address the group, introduce his new at Kane’ohe Bay where we met for a fun Representatives from all units on the officers and communicate his vision day of relaxing at the beach with friends, island came together to support the for the Aloha Chapter as well as for the Family and a barbeque. Many of you vision, most of whom ended up being HR support network for Hawaii and the have probably seen this so called “living the elected officers that reorganized Pacific. Everyone saw a lot of old faces postcard” which has been the backdrop and led the Aloha Chapter for the next and met a lot of new ones as well. This for numerous movies and TV series like year. The National Chapter provided was the beginning of a series of monthly Pearl Harbor, Gilligan’s Island and 50 a great deal of helpful assistance and social gatherings that would take us all First Dates. much Mahalo to MAJ Aaron Lummer, around the island. Our most recent social event was COL (Ret) Bob Ortiz and SFC (Ret) We held a friendly bowling competition competing in the Hawaii Dragon Boat Ken Fidler for their advice on business at the Hickam Air Force Base Bowling Festival. The Dragon Boat Festival is a rules and membership assistance when Center with Soldiers and Families. We traditional holiday that commemorates we first got started. We quickly realized hiked the 1.75 mile long Makapu’u the life and death of the famous Chinese that communicating with nearly 1,000 Point Lighthouse Trail that leads to a scholar Qu Yuan. We met for our first HR professionals all over the island in prominent lighthouse built in 1909 and practice on Sand Island, known as different commands was challenging, to signals from Oahu’s eastern shores over Quarantine Island during the nineteenth say the least. SGT Mario Navarro did an the Pacific. The views on the way to the century, when it was used to quarantine

40 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com ships believed to carry contagious AG University for all new AG Soldiers passengers and used during World War (Officers, Warrant Officers and Soldiers) II as an Army internment camp and that PCS to Hawaii. The intent is for costal defense. On this day however, our G1s / S1s to provide areas in which steerman / coach turned it into a paddling their shops require additional training hurtlocker as we rowed back and forth as well as HR topics that are specific in the Ke’ehi Lagoon learning the feel to Hawaii, and consolidate them in to a of the boat and our paddle instructions. 2-3 day curriculum for all new Soldiers On our short breaks between our mock and as refresher training. Once we had races, we were able to get a great view professional development and social of the industrial side of Honolulu as events in motion, we began to focus on well as Mokauea Island, the last fishing AGCRA Aloha Chapter members compete in the the original goal - an AG Ball. village on the island of O’ahu. After our Hawaii Dragon Boat Festival race at Ala Moana Park, Oahu Island, Hawaii. We began to focus on the initial mission first practice, we learned that it takes an of connecting our HR professionals enormous amount of team work and is a to discuss the new OER / NCOER and as through a culminating event on the heck of a work out, Paddles Up! Race part of his trip to Hawaii, we integrated an birthday of the AG Corps. As plans day took us to Ala Moana Park which is a AGCRA Breakfast to allow him to engage for the AG Ball began to develop, COL 100 acre park with a man-made half-mile AG Soldiers from all units in Hawaii. Jenkins expanded the scope to include long, gold-sand beach. It was created During his HRC executive brief, he more than just a one night social event. in 1950 when the Dillingham Dredging discussed the new evaluations, numerous His vision was an event that included Company was looking for a place to other hot topics across the Army, AG professional development, esprit de dispose of its dredged earth and began talent management and broadening corps, healthy competition, networking dumping at this park. There is an outer opportunities for all ranks. After some and military tradition celebrating over reef that protects the beach and keeps the great interaction and feedback, we soon 240 years of Adjutant General service to water mostly calm, which is perfect for planned and coordinated a monthly AG our Army and Nation. Our meticulous the Dragon Boat Races. On race day the breakfast to allow us to meet regularly planning delivered a four day event surf was high and pushed many waves and discuss AG topics. encompassing an AGCRA Breakfast, through the reef, causing several boats to We met several times before we had the sports competitions, a historical tour, capsize. But the AGCRA Aloha Chapter opportunity to host BG David MacEwen, AG University, a social event and most team did not waver! We stayed afloat the former 59th Adjutant General of the notably, the AG Ball. and competed admirably. We did not Army. While conducting his Pacific win the trophy, but we learned firsthand The breakfast was the official kick-off Tour, his focus in Hawaii was on the the importance of the Hawaiian proverb of our first annual AG Week. Following Casualty Assistance Center (CAC), SFL “Ho’okahi ka ‘ilau like ana,” which the breakfast, the MSC G1s competed in / TAP Center, Education Center, Postal means “Wield the Paddles together!” a three sport event competition (softball, Operations and the Joint Mail Postal basketball and volleyball) with 25th We have also expanded our social events Activity (JMPA) Terminal, Honolulu. Infantry Division nearly sweeping all to include community service where Again, we integrated an AGCRA three. The next day we conducted a we have volunteered two times with Breakfast to allow the TAG to provide a professional development historical tour the Hawaii Food Bank who is the only professional development session with through Schofield Barracks, Fort Shafter, nonprofit 501(c)3 agency in the state our AG Soldiers and Civilians. This Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hickam Air of Hawaii that collects, warehouses professional development session was Force Base and Fort Derussy. The focus and distributes mass quantities of both even more successful than the first and of the professional development session perishable and non-perishable food spurred the idea for a more in-depth was comparing casualty operations and to fight hunger through 200 member training program. The AG breakfasts personnel accountability during the agencies as well as food banks on the were a great opportunity to gather and bombing of Pearl Harbor to reporting in Big Island, Maui and Kauai. These discuss a short list of topics in a one hour our current deployed environment. The social facets of Hawaii life are great, but block, but an idea emerged to create a tour was a huge success as the Soldiers we also worked diligently to establish reception training event where we could were narrated through the attack, professional development opportunities increase the number of classes and taken to several historical buildings across the island. lengthen discussions. with the original bullet holes from the One of our first professional development After a few more AG breakfasts and the Japanese strafing fire and able to visit sessions was hosting MG Richard recent execution of our AG University several museums throughout the tour Mustion, former Commanding General, during our AG Week, we started to include the USS Missouri “Mighty US Army Human Resources Command discussing plans to conduct a periodic Mo” where Japanese foreign affairs during his Pacific Tour. He was travelling minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signed the

1775 | Fall 2015 41 Japanese Instrument of Surrender on members culminated in 2 September 1945. Mighty Mo is also this great event and I docked overlooking the USS Arizona want to thank them all Memorial allowing the groups to observe for their efforts as well and discuss the spot where 1,177 officers as Mr. Mufi Hannemann and crewmen lost their lives when it was our guest speaker, the bombed on 7 December 1941. Tropic Lightning Band, The penultimate day was the busiest day Sheraton Waikiki, of the week which began with a spirited and our sponsors and AG run. It was great to see such a large supporters for an formation with everyone wearing our unbelievable night. brand new AG PT shirts designed with SGM Jon Williams, USARPAC G1 SGM, our AG Branch insignia embedded in COL Bruce Jenkins (center left) and PFC Darell Pittman, cut the the shell of the famous Hawaiian Green did an outstanding job ceremonial cake as the oldest and youngest Soldiers at the AG Ball Turtle and inscribed with “Kupale a coaching our Color culminating Hawaii’s AG Week supported by the US Army Pacific G1 and AGCRA Aloha Chapter. Lawelawe,” “Defend and Serve” below Guard and they did an exceptional job honoring it. After a nice run alongside the USS awards to our Soldiers who have worked our State and National Colors as they Missouri on Ford Island, we returned to diligently to advance the AG Branch and kicked off the formal events. After dinner begin AG University. The AG University the AGCRA. He also awarded the 8th COL Jenkins and PFC Darell Pittman, included all day classes with seven TSC a trophy for being the #1 MSC G1 in cut the ceremonial cake as the oldest and briefers from the Army G-1, Human events during AG Week, which included youngest Soldiers. Following the cake Resources Command, Soldier Support results from the sports competition, cutting, Mr. Hannemann, the 12th Mayor Institute, and Directorate Military Aloha Chapter volunteer hours, and of Honolulu, a career public servant, Personnel Management. We ended the AGCRA membership percentages. After graduate of Harvard University and day with a relaxing social at the Kona the close of the formal events, we all Fulbright Scholar at Victoria University, Brewing Company restaurant, owned by celebrated a long successful week with a gave a funny and inspirational speech on the local microbrewery Kona Brewing great DJ and a lot of dancing. Company on Hawaii’s Big Island. We “Mufi’s Maxims” and the importance of What seemed to take forever to plan, enjoyed great company, food and local community involvement. COL Jenkins, build, and execute now seems like a brews as we overlooked beautiful Koko SGM Williams and I presented Mr. whirlwind of events that have blown Marina. Hannemann with a miniature canoe paddle for by. But a renewed and stronger Aloha his time and Chapter is left standing and will insightful undoubtedly continue to raise the bar of words. He is success. We have better trained Soldiers now a weekly with a stronger personal connection to the contributor Aloha Chapter and the AGCRA and we to MidWeek, will continue to pull these professionals offering together to learn, grow and bond. We perspectives have already started planning for the 2nd and ideas Annual AG Week in 2016. One Soldier on “Island said the only way to top this year was to Matters” have a rock star show up. I don’t know if and hosts a we will have a rock star, but you can bet weekly radio we will be even better next year! Aloha show on from the United States Army Pacific G1! Kool Gold KKOL (FM 107.9). He AG Corps Soldiers participate in an AG Run during AG Week supported by the US Army Pacific G1 and AGCRA Aloha Chapter. honored us by dedicating an article about our event on both media The last day of the week brought us to sites. After Mr. Hannemann completed the grand finale – the AG Ball! Several his speech, COL Jenkins had the months of planning, coordination and opportunity to present over 50 AGCRA fundraising by numerous Aloha Chapter

42 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com 1st HRSC: Contingency Postal Support for ATLANTIC RESOLVE

By CPT Jackie Ayalavale

“The security environment in Europe operations in any of several countries had network and internet capabilities to has changed considerably in the last 16 – Bosnia, Kosovo, Georgia, Romania, support postal finance operations. months. Shrinking defense budgets in the Turkey, Israel, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, In March, the POD provided postal US and among our European Allies means and Lithuania. certification training for the newly arrived the need for new, innovative and effective Supporting the Rotational Forces. In Postal Platoon, 22nd Human Resources solutions. 30,000 Soldiers in US Army early 2014, the NATO Alliance was Company from Fort Carson, Colorado, Europe today must create the strategic tested by Russian forces and Pro-Russian and moved them to their respective APO’s effect of 300,000 of decades past.” separatists. After Russia annexed Crimea throughout the region. Postal pre-packed LTG Ben Hodges, Freedom 6, from Ukraine, the US committed to supplies were delivered with the help of the CG, USAREUR, 12 May 2015 having a more forward, and persistent Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Introduction. Over the past year the presence in the Baltics region. To The critical phase of establishing these number of training exercises in Europe has bolster the Alliance, the 4th Infantry APO’s was transportation. This involved increased with operational deployments Division HQ (-) and regionally aligned a steep learning curve for many of the by regionally-aligned and rotational forces deployed to demonstrate NATO’s coordinating staff players in multiple forces. To support these forces, the 21st continued commitment to collective headquarters, particularly because we Theater Sustainment Command (TSC) is security in Central Europe. Four airborne would establish new APO’s in new a Theater-committed and “NATO Ready” companies from the 173rd Airborne NATO member countries. Host nation team providing scalable mission command Brigade Combat Team, known as the “Sky agreements, contracts, and commercial and sustainment capabilities to combatant Soldiers,” received the mission to conduct air lift agreements had to be arranged with commanders. Regionally aligned forces multinational military exercises. With the help and significant effort by EUCOM, are operating in an increasingly complex the persistent presence of more and more USAREUR, and OSD/MPSA. The 1st environment. troops, the need for postal support became HRSC worked with the USAREUR staff a clear priority, and the 1st HRSC was and DLA to get a transportation contract Postal Operations. Lately, the 1st Human tasked with establishing an APO in Poland Resources Sustainment Center (HRSC) in place that would allow mail delivery to for ATLANTIC RESOLVE. Soon, more the new APO’s on a weekly rotation. With Postal Operations Division (POD) is in postal support was requested for US forces the business of opening new contingency each step, there were requirements that had in Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and for to be modified to the environment in which Army Post Offices (APOs) and ensures forces training in Bulgaria in the southern the APO’s would operate. This required proper execution of postal operations for portion of Europe. close coordination and unity of effort by rotational forces. At the beginning of Upon receipt of the mission and a all involved. 2014, 1st HRSC POD managed only five quick mission analysis, the 1st HRSC contingency APOs in the USAEUR area Strong Europe. As part of the Strong developed the concept of support for Europe vision, the 21st Theater of operations, prior to the beginning of opening new APOs in central Europe. ATLANTIC RESOLVE. Since the series Sustainment Command and the 1st HRSC Since USAREUR does not have a readily is making a significant contribution to of ATLANTIC RESOLVE exercises began, available HR Company, and without any five new APOs have been established support US rotational forces that will postal platoons, we determined we needed participate for extended periods during and the responsibilities of the POD have an active component (Compo 1) postal increased in terms of postal planning, ATLANTIC RESOLVE. The APOs being platoon from CONUS to ensure mission established are following techniques and force integration, postal inspections and success. A request for forces (RFF) was audits, and providing technical guidance procedures used in Afghanistan, Iraq, and initiated for HR unit sourcing, which Kuwait. It may be somewhat surprising to and support to new APOs -- with more FORSCOM approved in a timely fashion. new APOs to follow. The force integration AG Soldiers who are not serving in Europe, The 1st HRSC Director immediately sent a that new APOs are being established. AG function involves receiving new postal postal team to meet with each host nation’s teams and providing a three week postal Soldiers in Europe are providing customer military representatives to identify potential service and timely HR support where it is certification training program. New postal locations, facilities, and resources. As a most needed. teams are equipped with the essential result, the postal team was able to secure tools needed to operate contingency APOs facilities that would later be used as post “First in Support – Ready Strong!” prior to their deployment in the area of offices. The POD ensured each facility

1775 | Fall 2015 43 The Army’s Future Promotion Process: Select-Train-Educate-Promote

By SGM Lucinda A. Ramos, Evaluations, Selections and Promotions Division, US Army Human Resources Command

s the Army continues to transition, it list, but not selected for promotion pin-on if fully eligible, for future selection boards. Ais imperative that we transform our until after they are fully qualified and a new As mentioned earlier, NCOES is vital institutional and education programs and promotion requirement exists. Attending for NCOs who seek to make the Army a policies. On 17 August 2015, the Secretary the required level of NCOES will be crucial lifelong career. of the Army introduced Select, Train, for Soldier upward mobility and fulfilling Change is inevitable and leaders at all Educate and Promote (STEP), a directive career aspirations within the Army. levels must ensure that Soldiers attend to develop Noncommissioned Officers Centralized Promotions. STEP will also NCOES. These courses will not only (NCOs) and prepare them for an uncertain affect the centralized promotion population, enhance Soldiers’ capabilities, but develop and complex environment. STEP will be beginning with the fiscal year 2016 Regular them as adaptive Army leaders. There a major culture change for many Soldiers Army or Army Reserve (AGR) Sergeant will be difficult decisions, especially when and will streamline the effort to support First Class Selection Board. Promotion balancing the needs of an organization and leader development. Several procedural pin-on to Sergeant First Class will require the needs of the Soldier. Each course of changes at the semi-centralized and completion of the Senior Leader Course. action will have a ripple effect on a Soldier’s centralized levels will require Human Soldiers selected for promotion by each career, so it is imperative that the Army gets Resource professionals to be fully engaged subsequent selection board will have to it right. All Human Resource professionals and knowledgeable on the directive. attain the level of NCOES required for that must take direct responsibility in educating, Semi-Centralized Promotions. First, STEP grade for promotion pin-on. Soldiers will coaching and mentoring Soldiers with will directly affect the semi-centralized have 18 months to complete NCOES or sound information so commanders and promotion population. Beginning in they will be removed from the promotion senior leaders can make the absolute best January 2016, promotion pin-on for recommended list and have to re-compete, decision for the Army’s future leaders. Sergeant will require graduation from the Basic Leader Course. Promotion pin-on to Staff Sergeant will require graduation from the Advance Leader Course. Soldiers will see a revised redistribution of promotion points throughout the semi-centralized promotion point system. Specifically, revised table scores for the Army Physical Fitness Test and weapons qualification. The most outstanding change under STEP will be that a Specialist, Corporal or Sergeant who is fully qualified for promotion pin-on will be bypassed for by- name selection, regardless of promotion points, when the Soldier has not completed the required level of Noncommissioned Officer Education System (NCOES). These Soldiers will remain on the recommended

44 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com Going Postal: 5 Ways Postal Operations are Becoming More Efficient in Afghanistan

By 1LT William Ryan Brown

fter 13 years of combat operations, some locations, contracted equipment calculates and affixes postage based on APresident Barack Obama and former such as forklifts help provide the support weight and size of mail, plus provides a Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel issued needed to transfer mail from the Regional checks and balances system in reporting statements marking the end of Operation Mail Distribution Centers (RMDCs) accurate numbers up the chain. In Enduring Freedom and the beginning to flight lines and other areas. With December of 2014, these DM 100’s were of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. With providing postal support and delivering replaced with DM 125’s, which provide today’s troops in Afghanistan decreased mail all across the globe, the use of an added benefit as it helped post offices to under 10,000 versus 100,000 in 2010, contracted flights are also used. Whether become self-sustainable. These new there has become a greater need for units a rotary or fixed-wing flight in-country to DM 125’s postage meter machines have to be more efficient and for Soldiers to be intercontinental flights with partners such the capability of being plugged into more multi-faceted than ever. Whether as Kalitta Air and DHL, these contracted an analog line and refilled on postage Soldiers are located at a major base like assets provide the efficiency and tools to meter 24 hours a day, which provides Bagram Airfield, to a distant forward ensure proper transfer of mail from the the machine the ability to load / unload operation base like Camp Dwyer, one sender to the Soldier and vice-versa. funds as well as stay updated on the latest thing is for sure, all US personnel and USPS rates. Despite the great use of the coalition forces need their mail. With DM 125’s, online programs such as the the mission of the military postal system USPS “Click-n-Ship (C-n-S),” have been to operate as an extension of the United heavily pushed and highly advertised States Postal Service (USPS) and with in theater this year. A comprehensive efficiency a top initiative as the NATO desktop computer program that combines mission transitions to Resolute Support, several key labeling and shipping there are many ways postal operations functions, this USPS tool provides self- in Afghanistan are doing this, five in sustaining assets that allow customers particular that are game-changers and to buy their postage and customs forms making the process run more smoothly online, while saving customers 15% off with less personnel. in shipping costs in the process. This PFC Akeem Luckett, postal clerk with the 4th program has been strongly implemented 1. Contracting Assets: As mission Special Troops Battalion, 4th Resolute Support requirements emerge and as the Army Sustainment Brigade, transports mail via a at the Forward Operating Bases, where begins to transform, entities such as the contracted forklift to the flightline for retrograde the lack of postal personnel is imminent. US Army Material Command and the mail operations at Forward Operating Base As C-n-S becomes more popular, bigger Shank, Afghanistan. Photo by 1LT William Brown, bases, such as Bagram Airfield and US Army Contracting Command provide STB, 1st CDSB, 1CD. the war fighter with worldwide support Kandahar Airfield have begun to conduct to US Army Sustainment Command, US 2. Pitney Bowes / Click-n-Ship: The “C-n-S Only Hours” that embrace the Forces-Afghanistan and many others. postal operations days of using an new initiative and get customers familiar Through equipment, supplies and full integrated retail terminal (IRT) machine with its system and purpose. spectrum services vital to the Soldier’s are over. With present technology of 3. Postal Finance / Custodian of Postal mission requirements and well-being, online instant messaging, the authorized Effects (COPE): At an APO, the Postal these acquisition tools help the Soldiers use of “free mail” in Afghanistan and NCOIC not only serves as a technical focus on the mission while ensuring the constant trend of Soldiers sending advisor in regards to the effectiveness of responsible stewardship of taxpayers’ bigger packages, the need of the postal operations but also serves an even funds. For postal operations, there traditional 44-cent stamps have become crucial role as the title of the Custodian are many contracting assets that help non-existent in Afghanistan. The Pitney of Postal Effects (COPE). Not your provide this postal service throughout Bowes DM 100’s replaced the IRT’s in everyday job, this NCOIC serves as an Afghanistan as well as around the 2014 as these innovative postage meter “accountant” of the post office, ensuring world. For starters, located at the five machines provide the APO the ability the management of postal finance and static Army Post Offices (APOs) and to sell greater denominations of postage mailing services to customers while Satellite Army Post Offices (SAPOs) in one transaction. These machines confirming the accountability and the in Afghanistan are contracted civilian have benefited postal operations in proper transfer of funds to the Federal workers who assist the Human Resources Afghanistan as it has provided more Bank of Boston, the financial entity of Company in providing this service. At accuracy in transactions, automatically the USPS. With a fixed credit account

1775 | Fall 2015 45 of $10,000 and monthly revenues up (HROB) of the current Sustainment and read over and over. A small piece to $300,000, it is very important that a Brigade in theater, a postal rodeo can be of correspondence from home means person of this role is attention to detail coordinated. A postal rodeo is a two-man the world to these brave young men and oriented. The days of money orders in team of postal clerks who bring postal women who fight for freedom.” As the Afghanistan are over as the two primary equipment and supplies and execute 2-3 mission continues here in Afghanistan, methods of payment at an APO are cash day postal missions at outlying areas to so will postal operations. and Eagle Cash. The COPE serves the provide postal services to those role of not only accounting for these in need. With multiple FOBs funds but staying in communication with in theater, there are 2-3 postal the local finance detachment ensuring missions weekly that provide this that all cash deposits and Eagle Cash service. With less personnel in deposits are aligned. The benefits of 2015 versus 2010, this provides the having this person as a military member Human Resources Company to be helps in providing military oversight of flexible with their personnel while multiple finance clerks and equipment, providing missions on a scheduled requisitioning postal supplies and basis. Through coordination ensuring the safeguarding of postal with the HROB, this has become effects. In some areas, a COPE not only a popular and highly attended needs to be accountable for their APO, service for these FOBs as through but also the smaller SAPO’s as well. prior coordination and advertising, (From Left to Right) 1LT William Brown and MAJ Danielle For example, the COPE at the Bagram it ensures that those on the FOB MacDonnell (center), then members of the 4th Special Airfield APO not only maintains the are aware of the services when Troops Battalion, 4th Resolute Support Sustainment funds for his APO but maintains and they arrive. Brigade, provide a tour of the Bagram Airfield Army oversees the funds for three SAPO’s in Post Office to MG Darryl Williams (center), Former 5. Satellite Army Post Offices Commanding General of 1st Theater Sustainment the Kabul Cluster Region. With elements (SAPO’s): While major bases Command. The purpose of the tour was to gain a better such as the COPE proof of concept that such as Bagram Airfield andunderstanding of how postal operations were going in allows these smaller areas to deposit Afghanistan. Photo by SFC Chris Bridson, STB, 1st CDSB, Kandahar Airfield have the1CD. funds, it allows more accuracy with that personnel to support Army Post COPE’s end of day reports. Offices, places with smaller personnel 1LT Brown previously served as the but a great need for postal Postal OIC and Assistant Custodian services have Satellite Army of Postal Effects of all five static post Post Offices. With Afghanistan offices in Afghanistan located in the currently having three of areas of Bagram Airfield, Kandahar these SAPO’s, which are all Airfield and the Kabul Cluster Region. conveniently located in the He recently redeployed back to Fort Kabul Cluster region, these Hood this past June after eleven post offices serve on a smaller months downrange. While deployed, scale but still provide the same he was the Contracting Officer postal services as an APO. Representative of the Postal Ground With the SAPO normally Mail Transportation asset in theater supervised by a Soldier at the and assisted in numerous downgrade rank of Sergeant, these entities efforts including four APO closures, are supported with contract three APO reconstructing projects, two personnel who assist as postal APO downsizes and multiple C-n-S clerks, accountable mail clerks initiatives. PFC Christopher Grecia, Postal Clerk with 213th Personnel and other positions as needed. Company, performs mail security as pallets are loaded onto a mail truck for ground transportation delivery to Kabul at the With the recent changes in the Regional Mail Distribution Center (RMDC) in Bagram Airfield, Obama administration to slow Afghanistan. Photo by 1LT William Brown, STB, 1st CDSB, Afghanistan withdrawal plans 1CD. and potentially allow 9,800 American troops to remain 4. Postal Rodeo Missions: With the ever- well into next year that also will include changing environment in Afghanistan, postal operations. MG ( Ret) Sean J. especially at Forward Operating Bases, Byrne, who commanded 3rd PERSCOM there are times when postal services in 2003, said it best when he stated, “Few are needed at places where this entity things impact a unit’s morale more than is limited. Through coordination with mail. Letters are not left behind on a FOB Mayors, who coordinate with the nightstand or on a cot when Soldiers Human Resources Operations Branch go into battle. They are taken along

46 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com Voting Assistance Program and Your Right to Vote

By Rachel R. Gilman

“Be Absent, But Be Accounted For!” is the (1870). The 19th Amendment granted that Federal Voting Assistance Program slogan no citizen shall be abridged of their right for the upcoming election season. Think to vote based on sex (1920). The 24th about it, your Vote is your voice as an Amendment outlawed the poll tax and said American citizen. Given the importance of that failure to pay any other sort of tax shall elections in the United States, why do many not prevent a person from voting (1964). people choose not to vote? Why do some The 26th Amendment granted all persons refuse to participate in elections when the 18 or older the right to vote (1971). A Blackhawk helicopter from C Company, 3-1 officials and issues subject to referendum As a Soldier or Family member the next have such an impact on nearly every aspect Aviation, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, KS, spreads question frequently asked is how and the word on the Army Voting Assistance Program. of their lives? where can I vote? The Army has a program Many argue that their vote really doesn’t to assist Soldiers and Families called the offices mail out ballots 45 days before the count. Some say that they don’t know Army Voting Assistance Program. The election. Once the Soldier receives their enough about the issues and think they program focuses on awareness and making absentee ballot, they must mark the ballot shouldn’t vote. Still others say that they registration and voting information, and return it to the State Local Election do not know where or how to vote. News materials and assistance readily available to Official in time for it to arrive by Election stories about voter ID laws may deter some all eligible Army voters. The Army Voting Day. If the Soldier has not received the people from voting. As a republic, our Assistance Program educates eligible voters ballot by the first week of October, he government is elected by its citizens and about the importance of voting and provides or she should fill out a Federal Write in the results of our elections affect nearly them every opportunity to register and cast Absentee Ballot and send that to the State every aspect of our lives from schools, to a ballot. The program operates year round Local Election Official. Soldiers should healthcare, to homeland security. Voting is and provides continuous support through submit a new FPCA in January of each year an important civil obligation. By voting, Installation Voting Assistance Offices and and whenever there is a change in mailing you make your voice heard and register your Unit Voting Assistance Officers. address. In most states and territories, the views on how a government for the people, same FPCA can be used to request ballots The absentee voting process applies to for both primary and general elections. by the people, should operate. Enough active duty members of the US Uniformed voices in unison can unify a community, Services or Merchant Marines, eligible 2016 will be an especially important state, or even our Nation and even change Family members of Active Duty service election year as the country will elect the the course of history. members and citizens residing in the 45th President of the United States in United States. It is important for addition to many other federal, state and Soldiers serving overseas to be able local officials. The Army has 63 Installation to register to vote, request a ballot and Voting Assistance Offices worldwide. return the ballot knowing it will arrive These offices are a one-stop shop for voting in enough time to be counted. In services for Soldiers, Family members order to vote with an absentee ballot and eligible voters. They provide direct in a US election on the actual day of assistance in completing the necessary the election you must be a US citizen, forms to register to vote, change addresses be 18 years old, and have requested and request absentee ballots. to vote with the appropriate election The Army recognizes two voting weeks officials. per year that highlight the importance of There are several avenues to assist voting: Armed Forces Voters Week and The Army’s Golden Knights encourages all Army Soldiers eligible citizens who request to vote Absentee Voters Week. During these and their Family members to vote. by absentee ballot. First, they need weeks, installations worldwide set up tables to register and request a Federal Post and booths in high traffic areas, participate The right to vote was not always guaranteed Card Application (FPCA). This form can in post activities, and host events to by the US Constitution. Amendments have be found on the Federal Voting Assistance provide voter information and offer voting been added throughout the years to address Program Website at www.fvap.gov or in the assistance to eligible voters. As the 2016 the right to vote and who actually has this 2016-2017 Voting Assistance Guide, which election approaches, voting assistance will “right”. The 14th Amendment granted all will be released in the Fall of 2015. Each be a highly visible program. Unit Voting persons born within the US citizenship state has their own registration deadlines for Assistance officers should be appointed, and guaranteed the rights and privileges primary elections, so accuracy and attention trained and be readily available to assist all associated with it (1868). The 15th to detail are important. Once a Soldier has voters who are interested in exercising their Amendment declared that no citizen can registered and requested the FPCA, the right to vote. be denied the right to vote based on race, absentee ballot will be received from the color, or previous condition of servitude State Local Election Official. Election

1775 | Fall 2015 47 Sponsorship – An HR Fundamental

By MAJ Julia M. Kobiska

fter 13 years of persistent conflict, prepare Soldiers, civilian employees, and coordinators down to the Battalion level Aour Army is transitioning from a Family members for their new duty station as well. The Brigade coordinators are constantly deploying force to a globally in advance of their actual arrival and responsible for ensuring that all outgoing responsive and regionally engaged Army continues after their arrival. This program Soldiers have completed their DA Form focused on preparation and readiness. is available to Soldiers in the active Army, 5434 (Sponsorship Program Counseling Additionally, as the Army moves through Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and and Information) in a timely manner. its next drawdown, MG (Ret) Mustion Civilian employees assigned to positions For those units participating in ACT, as the former senior member of our within the Department of the Army. AR completion of the DA Form 5434 is Corps has stated that remastering our HR 600-8-8, dated 4 April 2006, outlines the required before the Soldier is eligible to fundamentals will be a key goal as we requirements of the TASP. Despite being receive PCS orders. Brigade coordinators move toward the Army of 2020. published 8 years ago, the regulation is are also responsible for receiving Sponsorship is one of the HR fundamentals useful and contains pertinent information information about the Brigade’s gains and that we allowed to degrade while we to our work on Sponsorship today. The in conjunction with the command teams at focused on SRPs, manifests, TCS orders regulation provides thorough explanations the lowest level, ensuring that a qualified and all that is required to support deploying of what Sponsorship is, what is expected sponsor is assigned to each identified gain. forces. As we transition and downsize, of a sponsor and outlines how important The Brigade coordinators are a key to the we must realign our focus and one of the it is to provide Sponsorship, especially to success of a unit’s Sponsorship program. key tasks we must master is Sponsorship. first term Soldiers. Assigning a qualified sponsor is a key Sponsorship is an important personnel The importance of Sponsorship was task in the success of Sponsorship. All function requiring command involvement reinforced through the issuance of Soldiers before being assigned a sponsor and we as HR professionals must take the Execution Order (EXORD) 018-12 in must complete online training through lead in getting Sponsorship back on track. November 2011. This EXORD directed Military One Source at https://apps. Every Soldier makes at least one move in changes to the TASP. It directed command militaryonesource.mil/MOS/f?p=ESA their military career, even if it just from involvement at all levels and reemphasized T:WELCOME:1458181194103401. It Advanced Individual Training to their that it is mandatory for all Soldiers, is critical that the command carefully first or only duty station. Sponsorship is Private through Colonel, to have a sponsor consider the Soldiers that are selected paramount to a Soldier and their Family’s assigned for every Permanent Change of to be sponsors. A sponsor should be an successful move. It helps ensure a Station (PCS). The EXORD announced outstanding Soldier who can be trusted to smoother transition to a new installation the creation of an automated system called set a good example for the newcomer and and community and creates a relationship the Army Career Tracker (ACT). The ACT who can be trusted to follow through on between the command and their personnel. program aims to enhance the effectiveness all responsibilities that are inherent with It encourages commanders to help their of the TASP. The objective is to develop being assigned as a sponsor. It has proven Soldiers transition and can minimize a process that will ensure the assignment most effective to match the sponsor to delays, problems and distractions for of a sponsor prior to receiving permanent the newcomer as much as possible. This newcomers. All of this in turn improves change of station orders for those in the might include gender, marital status, and unit cohesion and readiness. ranks of Colonel and below. whether or not the sponsor and newcomer The Total Army Sponsorship Program Units participating in ACT are required to have children. For example, if a newcomer (TASP) provides the structure and appoint brigade Sponsorship coordinators is a parent, assigning a sponsor who is foundation for units to welcome and help and are encouraged to delegate not a parent has the possibilities to leave

48 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com significant gaps in the effectiveness of the will reduce our coordination to monthly a newcomer. The intent of the welcome sponsorship of that newcomer because the meetings. One of the first initiatives of the packet is to let the incoming Soldier know sponsor isn’t familiar with the agencies G1 Sponsorship Cell is to standardize the that we are looking forward to their arrival that can assist with information on Sponsorship program across the Division. and that we are standing by to assist them children and child care. We are starting that process by establishing achieve a smooth transition. Here in the 1st Cavalry Division, we are standardized welcome packets. After the Sponsorship Cell has undertaken aggressively attacking the Sponsorship The first communication that a newcomer the pre-arrival Sponsorship information challenge. We have created a Sponsorship receives from someone in the 1st Cavalry and processes, we will begin working Coordination Cell within the Division G1. Division can make a significant impact with the Brigade Coordinators on how The Officers, NCOs and Soldiers manning on the transition of that newcomer to our Sponsorship is conducted after a newcomer that cell are responsible for assisting unit. Therefore, the Brigade coordinators arrives to the Division. The Sponsorship the Brigade and Battalion Sponsorship and the G1 Sponsorship Cell have created Cell will also provide coordination with coordinators achieve success. The units standardized welcome packets that will our installation Sponsorship office in order are required to report their statistics on be e-mailed to each Soldier identified as to provide additional training for Brigade a monthly basis to the G1 Sponsorship a gain to the 1st Cavalry Division. The and Battalion Coordinators and assist with Cell and we will soon begin inspections packets include a welcome letter from the Sponsor training as requested. Additional in conjunction with the Division Inspector Division and Brigade Commanders and needs of the Sponsorship Cell will be General on each Brigade’s Sponsorship their CSMs. The packets also include identified as we continue to gather with program. The intent of the inspections is an Army Community Service Relocation the Brigade and Battalion Coordinators to get a baseline status of each Brigade at packet, a list of frequently asked questions and as we review each unit’s Sponsorship the present time and do the analysis of how with answers, a list of installation points of programs through inspections and staff we can better assist each unit to improve. contact with phone numbers that might be assistance visits. The end result of these efforts will be improved statistics on Sponsorship reporting but most importantly it will provide better quality Sponsorship to every Soldier arriving as a newcomer to the 1st Cavalry Division. It will ensure our newly arrived Soldiers feel properly welcomed and integrated into The First Team!

Members of the 1st Cavalry Division G1 Sponsorship Cell conduct a meeting to coordinate sponsorship efforts across the command.

The Division G1 Sponsorship Cell useful to newcomers including telephone currently hosts bi-monthly meetings so numbers to the Family Advocacy Office, that we accomplish as much as possible Installation Finance, the Exceptional in a short amount of time. Once we Family Member Program and information have established good communication for temporary on post lodging, as well and processes with each of the Brigades as many other numbers and items of and the coordination is flowing well, we information that might prove useful to

1775 | Fall 2015 49 Combat to Corporate

By CW3 Kymila K. Cheese, AG School, Fort Jackson, SC

he Army is deeply concerned with prefer to hire HR professionals that are of the Combat to Corporate event was Tthe number of Soldiers transitioning certified, such as the Professional in to bring information and awareness to from the Army having difficultyHuman Resources (PHR) and Senior Soldiers and Family members regarding seeking employment. According to the Professional in Human Resources transitioning from military to civilian. Department of Labor (DOL), the MOS (SPHR). Also, most Soldiers find it The following agencies and organizations 42A is among the top 10 MOS that difficult to write a resume translating their were in attendance as panel members have high unemployment in the civilian skills and how to conduct themselves in a for the C2 event: (1) LTC (Ret) James sector. Two of the contributing factors job interview. Galluzzo, HR Director for South are that military HR experience does not The National Defense Authorization Act Carolina Housing, (2) LTC (Ret) easily translate to the civilian sector and (NDAA) of 2012, Section 558 directed Cherrie Davis, Enterprise Integration most companies are requiring a civilian pilot programs to assess the feasibility Leader, GE Capital, (3) CW4 (Ret) certification during the hiring process. and advisability of permitting enlisted Julie Reyes Bermea, Specialist Master, The Army provides numerous programs members of the Armed Forces to obtain Deloitte Consulting LLP, (4) Dylan to assist Soldiers transitioning to the civilian credentialing or licensing for Raymond, Military Recruitment Lead civilian sector. For example, the Soldier skills required for military occupational – Shell Oil Corporation, (5) Mr. James for Life (SFL) formerly known as the specialties (MOS) or qualification for Shelton – Military Relations, Lockheed Army Career Alumni Program (ACAP) duty specialty codes. The Army approved Martin, and (6) Ms. Rebecca Hastings, provides resume writing classes and job funding for the AG School PHR pilot, SPHR-CA – Sr. HR Content Manager, employment tips. This article will focus and currently the AG Corps have 70 HR HR Certification Institute. The C2 on the AG School Professional in Human Soldiers in the PHR pilot program. It event allowed participants to broaden Resources (PHR) pilot and SFL Combat is the job of the AG Corps Proponency their understanding of resources and to Corporate seminar. to ensure the AG Corps is shaping, information available for Soldiers In 2015, the unemployment rate in equipping, and developing future leaders transitioning from the military back America has declined significantly of the AG Corps. Professional and into the community. The event provided according to the Department of Labor, leader development involves training an opportunity for Soldiers and HR Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In and equipping Soldiers with necessary professionals to ask the subject matter June 2015, the unemployment has knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) experts about the following topics: decreased to 5.3 percent. The BLS to perform their jobs, which can carry (1) Benefits of professional certifications reported an unemployment rate of 10% over when Soldiers transition from the and civilian education. in October 2009 (www.bls.gov). The military. (2) Resume writing. veteran unemployment rate was reported The second primary reason many (3) Job interviews. slightly lower at 9% for the same month veterans experience challenges when (4) How to conduct yourself on social and year (www.va.gov). Although the seeking employment is because of the media. unemployment rate is slightly lower military resume. Civilian employers, (5) How to successfully transition from in 2009 and decreased significantly in job recruiters and hiring officials do not the military to civilian - Soldier for 2015, as mentioned earlier the Army easily understand our military jargon. Life concept. and AG Corps is deeply concerned with The AG Corps hosted their fourth annual the number of Soldiers transitioning The guest panelists provided great AG Week, 26-29 May 2015. CW3 from the Army having difficulty seeking information that was beneficial for Kymila Cheese, AG School Credentialing employment. Many of HR veterans Soldiers transitioning from the Army. For Advisor, coordinated the Combat to experience challenges when seeking example, Soldiers that have PHR or SPHR Corporate (C2) event. The purpose employment. Most civilian employers

50 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com certification on their resumes, normally Most civilian employers and job recruiters certification on the career for both are considered stronger resumes, which do not know or understand military rank officers and enlisted. Lastly, the AG supports the theoretical concept of or titles unless they served in the military. School SFL Combat to Corporate employability and marketability of event has connected HR Soldiers with In conclusion, as part of the Army obtaining a professional certifications. numerous stakeholders in both the University and CASCOM Soldier for Life, Additionally, all of the guest panelists private and public sector that supports the the US Army Soldier Support Institute recommended using less military jargon Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) – Adjutant General School is aligned or acronyms on the resume. James Act 2011. Because of the lines efforts with the strategic vision of educational Shelton, Military Relations, Lockheed of the AG School, HR Soldiers now have and credentialing opportunities Martin stated, “many times we receive an increased awareness of the benefits of for Soldiers. The mission of the resumes with military jargon such as professional certifications, how to write a CASCOM Credentialing, Certification, Platoon Sergeant. There are no Platoon professional resume, and how to conduct and Licensing (CCL) Program is to Sergeant positions at Lockheed Martin.” themselves in a job interview. “develop, coordinate, and synchronize Soldiers must learn how to translate their lines of effort exploring the viability References military resume into civilian terminology. and establishment of professional Here is an example to illustrate: Unemployment rate (n.d.). Labor Force credentialing opportunities that enhance Statistics from the Current Population o Incorrect Resume – I was a 42H Total Force Readiness, promote Lifelong Survey http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/ (MAJ) assigned to 3d Combat Learning opportunities throughout the LNS14000000. Aviation BDE S-1, which provided Soldier Lifecycle of Service and lead HR services and support to 3,500 to increased post-service employment Veterans employment (2014). Veterans Soldiers assigned and attached. possibilities.” Employment 2000 to 2013 http://www. va.gov/vetdata/docs/SpecialReports/ o Correct Resume – I was the HR The AG School partnership with HRCI Employment_Rates_FINAL.pdf. Director assigned to a multifunctional and PHR pilot has strengthened the lines aviation organization, which of effort of credentialing opportunities provided HR services and support to for our HR Soldiers. Furthermore, the over 3,000 employees. AG Proponency embedded professional

1775 | Fall 2015 51 Human Resources and Financial Management Warfighter Training Support Packages (WTSPs)

By Polly Jones, Training Development Directorate, Soldier Support Institute

he Soldier Support Institute (SSI), appropriate entry point and topics for Website links follow: TTraining Development Directorate training when utilizing the WTSPs. An v Learning Resource Center (LRC) at (TDD), in collaboration with and support attribute of these WTSPs that may be https://ako.ssi.tradoc.army.mil/TDD/ of the Adjutant General School (AGS) and helpful for units is that the lesson plan SSITDD/SiteAssets/lrcPage/lrc.html the Financial Management School (FMS), provided within the WTSPs contains v Army Training Network (ATN) at developed and maintains Warfighter estimated “academic hours” allocated by https://atn.army.mil/dsp_template. Training Support Packages (WTSPs) to training sessions (addressed in the lesson aspx?dpID=101 support unit training. The WTSPs include plan as “Learning Activity”). While units all associated and available training use their CATS, these allocated academic v Central Army Registry (CAR) at content such as the supporting Collective hours can serve as a guideline for https://atiam.train.army.mil/catalog/#/ and Individual Tasks, Lesson Plans (slides scheduling unit’s technical training. Units dashboard (conduct a search for and instructor notes), Practical Exercises must recognize that it may require several “WTSP”) (PEs) and any other training aides. The training periods to complete a specific task v Point of contact is the SSI, Collective objective is to provide standardized when utilizing the WTSP. Training Branch, usarmy.jackson.93- training products that can be utilized by SSI is currently redesigning our WTSPs, sig-bde.list.jackson-ssi-fm-hr- FM and HR units (Battalion / Brigade changing them from a function design to [email protected], (803) 751-8727. S1s coming soon) to conduct section and echelon based to better align with their team training. These WTSPs may also associated CATS. Our current inventory be utilized by FM and HR Soldiers to of HR & FM WTSPs may be found on assist them in gaining, maintaining, and our SSI Learning Resource Center (LRC), / or improving their technical proficiency the Army Training Network (ATN), and to perform the individual and collective the Central Army Registry (CAR) sites tasks required to accomplish their wartime (links are provided below). As the newly mission. reformatted and updated WTSPs become The WTSPs are intended to supplement available, they will be posted on the same the units approved Combined Arms sites just mentioned. Announcements Training Strategy (CATS). The WTSPs will be made through multiple venues to establish no set sequence or mandated include, FM / S1 Net, Army Sustainment requirements; therefore, unit trainers / Magazine, Gryphon, Diamond Points, leaders should first assess the training 1775 Magazine, Warrior Citizen, and GX status of their unit / Soldiers to select the Magazine.

52 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com SECTION IV Army Bands

Army Music - Speaking to the Heart

By COL (Ret) Thomas H. Palmatier

he theme of this issue of “1775”, the which to someone who had majored in area. The SOUTHCOM CG saw our T“Heart of the AG Corps” speaks to music and had joined the Army after the band as his most important way to “win the bond shared by Soldiers, Families, fighting in Southeast Asia had stopped, hearts and minds” and we were “down and Army Civilians and emphasizes that was a little baffling. In November country” about 1/3 of the time. Honduras “heart,” a deep emotional attachment is 1979, Iranians stormed the US Embassy was an important staging base for US the true measure of an Army’s strength. In in Teheran and held 52 Americans as forces and we spent quite a bit of time 1880, Ardant du Picq in his book ”Battle hostages. Americans of all political there in cities and towns large and small. Studies” wrote that the psychological stripes were outraged. Soon afterwards One Saturday night we were to perform and emotional aspects of warfare were we were marching in a street parade and in a town square in front of the church. more important than tactics or weaponry. I was in the front row playing trombone. We had to set up and do our sound checks Today, TRADOC has published “The US A “hippy” type approached me, which in the afternoon because the priest made Army Human Dimension Concept” and usually meant my khaki uniform was it clear that we were to make no sound our Army leaders consistently remind going to soon get spit or some other fluid until after evening mass was completed. us that the Strength of the Army is our on it. Instead, he held out his hand and As we set up in the mid-afternoon with Soldiers. So, while all parts of our Corps said, “I never thought I’d say this, but temperatures over 100 degrees, the are focused on addressing the “HR” needs thank God you guys are here.” All of a square filled with people, many carrying of our Army, there is only one part or our sudden I realized I was not a SP5 with a bedrolls. I asked a representative from Corps and our Army that has the power, music degree playing in the band to pay the US Embassy why they were there and indeed the responsibility to speak to off my college debts, in fact I represented and he said, “They’re here for you. The our hearts – Army Musicians. During the entire United States Army. roads have been filled all day with people my more than 37 years of service in our walking for miles from surrounding Army, I experienced countless occasions villages to hear the ‘Yanqui music.’” where Army Music truly touched hearts. We took the stage at about 2100 hrs and These are just a few of those times. for nearly six hours, shared our music, The late 1970’s were a challenging time to but more importantly our presence as be a Soldier. The last of the draftees were American Soldiers, with thousands of leaving and the Volunteer Army was in its people. early growing stages. Most importantly, In 1994 I had recently assumed command the trauma of the Vietnam War was still of the TRADOC Headquarters band at fresh in the American psyche. No place Fort Monroe, VA. Transportation Corps in America was more “anti-Army” than Iranians displaying American Hostages in Tehran in units stationed at Fort Eustis were being the San Francisco area and that’s where November 1979. deployed on six month (or more) tours I reported for duty as a newly minted As a young CW2, I was in command of to the Sinai Peninsula to help prevent a PFC with the Sixth US Army Band at the the 79th Army Band in Panama during war there and we were asked to perform Presidio of San Francisco. Street parades the early 1980’s. Central America was at their return. It’s apparently in the US were our least favorite part of the job. a “hot zone” with a civil war brewing in Constitution that all troop arrivals must On good days, we got tepid applause but El Salvador and insurgencies and other occur in the middle of the night and would often get jeered as “baby killers” conflicts throughout the SOUTHCOM this one was no exception. It was about

1775 | Fall 2015 53 time and the public relations situation in a gymnasium in Nebraska, a husband was so bad that the US Ambassador, and wife were among the last people to the Honorable Ralph Frank, personally leave. The husband grabbed my arm and attended our concert and afterwards said, “We lost our son in Afghanistan stated that the media images of American six months ago. Tonight, we started to Soldiers serenading Croatians “broke the heal.” All I could do was stand there and news cycle and made a real difference in cry with them and later reflect on the the image of the US in Croatia. Press incredible power that Army Musicians releases and advertising campaigns possessed and exercise stewardship over. couldn’t do that. It took Army Music for The 79th Army Band in Panama performing Only Army Music can convince a “hippy” those people to adopt a different opinion during the early 1980’s. that we need the US Army. Only Army about American Soldiers. Music can compel people to walk many 0330 hrs, the wind was whipping on the hot and dusty miles to see an American Langley Air Force Base tarmac and the Soldier do his or her job. Only Army plane pulled up. We played while all of Music can make a young Soldier feel the troops disembarked and then went like a hero and bring peace and joy to inside the gym where their families were one’s final breaths. Only Army Music waiting to perform for a while longer. At can change the way people feel about about 0430 and ready to go back to bed, America, and only Army Music can help we started to leave. A PV2 came up to grieving parents begin to heal. Only me and said, “Thanks a lot for being here. Army Music can touch hearts. When that door opened up and I heard the band, it made me feel like a hero.” About the Author. COL (Ret) Thomas H. I could have been knocked over with a Palmatier culminated an Army career of Army SSG Jennifer Kemper performing with The over 37 years as Leader and Commander feather. While we had grumpily played US Army Europe Band in Liberation Square, Za- of The US Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” marches on a cold tarmac, our music had greb, Croatia. Photos and videos of her singing done something wonderful. It made a to Croatian children dominated the nation’s news He is a Distinguished Member of the young American Soldier feel like a hero. coverage on 2 May 2004. Regiment and has received the AG Corps Superior Lifetime Achievement Medal. That same band performed weekly He currently resides in Norfolk, Virginia summer concerts called “Music Under the The United States Army Field Band is and is active around the world as a Stars.” One of our regulars was a mother known as the “Musical Ambassadors of conductor, clinician, and speaker. with her severely disabled son who never the Army” and its Soldiers travel many missed any of our local concerts. At her thousands of request, I had given her a recording of miles each year the band. At one concert, she was there performing all without her son. I asked about him and over the country she said that he had recently passed away taking the Army’s but that as he was failing, he would spend message to the hours listening to that recording over and grassroots of the over. One afternoon, he asked her to nation. Many of play it again. She returned to the room our performances a bit later and he was gone but still had are in gymnasiums a smile on his face. Again, Army Music and people come had touched a soul. from many miles While on tour in Eastern Europe with the around to hear US Army Europe Band and Chorus, the these world class terrible photos taken at the Abu Ghraib Army Musicians. The US Army Field Band at the end of another successful concert. prison had gone public and international After every opinion about the United States and concert we would specifically American Soldiers had mingle with the audience and thank them plummeted. We were in Croatia at the for their support of the Army. One night

54 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com Longest Serving Female Warrant Retires after 43 Years of Honorable Service

By Army Times

CW5 Jeanne Pace joined the Women’s 2. Try, Try Again. CW5 Pace attended Pace had no plans to leave the Army. She Army Corps (WAC) in 1972, playing in Warrant Officer Candidate School in was about to put in retirement paperwork the 14th Army WAC Band based out of 1983 but washed out. Two years later at the 30 year mark, but was offered CW5 Fort McClellan, Alabama. The fort, the she was the school’s distinguished honor and decided to remain in uniform. She band and the WAC have since closed up graduate, according to a 2011 Army news reached the 30-year limit for allowable shop, but CW5 Pace’s career continued release, enroute to becoming the first service as a Warrant Officer. through 43 years of active duty 4. World Travels. CW5 Pace’s duties service. Recognized as the longest have taken her to Fort Amador in what tenured female warrant Officer and was then the Panama Canal Zone, as the last former member of the WAC well as multiple domestic duty stations. on active duty, she retired in a Friday She returned to Fort Hood in 2009 and afternoon ceremony at Fort Hood, TX, deployed with III Corps in support of on 10 July 2015 where she served operations Iraqi Freedom and New as Bandmaster for the 1st Calvary Dawn from 2010 to 2011. Division Band. 5. Changing Times. This decade has Five things you should know about brought further integration of women CW5 Pace, one for each decade during into traditionally male Army jobs, a which she donned an Army uniform: CW5 Jeanne Pace began her Army service with the Wom- far cry from CW5 Pace’s early days in 1. An Integrated Force. The 1970s en’s Army Corps in 1972. Here CW5 Pace conducts the service. “My most lethal weapon in marked the end of the WAC, born out God and Country Concert at the University of Mary Hardin basic was an iron,” she said. “When I of World War II personnel needs and Baylor Center in June 2013. think about the past 43 years and see all offering a self-contained career track the changes, it’s pretty amazing. The for female Soldiers who weren’t nurses. female Warrant Officer Bandmaster. “I Army’s leading the way, and now women It included the 14th Army WAC Band, in tell people that my first attempt at Warrant have so many more opportunities.” which CW5 Pace played clarinet during was not successful, and I’m OK her formative Army years. Along with a with that,” CW5 Pace said in the musical education, the band offered Pace release. “I think it’s a message a look at the way women were treated by we need to get to Soldiers, that if the Army at the time. “That’s, I think, you have a goal, don’t let failure when it really, really started to hit me,” the first time dissuade you from CW5 Pace said in “The Beat of a Different that goal.” Drummer,” a documentary on the Army WAC Band. “What some of the women in 3. Passing Up Retirement. the WAC Band went through – Not being After initially joining the Army able to go to school, not being able to do on a three year enlistment as a the same training as the men, and how way to pay for college, CW5 different it really, really was for them.” Pace re-upped for four more Army integration efforts began in earnest years, then decided around the CW5 Jeanne Pace (left), former bandmaster for the 1st Caval- 10 year mark to stick it out until ry Division Band, is presented with a plaque by MG Michael Bills, midway through the decade. The WAC Commanding General, 1st Cavalry Division, commissioning her Band went away in 1976, and the WAC retirement eligibility. The 20 year milestone came and went as a Yellow Rose of Texas by Governor Greg Abbott during her itself was gone by 1978, as women entered retirement ceremony on Cooper Field at Fort Hood. Photo by the regular force. in the early 1990s, and CW5 SSG Christopher Calvert , 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.

1775 | Fall 2015 55 Deploying Army Bands – Models of Deployment and the Way Ahead

By CPT Silas N. Huff, AG, US ARCENT Bands LNO

The last seventy years saw the assets in ways to add maximum value to COA #1: Deploy a Large Band transformation of the Army Band their senior commanders’ visions. Some Element with Multiple MPTs on program (now known as the Army Music have deployed their full Bands (leaving TCS Orders. In 2014, the 1st Infantry program) to match the type of capabilities small detachments in the rear), allowing Division (1ID) deployed its Band in seen in combat arms branches. Music the forward Band element to break into support of the Combined Joint Task Performance Units (MPUs, or “Bands”) multiple MPTs, perform concurrent Force– Iraq (CJTF-I) in the fight against in today’s Army consist of modular, highly missions, and cover down on more areas. ISIL. Twenty-six Soldier-Musicians mobile Music Performance Teams (MPTs, Others have kept the main body of their deployed to Camp Buehring, Kuwait, on such as brass quintets, woodwind groups, Bands in the rear to send forward small TCS orders (10 Soldiers stayed in the and rock bands) that can quickly move into teams, or rotated MPTs into and out of rear). The 26 forward-deployed Soldiers an Area of Operations (AO), support an theater; however, despite the value of formed a variety of MPTs (Rock Band, event, engage an audience, and return to Army Bands and their scalable flexibility, Brass Quintet, Saxophone Quartet, and its permanent duty station or FOB in just divisions sometimes consider leaving the Party Band), and were able, from Camp a few hours. Combined, the MPTs of any whole Band in the rear when it comes time Buehring, to support concurrent missions given Army Band form a large ensemble – to deploy, or when they have a relatively across the AOR. For example, the 1ID a concert and/or marching band – capable small number of forces scattered around Rock Band can entertain troops in Erbil, of supporting large events (such as Fourth multiple AOs. Iraq, while the 1ID Brass Quintet supports of July community concerts, St. Patrick’s Why would a division not deploy its Band a ceremony at the Embassy in Baghdad Day Parades, or General Officer Change in support of its Soldiers downrange? and the 1ID Saxophone Quartet performs of Command Ceremonies), while small Some cite logistical considerations, the outreach missions at schools in Kuwait MPT missions are akin to surgical strikes cost affiliated with deploying a Band, or the City (see Figure 1). on small targets. Because every Army coveted Force Management Band consists of multiple MPTs which Level (FML) – the limit to the are independently deployable teams with number of personnel permitted cohesive NCO leadership, Army Bands in a certain country – but none are valuable assets to senior leaders who of these considerations should require musical support at any level, in inhibit a senior commander garrison and in deployment. from sending his or her Band In recent years, Army divisions have taken into theater. Consider the full advantage of the modular capabilities following recent successful of their Bands, deploying their Band courses of action: Figure 1

56 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com The pros of deploying a COA #2: Deploy Small Teams on large Band element on TCS TDY Rotations. When the 3rd Infantry orders include increased Division deployed its Band in 2014 capabilities downrange (such in support of US Forces-Afghanistan as concurrent missions and (USFOR-A), they developed a plan a greater variety of musical to send MPTs (seven Soldiers) on 60- styles); consistent musical day TDY rotations to Bagram Air Field support over a long period of (BAF). Each MPT that went to BAF time; and the ability to take developed ceremonial and entertainment on additional duties without capabilities (the 3ID Woodwind Quintet 1ST Infantry Division Band’s rock band MPT performs for dropping the musical mission by day became an acoustic the rock band children and faculty members at a school in Kuwait City.” when necessary. Cons Lo Krawl! by night; the 3ID Brass Quintet Additionally, Major General Paul E. Funk include dealing with complex by day became the Dixie jazz/rock band II, Commanding General, 1ID, authorized logistics of supporting a unit in residence crossover 55 Heroes by night) and covered the Band to support State Department (billeting and ground transportation, for down on all US installations and State personnel in the CENTCOM AOR on a example); decreased capability in the rear; Department facilities in Afghanistan (see case-by-case basis. He understood the musical saturation (wearing out the Band’s Figure 2). shrewd use of Army Bands as a form of welcome), and the deployed Soldier- The pros of deploying small teams on 60- “soft power,” capable of fostering a spirit Musicians footprint on the FML. day rotational TDYs include increased of cooperation and of influencing potential for high OPTEMPO (teams perceptions in nations that are work hard for two months, then important strategic allies. The rotate; the OPTEMPO remains heavy activities of the 1ID Band in 2015 as new teams come in); consistent resulted in a close collaboration musical support over a long period with the US Embassy to Kuwait, of time (RIP/TOAs between MPTs strengthened the ties between the leave no gap in support); a diversity US and this critical ally, and led to of musical offerings over the course an historic tour of the Kingdom of of the deployment (every two Saudi Arabia (KSA) in February Figure 2 months a different style of music 2015. The KSA tour set the stage is available to “customers”); high for President Obama’s visit there level of mobility; smaller impact on one month later, and—more logistics (billeting and ground trans, significantly—preceded the unrest for example); and no impact on in Yemen that still threatens stability the FML. Cons include decreased in the region. These activities are capabilities on any single rotation strong reminders of Army Bands’ (each MPT specializes in only one potential to support combatant or two styles of music); no capability commanders’ outreach plans for concurrent missions; and and diplomatic initiatives, and minimal ability to take on additional 3rd Infantry Division Band’s popular music MPT Lo Krawl! sup- to promote our national interests ports a troop review of Bosnian Soldiers and tour of USFOR-A duties without dropping the musical abroad. facilities by LTG AntoJelec, Chief of the Bosnia-Herzegovina mission. When the 3ID redeploys in Joint Staff. Photo by SFC David Wheeler, USFOR-A Public Affairs.

1775 | Fall 2015 57 November 2015, 10th Mountain Division at Camp Band plans to employ approximately the Patriot, and same method to provide musical support redeployed in Afghanistan. to Fort Bliss

COA #3: Deploy Small Teams on to recover. Periodic TDYs. CENTCOM Forward- At the Jordan (CF-J) works in an area of great conclusion of strategic importance, but CF-J personnel the whirlwind are scattered in relatively small numbers. musical When the 1st Armored Division tasked its tour (which Band to support CF-J troops, the Band’s would have daunted even leaders developed a plan to drop into the Figure 4 the heartiest AO on short, quarterly TDYs (14 to 17 The pros of deploying small MPTs on civilian rock band tour manager), In the days) and perform a rapid succession of short, independent TDYs into theater Turret had performed eight missions in missions in multiple locations. The 1AD include the potential for maximum ten days at seven military installations in Band’s rock MPT, In the Turret, took the OPTEMPO (teams work almost non-stop two countries (see Figure 3), and uploaded first shift in March 2015. for up to 17 days, then recover in the rear); and downloaded its 1,500-plus pounds of Seven Soldier-Musicians on TDY orders assurance against saturating an AO with equipment more than 40 times at a cost of flew on the CONUS Replacement Center musical support; highest level of mobility; just over $5,600 to 1AD. (CRC) rotator flight from Fort Bliss, smallest impact on logistics (teams Texas, to Kuwait, and then on to live in transient housing and require Jordan via regularly-scheduled minimal ground trans support); MilAir channel flights. While and no impact on the FML. Cons in transient status at the Theater include the lack of consistent Gateway, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, musical support in an AO; the they performed troop support inability to support requests-for- missions for Coalition personnel support between TDYs; decreased at Camp Arifijan and Ali Al Salem capabilities on any single rotation Air Base (with assistance from (each MPT specializes in only Figure 3 the ARCENT Bands LNO, who one or two styles of music); no arranged local ground transportation capability for concurrent missions; and coordinated with MWR and and almost no capacity for additional USO staff). Upon arrival in Amman, duties without dropping the musical Jordan, the Band rented two vehicles mission (see Figure 4). and began its CF-J tour. Because of Caveats. Since Army Bands have the austere nature of most military been restructured in a way to enhance installations in Jordan and the lack their capabilities in combat theater, of consistent musical support, In and various practices (described the Turret was welcomed like rock above) facilitate the deployment of stars at every venue. A week later, 1st Armored Division (1AD) Band’s popular music MPT “In the Band assets, the question remains: the seven 1AD Bandsmen returned Turret” supporting troops at an undisclosed location in the what challenges exist? to Kuwait, performed a final mission ARCENT AOR. Photo by SGT Spencer Mahoney, 1AD Band.

58 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com as much as possible and critical. One needs only to visit an austere simply hand-carried their post like Camp Patriot, FOB Fenti, or equipment (instruments and Muwaffaq Salti Air Base and see the amplifiers) to the helipad reaction of a Soldier to his favorite song and onto the aircraft as hand performed by a live band to understand how luggage. When 1AD’s In important Soldier support is. Embassies the Turret traveled via fixed- in the CENTCOM AOR continuously wing aircraft with over 1,500 request Army Band support for host-nation pounds of gear, they ensured events because ambassadors understand their ULN included not only the universal appeal and communicative SFC Leon Butler supervises the palletization of In the Turret’s 8 PAX, but also one pallet of power of music. As long as the US Army gear at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. Photo by SGT Spencer Mahoney, 1AD Band. gear, then maintained positive and American Soldiers engage in the full control of their gear at all range of military operations, Army Bands Air transportation into the ARCENT AOR times and palletized it themselves at the should be there to support the fight. presents complicated and potentially various passenger terminals in theater. costly hurdles, but a multitude of solutions As the needs of the Army change in a Other options include shipping gear in (with varying price tags) exist. The dynamic combat theater, so evolve the CONEXs, moving gear via Transportation weekly CRC flight out of Fort Bliss, Texas, methods senior leaders use to deploy their Movement Request (TMRs), and falling facilitated the 1AD Band’s short tour in Band assets. Given the wise leadership in on another team’s equipment, as 3ID March 2015, although another band would of those senior leaders, Army Bands will Band MPTs do in Afghanistan. have had to fund its own travel to Ft. Bliss continue to provide music throughout the in order to take advantage of this method. Training and unit prep are tasks full spectrum of military operations, instill There are also regular rotators from requiring careful consideration, but Band in our forces the will to fight and win, and Baltimore International Airport (BWI) Commanders and senior leaders should promote our national interests at home and various Arrival/Departure Airfield be aware that deployments of 17 days or and abroad. Control Group (A/DACG or ADACG) fewer are exempt from CRC, which greatly flights to Kuwait International Airport. reduces the ramp-up to deployment and Once on the ground in Kuwait, MilAir allows for easy OPS planning for short flights can take MPTs deeper into theater, TDYs in theater. although deploying units will want ULNs During the planning stages, the ARCENT (Unit Line Numbers, which are essentially Bands Liaison Officer stationed at Camp flight vouchers) to guarantee travel, and Arifjan, Kuwait (currently CPT Silas they will be at the mercy of MilAir flight Huff, soon to be MAJ Daniel Toven) can schedules. Commercial air is the most aid in providing information, assisting convenient (and most expensive) method with Band operations, staffing requests for of sending Soldiers into theater, but may musical support, liaising with embassies be the only recourse to certain locations and other “customers,” facilitating such as Lebanon and Kazakhstan. deployments, and tracking movements of Safely carting equipment is another MPTs in the ARCENT AOR. consideration. When the 1ID Band The Future of Army Music in Theater. MPTs moved around Iraq via rotary- Musical support for Enhance-the-Force wing aircraft, they reduced their load and Shape-the-Force Lines of Effort is

1775 | Fall 2015 59 US ARMY BANDS Picture-Grams

On 10-13 June 2015, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Middle Army Band held its 47th an- nual concert along with a special guest conductor on 12 June. CW3 Marvin Cardo, Commanding Offi- cer of the US Army Japan (USARJ) Band at Camp Zama, was invited to hold the baton and lead the band in a complicated rendition of ‘A Weekend in New York’ and an encore perfor- mance of ‘Hands Across The Sea.’ It was the first time a USARJ Band member conducted at this annual performance. At the finale, CW3 Cardo joined two JGSDF Middle Army Band members to sing to ‘On The Mall March.’ Photos by JGSDF Middle Army Public Affairs Office.

The Band of the Nation’s Capital marching down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC for the 2015 DC Emancipation Day Parade.

60 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com US ARMY BANDS Picture-Grams The 13th Army Band, Florida Nation- al Guard, performs during Military Appreciation Day, 8 March 2015, in Tallahassee, FL.

The 3rd Infantry Division Acoustic Rock Band “Lo! Krawl” performs for LTG Anto Jelec, Chief of the Bosnia-Herzegovina Joint Staff, when he conducted a troop review of Bosnian Soldiers and toured USFOR-A facilities on 12-13 March 2015. US Army Photo by SFC David Wheeler, USFOR-A Public Affairs.

1775 | Fall 2015 61 Section V AGCRA

Relevance AGCRA European Chapter

By Mr. John G. Spillman

n 2012, I wrote an article published in have led with distinction the AGCRA points of contact. The results were I1775, “Why Become A Member of the European Chapter in becoming a relevant outstanding; attendance increased more AGCRA?” I wrote this article because organization to its AG Communities. than 100% (Over 300 AG personnel in I felt a need to explain what makes the In 2012, the AGCRA European Chapter attendance) from the previous years with AGCRA relevant; the AG Community. was led by two outstanding Colonels, all military installations represented. The I was inspired to write the article from COL (Ret) Quinn (President) and COL Commanding General, United States my experiences during the development (Ret) Larsen (Vice-President). During Army Europe, LTG Donald M. Campbell, of USAREUR’s Frederick E. Vollrath the 2012 campaign, the Chapter held attended the AG Ball as its guest speaker. Human Resources for Excellence several discussions on how to make the In addition, the AG Ball saw record Program. As a new government European Chapter relevant. For example, numbers in fundraising (over $4,500). employee, I required guidance and sought how to advertise the annual European AG It’s the success of the regional points of it from our Corps. During the process of Ball to increase attendance by attracting contact that led the AGCRA European finding points of contacts for the newly junior level service members, how to Chapter to announce during the AG Ball reactivated and centralized European effectively fund raise prior to the AG the new Regional Vice-President Chapter Chapter, I observed the AG Community Ball, how to recruit for membership, and officer positions. The new positions struggled with the relevance of the how to provide professional development gives each AG Community a voice on the Chapter besides collecting membership activities to all AG communities within Chapter Board of Directors and empowers dues and organizing the annual AG Ball. the European theater. The Chapter Board each Regional Vice-President to form The AGCRA European Chapter has come members responded to this challenge by committees representing the Chapter in a long way since its inauguration in 2009 choosing to recruit points of contacts their regions. as a centralized AG Association Chapter from each military installation in the for the European theater. However, European theater that would act on behalf significant changes with immediate impact of the Chapter in their respective region. began under a newly elected Chapter In 2013, COL (Ret) Quinn (Vice- Board in 2012. From 2012 to 2015, President) switched roles with COL (Ret) each Chapter President led contributions Larsen (President). The Chapter Board with immediate and lasting impact on members would continue implementing the Chapter. The following AGCRA change and discussing how to implement European Chapter Presidents: COL (Ret) further changes to help the Chapter COL Robert S. Larsen presents LTG Donald M. Thomas G. Quinn, Jr. (2011-2013), COL become more relevant. In the meantime, (Ret) Robert S. Larsen (2013-2014), and Campbell, Commanding General, United States the Chapter conducted its first European Army Europe, with a gift for his guest speakership SGM Ronald E. Walker (2014-Present), AG Ball after utilizing community role during the 2014 Europe AG Ball.

62 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com In 2014, SGM Walker took over as pursuing professional development, Chapter President. During his tenure, sharing knowledge, forming networks SGM Walker developed and implemented within their Corps, recognizing a Chapter scholarship program benefiting subordinate excellence in the field, and military dependent high school graduates simply supporting one another. AGCRA planning to attend college. The does not exist nor is relevant without inauguration of this program produced its members from the AG Community. two $500 scholarship awards presented Relevance is linked to the support of local at the students’ graduation ceremony. commanders and leaders. Therefore, it’s In addition, SGM Walker led another Members of the AGCRA European Chapter important Chapter members seek the successful Europe AG Ball mirroring the Wiesbaden Committee present their school support of their commands and leaders. results from the previous year’s AG Ball. supplies donation to teachers at Wiesbaden Commanders and leaders want nothing Elementary School. The only exception is that 16 awards were presented compared to only three during school supplies to the Wiesbaden the previous year’s AG Ball. Elementary School. In addition, the AGCRA Wiesbaden Committee manages a regional FaceBook page and MilSuite page in which it uses to push information out to its AG communities. Some of the big Wiesbaden events included: MG Mark T. McQueen, DCG, Mobilization and Reserve Affairs, United COL Martin provides an HR brief during States Army Europe; SGM Christian Carr, an AGCRA European Chapter professional SGM Willie T. Grandison, G1 SGM, 5th Signal G1 SGM, United States Army Europe; development luncheon at the Wiesbaden Dining Command, and Mr. John G. Spillman, 2014- and SGM Willie Grandison, G1 SGM, Facility Conference Room. 2015 Wiesbaden Regional VP, present the 5th Signal Command, as professional AGCRA European Chapter Scholarship check to development guest speakers. Other more than to support a Corps that Nancy Avila during the Wiesbaden High School events included teaming up with the actively seeks to develop its members Graduation Ceremony. Warrant Officer Association to hold the in which they inadvertently benefit from Another success of SGM Walker’s Rhein River Cruise Fundraiser (raising having a better prepared, confident, and tenure as Chapter President are the more $2,000 for each organization) and thus, relevant staff. I implore all AG Chapter’s regional committees led by the German / American Fest in which leaders to support their local AGCRA their respective Regional Vice-President. AGCRA members volunteered more Chapter by sponsoring memberships for SGM Walker’s mentorship and support of than 130 hours of their time raising more subordinate personnel, holding a Chapter the Regional Vice-Presidents contributed than $597. Fundraising is important, officer position, providing professional to the success of the Chapter as a whole. but not as important as the development development, mentoring, and seeking For example, as the Wiesbaden Regional and comradery of the AG Corps. command support for local Chapter Vice-President for 2014-2015, followed Wiesbaden Community AG leaders activities. Lead from the front, become by CPT Dina D. Boley for 2015-2016, sponsored Chapter memberships for 15 relevant! the Wiesbaden Region is a success story Soldiers during membership drives and worth sharing. Currently, the Wiesbaden consistently encourage their Soldiers, by Region conducted ten professional leading by example, to attend AG Socials development luncheons, six AG Socials, which provides a platform for the AG 10 fundraisers (raising about $4,500), community to network and to recognize recruited 27 new members, renewed 22 HR excellence. memberships, presented 13 AGCRA Relevance! Relevance is achieved when awards, and donated $250 worth of the AG Community remains active;

1775 | Fall 2015 63 Patton’s Gateway Chapter Races into History

By CPT Estela M. Barrios, Deputy G-1, 1st Sustainment Command (Theater)

An estimated 400 runners line up for the start of the inaugural AGCRA Patton’s Gateway Chapter 5K run on 30 May 2015 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Nearly a month after the National Executive Council approved the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association’s newest Chapter, the members of the group went to work to raise Chapter awareness across the installation, grow its membership, and create professional development opportunities. Photo by CPT Likeithia Williams, Area Support Group-Kuwait. amp Arifjan, Kuwait – CPT Likeithia 400 runners took off when the horn blew just made it easier to form that common CWilliams was all smiles when the at 5 AM, making it one of the largest bond.” final runners and walkers passed the races in Kuwait for 2015. finish line to pick up a T-shirt, banana and The Chapter’s activation approval was high-five at this bustling logistical hub barely days old when Chapter president, in the Middle East. The last 60 minutes LTC James Morgan, issued a challenge had placed an exclamation point on a to the group to raise awareness across the very busy 60 days for members of the installation, grow Chapter membership, Adjutant General’S Corps Regimental and create professional development Association’s newest chapter. For most opportunities. “We initiated the Chapter runners, this was just another weekend 60 days ago. We held a breakfast and had race. For CPT Williams and about 15 a senior leader from US Army Central other Human Resources professionals, as a guest speaker two weeks later. however, organizing the inaugural Then, we put on an outstanding race, Patton’s Gateway Chapter 5K run on 30 Runners take part in the inaugural Patton’s and proved that the AG Community is Gateway Chapter 5K run at Camp Arifjan, May 2015 was not just about making a valuable, viable and venerable,” he said. Kuwait. The newest AGCRA Chapter created splash throughout the camp, but quietly LTC Morgan, the G1 for 1st Sustainment the run to raise Chapter awareness across the taking part in history. Command (Theater), even championed installation. Photo by CPT Likeithia Williams, “A race is how you make and leave your the command’s Reserve Components to Area Support Group-Kuwait. mark on Camp Arifjan. It elevates your get involved and join the HR profession’s LTC Morgan said that bond marked organization or event on par with major esprit de corps; and, for good strategic the importance and significance of the milestones, like the Army birthday or reason, since nearly 20 percent of chapter’s formation and the 5K run, holiday runs,” said CPT Williams, the Soldiers in theater come from the Army to align with the Army’s Profession of S1 for Area Support Group-Kuwait. Reserves and National Guard. It worked. Arms and recent emphasis on Civilian “And when there’s an official T-shirt Army Reservist CPT Jonathon Parker, the Professional Certification that is now involved, you get to advertise for free S1 for the Colorado based 244th Engineer included in the branch professional all yearlong.” After the organization’s Battalion, agreed. “The formation of timelines per Army Regulation 600- National Executive Council approved the AGCRA Patton’s Gateway Chapter 3, The Army Personnel Development the Patton’s Gateway Chapter activation marks an important connection between System. “The main purpose was to petition, the members of the group went Active Duty, Guard and Reserve. With promote awareness and focus on the need to work. They designed the official our modular force structure and during for Leader Professional Development for Chapter T-shirt, became race directors, our deployments, we get the opportunity all ranks and components. But we’re not and mobilized the Adjutant General’s to work across components to seamlessly done yet,” he said. “The HR profession Corps Community at this logistical integrate with one another,” CPT Parker touches every command, every unit, headquarters that is also home to the US said. “The Patton’s Gateway Chapter every Soldier. We must lead. It’s in our Army Central. The results: an estimated charter.”

64 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com 2015 AGCRA Third Annual Scholarship Winners

By COL (Ret) Bob Ortiz

AGCRA awarded $1,000 scholarships to final selections. Based on their academic purchases. AGCRA scholarships are six outstanding applicants submitted for performance, community service, and primarily supported by sales of our historic consideration as AGCRA members or ability to articulate future goals, the AG Corps print by world renown artist Family members of AGCRA members. individuals shown below were voted as Mort Kunstler. So don’t put off buying The 2015 applicant field was extremely most qualified to receive 2015 AGCRA it any longer and support our AGCRA strong again for this year’s competition scholarships made possible by active scholarship program. Congratulations and it was very challenging for the AGCRA membership dues and proceeds again to all 2015 AGCRA scholarship scholarship selection board to make the from the AG Corps Regimental Print recipients!

Blakley McCurdy of Amarillo, TX. Son of Megan R. Rigabar of Wildwood, MO. Bianca C. Taylor of El Paso, TX. Daughter of MAJ Dale and Patricia McCurdy. Blakley is Daughter of Geoffrey and Barbara Rigabar. Elaine M. Spencer. Bianca is attending the attending West Texas A&M University. Megan is attending the University of South University of Texas at El Paso. Carolina.

SGT Gabriel A. Peterson, HHC, 70th BSB, Jelton A. Alfonso of Wahiawa, HI. Son of Paige M. Cashman of Somersworth, NH. Camp Casey, Korea. SGT Peterson is SGM Hector and Midred Alfonso. Jelton is Daughter of SFC Matthew and Christina attending Trident University. attending Texas A&M. Cashman. Paige is attending Saint Anselm College.

1775 | Fall 2015 65 AGCRA Award Winners 1 April 2015 – 31 August 2015

MAJ Kyle D. Fails SFC Julissa Brene CPT Benjamin D. Buford MAJ Stephen L. Christian SFC Typana LD Edwards CPT Brian R. Perkins MAJ Euphemia S. Ramey SSG Damesha L. Graham-Hood CPT Christopher Harmon CPT Broderick Lee Gardner SSG Rashied C. Tolson CPT Corry T. Shepherd CPT Cameron T. Quarles SSG Stefen A. Neuwar CPT Courtney L. Fuller CPT Charles A. Castillo SGT Annette Willis CPT David B. Leverett HORATIO GATES GOLD CPT Christina Valentine CPL Brian K. Jenkins CPT Derick B. Sikes COL Thomas G. Quinn, Jr. CPT Dina D. Boley CPT Devan Smith COL Angela M. Odom CPT Eric G. Becker CPT Elia Valdespino COL BJ Constantine, Jr, CPT Estela Maria Barrios CPT Ellen Stovall (2nd) CPT Henry Okoroafor CPT Evevetta L. Crawford LTC Terry Owens CPT Margie Grines CPT Ferguson Price MAJ Boyd R. Bingham CPT Sarah M. Hernandez CPT Genesia A. Foster MAJ Heather Clancy CPT Stanley J. Gillens, Jr. CPT Gregory S. Henderson MAJ Randy P. Lefebvre CPT Lakeshia Pride COL ROBERT L. MANNING CPT Heather S. Deters CW5 Ronald G. Galloway 1LT Katherine T. Alegado ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL CPT Jahncy A. Franklin (2nd) CW5 David G. Betancourt COL Angela M. Odom CPT Jason M. Decker CW5 Coral J. Jones CW4 Enrique Aguirre LTC David C. Welch CPT Joesefina Martinez CW3(P) Mark W. Hickman CW4 James G. Arnold, Jr. LTC Jared A. Reid CPT John D. Welch SGM Todd J. Shirley CW4 Laura L. Gentry LTC Jeanine M. White CPT Joseph H. Swain MSG Charles Mursch CW4 Shannon L. Nance LTC Robert M. Hicks CPT Justin M. Rudolf SSG Mishi M. Brantley CW2 Christian Hernandez CH (LTC) Terrennce M. CPT Katrina P. Cezar CW2 Joshua G. Martin Walsh CPT Krystal A.Merchan CW2 Latisha A. Mosby MAJ Alfonso T. Johnson CPT Lam T. Truong CSM Charles E. Smith (2nd) MAJ Alicia L. Pruitt CPT Laterrious L. Starks SGM Ethenia C. Bonham MAJ Cristian A. Pinzon CPT LaTondra Paoli SGM Jason J. Filmore MAJ Jillian Chang CPT Laura Esper SGM Jill R. Mathews MAJ Jon A. Hermesch CPT Lekeshia A. Moore SGM Lee A. Thomas MAJ Kendrick D. Fanniel CPT Lindsay M. Schroeder HORATIO GATES BRONZE SGM Peter Robles MAJ Lawrence Torres CPT Matthew K. McDaniel COL Elmore J. Jones, Jr. SGM Tommy Ray McGowen MAJ Simone S. Butler CPT Meldrick Poindexter LTC Jason L. Baker SGM Willie T. Grandison MAJ Steven A. Czap CPT Melonie West LTC Patrick W. Triplett 1SG Lacreia V. McClellan MAJ Tammy A. Fanniel CPT Mohammad Alam LTC Ralph N. Perkins IV 1SG Murriel A. Arroyo MAJ Terrell D. Pasley CPT Nathurlon L. Fredericks LTC Sean G. Barrett 1SG Penny Bell CPT(P) Leonard J. Baklarz CPT Nicole A. Hayman MAJ Barrcary J. Lane 1SG Wayne J. Aragon CPT Aaron N. Burlingame CPT Nicole M. Butler MAJ Becky Siu MSG Christy Rabre CPT Adam D. Shaffstall CPT Oluwole A. Osibodu MAJ Douglas D. Novak MSG Sandra M. Myers CPT Amaquah K. Bonsu CPT Quintisia B. Kelly MAJ Greta A. Railsback SFC Germaine Williams CPT Andy Orozco-Martinez CPT Quintisia B. Kelly MAJ Gretchen J. Gardner SFC James D. Davis CPT Ashley M. Goldman CPT Rachel H. Dermody MAJ Janelle V. Kutter SFC Jasmine N. Young CPT Bailey D. Colwell CPT Rachel Pierre-Louis

66 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com CPT Robert E. Haynes CW2 Cy’Tique T. Johnson SFC Lisseyda Y. Rosario SGT Brian S. Stout CPT Ruben Diaz CW2 Daniel E. Williams SFC Losvontay S. Brown SGT Daisy Collazo CPT Samuel X. Lewis CW2 Deandra C. Nash SFC Luis A. Marin SGT Domino Cameron CPT Shemeka L. Wright CW2 Erika E. Jordan SFC Mario S. Almeida SGT Dustin Doyal CPT Tamara Young CW2 Genevieve Casanova SFC Maritza E. Rosales SGT Jeremy M. Shirel CPT Victoria A. Allen CW2 Jarrod G. Nash SFC Mark Garcia SGT Jessica Harwell- CPT William J. Harp CW2 Josh Sergeant SFC Marlene B. Carroll Woodard CPT Yifei Zhang CW2 Nelson J. Almodovar SFC Michael D. Spence SGT Jesus I. Gardner CPT Ferdinand Sanchez CW2 Robert A. Savage SFC Michael E. Wolff SGT Joshua W. Ricker 1LT Lisa Miller CW2 Shannon R. Yancey SFC Narda B. Bowen SGT Keith A. Wilkins 1LT Alexandra Teskey WO1 Thomas W. Jackson, Jr. SFC Patricia A. SGT Kellin J. Varela 1LT Ashlie LaFalce CSM Carolyn Donaldson Wortherlyfoye SGT Kindra Smith 1LT Brittany Ledbetter CSM Gilbert Sutton SFC Rafael Garza SGT Laquandra Dansby 1LT Carrie Ann Carrier CSM Michael T. Forbes SFC Reginald C. Reese SGT Lecoyia D. Garrison 1LT Holly N. Hepfl CSM Nyeedra T. Edwards SFC Robert D. Nibbs SGT Lylephillip I. Celis 1LT Kevin R. Devol CSM Robert H. Atkinson, Jr. SFC Rose M. Byrd SGT Maira A. Deleon 1LT Laura Oten SGM Arthur L. Mohead SFC Sandra M. Owen SGT Mario A. Navarro III 1LT Marvin Greene SGM Brian D. Spencer SFC Steven Thomas SGT Mark Conner 1LT Matthew M. McCroan SGM Marlena D. Goode SFC Tiffany V. Bjorklund SGT Melissa V. Hupe 1LT Melissa R. Turner 1SG Eddie R. Andrews II SFC Timothy Wardrop SGT Nadine Gonzalez 1LT Nadine A. Gamble 1SG Edwin Carrusini SSG Albert L. Jaramillo SGT Nery Jiminez 1LT Noreen P. Masciello 1SG Eric Basora SSG Ashley Cross-White SGT Renelle T. Johnson 1LT Omar H. Villa 1SG Jonathan R. Martinez SSG Brandon M. Deen, Sr. SGT Ricky Meadows 1LT Sara C. Mitchell 1SG Marshall Rader SSG Cameron Diggs SGT Rogelio J. Hernandez 1LT Sara J. Higgins 1SG Melinda C. Pressley SSG Daniyelle Cills SGT Roy Ramos 1LT Teresa N. Ordiway 1SG Tresia Huell SSG Dianne L. Hoffman SGT Selina Gonzalez 1LT Victoria Adame MSG(P) James S. White SSG Elsie M. Reeves SGT Sergio Rosas 1LT Vidal L. Freeman MSG Billy J. Jacobson SSG Jessilyne U. Kingto SGT Shonessi S. Lewis 1LT(P) Rodolfo A. Zelda MSG Dillon A. Wiggins SSG Jonathan W. Willis SGT Tyler G. Petersen 2LT Charlotte Burnett MSG Jamie K. Price SSG Kimily T. Morgan SGT Vincent Ciamaichelo 2LT Danielle R. Gargiulo MSG Jerry Elliott SSG Lyndia M. Calhoun SPC Aaron Wiggins 2LT Gabrielle M. Tully MSG Lynn Robinson SSG Marcus J. Harvey SPC Alton Gray 2LT Matthew Eller MSG Rebecca R. Kennedy SSG Marie L. Wright SPC Angel Crail 2LT Nicolette B. Pizzo SFC Andre D. Goncalves SSG Natalie I. Briscoe SPC Anna Bolivar 2LT Shayla Leathers SFC Billy Foster SSG Prentice R. Russell, Jr. SPC Carlos Rivera-Crespo CW4 Ivette Reese SFC Danny Padro SSG Randy L. Cain SPC Charles E. Crawford CW4 Koo H. Yoo SFC Debbi L. Bailey SSG Rebecca L. Goncalves SPC Cynthia J. Brown CW4 Roddrick Tumlin SFC Derek M. Plante SSG Richard V. Amaya SPC Deandre Wilson CW3 Arana D. Aracelly SFC Derrick C. Reed SSG Sandra K. Mitchom SPC Dominique Frazier CW3 Cristal M. Heichelbech SFC Eric Hainline SSG Shareeta L. Vance SPC Emilio Woods CW3 James L. Higgins SFC Erikson Chazulle SSG Sylvester Fields SPC George Joseph CW3 Ryan Martin, Sr. SFC George B. Wilson SSG William B. Tsaoorellana SPC Jah Christopher Kindred CW3 Victor M. Trinidadsilvia SFC Gloria Harrell SSG William D. Hodges SPC Jannette Taylor CW3 Wainer F. Nelson SFC Harold R. Kidd SSG William F. Thaxton SPC Jean C. Vegacruz CW2 Aldo J. Castrosantos SFC Jed M. Lundell SSG Wilson L. Cunningham SPC Jeffrey K. Aiken CW2 Charlie H. Evans SFC Jennifer T. McKay SSG Wintre-Renee Davis SPC Jeffrey Terrell CW2 Ciji C. Evans SFC Joshua D. Murray SSG Yukon A. Brown SPC Kimberly C. Gonzalez CW2 Clarisse S. Bernier SFC Latoya Richardson SGT Brandon Duggan SPC Kyera Francis

1775 | Fall 2015 67 SPC Lindsay T. Brewer WO1 George T. King SFC Cybelle Rey-Hernandez Mr. John B. Nerger SPC Lynesha Saintil SFC Charmaine Campbell SFC Jacqueline Lampert Mrs. Beatrice Constantine SPC Marcus D. Wilson SFC David A. Wilkins SFC Lovel D. Daniels Mrs. Kelley D. Mustion SPC Raena A. Bulusan SFC Jacqueline Lampert SFC Sherif A. Mostafa Mrs. Paula J. Galloway SPC Ramon E. SSG Natalie I. Brisco SFC Stacy L. Howell Mrs. Virginia Clayton Mirandadejesus SSG William C. Eichas SSG Alex R. Segura SPC Reginald Thomas SGT Ayesha Johnson SSG Courtney Fulton SPC Sharena Smith SGT Rebecca L. Padgett SSG Jeremy A. Baharloui SPC Tanya M. Ruiz SSG Jose Pacheco SPC Tatyana Z. Oneal SSG Linda D. Williams SPC Tirso J. Galindo SSG Troy Sims SPC William B. Hill SGT Anthony A. Worley SPC William Ingersoll SGT Ayshea Haynes MG WILLIAM H. GOURLEY SPC Zechariah D. Bush SGT Brittany Baker LEADERSHIP AWARD PFC Jameson M. Goulding SGT Correy Jackson CPT Patrick A. Campbell Mr. Carl E. King ROOSEVELT MEDAL SGT Dwight J. Smalls CPT Jason N. Rivard Mr. Christopher Bailey CPT April L. Habib SGT Kyiarra Crews CPT Devan M. Smith Mr. Dave Askew CPT Elia Valdespino SGT Oceana K. Howard Mr. Jose Soto CPT Erna B. Jablonski CPL D’Layne Shaw Mr. Joseph Commander CPT Josiah L. Fisher SPC Alton Gray Mr. Matthew D. Gooden CPT Lisa A. Hernandez SPC Christopher Mozee Mr. Norberto Sotofuentes CPT Lisa Y. Maginot SPC Clarissa J. Martinez Mrs. Edwina V. Bivins CPT Margie Grines SPC Joseph Thurman Mrs. Jessica Mull CPT Mylene D. Lyons SPC Joshua Hawkins Ms. Cora Stafford CPT Natalie O. Minear SPC Kayla Anderson CPT Tanisha L. Smith SPC Ronald Crumpton COL FRANK C. FOSTER, 1LT Erika Ortega PFC Joshua T. Klamer JR. AWARD FOR WRITING 1LT Lauren V. Hughes PV2 Mishaela McDougal CPT Amanda E. Rollinson 1LT Rachel L. Mercier CPT Justin M. Rudolf 2LT Antonette Curry CPT Steven J. Guevara 2LT Auzdon Anothen 2LT Gerome Banks 2LT Karina Lewin HARRISON MEDAL 2LT Marquetta Scott CPT Amanda E. Rollinson 2LT Patricia Mendoza CPT Cheryl L. Miller CW2 Abyee W. Mallory HONORARY HORATIO GATES CPT John A. Hermida, Jr. CW2 CuiCui Randolph MG Stephen R. Lyons CPT Jordan K. Wade CW2 Enrius Collazogerena COL Jeffrey C. Powell LTG TIMOTHY J. CPT Robin A. Simmons CW2 Joshua M. Sargeant COL Randy G. Stevens MAUDE MEDAL FOR CPT Walter J. Denham III CW2 Natalya Y. Myers LTC Chane A. Dentinger DISTINGUISHED 1LT Alexis Gomzales CW2 Tom B. Golden CPT(P) Leonard J. Baklarz ACHIEVEMENT 2LT Bianca A. Apuya WO1 Eboni Perez CPT Crystal D. Ernst CPT Toni R. James 2LT Gerome Banks WO1 Erica McDowell WO 1 Laramie C. Proctor CW3 Leo N. Scott, Jr. CW2 David L. Miller, Jr. WO1 George T. King CSM George A. Bequer CW2 Jason P. Lonski WO1 Mandi L. Lewis CSM Matthew D. Suggs CW2 Maile M. Johnson-Silas CSM Gilbert Sutton, Jr. Dr. Stephen E. Bower WO1 Mandi L. Lewis SFC Billy R. Foster Mr. Jay D. Aronowitz

68 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com SPC Jeffrey Cannon SPC Kiersten Hall SPC Lacey Kennedy SPC Nicola Galati SPC Phillip Pleasant SPC Seth Ravid SGM LARRY L. SPC Travis Welborn STRICKLAND MEDAL SPC Miriam Ariwoola FOR DISTINGUISHED PFC Cody Morgan ACHIEVEMENT ESTHER DE BERDT PFC Dennis Sloan SFC Julie R. Steward REED MEDAL FOR PFC Kayla Searls SPC Ronald A. Crumpton II DISTINGUISHED PFC Morgan Cross ACHIEVEMENT PFC Ramon Blanco-Pabon Mrs. Misty M. Shehan PFC Zevin Carter PV2 Kiar Roberts PV2 Zana Raven PVT Ashley Prince PVT Colt Choiniere PVT Robert Merino JOHN J. DINNIEN CIVILIAN AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN AIT MEDAL OF MILITARY PERSONNEL EXCELLENCE MANAGEMENT SGT Julissa Artis Mr. Foster Goodman SPC Felicia Bennett Mr. Philip J. Freeborn SPC Jamie Edwards

Colonel Robert L. Manning Achievement Medal Presentations

Mr. Mike Molosso, AGCRA Senior Vice President (far right) and Mr. Bill Villnow AGCRA Secretary (far left) presented Colonel Robert L. Manning Achievement Medals to CPT Meldrick Poindexter, CPT Rachel Pierre- Louis, CPT Devan Smith and CPT Tamara Young, members of the AG Captains Career Course Class 04-15 for their extensive support to the 2015 AG Corps National Ball at Fort Jackson, SC.

1775 | Fall 2015 69 heck out the AG Corps logo (navy or red); golf tees (3 1/4” in CAG Corps logo natural or white), and golf wind shirts with AG apparel available Corps logo (navy) are available for purchase in the Sutler Store. in the Sutler Store. For more information or For the upcoming to purchase items from the Sutler Store, visit summer months, cool www.agcra.com, or contact CSM (Ret) Teresa dry polyester polo Meagher, AGCRA VP, Sales and Marketing, at shirts with AG Corps logo are available in both [email protected]. women’s and men’s styles in white, navy, and Below are a few select items available for red colors. For golfers who want to show their purchase in the Sutler Store. Prices include AG Corps pride on the course, golf towels with shipping and handling:

Items for Sale in the Sutler Store

Home & Office AG Corps Gift Bag w/tissue paper – Navy (8” x 10” or 10” x 13”) $ 5.00 AG Corps Note Card w/envelope $ 1.00 Computer Mousepad w/LOGO – Round (AG Corps or Army Band) $ 6.00 Executive Padfolio, Zippered w/Debossed LOGO – (Blue / Black) $20.00 Junior Padfolio w/LOGO – (Black) $10.00 Laser Pointer w/AG Corps engraving – (Black w/green light) $38.00 Newhall Street Pen w/Gift Presentation Box – (Two-tone brass) $15.00 Post-it Notes w/LOGO, Sky Blue – 25 sheets (Small - 3” x 4”) $ 1.50 Post-it Notes w/LOGO, Sky Blue - 25 sheets (Large - 4” x 6”) $ 2.00 Print, Andrew Jackson – (Black / White) $ 2.00 Rollerball Pen – (Silver or Navy) $ 8.00 Rollerball Pen Refills $ 1.00 Stylus Pen - (Red or Blue) $ 5.00

Mens Apparel AG Corps Cuff Links $10.00 AG Corps Necktie $20.00 AG Corps Tie Tac $ 2.00 Combo Set (AG Corps Necktie, Cuff Links, Tie Tac, and Lapel Pin-3/4”) $29.00 Men’s Cool Dry Polo w/LOGO (50% Cool Dry Polyester / 50% Polyester) $20.00 (Navy, Red, or White) (MD, LG, XL, 2XL) Men’s Cotton Polo w/LOGO (Khaki) - (MD, LG, XL, 2XL) $20.00 Men’s Long Sleeve Solid Dress Shirt w/LOGO - (Light Blue or Khaki) $30.00 (MD, LG, XL, 2XL)

70 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com Novelties & Collectibles AG Corps Afghan $40.00 AG Corps Coin $ 7.50 AG Corps Lapel Pin – 1” $ 3.00 AG Corps Lapel Pin – 3/4” $ 2.00 AG Corps Car Magnet $ 5.00 AG Corps Stained Glass Shield w/chain, (8” x 9”) $75.00 AG Corps Stained Glass Shield w/chain, (4” x 4.5”) $28.00 AG Corps Stainless Water Bottle, 24 oz. (Navy or Red) $15.00 AG Corps Tapestry Wall Hanging $35.00 Ceramic Mug w/LOGO – 11 oz. (Cobalt) $ 5.00 Stainless Steel Travel Mug w/handle – 16 oz. (Navy) $10.00 Wooden Humidor w/laser engraved Regimental Crest (Solid or Glass Top) $40.00

The Golf Store AGCRA Golf Tees, 3 1/4”, (Natural or White) - 25 Count $ 5.00 Golf Windshirt w/embroidered LOGO and zippered sleeves – (Navy) $45.00 (SM, MD, LG, XL, 2XL) Heavyweight Golf Towel w/Grommet & Embroidered LOGO – (Navy or Red) $10.00

Unisex Apparel AG Corps Ball Cap w/LOGO – (Navy or Red) (Structured / Unstructured) $12.00 AG Corps Sweatpants – Navy (MD, LG, XL, 2XL) $15.00 AG Corps Sweatshirt - Navy (Crew or Hooded) (MD, LG, XL, 2XL) $20.00 AG Corps T-Shirt – Navy (SM, MD, LG, XL, 2XL) $10.00

Womens Apparel AG Corps Ladies Stick Pin $ 5.00 Women’s Cool Dry Polo w/LOGO (50% Cool Dry Polyester/50% Polyester) $20.00 (Navy, Red, or White) (SM, MD, LG, XL, 2XL) Women’s 3/4 Sleeve Length Solid Dress Shirt w/LOGO-(White / Light Blue) $25.00 (SM, MD, LG, XL, 2XL)

For more information or to purchase items from the Sutler Store, visit www.agcra. com, or contact SSG (Ret) Barbara Bishop, Committee Chair, Sutler Store Sales, at [email protected], or at 803-751-1095.

1775 | Fall 2015 71 Not Getting Your Mailed Copy of 1775?

irst, if you are reading this dawns on you that you’re not are a member in good standing. article in your personal hearing much from AGCRA, and 99The member moved or PCS’d, F copy of 1775, then you’re you definitely haven’t received but did not update their probably OK. But if you are any issues of 1775 lately. Your membership and mailing data getting ready to PCS or move, Association membership is good in their personal account at read on. And if you have a battle for another year (or is it?), and AGCRA.com. buddy who’s gripping they haven’t fellow AGCRA members at Fort 99The member lost his or her received their copy of 1775 lately, Stewart are receiving their copies AGCRA.com user name and have them read this. of 1775. So what gives? password and can no longer access the Association’s So, you’ve PCS’d from Fort At AGCRA headquarters at Fort website. Richardson, Alaska to Fort Jackson, SC, the Association’s Stewart, Georgia and it suddenly Executive Council receives this What to do? Believe our battle question a lot. The answer to buddy 2LT McGillicuddy has what gives usually lies with the figured it out! individual member who hasn’t done one of the following:

99The member doesn’t realize their AGCRA membership expired, yet still believes they

72 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association | www.AGCRA.com CW5 Betancourt assumes AG Corps Regimental Chief Warrant Officer Responsibilities from CW5 Jones

FORT JACKSON – On 3 September 2015, COL Jack L. Usrey, Chief of the Adjutant General’s Corps, conducted a change of responsibility ceremony as CW5 David G. Betancourt assumed duties as the AG Corps Regimental Chief Warrant Officer from CW5 Coral Jones.

CW5 Betancourt was previously assigned as the Senior Human Resources Technician for III Corps & Fort Hood G1 where he provided oversight over Corps personnel operations and HR systems, and managed the HR Warrant Officer populations for Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, Fort Carson and Fort Riley. See CW5 Betancourt’s complete biography with- in Section I of this edition of 1775. CW5 Jones is retiring from the Army after 34 years of honorable service. COL U s r e y n o t e d that in October 2010, the Army promoted CW5 Jones to Chief Warrant Officer 5 and she made CW5 David G. Betancourt (right) accepts history. CW5 Jones made history by becoming the sword of responsibility as the new AG the first African- American female in the AG Corps Regimental Chief Warrant Officer Corps to be promoted to CW5. She and her hus- (RCWO) from COL Jack L. Usrey (Center), band Derrick will reside in the Atlanta, GA area. Chief of the AG Corps. CW5 Coral Jones (left), outgoing RCWO looks on.

CW5 Coral Jones and her husband Derrick CW5 Coral Jones receives her certificate of enjoy the festivities at her retirement retirement from COL Jack L. Usrey, Chief luncheon on 3 September 2015. of the AG Corps, on 3 September 2015 at the Soldier Support Institute. The Adjutant General’s Corps Non Profit Org. Regimental Association U.S. Postage PO Box 10026 PAID Fort Jackson, SC 29207 Columbia, SC Permit # 00586

The Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association Non Profit Org. To: Current Resident, or US Postage PO Box 10026 PAID Permit No. 00586 Fort Jackson, SC 29207 Columbia, SC

To: Current Resident, or

“WASHINGTON’S“WASHINGTON’S WATCH CHAIN”WATCH By Mort CHAIN” Kunstler The AGCRA has commissioned the first ever AG Corps printby Mortby artist KunstlerMort Kunstler. The print is entitled “Washington’s Watch Chain” and includesThethe AGCRAAG Corps hasRegimental commissionedcrest the. The firstprint everdepicts AG CorpsGeneral printGeorge by artistWashington Mort Kunstler.at West ThePoint, printNY isin entitledthe winter of 1779 during the Revolutionary“Washington’sWar Watchretrieving Chain”the and“Great includesChain” thefrom AGthe CorpsHudson RegimentalRiver before crest.the Theriver printfreezes depicts. The General“Great Chain” was designed toGeorgeblock the WashingtonBritish Navy at fromWest sailingPoint, upNYthe in theHudson winterRiver of 1779from NewduringYork theCity Revolutionaryand splitting Warthe AmericanretrievingColonies the in half. Accompanying“GreatWashington Chain”during from thethe retrievingHudson ofRiverthe “GreatbeforeChain” the riverare twofreezes.key AGs Thein “GreatAmerican Chain”history :wasCOL designedTimothy Pickeringto (the sixth AG of blockthe Army) the Britishand Pickering’s Navy fromsuccessor, sailing COLup theAlexander HudsonScammel River from(the Newseventh YorkAG Cityof andthe Army)splitting. Go theto AmericanAGCRA.com for more information Coloniesabout print insales half.. All Accompanyingprint sale proceeds Washingtonsupport duringthe AGCRA the retrievingScholarship ofProgram the “Great. Chain” are two key AGs in American history: COL Timothy Pickering (the sixth AG of the Army) and Pickering’s successor, COL Alexander Scammel (the seventh AG of the Army). Go to AGCRA.com for more information about print sales. All print sale proceeds support the AGCRA Scholarship Program.