Purple Heart Recipient 8 PR Soldier Receives Purple Heart

1st Mission Support Command - U.S. Army Reserve Puerto Rico

1st Recruiting, MSC Promoting and Growing GazetteCitizen Soldiers Vol. No. 3 Issue 2 Winter 2012

What’s inside

4 Hometown Recognition for USAR Deputy Commander (Operations) Also a special article about our Soldiers in Korea 10 US Army Reserve Soldiers from PR Continue the Legacy of Service in Korea

www. facebook.com/1stmsc Scan the QR Code for the online version Winter 2012 2 1st MSC Gazette 1st MSC Gazette Contents Promoting, Recruiting and Growing 3 PR t r o o p s r e c e i v e b a l l o t s i n Af g h a n i s t a n

Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernández r m y i v i l i a n n o t h e r a y t o e r v e Commander 7 A C , A W S Col. Miguel Isaac o l d i e r e c e i v e u rp l e e a r t Deputy Commander 8 PR S R P H Col. Eric Bermudez 215t h MP CO Arr i v a l Chief Of Staff 10 Maj. Carlos M. Cuebas We l c o m e Ho m e Ce r e m o n y f o r t h e 246t h QM CO Public Affairs Officer 11 Staff Sgt. José E. Santos Santos US Ar m y Re s e r v e So l d i e r s f r o m Pu e r t o Ri c o Co n t i n u e Public Affairs NCO 12 t h e Le g a c y o f Se r v i c e i n Ko r e a Sgt. José F. Babilonia Public Affairs NCO 14 1s t MSC We l c o m e s i t s Ne w e s t Of f i c e r a n d i t s n e w Ma j o r The 1st MSC Gazette is an autho- rized publication printed IAW AR- 360-1 in the interest of Soldiers, ci- 15 Re f i n i n g Ou r Le a d e r s h i p Sk i l l s vilians and families of the 1st MSC.

Opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessa- rily reflect the views of the U.S. government, Department of the Army or its agencies.

All photos are property of the U.S. Army, unless otherwise credited. Ho m e t o w n Re c o g n i t i o n f o r t h e USAR e p u t y o m m a n d e r p e ra t i o n s 1st MSC Gazette is published by 4 D C (O ) the 1st MSC Headquarters located at 353 Wilson Road, Fort Buchanan, PR 00934-4608

E-mail submissions to the 1st MSC public affairs officer at [email protected]

1st MSC Phone Numbers

Commander -787-707-4928 Ar m y ’s Ass i s t a n t Se c r e t ar y f o r Deputy Commander E6 n e r g y Ma t t e rs Vi s i t s Pu e r t o Ri c o 787-707-4944 Safety Specialist 787-707-4182 Personnel 787-707-4164 Plans 787-707-4171 Public Affairs 787-707-4988 On the cover Spec. Marines Candelario, a Puerto Rican soldier assigned to the US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, was presented the Purple Heart award by Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernandez, 1st Mission Support Command Commanding General, during a recent ceremony, hosted by the Puerto Rico Community Based Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Buchanan. (Photo by Maj. Carlos Cuebas, 1st Mission Support Command Public Affairs Officer). 1st MSC Gazette Winter 2012 3

sion, to make a difference for themselves, their families and others” said Rosa. The FVAP’s mission is to ensure that Uni- formed Services personnel, their voting-age de- pendents, and overseas civilians 393rd CSSB Soldiers before and after exercising their right to vote for the 2012 Puerto Rico elections. successfully exer- The Soldiers initiated the process through the Federal Voting Assistance Program. (Photos were pro- vided by 393rd CSSB UPAR) cise their right to vote and to have Fort Buchanan, PR- Currently de- has a link to the Puerto Rico Elections that vote counted. ployed Soldiers from the US Army Commission. FVAP strives to achieve this mission Reserve-Puerto Rico received their ab- Despite the distance, Soldiers have through advocacy on behalf of, and as- sentee ballots in Afghanistan and other been actively following the local elec- sistance to voters and election officials. places around the world, through the tion environment. As the largest Army Command in implementation of the Federal Voting “They are very alert to the poll re- the Caribbean, the US Army Reserve Assistance Program (FVPA). sults, but of course, always in a good Puerto Rico has been very proactive “The Soldiers are expecting the professional way that does not interfere encouraging its troops and family ballots, happily waiting for the day with daily tasks.” added Estrella. members to participate in the demo- to come. The majority of the ballots Not only the currently deployed cratic process. already got here,” said 1st Lt. Katty O. troops have taken advantage of the The command has approximately Estrella, Human Resources Officer for FVPA, but also the active duty Soldiers 5,000 troops assigned and an estimated the 393rd Combat Sustainment Battal- assigned to Puerto Rico. 5,000 military family members eligible ion, during a recent telephonic inter- Sgt. Steven Rosa Pagan assigned to to vote, for a total of approximately view from Afghanistan. the 390th Transportation Company, 10,000 potential voters. According to the Puerto Rico Elec- US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, whose “As Soldiers we defend freedom and tions Commission, most of the military home of record is in the state of Flor- democracy with great sacrifice. We ballots were sent by mail early and ida, requested his ballots through the must make sure our troops and their were received by the service members FVAP. family members exercise their right before the end of the month of Octo- Rosa, a Bayamon PR native, did cast to vote as a way to influence how the ber. his first vote using the FVPA, when he issues that are important to them are The troops initiated the process was deployed in support of Operation decided,” said Brig. Gen. Fernando through www.fvap.gov and the elec- Iraqi Freedom in 2008. Fernandez, senior US Army Reserve tion official at the state level approves “I think all Soldiers should take the Officer in the Caribbean. or disapproves the request. The site opportunity to vote as a way of expres-

4 Winter 2012 1st MSC Gazette

Hometown Recognition For The USAR Deputy Commander (Operations)

Ponce, PR – The Municipal Legisla- Distinguished Service Medal, a Le- do positive things that contribute to the ture of Ponce, recognized the military gion of Merit, a Bronze Star with oak development of the Municipality of trajectory of Maj. Gen. Luis R. Visot, leaf cluster, NATO Medal, Kuwait Ponce,” he said. Deputy Commander (Operations) of Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Maj. Gen. Visot has held a variety USAR. Nov. 27. Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal of command and staff positions and The event took place at the Leo- (Government of Kuwait), among currently, as Deputy Commanding poldo Bonilla Velez Hall, Chamber many others awards and decorations General (Operations), provides over- of the Municipal Legislature, and a throughout his military career. sight of the 16 Army Reserve Opera- Resolution was given to Maj. Gen. According Gonzalez, this is an tional and Functional Commands. Visot from the hands of its President, unprecedented event for the Munici- He is also engaged in an orientation Hon. Roberto Gonzalez Rosa and Mu- pal Legislature of Ponce. “This is the campaign on suicide prevention for the nicipal Legislator, General (Ret.) Juan first time that we make such recogni- US Army Reserve. Rosado. tion for a Service Member with such a “I dedicate this recognition and this Maj. Gen. Visot assumed the re- high ranking position. We started very honor, first to my father, Wiso Visot, sponsibilities of Deputy Commanding good, and we hope that in the future, he is really who deserves all these rec- General (Operations) on Jun. 9 2012. if there is someone who can emulate ognitions. Thanks to him and what he He has been deployed in seven occa- Maj. Gen. Visot’s achievements, we had taught me, I can stand in front of sions and has received an Army can also recognize them, and all who you today to receive this recogni- 1st MSC Gazette Winter 2012 5 Hometown Recognition For The USAR Deputy Commander (Operations) tion. But also, I have to remember “mami”, who passed away in 1972, but who is and will be in my heart”. ON THE LEFT: Members of the Ponce Expressed an emotional Visot at the Municipal Legislature pose with Maj. Gen. beginning of his speech. Luis R. Visot (center with military attire), United States Army Reserve Command Maj. Gen. Visot, also thanked and Deputy Commander (Operations), after dedicated this recognition to all Sol- the unprecedented event for this munici- diers and their family members and pality. BOTTOM: From left to right, Hon. all the civilians who have served with Roberto Gonzalez Rosa, President of the him. Municipal Legislature of the Municipality He expressed that if they [civilians of Ponce, Hon. Luis Berrios-Amadeo, US that have worked with him] were not Army Reserve – Puerto Rico Ambassador willing to serve this great nation, he (far end), Maj. Gen. Luis R. Visot, United would have never gotten to his current States Army Reserve Command Deputy position. Commander (Operations) and Brig. Gen. Hon. Lucy Arce, Senator of the (Ret.) Juan F. Rosado-Ortiz, Municipal Legislator, pose for a photo with the Reso- Senate of Puerto Rico and President lution Num. 75 of the Municipal Legisla- of Commissions of Work, Veteran ture that was given to Brig. Gen. Visot dur- Affairs, and Human Resources, and ing the recognition for his achievements volunteer for the Yellow Ribbon of the throughout his military career. US Army Reserve - Puerto Rico, was the person who contacted Gonzalez to coordinate this recognition. “As a volunteer with the Yellow Ribbon for the US Army Reserve in Puerto Rico, I heard that we had General Visot in such a high ranking position and as a Puerto Rican I felt proud and honored and I believed that the least we could do was from his hometown, to give him recognition,” said Arce. After the event, Maj. Gen. Visot spent some time with members of the Municipal Government, friends and family members who were also present for this occasion. 6 Winter 2012 1st MSC Gazette

Army’s Assistant Secretary for Energy matters visits Puerto Rico Fort Buchanan, PR- The Honor- result of the Base Closure and Realign- ects in Puerto Rico, including wind able Katherine Hammack, Assistant ment Commission (BRAC) of 2005. generation and solar photovoltaic pow- Secretary of the Army for Installations, Hammack visited the new Reserve er generation that will save more than Energy and Environment, toured Army Center in Ceiba, which is one of the $2.6 million and 37,880 MBTU when energy saving projects in Puerto Rico, environmental friendly structures complete. The projects are scheduled Sept. 28. built by the Army on the island, with to be completed by January 2014. During her visit, Hammack met with a Gold classification in the Leadership Another seven projects that are ex- US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico Com- in Energy and Environmental Design pected to save $1,083,608 and achieve manding General Brig. Gen. Fernando (LEED). Net Zero Water usage are nearing Fernández and members of the Fort LEED is a rating system developed contract award. The construction is Buchanan installation, to receive up- by the US Green Building Council expected to begin within the first three dates on the status of US Army energy that provides a framework for builders months of fiscal year 2013. sustainability initiatives around the and owners to identify and implement The initiative Net Zero focuses on a island. practical, measurable green building comprehensive management of energy, “Through technology and policies design, construction, operations and water and waste in order to capture and we are reducing our energy footprint maintenance. commercialize the resource value and/ and leveraging private financing to Hammack also observed several en- or enhance the ecological productivity accelerate efficiency projects. We are ergy saving projects at Fort Buchanan, of land, water and air. building resilience through Renewable to include the Photovoltaic Panels, for “Our command appreciates and and Alternative Energy,” said Ham- power generation. values the relationship between our mack. “I believe the Army is doing a great mission, the community and the The Army Reserve has been reno- job in Puerto Rico improving our environment. Assuming our responsi- vating its infrastructure in the island environmental footprint and achieving bility as the largest federal US Army with new buildings that meet the high- energy efficiency,” added Hammack. command in the Caribbean, the Army est environmental requirements, as a The U.S. Army has 10 active proj- Reserve-Puerto Rico promotes pol- lution prevention, improves environmental management technologies, implements energy and water conservation and complies with all laws, regulations, and executive orders, in close coordination with Fort Buchanan,” said Fernández. Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernandez, Commanding General of the 1st Mission Support Command (1st MSC) (close right), Hon. Katherine Hammack, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment (left), and members of her staff convened on the 1st MSC headquarters. Hammack received updates on the status of the US Army energy sustainability initiatives around the island. 1st MSC Gazette Winter 2012 7

ON THE RIGHT: From left to right: Ms. Elsa Cortés, 1st MSC Family Program Director, Mr. Richard García, 210th RSG Staff Operation Specialist, Ms. Karen M. Gonzalez, Accountant Internal Review Evaluator, and Mr. Angel R. Rodriguez, Management Analyst pose with their respective certificates in recognition of ten years of service in the Government of the United States of America. BOTTOM: Mr. Robert G. Parker, Budget Analyst assigned to the 166th Regional Support Group (center), Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernandez, Commanding General of the 1st Mission Support Command (left) and Mr. Miguel A. Isaac, Command Executive Officer for the 1st MSC pose for a picture after Parker received the Commanders Award for the Civilian Service.

Army Civilian, Another Way to Serve Fort Buchanan, PR- Being a “It was a success, because you reservists only come once a month, Soldier isn’t the only way to serve in leave with a pride of having done the civilians give continuity to what the Army. Army civilians from the good things, is an incredible feeling the reservists started” added Parker. 1st Mission Support Command (1st when a Soldier comes with a problem Army civilians have served along- MSC) gathered on Sept. 1 at the US and then after serving them you see side Soldiers since 1775 and remain Army Reserve-Puerto Rico headquar- them leave with a smile on their face. a critical part of the Army team. The ters to be recognized for their service When you do that you feel proud to first Army civilians were employed and their sacrifices during fiscal year have done something for the Soldier as clerks, skilled tradesmen or crafts- 2012. and the unit.” men, physicians, teamsters and One of the civilian employees The Army Civilian Corps consists unskilled laborers. Just as the Army’s receiving recognition for their service of experienced civilian personnel missions and demands upon it have was Mr. Robert G. Parker, Budget committed to serving the nation. grown more complex, so too have the Analyst assigned to the 166th Re- They are an integral part of the Army positions that civilians occupy. Just gional Support Group, who will be team and are members of the execu- like their counterparts in uniform, retiring soon, after serving the nation tive branch of the federal govern- Army civilians are committed. for 31 years. When asked about hid ment. They fill positions on Army “As you know this whole year we 31 years of services he said: staffs and sustain base operations celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the that would otherwise have to US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico. We be filled by military personnel. have lasted 90 years, in a great deal, They provide mission-essential due to the labor, the proficiency and capability, stability and con- dedication of not only our military tinuity during war and peace force, but also to our Army Civilian in support of the nation. It’s Corps whowork day to day to main- a mission that Army civilians tain continuity of the daily operations take personally. of this command” added Brig. Gen. “The civilian force is very Fernando Fernandez, 1st MSC Com- important, we are the ones that manding General. give continuity, remember that 8 Winter 2012 1st MSC Gazette PR So l d i e r r e c e i v e s Pu rp l e He a r t Fort Buchanan, PR- Candelario, a native of Sabana Spec. Marines Grande, Puerto Rico and who is a Candelario, Heavy Equipment Operator, received a Soldier as- the coveted award from the senior signed to the US US Army Reserve Officer in the Army Reserve- Caribbean and commander of the 1st Puerto Rico, Mission Support Command, Brig. was presented Gen. Fernando Fernández. the Purple Heart “This is a special occasion when award, during a we take time to recognize some re- recent ceremo- ally deserving members of our Army ny, hosted by who have fulfilled the commitment of the Puerto Rico serving our nation in a time of need, Community in a theater of war. Today they are TOP: From left to right: Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernandez, Com- Based Warrior getting the well deserved award and manding General of the 1st Mission Support Command, Spec. Transition Unit, recognition for their sacrifices, the Marines Candelario, Purple Heart recipient, and Col. Keith Lawson, Sept. 27. devotion to duty and their commit- Warrior Transition Task Force Commander pose for a photo after Candelario ment,” said Fernandez. Spec. Candelario received her purple heart award. BOTTOM: An was awarded emotional Spec Candelario received some comfort after receiving The Purple Heart is awarded to her multiple awards. the medal for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, combat wounds who are wounded by an instrument she sustained in of war in the hands of the enemy. It is Afghanistan as awarded in the name of the President a result of an improvised explosive of the United States. device attack on Nov. 3. Candelario, who also received “I just did my job to the best of my the Combat Action Badge, recently abilities because I love what I do. If returned to Puerto Rico after spend- on top of that you also receive this ing 10 months at the Brooke Army type of recognition, it becomes one Medical Center in Texas, where she of the best days of my life as a Sol- received treatment. dier and as a person,” said Candelario She is now continuing her treat- minutes after officially receiving the ment through the Puerto Rico Com- Purple Heart. munity Based Warrior Transition Unit Members of Candelario’s fam- (CBWTU), a specialized military unit ily were also present to witness the that allows recuperating Soldiers to important moment. live at home, having access to medi- “I am extremely proud of my cal facilities near their family, while daughter. I am very happy. God bless remaining in active duty. and protect her always,” said Vivian At the CBWTU, an experienced Gonzalez-Merced, mother of Can- nurse case manager manages the Sol- delario. 1st MSC Gazette Winter 2012 9 PR So l d i e r r e c e i v e s Pu rp l e He a r t diers care, coordinates the healthcare me,” Candelario added. Army Commendation Medal. Borrer- appointments, tracks the progress Staff Sgts. Eric Fuentes, Jos- ro received the Bronze Star, which is and ensures his or her care meets the sean Borrero, Sgt. Josue Valentin, the fourth-highest combat decoration Army and Tricare standards. and Specs. Rafael Cubero and Jose and is awarded for bravery. CBWTU units are a reflection of Hernandez were also recognized dur- The Army Reserve-Puerto Rico the Army’s commitment to provide ing the ceremony for their service in has mobilized 5,000 troops in support world-class care to wounded Soldiers Afghanistan. of Overseas Contingency Operations and their families. Fuentes and Hernandez received since 2001. “I feel grateful and happy with the the Combat Action Badge and the work I was able to do. Thank you to Army Commendation Medal. all those people who worried about Cubero and Valentin received the

Staff Sgt. Eric Fuentes, Spec. Rafael Cubero, Spec. Jose Hernandez, Sgt. Josue Valentin, and Spec. Marines Candelario received a warm ap- plause from the audience during the award ceremony in recognition for their service in Afghanistan. 10 Winter 2012 1st MSC Gazette

215th MP Co Arrival Fort Buchanan, PR – Approximately 40 soldiers from the 215th Military Police Company (MP Co) arrived on the weekend of 21-23 Dec, after a year long mobilization in Afghanistan. The 215th MP Co was mobilized on December of 2011 and its members were excited to come back before Christmas. “It was perfect, we left before Christmas last year and is fair not to miss two in a row” said a happy Sgt. John Daniels after the arrival. Col. Eric Bermudez, Chief of Staff for the 1st Mission Sup- port Command, expressed satisfaction for a job well done by the unit’s members. “We have always distinguished ourselves because we accomplish our mission to the best of our abilities and skills, which has always been the history of this command” he expressed. 1st MSC Gazette Winter 2012 11 Welcome Home Ceremony for the 246th QM CO

Aguadilla, PR – After a long mobilization process, Soldiers from the 246th QM Company received a well deserved Welcome Home Ceremony at the Ramey School in Aguadilla,16 Dec. With a big smile on their faces, friends and family members expressed their joy, while observing their loved ones marching to receive a recognition by the Congress of the United States of America. Col. Miguel A. Isaac, Deputy Commander of the 1st Mission Support Command, was the guest speaker of the event, and gave them an enthusias- tic and charismatic speech, which was enjoyed by all. 12 1st MSC Gazette Winter 2012 US Army Reserve soldiers from Puerto Rico continue the legacy of service in Korea Taegu, Korea- The Korean War portunity to live again the holds a special place in the collective history, by participating in memory of Puerto Rico. In August the exercise Ulchi Freedom 1950, Soldiers from the 65th Infantry Guardian (UFG), one of the Regiment, the only Hispanic segregat- two major annual combined ed unit in the US military history, de- events designed to improve parted from Puerto Rico to participate the alliance’s capability to in the Korean War, where they played defend South Korea. a critical role during the hostilities, by Spec. Humberto Davis, participating in nine major campaigns an Information Systems through the peninsula, being one of the Operator from Carolina, first troops to meet the enemy. Puerto Rico, with four year The role of the Borinqueneers was of service, assigned to the so valuable that General Douglas 166th RSG was one of the MacArthur, in 1951, is quoted to have Soldiers selected for the said, “The Puerto Ricans forming the mission. ranks of the gallant 65th Infantry on “It is an honor to be the battlefields of Korea... are writing a able to continue what our brilliant record of achievement in battle ancestors initiated, main- and I am proud indeed to have them taining the great reputation in this command. I wish that we might of Puerto Rican Soldiers,” have many more like them.” said Davis who works in Sixty two years later, in August the help desk and operates 2012, approximately 100 troops from the Video Teleconferences TOP: 1st Mission Support Command Senior Leaders, Command Sergeant Major Rene Rivera and Brig. Gen. the 166th and the 210th Regional system, at one of the loca- Fernando Fernandez, talk to Minister Park Sung-choon’s, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs from the Support Groups (RSGs), US Army tions where the classified Government of Korea and his staff. BOTTOM: Minister Park Sung-choon’s give a memento to Brig. Gen. Fer- nandez symbolizing the partnership for peace and prosperity between the two nations. Reserve-Puerto Rico, had the op- exercise is conducted. Sgt. Jennis Galindez, from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, was another Soldier who traveled the 9,648 miles from Puerto Rico to Korea to participate in this mission. She was in charge of the Entry Control Point to one of the classified facilities, where the war-gaming exercise was taking place. “This is a very new experience. I had never been to Korea before but I feel proud because our unit was selected to participate in this high visible mission and because, knowing what other Sol- diers from Puerto Rico did sixty years ago, I feel that somehow I continue their legacy by being here today,” said Galindez, a Military Police Noncom- 1st MSC Gazette Winter 2012 13 US Army Reserve soldiers from Puerto Rico continue the legacy of service in Korea 65th Infantry Regiment Reserve Puerto Rico, and Command Soldiers, “said an emo- Sgt. Maj. Rene Rivera, enlisted advi- tional Moran. sor to Fernandez, visited Korea to see “Every time that we firsthand the job being performed by participate in this type their troops. of exercise there is a During the visit, Fernandez met with lot of learning because Minister Park Sung-choon’s, from the we are developing and Korean Patriots and Veterans Affairs. implementing real plans, “Puerto Ricans sacrificed a lot dur- which could be executed ing the Korean War, but by seeing how if needed,” added Moran great your country is now, we under- while explaining the train- stand that the sacrifice was well worth ing benefits of the event. it. Today, as we did sixty years ago, we According to Moran, by are still standing up, shoulder to shoul- participating in UFG 2012, der with the Korean citizens, ready and his staff has been able to prepared to support and defend democ- exercise its proficiency on racy in Korea,” said Fernandez during logistic management and his encounter with Sung-choon’s. Military Decision Making “The people of the Republic of Ko- Process. rea are very grateful for the sacrifices “I brought here my and contributions of the Puerto Rican heavy hitters,” said Mo- Soldiers. I want to express my deep ran, meaning that there gratitude for your troops’ participation TOP: 1st Mission Support Command Senior Leaders, Command Sergeant Major Rene Rivera and Brig. Gen. was a selection process to in the UFG mission,” responded Sung- Fernando Fernandez, talk to Minister Park Sung-choon’s, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs from the identify the best Soldiers choon’s, whose position in the Korean Government of Korea and his staff. BOTTOM: Minister Park Sung-choon’s give a memento to Brig. Gen. Fer- of his command to partici- government is equivalent to a five star nandez symbolizing the partnership for peace and prosperity between the two nations. pate in the mission. general. missioned Officer assigned to the 613th Command Sgt Maj. The participation of the troops from Military Police Company, US Army Harry Muñoz, from the 210th RSG, the US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico in Reserve-Puerto Rico. also had a key leadership role in the UFG 2012, shows how a new genera- Even though the role played by mission. tion of troops from Puerto Rico honors Davis and Galindez was instrumental “During the first week we improved the military tradition of the 65th Infan- for mission success, the participation our knowledge on several logistic ap- try Regiment, continuing the legacy of the US Army Reserve Puerto Rico plications and then we started applying of resolute support to Democracy and troops was being felt in every major that knowledge into the exercise itself, Freedom in the Korean peninsula. operation of the mission, to include “said Muñoz, who is in Korea for the The role performed by the troops leaders who were in charge of critical first time in his career. from Puerto Rico also shows the op- tasks during the exercise. “We have personnel with experience erational nature of the largest US Army One of these leaders was Col. Hector and who are ready to perform. All our Reserve Command in the Caribbean, M. Moran, 166th RSG Commander, troops are happy with their mission,” which during the month of August whose uncle, Marcos Moran, served in added Muñoz. 2012 was concurrently performing mis- Korea with the Borinqueneers in 1952. Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernandez, sions in Korea, Ecuador, Colombia and “It is a deep honor for me to be here Commanding General of the 1st Mis- Afghanistan. and live again part of the history of the sion Support Command, US Army 14 1st MSC Gazette Winter 2012

Fort Buchanan, PR – On a small but signifi- cant ceremony, former Capt. Victor Figueroa, from the Command’s Comptroller Section, was promoted to the rank of Major by Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernandez, Commanding General of the 1st MSC. 5 Dec.

Maj. Figueroa holds a bachelor degree in Physical Education and is currently working to obtain his master degree in Finance. He was commissioned in 2002 when he was assigned as a Fire Control Platoon Leader at Fort Bliss, TX. He was deployed once, with the 398th Financial Management Detachment on 2008. Maj. Figueroa was pinned by his wife, Mrs. Neryannie Figueroa, who is also an officer and a member of the US Army Reserve – Puerto Rico welcomes its newest Officer 1st MSC and its newest Major During the same ceremony, former Spec. Hugo L. Deida was commissioned to the rank of 2nd Lt. and was pinned by his nine years old son Leonel Andres Deida and by his wife, Nitza L. Queeman. The new officer was assigned to the 413th Finance Detachment and will be assigned as a Platoon Leader to the 941st Quarter Master Company, located at Sali- nas, Puerto Rico. 2nd Lt. Deida has been in the US Army Reserve – Puerto Rico for almost 3 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology Education, a master degree in Environmental Education and is currently working to obtain his doctorate degree in Teaching Education.

The 1st MSC is on facebook, Scan the QR code to watch this and other photos of our command activities. 1st MSC Gazette Winter 2012 15 efining R Our Leadership Skills

Ft. Buchanan, PR-Leaders assigned to the US The ARFORGEN process is the structured progres- Army Reserve Puerto Rico participated in the Army sion of unit readiness over time to produce trained, Force Generation (ARFORGEN) Leadership Back- ready, and cohesive units prepared for operational Brief on Sept 15, as part of the 1st Mission Support deployment. The ARFORGEN process is the Army’s Command (1stMSC) effort to provide an executive core process for force generation, which cycles units level forum for reviewing the Commission Officers, through three force pools: Reset, Train/Ready, and Warrant Officers (WO) and Non-Commissioned Available. Officers (NCO) ability to execute the management During the event, leaders were separated in three processes and readiness standards. groups, Officers, WO and NCO’s to further address This unique forum affords participants the opportu- specific topics. nity to gain knowledge and exchange experiences by Brig. Ben Fernando Fernandez, 1st MSC Com- fostering individual and collective growth. manding General as well as Command Sergeant The event established a collaborative readiness Major (CSM) Rene Rivera, 1st MSC CSM, both pre- enabling environment to develop the command’s sented an overview of what are the command’s goals readiness. in terms of readiness for the upcoming new fiscal year 2013. 16 Winter 2012 1st MSC Gazette

U.S. ARMY RESERVE

PUERTO RICO