Ocean State Guardian - Summer 2014

Summer 2014

Summer 2014 / Rhode Island National Guard | 3

Rhode Island National GuardThe Ocean State

GuardianSummer 2014

The Governor of Rhode Island and the Captain General of the Rhode Island National Guard

The Honorable Lincoln D. ChafeeThe Adjutant General of Rhode Island and Commanding

General of the Rhode Island National Guard

MG Kevin R. McBride

Director of Joint StaffRhode Island National Guard

BG Charles E. Petrarca Jr.

Deputy Adjutant GeneralRhode Island National Guard

Brig. Gen. Marcus Jannitto

Assistant Adjutant General for AirRhode Island National Guard

Brig. Gen. Matthew Dzialo

Managing EditorState Public Affairs Officer

LTC Peter ParentePublic Affairs Specialists

2LT Megan BurmeisterSGT Peter Ramaglia

Public Affairs Office(401) 275-4038

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www.ri.ng.mil www.ri.ng.mil IN THIS ISSUE...

Summer 2014

ON THE COVER

Taking a Look Back, and Stepping Forward 4

The World is Watching 5

National Guard aids Boston Marathon Law Enforcement Efforts 6

Colonel Germani Retires after 34 years of Dedicated Service 7

Diversity: Leadership Experience 8

The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall 9

Leading the Way 10

We’re Back: The 2014 Open House & Airshow 11

The Experience of a Lifetime: Military Duty in Israel 13

Colonel Donnelly Assumes Command 15

CERFP Conducts Local Maritime Exercise 16LTC Caruolo visits Stony Lane 17Rhode Warriors Return Home 18Sexual Assault Awareness Month Confidence Course Challenge 191/143rd Infantry at Big River 20Colonel Burns Promoted to Brigadier General 22Congratulations: The NCO and Soldier of the Year 23Brigadier General Keene Retires 24Look who got Promoted 25

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE(401) 275-4038

The 2014 Rhode Island Na-tional Guard’s Open House &

Airshow is back on!Cover composed by

Army Sgt. Peter Ramaglia

4 | Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2014

From the Director of Joint Staff & Land Component Commander

Brigadier General Charles E. Petrarca Jr.

Taking a Look Back, and Stepping Forward

As we look back to early spring and forward to late summer, let’s celebrate some true successes and focus on the opportunity for improvement.

Our Recruiting Com-mand and retention efforts throughout the units have netted 78 gains in personnel in the past 12 months. This great accomplishment is a significant step towards the goal of 100 percent strength. However, only continued effort and focus will get us there. Overall strength of each state is a critical metric measured by the National Guard Bureau and will ulti-mately determine our ability to retain force structure in the future. Work with your commands to retain good Soldiers. All Service Mem-bers are part of the reten-tion team. Ensure proper counseling and mentoring

sessions are part of each soldier’s career development to optimize our retention ef-forts and achieve our goal of 100 percent.

Just as the goal of over-all strength is extremely vital, medical readiness defines our organization’s ability to properly train, prepare, and care for our soldiers. It also is a critical metric used at the national level to gauge our capability to maintain force structure. Currently the RI Army National Guard’s medical readiness is 81 per-cent, compared to the Na-tional Guard Bureau stan-dard of 85 percent. We are also below the 54 states and territories average of 84.9 percent, which places us in the bottom half. What can you do? If you have a medi-cal appointment, it is your responsibility and duty to fulfill your obligation. It is

no different from any other requirement you have as a Soldier. All leaders at ev-ery level are responsible for training and Soldier readi-ness. You must ensure that your Soldiers attend their as-signed medical appointments and unit events.

We are in a political fight for our existence in the National Guard. Our se-nior leaders and politicians friendly to the Guard fight for us every day. Collective-ly, our job is to maintain the highest levels of strength and readiness so the next genera-tion of citizen soldiers can follow our long history of selfless service.

You and your families have a safe and fun summer. ■

From the Assistant Adjutant General - Air

Brigadier General Matthew Dzialo

The World is Watching

Integrity first. Service be-fore self. Excellence in all we do.

We know these as our Air Force Core Values – we memorize them in basic training, echo the words upon demand and display them proudly on our walls. We learn the phrases but do we actually live and stand by their meaning? I would hope your answer is a re-sounding “YES!” It is vital to our mission that we portray and project the highest of standards and conduct our-selves with the utmost pro-fessionalism, both here at home and around the world, 24/7.

As members of the Rhode Island Air National Guard, we represent some-thing far greater than our-selves: we represent Rhode

Island, the Air National Guard, the Air Force, and the United States of merica. Given the tempo and reality of our mission, members of the National Guard are no longer known as “Weekend Warriors”. Since 9-11, we have been heavily tasked, steadily deployed and glob-ally recognized as a profes-sional force.

One bad apple…

Unfortunately, therehave been instances where adverse actions and bad behavior of a few military members have reflected poorly on the entire force. However few and far be-tween, these incidents cause far-reaching damage on how the United States of America is perceived around the globe. The way we conduct ourselves is a direct reflec-

tion upon ourselves and the military we serve.

Make a difference…

It is an honor to serveour state and nation. I trulyfeel if you are put in a posi-tion to make a difference – then make a difference. You have all taken an oath and have been given the awesome responsibility to protect and defend the constitution of the United States. It is important to remember that while we are mobilized, deployed, TDY, home station, UTA, on-duty, or off, we are members of the Rhode Island Air Na-tional Guard and part of the most powerful Air Force in the world…and the world is watching. ■



More than 800 Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island National Guard mem-bers helped local law enforcement agen-cies in eight cities and towns to keep the route clear for runners as they hit the road for the 118th Boston Marathon today. The National Guard provided civil sup-port teams from 20 states specializing in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and improvised explosive detection teams, as well as medical and security personnel to help local communities along the 26.2-mile route to ensure the race was safe and successful. The Massachusetts National Guard’s 79th Troop Command formed Task Force Patriot, commanded by Army Col. Mark. A. Merlino. Task Force Patriot supervised and planned the Guard’s efforts and success-fully coordinated with inte-agency partners to support the Boston Athletic Association as they continued to carry on the world’s oldest marathon. “The Massachusetts National Guard is proud to support the 118th Boston Marathon and is working closely with of-ficials from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, the Boston Athletic Association and more than 15 interagency partners to ensure a safe and successful race,” said Army Lt. Col. James Sahady, spokesman for the Massachusetts Na-tional Guard. Because of the finish-line bombings and subsequent manhunt that marred last year’s event, the Department of Homeland Security categorized this year’s race as a national special security event. “We are well-prepared to provide medical and security support to our civil authorities and communities, enhancing safety for the 2014 Boston Marathon,” said Army Maj. Gen. L. Scott Rice, the Mas-sachusetts adjutant general. “Our National Guard soldiers and airmen are proud to be an integral part of this historic race and our nation’s ‘Boston Strong’ spirit of competi-

tion, compassion, and community.” A significant change in the Guard’s security strategy this year was that all of

the security personnel were armed military police or security forces specialists. Dur-ing previous Marathons, Guard members were unarmed while supporting the event. The National Guard civil support teams that advise and help first responders to detect chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive weapons also were armed. “We train year-round to advise and assist incident commanders and first responders to detect and deal with chemi-cal, biological, radiological, and nuclear devices,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Woolums, commander of the Massachu-setts Guard’s 1st Civil Support Team. “This year, we added more explosive detection

training, and our soldiers and airmen carry weapons.” All of the public safety agencies have

been committed to carrying out the safety plan in a way that did not diminish the fun for runners and spectators, officials said. In the wake of last year’s events, public interest in supporting the city’s greatest race resulted in 36,000 runners registering for the marathon, compared to 27,000 last year. The combination of more runners and tighter security has been a challenge for planners. “It’s great to be here, and to know that we are doing everything we can to keep people safe,” said Air Force Airman 1st Class Eric Lapworth, a security forces air-man with the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 102nd Intelligence Wing. ■

NATIONAL GUARD AIDS BOSTON MARATHON LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS

Army Spc. Brandon Smith, 169th Military Police Company, Rhode Island Army National Guard, at the starting line of the 2014 Boston Marathon, April 21, 2014. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jerry Saslav)

by Army Sgt. 1st Class James Lally, Massachusetts National Guard


COLONEL GERMANI RETIRES AFTER 34 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

In a packed auditorium of family, friends and fellow Airmen of the 143d Airlift Wing, a heartfelt goodbye was said to an icon of the Wing’s leadership. Colonel Robert Germani Jr. retired after more than 34 years of diligent and dedicated service to the Rhode Island National Guard. Wing Com-mander Arthur Floru remarked on Col Germani’s legacy of professionalism and dedica-tion to duty, “Bob made major changes in the evolution of the warrior team. He put a hu-man face on things. He was an absolute expert on getting the job done and getting us to the finish line.” Brigadier General Mark Jannitto, Deputy Adjutant General, Rhode Island National Guard thanked Col Germani and his family for their sacri-fice during his service to the best organization in the world, the Rhode Island Air National Guard. As a longtime friend and co-worker BG Jannitto praised Col Germani by saying, “No can do, does not exist in

Bobby’s vocabulary. He was the king of delegation. He knew who to go to, to get things done.” During his speech Col Germani reflected on his fa-ther, the late Sergeant Major Robert Germani Sr.’s military achievements. SGM Germani had also received the Legion of Merit which Col Germani had been awarded during the retirement ceremony. “Two in one household, pretty good,” Col Germani added, “I am truly humbled by all this fuss and fanfare. So, thank you, Art [Floru] and all the presenters today.”

Colonel Germani closed his retirement speech by say-ing, “It’s the people I’m going to miss, the camaraderie.” He added, “Please be kind to one another and continue the great work that you do.” And in clas-sic Col “G” fashion, he ren-dered a crisp salute to the men and women of the 143d Airlift Wing said “Colonel Germani is OUT!” The Airmen of the 143d Airlift Wing wish Colonel Germani good luck and God-speed in his retirement. Thank you for your dedication to the Rhode Island National Guard. ■

By MSgt, John McDonald,143d Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Colonel Arthur Floru, 143d Airlift Wing Commander, presents Colonel Robert Germani, former 143d Airlift Wing Vice Commander, with the Legion of Merit for his 34 years of dedicated servive. (Photo by Air Force MSgt. Janeen Miller)


Twenty two Rhode Island National Guard Soldiers and Air-men participated in a Diversity Leadership experience at the North Smithfield Air Station during the first week of June. This di-versity experience, facilitated by the veteran-owned Leadership Foundry, provided an in-depth examination of leader personality traits, receptivity to change, and various conflict-handling modes – timely subjects for a military force in transition. The two and one-half day experience chal-lenged mem-bers of Rhode Island’s Joint Diversity Coun-cil. The Council, established by Rhode Island’s Adjutant General, Major General Kevin McBride and chaired by Brigadier General Marcus Jannitto, Deputy Adjutant General, focused the participants towards self-reflection and exami-nation of their own attitudes and “blind-spots” that may color their leadership styles and ultimately our organizational culture. Participants learned what their personality

tendencies reveal about themselves and how individual “type prefer-ences” influence decision-making. “It was eye opening experi-ences that lead to increased self awareness,” stated LTC Joseph Mer-rill. “The course provided a deeper understanding of how we view the work place environment, through our own filters and encourages to embrace diversity of thought as a

way to improve the organization.” Both of the Leadership Foundry facilitators had extensive military and law-enforcement credentials and guided participants through various problem-solving activities – many times by small-group discussions and presenta-tions and, once, while blindfolded.

The informal atmosphere encour-aged everyone, regardless of rank, to comfortably share their attitudes and experiences as they apply to improving the Rhode Island Na-tional Guard. Without doubt, this course dispelled a few myths about the perceptions of what many Soldiers and Airmen may think of diversity training. First, the participants

learned that, despite their differences in age, ethnicity, or gender, most people serving in the military today share like-minded attitudes towards service and standards. None of the dis-cussions during the training event ever touched on what made the participants dif-ferent from each

other – only the commonly-shared experiences of a force that has been at war for over a decade. Most im-portantly, this Diversity Leadership experience emphasized that there is always room in a large organization for individuals who value service before self and want to contribute to a greater good. ■

DIVERSITYLeadership Experience

By Leiutenant Colonel Ellis Hopkins

Soldiers and Airmen who took part in the Diversity Leadership Challenge Program stand together at the culmination of the class. (Photo by Army Sgt. Terry Rajsombath)

From June 5, 2014 until June 8, 2014 Op-eration Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI), an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, hosted the American Veterans Traveling Tribute’s Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall in India Point Park, Providence RI. The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall is the largest traveling replica of the Vietnam Memo-rial Wall. It is an 80% replica, displaying all of the names of the fallen from the Vietnam War. The wall display allows servicemembers, family of servicemembers and the general public, who may not be able to travel to Washington D.C., to visit the memorial and take the time to appreciate the sacrifice of the United States servicemembers. Tony DeQuattro, president and founder of Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, spoke at to a group of fifth graders visiting the wall. He asked them to remember the sacrifices of the service-members and to realize that the names on the wall are not just names. “Go like this on your hand,” said DeQuattro, pinching the skin on his wrist. “There’s flesh and blood in there, right? That’s exactly what they were. So remember that when you read their names.” OSDRI is Rhode Island’s primary nonprofit resource for homeless and at-risk veterans. ■

THE TRAVELINGVIETNAM

MEMORIAL WALLBy 2nd Lieutenant Megan Burmeister,

Public Affiars Specialist, RING


Lt Col Kathleen Sul-livan, JFHQ A3/A7, was pro-moted to the rank of Colonel on Saturday, May 4, 2014 during a ceremony held at the Schofield Armory. The As-sistant Adjutant General-Air, Rhode Island National Guard, Brig Gen Matthew Dzialo promoted Col Sullivan, in the presence of friends, family and Joint Force Headquarters personnel. She was pinned by her husband, Col John Sul-livan, and their daughters, Ra-chel and Kadie. Col Sullivan thanked state leadership for their confidence in her abili-ties and pledged to use her leadership and technical skills to strengthen the organiza-tion.

the Rhode Island Air National Guard. Col Sullivan has served as commander of the 143d Operations Support Flight and deployed in support of both Iraqi Freedom and En-during Freedom. She has earned great respect as a pilot, mentor and senior leader in the Rhode Island National Guard. ■

Col Sullivan grew up in Hingham, Massachusetts and received her Air Force com-mission through the ROTC program at Boston University in 1987. She received her training as a Meteorology Of-ficer at the Air Force Institute of Technology. Col Sullivan entered the Rhode Island Air National Guard through the palace chase program, trans-ferring from the active duty into the Air Guard, in 1991 by accepting a pilots slot and thus, earning the proud dis-tinction of be-coming the first female pilot in

LEADING THE WAY!By Lt. Col. Bruce Fletcher, JFHQ Public Affairs

Colonel Kathleen Sullivan stands at attention as her daughters apply her new rank to her uniform. (Photo by TSgt. Jason Long)


Since 1991 the Rhode Island National Guard has opened the gates to Quonset Air National Guard Base to the public for the RING Open House Air Show. Each year the community and National Guardsmen alike look for-ward to the event as the unof-ficial start to the Rhode Island summer season. Unfortu-nately, in 2013, sequestration made the Open House Air Show impossible which was

disappointment to all. How-ever, a change in policy by the Pentagon allowed the military jet demos to take to the skies again and the Rhode Island National Guard Open House Air Show was BACK this May 17 & 18, 2014! Initially scheduled for June 28 & 29, 2014 and set to feature the USAF Thunder-birds, a scheduling conflict with the Thunderbirds put the show in jeopardy again. Luck-ily, the United States Navy Blue Angels stepped in with a schedule opening in May and the Show was back on for 2014! There was concern with the show being so early – Would the weather work out? Would there be enough

time to prepare? These were the questions on the minds of the staff, performers, spon-sors, and spectators. But, the weather was BEAUTIFUL and in true Rhode Island National Guard fashion it went off without a hitch! In addition to the al-ways popular US Navy Blue Angels, the show featured the F22 Raptor, V22 Osprey, several warbirds to include the P51 Mustang, A1E Skyraider, and FM2 Wildcat, the Geico Skytypers, and award winning aerobatic performers Sean D. Tucker, Rob Holland, and John Klatt. In addition to the Air National Guard MX-S, John Klatt debuted the brand new Jack Link’s Screamin’

By Air Force Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143d Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Chief Master Sergeant Sean Ballard, Captain Brendan Duffy, and Major Spencer Romph ensure safety at show center.(Photo by TSgt. Jason Long)


Show with yet another OUT-STANDING performance. The Men and Women of the RI Army and Air Na-tional Guard welcomed ap-proximately 90,000 spectators onto Quonset Air National Guard Base this year and were eager to give them a peek into what they do for the state of Rhode Island and for the United States every day. De-spite restrictions that did not allow the RING to perform in the show the Soldiers and Airmen did not go unnoticed,

manning static displays and walking through the crowds to meet and greet the mem-bers of the community. Overall, the 2014 Rhode Island National Guard Open House Air Show was a huge success! Thank you to all who worked very hard to make this show possible and to all who attended. See you again May 30 & 31, 2015 fea-turing the USN Blue Angels! ■

Sasquatch jet powered bi-plane to an awed crowd. Rob Holland, who showed off his world aerobatic champion skills, may be a new performer at the RI show but is certainly not a newcomer. Rob came to his very first air show in RI as a child with his father and said, “someday, that’s what I want to do,” upon seeing the aerobatic displays. He now wows hundreds of thousands each year with his very own display. And our good friend, Sean D. celebrated over 20 years performing at the RI Na-tional Guard Open House Air

(Left to right) Captain Duffy, Jack Link’s Sasquatch, Master Sergeant Gurnon, Major Romph, and Chief Ballard take a moment to pose for a photo during a break in the action at show center. (Photo by Air Force MSgt. Janeen Miller)

Members of the Blue Angels Demo team position themselves around the aircraft after finishing pre-flight preparations.(Photo by Air Force MSgt. Janeen Miller)

A F-22 Raptor takes off as it’s flight demonstration begins. (Photo by Air Force MSgt. John McDonald)


In March 2013, I was accepted into the Rab-binical program at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, the seminary which produces Reform Judaism’s Rabbis, cantor’s, and educators. It is a five year course of study that leads to a Master’s Degree in Hebrew Letters and ordination as a Rabbi. For our first year of school, we are required to study at the Jerusalem campus in Israel. To fulfill my military obligations while in Israel, I was assigned to work for the National Guard Bureau Liaison Officer to the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command (IDF HFC). This billet is cur-rently held by COL Alicia Tate-Nadeau, an extremely capable officer and terrific mentor. The specific re-lationship between NGB and IDF HFC is part of the State Partnership Program. IDF HFC was created in 1992 in aftermath of the Gulf War and has a mission-set very similar to that of the National Guard’s domestic responsibilities. This includes natural disaster response, mass casualty incident response, CBRNE response teams, and main-taining the national alarms, sirens, and threat alert systems. HFC has even sent some of its search-and-rescue teams and field hospitals abroad in response to disasters such as the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and the 2013 typhoon in the Philippines. My military duties and responsibilities in Israel were extremely diverse in nature yet were ultimately very rewarding. For instance, I coordinated visits and meetings between a leading subject matter expert on societal resiliency from John Hopkins University and full-time Chaplains at National Guard Bureau with trauma psychologists from IDF HFC in order to enhance and strengthen both of our resiliency, mental health, and suicide prevention programs. I conducted seven major staff rides to various sites that are of great significance in Israeli military history, photographed

THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME:Military Duty in Israel

By CPT Aaron A. Rozovsky, 43rd Military Police Brigade

Captain Aaron Rozovsky, 43rd Military Police Brigade, stand-ing in Jerusalem, Israel.


them extensively, wrote about them, and sent the finished prod-ucts back to the 43rd Military Po-lice Brigade and JFHQ, RIARNG. The purpose of these staff rides was for our leadership to gain a greater understanding and knowledge of a very important ally as well as to propel the staff ride package beyond traditional sites such as Gettysburg and Bunker Hill. The sites visited included the Ammuni-tion Hill Battlefield and Memorial, Latrun (the IDF’s armored corps museum and spiritual home, as well as the site of numerous battles over thousands of years), the Israeli Air Force Museum in Beer Sheva, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the Israeli Navy Museum in Haifa.

In addition, I mentored and prepared Chaplain Candidates for their training this summer. Anoth-er duty, this one incredibly solemn and humbling, was organizing and leading Veterans’ Day services at my seminary that included both American and Israeli military personnel and veterans. Finally, I interfaced with a start-up tech-nology company, Sesame-Enable (whose main purpose is to allow people suffering from paralysis to be able to operate computers using just facial motions) in order to see if their technology could be applied to aiding our nation’s wounded Warriors.In addition to my official duties, I was able also to participate in mili-

tary life just as I would back home. This included attending the US Marine Corps Ball in Jerusalem, hosted by the consulate’s Marine Security Guard detachment. There I had the opportunity to meet VADM Paul Bushong, the U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Howev-er, the crowning achievement was a 26.3 mile memorial ruckmarch in Jerusalem that I organized and did with members of the New York Army National Guard, US Air Force, and US Marine Corps in honor of US Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Nathan Bruck-enthal, a Jewish service member killed in action during OIF. ■

Captain Aaron Rozovsky (second from the right) joins fellow chaplain candidates holding an American Flag in Jerusalem, Israel.


COLONEL DONNELLY ASSUMES COMMAND

At a ceremony held May 2, 2014 in the Mainte-nance Hangar at Quonset Air National Guard Base Lieuten-ant Colonel Michael Donnelly was promoted to Colonel and Assumed Command of the 143d Maintenance Group. Previously the Commander of the Maintenance Squad-ron, Donnelly was selected from a group of highly quali-fied candidates. The mission

of the Maintenance Group is to provide safe, reliable and effective aircraft and mainte-nance capability to the Airlift Wing for its state and federal missions. Colonel Donnelly was pinned by his wife and chil-dren in front of State and Wing Leadership, members of the 143d Maintenance Group and many other fellow Rhode Warriors. In addition, a small

group of retired and former Navigators gathered to watch one of their own earn the well-deserved rank of Colo-nel. Colonel Donnelly served as a Navigator on the C-130 prior to moving to Mainte-nance. Congratulations to Colonel Donnelly, his family, and to the men and women of the 143d Maintenance Group. ■

By Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143d Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Colonel Michael Donnelly Stands at attention as members of his family pin him during his promotion ceremony. (Photo by Air Force MSgt. Janeen Miller)


CERFP Conducts Local Maritime Exercise On Saturday 29 March 2014 and Sunday 30 March 2014 at Naval Station Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, members of the 143d Airlift Wing, part of the New England Chem-ical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Package (CERFP) team, joined forces with members of the NE CERFP team to conduct an exercise of CERFP capabilities. The NE CERFP includes members from the Rhode Island Army National Guard, and Air and Army National Guard units from New Hampshire and Maine. The simu-lated exercise scenario of a CBRNE incident aboard a cruise ship in port allowed the members to also work with personnel from the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and US Coast Guard

from Naval Station Newport. New England CERFP has the ability to respond to a homeland incident to conduct crisis and con-sequence management operations in support of civil and federal authorities. They also have the capability to iden-tify, assess, advice, and assist during a CBRNE and all Hazard incidents. The New England CERFP can assemble its personnel in six hours from the time of an official request. It is comprised of fulltime and traditional National Guard personnel that are trained and equipped to perform the functions of Patient Decontamination, Medical Tri-age, Medical Treatment, and Casualty Search and Extraction at a Catastroph-ic Event ■

By Master Sgt. Janeen Miller, 143d Airlift Wing Public Affairs

A CERFP member decontaminates a simulated vic-tim during a joint Maritime Exercise at the Newport Navy Base on March 30, 2014. (Photo by Air Force MSgt. Janeen Miller)

CERFP members decontaminate a simulated victim by sending him through a wash system during a joint Maritime Exercise at the Newport Navy Base on March 30, 2014. (Photo by Air Force MSgt. Janeen Miller)


Lieutenant Colonel Viv-ian Caruolo met with students and faculty of the Stony Lane Elemen-tary School to thank them for their support of her family while she was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. “The faculty and staff along with the kids have been amazingly supportive,” said LTC Caruolo, “They were especially accommo-dating to the ups and downs that my children and many families experience when a family member is deployed.” LTC Caruolo deployed to Afghanistan in support of Op-eration Enduring Freedom. Once LTC Caruolo returned the students had a chance to ask her about her experiences, her mission and the

ing, and always make a point of mentioning it with pride!” Stony Lane’s Principal Mr. Ed Farrario also said “The impact on our students is that they can share an awareness of what it is like to be part of a military Family. The positive impact for those who are not military is that they can learn to appreciate what it is like for those children who come from a military family. Both have a posi-tive impact on each other.” Stony Lane is one of the many schools around the country that have made it their mission to show appreciation to Service Members. ■

hardships she experienced while deployed. “The 5th grade class wanted to know how dangerous Afghanistan was and had more questions about the war. We got into a very good discussion about the elections and the function of NATO.” The faculty welcomed the visit because it helps the students understand the sacrifice of the military but also gives them a sense of pride in what can be accom-plished through hard work. “I feel that students have a better con-nection to the importance of and respect for our military personnel,” said Mrs. Henault of Stony Lane’s 5th grade class. “Many of them are reminded of family members who have served or are presently serv-

LTC CARUOLO VISITS STONY LANEBy Sgt. Michael Iacona, 110th Public Affairs Detachment

Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Caruolo stands with Stony Lane’s Principal and teachers after pre-senting them with an “Operation Enduring Freedom” guidon as a token of her appreciation for the school’s support of the Armed Forces. (Photo by Army Sgt. Michael Iacona)


Airmen from the 143d Air Wing’s Operations Group, Main-tenance Group, Medical Group and Logistics Readiness Squadron returned home from a deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While deployed, the Air-men supported air mobility opera-tions. They provided rapid, global mobility and sustainment of the combat capability of America’s armed forces; including humanitar-ian efforts, troop movements and supply missions. “Our Team is responsible for another successful deployment supporting our military efforts overseas. We have the best and most highly trained Airmen on earth,” said Colonel Arthur Floru, 143d AW Wing Commander. “We are extremely proud and thrilled to

welcome our Team home to their Families after answering our na-tion’s call.” The entire 143d Airlift Wing Team thanks these men and

women for their sacrifice. Welcome Home Rhode Warriors! ■

RHODE WARRIORSRETURN HOMEBy Master Sgt. Janeen Miller,

143d Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Captain Ryan Dwyer, 143d Maintence Operations Flight Commander, is greeted by his wife and son after returning home from Kuwait. (Photo by Air Force MSgt. Janeen Miller)

Families and friends gather to await the return of their loved ones, the 143d Maintenance Operations Flight. (Photo by Air Force MSgt. Janeen Miller)


SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH CONFIDENCE COURSE CHALLENGE By Master Sgt. Janeen Miller,

143d Airlift Wing Public Affairs

At what has become an annual tradition, Soldiers and Airmen, took on the Confidence Course at Camp Fogarty, East Greenwich, RI for the Sexual As-sault Awareness Month Challenge. Each year the month of April is rec-ognized as Sexual Assault Aware-ness Month (SAAM) and commits to raising awareness and promoting the prevention of sexual violence through use of special events and public education. SAAM provides an annual opportunity to reinforce

our commitment to strengthen-ing the professional climate across the armed forces where the cul-tural imperatives of mutual respect and trust, team commitment, and professional values are reinforced to create an environment in which sexist behaviors, sexual harass-ment, and sexual assault are not condoned, tolerated, or ignored. During the obstacle course the teams were quizzed regard-ing their knowledge of the Sexual Assault and Harassment Program (SHARP). This combination en-sures the Soldiers and Airmen have a thorough understanding of the program and can recall the infor-mation in times of stress. The three teams with the fastest completion times were awarded trophies by Brigadier General Charles E. Petrarca Jr., Land Component Commander, RI National Guard and Chief Master Sergeant Lori Ashness, State Sexual Assault Coordinator, RI National Guard for their outstanding efforts. At the end of the day everyone who participated, despite being a bit worn out, had a great time and were much more aware of the importance of Sexual Assault Awareness. ■An Airman traverses an obstacle during the 4th annual Sexual Assault Awareness

Month Confidence Course Challenge. (Photo by TSgt. Sage Maker)

From the Adjutant GeneralMajor General Kevin R. McBride

The Future of the Rhode Island National Guard

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, con-sectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penati-bus et magnis dis parturient mon-tes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellen-tesque eu, pretium quis, sem. Nulla consequat massa quis enim. Donec pede justo, fringilla vel, aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. In enim justo, rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus. Aenean leo ligula, porttitor eu, consequat vitae, eleifend ac, enim. Aliquam lorem ante, dapibus in, viverra quis, feugiat a, tellus. Phasellus vi-verra nulla ut metus varius laoreet. Quisque rutrum. Aenean imper-diet. Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue. Curabitur ullamcorper ultricies nisi. Nam eget dui. Etiam rhon-cus. Maecenas tempus, tellus eget condimentum rhoncus, sem quam semper libero, sit amet adipiscing sem neque sed ipsum. Nam quam nunc, blandit vel, luctus pulvinar, hendrerit id, lorem. Maecenas nec odio et ante tincidunt tempus. Do-nec vitae sapien ut libero venenatis faucibus. Nullam quis ante. Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus

tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh. Donec so-dales sagittis magna. Sed conse-quat, leo eget bibendum sodales, augue velit cursus nunc, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, na-scetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem. Nulla consequat massa quis enim. Donec pede justo, fringilla vel, aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. In enim justo, rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus. Aenean leo ligula, porttitor eu, consequat vitae, eleif-end ac, enim. Aliquam lorem ante, dapibus in, viverra quis, feugiat a, tellus. Phasellus viverra nulla ut metus varius laoreet. Quisque rutrum. Aenean imperdiet. Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue. Curabitur ullamcorper ultricies nisi. Nam eget dui. Etiam rhoncus. Maecenas tempus, tellus eget condimentum rhoncus, sem quam semper libero, sit amet adipiscing sem neque sed ipsum. Nam quam nunc, blandit vel, luctus pulvinar, hendrerit id,

lorem. Maecenas nec odio et ante tincidunt tempus. Donec vitae sapien ut libero venenatis faucibus. Nullam quis ante. Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh. Donec sodales sagit-tis magna. Sed consequat, leo eget bibendum sodales, augue velit cursus nunc, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem. Nulla consequat massa quis enim. Donec pede justo, fringilla vel, aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. In enim justo, rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dic-tum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus. Aenean leo ligula, porttitor eu, consequat vitae, eleifend ac, enim. Aliquam lorem ante, dapibus in, viverra quis, feugiat a, tellus. Pha-sellus viverra nulla ut metus varius laoreet. Quisque rutrum. Aenean imperdiet. Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue. Curabitur ullamcorper ultricies nisi. Nam eget dui. Etiam rhoncus. Maecenas tempus.


1/143rd INFANTRY AT BIG RIVER

(Right) Soldiers of the 1/143rd Infantry dis-mount from a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter

and secure a parimeter as the Blackhawk pre-pares to lift off. The 1/143rd spent their April

drill completing Sling Load Operations, Squad level training and Airborne Operations at Big

River in West Greenwich, Rhode Island.

(Right) Staff Sergeant Lewis takes a knee during a patrol

while conducting squad level training.

(Right) Staff Sergeant Kelly leads his squad through an open field during a squad patrol while training at Big River.

Photos by Army Sgt. Terry Rajsombath


(Bottom) Two Soldiers from the 1/143rd Infantry perform practice drills at Camp Fogar-ty, East Greenwhich, RI prior to arriving at Big River to conduct more infantry tasks.

A Soldier trains his M4 during walk-through drills at Camp Fogarty, East Greenwhich, RI prior to arriving at Big River.


On Sunday, March 2, 2014, Colonel Christopher Burns ,accompanied by his friends and family, gathered in the House of Represen-tatives Chamber at the Rhode Island State House for his promotion to brigadier general. Brig. Gen. Burns will move on to become the Assistant Vice Commander U.S. Special Op-erations Command (USSOCOM), Washington Office, Pentagon. Brig. Gen. Burns was most recently the Commander of the Special Operations Detach-ment-Global, out of Coventry, Rhode Island. ■

COLONEL BURNS PROMOTED TO BRIGADIER GENERAL

(Right) Newly promoted Brigadier General Chris-

topher Burns receives his General Officer’s

Flag during his promo-tion ceremony. (Photo

by Army Sgt. Peter Ramaglia)

(Above) Colonel Christopher Burns

watches as members of his family apply the rank

of Brigadier General to his uniform during his

promotion ceremony at the Rhode Island State

House. (Photo by Army Sgt. Terry Rajsombath)


CONGRATULATIONS!The Rhode Island National Guard would like to congratulate Sgt. Stephanie Engro of the 115th Military Police Company for being named the NCO of the Year.

A special congratulations is also in order for Spc. Tori Franceschi, also of the 115th Military Police Company, for being named the Soldier of the Year.

NCO & Soldier of the Year

NCO of the Year, Sgt. Stephanie Engro (left), and Soldier of the Year, Spc. Tori Franceschi (right) stand with State Command Sergeant Major Michael Lewis, after being named NCO and Soldier of the Year for 2014. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Riel)

BRIGADIER GENERAL KEENE RETIRES After more than 30 years of service to the Rhode Island Army National Guard, Brigadier General Richard F. Keene is retiring. BG Keene entered the Rhode Island National Guard in August of 1982 and has held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility culminating with his current assignment as the Assistant to the Vice Command of United States Special Operations Com-mand (USSOCOM). BG Keene has been a leader in this organization at every level, commanding at the Special Forces Operational Detachment - Alpha, Company and Battalion, as well as serving in several staff officer posi-tions at the battalion, brigade and state headquarters. As the Executive Officer of Special Operations Detachment - Global, he deployed in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom -

Horn of Africa (OEF-HOA) where he served as the Director of Opera-tions for the Joint Special Opera-tions Task Force, Special Opera-tions Liaison Element to Nairobi, Kenya and Future Operations Of-ficer within the Future Operations Division of USSOCOM. In 2008, he again deployed with Special Operations Detach-ment - Global to Special Opera-tions Command South, where he filled dual roles as the Deputy Commander for Inter-Agency Coordination and Commander of Special Operations Command - Forward in Bogota Colombia. In his current position BG Keene is responsible for represent-ing USSOCOM and the Compo-nent Commands to the Joint Staff, Service Staffs, Office of the Secre-tary of Defense and other govern-mental agencies in the National Capitol Region. He provides timely

and critical information flow, coor-dination, liaison, research, analysis and advice as well as special opera-tions forces unique expertise in the areas of plans and policy; programs and resources, and current opera-tions. BG Keene serves as a Gen-eral Officer/Flag Officer level inter-face to senior Military and civilian leadership in the Pentagon and oversees the conduct of a forward operating base for the USSOCOM Commander, Deputy Commander and staff to conduct business in the Pentagon and National Capitol Region. BG Keene’s commitment to combat readiness, unselfish dedica-tion to duty and Soldiers, and per-sonal commitment is a testament to this officer and reflects distinct credit upon the Rhode Island Na-tional Guard and the United States Army. ■



LOOK WHO GOT PROMOTEDApril-June 2014

RI - ARNGPV2

Alvarezcepeda, GerainBibeault, AustenConstantino, MichaelDeroche, BrittanyEsquivel, LubiaEvans, ChristopherGonzales, TiffanyIbanez, JohnnyIbanez, OscarMarsh, GeorgeMercado, AngelReynolds, ShaneRosario, AngelizSanchez, AngelicaSilvia, KaylaStevenin, MichaelSoares, AlbertTetchi, YvesVandermost, Alaena

PFCComtois, SeanGutierrez, RonyHernandez, LuisKaminski, TimothyLusignan, NicholasMaccarone, StevenMoulton, BrianPearcemarshall, AdePereyra, AnthonyPich, NarithRanley, KaylaVega, JorgeWalsh, Cameron

SPCAceto, MichaelButler, DavidCorreia, KristopherCunniff, AlexanderDias, JohnHowieoutland, DeannaJimenenzduarte, StevenLopes, AshleyRaposa Jr., RonaldSmith, RhyheimeStonge, Jordan

SGTBates, AndrewCabrera III, AndrewDextradeur, CaseyDubois, KevinDunn, EvanDuszak, JosephGrenier, MichaelGuilbert, NormandHart, StephanieHetu, RyanHughes, WalterInthasanh, ScotteLima, DavidsonLudovici, Tasha

Marr, DeanMarsocci, KatieMcallian, AaronMcInerney, StephenParrillo, JustinPereira, MichaelReilly, WilliamRosario, ChayanneScuncio, ZacharyStocker, DrewVasquez JonaldferWhite, DanielYetton, Andrew

SSGBoudreau, RobertBowry, RachelBuehner, ChristopherCottrell, NicholDaniel, MadiaDippold, BenediktDooley, JaredFortin, BrianGagnon, JustinHulkow, PaulJohnson, RobertJoseph, GislaineLetoile, AshleyMatthews, SeanMeasley, HansReardon, MarkSantana, FelixWoodward, Gregory

SFCBrunelle, KevinBurnham, JamesChambers, TheodoreCoronel, AbelDupuis, ChristopherGilliard, RobertMedeiros, JeremyMendez, JoseTamayo, CesarTovar, LuisVita, AdomWest, Brian

MSGLangelier, StephenNichols III, Robert

SGMDececco, Glen

CPTBaysah, AlbertBobroff, MichaelFlood III, CharlesMagiera, DawnMason, KyleMorris, PeterPacheco, Joshua

MAJChianese, Brian

LTCMacDonald, John

CW4Sciamacco, Gerald

RI - ANGAmn

Chan, SkyeA1C

Allen, KatieDallaire, MatthewMcDonald, JosephPacheco, ArianaSengsouvanh, Johnny

SrAFitzgerald, RyanFortin, ScottPeckham, NathanHammond, AnthonyHoward, JoshuaKearns, JaredNelson, AnthonySelman, RyanShalvey, Kelly

SSgtBurke, ChristopherBoynton, AndrewCostello, JosephDarling, ChristopherLaRoche, JustinLowell, MichaelMorse, KylePowers, MarisaSiconio, CorySullivan, BrittniTaglianetti, EricWilkins, Adam

TSgtBruhn, JoshuaDevine, IanGonzalez, LuisSagario, GarySheldon, William

MSgtBlanchette, GregoryBoyns, AlunComella, MarioKing, AdamPirnie, thomas

CMSgtPotenza, William

CaptKahan, AlanKelley, TimothyLebon, Justin

MajJackson, Nathaniel

Lt ColHannon, Lynne

ColDonnelly, MichaelSullivan, Kathleen

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Ocean State Guardian - Summer 2014

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