CRAMER'S SABERS SENTINEL - University of Rhode Island ROTC ...

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND ARMY ROTC
ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERISTY SALVE REGINA UNIVERSITY
CRAMER’S SABERS SENTINEL
From the cadet battalion commander:
The spring semester
is a truly crucial and busy time
for the Cramer’s Sabers Battalion
as we prepare to send our
MSIII class to Warrior Forge.
The MS-IVs preparing to commission
have developed the
key planning skills that have
led and will lead to the completion
of our labs and field
training, used to establish the
knowledge base that the subordinate
classes will need to
succeed. This semester we
started off with our first of two
weekend labs and move forward
onto events such as, the
Bataan Memorial Death
March, Lab 2, JFTX, Military
Ball, Battalion Ruck march and
additional training days.
During this time we work to
mold the leadership and tacti-
cal skills of the MSIII class in
order to prepare them for
LDAC. We practice everything
from TLPs, operations
orders and proper self-conduct
to platoon and squad tactics.
On 20 May2012 they will not
only be in charge of what will
be their battalion, but they will
be prepared to complete Warrior
Forge and the training of
the next class successfully and
efficiently.
I have confidence that our
instructors have passed the
knowledge and our subordinate
Cadets have processed it
in a way that will allow them
to grow and lead through the
remainder of their ROTC and
Army careers. I wish all the
best to our commissioning
class and the future generations
of Army Cadets.
NEW STAFF POSITIONS ARE IN...
We would like to congratulate the MS IIIs for all their hard work this year on their road to Warrior Forge
2012. We know it has been a tough year filled with LDAC preparations, speed orders, training in the
rain, and learning to be leaders. Keep up the hard work as you are all capable of being great leaders, not
only here and at LDAC, but in your future careers as Army Officers! The Fall 2012 staff positions have
been assigned to the following outstanding cadets:
Battalion Commander - Paul Marchand
Battalion Executive Officer – Victor Penedo
SPRING 2012 EDITION
Battalion Command Sergeant Major – Aaron Charette
URI Company Commander – Jonathan McMichael
RWU Company Commander – Michelle Dessillier
SRU Company Commander – Steven Benavides
“Go forward without fear.”
MAY 3, 2012
Sabers lead the way!!
Cadet Battalion Commander
Spring semester,
Russack, Tate M.
UPCOMING EVENTS
• ARMY 10-Miler will be
coming up in October!!
Get in touch with your
c/BC, CDT Marchand
ASAP if you are interested
in being on the team.
• Ranger Challenge
Practices: contact
c/CSM Charette for upcoming
practices.
• Alumni Golf Tournament
21 Sep 2012
SABERS LEAD THE WAY!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
INTRO
NEW POSITIONS
MIL BALL
RUCK MARCH
1
1
2
2
LDAC SUCCESS 2
JFTX
Bataan
2012 Cadet BC
2012 Cadet CSM 4
LTC(R) HELWEG
Commissionees 5
3
3
4
4

PAGE 2 CRAMER’S SABERS SENTINEL
CDT Lassik, our MC, empties
his Armor contents into
the Grog Bowl
The BN poses for a picture post
ruck march in front of Ochre
Court.
Cadets ruck march on the beautiful
Newport Cliff Walk.
MS III’s enjoying a drink
from the Grog bowl
MILITARY BALL: ELIZABETH MAMAY
On April 21, 2012, the University of Rhode Island Cramer’s Sabers Battalion held their annual
Military Ball at the Hotel Viking in Newport, Rhode Island. Cadets and Cadre, along with friends, family,
and Alumni attended the ball, including honorable guests Major General McBride, distinguished guest
speaker Colonel John Hall, and Colonel (Retired) William Mackinley.
The ceremony began with the posting of our national colors, performed by the JROTC Cadets from
Rogers High School as our color guard, followed by the traditional Fallen Comrades Ceremony. Afterward,
the senior class Cadets conducted the traditional Grog Bowl Ceremony, as they created a scrumptious
punch including ingredients significant to each Cadet’s respective branches, such as sweat, blood and
ammunition (that is ingredients that symbolized these things). Following dinner the awards ceremony was
conducted, recognizing those senior Cadets who excelled during the 2011-2012 year, showing outstanding
potential as future Army Officers. This year’s memorial award recipients were: Luke McCabe, Franklin
Solano, Tate Russack, Daniel Lassik, and Ryan Satherlie. Luke McCabe was awarded the honorable Parker
D. Cramer’s Saber Award. Our notable guest speaker, Colonel John Hall provided the audience with
insight from past experiences and advice for our future careers. The ceremony concluded with a slideshow
portraying the past year’s events within the battalion, followed by the retiring of the colors and a final
conclusion. The military ball gave all guests an opportunity to interact in a social, albeit formal setting;
ending the academic year with high morale and motivation.
BATTALION RUCK MARCH: CHRISTOPHER BUCKMAN
On April 25 2012 at
5:40am, the entire Cramer’s
Sabers Battalion stepped off from
Salve Regina's Ochre Court
Mansion and conducted a 4.29mile
ruck march. The ruck
March was concluded with a
breakfast in Salve's dining hall.
The Ruck March route consisted
of walking through Salve’s campus
to Bellevue Ave. and then
completing the cliff walk. This
LDAC Success: words of Wisdom...
• "Think before you act. Don't react and then regret" - LTC Wilson
• “Take the time to do things right, don’t take the time to do things over” -MSG Eichner
• "Use what you know." - CDT BC Russack
route allowed the Cadets to see
the Mansions of Newport and
the scenery of the beautiful cliffwalk.
These are just some of the
sights that the Aquidneck Island
has to offer. The march was a
chance to get the whole Battalion,
including participating Cadets
together to have an excellent
team building experience
and a chance for some Battalion
photos; allowing all of the Ca-
• "A MSG once told me, ‘asking is not checking, checking is checking’. When you conduct your PCC’s
& PCI’s at any level always get an eyes on everything; don’t take anyone’s word for it”- CDT Hannon
• “Use your TACSOP! They gave it to you for a reason.” -CDT Lassik
- Don’t Stress, Just Do It-
dets to work together helping
each other to successfully navigate
the cliff walk without any
injuries. This was also the MSIIIs
last ruck before they attend
LDAC. The Battalion ruck in
Newport, RI was a great experience
and something that should
continue to happen in the future.

SPRING 2012 EDITION
JFTX: MARK INCZE
STONES RANCH, CT
Every Spring the cadets of the
Cramer's Sabers Battalion brave
the cold and the wet and venture
into the woods of eastern Connecticut
to employ their learned
skills in field tactics and leadership
in preparation for LDAC
and their Army careers. Three
days later, cold, wet, and tired,
they emerge triumphant, fresh
with new knowledge, experience,
and insight into their abilities
and strengths. Though the
hours are long, and the weather
rarely cooperative, the Joint
Field Training Exercise held
every Spring semester is the
culminating event of the year.
Everything the Cadets have
learned throughout the year is
put to use in a simulated combat
zone; it is the final test for Ca-
dets to prove they have what it
takes to advance to the next
level.
This year, the
Cramer's Sabers Battalion conducted
their Field Training Exercise
in conjunction with University
of Connecticut, held on
Stone's Ranch Military Reservation
in East Lyme, Connecticut.
Fifty-five members of the Battalion,
46 contracted Cadets and 9
participating students, joined
more than 100 Cadets in the
Southern New England area to
practice Land Navigation, Squad
and Platoon level tactics, and
Field Leadership Reaction Assessment.
Cadets received a
small taste of Army field operations,
carrying real rifles, and
operating all day while rucking
with all the gear they own.
BATAAN MEMORIAL DEATH MARCH: JOSHUA COLASSANTE
Recently a team of
Cadets and I attended the 23 rd
Annual Bataan Memorial Death
March at the White Sands Missile
Range in New Mexico. This
is an event held in memory of
the victims and survivors of the
Bataan Death March that
claimed the lives of hundreds of
American POWs during World
War II. Participating in this
event was an incredible experience
for me and my fellow Cadets.
The event itself consists
of a 26.2 mile march
through the arid terrain of White
Sands, New Mexico. Participants
are given the option to run the
course, or march in a “light” or
“heavy” team category.
Throughout the course, participants
battled the heat, uneven
terrain, and hills of the course.
To prepare for the event, our
team trained for weeks in advance,
marching 15-20 miles at a
time to acquire the endurance
and stamina our bodies would
need for the march.
Although the march
was challenging, it was incredibly
rewarding. The opening
ceremonies before stepping-off
impacted me, reminding me of
the huge sacrifices that our country’s
veterans have made for us
all. Hearing the roll-call and
response of the three Bataan
survivors present, as well as the
names of those who had died in
the past year, left more of an
impression on me than reading
an entire library’s worth of documentaries
and biographies ever
could have. It was with this
sense of patriotism and motivation
that everyone began the
march, and I kept this in mind
throughout. The march itself
stretched through the desert surrounding
the missile range,
winding in the sand and around a
mountain before circling back to
the base. We marched along side
fellow Cadets, Army Soldiers,
Marines, Navy, Air Force, and
Cadets were assessed
throughout the weekend on their
leadership skills and Army
knowledge. Each one was given
an opportunity to lead a squad
sized element on a timed mission
. Each Cadet received a
valuable lesson on their own
strengths and weaknesses in an
environment similar to the one
they will encounter at LDAC,
specifically a leadership environment
where they will deal primarily
with strangers. With
these assessments, Cadets and
Cadre alike are able to better
prepare for future training operations.
Coast Guard service members.
Many civilians young and old
also came to march and support
the cause.
Our team had the opportunity
to stay at Fort Bliss in
El Paso, Texas for the duration
of the weekend. 1SG Ferrara, a
former training NCO with the
Cramer’s Sabers Battalion now
stationed in Ft. Bliss, generously
offered to provide our team of
cadets with lodging and transportation
for the weekend. In
addition to logistical support,
1SG Ferrara also gave the cadets
and I a tour of the base, along
with a quick hands-on tour of a
Stryker Armored Personnel Carrier.
1SG Ferrara’s support was
crucial in making the event a
possibility for our team.
Overall my experience
in planning, training, and ultimately
participating in the 2012
Bataan Memorial Death March
was both a fun experience and an
excellent training opportunity for
me and the rest of the team.
PAGE 3
ABOVE: CADETS CONDUCT
PATROL LANES AT THE
2012 JFTX
BELOW: CADETS OF THE
CRAMER’S SABERS BN
PARTICIPATE IN THE 2012
BATAAN MEMORIAL DEATH
MARCH IN WHITE SANDS,
NEW MEXICO.

PAGE 4 NEWSLETTER TITLE
GREETINGS FROM YOUR FALL 2012 CADET BC: PAUL MARCHAND
To my fellow cadets,
This upcoming Fall semester
is going to be a transition
and all of us will be involved.
I will be relying on you to
make our program work and
succeed, as you will be relying
on me to do the same.
We've got a lot of exciting
events and good training
ahead of us. The Army 10
Miler, Ranger Challenge, and
Bataan Death March are all
enjoyable experiences and
opportunities to take advantage
of. But of course the
benefits of the ROTC do not
come for free and we are going
to have to buckle down on
fundraising, because you can't
spell fundraising without
fun... But besides the bad
jokes, we have aspects of our
ROTC battalion to maintain
and plenty to improve upon
in the upcoming years. Keep
IN MEMORY OF LTC HELWEG
October 1, 1948– May 3, 2012
your PT up during the summer,
stay mean and lean.
Also, don't have a brain dump
like many of our graduating
MSIVs have told us repeatedly.
We are a team and
teamwork makes the dream
work. Also the acronym is
Together Everyone Accomplishes
More. Write those
down and have a great summer.
See you all in the fall.
Greetings From Your Fall 2012 Cadet CSM: Aaron Charette
As Cadet Command Sergeant
Major I would like to inform you
about the upcoming events for
the 2012-2013 year. In the fall
we have Army 10 Miler, a 10
mile road race in Washington
D.C. Every year thousands attend
and compete in our nation’s
capital for the weekend. It’s a
great opportunity to get out, get
involved and see the sights. Also,
the Ranger Challenge team will
be competing this year. It is a
weekend event that will have
things such as hand grenade assault,
obstacle course, urban
ops, boating, marksmanship and
rappelling. It’s a great chance to
get experience training and those
rewarding OML points. Bataan is
in the spring semester, but training
will start early. A 26.3 mile
race in White Sands, New Mexico
is a chance to see the country
and to meet people, military and
civilian alike. Finally, Color
guard is an important VOLUN-
TEER opportunity to represent
the program at sporting events
and ceremonies. And do not
forget participation awards you
OML points. I look forward to
working with you all and being
your CCSM. Lets start off the
year right, Sabers lead the way!
LTC Helweg was a dedicated supporter of University of Rhode Island Army
ROTC Program. He demonstrated the meaning of giving back and loving
where you come from. As a former member of the Cramer’s Sabers Battalion
LTC Helweg was actively involved in the success of the URI ROTC Alumni
Association. He served as President of the Association for many years and
was instrumental in the establishment of the annual golf outing. LTC Helweg
will be missed and his love for Cramer’s Sabers will never be forgotten.

URI ROTC
3 KEANEY DR
KIGSTON, RI 02881
Phone: 401-874-7682
Fax: 401-874-5428
E-mail: ccorbett@mail.uri.edu
http://www.armyrotc.com/edu/
univri/index.htm
SABERS LEAD THE WAY!
Cramer’s Saber Battalion History
The Army ROTC battalion on the URI Campus originated from the military
training unit established in 1894 by Captain William W. Wetherspoon, later
Chief of Staff of the United States Army. Under the provisions of the Morrill Act of
1862, better known as the Land Grand Act, State colleges set up military training
units to prepare college students for leadership in the event of a national emergency.
In 1920, the unit was redesignated as the Reserve Officers Training Corps in compliance
with the National Defense Act of 1920.
Starting with a unit consisting of fourteen men in 1894, the unit grew to
approximately 1500 cadets during the time ROTC was mandatory for freshman and
sophomore students. The unit was organized into a brigade of three battalions consisting
of three companies each and one provisional battalion consisting of the junior
training company, Kingston Rangers, the ROTC Band and the Drill Team. An Infantry
branch material unit was instituted with military instruction in 1894. Subsequently,
Quartermaster and Engineer branch units were incorporated into the program
in 1943 and 1951 respectively. Presently, all branch training has been terminated
and replaced by general Military Science instruction. (Full college credit is
received for ROTC courses by all students enrolled.)
Since 1919, over 1700 cadets from the program have been awarded commissions
in the Active and Reserve Components of the United States Army. Approximately
29,000 students have taken basic ROTC courses at the University of
Rhode Island during the same period. Beginning with the academic year 1965-
1966, Military Science has been on a voluntary basis.
2012 ROTC COMMISSIONEES
Early morning wakeups, training weekends, commitment & dedication to our battalion, LDAC
preparation, LDAC completion, training MSIII’s to succeed. These are just a few of the many ways
we have showed our loyalty to one another and our BN over the past 4 years. As we get ready to
commission we see it has all been worth while! Lets carry this motivation & determination of the past
into our futures as Army Officers!
Nicholas G. Allyn-Ordnance, Active Duty
Christopher C. Buckman- Engineer, RI Guard
Steven M. Cherubino-Transportation, Active Duty
Deanna C. Ciccarelli-Medical Services, RI Guard
Meridith M.V. Hannon-Nurse Corps, Active Duty
Jared B. Hopton-Air Defense Artillery, Active
Duty
Jonathan T. Hurst – Chemical Corps, Active Duty
Mark A. Incze -Engineer, RI Guard
Daniel E. Lassik -Armor, Active Duty
Andrew J. Maag - Engineer, MA National Guard
Don’t forget the alumni association!
Ryan P. MacCormack-Military Police, Active Duty
Andrew A. Maher, Jr.– Aviation, Active Duty
Elizabeth V. Mamay- Quartermaster, Reserve
Luke J. McCabe – Infantry, Active Duty
Michael J. Payne – Aviation, RI Guard
Tate M. Russack II – Ordinance, Active Duty
Ryan D. Satherlie – Armor, Active Duty
Franklin Solano, Jr. – Military Intelligence, Active
Duty
DECEMBER GRADUATES
Laura E. Canavan – December Graduate
Michael T. Garrity – December Graduate
Amanda M. Ramirez – December Graduate
Peter G. Sawyer – December Graduate
Bryan S. Shapow – December Graduate
Above: MSIVs toast to the Officer
Corps