The Ocean State Guardian - Winter 2010

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Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island As commander of the R.I. National Guard, nothing is more important to me than the mental and physical wellbeing of our Soldiers, Airmen and their families. In these trying times of economic hardships, multiple deployments, and the pressure those realities place on our personal relationships, I am committed to providing a full-spectrum support system which offers key services that our Soldiers, Airmen and their family members can access in order to assist them through turbulent waters. I am incredibly proud of how you and your families have marched on through these tough times. I also know that, contrary to popular opinion, you are not all wearing the large “S” of Superman on your shirts. This command has not been immune from the predictable results that tough times and high operational tempo can bring to the unsuspecting: domestic turmoil, 2 Ocean State Guardian / Winter 2010 Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray, Adjutant General, Commanding General, Rhode Island National Guard Are you strong enough to recognize your weaknesses? fi nancial hardship, depression, and sadly, suicide. We can’t control the environment which can lead to these outcomes, but we can provide potential solutions through services that are available to all our Soldiers, Airmen, and their families. Our Family Assistance Center has grown exponentially since 9-11 and boasts 16 full-time employees who offer services from confi dential mental health counseling to personal fi nancial planning. A full-time Military OneSource representative provides you with immediate access to all services available to active duty, reserve, or military veteran personnel. Additionally, the J-1 shop hosts a full-time transition assistance advisor while supporting the chaplain’s offi ce that provides a successful Strong Bonds program for couples, families, and single military members. Despite these great programs designed to minimize and mitigate Family Assistance Center Contact Information Laura Paton, State Youth Coordinator - 275-4354 Amy Rachiele, Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator - 275-4326 Christine Newell-Loyko, Director of Psychological Health - 275-4318 Marie Kuhn, Military Family Life Consultant - 275-4317 Faith LaMunyon, Military Family Life Consultant for Youth - 275-4322 Timothy Clegg, Personal Financial Counselor - 275-4351 Lt. Col. Judy Ferriera, State Family Program Director - 275-4321 Sgt. First Class Jodi Fritsche, Post-Deployment Health Reassessment Specialist - 275-4360 the common issues which cause us all stress, the key to a healthy mental outlook and ensured domestic and economic peace, rests with each individuals’ ability to BE STRONG ENOUGH TO RECOGNIZE YOUR WEAKNESS! The Rhode Island National Guard leadership will never penalize a Soldier or Airman for demonstrating the courage to come forward and ask for assistance in getting through a tough situation; and in fact, I highly encourage you to seek professional assistance at the fi rst signs that life is overcoming you. You have demonstrated your courage on the fi eld of battle with great distinction since 9-11. If you are experiencing diffi culties in your personal lives today, I encourage drawing on that same reservoir of courage, and utilizing these services that are available to you. Sometimes, Military Strong is being strong enough to recognize your weaknesses. Hooah! Sue Hopkins, Family and Readiness Support Assistant - 275-4418 Wayne Parker, Family Readiness Assistant - 275-4349 Kevin McDonnell, Family Assistance Coordinator - 275-4361 Ed Ouellette, Family Assistance Specialist - 275-4336 Val Rezendes, Military OneSource Specialist - 275-4331 Mary Ann Topp, Army Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist - 275-4320 Lori Hart, Air Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist - (401) 886-0058 Tina Scully, Wing Family Program Coordinator - (401) 886-0148
NCO Leadership: “The way ahead” part III The senior NCO By Command Sgt. Maj. John J. McDonough IV, 5th State Command Sergeant Major, RIARNG In parts I and II of this article, I have talked about our junior NCOs—the sergeant and staff sergeant. I outlined my priorities and discussed my expectations. I now focus on our sergeants fi rst class. The sergeant fi rst class commonly serves as the platoon sergeant at the company level, or serves as a special staff NCO, and is expected to embody all the traits of a leader. Watching a successful platoon sergeant operate on a daily basis is to see the execution of a variety of skills developed through many years of experience, specifi cally skill levels 1 through 4. The sergeant fi rst class trains the platoon or section in their collective tasks; checks maintenance; monitors morale and welfare of his/her Soldiers and their families; develops subordinates; trains the junior offi cers assigned to your platoon/ section, and on and on. My point: you are the seasoned veteran. You have acquired skills necessary to lead Soldiers and manage resources at the platoon, company and battalion level. The sergeant fi rst class, or E7, is the fi rst level at which the term “senior NCO” As we enter the holiday season, I want to take a couple of minutes to say thank you. As we close out Fiscal Year 2010 and begin a new year, the Rhode Island Army National Guard is in excellent shape as we remain a relevant, ready and reliable force. Through the hard work of every one, we attained our end strength goal for FY-10 and are on a very good glide path to attain our goal for FY-11. Our preparedness for state emergencies has never been better. The relationships we have built with our state and federal partners are tremendous and continue to strengthen. This became evident as Hurricane Earl came barreling up the East Coast threatening the infrastructure and citizens of Rhode Island. Once again, the Rhode Island National Guard was called to state active duty. This was accomplished fl awlessly with both Army and Air personnel responding. Although the hurricane nearly missed Rhode properly applies. The platoon sergeant or sergeant fi rst class generally has 15 to 18 years or more of military experience and is rightfully expected to bring that experience to bear in quick, accurate decisions in the best interest of the mission and the Soldier. You will have completed Warrior Leader Course, Basic NCO, and be preparing for or enrolled in the Advanced NCO Course. These military courses are required for promotion to either master sergeant or fi rst sergeant. You as a senior NCO are responsible for the development of those sergeants and staff sergeants which you lead. Ensure that they enroll in the proper training at fi rst opportunity. It is your responsibility to show new lieutenants “what right looks like.” Most successful fi eld grade offi cers will tell you they attribute their success to the training and mentorship they received from their platoon sergeant as a junior offi cer. You are the standard bearer. Reiterate and enforce Army standards with your junior NCOs. Challenge them with greater responsibility and hold them accountable. Don’t let our sergeants Commander’s Column develop bad habits or take shortcuts that jeopardize safety or mission accomplishment. Promulgate the commander’s intent; ensure that it’s understood, and that all resources are focused on the achievement of those objectives. Support and encourage physical fi tness programs and good nutrition. Watch for substance abuse issues and fi nancial problems; beware of signifi cant emotional events which could adversely affect the Soldier, their family and the unit. When issues occur, intervene, assist and direct the Soldier to the best resource to resolve the issue. Be that senior NCO which all junior NCOs wish to emulate. Set the example. Approach decisions with maturity, fairness, impartiality, and exercising good judgment. The sergeant fi rst class has enormous responsibility and massive authority. Those that master these skills will go on to master sergeant. Others may become the father of the organization—the fi rst sergeant. Island, it proved without a doubt that the Soldiers and Airmen of the Rhode Island National Guard stand ready. All of this has been taking place while we are preparing to deploy some 800 men and women in support of Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom. None of this can be accomplished without your hard work, dedication, and the support of your families. For this, the entire command group of the Rhode Island National Guard is forever grateful. Again, as we enter the holiday season, I want to say thank you, wishing you and your family the very best for a joyous and safe season. Brig. Gen. Brian Goodwin Assistant Adjutant General for Army and Deputy Commanding General, Rhode Island National Guard Winter 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard 3
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Page 7 and 8: departure of the 115th, supported t
Page 9: Farewell and good luck to the 103 r
Page 12 and 13: Rally for Recovery By Staff Sgt. St
Page 14 and 15: Rhode Island’s own International
Page 16 and 17: Pilots from the Connecticut, New Yo
Page 18 and 19: Team Team Count Total Time Team Uni
Page 21 and 22: R.I. National Guard Soldiers Suppor
Page 23 and 24: is able to offer a team-building an
Page 25 and 26: Rhode Island National Guard history

The Ocean State Guardian - Winter 2010

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