New York Guard Sentinel Fall 2020

New York Guard Sentinel
Life After IET
IET Class of 2019…Where Are They Now?
Story by: Specialist Kathryn Jones-Pisano (L)
Last September when approximately 30 New York State
Guard recruits attended a week of IET to master teamwork (by
marching in unison and to study topics such as basic military
customs and traditions, communications, food handling, basic
first aid and CPR), one could only be impressed by the range
of experiences and the depth of their commitment to service.
As they learned skills and Army values that would help them
support the National Guard in any mission , these volunteers,
from diverse fields such as business, law enforcement, construction and medical services, could not have
predicted that their personal courage and commitment to service would lead them to be on the frontlines in
the battle against the COVID pandemic. Ten graduates from the IET class of 2019 have been stationed at
various posts, many since the Operation Covid19 began in March 2020, and the four who responded to the
opportunity to share what SAD has been like for them are representative of what the IET 2019 cohort on
SAD have accomplished. These are illustrative stories of personal courage.
IET---What I Wish I Knew Before Being Deployed for SAD
· Specific documents necessary to start SAD
· Online process for registering for SAD availability, getting orders, …
· Advice on saving money to cover personal expenses until SAD pay and Basic Housing Allowance begin
· SAD’s duration may be longer than anticipated so pack and plan accordingly
· Greater proficiency in TOC operations and in functioning as a Radio Tech Operator
· In-depth overview of FEMA operations and opportunity to earn MEMS certification during IET
· Overall wish that IET could be longer or followed-up during monthly drills
PFC William Schmidt
Also headquartered in the 10 th Area Command, PFC Schmidt, a retired firefighter, is stationed in Syracuse
assigned to Logistics and Supplies. While finding it tough, heavy work, PFC Schmidt found satisfaction in
his Joint Taskforce North assignments. He sanitized vehicles, loaded supplies (i.e. Water, cleaners,
MRE’s) and sourced provisions in the community; so that the National Guard could complete their mission.
PFC Schmidt described learning during IET 2019 important Army values, values such as duty and
respect, but not fully understanding them until seeing them in action on SAD. PFC always keeps in mind,
Lieutenant Colonel Mackey daily briefing statement “One team, one fight”. Therefore, he reports that the
most fulfilling aspect of his SAD is being accepted as an equal by the National Guard unit.
31 Fall 2020