www.dmna.ny.gov Serving the New York Army and Air National Guard, Naval Militia, New York Guard and Families
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Volume 13 Number 1
Serving the New York Army and Air National Guard, Naval Militia, New York Guard and Families
www.dmna.ny.gov
FROM THE LEADERSHIP
Army and Air NCOs can Learn from Each Other
I t’s been just over a year since
I became your adjutant gen-
eral and I’m happy to be able to
The New York Air National
Guard will also strive to upgrade
facilities.
ecuted our civil support mission.
New York State Military Forces
responded when high waters in
report that the New York Army At Gabreski Air National Guard Lake Ontario threatened homes and
and Air National Guard — along Base for example, we hope to soon businesses. Our New York Naval
with the New York Naval Militia
replace a 60 year old building hous- Militia and New York Guard forces
and New York Guard — are mov-
ing the security forces and commu- played key roles in this flood control
ing forward.
nications squadron with a new state mission and I am grateful for their
The New York Army National
of the art facility which will feature a professional contributions to this
Guard has had success in recruiting
new base fitness center. governor-mandated effort.
and retaining Soldiers. Our New
Beyond buildings, we’ve seen a In November in Herkimer
York Air National Guard has been
great improvement in equipment County, Soldiers and Airmen did
finding quality Airmen as well.
for our force. great work following the Halloween
As the adjutant general, my big-
I am happy to report the 174th storm that hit the region and caused
picture priorities for our force are
Attack Wing is flying the latest ver- massive flooding. Maj. Gen. Raymond Shields
straightforward: recruit and retain
sion of the MQ-9 remotely piloted It is amazing what our Soldiers
quality people, upgrade our facili- from the 109th Airlift Wing visited
aircraft, while artillery crews of the and Airmen have accomplished.
ties, give our Soldiers and Airmen Brazil to meet with their counter-
1st Battalion, 258th Field Artil- Speaking with our fellow citizens
great equipment and ensure they parts who fly to Brazil’s Antarctica
lery are now equipped with the who suffered property loss and
know their basic military tasks. base. We entertained the chief of
M-777A2 155 millimeter towed those whose homes were destroyed,
In the past year, we moved troops operations of the Brazilian army
howitzer. These are state of the art they were all upbeat and appreci-
back into the Harlem Armory after here in New York for a week and we
weapons systems which make our ated the help and support of our
a four-year, $80 million renovation sent Soldiers to the Brazilian Jungle
Soldiers and Airmen more effective. National Guard.
to bring this historic armory into Warfare School and their Explosive
In the 27th Infantry Brigade The men and women assigned to
the 21st century and opened a new Ordnance Disposal Course.
Combat Team the 152nd Brigade conducting the Citizens Prepared-
consolidated maintenance facility at This latest partnership is an op-
Engineer Battalion, 1st Battalion, ness Corps training on behalf of the
Camp Smith. portunity to advance the interests of
69th Infantry and the 2nd Battal- governor have been quietly working
We are also constantly conduct- the United States in South America
ion, 108th Infantry all fielded the to help our fellow New Yorkers
ing smaller projects on all of our by partnering with the largest South
new M-153 Common Remotely prepare for the next storm or power
buildings. American military, while also
Operated Weapon Station – or outage.
I, and other leaders, will push offering our Soldiers and Airmen
CROWS—which makes their ve- Since 2014 the team has taught
hard for the money to upgrade our fantastic training opportunities.
hicles more lethal. the course to 191,812 New Yorkers.
older armories. These are historic We continue to offer unique and
I made it one of my priorities They have distributed 79,587 basic
and beautiful buildings, but they innovative training opportunities
going forward to re-equip the 109th preparedness kits to families which
were designed for an industrial to our Soldiers and Airmen. The
Airlift Wing — our Scotia-based attended certain training events.
age Army at the dawn of the 20th 104th Military Police Battalion,
LC-130 unit which flies to the South Since 2003 New York has had a
century and we are an information for example, deploy to Poland in
Pole and Greenland — with the lat- State Partnership with the South
age Army in the 21st century. the spring of 2020 for an Overseas
est version of the LC-130 on skies. African National Defence Force. We
We are working to get the funds Training Deployment in May, while
The LC-130 “Skibirds” the wing sent Airmen and Soldiers to South
necessary to turn both the Jamaica the 204th Engineers will go to Ger-
flies are the largest ski-equipped Africa for events and training and
Armory in Queens and Lexington many in June.
aircraft in the world. This gives our they have sent people here to New
Avenue Armory in Manhattan into The 109th Airlift Wing will be
Air National Guard an absolutely York. This fall we sent members
buildings that Soldiers can be proud teaming up with the 197th Fires
unique capability which is more to participate in the South African
of and want to drill in. Brigade from the New Hampshire
important than ever. We will work military skills competition.
to recapitalize the 109th with LC- Our military-to-military relation- Army National Guard for an exer-
130Js, the ski-equipped version of ship is important to the United cise in Alaska in May.
the latest C-130 model. States Africa Command and U.S. We are ok providing forces to
Our 173rd Cyber Protection diplomatic relationships with South theater commanders. The 42nd
Team, a computer network security Africa. Infantry Division Headquarters will
force the New York Army National With the urging of U.S. Southern deploy in 2020 to Central Com-
Guard stood up along with elements Command we became one of the mand area of responsibility. Our
from the New Jersey Army National few states with two partnerships, Soldiers will play key roles in deter-
Guard, was the first in the country inking a deal with Brazil in March. ring aggression in the region from
to be validated for their mission. Since then, we have conducted ISIS and other bad actors. We know
We have also successfully ex- a number of exchanges. Airmen Commentary Continued, Page 8
Volume 13, Number 1
This Issue’s Highlights:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Commander in Chief Faces of the Force
Maj. Gen. Raymond Shields, The Adjutant General
Eric Durr, Director of Public Affairs 4 New York Welcomes First Female Armor Officer in 101st Cavalry
Col. Richard Goldenberg, Public Affairs Officer 5 VA Social Worker Becomes Army Guard's Newest Lieutenant
Capt. Jean Kratzer, Command Information Officer 6 State Department Recognizes Excellence in New York Soldier
Ryan Campbell, Guard Times Staff
7 2-108th Infantry Soldier Graduates Brazilian Jungle Operations Course
About Guard Times Around the State
The Guard Times is published quarterly using federal
funds authorized under provisions of AR 360-1 and 8 Col. Maureen Murphy Completes 35-year Career with Air Guard
AFI 35-101 by the New York State Division of Mili- 9 Military Forces Honor Guard Grants Old Soldier's Final Request
tary and Naval Affairs and the New York Army and 10 Young and Old Mark National Guard Birthday in December
Air National Guard Public Affairs Office. 11 WWII Veteran of 258th Field Artillery Recognized by France
Views which appear in this publication are not neces- The Joint Force
sarily those of the Department of Defense, the Army,
the Air Force or the National Guard Bureau. 12 CST Proves their Skills in Certification Exercise
13 Soldiers, Airmen Compete in South Africa Military Skills Competition
The Guard Times has a circulation of 17,000 and is 14 Homeland Response Force Validates for CBRN Response
distributed free to members of the New York State 15 Guard Responds to Herkimer Flooding
Military Forces and employees of the Division of
16 New York Welcomes Brazilian Armed Forces Ops Officer for State Partnership
Military and Naval Affairs.
Army National Guard
Submissions
Articles, photos and letters are welcome. Please pro- 18 Final Preparations, Family Sendoff for 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters
vide article submissions via email saved in Microsoft 20 69th Infantry Soldier is Best in 27th Brigade
Word or rich text format (rtf) along with high resolu- 21 Rainbow HQ Staff Learn from History for Upcoming Deployment
tion digital (jpg) photos. Submission deadlines are
22 Soldiers Train for New Combat Fitness Test
January 15 (winter issue), April 15 (spring issue), July
15 (summer issue), and October 15 (fall issue). Send 23 Army Guard Names Newest State Surgeon
your submissions to: 24 Medics Train for Lifesaving Skills with Medevac Crews
25 42nd Division Bloodied in Battle 75 years ago
Guard Times
DMNA-MNPA Air National Guard
330 Old Niskayuna Road
Latham, New York 12110-3514 26 Skibirds Return to South Pole for Summer Season
OFFICE (518) 786-4581 FAX (518) 786-4649 27 Guard Firefighters Travel to South Africa for Training
or richard.l.goldenberg.mil@mail.mil 28 139th Aeromed Airmen Home from Deployment
29 Logistics Squadron Airmen Crate & Ship LC-130 Skis
Complimentary or Back Issues of the Guard Times are
available. Contact us at the address above or visit us New York Guard and Naval Militia
on the web for current news, photos or to download
prior issues at www.dmna.ny.gov 30 Guard Volunteers Lend Support to Operation Turkey Drop
31 New Skipper for NY Naval Militia
New York Army National Guard Sgt. Nathaniel Cross from Company
B, 2nd Battalion, 108 Infantry receives his Expert Infantry Badge
following his successful training at Fort Drum with the 2nd Brigade,
10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) competition course October
2, 2019. Cross earned the award "true blue," meaning he completed
all events without having a single retest. Courtesy photo.
FRONT COVER: Spc. Frederick Butt, left, and Spec. Ryan Baranski, both assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation, clear snow
from a fire hydrant in Kinderhook, N.Y. Dec. 3, 2019 following a snow storm which hit the northeast Dec. 1, 2019. New York Gover-
nor Andrew M. Cuomo placed up to 300 New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen on duty in the Hudson Valley and Capital
Region to assist local governments following the storm. Photo by Maj. Michael Squires, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation.
BACK COVER: A Soldier of the Homeland Response Force (HRF) for FEMA Region II awaits a simulated patient arrival at the
decontamination line during validation training of response capabilities at Lakehurst Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, N.J. November
16, 2019. The HRF, comprised of some 600 members of the New York and New Jersey National Guard, augment first reponsders in
www.dmna.ny.gov the event of a Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear incident. Photo by Col. Richard Goldenberg, Joint Force Headquarters.
FACES of the FORCE
New York Army Guard Welcomes
First Female Armor Officer
Story by Ryan Campbell, Guard Times Staff
LATHAM, N.Y. — Army 2nd. Lt. Jessica Reed or non-commissioned officers present before
has made history by becoming the New York female enlisted Soldiers may be assigned. Having
Army National Guard’s first female armor leaders such as Reed filling these spots will help us
officer after graduating from the Armor Basic open the door towards bringing more women into
Officer Leadership Course at Fort Benning, infantry and cavalry roles.”
Georgia, on June 4, 2019.
Reed explained that she was more excited
Reed, who is from Salamanca, is assigned
than nervous at the idea of doing something that
to Bravo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry
females had previously not been allowed to do in
Regiment in Jamestown, is training to become a
the Army.
platoon leader. That position will see her com-
“Some of my friends and family were a little
manding upwards of 25 Soldiers plus assigned
nervous which is understandable,” said Reed. “But
Humvee vehicles.
a lot of them were very, very excited, especially my
It all started when she enlisted in August of
dad. It was better received than I was expecting.”
2017, and Reed explained that she focused on 2nd Lt. Jessica Reed, an armor officer
After basic training, Reed graduated from Offi- assigned to Bravo Troop, 2nd Squadron,
being an officer after having considered the idea
cer Candidate School in July of 2018 before going 101st Cavalry Regiment based in Jamestown,
of joining the Army National Guard for several N.Y., became the New York Army National
to armor school in January of 2019. She drilled
years. After the required interview process, she Guard's first armor officer when she
with bravo troop for a few months to observe the
shipped out to basic training and then to Officer graduated from the course on June 4, 2019.
day to day operations of the unit before being sent Courtesy photo.
Candidate School.
to armor school in January of 2019.
“I went in with the intention of kind of shop- a series of cavalry related tasks in order to get
“It was amazing, it was probably the most fun
ping around, I didn’t even know that officer was their silver spurs. After successful completion, the
I’ve ever had,” said Reed. “The biggest learning
something that I could do,” said Reed. Soldier is inducted into the Order of the Spur and
curve though is you go down there and you don’t
Capt. Jared Kausner, the officer strength man- are authorized to wear their spurs at all cavalry
know anything about the concept of tanks, but it
ager that Reed worked with during the process, functions.
was amazing to go in not knowing anything and
was able to explain first-hand what it is like to be "Lt. Reed volunteers to assist for almost every
seeing week by week how much you are learning,
an armor officer and what the benefits are. training event either within the squadron or
so it was certainly very difficult but very fun.”
“A lot of it was just hearing him talk about outside of drill," said Phillips. "She was selected to
January also marked three years since the Army
how he loved what he did, so he kind of sold attend the 2-101 cavalry spur ride which she com-
opened up to females the fields of armor, field
that to me,” said Reed. “Hearing how excited he pleted and also attended the Small Arms Weapons
artillery, infantry and special operations jobs for
was about it was more what I was looking for, Expert course at Fort Drum in September as the
the first time. Going into 2019, more than 1,000
something drastically different from what I do in officer-in-charge for the range."
females were already serving in these fields across
everyday life.” Looking back on her decision to join, Reed said
the Army, according to the Army’s deputy chief of
“She immediately impressed me as someone she hadn’t considered the fact that she was mak-
staff for personnel.
who had officer potential,” said Kausner. “She had ing history for New York Army National Guard
Asked if women are treated differently, Reed
come prepared for the interview, displayed matu- when she joined. Instead, she saw herself doing
said no.
rity, asked thought out questions and displayed an something she liked to do.
“People are going to think that. I could see
air of confidence.” “I didn’t look at it like that,” said Reed. “I
where people were getting maybe nervous, with
Kausner explained to Reed that the 101st Cav- definitely think it’s amazing, I definitely think for
having females coming in but I didn’t experience
alry had leadership positions for armor officers other women out there that you can do anything
anything like that. People always get nervous
and once she did more research on her own, Reed you want. I look at it as I’m just another person
when there is a change,” she said.
came back asking to branch armor. doing my job and I love my job.”
Now at age 34, Reed said that the Army
“Based on her leadership traits and potential, I Reed said that she is looking forward to more
National Guard is going to be her career, with no
knew she would do well as an armor officer,” said training and becoming more involved with
intentions of leaving armor.
Kausner. “All Army branches are now open to bravo troop, training which will keep her and her
“I don’t think I’ll ever leave the armor branch,”
women to serve, in New York this opens up op- Soldiers ready for combat should they ever be
said Reed. “It’s amazing. With what we can do, it’s
portunities in 14 infantry and cavalry units. needed.
an exciting branch to be part of.”
“The Army has a ‘leaders first’ policy in which “It’s what we signed up for,” said Reed. “We are
Making further accomplishments, the unit held
these units must have at least two female officers here to make a difference.”
a “spur ride” where Soldiers set out to complete
4 GUARD TIMES
VA Social Worker Becomes New Officer
Story and photo by Ryan Campbell, Guard Times Staff
ALBANY, N.Y.— New York Army National she came back I just thought it would be a nice
Guard leadership joined the Albany Stratton thing, as husband and wife, to have her com-
Veterans Administration Medical Center to missioned here at the VA.”
commission one of their social workers as Keller who is a Navy veteran that served
the Guard’s newest officer during a ceremony from 1978 to 1984 explained that he knew the
held at the facility, Oct. 8, 2019.
significance behind commissioning ceremonies,
The event was arranged by her coworkers
including the first salute an officer gives.
at the VA, where Samantha Dominguez, from
“Samantha was part of our accelerated Of-
Porter Corners, N.Y., and her husband, Sgt. 1st
ficer Candidate School so she was not able to
Class Erwin Dominguez, both work. Saman-
participate in the ceremony that we do at Camp
tha’s husband was joined by Brig. Gen. Michel
Smith because she was still in training at that
Natali, assistant adjutant general of New York,
time,” said Natali. “I’m glad we were able to 2nd Lt. Samantha Dominguez, assigned
in pinning on her second lieutenant rank as she
catch up and take care of that here this morn- to the 501st Ordinance Battalion based in
enters the military intelligence field. Glenville, N.Y., is commissioned into military
ing.”
“I recently hired a new voluntary service intelligence at the Albany Stratton Veterans
Samantha, who joined the New York Army
specialist, Sgt. 1st Class Dominguez, and Administration Medical Center where she
National Guard in September of 2018 is as- works in Albany, N.Y., Oct. 8, 2019.
through the course of his employment I found
signed to the 501st Ordinance Battalion based
he was married to one of our social workers,” combat veterans in helping them get connected
in Glenville, N.Y. She received bachelor’s and
said Jim Keller, chief of voluntary service. “The with services and their benefits, work that was
master’s degrees in social work from the State
conversation came up that she was in training praised by Natali.
University at Albany, and works with post 9/11
to be an officer in the National Guard and when
Captain Helps Replace Lost Medal of Honor
Story by Timothy Jones, 224th Air Defense Group
BEREA, O.H. — It took three years of writing have their story told, and re-told, for many,
letters, filing forms and cutting through red many generations.”
tape, but thanks to New York Air National The Coles first tried working with the Army
Guard Capt. Jason Cole, the actions of a through the Legion but the Army refused the
World War I Soldier are being commemo- Legion’s request. This led to the family contact-
rated again in Berea, Ohio.
ing the Army directly.
Cole, a member of the 224th Air Defense
After 80 e-mails, numerous phone calls and
Group at the Eastern Air Defense Sector based
an estimated 100 hours researching regulations
in Rome, N.Y., is the great-nephew of 2nd Lt.
and family genealogy, the Coles were able to Capt. Jason Cole, left, a member of the 224th
Albert Baesel, a Berea native who received the Air Defense Group, worked with his father,
make their case.
Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions Gary Cole where the medal was presented to
In October, the Army Human Resources the Berea Ohio American Legion Post during
in World War I.
Command Awards and Decorations Branch a ceremony on Nov. 18, 2019. Also taking
Baesel, a member of the Ohio National
at Ft. Knox, Kentucky awarded a replacement part whas Marianna Peris, president of Berea,
Guard’s 148th Infantry Regiment, was killed Ohio American Legion Post 91 Auxiliary; Mel
medal, which Cole presented to the Post on
while attempting to rescue a wounded Soldier Baher, past commander of Post 91; and Gary
Nov. 18 during a ceremony at Berea’s City Hall. Cole, Capt. Cole’s father. Courtesy photo.
under fire.
Cole told the group at the presentation that
For years his medal was on display at Ameri- year and it will include an open house for the
the medal represents a legacy.
can Legion Post 91, which is named in Baesel’s community to view the Medal of Honor.
There are four criteria to receive the Medal of
honor. The medal went missing in the 1980s Baesel is buried in Woodvale Cemetery. On
Honor, Cole said: two eyewitnesses, outstand-
and the Army refused to replace it. So Cole and the 100th anniversary of his death, the City of
ing gallantry beyond the call of duty, risk of life
his father Gary Cole got involved. Berea and the city’s Veterans Outreach Office
and a deed of such bravery and self-sacrifice
“The Legion had been named after my great, dedicated a plaque to 2nd Lt. Baesel on the
that it can be justified beyond all criticism.
great uncle for 100 years and I wanted to help downtown Triangle’s clock tower.
“A moment like that happened 101 years
the organization,” Cole said. “I also wanted to Cole said his family was proud to bring the
ago,” Cole said. “A Berean was killed but a hero
honor Albert’s legacy. Medal of Honor recipi- Medal of Honor to Post 91 and the community
was born.”
ents are heroes and every one of them should “to commemorate the next 100 years.”
The Baesel family will hold a reunion next
Volume 13, Number 1, 2020 5
US State Department Recognizes NY Soldier
Story by Col. Richard Goldenberg, Guard Times Staff
Members of the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center display the variety of vehicles and equipment removed from the closing of the U.S. Embassy’s
Basra Consulate in Baghdad, Iraq, October 20, 2018. Sgt. Jhon Ortiz developed a logistics tracking system to support the relocation of the Basra
Consulate personnel and equipment during his deployment to Iraq. He received the U.S. Department of State Meritorious Honor Award September 5,
2019 for his actions. Photo by Col. Michael Bice, Joint Force Headquarters.
WASHINGTON — Sgt. Jhon Or- Basra consulate was closed in groups. Luckily, we did not have
tiz received an award September October 2018, requiring the evacu- any incidents during that time,"
5 that most Soldiers will never ation of all personnel and securing he said.
see: the U.S. Department of State its equipment. The movement of State Depart-
Meritorious Honor Award for "I was located in the Baghdad ment equipment and personnel
outstanding performance while
Diplomatic Support Center, which required a tremendous amount
deployed to Iraq in 2018.
was the only base that was close of expertise to support the State
Ortiz, a Corona, N.Y. resident,
enough and had the capability of Department Regional Security
was recognized for a role most
storing, housing and transporting Team, Bice said.
Soldiers don’t see: working with
all of the Basra Consulate's people “Ortiz and his team were able
Diplomatic Security Service, a
and equipment," Ortiz said. to track and account for 58 flights
branch of the State Department
Col. Michael Bice, who de- which was comprised of 114 Sgt. Jhon Ortiz outside the
that protects U.S. officials at bases,
ployed as the base commander for vehicles and over 662,333 pounds nation’s capital September
embassies and consulates abroad. 5, 2019. Ortiz received the
garrison operations at the Baghdad of materials with all personnel,”
During his nine-month deploy- U.S. Department of State
Diplomatic Support Center, picked Bice said.
ment in 2018, Ortiz was assigned Meritorious Honor Award for his
Ortiz for the mission. The Department of State actions in 2018 as part of the
to assist in receiving, storing and
“I knew that he was the one that Meritorious Honor Award is not Baghdad Diplomatic Support
transporting equipment and facili- Center to relocate the U.S.
could be counted on to get the job given lightly, said Phillip Smith a
tating the movement of personnel Embassy Consulate in Basra,
done. He was self-motivated, smart member of the State Department
in and out of Baghdad. Iraq. Courtesy photo.
and well respected by the State Regional Security Team, who
"I was in charge of security,
Department,” Bice explained. nominated Ortiz for the award. nated for this award every year. It
transportation and lodging of
Ortiz devised a system to store It typically takes an above aver- reminded me that the work that
U.S. military and government
the massive amounts of cargo and age Foreign Service Person a few people do for the United States
officials visiting Iraq,” Ortiz said.
equipment coming into Baghdad years to obtain such a prestigious does not go unnoticed,” he said.
“I handled officials ranging from
from the Basra location. award, he said. State Department Assistant
Congressmen and women to the
"There were more than 200 “He earned it,” Smith added. Secretary for Diplomatic Security
highest levels of leadership in the
trucks coming in during the span “I was not expecting to receive Michael Evanoff presented Ortiz
U.S. military and NATO."
of two or three weeks,” Ortiz said, any awards from my time help- with the award and plaque that
Ortiz was deployed as part
“all carrying containers that had ing the evacuation of the Basra read, in part, "for exceptional
of the 10th Mountain Division
half a ton of equipment in them, Consulate,” Ortiz said. “I enjoyed devotion to duty, enthusiasm and
Mobile Command Post Opera-
and all of them were being driven my time helping the Regional Se- exemplary conduct during the pe-
tional Detachment, an element
by local Iraqi contractors.” curity Officers during the mission. riod of October 3 to 18, due to the
that trains to deploy with the 10th
“Screening and security were Receiving the Meritorious Honor evacuation of Consulate Basra."
Mountain Division Headquarters
a main concern, because we did Award was a great motivational “Jhon was the right person at
for staff augmentation.
not know who among those local boost and an honor -- there are the right time to get this mission
Faced with increasing hostili-
people was sympathetic to hostile just so many people who get nomi- accomplished,” Bice said.
ties by Iranian-backed militias, the
6 GUARD TIMES
NY Soldier Graduates from Brazilian Course
Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff
MANAUS, BRAZIL– Staff Sgt. Thomas Car- Stream water levels vary each season. The
penter knew it would be sink or swim when Brazilians issue different maps for different
he showed up at the Brazilian Army’s Center times of year reflecting those changes, he said.
for Jungle Warfare Instruction in October The soldiers learned to follow the “dry line”
2019. while navigating, he explained.
He was enrolled in the six-week long Those skills were tested in a four day exer-
International Jungle Operations Course the cise.
Brazilian army runs for foreign soldiers. The “They dropped us off in a place where they
opportunuty came as part of New York's State knew there were no fruits and vegetables we
Partnership Program with Brazil. could eat,” he said. “We pretty much starved.”
But the 38-year old training NCO in the 2nd Two weeks was spent in the water. The men
Battalion, 108th Infantry knew he had to pass helocasted – jumping from a helicopter into
the initial swimming test first. the Amazon—and learned to make rafts and to
“It was quite a struggle to get the swim- waterproof gear.
ming,” the Ranger School graduate recalled. Eventually, Carpenter and his squad con-
But he learned to swim in full uniform, with ducted a two kilometer river insertion.
his weapon, towing a pack. “We were in the water for three hours that
Six weeks later, the Prospect, N.Y. resident, night,” he recalled.
was the third honor graduate for the course. “Most jungle military experts consider the
The final phase of the training focused on
This is a pretty big deal, according to Army military tactics in the rainforest. Brazilian Army Jungle Warfare School to be the
Lt. Col. Rob Santamaria, a military liaison in That training was similar to the Army’s
the U.S. Embassy in Brazil. Ranger School, Carpenter said. premier jungle school in the world,”
“Most jungle military experts consider the The difference is that the jungle is multiple
Brazilian Army Jungle Warfare School to be times denser than the woods Rangers train in, -- Lt. Col. Rob Santamaria, military liaison
the premier jungle school in the world,” Santa- officer for Brazil
Carpenter said.
maria said. After passing, Carpenter and the other
“Staff Sgt. Carpenter’s graduation from the international students, which included one
Brazilian army Jungle Warfare Schools Interna- other American, were presented with their Jag-
tional Course has given the New York Army uar Badge—the official symbol of a Brazilian
National Guard instant credibility,” he added. jungle warrior—and a machete.
“Staff Sgt. Carpenter embodies the spirit “It’s a pretty cool machete,” Carpenter said.
of the minuteman,” said New York Army “At the end of the course you have a machete
National Guard Command Sgt. Major David ceremony.”
Piwowarski. "He responded with toughness to “Somebody already qualified presents it
this demanding course with just the training to you and then you christen it by waving it
he already had under his belt and a lot of guts.” through the smoke from a fire,” he added.
Swimming is vital because rivers replace Since Brazil founded its jungle warfare
roads in the rain forest, Carpenter explained. school in 1964, over 6,300 soldiers have made
“Where they operate in the Amazon jungle it through the course, Santamaria said. This
there are only two roads,” Carpenter said. Top photo, Staff Sgt. Thomas Carpenter, second
includes 530 graduates of the international from right, and other Soldiers who graduated
“Most everything is done through the river course the Brazilian army runs once a year. from the Jungle Operations International
system." Carpenter is the 30th member of the U.S. Course conducted by the Brazilian Army
The first phase of the six-week course Army to make it through the class, he said. Jungle Warfare Training Center, brandish their
focuses on living and surviving in the jungle, machetes following a graduation ceremony
His goal now, Carpenter said, is to bring on Nov. 30, 2019 in Manaus, Brazil. At Bottom,
Carpenter said. The soldiers learned what they the skills he learned back to his unit and other Staff Sgt. Carpenter, right, stands with two
could and couldn’t eat. New York Army National Guard formations. other international soldiers recognized as
“We didn’t do any snake eating but I had to “I’m not a good NCO unless I train Soldiers honor graduates from the Jungle Operations
catch one,” he said. International Course. Carpenter was the
and make them better than me,” he said. 30th American Soldier to graduate from the
Navigating in the dense jungle is also a
physically demanding course and finished 3rd
special skill needed, Carpenter said. in the class. Courtesy photos.
Volume 13, Number 1, 2020 7
AROUND THE STATE
Colonel Maureen Murphy
Retires After 35-year Career
Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff
“The profession demands a lot of us, but it gives a lot in return,”
-- Col. Maureen Murphy, commander, 109th Mission Support Group
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL She’s had a career with a lot of
GUARD BASE, SCOTIA, twists and turns, Murphy said, but
N.Y. -- New York Air National she has enjoyed every part of it.
Guard Col. Maureen Murphy, a “The profession demands a lot
Baldwinsville resident, retired of us, but it gives a lot in return,”
after 35 years of service in the
she said.
Air Force, the Air Force Reserve
Murphy, who was initially
and the New York Air National
Guard during an Oct. 10, 2019 trained as an intelligence officer,
ceremony here. is a veteran of deployments in
Murphy’s last assignment was as support operations in the Persian
the commander of the 109th Airlift Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Wing’s Mission Support Group. In She holds a bachelor’s degree
that role she led 390 military and in political science from Duke
civilian personnel which support- University, and a master’s degree
ed the 109th Airlift Wing’s unique in international relations from
Arctic and Antarctic missions. Cambridge University in England.
During the ceremony she was In 2003 she was named the Air
Col. Michele Kilgore, left, commander of the New York Air National
awarded the Legion of Merit in Force Reserve Intelligence Field Guard's 109th Airlift Wing, presents a retirement certificate to Air Force
recognition of her many accom- Grade Officer of the Year and in Col. Maureen Murphy, who retired after 35 years of service in the active
2011 the American Red Cross pre- Air Force, the Air Force Reserve and the New York Air National Guard,
plishments.
sented her with its “Women who during a ceremony at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, N.Y.
Col. Michele Kilgore, the com- on Oct. 10. 2019. Murphy's final assignment was as commander of the
mander of the 109th Airlift Wing, Mean Business” Award. 109th Airlift Wing's Misson Support Group. Photo by Senior Master Sgt.
praised Murphy as everything an William Gizara, 109th Airlfit Wing.
Air Force officer should be.
“She has the respect of her sub-
ordinates, her superior officers and
NCOs can Learn from Each Other, Cont'd from Page 2
her peers,” Kilgore said.
“She left the organization better they are up to it. battlefield, be fit and resilient and be lethal by under-
than she found it,” Kilgore said. In Whether you will be deployed overseas or here at standing how to employ their weapons.
her remarks, Murphy thanked her home, my direction to our Army National Guard lead- We will continue to focus on small unit training,
extended family for the support ers has been to focus on small unit and individual skills while ensuring that battalion, brigade, and higher level
given to her and her husband as we lay out training plans. staff officers and non-commissioned officers know their
Mark Murphy, another retired Air Training at the platoon or squad level is where our jobs.
Force colonel, throughout their collective focus training will be. This is in-line with the For us in the National Guard, this also means ensur-
careers. thinking to Army Chief of Staff General James Mc- ing Soldiers and Airmen in our Homeland Response
She also praised the Air Guards- Conville, who emphasizes the importance of individual Force are also capable of performing their individual
men of the 109th Airlift Wing Soldier skills and fitness. Our Army, the chief says, tasks in a stressful, demanding environment.
for the missions they accomplish needs to win at the point of contact. The New York National Guard is a dynamic, relevant
regularly in their unique mission. A small group of Soldiers at the tip of the spear—and force. We play a vital role here at home and in our na-
“I have been amazed time and that is all of our Soldiers, not just infantrymen—can tion’s defense. You can be proud of your membership
again at what each of you does,” make a difference. in this force and look to the future for bigger things to
she said. Our Soldiers need to know how to survive on the come.
8 GUARD TIMES
Members of the New York Military Forces Honor Guard provide military honors for the funeral service of former Army paratrooper Pvt. Needham
Mayes at Calverton National Cemetery, N.Y. December 2, 2019. Mayes, 85, a Soldier dishonorably discharged from the Army in 1955 after a bar fight,
had his discharge upgraded to honorable and was buried, today, with his comrades-in-arms.
National Guard Grants Old Soldier's Final Request
Honor Guard Provides Military Honors after Discharge Upgrade
Story and photo by Sgt. Jonathan Pietrantoni, 138th Public Affairs Detachment
CALVERTON, N.Y. — A having that dishonorable discharge 11 members to honor Mayes last team, she added.
former Army paratrooper’s changed so he could be buried as request. It was “a tremendous honor” for
final request—to be buried with a veteran. His lawyers argued that Honor Guard members treat his Soldiers to conduct the mission
military honors alongside other in a southern Army post, just a few every military funeral as a major for the Mayes family, Blount said.
veterans – was carried out by a years after the Army had inte- event, because that service is “I was proud to see the team
New York Army National Guard
grated, black Soldiers were often important to that family, said 1st. that I put together all join in
honor guard on Monday, Dec. 2
treated unfairly. Lt. Lasheri Mayes, the officer in celebrating his life, and being a
at Calverton National Cemetery.
With an assist from New York charge of the New York Military member of this memorable event
Needham Mayes, the New York
Senator Kirstin Gillibrand, Mayes Forces Honor Guard. for the family,” he said.
City resident who was buried, was
appeal came through in September But the story of Mr. Mayes “was According to the New York
one of the first African-American
2019. When he died on Veterans unique” and because his family Times, after leaving the Army,
Soldiers to join the 82nd Air-
Day, Nov. 11, 2019, he was eligible had fought hard to get him the Mayes moved to New York City,
borne Division in 1953. But he
to be buried with other Soldiers. honors he deserved that made the and became an exemplary citizen.
left the Army with a dishonorable
That duty fell to the Long Island ceremony particularly important, He earned a bachelor’s degree
discharge in 1956 after a fight in a
team of the New York Military Lt. Mayes said. and a master’s degree and became
noncommissioned officers club.
Forces Honor Guard. Sgt. Richard Blount, the non- a social worker and a therapist.
In 2016—after a lifetime of
On Dec. 2, the Long Island Na- commissioned officer in charge But Mayes said his dishonorable
accomplishment and community
tional Guard Soldiers dispatched of the mission assembled a great discharge always bothered him,
service-- he began the process of
Volume 13, Number 1, 2020 9
Young and Old Mark Guard Birthday
Story by Eric Durr, Guard Times Staff
LATHAM, N.Y. -- A 21-year old Airman with It’s the people who responded to Herkimer
two years of service and a 59-year old Soldier County to help clean up after the flooding in
who has served since 1984 cut the birthday cake November, and it is the people who will deploy
Dec. 14, 2019 as the New York National Guard to Kuwait with the 42nd Infantry Division in
headquarters marked the 383rd birthday of 2020, he said.
America’s oldest military force.
“You are our home game and our away
Airman 1st Class Caleb Lapinel, a Stamford,
game,” LaBarge said.
N.Y. resident, and Master Sgt. Roger Townsend,
Lapinel, who is assigned to the 109th Airlift
from Waterford, N.Y., joined Maj. Gen. Timo-
Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base in
thy LaBarge, commander of the New York Air
Schenectady serves as an intelligence analyst in
National Guard, in a ceremony recognizing the
the 109th Operations Support Squadron.
creation of a part-time military force by the
He joined the New York Air National Guard
Massachusetts Bay Colony on Dec. 13, 1636.
because he’s always been interested in the mili-
Traditionally the oldest and youngest service
tary and he wanted to do something that would
members present cut the birthday cake at this
help pay for college, Lapinel said. Air Force Major General Timothy
observance. The old Soldier represents the his- LaBarge(center), commander of the New
So far he doesn’t regret it at all, Lapinel said.
tory and traditions of the National Guard while York Air National Guard joins Army National
“My career as a whole to this point has been Guard Master Sgt. Roger Townsend, age 59,
the young Soldier represents the future of the
an amazing experience,” he said. left, and Air National Guard Airman 1st Class
National Guard.
He just returned from a survival, evasion, re- Caleb Lapinel, age 21, in cutting the National
While the National Guard as an idea is older Guard birthday cake at a ceremony marking
sistance and escape training course in Spokane,
than the United States, the role of the militia the 383rd birthday of the National Guard
Washington where he learned how to survive held Dec. 13, 2019 at the National Guard
which is now the National Guard, is built into
behind enemy lines, he said. Headquarters in Latham, N.Y. Photo by Ryan
the Constitution, LaBarge told 100 Soldiers,
“Through that I learned a lot, met some Campbell, Guard Times Staff.
Airmen and civilian employees during the
great people and really opened my eyes to the
ceremony. Townsend, a transportation specialist as-
realities that some military members face,” he
It is great to recognize the institution, but the signed to the Army component of the New
added.
National Guard is really about the people who York National Guard Joint Force Headquarters,
It was an honor to represent the young
belong and who are ready to fight our nation’s also serves as information branch chief for
Soldiers and Airmen of the New York National
wars and respond to emergencies and disasters the National Guard’s information technology
Guard during the birthday event, he said.
here at home, LaBarge said. section.
Townsend, who served in the active Army
“So this is really happy birthday to all of you,” He joined the National Guard after leav-
for three years before transferring to the Na-
LaBarge said. “Because the National Guard is ing active duty because he wanted to serve his
tional Guard, said he never expected to serve so
all of you.” community, Townsend said. He’s proud of the
many years.
many times he’s responded to weather emer-
Volunteers turn out at gencies and other state disasters over the years,
Townsend said.
Trees for Troops Now, his plan is to serve as long as he can,
until he turns 60 later in 2020.
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. -- Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey
Hanna, assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing loads a “I am proud to have outlasted my own
Christmas Tree at the Ellms Tree Farm in Ballston expectations and to have served with my fellow
Spa, N.Y. December 9, 2019 to help load about 125 Soldiers,” Townsend said.
Christmas trees being donated and sent to military In New York, the first citizen-soldiers were
bases around the country to support troops and
military families this holiday season. More than 15 members of the Burgher Guard, organized by
volunteers from the New York Army and Air National the Dutch East Indian Company in 1640 to help
Guard joined with Capital District area veterans and protect New Amsterdam from their English
members of the Association of the U.S. Army Capital neighbors in Massachusetts and Virginia or
District Chapter to help load trees. This marks the
15th year of military members volunteering their from hostile natives.
time to assist in the loading of trees destined for
fellow service members and their families around the
country and around the world. Photo by Col. Richard
Goldenberg, Joint Force Headquarters.
10 GUARD TIMESWWII Veteran Recognized for Liberation of France
Story and photo by Ryan Campbell, Guard Times Staff
OLEAN, N.Y. -- Surrounded by 120 friends and family members,
Charlie Brown, a 95-year old veteran of the New York Army National
Guard’s 258th Field Artillery Regiment, received France’s highest
honor on Friday, Dec. 20th, 2019.
Brown received the French Legion of Honor in recognition of his role
in liberating France during World War II in his hometown of Olean, N.Y.
at the Olean Community Church that he helped found.
"How could we French forget D-Day in France and your heroic action?
We did not. We never forget," said Pascal Soares, the Honorary Consul of
France in Buffalo who presented the award. "Even my mother and father,
who were 10 and 12 years old at the time, they remember when the Nazis
came into town, occupying, and leaving town as you and your comrades
were liberating our cities.”
The former private first class was inducted into the Army in 1943 at the
age of 18 and was sent to Scotland the following year to prepare for the
invasion of Europe. He landed on Utah Beach, Normandy, on July 2, 1944
and spent the next 302 days fighting across France and Europe, from the
invasion of France to the Battle of the Bulge.
Shortly after his high school graduation, Brown was drafted as a fire
Charlie Brown, a World War II veteran of the New York National Guard's
direction instrument operator, working with his regiment’s 155mm 258th Field Artillery, stands with current and former members of
howitzer canons. He participated in three of the four major campaigns the battalion after receiving the French Legion of Honor from the
in France, Normandy, Ardennes and Northern France, while only one is government of France during a ceremony in Olean, N.Y., Dec. 20, 2019.
necessary to be eligible for the Legion of Honor.
“I heard they gave one to President Eisenhower,” said Brown of the "How could we French forget D-Day in France and your
award which is the highest award for military and civilian service given
by the French. “And now a Pfc. has one.” heroic action? We did not. We never forget."
In 2017, Brown reached out to the New York State Military Museum in
-- Pascal Soares, Honorary Consul of France
Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and current members of the 258th Field Artillery
to present the memorabilia he’d saved from his World War II experience Kerr, along Maj. Brian Napier, the battalion executive officer, Lt. Col.
and tell his story. Peter Mehling, a former commander of the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Ar-
Brown was in a position in the 258th where he was able to keep me- tillery and Maj. Eric Emerling, a member of the 153rd Troop Command,
ticulous records of the regiment’s actions during the war. He recounted to represented the New York Army National Guard at the ceremony.
those who attended the ceremony that during their time in Europe they "There's a reason why your generation is referred to as the Greatest
fired 33,902 rounds from their howitzers. Generation," State Senator George Borrello told Brown. "You had the
Those documents, items and captured German flag became a special steadfast, determined attitude and everything else that made World War
exhibit at the military museum and the members of the 1st Battalion, II turn around.”
258th Field Artillery adopted the World War II artilleryman as one of Brown said he couldn’t put into words what it meant to receive the
their own. award and the fact that so many people wanted to come out to recognize
Brown’s records made it possible to fill in gaps in the unit history that what he did during his time at war.
they wouldn’t have been able to otherwise, explained Capt. Steve Kerr, the He did say that he is proud of the next generation of Soldiers, pointing
commander of Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery. out the current members of the 258th who attended the ceremony.
The unit invited Brown to Fort Drum to meet current 258th Field The ceremony also recognized that December 2019 marks the 75th an-
Artillery Soldiers and pull the lanyard on the latest high-tech howitzer niversary of the Battle of the Bulge, the largest American battle of World
assigned to the unit. He was also a guest at the battalion’s annual banquet War II and one that Brown participated in.
where he was awarded the Ancient Order of St. Barbara, presented for “Today you are our hero, today you are my liberator,” Soares told
service to the field artillery branch. Brown.
“Charlie is an outstanding gentleman and truly has a remarkable story Brown said that he simply held his gun close and got through the war
and has been an instrumental part of our family,” said Kerr. “I know I while friends around him did not.
speak for everyone in this room when I say how proud of you I am today “I remember going past the Statue of Liberty on our way to Europe and
and how thankful I am for your service.” wondering if I would ever see it again,” said Brown. “I did.”
Volume 13, Number 1, 2020 11THE JOINT FORCE
CST Proves their Skills in Certification Exercise
Story and photo by Ryan Campbell, Guard Times Staff
BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Flashlights shine
through stacked pallets, looking towards
dark empty offices. With only some sky light
here, and some fluorescent light there, they
are more on the lookout for the powder and
liquid that covers the floors.
Three people move slow and deliberate,
walking towards things that others would run
from. Radiation and chemical agents are hiding
somewhere behind a closed door or in a patch
of darkness, but will be found.
This is the scene that greeted 22 members of
the New York National Guard’s 24th Weapons
of Mass Derstruction Civil Support Team in
Brooklyn during an October 22, 2019 exercise
evaluating them on their ability to find chemi-
cal, biological and radioactive materials and
weapons.
Usually called a CST, the unit, headquartered
at Fort Hamilton, was being certified to carry
out their misison. They identify unknown ma-
terials for first responders and any agency that
requests them. Soldiers assigned to the New York National Guard's 24th Civil Support Team based at Ft. Hamilton,
The New York National Guard has two CSTs, search a warehouse for potential simulated weapons of mass destruction during an exercise in
the 24th which covers New York City and Long Brooklyn, N.Y., Oct. 22, 2019.
Island and the 2nd CST which covers upstate
for the team. They work together with civil- explosives. The others find chemical, biological,
New York and the northeast.
ian agencies who often do not have their own radiological and nuclear substances.
Evaluators from the Department of Home-
team capable of responding to weapons of mass “They have to do this as a team,” Martin
land Security planted items in the cavernous,
destruction, he continued. emphasized. “They need all the different parts
empty warehouse for the Airmen and Soldiers
Within 90 minutes of being alerted for an of the team to make this happen.”
to find during the exercise.
incident, they can be on scene wherever they In this scenario there were three radiologi-
“Our job is basically to assess, assist and
are needed at no cost to the requesting agency. cal sources, along with a simulated potassium
advise the civilian incident commander,” said
But they must be routinely certified every 18 sulfide blister agent lab.
Maj. Robert Freed, the deputy commander of
months through these exercises. “From where we stand right now, they’re
the 24th CST. "Our job is to bring in a high
Inside the warehouse, the Department of being very deliberate,” said Martin. “That’s
level of expertise and equipment and be able to
Homeland Security planted materials for the good, take your time and find what you need to
provide some tools, techniques and procedures
team to find during the training, find. In a real world situation this would take a
that civilians may not be able to.”
“They have to be able to identify any hazards couple days.”
They are present at what they call “national
they might come across, they have to look for To become part of the 24th CST is not easy,
security events” which has included everything
things that may be a crime scene,” said Rick Freed explained. Each member has to apply and
from the U.S. Open tennis championships and
Martin, an evaluator from the U.S. Army North then go through a selection process before be-
Major League Baseball playoffs, to the presi-
Civil Support Training Activity. “When they ing sent out for the two years of training it takes
dent being in the area and the U.N. General
recognize those things, they have to know how to become individually certified.
Assembly.
to report them, if they find a substance they “We’re here to help,” said Freed. “We’re a joint
Freed explained that the level of expertise
have to be able to take a sample, bring it out team, Army and Air Force and we live by our
the team members bring to each situation is
and process it.” military values, and we’re there to help those
extremely high, given the fact that they all go
Of the three CST members, one looks for civilian first responders.”
through two years of training once selected
12 GUARD TIMESNew York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen on the range in Potchefstroom, South Africa, during the Military Skills Competition October 24, 2019.
Soldiers, Airmen Represent US in South Africa
Story and photo by Lt. Col. Al Phillips, Joint Force Headquarters
POTCHEFSTROOM, SOUTH which has a State Partnership that with their training ahead of Class Brendon Mavra.
AFRICA -- Ten New York Sol- Program relationship with South time said Air Guard Tech Sgt. "These experiences introduce
diers and Airmen took part in Africa, last took part in the com- Justin Murphy. you to the culture and gives you
five days of shooting, negotiating petition in 2003. “We took the opportunity a memory for life,” added New
land and water obstacles, gre- The team members got word before coming here to improve York Army National Guard Sgt.
nade throwing and a four mile
about the competition just two our breathing techniques and Jonathan Patton.
combat run, during the annual
months out and had no time to build our upper body strength- The trip was a fantastic experi-
South African Defence Force
Military Skills Competition, held train, according Master Sgt. Cole both chest and shoulders to really ence, the Soldiers said.
here October 21-26. Shebat, the Air Guard team coach. develop an organized approach “I can tell you, being in this
The competition is open to By comparison, the British and to competing during the obstacle competition and grudging out
members of reserve components German teams had a year to get course,” Murphy said. the different events and breaking
from other nations as well as South ready for the event. When it was all over, the Ger- bread with others at the cultural
African active duty military mem- The Americans, though, thought mans won the competition among event is what we as Soldiers want,
bers and reservists. they were still holding their own. the foreign teams, but the Ameri- it’s a different element and I
Teams also came from the “We all had the right mindset cans said it was all worthwhile. personally think this is the best
United Kingdom, the Federal Re- coming into this competition. We The New Yorkers wanted to win, opportunity for retention,” Mavra
public of Nigeria, the Democratic are here to be consistent, focused but the competition was about added.
Republic of the Congo and the and score,” said Army Guard Sgt. more than just scoring points, She- Command Sgt. Major Marc
Federal Republic of Germany. 1st Class Martin Cozens. bat said. The Soldiers and Airmen Maynard, the coach for the New
There were also all male and With temperatures hitting “had a blast,” Shebat said. York Army National Guard team,
all female teams from the Army’s 95 degrees during the day, the The South Africans also treated said he was looking forward to
108th Military Police Company at New York Soldiers and Airmen their visitors to a “braai,” which coming back again.
Fort Bragg, North Carolina. said they stressed hydration and is the South African version of “Competition is an excellent
By midweek, the Guard Soldiers maintaining energy to remain at an American barbecue with lots training tool that naturally encour-
and Airmen who made up half the peak levels. of meats, local homebrewed beer ages participants to excel at their
American team were finding their Some of the obstacles were and a performance by traditional best,” he said.
stride and placing points on the especially challenging. The South Tswana dancers. “We look forward to return-
board, with both pistol and rifle Africans designed the water ob- “Being at the cultural event was ing and continuing to build our
ranges being notable successes. stacles to be the most difficult part a really cool experience and added partnership," he added.
The New York National Guard, of the course. value of traveling here to South
The Americans prepared for Africa,” said Army Guard Sgt. 1st
Volume 13, Number 1, 2020 13You can also read
