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Guardlife StaffEditors
Lt. Col. James GarciaMaj. Jason FetterolfCapt. Jon Powers1st Lt. April Kelly
Sgt. 1st Class Kryn Westhoven
Editor-ProductionTech. Sgt. Mark C. Olsen
Staff Writers/PhotographersSgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson
Staff Sgt. Barbara Harbison444MPAD, NJARNG
Guardlife is published bi-monthly using federal funds underprovisions of AR 360-1 and AFI 35-101 by the Public AffairsOffice of the New Jersey Department of Military andVeterans Affairs for all members of the New Jersey Armyand Air National Guard. The views and opinions ex-pressed herein are not necessarily those of the Depart-ment of Defense, the Army, the Air Force or the NationalGuard Bureau. Letters may be sent to: Guardlife, PublicAffairs Office, P.O. Box 340, NJDMAVA, Trenton, NJ, 08625-0340. E-mail at: [email protected]
Cover: Newest Citizens/SoldiersPfc. Raymond Elliot, D Company, 250th Bri-gade Support Battalion takes the Oath ofAmerican Citizenship during the 50th InfantryBrigade Combat Team’s Validation Ceremonyat Fort Bliss’s McGregor Range in New Mexicoon August 22. Originally from Sierra Leone,Elliot is one of ten to receive their citizenshippapers before deploying to Iraq. Photo by Sgt.1st Class Kryn P. Westhoven, JFHQ-NJ/PA.
Inside Cover: Where are you?A Farewell Ceremony was held for the Sol-diers of the 50th Infantry Brigade CombatTeam at Doughboy Field at Fort Dix, N.J., onJune 14. Governor Jon S. Corzine, Maj. Gen.Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of NewJersey; and other dignitaries praised the 2,850Citizen-Soldiers as they prepared to be mobi-lized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Photo by Sgt. Nicholas P. Young, JT2DC/VI.
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TAG's MessagePatch ceremonyCeremony honors 50thHistory is rewritten: 50th DepartsState delegation visits troopsEvolving roles: Women in the infantryRSG: The Soldiers' supportNot your typical band of brothersCLS: Training to save livesDeserting one desert for anotherFamilies say good-bye to 50thWing sweeps awardsNJNG responds to Albanian disasterN.J. Guardsman wins championshipShort RoundsNews Guard Families Can UseNJNG Enlisted PromotionsLast Round: Statement of Support
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The face of the New Jersey National GuardBy Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth,The Adjutant General - New Jersey
TAG'S MESSAGE
New battle crest: (l-r) Governor Jon S. Corzine, Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, Spc. Bill Addisonand Col. Steven Ferrari, Commander, 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, unfurl the50th's new battle flag during the Farewell Ceremony at Doughboy Field (see pages 6-7 forstory more photos). Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA
During each one of my visits to ourtroops at Fort Bliss, Texas, I wascontinually impressed at the level ofprofessionalism and motivation that Iwitnessed in each and every one ofour Soldiers. Accompanying me onone of those trips was GovernorCorzine. A strong supporter of theGuard, he admitted to being over-whelmed by the spirit and positiveattitudes of the young men andwomen he spoke with. You can’thelp but be moved by emotion whenyou are in the midst of 3,000 of ourtroops-focused, dedicated, traininghard and getting ready to perform adifficult task in a far away land.
I want to share a very poignant obser-vation I made while traveling to Fort Blissto visit the 50th Infantry Brigade CombatTeam. Whether aboard the New JerseyAir National Guard KC-135 which flew usto Texas, on the ground with leadership from both the Air andArmy sides of our organization, or walking among the Soldiersof the 50th, I noticed that the faces of the NJNG truly do reflectthe face of New Jersey…and America. Diversity is one of thecornerstones of our military. Diversity brings a strength all itsown to any organization that recognizes its benefits andembraces its culture. In the New Jersey National Guard, wehave an obligation to recruit the best that our state has to offer.From every neighborhood…from every corner of the GardenState, the diverse pool of talent and patriotism that flows into theGuard helps to build a stronger, better, more adaptable force.
But we can’t reach that talent through formal recruitingefforts alone. As strength continues to be a concern, I ask thateach one of us become a recruiter. The Guard RecruitingAssistance Program (G-RAP) makes it possible for Traditionaland retired Guardsmen to earn up to $2,000 for each newrecruit they bring into the National Guard. Some units arehaving “Bring a Buddy to Work” Day or other open-house styleevents on base. This is an excellent idea and a good way toexpose friends and neighbors to the many jobs available at ourarmories and bases. Talk up the Guard! Many civilians areunaware of the numerous benefits that service in the NationalGuard brings. They are surprised to hear about college tuitionassistance, good pay, retirement benefits, and the many otherplusses that come with wearing the uniform.
As the 50th IBCT departs Texas bound for Kuwait and then
Iraq, let those of us back here continue to support their familiesand loved ones. Whether it’s through our Family ReadinessGroups, Family Assistance Centers, private organizations, orjust neighbor-to-neighbor contacts, please do all that you canto ease the burden of these hometown heroes. The last thinga Soldier needs on their mind in a combat zone is to worryabout a leaky faucet or an unpaid bill back home.
Take a look at page nineteen. I’m serious…stop readingthis message and turn to page nineteen right now. It is loadedwith information to help families. Earmark that page…cut it outand stick it on your refrigerator door…I don’t care what you doas long as you keep it handy for the next time you or a fellowAirman, Soldier or family member needs assistance. Andkeep this number where you can easily find it: 1-888-859-0352.It’s a good first stop when you’re trying to get assistance anddon’t know exactly where to turn.
Remember that at any given point in time, there are scoresof N.J. Guardsmen deployed around the world. Some are inlarge units like the 50th, some in smaller groups or evenindividually mobilized. Keep all of our deploying Soldiers andAirmen in your prayers. Keep supporting their families backhere at home. And whether duty calls you to the Global Waron Terrorism overseas or to a Homeland Security or Defensemission here in New Jersey, keep fighting the good fight.Together, we are an overwhelming force that can overcome anyenemy…any disaster…and anything that comes our way.
“This day marks the beginning of the next chapter in the50th Brigade’s history.”
On a sunny April 16 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., Col.Steven Ferrari gazed out upon the 2,850 Soldiers under hiscommand who make up the recently formed 50th InfantryBrigade Combat Team (IBCT).
The occasion marked Ferrari’s first chanceto see his whole infantry brigade combat teamin one place since its official transformationMarch 1 from an infantry brigade. The cer-emony officially welcomed and affixed the left-shoulder patch of the 50th IBCT.
“We are now a brigade combat teamunited by a left-shoulder patch,” said Ferrarias he addressed the newly minted 50th IBCTSoldiers. “This left-shoulder patch is ourcommon bond now – we stand as one.”
Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The AdjutantGeneral of the New Jersey National Guard, kicked offthe ceremony by patching Ferrari, who in turn pro-ceeded to patch his brigade command sergeant major andbattalion commanders.
“Today is truly historic and it’s a privilege for me to be partof it,” Rieth told the troops. “This is history and everything youdo going forward is part of history.”
Patch CeremonyBy Spc. Bill Addison, 50IBCT/PA
The National Institute of Heraldry approved the new left-shoulder patch on Jan. 22. It is a tri-colored septigon with thetraditional blue, yellow and red of the brigade’s higher com-mand, the 42nd Infantry “Rainbow” Division, and is alsorepresentative of the brigade’s armor heritage. The insignia
has three stars, which represent the brigade’sheritage and as well as the brigade’s homestate, New Jersey, which was the thirdstate of the union to sign the United StatesConstitution. The middle reversed triangu-lar shape also suggests the letter “V” forvictory. The patch ceremony came at the end ofthe IBCT’s three-week Annual Training thatbegan March 28 and ended April 19. Rieth congratulated Ferrari and his Sol-diers for everything they’ve achieved during
the process of transitioning from citizens toSoldiers.
“All of the reports I’ve gotten back about the brigadeis that it wasn’t just meeting the standard, it’s exceeding
standard.”“This brigade combat team is off and running and there’s
no question that whatever the nation asks of this BCT, you willfulfill the mission,” he added.
Patch CeremonyBy Spc. Bill Addison, 50IBCT/PA
Pfc. Peterson Pierre-Paul, Foxtrot Company, 250thBrigade Support Battalion, affixes his new 50thIBCT patch in unison with his company members.Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Morris, 50IBCT/PA.
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Anxiety, excitement, fear and pride could be used todescribe the emotions that emerged during the 50thInfantry Brigade Combat Team’s (IBCT) Farewell Cel-ebration held at Fort Dix on Saturday, June 14.
Family, friends and supporters gathered on DoughboyField to honor the Soldiers deploying to Iraq.
Alexis, the 10-year old daughter of 2-113th Infantry com-mander Lt. Col. Mark Piterski, sang the national anthem. Asshe finished, a trio of F-16 fighter jets from the 177th FighterWing roared overhead.
“Each and every Soldier on this parade field is anAmerican hero not because of this deployment,” said Maj.Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, the Adjutant General of New Jersey, “but(because) you raised your right hand in an all-volunteer armyto make a difference and protect our way of life.”
Governor Jon S. Corzine spoke of the sacrifices theSoldiers have endured and focused on the sacrifices thefamilies have made to support the Soldiers.
“Most New Jerseyans understand that this sacrifice is notyours alone that it is your loved ones,” said Corzine. “To eachwe express our gratitude for the sacrifice that you make tomake sure our troops are supported abroad.”
Corzine then gave his word that the families of the Soldierswould be taken care of while they were deployed.
“It is our responsibility to stand with you while you’re awayserving us and our pledge is to be certain and clear that it willbe there,” he said.
After the ceremony the families were able to spend therest of the day with the Soldiers. Many families had differentfeelings about the deployment.
“I have no worries. I’m glad for him. I think this is the bestthing for him,” said retired drill sergeant David Lipscomb, fatherof Pfc. Brian Lipscomb. “I’m confident in the training hereceived,” he added.
“I’m very proud of him and I support him in everything hedoes,” said Linda Menew, mother of Pfc. Shane Weddle. “I’mvery positive and I hope he returns home safe,” she added.
Besides family many supporters ranging from volunteersto Vietnam veterans also came to show their support.
“The Army will take care of the Soldiers while they are overthere, but it is our responsibility to take care of them when theyreturn,” said Jim Ernest, a Vietnam veteran.
The supporters and families of the 50th IBCT may havedifferent emotions about the mission the 50th IBCT will face,but one thing is certain: there is no lack of support from thepeople of New Jersey.
CEREMONY HONORS
50 TH
By Pfc. Saul Rosa, 444MPAD
CEREMONY HONORS
By Pfc. Saul Rosa, 444MPAD
50 TH
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History is rewritten: 50th departsPhotos and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PAPhotos and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA
History is rewritten: 50th departs
In a blink of eye, they were gone.The last group of Soldiers of the 50th Infantry Bri-
gade Combat Team boarded the chartered airliners atMcGuire Air Force Base and left New Jersey on June 25.
The Soldiers came from armories that were geographi-cally scattered all across the state of New Jersey. Sons anddaughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters and evengrandparents left from 21 different armories. Truly the Guardis a community-based force.
For four days, starting on June 16 for some and as lateJune 22 for the others, the Soldiers were mobilized at theirarmories. Then, on the final day of their mobilization, theyboarded buses under the tear-stained gaze of their loved onesand left for McGuire Air Force Base to leave for Fort Bliss,Texas, where they would continue their training in preparationfor their nine-month tour in Iraq.
Godspeed 50th.
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STATE DELEGATION VISITS TROOPSPhotos and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA
Governor Jon S. Corzine and Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, along witha group of elected officials and employers, visited with Soldiersof the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from July 31 to Aug. 1at Fort Bliss, Texas. After spending the afternoon watching theCitizen-Soldiers learn combat life saving techniques, detaineeoperations and vehicle rollover training, the group had dinner withthe troops who were then treated to stage show by Saturday NightLive actor and New Jerseyan Joe Piscopo. The next day thegroup participated in a New Jersey Employed Support for theGuard and Reserve Statement of Support signing ceremony (seeback cover) before returning to New Jersey.
STATE DELEGATION VISITS TROOPSPhotos and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA
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Sgt. Kathleen Wilson took one small step several weeksago when she joined the 50th Infantry Brigade CombatTeam’s (IBCT) 2-113th Infantry Battalion.
She hopes it will one day lead to a giant leap forward forwomen in the military.
Wilson was transferred into the 2-113th’s Bravo Companyfrom the 250th Brigade Support Battalion as part of the 50th’sefforts to integrate nearly 250 female Soldiers into unitspreparing for detainee operations missions in Iraq, dutiesnormally carried out by military police.
“When you talk detainee operations, you’re going to behandling male and female detainees,” explained Lt. Col. MarkPiterski, 2-113th commander. “You need female Soldiers if theycome into contact with a female Iraqi adult. An Iraqi male doesnot like a male Soldier searching an Iraqi female. The last thingyou want to do is lose that relationship or not gain that trust.”
“In our mission, it’s extremely important to have femaleSoldiers work on our team. It’s a force multiplier,” he added.
When Wilson joined the team just prior to the start of pre-mobilization Annual Training at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., shewasn’t sure what to expect.
“I never really heard of females coming into infantrycompanies before, so I was a little surprised,” admittedWilson, an X-ray technician in both military and civilian life. “Idon’t know why I was chosen.”
The answer to that question is clear to her fellow Soldiers.“She’s really high-speed,” said 1st Sgt. Ruben Rodriguez,
Bravo Company first sergeant.“She’s one of the best NCOs I’ve had the pleasure to work
with,” said Sgt. 1st Class Stephane Millhollin, Bravo Companyplatoon sergeant, who was also recently integrated into the 2-113th. “She’s a natural leader.”
“You wouldn’t think she’s a new NCO,” Millhollin added,noting that Wilson graduated the Warrior Leader Course withsuperior ratings in October 2007.
Despite Wilson’s and the other female Soldiers’ qualifica-tions and abilities – the idea of integrating females into combatarms units has met with some opposition. Detractors claimthat women cannot physically keep up with men, that inevi-table romantic relationships would lead to jealousy andcompetition, and that women lack the “killer instincts” neededfor combat arms.
Integration supporters point out that nearly 200,000 womenhave served in Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001, andthat the non-linear nature of combat in the Global War onTerrorism has already forced all Soldiers – regardless of rank,Military Occupational Specialty or gender – to become warriors.
“For the most part, the integration has gone well,” Piterski
EVOLVING ROLES: WOMEN IN THE INFANTRY By Staff Sgt. Shawn Morris, 50IBCT/PA; photo by Spc. Robert A. Posa, 444MPAD
explained. “I think the units that have been successful havehad strong female NCOs who have been mentors to the juniorfemale enlisted Soldiers.”
“Bottom line: We haven’t worked with females before. Itwas terrifying initially,” explained Sgt. 1st Class Marco Chavez.“But the males in our platoon are like big brothers now.”
“They respect her rank. They’ve done a really good job,”Millhollin said of the male Soldiers in Wilson’s company. “Herknowledge and the way she demonstrates it – they respect herfor that, too.”
“There’s a lot we can learn from the infantry guys,” shecontinued. “They’ve been very helpful sharing their knowledge”“They don’t treat the girls like girls,” she said with a smile.
Wilson has a lot to smile about, including a chance to earnher place – and perhaps a place for future generations ofwomen – in an ever-expanding array of units and missions.
“When I signed up in 2003, females couldn’t do combatarms,” Wilson explained. “Things are changing, and being apart of that is an honor.”
“I’m proud that I’m able to serve,” she said.
Sgt. Kathleen Wilson, 50th Infantry Brigade CombatTeam’s 2-113th Infantry Battalion.
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Approximately 600 Soldiers of the 50th Infantry BrigadeCombat Team (IBCT) attended High Mobility Multi-pur-pose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) training at FortIndiantown Gap, Pa. March 28 to April 19.
Boots on ground, HMMWVs ready to rollBy Pfc. Saul Rosa, 444MPAD; photo by Spc. Robert A. Posa, 444MPAD
The course, which was conducted by the 1st Battalion,254th Combat Arms Regiment, trained Soldiers who have hadlittle or no experience with the HMMWV and taught the basicsof both daytime and nighttime driving and vehicle maintenance.
Master Sgt. Steven J. Wollermann, 254th non-commis-sioned officer in charge of the training explained that thecourse is designed to provide the basic driver training requiredfor units to issue Soldiers a military drivers license.
The first day consists of HMMWV training videos andclassroom instruction on safety, operation and familiarization.On the second day, the Soldiers begin driving the HMMWVand study for the final exam. On the third and final day oftraining, Soldiers drive the HMMWV with an instructor assess-ing their performance and take a written exam.
“I learned a lot from the slideshows, in-classroom training,and instructors,” said Pfc. Marlyn Corona, 50th Chemical Co.“I never drove a HMMWV before and I was surprised how wellthey handle.”
As the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) pre-pared to deploy, the 42nd Regional Support Group (RSG)played a critical role in easing the transition from citizento Soldier.
The 42nd RSG is made up of the 117th Civil SupportBrigade (CSB), the 50th Personnel Service Battalion (PSB),and the 50th Finance Battalion (FB).
The 117th CSB, along with the 253rd TransportationCompany and the 508th Military Police Company, maintaineda shuttle bus, built and guarded the Ammo Holding Area, andcompleted various transportation-related missions.
“Anything the Brigade asks for comes to our supportoffice and we see if we have the available assets to move it orprovide it; if we do, then we task out the 117th to move it,” saidMaj. Dave Majury, 42nd RSG.
To underscore that statement, the 117th CSB moved morethan 1.7 million rounds, 10,000 gallons of water, and 75,000MREs during the first half of the pre-mobilization training.
The 50th FB began the processes needed to convertinactive guard members to active status and assisted the 50thPSB with the ranges.
“Soldiers who are going overseas shouldn’t have to worryabout how their families are going to pay the bill,” said Majury.That is why the 50th FB is important, he explained.
Finally, the 50th PSB ran the M4 ranges, an M203 range,an M9 range, a shotgun range, an M249 range, an M250
RSG: THE SOLDIERS' SUPPORTBy Pfc. Saul Rosa, 444MPAD; photo by Spc. Robert A. Posa, 444MPAD
caliber range and a hand grenade range.“This is great training; the conditions they face are exactly
what they will face overseas,” he said.
A 50th Personnel Service Battalion Soldier helps a 50th IBCTSoldier clear his gun at the M4 range.
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Most mothers worry about their deployed sons or daugh-ters. For one Army mom, separation will be less of anissue – she’s deploying too.
This will be Sgt. Carmen Hernandez’s, a licensed practi-cal nurse, second deployment to Iraq as a medic, and the firstwith her oldest son. Sgt. Felipe Diaz, 29, is a squad leader inhis platoon, and a Paterson police officer. The two FoxtrotCompany, 250th Brigade Support Battalion Soldiers contrib-ute to the growing number of family members who deploytogether, and as one of the first mother-and-son “teams.”
“The hardest thing will be sitting there waiting for him to getback [from a mission],” Hernandez said.
Sometimes family members’ deployments are coinciden-tal, but brothers and best friends often enlist and/or deploytogether and most dual-military couples manage to work outarrangements with their commanders. Military families tendto have multigenerational enlistees, including two ofHernandez’s four children.
This mother-son combination is just one of several instancesof close family members deploying together in the Brigade. There are five father-son pairs, 15 brothers, eight sets of brother-sisters, one pair of twin sisters and 13 married couples.
She also got married last month to Sgt. Victor Hernandezwho deploys with the 1-150th Aviation (Air Assault) next year.With her son and “a lot of young kids here,” Hernandez wantsto make Iraq a little more like home. She bought her own medicbag to fill with supplies for them, and is even bringing some
Not your typical band of brothersBy Cadet Amelia Thatcher, 444MPAD
Sgt. Carmen Hernandez and her son, Sgt. Felipe Diaz at Fort Bliss,Texas on Aug. 1. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA.
pots and pans with her. But, Diaz added, “Mom said ‘when yousee me cooking, don’t come over and ask for food.’”
The balancing act of being both a mother and a medic,however, is Hernandez’s greatest concern. For instance, shedoesn’t want the other Soldiers to wonder who she would helpfirst, if someone not Diaz had a worse injury, “God forbid if[someone else] gets injured with her son.”
“[Diaz] said to me, you stay in your lane, I’ll stay in mine,”Hernandez said.
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Photo left: Sgt. John Pongratz (left) watches as Pvt. Stefanie Scully, both with the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, learnsthe proper way to perform a body search. Photo right: Pfc. Danilo Vargas takes down a "prisoner" after being sprayed withOC (pepper spray) during Detainee Operations Training at Fort Bliss, Texas. Photos by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA.
What do Soldiers do when the fighting is over and theirbuddies are wounded but there aren't any medics?
Simple: They use the skills they learned from theirCombat Life Saver (CLS) course at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa.,which teaches every Soldier to be a combat lifesaver.
This 40-hour courseis normally spread overfour to five days, yet itwas condensed into threedays for the 50th InfantryBrigade Combat Team(IBCT).
The main skills taught are starting IVs (intravenous needles),suppressing excess blood flow from extremities with the useof tourniquets, using needle decompression to treat a col-lapsed lung, and maintaining airflow. The course also pro-motes a degree of trust and unity between combat lifesaversand combat medics.
“We have to train them to the best of their ability so theycan help us when the time comes,” said Sgt. 1st ClassStephen Cosmanic, Combat Medic and CLS instructor.
The goal of the CLS course is to have 50 percent of the 50thIBCT qualified by the summer; yet with the team of dedicatedinstructors and the focused CLS students of the IBCT, the goalwill be reached before the end of April with 1,906 total lifesavers.
Although qualification is the announced goal, the truegoal is to make every soldier confident enough to save hisbattle buddy if the time comes.
“I had this course before but I learned a lot of newtechniques and now I feel confident in what I know,” said Spc.Orlen Zambrano of B Company, 2-113th Infantry, 50th IBCT.
The certification lasts one year as the Soldiers of the 328thMilitary Police (MP) Company found out May 4. The 328th hadto recertify in CLS because they were first certified in October2007 and would be in Iraq when their certification expires.
“Medical care on the battlefield is essential during thegolden hour, at the time a soldier is first wounded, when thecare is most crucial,” said 1st Sgt. Brett Eberlin, of the 328thMP and certified in CLS.
Soldiers of the 328th appreciated the skills learned in theCLS program.
“It’s great for combat operations,” said Spc. James Zoladzof the 328th MP “Why wouldn’t you want everyone to be trainedto save lives?”
Soon many of these Soldiers will be bringing more thantheir weapons to the fight. They will be bringing the skills tosave the lives of their battle buddies; skills learned in theCombat Life Saver course.
CLS: Training to save livesBy Pfc. Saul Rosa, 444MPAD
Combat life saver instructor Mike Arrowgood (left), along withSpc. Marlene Martinez (center) watches as Sgt. 1st Class BrendaAlston (right) inserts an IV into the arm of Sgt. Jorge Chavez(front). Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA.
FORT BLISS UPDATE
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Pvt. Antanacio Guzman, left, performs a “live” IV procedure on Pvt.Samuel Diaz during Combat Life Saver training. Both are Sol-diers of Alpha Co., 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry, 50th IBCT. Photoby Spc. Robert A. Posa, 444MPAD
"We have to train them tothe best of their ability sothey can help us whenthe time comes."
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Deserting one desert for anotherStory and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Kryn P. Westhoven, JFHQ-NJ/PA
For ten Citizen-Soldiers the word citizen took on awhole new meaning as they received the Oath ofAmerican Citizenship just days before they headed offto defend their new nation against terrorism.
The 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team members raisedtheir right hands during the Validation Ceremony at FortBliss’s McGregor Range in New Mexico as Raymond P.Adams, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, El PasoField Office Director, administered the oath.
It was only three years ago Pfc. Kenneth Adolfo left hisnative Philippines, joining F Co., 250th Brigade SupportBattalion just 12 months after arriving in the state.
“This was the main reason I joined the military for mycitizenship and finally I got it,” said the 23-year collegestudent.
Joining Aldofo in receiving their citizenship were: Sgt.Kerwin Bornell, 50th Special Troops Battalion-Trinidad-To-bago; Pfc. Jossie Cruzalegui, 50th Chemical Co.-Peru; Pfc.Donald Ward Penina, 50th Chemical Co.-Columbia; Spc.Evan Tajo, 250th Brigade Support Battalion, Philippines; Pfc.Joseph Cenesca, 250th Brigade Support Battalion-Haiti; Spc.
SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR NEW SOLDIER-CITIZENSPhoto and story by Sgt. 1st Class Kryn P. Westhoven, JFHQ-NJ/PA
Oscar Llerena, 114th Infantry-Peru; Spc. Fatmata Bangura,50th Special Troops Battalion-Sierra Leone; Spc. GilbertBeriso, 250th Brigade Support Battalion-Philippines and Pfc.Raymond Elliot, 250th Brigade Support Battalion-Sierra Leone.
The bright sunshine cast deep shadows along the barrendesert of Fort Bliss’s McGregor Range in New Mexico as the3,000 Soldiers of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Teamsaid good-bye to their mobilization station on August 22.
Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General along with fiveadditional General officers lead a delegation of three dozen seniorleaders who traveled to the Validation Ceremony for the brigadethat includes two companies of Michigan Citizen-Soldiers.
“We are ready to move to theater, ready to perform ourmission,” announced Col. Steven Ferrari, brigade commander, ashe addressed the nearly 3,000 Soldiers in formation. “You havebuilt cohesiveness and combat-ready teams.”
The ceremony ended weeks of training for the detainee opera-tions mission the majority of the 50th IBCT will be doing while in Iraq.
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Families say good-bye to 50thBy Sgt. 1st Class Kryn P. Westhoven, JFHQ-NJ/PA
In the early morning darkness outside the Teaneck armory Spc.Yiesena ‘Jessie’ Nunez waves goodbye to her 3-year olddaughter Mariah Ramero being held up the window by herbrother Edwin Nunez as the bus prepares to leave for McGuireAFB. Sgt. 1st Class Kryn P. Westhoven, JFHQ-NJ/PA.
Families and friends of the 50th Infantry Brigade CombatTeam shed tears, blew kisses, waved signs and ended longembraces at 21 different armories across the state betweenJune 19 to 25 as the Soldiers headed to Fort Bliss for a one-year mobilization. Before saying goodbye they shared a mealprepared by the Family Readiness Group’s before the troopswent out the door. Photos clockwise starting above: WoodbridgeArmory-Sgt. John Crankshaw, 444th MPAD; Jersey City andLawrenceville-Spc. Abraham Pendon, 444th MPAD and TomsRiver-Spc. Robert Neill, JFHQ-NJ/PA.
By Sgt. 1st Class Kryn P. Westhoven, JFHQ-NJ/PA
Families say good-bye to 50th
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In an unprecedented sweep, 177th Fighter Wing Airmenwon all three of the Enlisted Association of the NationalGuard of New Jersey Air Guard awards.
Recipients are judged on appearance and bearing, mili-tary background and professional knowledge, current effortsfor advancement, leadership abilities and their contributiontoward the improvement of unit performance and esprit-de-corps, and finally participation in civic activities.
Master Sgt. June I. Kelly who received the Command Sgt.Maj. Wilfred Z. Lea Outstanding 1st Sgt. Award commented:"It was an honor to be recognized for something I love to do.”
Kelly, a 14-year veteran with the 177th, serves as theFighter Wing, Operations Group, Operations Support Flight,the geographically separated Warren Grove Range and the119th Fighter Squadron First Sergeant. During her career, shehas served in both Operations’ Enduring Freedom – at DiegoGarcia – and Noble Eagle.
Master Sgt. Joseph A. Iacovone Jr. was awarded the Sgt. Maj.Harry Arbeitman Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer Award.
A 177th Security Forces Airman since 1990, Iacovone hasserved in Operations’ Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom andNoble Eagle. In Iraq, Iacovone’s 13-Airmen Quick ReactionForce responded to a 2,000 pound vehicle borne improvisedexplosive device (VBIED) that struck an Army convoy outsidethe base, deterring follow on attacks and a second attack.
“It was an honor to accept this award as a representative
WING SWEEPS AWARDSPhoto and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA
of the 177th Security Forces,” acknowledged Iacovone.Rounding out the sweep, Senior Airman Tara M. Cullen
was presented with the Master Sergeant John E. BodineJunior Enlisted Award (Air National Guard).
“As a first-term Airman, it was an honor to receive thisaward,” stated Cullen.
While serving on Iacovone’s QRF team, Cullen’s immedi-ate and decisive action during the VBIED attack enabled thequick evacuation of six wounded Soldiers.
Truly an extraordinary group of Airmen.
EANGNJ awardees (l-r) Master Sgt. June I. Kelly, Master Sgt.Joseph A. Iacovone Jr.and Senior Airman Tara M. Cullen.
Army Guard EANGNJ Award recipients
Command Sgt. Maj. Wilfred Z. Lea Out-standing First Sergeant Award: MasterSgt. Patrick Kildea. Position: 112th FiresBattalion. “I was extremely humbledthere were several extraordinary FirstSergeants that all did outstanding work.”
Sgt. Maj. Harry Arbeitman OutstandingNCO Award: Sgt. 1st Class Frances RutterPosition: Recruiter, ChalleNGe program.“I always wanted to be a teacher," saidRutter, who considers herself more as amentoring mom to the ChalleNGe Cadets.
Sgt. 1st Class Robert G. Vuinovich Out-standing Soldier Award: Spc. Kelly Crager.Position: 119th Combat SustainmentSupport Battalion, HRO Sergeant. “It wasa shock. It was a little humbling. I love mytroops. I love what I do.”
G u a r d l i f e 17
On March 15 a munitions depot exploded in Gerdec,which is about six miles north of Tirana, the capitalof Albania.
The explosion killed 26 people, injured more than 400people, destroyed approximately 4,000 homes and dis-placed at least 600 citizens from their homes. TheAlbanian government has compared this disaster to“Katrina” in scope for their country. The blast, which wasequivalent to 1.5 kilotons and registered 3.6 on theRichter Scale, resulted in unexploded ordnance beingdispersed three miles away from the blast site. It wasestimated that more than one million pounds of explo-sives were stored on the site.
Eight days later United States European Command(EUCOM) sent a Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team(HAST) to Albania at the request of the U.S. Embassy.The team was comprised of explosive ordnance disposal,civil engineering, mortuary affairs, hazardous materialsand environmental cleanup experts.
On April 3, EUCOM requested that the New JerseyNational Guard send an assessment team. The team,headed by Col. Ronald Alfors, 108th Air Refueling Wing(ARW) Operations; Lt. Col. Paul Novello, 108th ARW CivilEngineering Squadron and Command Sgt. Maj. WilliamKryscnski, Homeland Security Center of Excellence (HSCOE)recommended that European Command request NJNG CivilEmergency Management experts to support the effort.
“This was the first time European Command utilized theSPP (State Partnership Program) for a HAST mission,” statedLt. Col. Jeanne Wessel, SPP Coordinator. “It was requestedbecause of their knowledge of the country, its diplomaticsystem and military structure.”
From April 9 to May 2, Lt. Col. Wessel, Capt. Ray Sackmann,Homeland Security Plans Officer/Anti-Terrorism Officer, JointForces Headquarters - New Jersey (Air) and Chief Master Sgt.Richard Bouffard, Chief, Emergency Operations – HSCOE, servedon the team as the Civil Emergency Management experts.
During their stay, the New Jersey team advised andassisted the Albanian Ministry of Interior-Civil EmergenciesDirectorate on their roles and responsibilities of acquiring andreporting damage assessment information from all other minis-try sectors. They also gave recommendations on the interna-tional donor coordination processes and procedures with theCouncil of Ministers - Department of Strategy and DonorCoordination. The team helped the on-site commander withsecurity issues and civilian/military response procedures. Fi-nally, the New Jersey Guardsmen helped coordinate betweenthe U.S. Embassy, the Albanian Ministry of Defense, and the
NJNG responds to Albanian disasterStory by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA
U.S. site remediation contractor, in the areas of security zonesand the placement of the military and civilian command posts.
Currently, the Albanian Government and the U.S. Em-bassy are formulating a plan for the near-to-long term phasesof the cleanup operation.
Chief Master Sgt. Richard Bouffard surveys the damage from the weaponsdepot explosion in Gerdec. Photo by Capt. Ray Sackmann, JFHQ-NJ (Air)
Kids Day at PicatinnyPicatinny Arsenal held their annual “America’s Day for Kids”picnic on August 1, but this year there were some very specialguests - two bus loads of New Jersey National Guard familymembers celebrated as well. Children swarmed to the pool fora swim and others congregated at the trailers full of games andprizes. Photo courtesy Picatinny Public Affairs.
G u a r d l i f e 18
FORT MYER, Va. – First Lieutenant ArthurMacaspac won his second crown in the All-Army Chess Championships on May 11-16 atthe Fort Myer Community Center in Arling-ton, Va.
Macaspac, 34, who is assigned to the 2ndBattalion, 113th Infantry, 50th Infantry BrigadeCombat Team, won 10 matches and settled for adraw in his final game to win the six-day tourna-ment. He was scheduled to represent the Army inthe 2008 Armed Forces Chess ChampionshipsJune 9-13 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.
Macaspac also won the Army Family andMorale, Welfare and Recreation Command-spon-sored tournament in 2006 and finished runner-upto seven-time All-Army champion Staff Sgt. RudyTia Jr. in 2007.
“Practice was the key to winning here,”Macaspac said. Macaspac, who is scheduled todeploy to Iraq in September, also finished secondin the speed-chess competition.
“Arthur is a very solid player,” said runner-up Sgt. ChrisDrake of Fort Bragg, N.C., whose only loss in the tournamentcame at the hands of Macaspac. “If you make a small mistake,he’s going to take advantage of it and punish you for it.”
Macaspac thought Drake played right into his game plan.“He played passively,” Macaspac said. “He could have
defended a pawn, but I think he overlooked it, and then Imanaged to grab a pawn. Normally, if I have a pawn advantage,
N.J. GuardsmaN wiNs ChampioNshipPhoto and story by Tim Hipps, FMWRC Public Affairs
1st Lt. Arthur Macaspac plays to a draw against Sgt. Darryl West of Camp Arifjan,Kuwait, in their final match of the 2008 All-Army Chess Championships May 16at the Fort Myer (Va.) Community Club. Macaspac posted 10 victories and onedraw to win his second All-Army crown.
I’m able to convert it to a winning game. It was just a smallmistake on his part, but it was critical for me to win the game.”
Drake agreed: “I made a slight error. I put my rook on thewrong square, and he punished me for it.”
Macaspac said that this may be his last tournament.“Well, it depends,” he added. “We keep saying ‘last year,’
but because we love the game, we keep coming back."
Cadets raise bar during competitionPhoto by Ryan Morton, Fort Dix Public Affairs Office
Wil Donaldson (right) of the New Jersey National Guard ChalleNGeYouth Program, pushes himself to the limit during the shuttle run at the17th Annual Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) JointMilitary Service Commanders’ Cup Competition hosted by PembertonHigh School, JROTC on May 8 at Fort Dix.
Cadets came in from other high schools in places such as Medford,Camden, New Brunswick, Philadelphia, Pa., Long Island City, N.Y., and theNew Jersey National Guard’s ChalleNGe Youth Program to compete in fivedifferent physical fitness events to qualify for the cup.
This competition also gives the cadets the opportunity to earn the NationalFitness Award and prestigious Presidential Physical Fitness Award.
The top three finishers were Long Island City, Philadelphia MilitaryAcademy, Pa., and N.J. ChalleNGe Youth Program taking third place.
G u a r d l i f e 19
News Guard Families Can UseCompiled by the Guardlife Staff
Family Readinessincreases grantsFrom the N.J. State Family Readiness Council
The New Jersey National Guard StateFamily Readiness Council has increasedthe amounts of family and businessgrants up to $5,000 and $10,000, respec-tively. Both grants are known as TIER Igrants.
TIER II family grants are also availableto New Jersey Army and Air National Guardnon-deployed service members who servedon State Active Duty or State Missions(e.g., hurricanes, floods, border missions)for more than 20 consecutive days. Servicemembers meeting these criteria are eligibleto apply for a financial hardship grant up to$1,500.
Applications are available at all NewJersey Army and Air National Guard FamilyAssistance Centers.
Federal grant availableA $200,000 grant from the Department ofCommunity Affairs is available forspouses of deployed or recently de-ployed military.
Typical awards are $2,500 and areavailable for financial difficulties (suchas past due rent and childcare) as wellas for recreational and stress relievingactivities for kids.
For more information contact ReneMainor, Military Grant Liaison, Women’sOpportunity Center, YMCA of BurlingtonCounty at 609-543-6200 Ext. 325 or by email [email protected].
108th Air Refueling Wing3327 Charles Blvd.
McGuire AFB, NJ 08641POC: Laura Forrest
[email protected] City Armory
678 Montgomery StreetJersey City, NJ 07306-2208
POC: SFC (Ret) Bernard [email protected]
Lawrenceville Armory151 Eggert Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-2897POC: Jane Hackbarth
[email protected] Armory
430 Jockey Hollow RoadMorristown, NJ 07960-0499
POC: SFC (Ret) Robert [email protected]
Pomona NJNG FAC400 Langley Road
Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234POC (Air): CMSgt (Ret) Paul Gunning
[email protected] (Army): CSM (Ret) Michael Hughes
[email protected] Armory
1060 Hamilton StreetSomerset, NJ 08873
POC: John [email protected]
Teaneck ArmoryTeaneck & Liberty RoadsTeaneck NJ 07666-0687
POC: SFC (Ret) Janis [email protected]
Toms River Armory1200 Whitesville RoadToms River, NJ 08753
POC: Maria [email protected]
Woodbury Armory658 North Evergreen Avenue
Woodbury, NJ 08096POC: Michele Daisey
[email protected] call 1-888-859-0352
Family Assistance Centers
Assistance for Families of DeployedServicemembersIf you are a family member of a deployed active duty, National Guardor Reserve Soldier; Marine, Airman, or Sailor, there are severalFamily Assistance Centers in New Jersey that are here to assist you.
These centers can assist with Identification Cards, TRICARE anddental issues, and also provide emergency referral and assistance withfinancial and legal issues. Each Family Assistance Center is trained to helpfamilies get the support and information they need, as quickly as possible,while lending a sympathetic ear to those in need of one.
To contact a Family Assistance Center closest to your home in NewJersey, call the toll free number 1-888-859-0352.
G u a r d l i f e 20
Airman’s son highlighted by Tiger Woods FoundationBy Master Sgt. Greg Rudl, National Guard Bureau
POTOMAC, Md. - Though his tee shot was a little high and left,nine-year-old Jeffrey Dahl showed a lot of composure as heteed off with pro golfer Fred Couples for the ceremonial firstshot at the AT&T National Golf Tournament here at theCongressional Country Club July 2.
“Amazing,” he said of the experience. Amazing too was thathe’s only started playing the game in May, taking lessons on Fridays.
It could be the same grace under pressure that his dad, Maj. TomDahl, an operations officer for the 177th Fighter Wing is displayingwhile deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism overseas.
Jeffrey and several other children of deployed National Guard andReserve members were invited by The Tiger Woods Foundation to bepart of the tournament’s opening ceremonies. The group was from“Our Military Kids,” an organization that supports children of deployedand severely injured reserve personnel through grants for enrichmentactivities and tutoring.
When asked where his dad is, the operational security-mindedyouth simply said, “I can’t tell you.” He just hopes to play with his dadfor the first time when he gets back.
Jeffrey’s golf ball was hand-delivered moments earlier by amember of the 101st Airborne Division’s Screaming Eagles ParachuteDemonstration Team, who jumped from a D.C. Army National GuardUH-1H Iroquois helicopter high above the first hole.
-Reporting by Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service wasused in this story.
New medal recognizes serviceSince 2004, New Jersey Army and Air National Guard Soldiersand Airman have performed more than 5,700 funeral honors incemeteries throughout the state, including more than 1,900 at theBrig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Inrecognition for their service, a New Jersey Honor Guard Ribbonhas been designed, approved and passed out of committee for avote by the full legislature. Photo courtesy NJDMAVA/PA.
Virtual CampMaster Sgt. Robert Cuff(left) of the Joint Trainingand Training Develop-ment Center located at FortDix, explains how to usethe Virtual Convoy Opera-tions trailer to 13 year oldDARE (Drug Abuse Re-sistance Education) Campmember Maria Pineda onJuly 15. Photo by Sgt.John Crankshaw, 444MPAD.
PestSenior Aron, 108inset phoInternatiinvolve tdirect inj
G u a r d l i f e 21
OutstandingAirmenMaster Sgt. Daniel MitchellJr. (fourth from the left),177th Fighter Wing SecurityForces Squadron and theAir National Guard's FirstSergeant of the Year poseswith the ANG´s OutstandingAirmen of the Year at theU.S. Air Force Memorial inArlington, Va., on June 18.Also pictured (l-r) Senior Air-man Charity Orriss, Airmanof the Year; Staff Sgt. ScottGeisser, NCO of the Year;Senior Master Sgt. DonnaGoodno, Senior NCO of theYear; Senior Master Sgt.Rolando Garza, HonorGuard Member of the Year;and Tech. Sgt. Raquel Soto,Honor Guard Program Man-ager of the Year. (Photo byMaster Sgt. Mike R. Smith,National Guard Bureau).
Newest Sergeants Major graduatesThe graduates of class of 2-08 of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, located at Fort Bliss, Texas, posefor photo. Starting from the left Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Vanderclute, Master Sgt. Lavona Toplyn, Sgt. Maj. MichaelCormier, New Jersey State Command Sgt. Maj. Jerome Jenkins, Command Sgt. Maj. Konrad Uldschmidt, 1st Sgt.Edgar Paulus and Sgt. Maj. Hermenegildo Devarie. Photo courtesy 1st Sgt. Edgar Paulus.
t ControlAirman Amanda Forbes, 108th Civil Engineering Squad-th Air Refueling Wing, crouches next to a Sand Fox (seeoto) she captured near Vehicle Operations at Baghdadional Airport in Iraq. Forbes’ duties as an entomologistthe control of pests to reduce the spread of disease orjury from animals. Photo courtesy of the 108ARW/CE.
G u a r d l i f e 22
NEW JERSEY NATIONAL GUANew Jersey ArmyNational Guard
To Sergeant Major (E-9):Anthony A. Freda Jr.
To First Sergeant (E-8):Kenneth P. AshleyMichael L. BooneGary M. Davidson
John R. HicksKevin E. Lewis
John Mikajlo Jr.Edgar E. PaulusMark R. Rizzo
To Master Sergeant (E-8):Dean M. Baratta
Richard R. Romanski Jr.Edward J. Szotak
To Sergeant First Class (E-7):Ron C. Bailey
Joseph C. BobinisGeroad A. Cameron
Gary B. CatonRoman M. Charczenko
David R. CopelandHernando CoyJuan R. Cuello
George N. DixonJoseph L. Donnelly
Barry H. Douglass Jr.Stephen J. DuckersRobert T. FreemanTodd L. FriedmanJerome F. GravesLuis L. Gregorich
Jim H. Hamilton-WilliamsFrancis P. Koszyk
Kevin J. MakinJose L. MalaveJohn P. Meeks
James R. MonaghanDaryl A. Morrison
Sean OgormanWilson Ormaza-Carrillo
Anthony PadinNoemi PadroDavid C. Pitt
William D.SchreiberJoseph T. Thorpe IIIDavid W. ThurstonJoseph W. Toomey
Bruce VegaSeron T. Verrett
Willis F. Wareham Jr.Charles D. Whitaker
Gregory WilliamsMarc D. Winans
To Staff Sergeant (E-6):Peter E. Achenbach
James O. AlstonZachary H. D. Appleton
Ian C. BrundageJoseph T. Buckley Jr.
Villy R. BurgosArvilla L. Busby
Melinda A. CobianRichard A. Corte
Robert M. CostanzaRobert T. Coyle Jr.Christine Crawford
Frank DobosDanny GonzalezJose HernandezHoward C. Hines
Raymond L. Ingram Jr.Ryan J. Jimenez
Raymond E. Johnston Jr.Stephen A. KellyDaniel M. Kim
Christina M. LewisJames M. McKeonShawn H. Morris
Zbigniew MroczkowskiGregory A. MurphyJose O. OrtizvigioCalvin Pierce Jr.
Adam G. PsakJoshua Rios
Richard M. RiveraMiguel A. Salles IIIFrederick J. ScottWilliam J. Scott
Jason P. TierneyDaniel R. Tinkler
Kevin J. WashingtonSaso Zafirovski
To Sergeant (E-5):Madeleine R. Avent
Craig O. BarnettJuliet Betancourt
Charles C. Bowles VDavid J. Brimmer
William J. Camp Jr.Jorge L. Chavez
Kenneth M. ColonBrian R. Cooper
Jose A. CruzJohn S. Cunniff Jr.
Anthony E. DarrisonJohn J. DayJon S. Doyle
Steven S. Dunston Sr.Michael A. Esposito IIAdonis A. FranciscoDouglas A. Gentle
Joseph A. GillMichael D. Gilliam
Kevin M. HarmsWilliam D. HarpeYomaira Henao
Carrie A. HendersonJoseph M. Hess Jr.Steven F. HigginsRobin A. JohnsonMarcin KaminskiRafal KaminskiPhilip R. Kral
Michael R. LahnRyan W. Lawton
Ethan J. Letz
Dennis B. LukasiewiczJohn T. MannaAndy J. Marte
Arturo MartinezRobert E. Mcguire
Nathaniel R. MerejoRandolph P. Mojica
Gene S. MooreMichael E. OliverVirginia Orozco
Akinwande A. OshodiErick G. Recinos
Vincent R. RoettgerLinda RomanoDaniel Romero
Saadiq M. ShakirLourdes L. SiverioKevin E. Sweeney
Douglas E. TackachNenad VuckovicJaime L. WalshEarl L. Watkins
To Corporal (E-4):Shaun R. Elmer
To Specialist (E-4):Carlos Abreu-RodriguezGeorge C. AgathokleousFrancisco J. Alcantara
Brenda L. AlexanderDavid M. Allonardo Jr.
Jason J. AmerDwayne C. Anderson
Priscilla AriasKennedy A. AsareBrian K. Atkinson
Christopher R. AtkinsonBrian H. Axelrod
Brandon E. BadillaSteven P. BaezariasJehan S. BarmoreBenjamin J. BaronGeraldo A. Bedoya
Nicholas M. BenedettiEdward C. BennettMichael G. BentGilbert J. BerisoJenna A. BettenRandal BissetPaul P. Black
Quincy M. BloxomJose L. Bracero Jr.Michael G. Brennan
Ivania T. BritoSantos B. BritoRyan I. Bunty
Keith M. BurkhartJon E. Burns
Randolph M. Camp Jr.Matthew D. Carley
Javier A. CastanedaChristopher J. Cellinesi
Samuel Cintron Jr.Vannessa E. Collins
Geraldo J. ColonJackelyn Colon
Philip E. Connell
Louis CosmeJusto M. Cruel Jr.
Carthaniel Crum Jr.Adam R. Cutaiar
Mark L. Dashiak Jr.Matthew D. DawsonBarbara A. Delacruz
Luis A. Deleon Jr.Gerald S. DesmondEvan R. Dickerson
Christopher J. EndicottAlvin EstremeraDerek J. Farrier
Adam J. FergusonAnthony R. Fisher
Jorge I. FlechaBrian O. Florez
Edward A. FrancoKevin J. FreemanLaura J. GarciaMark T. Gartner
Jason L. GavilanesRichard M. Geronimo
Thomas J. GriffinSpeedy Guareno
Robert A. GuminaErik M. HafkeJoel K. Hahn
Monique HancockHarold R. Hawkins
Joanne HostosDavid L. Inirio
Alexander P. JohnstonAshanti W. JonesBrendan J. Kelly
Frederick A. KennedyAlishia T. Kirby
Brian J. KirkpatrickRobert T. Knoble
Manuel Larranaga Jr.Kevon W. Lawson
Joe K. LeeBryan M. Leon
Percy A. LlerenaBrian R.Lomonaco
Jaime L. LoweGerald A. Macfarlan Jr.
Oscar MaldonadoJames T. Mannuzza
Lesterdan C. ManuyagNicholas D. Marchisello
Segundo J. MarquezJames P. Martin Jr.Pedro E. Martinez
Reynier L. MartinezRoger D. MartinezSteven S. Martinez
Oscar D. Martinez-OsorioAndre M. McFarlaneDaniel J. Jr.McGrath
Derrick L. McLeanChina M. MelendezJaime A. Mendez
Matthew R. MendozaAndrew P. Meyrick
Matthew S. MiczulskiMichael D. Milan
George M. Miragliuolo
Joe N. A. MohmodMarvin Monroig
Saundra A. MontgomeryCarlos J. MoraJunior A. Morell
Jhonny R. MorenoYazalde A. Morgado
James E. NelsonQuelcia Olea
Michael J OnemboWilliam S. OspinaKenny O. Oxenade
Eric M. PalekDawn J. Pasquale
Angel PerezRonny O. Perez
Patrick B. PerowskiSteven A. Plumer
Dale J. PriceCurvey A. Purkett Jr.
Elia C. RasponiLamar J. ReddickSrikanth K. Reddy
Denneisha T. RhodenAdam J. RinconDaniel Rivera
Vincent M. RiveraJeffrey R. Rodriguez
Alex V. RogersEddie N. Ruiz
Kyle T. RussellAndrew S. Ryan Dennis
Andres D. SanchezAngela J. Sanchez-Pena
Christian G. SchleyKatherine L. SchuckMark W. Seibert Jr.
Ryan C. ShieldsStanley SirleafAaron B. SmithDarren T. SmithDerek A. Smith
Ronald A. SolimandoSachika L. Soto
Cornelius K. StewartJason J. Stolzenthaler
John J. SucameliRoberto L. Thillet Jr.Demetrius A. TiradoWilliam L. Twisdale
Wilson T. UtmanElmer S. Valdez
Jason L. VazquezThomas H. Vickers Jr.
Kris L. WareLee J. Whitehouse
Ralph A. WoodValentine C. Zdanowicz
James M. Zoladz
To Private First Class (E-3):Gordon E. Adams III
David R. AddertonenrightJeanphillipe AdingraRichard W. Almonte
Carlos AlvarezChristopher K. AlvarezAaron T. Ampaabeng
Christian C. AnthonyWilliam E. Arias
Thomas F. ArminioAndres Arroyavebermudez
Jose A. AyalaJason A. Bacon
Christian T. BaierwalterJohnathan J. Baker
Ismail BanguraAlex BasileJeff J. Bebe
Guy C.Beckett Jr.Stephen R. Beechnox
Michael F. BodnarBrad D. Boehly
Tyrone A. BordleyJohn T. Bork III
Michaeel J. Bowers Jr.Harvey L. Bradley II
Ryan L. BradyJasen M. Brennan
Dominic A. Buckmuse IIIKristen M. Burns
Dana L. CalvoMark A. Camara
Kevin D. Carbone IIMackenson CasimirAaron B. Casterline
Martinez C. A. CastroKenneth ChanAndre L. Clark
Matthew B. CoatesMichael A. Colihan Jr.
Roy A. Combs IIIAbriel P. Cooper
Christopher T. DambrosioAlexander P. Davidson
Lisa DayTanisha G. Diaz
Matthew Dickinson IIINicholas W. DirenzoAndrew L. Dixon III
Richard A. DornewassShawn T. Dougherty
Vivian N. EjioguBrian D. Elisha
Abbas FakhrolmobasheriElliott H. FigueroaDaniel J. FinkeldieDavid J. Foster Jr.Thomas E. FosterEric C. FrawleyJulian A. GarciaJason R. GerardRonnel C. GilkesRobert W. Gray IIDaniel Guadalupe
Antanacio Z. GuzmanElliot Guzman III
Rustin E. HartmanJeremy M. Hazen
Nelfer A. HernandezPortillo M. Hernandez
Sean M. HodgeTimothy J. Horner
Christopher R. Howe Jr.Richard D. Hurwitz
Bryan J. Inzitari
G u a r d l i f e 23
UARD ENLISTED PROMOTIONSRobert Jackson
Tierre L. JacksonMichael D. JeffersonRobert T. Johnson
Laurie A. JosephsenMartin A. Julian
Paul A. Kazelis Jr.Christopher A. Kerr
Isabella KulaczAndrew T.Kuppler
William J. Laycock IIIMelissa D. LeeHeather A. LidleRay D. Llaverias
Alan LopezSixto E. Lopez
Stephanie M. LopezTimothy D. Lynch
Jacqueline J. MackoChristopher C. Martin
Tykeia S. MartinModesto R. Martinez
McCaughey William J. IVWilliam H. M. McGrath
John P. McGuireRenn Medina
Muhammed O. MiddletonJulio I. Milla
Lamont J. MitchellAshley E. Moberg
Michael R. MolawkaLeonard A. Mondile
Brandon E. MontgomeryBrian E. MooreEdwin Morales
James A. NammouraDerek E. Neth
Alberto NicasioYennifer Nunez
Olagbenga A. OdewadeIvan A. Ordonez
Alexis OrtizKenya M. PaceDavid Peacock
Lawrence E. PedrickJason A. Phillips
Daniel L. Pittman Jr.Peter R. PoloNeil C. Raciti
Justin M. RambertEnrique Ramirez
Tanisha R. RamseyRobert S. ReillyDon RicciardiJhojan RinconDanny Rivera
Manuel C. RodriguezArnaldo A. Rodriguez-Ortiz
Michael A. RosaKyle L. RowandTyler B. RuaneAbraham Ruiz
Joseph R. SalinardiErika M. SanchezPhilip A. SerfattyAndrew M. ShimpGary L. Shimp Jr.
Rohmane R. Smith
Amber R. SnyderJulio C. Soberal-Garcia
Corey StaggersAaron K. Steinhauer
Paul SuhConstantine K. ToeNichole M. Tozzo
Clint J. UlrichAdan L. Valentin
Alejandro O. VasquezMichael W. VenzieBrett T. VitkovskyJohn M. Vogel
Jeremy R. WalkerDavid W. Wallace
Nyonkpawuo E. WaloRonald E. Webber Jr.
Eric S. WieboldtDarnell R. Williams
Kevin A. WolfeForrest J. Wright Jr.
Chantharath XumphonphakdyDan R. Zanoria
To Private (E-2):Ramon Abreu
Sergio A. AgudeloJuan C. Arce
Jose AscencioJesus Barajas
Shawn P. BaxleyAlbert A. Brander Jr.Adam W. A. Budman
Erick BulgarinLeigh N. Burnett
Brandon R. CallowayNathan L. CampbellAlbert Caraballo Jr.Ricardo J.Centurion
Edgardo ClassJavier A. Colon Jr.
Rayson M. CoppedgeCharles R. Countryman Jr.
Andrew R. CrossNicole E. Cruz
Adam R. DanielsAndrew S. DavisMarcus W. Davis
Cavelle C. DawsonStephen A. DebucJesus Dela-Cruz
Craig D. DimaggioJose C. Dorelien
Lituma M. G. DuranLogan M. ErricksonKenardo R. EvansEdwin S. FabianByron F Falconi
Craig M. FarawellNancy A. Feliz
Jennifer A. FigueroaSeneca R. Flores
Eduardo L. GalindoMatthew C. GoinsJose R. GonzalezNancy L. GonzalezBenjamin A. GreenWilliam J. Guernon
Carlos A. GuzmanZeshan HaroonKevin P. HeaneyGreg J. HippsAntonia L. HohJessica Hunter
Richard J. HuttonMichael J. JamesJohn E. Jones Jr.Sarah D. JordanJordan R. KenneyAmouzouvi F. KluviAndrew M. Lane
Matthew R. LavelleJessica L. LloydMark A. Lockamy
Hector Londono Jr.Lionel Lugo
Andres F. LuxAlberto L. Marrero
Rodriguez R. MartinezWilfredo MenaerazoSandy J. Mendoza
Jillian E. MillerJose M. MirandaAmanda M. MossStephen MukomaRobert L. Nunez
Samuel A. ObasanyaAdam M. Olsson
Andrade A. OrozcoJohn G. Osorio
Christian Osorio-GarciaJason Pabon
Victor H. ParionaTimothy J. Payor
Devindra PersaudJose M. QuinteroConan Ramirez
Arnaldo R. RamosKatelynn R. ReevesJessica Reichner
Marc N. ReineckerDaniel L. ReyesMiriam Rivera
Emmitt T. Robinson Jr.Michael B. RothPhilip M. Rowe
Robert R. RozylaPaul J. Schober
Michael J. SchoenhaarChayanne D. SerranoMalik A. Shabazz II
Bhavinkumar P. ShahDavid A. Smith IVRobert J. Spera
Donald R. SteinmetzDaniel E. Stewart
Kenneth R. StinsonMichael R. Storm
Nicholas D. SwinefordSeth C. Todd
Brittany A. ToomerEdward J. Vanaman
Joaquin VieraSarah E. Villanueva-Maria
Jennifer WaisempacherPeter D. Weiss
Emerson E. Westwood IVHasan E. WilkinsAnthony H. WrightLouis W. Wright III
Jiunn Y. WuBrian J. Wunk
New Jersey AirNational GuardTo Chief Master Sergeant
(E-9):John J. Connors Jr.Timothy J. Grover
George B. Williams III
To Senior Master Sergeant(E-8):
Thomas C. AlleweltFrank Camillo IVJose A. Gonzalez
Ray D. HarrisGerard Lamola
Emil C. Martinelli Jr.Raymond O. PetersenPaul B. Thompson Jr.
To Master Sergeant (E-7):Alex Cadavid
Thomas R. HalleRodney A. Harris Jr.Watson O. Joseph
Raymond J. JoubertRose M. KopalaRobert W. LernerDaniel J. McCoy
Julius E. SimmonsDavid E. Snody
To Technical Sergeant (E-6):Kimberly S. BerschRobert A. BertholdJohn A. Biscardi
Kimberly A. CastnerAntonio Colon, III
Damaris D. EgglesRajhun S. GeorgeJames Gillespie, III
David W. L. HightowerMarkiss D. Jones
Dorothy N. LanthierMichael R. Mimler
Todd A. MinginColleen R. RyanChristian Skierski
To Staff Sergeant (E-5):Jessica A. Armstrong
Jeremy N. BartramTara N. Beebe
Christopher D. BergetSchweitzer P. Beuns
Dominique S. CamilienErick A. ContrerasBjorn W. Fecher
Jason T. FeibischRoss M. Feibisch
Matthew A. GoldbergCarl S. GothmannNicole D. GuzmanValorie N. Haines
Michelle L. HermanMarlene I. Hernandez
William R. HippleKimberly A. KaminskiWalter R. Kienzle IV
Andre L. LazaroPatrick T. Lilly
Robert M. Maddrey IIRobert J. McCarty IIDavid A. McDonald
Dominique A. MehnertLuis M. MendozaNathan J. MihalAdam C. Mogel
Tabitha G. MoranDavid J. Niedzwiadek
Jason R. PaganLeah I. Parkhurst
Jeffrey H. Pearl Jr.Michael A. Robinson
Jose I. RodriguezAlicia K. Rogers
Ramon A. RosarioNicholas A. Schaeffer
Gary B. SillsAlex A. Swenda
Jamie A. Tonkinson
To Senior Airman (E-4):Cortez M. CharlesBernard O. CortesMyra I. EberwineDianna L. Jenkins
Leonid LevinJustin C. Loza
George J. Michalski IIIDeverron M. Ramcheran
Anthony Rodriguez
To Airman First Class (E-3):John A. Amendolia IIIDavid M. Amodio Jr.
Patricia A. AriasMatthew R. Armitage
George BaezBrett A. Bucsak
Camilo C. CanonJohn A. Caporaso IIJeremy E. CintyreErnest Clayburn IIIDavid P. Cox Jr.
Drew DarrowGlenn E. Davis Jr.Anthony Ditizio Jr.
Jorge L. Echevarria Jr.Kelly M. EilenbergMatthew J. FloresGregory P. GablinRobinson Gomez
Kellyn A. GrauErik J. Gustafson
Samantha J. HardyPatrick R. IrelandAndre J. Jackson
Ashley V. KingKane L. Lawlor
Rocco D. LazaroJames Logan IV
Cristina C. LopezBrittany A. LovettHeather L. Lucyk
Victor J. MangumJaime A. Mazza
Ana MecajShantia C. Middleton
Bryan P. NorthDaniel Ortiz
Steven D. PatelisNicole Piccolo
Christopher J. RaineJames T. RiceRichard Rios
Brayant RiveraJennifer L. RobledoNaomi Rodriguez
Jamal N. RoyAva M. SachlebenMatthew I. SandorfiMatthew J. Sherer
Mohammed A. SiddiquiChristopher A. Silfies
Sean R. SmithBrian K. Taylor
Latoya M. TaylorMatthew P. Walker Jr.Angelo B. Watson Jr.
Francis E. Wulff IIICharles A. Zingrone
To Airman (E-2):Tatiana CabarcasStephanie Viciana
To Airman Basic (E-1):Scott M. Allard Jr.Michael M. Balnis
Jane A. BartholomewPeter A. Capito
Anthony J. FosterJohn M. MadaraMarie E. Madara
Christopher R. MaryinukMaurissa S. Miller
Brittney J. NicholsonRashawn H. Robinson Jr.
Dominick J. Santo-Pietro Jr.Thomas J. SapioThomas A. SheaTiffany Valencia
Congratulations To All!
Compiled byMaster Sgt.
Daniel J. Caldarale(Army Guard promotions)
and Master Sgt.Paul B. Thompson Jr.
(Air Guard promotions)
PRESORTED STDPostage
PaidSpringfield, NJPermit No. 31
LAST ROUND - STATEMENT OF SUPPORT
Soldiers of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team watch asNew Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine (seated, second fromright) signs a Statement of Support during the New JerseyEmployer Support of the Guard and Reserve (NJESGR) trip toFort Bliss, Texas on Aug. 1. The delegation of business andcivic leaders, which was hosted by retired Col. Carmen
Venticinque, (right) New Jersey Field Committee Chairman;also included Don Nelson (left), Deputy Assistant Secretary ofDefense for Reserve Affairs Manpower and Personnel, andMaj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth (second from left), The AdjutantGeneral of New Jersey. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen,177FW/PA.
