Ocean State Guardian - Summer 2012

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ON THE COVER

Summer 2012 / Rhode Island National Guard 1

[email protected]

Rhode Island National Guard

The Ocean State Guardian

Bob UlinPublisher

Justin RitterGraphic Designer

Marie LundstromEditor

Darrell GeorgeAdvertising Sales

Contact Information:(866) 562-9300

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Summer 2012

The Governor of Rhode Island and theCaptain General of the Rhode Island National Guard

The Honorable Lincoln D. Chafee

The Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island andCommanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard

MG Kevin R. McBride

Assistant Adjutant General for Army and Deputy Commanding General of the

Rhode Island National Guard

BG Charles Petrarca

Commander, Joint Force Headquarters,Rhode Island National Guard

Brig. Gen. Marcus Jannitto

Assistant Adjutant General for AirRhode Island National Guard

Brig. Gen. Donald Lagor

Managing EditorState Public Affairs Officer

LTC Peter Parente

Public Affairs Specialists

SGT Megan BurmeisterSGT Peter Ramaglia

Public Affairs Office(401) 275-4038

Feedback on The OSG content, please e-mail:[email protected]

Island, DoD, the Rhode Island National Guard, or AQP Publishing, Inc. of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, polit-ical affi liation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Offi ce of Public Affairs, Joint Forces Headquarters – RING. All photographs and graphic devices are copyrighted to the Rhode Island National Guard unless otherwise indicated.

The Ocean State Guardian is published by AQP Publishing, Inc., a private fi rm in no way connected with the Rhode Island National Guard, under written contract with the Rhode Island National Guard. This Rhode Island National Guard maga-zine is an authorized publication for employees and military members of the Rhode Island National Guard. Contents of this publication are not neces-sarily the offi cial views of, or endorsed by, the state of Rhode Island, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, or the Rhode Island National Guard.

The appearance of advertising in this publica-tion, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the state of Rhode

A U.S. Army carry team transfers the remains of Army SGT Dennis P. Weichel Jr. of Providence, R.I., at Dover

Air Force Base, Del., March 25, 2012. Weichel was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island National Guard,

East Greenwich, R.I.

Cover photo byAdrian R. Rowan

2012 RING Open House & Air Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Departure Ceremony for the 169th MP Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Combatives team shows its stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

ESGR HERO 2 HIRED helps job hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) ready to help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

The Ocean State Guardian: Flashback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

We must refocus our efforts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Recognizing and rewarding accomplishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

R.I. Guardmembers take the initiative and develop circuit training routine . . 5

Selfless hero saves child, loses life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

A Company, 1-182nd Infantry returns from yearlong deployment . . . . . . . . . 8

Soldiers from the 43rd Military Police Brigade return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2 Ocean State Guardian / Summer 2012

MG Kevin McBride, Adjutant General,Commanding General, Rhode Island National Guard

Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island

It’s hard to believe that we are now into the fi nal quarter of FY 12. Refl ecting back over the last year, we have seen our Soldiers and Airmen set new standards and successfully accom-plish combat deployments. During the last quarter alone, we saw the return of the 182nd Infantry and the 43rd Military Police Brigade after each unit success-fully completed a combat tour in Afghan-istan. Their accomplishments were truly remarkable and have unquestionably set the standard for others to emulate. However, we have little time to rest on our accomplishments. We still have the 143rd Infantry serving a combat tour in Afghanistan, and the 169th Military Police Company is relentlessly training in preparation for their deployment later this summer. The fi nal quarter will also challenge the 143rd Air Wing and the 281st/282nd Combat Communications units as they undergo organizational readiness inspections. In addition, we will execute the much anticipated Open House Air Show and Vigilant Guard hurricane exercise.

In addition to our deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the numerous training events, we have seen several senior

leadership changes within our orga-nization. On the Air side, Brig. Gen. Donald Lagor was assigned as new Assistant Adjutant General – Air, and Col. Art Floru was selected as the new 143rd Air Wing Commander. BG Charles Petrarca was selected as the new Assistant Adjutant General – Army, and COL David Medeiros was selected as the new commander of the 43rd Military Police Brigade. Most recently, LTC William Conway has taken command of 56th Troop Command. Please join me in congratu-lating each of these great leaders in their new assignments.

While we have taken time to refl ect on our recent successes, it is increas-ingly more important that we always remain focused on our future. Now that the responsible drawdown in Iraq is complete, and this same process is on the doorstep in Afghanistan, it is most important we remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any contingency worldwide, including our increasingly essential role in response to domestic crises. This becomes more diffi cult and complex when faced with unclear budget constraints. Our success in this rapidly changing environment will be determined by our commitment to joint operations and the experience we have collectively gained over the last 10 years of confl ict.

In order to remain a relevant and viable force into the future, we have initiated a strategic planning process that has begun analyzing the diffi -cult and complex question of what the R.I. National Guard should look like in the year 2020 and beyond. This is a complicated process that is absolutely crucial to ensure that our entire force structure, both Army and Air, is relevant with respect to the national security strategy, while simultaneously remaining capable of responding to a domestic emergency here in Rhode Island.

Unfortunately, since our last publi-cation of the Ocean State Guardian, we tragically lost a fellow Soldier. SGT Dennis P. Weichel lost his life in a horrible accident while he was saving an Afghan child. As we continue to pray for SGT Weichel and his entire family, I would also like to take a moment to thank all of our families for their remarkable support. Our success while serving would not be possible without their love and support.

In closing, remember, the key to our success is our commitment to achieve the highest level of standards and discipline. We will never lower our standards, and we will continue to strive for the highest in discipline.

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We must refocus our efforts

Soldiers and Airmen of the Rhode Island National Guard, it is an honor to serve as your Assistant Adju-tant General – Army. It is the culmination of 30 years of commissioned service in the Rhode Island Army National Guard. I look forward to serving with you all, working every day for our Soldiers and their families. The three pillars of the Guard are as important today as they ever were: Soldier, family and employer. Serving as a tradi-tional Guardsman for over 30 years, I understand the dual professional life our Soldiers must balance. We will work with our Soldiers to assist them in that balance. It is a sacrifi ce to give up free time and take time away from work and family to serve – it is not an easy life.

The Army National Guard and our sister services are in for challenging times in a diffi cult economy. What can we do? Each Soldier must refocus their efforts to ensure our strength as an organization well into the future. Individually this includes pursuing and completing the required military education, maintaining proper fi tness levels and ensuring that your section or unit is mission ready for any future challenge, domestic or overseas. By

keeping our units mission ready, we best position ourselves to protect the force structure we all have worked hard to build.

Memorial Day has recently passed. Please pause for a moment and remember those who gave the full measure, sacrifi cing their lives in the service of our great nation. Remember their families as they still mourn the loss of a loved one. We as a collective body of Soldiers must ensure that they are not forgotten.

We are starting the summer season. We lose more service members to motor vehicle accidents, most of which are preventable. Please make sure you wear all your protective gear when engaging in any motorsports activity with a vehicle, and always wear your seatbelts when driving. The roadways are hazardous. Never text while driving and avoid cell phone use unless it is hands-free. Situational awareness and defensive driving are the key as we get into this summer season, so no matter what you are driving, please don’t drink and drive.

Have a great summer.

By CSM John J. McDonough IV, 5th State Command Sergeant Major, RIARNG

Recognizing and rewarding accomplishment

Leaders of effective organizations recognize and appreciate the good work of their employees.

The Army has a number of ways to recognize outstanding performance in Soldiers. The most obvious is through promotion. You receive promotions because you have demonstrated the potential to succeed in the next higher rank. Your leaders observe that potential during drill performance. It is the NCOER rater’s responsibility to ensure that performance is accurately captured. Documented performance counseling – good and bad – is the source that supports the NCOER bullet comments. Take the time to refl ect on the individual’s successes for that rating period and ensure that it’s defi ned and quantitatively articulated.

Another way to recognize

achievement or service is through awards, decorations, and badges. Medals, ribbons, certifi cates, qualifi ca-tion badges, patches and coins provide various degrees of recognition for a Soldier’s hard work. Service ribbons and qualifi cation badges are visible evidence of Soldier recognition. By looking at the ribbons, badges, and insignia a Soldier wears, you can tell a lot about them. Few professions in this great country are more satisfying, rewarding and challenging than that of the Soldier. The “profession of arms” isn’t easy and isn’t meant to be; that’s why we need to acknowledge and reward outstanding accomplishment. Anyone, regardless of rank, may submit someone for an award. Leaders must take the time to recognize exceptional performance.

Recognition of achievement

encourages healthy compe-tition, promotes esprit de corps, and builds strong morale. If you’re not sure how to submit an award, or don’t know the type of award that should be requested, refer to your unit leadership. When awards, ribbons, and badges are worn, ensure that they are worn properly. AR 670-1 is the authority on wear and appearance of the Army uniform, and the placement of all awards, decorations and patches.

Our Soldiers have a serious job in protecting our freedom and our way of life, both abroad and here in the great state of Rhode Island. Let’s make sure exceptional performance and deeds do not go unrecognized. We have great Soldiers doing great things; let’s not miss a chance to showcase them.

BG Charles Petrarca Jr., Assistant Adjutant General for Army Rhode Island National Guard


R.I. Guardmembers take the initiative and develop circuit training routineBy SSG Luke Bonin

The combatives strength and conditioning circuit that we have been doing is based on Mixed Martial Arts strength and conditioning coach Kevin Kearns’ “Gas in the Tank” workout. SSG O’Connor and I attended coach Kearns’ Mixed Martial Arts fi tness trainer course last year, so that we could learn how to get into better shape to teach and perform better at our jobs as combatives instructors. In going through combatives training and through other real world experience, we had learned that being in shape for an Army Physical Fitness Test and being in shape for the rigors of combat-related stress are two very different things.

The MMA Fitness Trainer program offered a philosophy and accompanying series of exercises that meet the demands of three-dimensional training for a three-dimensional job. The exercises we execute focus on all planes of motion, every muscle group, and put a good deal of emphasis on building a strong core, which is so critical in our line of work. Some of our participants come because they love combatives and want to improve their conditioning for that purpose. However, about half of the Soldiers that participate have little to no combatives experience, and instead, come for a great workout and great atmosphere. We encourage each other, hold each other accountable, and have a great time.

Several Soldiers have noted marked improvements on their APFT. Many of the exercises we use are more closely related to those that will be tested in the new APFT. Not only have Soldiers seen improvement on the current APFT, but they are getting prepared for the new measurement at the same time. It is important to note that while we use some strike pads and grappling dummies, this workout is a no-contact, no-skill-required event. We do not spar or practice combatives, we simply use MMA/combatives style training to get and stay in shape.

We meet every Tue/Fri from 7-8 a.m..



The actions of one Rhode Island National Guard Soldier epitomized the Army Value of selfl ess service, “doing one’s duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain,” as he heroically saved an Afghan child without regard for his own life.

SGT Dennis P. Weichel Jr., 29, of Providence, R.I., died March 22 from injuries sustained when he was struck by an armored fi ghting vehicle after moving an Afghan child to safety.

“Sadly, today we realized the death of a Rhode Island National Guard Soldier in a combat zone, and we are once again reminded of the enduring sacrifi ce our Soldiers and Airmen have made – and continue to make – in service to this great country,” said MG Kevin McBride, Adjutant General of Rhode Island and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard, in a press release March 23.

Weichel, an infantryman, mobi-lized with Company C, 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 56th Troop Command, to Camp Atterbury, Ind., in November 2011 and then deployed forward to Afghanistan in early March.

On the morning of March 22, Weichel and members of his unit were leaving the Black Hills Firing Range in Laghman province, Afghanistan, when they encountered multiple Afghan children in the path of their convoy. Weichel was among several Soldiers who dismounted to disperse the chil-dren away from the vehicles.

As one child attempted to retrieve an item from underneath a U.S. Army Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, Weichel moved the child to safety and was struck by the MRAP in the process.

Weichel was evacuated to the

Jalalabad Medical Treatment Facility, where he succumbed to his wounds.

The circumstances of Weichel’s death speak to his character, said SSG Ronald Corbett, Weichel’s mentor who deployed with him to Iraq in 2005.

“He would have done it for anybody,” said Corbett. “That was the way he was. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was that type of guy.”

Weichel was posthumously promoted from the rank of specialist to sergeant March 26.

He had been a member of the Rhode Island Army National Guard since 2001. He deployed to Iraq in 2005 as a member of Company D, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry (Mountain) Regiment, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Weichel was considered a fun-loving guy yet a model Soldier, according to Corbett and 1SG Nicky Peppe, who

Selfl ess hero saves child, loses life

By Kris Gonzalez

Selfl ess hero saves child, loses life


also served with Weichel in Iraq.“When I fi rst heard, I kept expecting

him to jump up and say, ‘Oh, I got you guys,’” said Corbett. “The last few days have hit me hard.”

“He was a big kid at heart. He always had a smile on his face, and he made everyone laugh,” said Peppe. “But as much as Weichel was funny, he was also a professional. When it was time to go outside the wire for a combat patrol, he was all business.”

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee ordered U.S. and Rhode Island fl ags across the state to be fl own at half-staff until Weichel was laid to rest.

Weichel is survived by three chil-dren, his fi ancée, and his parents.

“Tragically, SGT Weichel has made the supreme sacrifi ce, and at this time, we are mindful of the impact of that sacrifi ce on his family and friends,” said McBride. “I pledge this command’s perpetual support to SGT Weichel’s family. We leave no Soldier behind...and we will not leave SGT Weichel’s family behind.”


The Soldiers of A Company, 1-182nd Infantry, returned to T.F. Green Airport on March 26. While deployed to Afghanistan, Soldiers of A Company performed a security force mission for provincial reconstruction teams throughout Afghanistan. Provincial reconstruction teams work with government officials at the district and provincial levels to build sustainable infrastructure.

A Company, 1-182nd Infantry returnsfrom yearlong deployment


The 43rd Military Police Brigade returned to the Army Aviation Support Facility at Quonset Air National Guard Base in North Kingstown, R.I., on March 7, 2012. Approximately 100 Soldiers of the 43rd MP Brigade Headquarters deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During the yearlong deployment, Soldiers assumed control of detention operations in a partnered mission with the Afghan National Police at Bagram Airbase, Afghanistan.

Soldiers from the 43rd Military Police Brigade return

Afghan National Police at Bagram Airbase, Afghanistan.


2012 RING Open House & Air Show

brings out 90,000 attendeesbrings out 90,000 attendees


2012 RING Open House & Air Show

Screaming jets overhead, heat from exploding pyrotechnics and the booming voice of the commentator at show center welcomed the 22nd appearance of the Rhode Island National Guard Open House & Air Show.

Warm weather and clear skies attracted approximately 90,000 attendees to the annual RING event at the Quonset Air National Guard Base in North Kingstown on June 16-17 to view aerial performers, inspect static displays and to see members of the R.I. Army and Air National Guard in action.

Throughout the day, spectators could view a variety of entertainers and “daredevils” such as “Barn Stormer” Sean D. Tucker, Black Daggers Army parachute team, the Air National Guard Flash Fire Truck, Geico Skytypers and the National Guard’s combined arms demon-stration. The fi nale for both days was the high-speed performance of the U.S.Air Force Thunderbirds in F-16 Falcon Jets.

By SSG Michael A. Simmons, 110thS Public Affairs Detachment, R.I. National Guard


years from donations that are collected during the event to support local R.I. charities. One of the largest recipients has been Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence. Since its inception, the air show has followed this simple creed: to put on a world-class show featuring the best aircraft and pilots for the benefi t of the community.

The 2012 R.I. National Guard Open House & Air Show remained true to its creed. Rhode Island’s citizen Soldiers and Airmen put on another world-class event for the community, raised funds for local charities and displayed their professionalism for all to see.

An attendee of the RING Open House & Air Show since 1996, John Laurent from North Kingstown, said, “The Thunderbirds were great as always, but the chance to see a P-51D Mustang and an F-4U Corsair sharing the same airspace…was pretty rare and special – both planes were gorgeous. Loved to hear the sound of those radial engines roaring over-head. Also, that Sean Tucker guy in the Oracle plane is essentially nuts – planes just shouldn’t do that.”

Not all of the entertainment was in the air or on the fl ight line. As part of the open house, static displays of current and vintage aircraft, vehicles and artillery were available for the public to inspect and tour. Knowledge-able personnel were nearby to answer questions.

Established in 1991, the annual show is a free-of-charge family event. $1.5 million has been raised over the


A departure ceremony for the 169th Military Police Company was held at the Army Aviation Support Facility on the Quonset Air National Guard Base at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 5. The Soldiers of the 169th MP Co will be departing to their mobilization site and from there onto Afghanistan. During the ten-month deployment, 150 Soldiers from the 169th MP Co. will be conducting security operations throughout Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Departure Ceremonyfor the 169th MP Co


The Rhode Island Army National Guard Combatives Team worked through a number of weight-class brackets to win multiple matches on March 17, 2012, in Fort Benning, Ga. While falling short of the fi nals, a great effort of sportsmanship and professionalism was on display as the men of Team Rhode Island left everything they had on the mats of Santiago Gym in Fort Benning.

shows its stuff




HERO 2 HIRED

ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between reserve component members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of confl icts arising from an employee’s military commitment.

However, lack of employment upon return from deployment also affects service members. The ESGR program teamed up with The Yellow Ribbon Program to introduce Hero 2 Hired, a job site created to make it easy for reserve component service members to connect to and fi nd jobs with military-friendly companies who are looking for employees.

Searching for a new job is a big undertaking. H2H was created to make it easy for the Guard and reserve component service members. The site offers several services to make the job hunt easier. Following are some job search tools that the website has to offer:

* Military Skills Translator — search for jobs based on your MOS/AFSC

* Mo bile app – your cell phone will receive a message when you’re in the vicinity of a job opening that matches your online profi le

* Virtual career fairs

* Hiring events

* So cial Media integration — market yourself with information about your abilities and experience, and letters of recommendation, laid out on an attractive interactive digital portfolio.

helps job hunt

H2H.jobs is FREE for all job seekers!


Why the TAA will meet your needs:• Over 90% of our staff are veterans or spouses of military members.• Many have worked through the disability process themselves and receive disability compensation.• They have a strong partnership with numerous state and federal assistance services.

Where is the TAA?We are located in Cranston, R.I., but we can also go off-site for large events including mobilization-demobilizations and unit events/drill weekends.

What You Mean to Us: You served your country; now let us serve you.

Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) ready to helpWho is a TAA? A TAA is a statewide resource advisor for service sembers of any branch and their families to help them access their many benefi ts, such as:

For assistance, please contact:Sgt. Maj. Chuck O’Connor (Retired)Contractor, HPSC Inc.Transition Assistance AdvisorRhode Island National Guard, Joint Force HeadquartersCommand Readiness Center645 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920-3097

Offi ce: 401.275.4198 or DSN 247.4198Fax: 401.275.4306 or DSN 247.4306

E-mail: [email protected]

Healthcare · TRICARE entitlements · Community resources · Career-safe counseling referralsDental issues · Job search assistance · Financial hardship assistance · Records acquisition

“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war...shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”

— President George Washington

Dear Reader,To make the Ocean State Guardian the best magazine possible, we would

like to hear your feedback. After all, this magazine is for you.

Thank you, OSG Staff

Would you like to see more personal stories, events,advice (fi nance, fi tness, etc.)? How do you feel about the

presentation of the magazine, photo quality, readability, etc.?

Please email [email protected] with your feedback. All comments are received at the Rhode Island National Guard Public Affairs Offi ce, Cranston, RI.

Also, check us out on Facebook at:

facebook.com/RhodeIslandNationalGuard

and on Twitter at twitter.com/RINationalGuard.

We appreciate your feedback and look forward to hearing what you have to say about the next issue of the Ocean State Guardian!



Ocean State Guardian - Summer 2012

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