![HEADQUARTERS
THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 6
A New Era For The NYG Association
Photo and story by SPC Zach Perkins, New York Guard
CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, CORTLANDT MANOR, NEW YORK – Since first incorporated in 1981, the mis-
sion of the New York Guard Association, Inc. has been first and foremost to promote the active, reserve, and retired
members of the New York Guard and New York Guard Association.
However in recent years, the activities and influence of the association had waned. “The NYG Association was non-
functioning for about 5 years, it had lost it’s 501(c)(3) status” said current NYG Association, Inc. President, LTC Joram
Aris. A 501(c)(3) status is necessary for any non-profit or not-for-profit organization to be tax-exempt from the State
and IRS, and is critical to the association’s ability to effectively pursue its mission.
So when the current officers and
board members of the NYG Associa-
tion took office, their first priority
was to to navigate the complex legal
avenues of regaining 501(c)(3)
status. LTC Aris said “Thanks to the
work of CPT Rick Veit [Treasurer,
New York Guard Association, Inc]
and my own follow up with New
York State Congressmen Engel, we
got our 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status
back in January 2015, and are once
again a fully tax deductible charitable
organization.”
After restoring the association’s tax
exempt status, their next step was to
work toward returning the availabil-
ity of ribbons, medals, and other uni-
form devices to all NYG soldiers,
regardless of association membership. Next, they worked with CPT Mark Getman, NYG Public Affairs Officer, to
produce a commemorative coin celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the New York Guard, which also helped to con-
tinue raising funds for the association. The 100th Anniversary coin proved such a success, nearly selling out on its first
run and well ahead of the actual anniversary, that LTC Aris has expressed interest in having the association commis-
sion new coin designs for each individual New York Guard unit in the near future.
Moving forward into 2016-2017, the New York Guard Association, Inc. has several priorities. Their most immediate is
to continue the production of ribbons and medals, as well as expanding their inventory to include association mugs and
other paraphernalia. They are also conducting inquiries into buying uniforms at wholesale prices so that NYG soldiers
can individually purchase them at cheaper rates than retail. Social functions are also a priority, with the association
continuing their tradition of funding the AT Graduation BBQ at AT 2016. They hope to expand their social functions
with plans to host one or two annual luncheons, possibly at West Point, Fort Hamilton, or in upstate New York. The
association has also made it a priority to begin producing a NYG Association ID card for retired NYG soldiers, in the
style of US Army or New York Army National Guard retired ID cards.
LTC Aris says that as President of the Association, his personal focus for 2016-2017 is to reach out to the top 500
gran-tors, donor foundations and corporations, to secure additional funding. He hopes that with additional funding, the
association can organize Peace Officer courses and state-certified personal weapons training and offer the courses to
association members at discounted rates. In the long term, additional funding could be used to secure benefits for
retired New York Guard soldiers similar to those enjoyed by New York State volunteer firefighters, such as a small
pension after retirement. “My overall goal is to get NYG Association members equivalent discounts and benefits to
NYANG members.
Bellow: LTC Joram Aris, (L) President of the New York Guard Association, Inc. and CPT Rick Veit,
(R) Treasurer of the New York Guard Association, Inc. in the NYG JAG Office at Camp Smith](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/ce1749fe-9273-4597-b18b-2308db31bfdb-160720234906/85/winter-spring-2016-Released-6-320.jpg)
winter spring 2016 Released
- 1. SENTINEL Winter/Spring 2016Winter/Spring 2016Winter/Spring 2016 New York GuardNew York GuardNew York Guard———Since 1917Since 1917Since 1917 Fully trained, ready to respondFully trained, ready to respondFully trained, ready to respond... THE NEW YORK GUARD New York Guard Soldier’s Practicing their Communications (MERN) Skills
- 2. Are you on the NY Guard e-mail list? Make sure all your soldiers stay informed! Update LTC Colety at HHD on your roster’s email addresses. Are all your troops receiving The State Guard Sentinel? If not, they are missing out on important command information. Make sure your soldiers are well informed. Update the headquarters’ email list with your troops email addresses today. Have your S-1 forward all updated email address to the G-1 at g1@dmna-nyg.ny.gov. The New York Guard Sentinel is published quarterly and has a circulation of about 500 soldiers through direct email. It is distributed free to all members of the New York Guard and other interested parties. The New York Guard augments and supports New York State military forces in order to enhance the overall capabilities of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs. As a member of the New York Guard, you are a part of history and that history is documented in every is- sue of The State Guard Sentinel. Let everyone know about the real world missions and training in the NY Guard. Print out a couple of copies and tack them up in the break room at work, place them on a table in your of- fice or waiting room, or leave them in your classroom. Your friends, relatives, associates, coworkers, and classmates might just be looking for a way to perform service and you could receive the credit. The Recruitment Team at Headquarters is standing by to make sure YOU get the credit you deserve for every recruit you bring in. It only takes three recruits to get the New York State Recruiting Medal! Contact the Recruiting/Retention Unit. GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO Commander In Chief MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY P. GERMAN New York State Adjutant General BRIGADIER GENERAL STEPHEN BUCARIA New York Guard Commanding General COLONEL DAVID WARAGER Commander, Recruiting/Retention; Public Affairs Directorate CAPTAIN MARK GETMAN Editor in Chief /Layout & Design - Public Affairs Officer Associate Editor RECRUIT BY E-MAIL BE PROUD OF YOUR SERVICE! LET THEM KNOW MISSION STATEMENT SPECIALIST ZACH PERKINS SPECIALIST LLOYD SABIN Copy Editor Front Cover: Soldiers from the 88th Brigade of the New York State Guard, based out of New York City and Long Island train setting up a communications antenna during a MERN, (Military Emergency Radio Network) exercise held at the USMC Reserve Base in Garden City, LI — Photo by SFC Richard J. Martino Jr. S6 Chief Signal NCO, 88th Brigade, NYG. THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 2
- 3. MESSAGE TO THE NY GUARD Mail Call One of the most exciting things about the New York Guard is the variety of individuals, enlisted and commissioned, who comprise the body of this amazing organization. The members of the Public Affairs team would love to hear from you to include your letters and photos to include in upcoming issues of The New York Guard Sentinel. To have your letters or photos published in the next issue of The New York Guard Sentinel, email them to: Captain Mark Getman New York Guard Sentinel– Editor In Chief Public Affairs Officer Email @ mark.getman@dmna-nyg.ny.gov Remember to visit us on Facebook at The Official New York Guard Public Facebook page…. www.facebook.com/newyorkguard THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 3 Camp Smith Training Site—1944, CO B 9th Regiment, New York Guard– Photo Courtesy Joseph Giovinco MD S/Sgt. (Ret) Stripes for Buddies Program There is a great opportunity for new soldiers to earn advanced promotion to the pay grades of E-3 or E-4 by referring recruit candidates who subsequently enlist in the New York Guard. The individual can make the referral before or after he or she receives his or her order of enlistment in the New York Guard. This program, known as “Stripes for Buddies” closely follows a similar program in the Army National Guard as set forth in AR-600-8-19, Section 7-19. The program allows a soldier at grade E-2 to be promoted to E-3 by referring one candi- date who successfully enlists in the NYG. A soldier in the grade of E-3 can be promoted to E-4 by refer- ring two candidates who successfully enlist in the NYG. Therefore, a soldier in the grade of E-2 who refers three soldiers can be promoted from E-2 to E-4. In addition, a soldier who refers two or more individuals that enlist into the New York Guard will receive the NYG Recruiting Directorate, Recruiting Excellence Certificate. A soldier who refers 3 or more individuals into the NYG will merit the New York State Recruiting Medal. The first NYG soldier to take advantage of this program was SPC Stephen Johnson, HQ, NYG, who was promoted from E-3 (PFC) to E-4 (SPC) during AT-2015. (See photo at left). SPC Johnson had referred two candidates who enlisted in the 56th Bri- gade. Every unit has a recruiting section, but EVERY SOLDIER is a recruiter. Talk up with your friends your pride in serving in the NYG and the opportunities for training that are available. Applications are available online or you can ask your BDE Recruiter or contact the NYG Recruiting, Retention and Public Affairs Directorate at recruiting@newyorkguard.us BRIGADIER GENERAL STEPHEN BUCARIA New York Guard Commanding General
- 4. Deputy CommanderGREETINGS! New York Guard Now that summer here, we can turn our attention towards preparation for Annual Training in August. This means that you might require a medical examination. The NYG Directive states each SM under 60 years old MUST take a periodic medical examination every 3 years. Those members over 60 years old require an annual medical examination. Our “orders system” require you to have a current medical or the system will NOT allow the publishing of any type of orders. Service members (SMs) must be in good health in order to meet the challenges that AT might present. Anyone coming to AT in less than good health may face a medical emergency during strenuous activity or be unable to deal with the hot temperatures and humidity we experience in August at Camp Smith. The months of April & May 2016 were designated “Commo months” in the NY Guard. EACH member of the NYG should have had training on basic communications which can be found in the Warrior Task Manual (aka CTT Manual). Get your medical requirements and commo training completed and we will look forward to seeing you at Annual Training in August . Reminder: Stay Hydrated as well during Annual Training!!! Colonel George J. DeSimone, - Chief Of Staff, New York Guard THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 4 Command Sergeant Major COMMAND STAFF Congratulations To CSM PAMELA G. PARKER, on her appointment as COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR, NYG Pamela G. Parker enlisted in the New York Guard in Septem- ber of 1996. She was assigned to the 88th Brigade, 2/104 lo- cated at the Jamaica Armory with the rank of PV2. After EIT she was promoted to Sergeant based on previously acquired civilian skills, as per NYG promotion directives existing in 1996. In May 1997 SGT Parker was promoted to SSG and assigned to conduct Basic Training CFTS. In April 1998 SSG Parker was promoted to SFC. In August 2010 SFC Parker was promoted to Master Sergeant and subsequently assigned to the TDA position of CSM for the HQ, 88th Brigade. In April of 2011 SGM Parker was assigned to the 12th RTI as Director of enlisted training, which was also the po-sition that she held when mobilized during September 11th , 2001. After her assignment with the 12th RTI, in April 2012 MSG Parker was assigned to the S3 operations and the rank of SGM. In December 2012 SGM Parker was promoted to Command Sergeant Major of the 12th RTI with an effective date of April 2012. In January of 2016 CSM Parker was reassigned to CSM, New York Guard. Best of Luck to CSM Parker!!!
- 5. THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 5 HEADQUARTERS Chief of Staff Readiness-- preparing oneself mentally and physically to meet challenges we may face is an important aspect of military duty. We do this by individual training, home station drill and by coming together for Annual Training. NYG staff sections along with training and support personnel are working hard to bring you great training for AT-16. But--we need your help and cooperation to make AT a success. We need you to come with your "A Game"! We have a few weeks to go. Camp Smith is a "walking post", so if you haven't been exercising regularly, take some time each day and go outside and walk. In addition to increasing your general fitness, over time, you will acclimatize to summer weather which at Camp Smith can be hot and muggy. If you are in a class, make sure to pay attention to packing lists or any other pre-camp information your instructors provide you. AT is a time for learning, camaraderie, exercising our soldier skills and a little fun. It is perfect when there are no injuries or illnesses and everyone can go home and say it was a positive experience for them. So, have a great summer, stay safe and I'll see you in August at AT-16. Best of Luck to our new IET Soldiers, BOC Classes and all who are attending AT-16. - Colonel Carole Neidich-Ryder, Chief of Staff—New York Guard CHAPLAIN Military Chaplains provide religious support for all faith groups, moral leadership, emergency religious services, unit ministry team readiness and professional expertise to the Commander on free exercise of religion, morals, morale, and the ethical impact of command decisions. Military Chaplains also provide religious services, rites, sacraments, ordinances, religious education, pastoral care and coun- seling, religious education, family life ministry (Strong Bonds, marriage and family counseling), institutional ministry, professional sup- port to the command, management and administration, humanitarian support (disaster support and relief), Suicide Prevention training and religious support planning and operations. NYG members are encouraged to seek out their unit Chaplains in times of need. Your Chaplains are there to support you. It is our Honor and Duty to take care of our soldiers and their families. If you’re not sure who your unit’s Chaplain is, please contact your Commander or NYG Headquarters at (914) 930-1116. If you are interested in becoming a Chaplain, Assistant Chaplain, or Chaplain Assistant (Religious support Specialist- Enlisted Position) Contact Chaplain (MAJ) Sean P. Gardner, New York Guard Chief of Chaplains Email: sean.gardner@dmna-nyg.ny.gov | Photo – NY Guard Command Chaplain (Maj) Sean P. Gardner recites a prayer at an Annual Training Graduation Ceremony. Photo by Captain Mark Getman
- 6. HEADQUARTERS THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 6 A New Era For The NYG Association Photo and story by SPC Zach Perkins, New York Guard CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, CORTLANDT MANOR, NEW YORK – Since first incorporated in 1981, the mis- sion of the New York Guard Association, Inc. has been first and foremost to promote the active, reserve, and retired members of the New York Guard and New York Guard Association. However in recent years, the activities and influence of the association had waned. “The NYG Association was non- functioning for about 5 years, it had lost it’s 501(c)(3) status” said current NYG Association, Inc. President, LTC Joram Aris. A 501(c)(3) status is necessary for any non-profit or not-for-profit organization to be tax-exempt from the State and IRS, and is critical to the association’s ability to effectively pursue its mission. So when the current officers and board members of the NYG Associa- tion took office, their first priority was to to navigate the complex legal avenues of regaining 501(c)(3) status. LTC Aris said “Thanks to the work of CPT Rick Veit [Treasurer, New York Guard Association, Inc] and my own follow up with New York State Congressmen Engel, we got our 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status back in January 2015, and are once again a fully tax deductible charitable organization.” After restoring the association’s tax exempt status, their next step was to work toward returning the availabil- ity of ribbons, medals, and other uni- form devices to all NYG soldiers, regardless of association membership. Next, they worked with CPT Mark Getman, NYG Public Affairs Officer, to produce a commemorative coin celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the New York Guard, which also helped to con- tinue raising funds for the association. The 100th Anniversary coin proved such a success, nearly selling out on its first run and well ahead of the actual anniversary, that LTC Aris has expressed interest in having the association commis- sion new coin designs for each individual New York Guard unit in the near future. Moving forward into 2016-2017, the New York Guard Association, Inc. has several priorities. Their most immediate is to continue the production of ribbons and medals, as well as expanding their inventory to include association mugs and other paraphernalia. They are also conducting inquiries into buying uniforms at wholesale prices so that NYG soldiers can individually purchase them at cheaper rates than retail. Social functions are also a priority, with the association continuing their tradition of funding the AT Graduation BBQ at AT 2016. They hope to expand their social functions with plans to host one or two annual luncheons, possibly at West Point, Fort Hamilton, or in upstate New York. The association has also made it a priority to begin producing a NYG Association ID card for retired NYG soldiers, in the style of US Army or New York Army National Guard retired ID cards. LTC Aris says that as President of the Association, his personal focus for 2016-2017 is to reach out to the top 500 gran-tors, donor foundations and corporations, to secure additional funding. He hopes that with additional funding, the association can organize Peace Officer courses and state-certified personal weapons training and offer the courses to association members at discounted rates. In the long term, additional funding could be used to secure benefits for retired New York Guard soldiers similar to those enjoyed by New York State volunteer firefighters, such as a small pension after retirement. “My overall goal is to get NYG Association members equivalent discounts and benefits to NYANG members. Bellow: LTC Joram Aris, (L) President of the New York Guard Association, Inc. and CPT Rick Veit, (R) Treasurer of the New York Guard Association, Inc. in the NYG JAG Office at Camp Smith
- 7. THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 8 Public Affairs THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS TEAM NEEDS YOU! CONTACT CPT Mark Getman, Public Affairs Officer (516) 644-9743 mark.getman@dmna-nyg.ny.gov The New York Guard Sentinel is expanding, and our presence in the Guard Times grows with each issue, the NY Guard Public Affairs Team needs you! If you are a writer, photographer, journalist, or web designer and you want to serve your country, we want to talk to you! The New York Guard Centennial (100 years of Service) Celebration will be in 2017 -- be part of this celebration and get your New York Guard Commemorative Challenge Coin (See Back Page). Purchase your Special Edition New York Guard Centennial Coin for Only $10.00 from the New York Guard Association during drills @ Camp Smith, NYG HQ. Proceeds from the sale of the Coin will help to fund the Centennial Celebration. If you have pictures, uniforms, memorabilia etc., that you would like to share in upcoming issues of the Sentinel and display at our 100 Year Celebration in 2017 please contact Captain Mark Getman - Public Affairs Officer mark.getman@dmna-nyg.ny.gov New York Guard Soldiers Patrolling the Waterways and Bridges during the Winter of 1917 Follow us on Facebook—www.facebook.com/newyorkguard
- 8. Public Affairs THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 8 Soldiers Provide Assistance to Naval Militia Exercise Story by Capt Mark Getman- Camp Smith Training Site On June 17-18th 2016, five members of the New York Guard provided Public Affairs support to the New York Naval Militia at Exercise Rapid Gunwale 16. During the Rapid Gunwale exercise, members of the New York Naval Militia, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Hudson Valley police agencies conducted maritime emergency response exercise on the Hudson River, in addition to logistics, command and control, and medical training at Camp Smith Training Site. CPT Edgar Moya, CPT Mark Getman, 2LT Donald Ferguson, SPC Zach Perkins, assigned to the Recruit/Retention and Public Af- fairs Directorate, Headquarters and SPC Matt Gus- sow from the 56th Brigade were led by CDR Ed- ward Balaban, PAO for the New York Naval Militia. This was the first Joint Public Affairs cooperative between the New York Guard, and New York Naval Militia the two volunteer State Defense Forces under the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs. The New York Guard Public Affairs team provided photography, video and liaison assistance to the New York Naval Militia during the exercise. At the completion of the exercise the photographs and video were provided to local news and media outlets. 2LT Donald Ferguson (below) was embedded as a photographer aboard NYNM Boat 300 during Exercise Rapid Gunwale 16. Photo by SPC Matt Gussow, NYG SPC Matthew Gussow, NYG (center) embedded as a photographer aboard NYNM Boat 230 during Exercise Rapid Gunwale 16. Photo by 2LT Donald Ferguson, NYG SPC Zach Perkins, NYG, (top Left photo, M) interviews a New York Naval Militia Service Member during Exercise Gunwale 16 at the logistics and forklift training location of the exercise at Camp Smith, on June 18th 2016. Photo by CPT Mark Getman To see more photos of the exercise taken by the NYG PAO Team Click On: https://flic.kr/s/aHskBhgn2C
- 9. THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 9 12th RTI Change of Command The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history dating back to the 18th century during the reign of Frederick the Great of Prussia. At that time, organizational flags were developed with color arrangements and symbols unique to each particular unit. To this flag and its commander, the soldiers of the unit would dedicate their loyalty and trust. When a change of command took place, the flag was passed to the individual as- suming the command. This gesture was accomplished in front of the unit so that all could see and witness their new leader assuming his dutiful position. He who held the flag also held the soldiers' allegiance. This symbolic tradition has survived throughout military history, and is a time honored tradition honored to this day. 12th RTI CSM Geroge Hodge (III (above) prepares to transfer the Guidon (Battle Flag) from Outgoing 12th RTI Commander Col Mark J Sarro, who will assume his new duties as the G3 of the New York Guard (R.) to the new 12th RTI Incoming Commander Col Glenn R Marchi (B) as the NYG Commander BG Stephen Buccaria assist with the transfer of command. Soldiers from 244th Medical Command, 12th RTI, and Headquarters present arms during the 12th RTI Change of Command Ceremony, held at Camp Smith on May 21 2016. ( R ) Photos by Specialist Zack Perkins, and Specialist Matthew Gussow
- 10. THE SENTINEL—Spring 2015 THE STATE GUARD SENTINEL New York Guard History Photos of the New York Guard Training during World War II (1941 & 1943) Courtesy PFC Wincenty Kudelycz
- 11. Historical Photos and Images of the New York Guard Provided by PFC Wincenty Kudelycz New York Guard History Send us your Historical Stories, Images, & Memorabilia to be included in The Sentinel as well as part of The New York Guard Centennial Celebration in 2017
- 12. New York Guard ……...In The News The New York Guard RECRUITMENT MEDAL — Got Yours? The Recruiting Medal may be awarded to any member of the New York State Organized Militia who obtains three new members for any unit of the organized militia. To find out if you are eligible for yours Contact Colonel Warager - Recruit/Retention Commander @David.Warager@dmna-nyg.ny.gov NYG Soldier Honored For Saving Child’s Life Story by SPC Zach Perkins, New York Guard. Photo by Erica Sherman, Brooklyn BP’s Office. BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – MSG Frederick Manney, 88th Brigade, New York Guard, was re- cently honored by Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, for saving the life of a five-month old choking baby. MSG Manney, who also serves as a Sergeant in the Sea Gate Police Department, was declared a “Hero of the Month” for March 2016 by Borough President’s office, along with fellow po- lice officers Vinny Giardiello, Joseph Pascone, Nu- chem Schwartz, and Thomas Schulz, and Cadet Elijah Santos. According to a press release from the Brooklyn Borough President’s office, on January 25th , Ser- geant Manney responded to a call that a baby in Sea Gate was having trouble breathing. When he ar- rived, five-month-old Mikaela Tatarkina was com- pletely unresponsive. Sergeant Manney adminis- tered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), called an ambulance, and then continued to perform CPR. Based on his training in the US Army, Sergeant Manney placed an ice pack under Mikaela, which helped to revive her. Officers Giardiello, Pascone, Schwartz, and Schulz, along with Cadet Santos, cleared Neptune Avenue for the ambulance and retrieved all the food and medication that the baby had recently consumed in order to perform tests at the hospital. Tatarkina arrived safely at the hospital and has since recovered. “The work of the Sea Gate Police Department to save the life of Mi- kaela personifies public service,” said Borough President Adams. “These individuals used all of their training to answer the call of duty and to prevent a tragedy. As a veteran of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), I know that life and death oftentimes depend on whether the members of a team have the ability to work with each other under very difficult circumstances. These police officers dem- onstrated that skill.” Above: Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams congratulates Sergeant Frederick Manney (far left) and others officers who were honored along with him as “Heroes of the Month.”
- 13. THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 10 89th New York Guard Band Top Photo - 1942, The 89th Army Band was part of the NY National Guard. Bottom photo, the 8th Regiment Band, NYG. The 89th New York Guard Band’s lineage is derived from the 89th National Guard band after their de- activation in the late 1950’s. New York Guard Band Supports NYARNG 42nd Infantry Division Band Story by CPT Roy Coates, Commander/Conductor 89th Band NYG One of the most significant missions of the 89th Band New York Guard is to provide support to the New York National Guard Band. The NYARNG 42nd Infantry “Rainbow” Division Band, commanded by CW3 Mark Kimes, recently lost its tuba player, creating a vacancy in the band's low brass section. I was in- vited by Chief Kimes to attend their March drill where I became acquainted with the musical selections and marching routine. SFC Paul Myrusky came to my assistance and made sure that I had any and all information that I needed with regard to the upcoming parade at Blue Point, Long Island on 12 March and the New York City St. Patrick's Day parade on 17 March 2016. The NYARNG 42nd Infantry Division Band operates at a very high level of musical proficiency and military professionalism. Chief Kimes has a sharp mu- sical ear and the musicians in the band are all at the very top of their game. The 42nd Division Band has been deployed to the Middle East. It is not surprising, then, that I had a chance to listen to stories of guard duty, performing after being transported by helicopter, performing music in the oppressive heat and of performing at church services in the battle zone. These musicians are remarkable and they are a treasure to New York State. It is my honor and I am proud to be of service to CW3 Kimes and the extraordinary musicians of the 42nd Infantry Division Band and to carry out my mission of support as a member of the New York Guard. CPT Roy Coates, (left) Commander/Conductor 89th Band New York Guard at the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade with the NYARNG 42nd Infantry Division Band.
- 14. THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 14 Sleepy Hollow Commemoration New York Guard 1st Provisional Regiment, Sleepy Hollow Memorial Service Story by New York Guard Staff Photos by CPT Rick Veit and SPC Stephen Johnson, NYG Headquarters SLEEPY HOLLOW – Soldiers assigned to the New York Guard Headquarters, the 56th Brigade New York Guard, New York State Veteran Corp of Artillery, and police officers from the New York City Department of En- vironmental Protection kept a nearly century- old tradition alive with their participation in the 98th Aqueduct Defense Memorial Ser- vice, here May 7 2016. The solemn annual service honored the sacri- fice of the New York Guard First Provisional Regiment, who perished from their service to New York. This year’s ceremony began with the na- tional anthem followed by two wreaths laid by representatives of both the New York Guard and the Veterans Corps of Artillery. Words of reflection were offered by New York Guard Chief of Chaplains, Chaplain (MAJ) Sean Gardner , Colo- nel Steven Ryan, Commandant, New York Veterans Corp of Artillery, Sleepy Hollow Mayor Ken Wray, New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police Chief Peter Fusco, Chief of Department and Col Ray- mond Mechmann, Commander, 56th Brigade New York Guard. Soldiers from the 56th Brigade NYG (T) along with the NYC Department of Environment Protection Police Honor Guard with the 56th Brigade Honor Guard, (B) render a salute during the playing of TAPS during the 1st Provisional Regiment Sleepy Hollow Memorial Service held on May 7 2016.
- 15. Sleepy Hollow Commemoration (continued) THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 15 Following the official comments, the names of the fallen were recited. Honors were then rendered with a 21-gun-salute and the playing of TAPS by a New York Guard bugler. “We are here today to remember those who stepped forward to defend the Catskill Aque- duct from attack in the early stages, for us, of the First World War,” said Col. Ray Mech- mann, 56th Brigade commander. “With much of the regular Army and nearly all of the National Guard deployed for duty in the southwest to track down Pancho Villa, the state was left undefended.” The 1st Provisional Regiment was called to service to protect the state’s aqueduct system from feared sabotage by agents of the Kaiser following the National Guard‘s 27th Division overseas World War I deployment. An- swering the call to protect the citizens of New York were the 1200 Westchester County based soldiers. While on patrol guarding the state’s water supply, 32 guardsmen contracted the influenza virus, which eventually took their lives. To mark their sacrifice a boulder from Bonticou Crag in Ulster County’s Shawangunk Mountains, lay in memoriam -- a small piece from the vast area of the aqueduct the Guardsmen protected. More than 8,000 New Yorkers served in the 1st Provisional Regiment, almost a hundred years ago, which established the lineage of today’s New York Guard who will be commemorating and celebrating 100 years of service to the State next year.
- 16. New York Guard ……….Happenings THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 16 To Join SGAUS Click on https://www.sgaus.org/member_services/membership_application.asp To read the latest issue of the SGAUS SDF TIMES click on http://sgaus.org/wp-content/ uploads/2016/05/SDF-Times-Spring-2016.pdf The mission of the State Guard Association of the Unites States (SGAUS) is to advocate for the advancement and support of regu- lated state military forces established by state governments under the authority of Title 32, Section 109, of the United States Code. These units are typically called state defense forces, state guards, or state military reserves and are regulated by state law and operational guidance provided by the U.S. Army’s National Guard Bureau. For more information about SGAUS visit http://www.sgaus.org/ 56th Brigade Remembers and Recruits on Memorial Day Story by 1LT Robert Ellis, Photo By SPC Matther Gussow, 56th Brigade The New York Guard’s 56th Brigade launched its first recruiting event of 2016 over Memorial Day weekend. On “Veterans Appreciation Day” (Sunday 29 May), four NYG soldiers manned a booth at a Westchester County owned amusement park, known locally as Rye Playland. Led by 1LT Ellis, the Recruiting team included SSG Tozzo, SPC Gussow and PFC Yankovskiy. The team passed out brochures and answered questions about the NYG. Notable visitors included County Execu- tive Rob Astorino and County Director of Veterans Affairs Ron Tocci. Reviewing the day’s activities, 1LT Ellis stated “We had many positive takeaways from this event: poten- tial recruits, practical recruitment training, contact with prominent county officials, new photos posted to our Facebook page, and a public affairs article submission to our quarterly journal. Our soldiers really enjoyed this new experience.” SSG Tozzo reported, “The day was a great success. We spoke with several recruits and we were well received by both the public and military personnel.” SPC Gussow ob- served, “While we typically operate behind the scenes, operations like this put the NYG in the public eye. Increased visibility can bolster our numbers and help us better serve the community in time of need.” Westchester County Executive Rob Asterino, visited the 56th Brigade NYG Recruiting table with 1LT Robert Ellis, SSG Robert Tozzo, and PFC Val Yankovskiy at Rye Playland on May 29th 2016.
- 17. New York Guard ……….Happenings THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 16 New York Guard Engineers help with Army National Guard Road Clearing Operation Story and Photos by 2LT John Schmidt- 65th ERR, NYG On 13 March 2016, soldiers from the 65th Emergency Response Regiment (ERR), New York Guard in conjunction with elements of the New York Army National Guard 152nd ESC (Engineer Support Company) conducted another round of joint road clearing opera- tions at Youngstown Local Training Area (YLTA) in Ransomville, NY. The 65th ERR provided three chainsaw teams, who assisted in the clearing of downed trees that were blocking the roads at the Youngstown training area. The trees and debris were then removed by elements of the NYARNG 152nd ESC. The joint training and cleaning exercise gave both old and new soldiers of the 65th ERR a chance to get more practice and experi- ence to work with their chainsaws and the opportunity to work side by side with their New York Army National Guard Engineer coun- terparts. The training and exercise was a valuable experience to the soldiers of the New York Guard, as it helped them to keep their skills fresh in debris removal, and gave them the opportunity to train with their National Guard counterparts in the 152nd ESC NYARNG. Soldiers of the NYG 65th ERR working on cutting and clear- ing trees from the roadway at the Youngstown Local Training Area (YLTA) in Ransomville, NY.
- 18. New York Guard ……….Happenings THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 16 New Guard Soldiers Learn How to Prepare for Disasters On 21 January the 65th Emergency Response Regiment (ERR) along with the Town of Lancaster and the Buffalo Suburban Christian Academy, hosted a community disaster preparedness course. The course was taught by the New York State Citizens Preparedness Corps. The objective of the course was to educate the people of Lancaster and the surrounding community what they could do to prepare for an emergency. Those community members who attended learned how to pre- pare not only their homes but also their family members on what to do in case of an emergency. All participants were able to take away a small backpack filled with some emergency supplies. Topics ranged from simple first aid to what to do if you have to evacuate from your home. The training also helped the members of the NY Guard with our mission in case of deploy- ment to a state or local emergency. We gained a better under- standing of how best to help in case of a future deployment. The 65th ERR would like to thank the Lancaster Town Supervi- sor Johanna Coleman and the Superintendent of the Buffalo Suburban Christian Academy for sponsoring the event. (Pictured above from left to right: 1LT James Cousins, Lancaster Town Supervisor Johanna Coleman, LTC David Albanese and 2LT John Schmidt) Send us your photos and stories of your unit working with the community and we will print them in the next issue of The New York Guard Sentinel. Community Honors Soldier Soldiers from the 14th Battalion, 88th Brigade par- ticipated in the Queen's Saint Patrick's Day Parade on 8 March this year. SGT James Rodriguez, who was a member of the 14th Battalion and passed away last year was honored this year at the parade. His daughter SGT Rebecca Rodiguez (right and bottom right) accepted the honor on behalf of her family.
- 19. New York Guard ……….Happenings During the 15th Decon Company May 2016 Drill, held at the NYARNG 69th Infantry Regiment Armory in New York City, SGT Marc Fineman of the 15th's NCOIC Team A/1st Squad, and long time member of the New York Guard's CERF Team, was promoted to the well earned rank of Staff Sergeant by 1st LT Joseph Polcha, the Commanding Officer, and by First Sergeant Rodney Harper of the 15th Decon Company. The 15th Decon Company is part of the 88th Brigade, which covers New York City and Long Island. THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 19 At the April drill at Camp Smith Training Site, SGT Licia Freeman and SGT Grace Hill were re-enlisted by New York Guard Commander Brigadier General Stephen Bucaria. The two Sergeant's are cooks assigned to NYG HQ Mess section . Photo by SPC Zach Perkins.
- 20. THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 19 On March 17th 2016 Soldiers from the New York Guard 88th Brigade, 56th Brigade and Headquarters marched down 5th Avenue during the New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade. The New York Guard also joined over 1000 soldiers from the New York Army National Guard's 69th Infantry Battalion, and 42nd Infantry Division Band in participating in the annual event. Photos by Mr. Chuck Garelick. New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade 2016
- 21. THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016 Page 21 New York Guard ……….Happenings New York Guard 88th Brigade Conducts Communications Exercises on Long Island Story and Photos by SFC Richard J. Martino Jr. S6 Chief Signal NCO, 88th Brigade, NYG The Military Emergency Radio Network, also known as MERN, has become a mainstay mission at the forefront of Emergency Communications (ECOM) for the New York Guard. High Frequency 3-30 MHz long haul emergency communication becomes paramount in the event of an isolated or statewide disaster in which local infrastructure fails for extended periods of time. The MERN consists of both fixed and mobile high frequency radio systems throughout New York State. Unlike fixed MERN stations, mobile MERN stations can be deployed and redeployed to various areas of operation based on mission requirements during an ECOM event. Packages consist of a small, self-contained HF radio system, portable HF antenna system and a small contingent of trained New York Guard communications personnel. Last year during annual training at Camp Smith, the 10th , 56th and 88th Brigades were each officially assigned a mobile MERN Radio System to return to their home station with. The expectation is that each New York Guard soldier within each brigade will be trained on the basic principles of emergency radio communication and operation in the event “the balloon goes up.” The 88th Brigade, serving New York City’s five boroughs and Long Is- land, officially commenced mobile MERN communications training this in January 2016. Communications team members of the 9th and 14th Battalions combine in joint training until July 2016. The 9th battalion is assigned Mo- bile MERN System #3 and currently has a communications team made up of four soldiers. The 14th Battalion is assigned Mobile MERN System #4 with a communications team made up of six soldiers. Phase one of training consists of installation and operation in conjunction with MERNEX operational exercises directed out of New York Guard Headquarters at the Camp Smith Training Site in Cortlandt Manor, West- chester County, NY. The monthly MERNEX is a training opportunity for all fixed and mobile MERN stations state wide to demonstrate operational capability of both equipment and personnel on an active high frequency ra- dio net. A typical MERNEX lasts around four hours, including installation, operation and breakdown. The 88th Brigade communications team has completed phase one and phase two, message traffic and formatting, which was completed in April, 2016. Message traffic can be requested during an actual ECOM event in the form of Situational Reports (SITREPS), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), Spot Report (SPOTREP) and Weather Observa- tion (WXOBS) reports. Proper format and transmission during radio point to point or net operations is detrimental to effective mission requirements. All MERN training is in accordance with New York Guard MERN Directive 3025.2. The 88th Brigade is currently conducting their combined 9th and 14th Battalion MERN training under the “train the trainer” concept. Combined battalion training is currently taking place at the 1st Marine Corps District installation in Garden City, Long Island. Once training of TDA assigned communications team members is completed in July 2016, they will return to their respective battalions and train all other service members within their battalions on the basic principles of emergency radio communications and operation.
- 22. Answering the Call Page 22 Major Merwin C. Fuller recently retired from the New York Guard in April 2016 and shared his story on how his military career began.. Upon graduating high school in June 1966, I had no plans for attending college, nor the means to do so. So I looked for work, and found a mini- mum wage job as an expediter in a women’s shoe factory in my hometown of Binghamton, NY. It didn’t take me long to realize that this was not a rewarding line of work with a great future. That, coupled with the fact that many were being drafted to support the expanding war in Vietnam and that I wasn’t eligible for a deferment based on college attendance, I figured it was just a mat- ter of time before my number came up. So to have some say in how I served, I decided to join my next two oldest brothers and enlisted in the Army. They had opted for Army Special Forces, joining two more older brothers already serving with that elite group, one of whom had served as an advisor to South Vietnamese Forces in-country in 1963. Both would go on to serve several tours in Vietnam. Yet another older brother had been a Marine pilot, but had gotten out before the U.S. sent regular forces to Vietnam. At first, I wanted to be a helicopter pilot, but, my vision ruled that out. I was good at foreign languages, so, I said I wanted to be a linguist. The recruiter then asked me to choose my first, second, and third choices of language. My first choice was French, as I had studied that in high school. Russian and German were second and third. I thought that I was guaranteed one of those languages. I was wrong – I was guaranteed a language, and the Army chose Vietnamese. The branch I had enlisted in was the Army Security Agency, the only branch with a four-year enlistment, due to the length of schooling. Immediately after basic training, I was sent to forty-seven weeks of Vietnamese language training, Hanoi dialect, at Biggs Field, Fort Bliss, Texas. From there, it was on to Goodfellow Air Force Base, San Angelo, Texas, for nine weeks training as a voice intercept operator. My job would be to tune to given enemy radio frequencies, listen to and tape record their transmissions, play them back and type a transcript of them, and determine whether there was any actionable intelligence in them. After 30 days leave, I arrived at the 8th Radio Research (ASA’s cover name) Field Station in Phu Bai, Vietnam, on 23 February 1968…three weeks after the North’s Tet Offensive. They had all the voice intercept operators they needed so I was assigned to work my secondary MOS as translator/interpreter. Upon my return to the U.S. 13 months later, I was assigned to the National Security Agency. Major Fuller, joined the New York Guard in November 2006 and served with the 102nd Engineer Battalion (officially 102nd Emergency Response Battalion, since reorganization after Hurricane Sandy) headquartered in Binghamton. Major Fuller held assignments as a Company Commander, S3 (Operations Officer) and as Executive Officer. THE SENTINEL—Winter/Spring 2016
- 23. IN MEMORIUM FINAL SALUTE THE SENTINEL—Spring 2015 Page 18 In Remembrance BG COX, JOHN S COL MANGIN, LEON F MSG WHITE, PAUL M