Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Army Emergency Relief


AER is the Army's own emergency financial assistance organization and is dedicated to "Helping the Army Take Care of Its Own." AER provides commanders a valuable asset in accomplishing their basic command responsibility for the morale and welfare of soldiers.
AER funds are made available to commanders having AER Sections to provide emergency financial assistance to soldiers - active & retired - and their dependents when there is a valid need.

AER funds made available to commanders are not limited and are constrained only by the requirement of valid need.

For these reasons, the AER assistance program is conducted within the Army structure by major commanders and their installation/organization commanders through AER sections and other related organizations.

http://www.aerhq.org/dnn563/Home.aspx

Friday, February 27, 2015

Massachusetts Deploys National Guard to Clear Record Breaking Snow

About 500 National Guard members have been deployed to assist with snow removal and cleanup efforts for areas of Massachusetts most affected by heavy snowfall from recent winter storms.




The Massachusetts National Guard began moving its heavy equipment - including front-end loaders, bobcats, and dump trucks - to communities, Feb. 10, to assist with snow removal. Airmen and Soldiers were responding to the towns of Whitman, Salem, Douglas, Hull, Halifax and Weymouth.

Weymouth and other locales received about 26.5 inches of snow during the latest storm.

Other National Guard teams will be deployed to shovel out fire hydrants, dig out passageways and clear snow around public safety buildings or critical areas. The Vermont National Guard will also be sending equipment and personnel to Massachusetts to assist with cleanup efforts, officials said.

"The commonwealth has been hit by historic storms and unprecedented snowfall, posing challenges for cities and towns struggling with clean up," Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said. He added that after three major storms in two weeks, the state has secured heavy equipment from the Vermont National Guard and purchased additional snow melters to assist communities in need. 

Massachusetts declared a state of emergency, Feb. 9, and ordered non-emergency personnel who live or work in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk or Suffolk counties not to report to work the next day.

Two hundred Guardsmen are deploying in 50 teams of four men and women per Humvee to assist cities and towns to dig out fire hydrants and other critical assets. The remainder of the 500 Guardsmen will operate heavy machinery to remove snow, the governor's office said.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Service Before Self

Senior Airman Jacob Sorosiak is a prime example of Service Before Self!

Many of you remember the Toledo Blade's story about the 180th Fighter Wing's very own Senior Airman Jake Sorosiak, who made it his mission in life to make a difference in someone else's.
Not only did Airman Sorosiak accomplish his mission, but his single act of kindness inspired the local community to make the Oehlers' dreams come true - a family vacation to Disney World.
Today, you can hear Airman Sorosiak talk about why he set out at such a young age to make a difference in the life of another.

Meet Senior Airman Jake Sorosiak, he made it his mission in life to make a difference in someone else's. 
From the Air National Guard - One Airman assigned to the 180th Fighter Wing here recently demonstrated excellence in his Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan communities when he provided a generous gift to a 32-year-old man who was born with cerebral palsy.
Senior Airman Jacob Sorosiak, a Guard Airman with the 180th FW weapons section, gave Bradley Oehler and his family an opportunity to visit Florida's Walt Disney World.
Sorosiak's generous nature started when he was a youth when he first saw Oehler in his neighborhood, approximately 12 years ago. At 10 years old, Sorosiak would wave to Oehler as he passed his home in Toledo. At the time Sorosiak did not know Oehler, who would spend hours outside enjoying the sights, but he wanted to do something special for him.
"Since I've been really little, there's always been a boy that sits outside on Alexis Road," said Sorosiak. "I'd known him as a boy and he sits outside every day."
Sorosiak said that growing up in the area, he did not know exactly why Oehler was in a wheel chair, and he did not know the Oehler family, but he wanted to do something special for him

"[Sorasiak's] generosity truly shows the compassion that our Airmen have for the communities in which they have grown up in, live and work in on a day to day basis," said Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman, Assistant Adjutant General for Air and Interim Adjutant General for Ohio. "The Air and Army National Guard members are 'Always There, Always Ready.'"
Sorosiak decided he wanted to save money to send Oehler and his family on a trip to Disney World in Florida. He promised his parents that he was going to save enough money to send Oehler on the trip. This became Sorosiak's childhood dream.


"I am proud to have someone of Senior Airman Sorosiak's character as a part of our unit," said Col. Craig Baker, 180th FW commander. "He is dedicated and giving.
"I told my parents that I was going to take him to Disney World," Sorasiak said during a recent interview. "They didn't take me seriously. They never thought I would follow it through. I told myself that once I am working full time I will save up the money to do it ... I thought about it every single day."


After graduating from Bedford High School in 2010, Sorasiak joined the Ohio Air National Guard. Sorasiak, now 22, recently started his civilian career with Bedford Community Education as a recreational director. In September 2014, Sorasiak delivered $2,000 to Oehler and his family to fulfill a promise made to himself nearly 12 years ago. The trip to Disney World is planned for March.


"I told myself that once I get a real job when I get older, I'm gonna do it," Sorosiak said. "I'm gonna go to that family and give them my first couple of pay checks, and just give it to them and tell them the story."


Once word got out about the sacrifice and generosity of Sorasiak, the community started to get involved. Residents who read about his generosity in the local paper, the Toledo Blade, began sending donations to Oehler ranging from $10 to $500 to help with the trip.
Sorosiak efforts started a climate of giving in his community. He not only demonstrated that he gives back to his nation, but he also evokes the core values of the Air Force.
"When I put my head to [do] something, usually I do it," said Sorosiak. "If you want to do something, you have to push yourself to do it; it's been something that's been internal inside of me."


"Senior Airman Sorosiak demonstrates the Air Force's core values, he is the kind of Airman that demonstrates how the Air National Guard is a part of our community," said Baker. "I applaud his efforts and dedication of giving back to our community."

Friday, February 20, 2015

The One Thing You Must Do To Honor Our Heroes

A verified True Story from Airline Pilot Richard Rodriquez:

As a commercial pilot, I too see the effects of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Last month I showed up to start a trip and was approached by a gate agent.  “Captain, good morning, I wanted to inform you that we have H.R. on this flight”, she said.  H.R. stands for human remains.  “Are they military?”, I asked.  “Yes”, she said.  “Is there and escort?”, I asked.  “Yes, I already assigned him a seat”, she said.  “Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck, you can board him early”, I said.


A short while later, a young army sergeant entered the flight deck.  He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier.  He introduced himself and I asked him about his soldier.  The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and with us.  “My soldier is on his way back to Virginia”, he said.  He proceeded to answer my questions, but offered no words on his own.  I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no.  I told him that he has the toughest job in the military and that I appreciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers.  The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand.  He left the flight deck to find his seat.

We completed our preflight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful departure.  About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin.  “I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is onboard”, he said.  He then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2-year-old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father home.  The family was upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left.  We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait 4 hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia. The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the family to bare.  He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival.  The family wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off the airplane.  I could hear the desperation in the flight attendants voice when he asked me if there was anything I could do.  “I’m on it”, I said.  I told him that I would get back to him.

Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of email like messages.  I decided to bypass this system and contact my flight dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is a radio operator in the operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the dispatcher.  I was in direct contact with the dispatcher.  I explained the situation I had onboard with the family and what it was the family wanted.  He said he understood and that he would get back to me.

Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher.  We were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family.  I sent a text message asking for an update.  I saved the return message from the dispatcher and this following is the text.
“Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you.  There is policy on this now and I had to check on a few things.  Upon your arrival a dedicated escort team will meet the aircraft.  The team will escort the family to the ramp and planeside.  A van will be used to load the remains with a secondary van for the family.  The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into the terminal where the remains can be seen on the ramp.  It is a private area for the family only.  When the connecting aircraft arrives, the family will be escorted onto the ramp and planeside to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home.  Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans.  Please pass our condolences on to the family, thanks.”

I sent a message back telling flight control thanks for a good job.  I printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on to the father.  The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me, “You have no idea how much this will mean to them.”  Things started getting busy for the descent, approach and landing. 

After landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area.  The ramp is huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway.  It is always a busy area with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit.  When we entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told that all traffic was being held for us.  “There is a team in place to meet the aircraft”, we were told.  It looked like it was all coming together, then I realized that once we turned the seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family from getting off the airplane.  As we approached our gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller we were going to stop short of the gate to make an announcement to the passengers.  He did that and the ramp controller said, “Take your time.” 

I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake.  I pushed the public address button and said, “Ladies and gentleman, this is your captain speaking.  I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement.  We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect.  His name is private XXXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life.  Private XXXXXX is under your feet in the cargo hold.  Escorting him today is army sergeant XXXXXXX.  Also onboard are his father, mother, wife, and daughter.  Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow the family to exit the aircraft first.  Thank you.”

We continued the turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our shutdown procedures.  A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door.  I found the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see.  I was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft.  When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started to clap their hands.  Moments later more passengers joined in and soon the entire aircraft was clapping.  Words of “God Bless You, I’m sorry, Thank you, Be proud, and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle and out of the airplane.  They were escorted down to the ramp to finally be with the loved one lost. 

I never did see the family.  Another soldier died, another family grieved and we did what we could.  That is the way it works sometimes.  I get a call from the cabin and we work as a team to do what we can.  That day everybody from the flight crew, to the operations center, to the 184 passengers onboard, we did what we could.  Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the announcement I made.  They were just words, I could say them over and over again, but nothing I say will bring that soldier back.  I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this day and the sacrifices that millions of men and women have made to ensure our freedom, safety, and the right to live a good life.

Epilogue from Richard Rodriguez"

y post, “Fallen Soldier”, received thousands of views this past weekend. I am writing this post to tell you what happened after that flight and some things I have just come to know.

After the family was taken off the aircraft, they were immediately escorted down to the ramp and the cargo door. I found out last week that the team of escorts that met the aircraft to assist the family, are employee volunteers. These employees come from all areas of the airline for the single purpose of giving a fallen soldier the honor, respect, and dignity they deserve during their final journey home. I am proud to tell you that the corporation I work for unconditionally supports the efforts of this group of volunteers.

They call themselves the Patriot Guard Riders and have all volunteer teams in Boston, Atlanta, Detroit, Norfolk, Salt Lake City, and Seattle. The Atlanta team has special jumpsuits made by a uniform supplier, displaying a military seal on the back. The team members render honors along with the military escorts and pay last respects to deceased service men and women as they are transported through the airport. Most volunteers are former service men and women or have family who are or were in the military. They have flags and when possible present a commemorative medallion on behalf of my company to the soldier’s family with the inscription: “We will not forget their sacrifice.”

I found this quote on the company's employee website, written by the senior vice president of customer service. I have replaced names with the letter “X”, to remain anonymous in my writing. “Were proud of our honor guard volunteers who represent XXXXX in paying special honors to the men and women who have served our country. The ceremony is not only meaningful to the families, but for everyone who has the privilege of seeing it.”

The article on the website was about the return of U.S Air Force Capt. Lorenza Conner, a pilot killed when he was shot down in Vietnam, in 1967. According to the article, his remains were discovered and identified last year. Apparently Capt Conner is a Georgia native and his remains were returning home for burial. One of our pilots, a Vietnam vet himself, piloted the last leg home from Honolulu. One of the Guard Riders was quoted, “I am doing this in part as a XXXXX employee, but I ride escort as a Ride Captain with the Patriot Guard Riders, escorting fallen soldiers home during funeral services.” Some of these volunteers use their free time to ride along with the remains to their final destination, all the way to burial.

I must throw in a thumbs up for the countless flight attendants who go out of their way to thank every service member in uniform as they exit the aircraft upon arrival. I listen to boarding announcements where along with the normal words, a statement is made to the cabin that there are military members on board today and that their service is appreciated.

Back to the family and their journey home with their son, husband and father. The team escorted the family to the cargo hold. After thanking the rest of the passengers, I proceeded to the pilot lounge as I had a couple of hours to go before my next flight. The lounge is a large area with computers, lockers, tables, chairs, etc. There normally is a lot of traffic there. I saw a friend of mine who was in my original training class twenty years ago. I have always liked Dave, he and I have bantered back and forth for years.

You see, Dave was a fighter pilot and I flew the heavy cargo planes. Dave was a dashing young fighter pilot in the day, crazy as they come and damn good at what he did. He taught fighter pilots, how to teach fighter pilots. His weapon of choice was the F-16. I flew cargo all over the world; doing some things I will never be able to tell you. My weapon of choice was a small Swiss army knife. It could open a can of beefaroni or a bottle of beer. My mission was to constantly seek the ultimate beaches, rivers, ice fields, and other naturally spectacular places, wherever I went.

Although Dave was an Air Force pilot, he managed to learn to swear like a sailor. Dave is now in his fifties and I can attest to the simple fact that he has officially made the transition to being a loud and crusty old fighter pilot. I had not seen him in a while so I walked up and pinched his left nipple as hard as I could. “Jesus, you dumb bastard, let me kick you in the nuts!”, he said, while not one other pilot bothered to look our way. “Hey, I was just making sure you were still alive. That stupid ass grin you keep on that pasty white sheet, you call a face, makes you look like a mannequin”, I said. And so it goes for a few minutes. We finally settle down and catch up on life, his in Florida, mine in California. I asked him if he had time to get a bite to eat. He said, “Yeah, I don’t sign in for a few hours, I work a flight to Norfolk at 4:30.”

“Norfolk!” I said. “Is it flight XXXX?” I said. Dave was flying the soldier home on his last leg. I proceeded to tell Dave what had happened on my flight. At one point, Dave flushed crimson red, and then tears welled up in his eyes. “Fuck, I cry like a god damn baby every time I hear stories like that”, he said. “Well listen up soldier, you have the honor of taking him home and I have a mission for you”, I said. We talked a bit longer and I had to leave. Dave knew the family was going to be escorted back down to the cargo hold to watch the soldiers’ remains be put aboard his aircraft. Dave was planning on getting to the gate early to introduce himself to the family and escort. He wanted to be standing with them outside, if the family wanted that. That crusty ass fighter pilot was on a mission and nothing was going to stop him from doing anything and everything he could for that family. They could not have been in better hands.

I have not seen Dave since that day. Somewhere down the road we will catch up with each other and I will ask him how the rest of that day went. In the mean time, the honor, respect, and dignity that our fallen soldiers deserve, will continue 24/7 at my company. I am sure other airlines have good people doing the same type of thing. As of Saturday, October 25th, the U.S. deaths in Iraq totaled 4,187. The U.S. deaths in Afghanistan totaled 549. Spc Deon L. Taylor, 30, Bronx, N.Y., Cpl Adrian Robles, 21, Scottsbluff, Neb. and Lance Cpl San Sim, 23, Santa Ana, Ca, who died this week in service to their country, deserve nothing less.

Be Safe,
Richard Rodriquez

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Serving In The Shadow Of God

For those who serve it the shadow of God this Christmas . . .

I'm Still Here

I watched you decorate the tree this year,
As I always have since our first Christmas together.
I loved seeing you string the lights around and around.
I adored the careful movement of your hands as you hung each ornament.

Most of all, I loved the glow on the faces of our children,
As they saw your creation come to life in our home.
They watched with me as you danced your way up and down the ladder.
I hope you know my hand was always there to keep you steady.

The children did not notice when you paused for a moment.
They did not see your tears falling on that old ornament we found together years ago.
Do not worry, my love. They did not see.
I was holding them. I was holding them.

Please forgive me for leaving you all so soon.
I tried holding on in those last few moments.
I tried so hard.
But, too much of me had been torn away.

As blood and life passed from me, my last thoughts were of you.
The greatest pain I felt was knowing how my violent end would hurt you.
Your heart was going to break and there was nothing I could do to stop it.
I could not bear to look at your face when they told you.

Did you see me behind the man who came to our door?
Did you feel me by your side when they handed you the flag?
Yes, I'm still here, my darling. Forever, I am with you.
You and our children will never be alone.

Nor am I alone, here above.
For there are countless others with me, my brothers and sisters in arms.
I am surrounded now, not by the dark enemy who tormented us in life,
But by a loving army of angels in uniform.

We gave our lives in service to you
And to people we never met.
From heaven, ours souls are forever devoted to you.
We carry the eternal honor of guarding your safety, your freedom, your liberty.

In life we stood guard to protect you, to hold back all that might bring you harm.
We walked the walls of the cities, the streets of the villages, the jungles, the deserts, the battlefields.
Day and night we patrolled on foot, on horseback, on the land, in the air and on the sea.
Now, we stand guard in eternity, serving in the shadow of God.

I watched you decorate the tree this year.
As I always will, until we are together again for Christmas.


Copyright 2015 - Raymond Bechard

Monday, November 24, 2014

US Military Brings Relief To New York Residents Stranded by Massive Snowstorm

Members of the New York National Guard were out in force Wednesday in western New York, where snow had piled up to six feet in some areas
.
"We are deploying the National Guard to ramp up efforts to keep western New York residents safe and to assist storm recovery efforts in any way possible," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. "Travel bans and advisories remain in effect, and I urge drivers to stay off the roads so that our state agencies and the National Guard can assist those that need help."

About 240 Soldiers and Airmen were working Wednesday, and more are expected Thursday, Guard officials said.

Soldiers of the 152nd and 827th Engineer Companies will deploy eight front-end loaders, seven Bobcats, and 10 dump trucks to assist in snow removal operations as directed in Erie County, where hard-hit Buffalo is located. 

Three front-end loaders were in action Tuesday night, and one loader aided the New York State Police and the New York State Thruway Authority in freeing a bus carrying the women's basketball team from Niagara University, which had been stranded.

A National Guard Initial Response Force of 20 Airmen and five Humvees from the 107th Airlift Wing, at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station will deploy to assist in traffic control duties, while a second Initial Response Force from the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, in Rochester, will deploy 20 Soldiers and five Humvees to assist in snow removal at an assisted-living center in West Seneca.

Two more Initial Response Forces, totaling 40 personnel and 10 Humvees -- one from the 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse and one from the 27th Brigade Combat Team -- were to mobilize and deploy Wednesday to the Buffalo area, to assist as needed.

The 174th was preparing to send two of its snow-blowing runway trucks out to Buffalo on Wednesday with two drivers in each vehicle.

Additionally, the National Guard is providing 35 Humvees with two Soldiers in each Humvee to assist in traffic control as directed by local officials from the Erie County Emergency Operations Center.

These troops, from the 53rd Troop Command elements based in Central New York, will mobilize Wednesday, and likely deploy to the region Thursday, officials said.

This will bring the New York force package in support of local authorities up to 310 by the end of the day Thursday.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

US Military Coordinates Humanitarian Assistance in Southern Africa

Southern Accord 14

In partnership with Southern African Development Community partner nations, U.S. Army Africa, as the U.S. Africa Command lead agent, is conducting a combined joint exercise designed to increase the ability of both forces to respond to humanitarian disasters and peace keeping operations, while enhancing interoperability. Southern Accord 14 begins today in Lilongwe, Malawi, and will run through July 30. The exercise brings together participants in a command post exercise, which will focus on integrating SADC partner nations with U.S. forces to conduct planning for peace enforcement operations. This year, Southern Accord 14 will emphasize developing the abilities to plan, deploy, employ, sustain and redeploy a rapid deployment force in response to a regional crisis.
The U.S. Army participates annually in Southern Accord to improve interoperability and capacity to conduct joint and multinational planning and operations. Southern Accord provides unique and dynamic training opportunities for participating military partners, while also promoting relationship-building between militaries and local communities.
Headquartered in Vicenza, Italy, U.S. Army Africa is the Army service component to the U.S Africa Command, the U.S. regional command that oversees and coordinates U.S. military activities in Africa. Southern Accord 14 is the latest in a series of exercises involving U.S. military forces and partner militaries in Africa with the aim to establish and develop military interoperability, regional relationships, synchronization of effort and capacity-building.
Southern Accord is conducted annually to improve joint coalition interoperability and capabilities to respond to the most likely regional security and humanitarian situations. Future exercises will continue to build on progress made during previous exercises in terms of participating nations' ability to conduct joint/multinational operations, and improve multinational interoperability and capacity. The exercise is rooted in partnerships and recognizes the need for multinational solutions to common challenges ranging from transnational violent extremism to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Engagements like these build readiness of African soldiers, thus increasing effectiveness of operations. In turn, it promotes regional stability and security. The U.S. Army's participation in Southern Accord increases cooperation and collaboration with land force partners in Africa and enhances mutual understanding and demonstrates the U.S. Army's commitment to strengthening our relationships across the continent.
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