Troops Fight Poverty. 1st MSC Gazette Summer Army Reserve-Puerto Rico

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1 1st Mission Support Command - U.S. Army Reserve Puerto Rico 1st MSC Gazette Summer 2012 Recruiting, Promoting and Growing Citizen Soldiers Vol. No. 3 Issue 3 Summer 2012 Spring 2013 What s inside Troops Fight Poverty 8 Army Reserve-Puerto Rico troops help local community What s 14 insidebest Warrior Competition Puerto Rico 15 Army Reserve Invests Millions www. facebook.com/1stmsc Scan the QR Code for the online version

2 2 Spring st MSC Gazette Promoting, Recruiting and Growing Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernández Commander Col. Miguel A. Isaac Deputy Commander Col. Eric Bermúdez Chief Of Staff Maj. Carlos M. Cuebas Public Affairs Officer Sgt. José F. Babilonia Public Affairs NCO The 1st MSC Gazette is an authorized publication printed IAW AR in the interest of Soldiers, civilians and families of the 1st MSC. 1st MSC Gazette Promoting Life Suicide Prevention Seeking help for personal issues is a true sign of strength and maturity. Lr. Gen. Jeffrey Talley Commanding General USAR Opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. government, Department of the Army or its agencies. All photos are property of the U.S. Army, unless otherwise credited. 1st MSC Gazette is published by the 1st MSC Headquarters located at 353 Wilson Road, Fort Buchanan, PR submissions to the 1st MSC public affairs officer at Carlos.cuebasmedina@us.army.mil 1st MSC Phone Numbers Commander Deputy Commander Safety Specialist Personnel Plans Public Affairs Mr. Walter Morales, Director of Policies and Plans at the Pentagon s Suicide Prevention Office addresses the troops and civilians of the Army Reserve PR and Fort Buchanan Garrison, 16 March (US Army photo by Sgt Jose Babilonia/Released) Fort Buchanan, PR- Soldiers and civilians assigned to the US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico and the Garrison activity, Fort Buchanan, participated in suicide prevention training March 16, at the installation s high school auditorium. The training was conducted by Mr. Walter Morales, Director of Policies and Plans at the Pentagon s Suicide Prevention office. Mr. Morales, an Adjuntas, PR native, conducted the training in an interactive way in order to increase learning. Army leaders and suicide prevention specialists took a strong stand throughout the day, talking not only with Soldiers, but also addressing the Army civilians about suicide awareness. The strategy has been updated, its priorities include fostering positive public dialogue, countering shame, prejudice, and silence, and building public support for suicide prevention. The Army has implemented numerous programs and policies in an attempt to eradicate suicide. Programs range from a suicide prevention task force to a day off from official duties to focus on suicide prevention. The service has implemented what it calls a Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program, giving every Soldier a mental assessment twice a year in the same style the Army tests troops for fitness. Most suicides are not related to deployments. It can

3 1st MSC Gazette Spring Promoting Life Suicide Prevention happen to anyone and that is why we must emphasize the buddy system in our ranks, said Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernández, Commander of the 1st Mission Support Command, US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico. In recent months, the US Army conducted a Suicide Prevention Stand Down across the complete force, where each section and directorate was responsible for generating internal conversations about suicide; how it can best be handled, how Soldiers may have handled it in the past and what Soldiers and civilians can do to become more aware of the issue in their work spaces. The Defense Department plans to take a more proactive approach to suicide prevention in the coming years with initiatives focusing on veterans helping troops and metrics to identify at-risk personnel. In a recent video, Lieutenant General Jeffrey Talley, Commanding General, United States Army Reserve Command (USARC) said, Leaders must foster an environment of genuine care and concern for their Soldiers, civilians and family members. All of us must take deliberate action to promote healthy command climates that reinforce that the Army is our family and that suicide is preventable. I want to emphasize that seeking help for personal issues is a true sign of strength and maturity Master Sgt. Jimmy Silva, Chaplain Assistant assigned to the Fort Buchanan Garrison, leads a small group discussion with troops and civilians assigned to the US Army Reserve-PR and the Garrison activity, during the suicide prevention training conducted at the military intallation, March 16, (US Army photo by Sgt. Jose Babilonia/Released)

4 4 Spring st MSC Gazette FUTURE SOLDIERS EVENT Future Soldiers from the US territory of Puerto Rico had access to military equipment during the guidance and educational event conducted by the US Army Recruiting Command in coordination with the US Army Reserve- Puerto Rico, April 6, (US Army Photo by Sgt. Jose Babilonia, 1st MSC PAO NCO/Released) Camp Santiago Joint Maneuver Training Center - The U.S. Army Recruiting Command, in coordination with the US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, conducted a guidance and educational event, April 6, to allow future Soldiers and Family members to get familiarized with the expectations of the military life. With high unemployment rates nationwide, many young citizens in Puerto Rico look at the military service as an alternative for a better future. However, not everyone is aware of the multiple requirements and high standards needed to be able to join the US Army. The process to join the military is a rigorous one, as it not only requires top physical fitness, but also requires the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, a Military Entrance Medical Examination, to maintain a satisfactory credit records, and to be subject to unannounced drug and alcohol tests, among other requirements. To me, joining the Army is a good opportunity to grow as a person. I believe it will help me achieve my goals in life. said Olwens Gonzalez, a native of Utuado, PR, one of the future US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico Soldiers, who will be traveling to basic training in the upcoming months. During the event, current Soldiers from the US Army See FUTURE next page

5 1st MSC Gazette Spring FUTURE SOLDIERS EVENT FUTURE from previous page Reserve-Puerto Rico displayed specialized military equipment and explained its operation to the future Soldiers. In addition, the future Soldiers practiced their drill and ceremony knowledge and skills. They also conducted physical fitness activities to promote teamwork skills and physical conditioning. The Army opens doors for you. It helps you in your future. It makes a better person out of you. It makes you feel part of something bigger, said Antho- ny Otero Class, a native from Morovis PR, who also attended the guidance event. To me, joining the Army is a good opportunity to grow as a person. Olwens Gonzalez Future Soldier Many of the future Soldiers, who are in the process of joining Army Reserve-Puerto Rico units, had the opportunity to meet Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernandez, senior Army Reserve officer in the Caribbean. Since 1922 troops and Families from Puerto Rico have answered the nation s call in every critical moment of our history, both in the combat and the humanitarian fronts, displaying an unmatched strength of character and determination. Maj. Luis Caraballo, US Army Recruiting District Commander (left), and Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernández, Commander 1st Mission Support Command (right), present a certificate of achievement to Walberto Pagán, a future Soldier, for his superb performance during the physical fitness test. (US Army Photo)

6 6 Spring st MSC Gazette 393rd CSSB Returns Home Capt. Angel Morales, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 393rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB), is received by his son Angel Davis Morales-Lopez, 7, at the Luis Muñoz Marin Airport, April 12, The 393rd CSSB is the second US Army Reserve-PR unit that returns to the island in Fort Buchanan, PR- Approximately 60 Soldiers assigned to the 393rd Combat Sustaintment Support Battalion (CSSB), US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, arrived from Afghanistan, April 12, after being mobilized approximately a year. We are deeply proud of each one of you. I realize that your mission was not easy. It was a high visibility mission and a critical one, and you executed it flawlessly, said Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernandez, Senior Army Reserve officer in the Caribbean. The troops conducted logistic operations and coordination of supplies and sustaintment at Camp Leatherneck, the largest Marine base in Afghanistan. They also provided critical support to the Southwest and West regional commands. The Soldiers supervised over 260 tactical convoys, traveling approximately 1 million miles over some of the most dangerous zones in a Afghanistan. As part of their mission, the members of the largest US Army command in the Caribbean transported over 38,000 tons of sustainment, 760,000 gallons of fuel and retrograding more than 4,800 pieces of equipment during their tenure. The numbers speak volumes for the Soldiers of Logistical Task Force Taino, said Lt. Col. Louis Feliciano, commander of the 393rd CSSB. Sgt. Ramon Russe, a Morovis, PR native, was one of the Soldiers who returned home. I am extremely happy to be back in Puerto Rico. I am ready to see my family and my children, said the Chemical Operations Specialist, who has four children. A group of energized family members gathered at the Luis Muñoz Marin Airport in Carolina, PR to receive the troops. The 393rd CSSB is the second US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico unit that has returned from Afghanistan in The Army Reserve-Puerto Rico has mobilized over 5,000 Soldiers since the year 2001.

7 1st MSC Gazette Spring Readiness through prayer Fort Buchanan, PR- The Chaplains assigned to the Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, play an instrumental role in preparing Soldiers to deploy, especially during Holy Week. With their service, military Chaplains ensure Soldiers and Families are ready to face the difficulties that a mobilization presents. In a command that has deployed approximately 5,000 Soldiers since the year 2001, the mental and emotional health of the troops and families is paramount. In the Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, we not only look after the physical readiness of our Soldiers. We must also ensure they are emotionally and mentally ready to perform their jobs while deployed, said MAJ (CH) Peter Agdamag, Deputy Commander Chaplain of the largest US Army Reserve Command in the Caribbean. exercise their freedom of religion, whatever that religion may be. Military chaplains equally serve Soldiers and families of all religions and denominations. We do not carry a weapon in combat. Our only weapon is the ability to ensure every troop can exercise his or her freedom of religion, said Chaplain Candidate 2nd lt. Monserrate Vergara, who has served the US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico for 12 years as enlisted, before accepting a commission. Vergara is currently pursuing a Master s Degree in Theology. One of the programs that the Chaplains from the US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico successfully implement to serve troops and Families is the Strong Bonds program. Through Strong Bonds, the Army Reserve-Puerto Rico educates troops and Family members about family relations, communication and crisis management, all in a high rated hotel in the Caribbean island, all expenses paid. The role of the Chaplains in the US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico takes special precedence as many observe Holy Week, and as hundreds of local troops continue serving in Afghanistan and others prepare to deploy in the near future. Those Soldiers or Family members interested in knowing more about the services offered by the US Army Reserve- Puerto Rico Chaplains can contact Maj. (CH) Peter Agdamag at The Army Reserve s objective is to develop Soldiers and Family members who are resilient and able to continue serving the nation in times of mobilizations and deployments. During deployments, Soldiers are exposed to high levels of stress due to the austere conditions of the places where they usually work, as well as the combat environment, coupled with the Family separation anxiety. Having a religious leader in uniform, available at any time in a combat zone, reduces the stress levels of the troops. US Army Reserve Chaplains deploy anywhere Soldiers deploy. There, the Chaplains perform religious services, counseling and ensure every troop is free to Maj (CH) Peter Agdamag, Deputy Command Chaplain of the 1st Mission Support Command, US Army Reserve Puerto Rico, poses for the camera. (US Army photo by Maj Carlos Cuebas, 1st MSC PAO/Released)

8 8 Spring st MSC Gazette Fighting poverty From left to right, Sor Virgenmina Morell, Director of the Individual, Family and Community Integral Development Institute, Sor Mariana Dejesus Assistant to the Director, and US Army Warrant Officer 2 Miguel Velazquez, Construction Engineering Technician assigned to the 471st Engineer Company, US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, talk about the progress of the construction project in Maricao, April 12, Maricao, PR- Service members assigned to the US Army Reserve- Puerto Rico worked in a construction project in the neighborhood of Indiera Alta, in the mountainous town of Maricao, as part of the command s Community Outreach Program, during the month of April. The Army Reserve-Puerto Rico Community Outreach Program allows the troops to keep their proficiency in their engineering skills, while serving the local communities. The troops, some of whom were deployed in recent years to the Middle East, are implementing their engineering experiences and skills, while helping the Individual, Family and Community Integral Development Institute, a non-profit organization that offers multidisciplinary services to isolated and economically depressed communities across the island of Puerto Rico. The institute is managed by the Religious Order of the Fatima Dominican Sisters. It feels great to be able to help the people of Puerto Rico, while applying all the skills and experiences that I gained while mobilized. It is a great feeling, said Sgt. Josean Orengo, a Construction Engineering Supervisor assigned to the 471st Engineer Company, who was deployed to Iraq in The construction project in Maricao consists of a cement structure of approximately 500 sq. ft., which the institute will use to expand their services to the local community. This has been a great blessing. On behalf of the community, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the Soldiers from the Reserve. We pray for each one of you and your Families, so you can continue serving the community and the country, said Sor Virgenmina Morell, Director of the Institute. According to the troops, they believe their contribution goes beyond the construction being completed. See HELPING next page

9 1st MSC Gazette Spring fighting poverty HELPING from previous page These types of projects not only stimulate the local economy, but also help us create better citizens, said Warrant Officer 2 Miguel Velazquez, a Construction Engineering Technician assigned to the 471st Engineer Company, US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico. It is a win-win situation. Being able to train our Soldiers, while serving the people in our communities brings the Reserve closer to On behalf of the community, I want to express my heartfelt gratitute to all the Soldiers of the Army Reserve. Sor Virgemina Morell them and help us in our readiness at the same time. I believe we are positively impacting the town of Maricao, said Staff Sgt. Isaias Diaz, Project Manager, who was mobilized to Afghanistan in The Army Reserve, which celebrated its 105th anniversary on April 23, is a community-based organization with 1,215 facilities located in 701 different cities across America, and over 200,000 Soldiers living in every state and territory. From left to right, Specs. Albert Buglione, William Reyes and Felix Padilla, all assigned to the 448th Engineer Battalion, US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, mix cement, sand and gravel during their participation in the command s Community Outreach program in the Maricao, PR municipality, April 12, 2013.(US Army photo by Maj Carlos Cuebas, 1st MSC PAO/Released)

10 10 Spring st MSC Gazette Troops support DLA Fort Buchanan, PR- Approximately 30 Soldiers assigned to the 1st Mission Support Command, US Army Reserve- Puerto Rico, departed the island during the month of March on the way to a mobilization station in the state of Georgia, with Afghanistan as final destination, in direct support of an emergent requirement form the Defense Logistic Agency (DLA). The troops from the largest US Army Reserve command in the Caribbean will support the DLA in a classification and disposition of equipment mission, part the drawdown of troops in Afghanistan. During the mission preparation, the troops attended a two weeks Expeditionary Disposal Remediation Team (EDRT) training at Battle Creek, MI, which they completed with flying colors. This is the first large group of Soldiers, not assigned to DLA that successfully completed the course with high scores, Members of the 1st Mission Support Command, US Army Reserve-PR participate of the Expeditionary Disposal Team training at Battle Creek, MI, in preparation for their mobilization to Afghanistan in support of the Defense Logistic Agency. (US Army Photo) said Lt. Col Franco Nieves, DLA Army Reserve Element Deputy Commander. According to Nieves, without the help of the Army Reserve troops, it would be difficult for DLA to complete the mission. Without the Army Reserve Soldiers, it would be difficult for DLA to support this mission. The Defense Logistics Agency is the Department of Defense s largest logistics combat support agency, providing worldwide logistics support in both peacetime and wartime to the military services, as well as several civilian agencies and foreign countries. DLA employs about 27,000 employees. The Agency s headquarters is at Fort Belvoir, in Northern Virginia.

11 1st MSC Gazette Spring Army Reserve 105th Anniversary Fort Buchanan, PR - Hundreds of troops, civilians, and Family members from the Fort Buchanan community gathered to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the U.S. Army Reserve, with a 5k hike throughout the military installation s perimeter road, April 24. We are celebrating the 105th anniversary of the US Army Reserve; a great organization that has supported our nation throughout many conflicts, especially during the last 12 years of war, said Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernandez, senior Army Reserve officer in the Caribbean region. Prior to departing on the 5k hike, Fernandez and Command Sgt. Maj. Rene Rivera, 1st Mission Support Command, Command Sgt. Maj., joined Pvt. Christian Rivera, a human resources specialist, who represented the youngest Soldiers in the Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, to conduct the traditional cake cutting. I feel honored to have been selected to cut the 105th anniversary cake along with General Fernandez and Command Sgt. Maj. Rivera. I hope to be like them some day, said Pvt. Rivera. During the event, the participants warmed up with a modified Zumba Fitness Program session, facilitated by one of Fort Buchanan s Morale Welfare and Recreation instructors. have helped transform the Army Reserve into the operational force that we are today, added Fernandez. Created in 1908 as the Medical Reserve Corps, today s Army Reserve is a key complimentary operational force that supports the entire United States military in combat and training in 148 military occupational specialties. Today, the Army Reserve represents the largest federal military command in the Caribbean region, with over 5,000 troops assigned, an estimated investment of over $140 million to Puerto Rico s economy and 12 Reserve centers across the island of Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. As we celebrate another successfully year in our history, let us honor the lives of the 204 men and women of the Army Reserve, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country since 9-11, to include Sgt. Miguel A. Ramos and Spec. Ramon Reyes from the Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, said Fernandez in an official message released earlier during the week. The Army Reserve is specifically designed to manage critical specialized capabilities, to include those not present anywhere else in the Joint Force. This includes sustaintment capabilities needed for major operations, which are too expensive to maintain on active duty when not immediately required. We deeply appreciate the presence and support of the Family members during this anniversary. Thank you for supporting our Soldiers. Without you we would have not be able to accomplish our mission during these 105 years. You Hundreds of U.S. Soldiers, civilians, and Family members from the Fort Buchanan community gathered to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the U.S. Army Reserve, with a 5 kilometers hike throughout the military installation s perimeter road, April 24, (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jose Babilonia/Released)

12 12 1st MSC Gazette Spring 2013 Maximizing Battle Assembly Training Ceiba, PR- Soldiers assigned to the 432 Transportation Company (432nd TC CO), US Army Reserve Puerto Rico, maximized the training time during their April Battle Assembly. For example, the troops executed exterior movement techniques. These maneuvers not only help the drivers to practice and sustain their skills, but also help as training refresher to those Soldiers supporting this type of operations. In addition, the troops also conducted Physical Readiness Training (PRT). The PRT incorporates sprinting, climbing drills and other high-intensity Above: A Soldier assigned to the 432nd Transportation Company, inspects the air hoses of a truck, during the exterior movement technique drill, April 13. (US Army photo by Sgt. Hiram Rodriguez, 432nd TC, UPAR/Released) exercises that mimic the challenges Soldiers face in combat. The 432nd is one of the transportation assets of the 1st Mission Support Command, US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, the largest federal US Army command in the Caribbean. (US Army Photos by: SGT Hiram Rodriguez, 432nd TC Co UPAR) Above: Soldiers assigned to the 432nd Transportation Company conduct Physical Readiness Training, during the unit s Battle Assembly in April (US Army photo by Sgt. Hiram Rodriguez, 432nd TC, UPAR/Released) The PRT... mimics the c h a l l e n g e s Soldiers face in combat.

13 1st MSC Gazette Spring Toa Alta, PR- Families and children from the Army Reserve-Puerto Rico recently participated in a fishing workshop at Lake La Plata, as part of the of the largest federal Army command in the Caribbean s efforts to provide meaningful recreational opportunities to military families in the island. The event was coordinated by the Army Reserve Child, Youth & School Services in partnership with the State Natural Resources-Sport Fish Restoration Program. This type of Family oriented events provides military Families in Puerto Rico the opportunity to connect with other military community members, while building resilience. These events also promote success at home, school and in the community. Military Families readiness is an important aspect of the overall military readiness of the Army Reserve. Family members also serve our nation through their great sacrifices and support to our troops. For more information about future Family events, please contact the command's Family programs or Fishing Workshop in Puerto Rico

14 14 1st MSC Gazette Spring 2013 Best Warrior Competition Puerto Rico Fort Buchanan, PR- Six motivated Soldiers assigned to the US Army Reserve Puerto Rico accepted the challenge to compete for the US Army Reserve- PR Best Warrior title, April 4-7. During the competition, the troops participated in several events such as weapons assembling and disassembling, land navigation, weapons qualification, the Army Physical Fitness Test, and a six miles road march. In addition, the Soldiers were required to appear before a Senior Noncommissioned Officers board to test their Army knowledge and verbal communication skills. Finally they were also required to write an essay to test their written communications skills. The brave Soldiers who accepted the challenge to compete were Cpl. Waldemar Perez, (430th Quartermaster Company), Spec. Christian Rojas, (35th Expeditionary Signal Battalion,) Cpl. Jabriel Santos, (390th Transportation Company), Private 1st Class Edward Davila, (973rd Quartermaster Company), Spec. Ismanuel Melendez and Sgt. Mariangelica Malave, (246th Quartermaster Company). The selected Soldiers, who will have the honor to represent the local command at Fort McCoy at the Army Reserve competition, during the summer, are Cpl. Jabriel Santos and Private 1st Class Edward Davila. Congratulations! Cpl. Waldemar Perez, assigned to the 430th Quartermaster Company, and Cpl. Jabriel Santos from the 390th Transportation Company, calculate their pace count using a 100 meter measurement.

15 1st MSC Gazette Spring Army Reserve invests millions in Puerto Rico By inaugurating these facilities today, we are taking the critical steps to ensure our troops have the resources and the facilities needed to plan operations and train personnel, so we can continue supporting the needs of our nation, said Fernandez, commander of the 1st Mission Support Command, US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico. Troops assigned to the 210th Regional Support Group, US Army Reserve-PR stand in formation during the ribbon cutting ceremony of an operations center in Aguadilla, April 14. Aguadilla, PR- Officers from the Army Reserve-Puerto Rico and the 81st Regional Support Command (RSC) participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony of a modern operations center in Aguadilla, April 14. Maj. Gen. Gill P. Beck, 81st RSC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernández, senior US Army officer in the Caribbean, Maj. Gens. (Ret) Felix Santoni and Allen Bell as well as the US Army Reserve Ambassador Horacio Cabrera were present during the ceremony, among other attendees. The new Army Reserve Center will be home to six Army Reserve units. They are the 210th Regional Support Group, the 77th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, the 91st Chaplain Detachment, the 311th Quartermaster Company, the 266th Ordnance Company and Branch Maintenance Area 161. The new three-story facility is approximately 50,000 sq. ft. The total cost of the project was approximately $7.6 million and employed hundreds of personnel during the construction phase. The construction in Aguadilla is part of a larger modernization of the Army Reserve facilities across the island. Currently, there are other Reserve Centers being constructed in Mayaguez, with an investment of $18 million, and at Fort Buchanan with an investment of $21 million. I am very pleased with the work that everyone has done to make this possible. Today we can see the tangible results of the Army Reserve commitment to the Soldiers here in Puerto Rico. You are an absolute, indispensable part of our Army and our national defense. We always depended on you. You always delivered, said Beck while referring to the troops assigned to the Army Reserve forces in Puerto Rico. From right to left, Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernandez, 1st Mission Support Command Commander, Mr. Horacio Cabrera, USAR Ambassador, Maj. Gen. (Ret) Allen Bell, former Deputy Commander Army Reserve, Maj. Gen. Gill P. Beck, 81st RSC Commanding General, Maj. Gen. (Ret) Felix Santoni, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Puerto Rico and members of the community and the command, pose for a photo during the ribbon cutting ceremony of a modern operations center in Aguadilla, April 14.

16 12 Spring st MSC Gazette Our troops in action Army Reserve Puerto Rico meeting the needs of the nation