ORLANDO, Fla. (May 16, 2013) — One of the challenges facing military members is a readjustment to civilian life once they’ve finished serving their country. The transition can be difficult, and sometimes finding work proves challenging, especially in today’s tough economy.

Florida Highway Patrol officers discuss the benefits of working for FHP with a former service member at the Paychecks for Patriots hiring event in Orlando. Photo by Staff Sgt. Derol Fulghum

On May 10 “Paychecks for Patriots” – a non-profit group aimed at helping military veterans – brought companies and potential employees together at ten hiring events throughout Florida.

Paychecks for Patriots invited companies they believed would be interested in helping the military community find work. Veterans are generally valued by most companies because of the discipline and the strong work ethic the military instills in its ranks.

At one of the hiring events in Orlando, job-seekers and employers talked about their experiences at the hiring event.

“These kinds of events are so important for military members trying to adjust to civilian life. It’s an amazing opportunity,” said Army veteran Samantha Hogan.

Hogan, who is 28 and a mother of two, recently left the Army and said veterans like herself bring something special with them from their time in the military.

 “I’ve learned to adapt,” Hogan said. “I’ve learned to be a professional and multi-task virtually all the time.”

For Wilfredo Ocasio, who was an active duty Army Soldier for ten years, the job fair was a great opportunity.

“I love it,” he said. “It’s actually very helpful. You know, some veterans are having a hard time coming back home and finding jobs.”

More than a dozen potential employers showed up to the Orlando event alone, including Lockheed Martin, Coca-Cola, Chase and Cracker Barrel.

Jesse Panuccio, the executive director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, said the job fair was critical to reaching out to unemployed veterans. He said many veterans are concerned about whether they can find a job when they leave active duty.

“We have 1.5 million veterans in our state,” he said “Many of them are returning from service and from serving our country well.”

Panuccio said the veterans are truly assets to any civilian company:  “They’re responsible, they’re well trained, they’re cool under pressure and they’re ready for the workforce already. There’s not much you have to do to bring a veteran from the active duty into the civilian workforce.”

The program is endorsed by Gov. Rick Scott, the Adjutant General of Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs as well as the Florida National Guard.

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Members of the Florida National Guard's Family Programs pose with a mascot from Taco Bell during the opening of the recently renovated Family Assistance Center at Camp Blanding, May 14. The Armed Forces Families Foundation provided renovation funding, and Taco Bell provided lunch and refreshments at the opening of the 2,500-square-foot building. Photo by Debra Cox

The Family Assistance Center located on Camp Blanding Joint Training Site, provides assistance to all service members and their families in the Northeast Florida region. It also provides assistance to service members from any region or state that is training at Camp Blanding.

The 60-year-old, 2,500-square-foot-building, was recently renovated during a $40,000 project, to include painting, carpet, kitchen and bathroom. Funding for the project was provided by the Armed Forces Families Foundation, which receives proceeds from Taco Bell for projects.

“It’s a chance to serve those who serve; it’s a great opportunity,” said Thaddeus Foster, National Program Manager for the Armed Forces Families Foundation.

Family Assistance Centers are geographically disbursed throughout the state to assist Department of Defense Military Families during all levels of contingency and mobilization. All uniformed Service members and retired uniformed service personnel and their Family members, active, reserve, retired or civilian employees and surviving Family members of military personnel are eligible for assistance.

The center provides referrals for private counseling, Tricare information, emergency financial services, and crisis counseling services.

The Armed Forces Families Foundation, a non-profit organization, was established to “help give these families a sense of community support and well-being while their loved ones are away fighting for our freedom.”

For more information contact Rob McGregor at (904) 814-4487.

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Cadets clean up debris and damaged items out of each room and vacuum any leftover water during the recent flood. Courtesy photo

Courtesy of Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy

STARKE, Fla. (May 14, 2013) – When the heavy rains came to Clay County recently the notorious Black Creek flooded.  This was no surprise to residents of Black Creek Road, who often have to use boats to get to their houses once the waters begin to rise.  And once the waters receded, the long and arduous cleanup process began, but that’s where the surprise came in.

Cadets work to remove clean appliances caught in the flood. Courtesy photo

Clay County Emergency Management needed help:  some of the elderly residents of Black Creek Road found their homes flooded with up to five feet of water, and there was no way they could clean up the mess left behind.  So Clay County called on the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy (FLYCA), a military-style high school at Camp Blanding, to assist.

That very afternoon, a bus of 30 young men from the Academy rode up to lend a hand.  Armed with rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, and gloves, the young men set to work removing damaged furniture from homes and helping to clean out the debris left behind. 

Cadets enroll at FLYCA to change their lives in a positive direction while living in a quasi-military environment for 22 weeks.  Cadets have the opportunity to earn their diploma or earn credits that they can take back to their high school.  In addition, the cadets learn skills to help them in their adult life, such as the value of giving back to the community. 

“No one deserves to have that kind of thing happen,” said Cadet Enaji Williams, one of the young men who went to help.  “One of the houses had nothing salvageable from the first floor.  We had to throw out all the wood furniture and bedding along with a lot of clothes.  If it had been me I would have really appreciated the help.”

Constance Gordon, a staff member from the Academy, was glad for the opportunity to help: “It was good working with the cadets on something where we could support those in need in the community.”

With such devastation, even a small army of strong young men have limits.  Cadet Jacob Piper wished there was more they could have done.

 “There was just so much damage,” Piper said.  “Everyone was so friendly and thankful for the help.  I was just so surprised with how high the water came up.  It was shocking.”

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Governor Scott said, “Paychecks for Patriots Day is a valuable opportunity to demonstrate support for veterans transitioning to civilian life with a new job. We all owe our veterans a debt of gratitude, and we want every veteran to have an opportunity to pursue their dreams here in Florida.”

At ten locations throughout the state on Friday, May 10, Paychecks for Patriots will match veterans and their families with employers who value knowledge, skills, and attributes attained during military experience. 

“DEO is honored to participate in the Paychecks for Patriots program to ensure every Florida veteran has the opportunity to find a job that fits his or her skills and interests,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio. “As we work to support Florida’s military families in various capacities, these events will help Florida’s veterans find career opportunities that strengthen their families, communities, and Florida.” 

“The Paychecks for Patriots initiative is another reason Florida is the most veteran-friendly state in the nation,” said Mike Prendergast, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.  “Nearly a quarter of a million veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan claim the Sunshine State as their home. While many are returning to Florida colleges and universities using the Post 9/11GI Bill, others are looking for meaningful employment.  This 10-city veteran hiring initiative goes a long way to helping our returning veterans.” 

“Our Florida National Guard Soldiers and Airmen accept many risks and hardships as they serve our communities, our state and our nation. But one of those hardships should not be unemployment,” said The Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw Jr. “We appreciate those employers that are willing to hire our servicemembers and veterans, and we applaud the efforts of everyone who has helped make these Paychecks for Patriots events possible. Thank you for supporting our Call to Service.” 

“The Department of Defense, Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR), Florida Committee, is honored to participate in the statewide Dollar General “Paychecks for Patriots” hiring event on May 10, 2013,” said Judge Greg Holder. “In conjunction with the new ESGR Hero to Hired (H2H) program, we will compliment Governor Rick Scott, Dollar General, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Workforce Florida, Inc.’s tremendous efforts to help all Military Service Members and their family members obtain new or better employment in our great State of Florida!” 

“Dollar General is deeply committed to the military community, which is reflected in the thousands of veterans we hire each year,” said Bob Ravener, Dollar General’s executive vice president and chief people officer. “Dollar General is proud to collaborate on this innovative public-private partnership and is coordinating with the Florida military community to match employers dedicated to assisting veterans and their families find careers that best meet their backgrounds and aspirations.” 

More than 115 private employers will be represented at the hiring fairs including: Dollar General, Allstate insurance, Aramark, AT&T, BAE Systems, Best Buy, Corrections Corporation of America, CVS, Cracker Barrel, HCA, Home Depot, Lockheed Martin, Lowes, Ritz Carlton, Sears, USFoods, Walmart, Wells Fargo, and more than 85 other private employers. 

Paychecks for Patriots Hiring Fairs Locations: 

·         Ft. Walton Beach – One Step Closer Center, 409 NE Racetrack Rd., NE 

·         Lake City – American Legion Post #56, 2602 SW Main Boulevard 

·         Gainesville – Freedom Community Center, 7400 SW 41st Place 

·         Orange City – One-Step Closer Center, 846 Saxon Blvd 

·         Leesburg – National Guard Armory, 400 West Meadow Street 

·         Orlando – National Guard Armory, 2809 South Ferncreek Avenue 

·         New Port Richey – One-Step Closer Center, 4440 Grand Blvd 

·         Sebring – One- Step Closer Center, 5901 U.S. South 27 

·         Dania Beach – Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel, 1825 Griffin Road 

·         Miami – Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street 

Veterans or their family members interested in pursuing the career opportunities who are unable to attend a Paychecks for Patriots hiring event can view and apply for available positions online at www.employflorida.com <http://www.employflorida.com> . More information is also available at www.floridajobs.org/calendar <http://www.floridajobs.org/calendar> .  

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ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (May 7, 2013) – One of the challenges facing military members is a readjustment to civilian life once they’ve finished serving their country. The transition can be difficult, and sometimes finding work proves challenging, especially in today’s tough economy.  “Paychecks for Patriots” (P4P) aims to help veterans by hosting job fairs throughout the state.

The non-profit group reaches out to companies with solid reputations they believe would be interested in helping the military community find work. Veterans are generally valued by most companies because of the discipline and the strong work ethic the military instills in its ranks.

There will be a series of P4P hiring events across the state on Friday, May 10. (See list below)

The program is endorsed by Gov. Rick Scott, The Adjutant General of Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs as well as the Florida National Guard.

“Our Florida National Guard Soldiers and Airmen accept many risks and hardships as they serve our communities, our state and our nation,” said Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw Jr. “But one of those hardships should not be unemployment. We appreciate those employers that are willing to hire our servicemembers and veterans, and we applaud the efforts of everyone who has helped make these Paychecks for Patriots events possible. Thank you for supporting our Call to Service.”

FT. WALTON BEACH: One-Stop Career Center at 409 NE Racetrack Rd. NE, Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.  Contact: (850) 833-7587 Ext. 217 & Ext. 223

LAKE CITY: Lake City American Legion Post #57 Contact: (386) 755-9026 ext. 3106 & ext. 3105

GAINESVILLE: Freedom Community Center at 7400 SW 41st Pl., Gainesville, Fla. Contact: (352) 244-5102 or (904) 964-8092 ext. 207

ORANGE CITY: One-Stop Career Center at 846 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, Fla. Contact: (386) 561-9553 and (386) 561-9587

LEESBURG:  National Guard Armory, 400 W. Meadow St., Leesburg, Fla. Contact: (407) 531-1222 Ext. 2660

ORLANDO: National Guard Armory, 2809 S. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, Fla. Contact: (407) 531-1222 Ext. 2660

NEW PORT RICHEY: One-Stop Career Center at 4440 Grand Blvd. New Port Richey, Fla. Contact: (352) 200-3022

SEBRING:  One-Stop Career Center at 5901 U.S. 27 South, Sebring, Fla. Contact: (863) 385-3672 Ext. 327

FORT LAUDERDALE: Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port Hotel, 1825 Griffin Rd., Dania Beach, Fla.  Contact: (954) 202-3830 Ext. 3066

MIAMI: Florida International University (FIU) Modesto A. Maidique Campus, 11200 SW 8^th St., Miami, Fla. Contact: (305) 594-7615

For more information contact Penny Justice at Penelope.L.Justice.ctr@mail.mil.

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Command Sgt. Maj Jeffery L. Young (left) assumes responsibility of the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat team as the senior enlisted advisor to the commander, Col. Mike A. Canzoneri, May 4, 2013, in Pinellas Park, Fla. Photo by Sgt. Christopher Milbrodt

Story courtesy 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (May 6, 2013) – Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey L. Young assumed responsibility as the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s senior enlisted advisor May 4 at the C.W. Bill Young Armed Forces Reserve Center in Pinellas Park, Fla.

Sgt. Maj. Steven R. Corrow, the outgoing command sergeant major, is retiring after 31 years of military service.

Young was the command sergeant major for the 83rd Troop Command in Tallahassee, Fla.

Throughout his 28 year career, Young has served in every enlisted leadership position. Before joining the 83rd Troop Command, Young was both a first sergeant and a command sergeant major for 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, of the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Young was selected for the position by Col. Mike A. Canzoneri, commander, 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He represents what is right in the NCO role Canzoneri said.

“I am definitely honored to be here, I am, definitely, honored to be the command sergeant major for the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team,” said Young “I guarantee you I will give you nothing less than a 100 percent.”

Young thanked his new commander for the opportunity as well as his previous leaders for their support, but the focus of his message was to his Soldiers.

“To the Soldiers, I work for you, never forget that,” said Young. “That is my job, I work for you.”

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Master Sgt. Raleigh Rogers (left) of the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing talks with a soldier from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) near Camp Stephenson Guyana, April 24, 2013. Rogers and other Guardsmen were in the South American nation as part of the State Partnership Program (SPP), conducting "Ammo Handler and Unit Armorer Assessments". Photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

By Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa
Florida National Guard Public Affairs

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (May 6, 2013) – Three National Guardsmen brought their expertise of ordnance and demolitions to Guyana recently, continuing an ongoing partnership between Florida and the South American nation. Photos of the mission on flickr.

Soldiers from the Florida Army National Guard’s 221st Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and an Airman from the 125th Fighter Wing traveled nearly 2,000 miles southeast of Miami to Guyana’s capital city of Georgetown. There they participated in an information exchange with members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Members of the Guyana Defence Force and the Florida National Guard conduct an armory assessment at a coast guard facility in Georgetown, Guyana, April 24, 2013. Photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

The Florida Guardsmen – all EOD specialists with experience in combat zones – conducted the exchange as part of the Florida National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP) April 24-26. During the brief visit they toured GDF facilities in and around the capital, provided assessments of ammunition storage and arms room procedures, and offered best practices for handling ammo and explosives.

“When we’re doing these assessments we are making recommendations on better ways to inventory arms and ammunition,” explained 2nd Lt. Thomas Ashlock of the 221st EOD. “Perhaps we just recommend security locks or different accountability procedures. We will give them some suggestions, but we will also learn some tips that help us when we go back to the States.”

Even though this was Ashlock’s fifth State Partnership Program assignment with the Florida National Guard, the mission didn’t go entirely as planned: his luggage and military uniform were lost during the flight to Guyana forcing him to wear civilian clothes for the week; seemingly perpetual rain interrupted scheduled visits; and his briefing to GDF members at their headquarters in Camp Ayangana was punctuated with loud music from the Guyanese Defence Force band practicing nearby.

“We encounter problems here just like we do in the States,” Ashlock, wearing a blue polo shirt and khaki shorts, said of the exchanges. “But ‘mission must go on’. It doesn’t matter what I’m wearing as long as I have the knowledge for these exchanges. I’d much rather be in uniform, but I can’t really help that.”

Master Sgt. Raleigh Rogers looks over a pile of expended artillery shell at a Guyana Defense Force compound near Georgetown, Guyana, April 24, 2013. Photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

During the visit the Guardsmen also met with Guyanese EOD teams at Camp Stevenson on the outskirts of Georgetown, sharing ideas about everything from safe disposal of outdated ammunition to possibilities for recycling old shell casings. This included a site survey of an ammunition storage compound and a demonstration of “burning” unexploded rounds in a safe and efficient manner.

Capt. Drumsom McCauley of the GDF said the exchange reconfirmed some techniques and training their EOD experts and senior non-commissioned officers already had, but for some of his soldiers the briefings were unique.

“It is a plus for us because we have never had (some of them) exposed to this type of exchange before,” McCauley said. “We constantly keep doing these exchanges just to improve our standards here in the GDF.”

Warrant Officer Dwayne Layne, an EOD expert in the Guyana Defense Force, explained how valuable the exchange was for the GDF soldiers – especially when the talk steered toward safe handling of explosives. As a member of the GDF for 15 years Layne has worked with a lot of explosives, but he said it was important that some of the less-experienced soldiers are reinforced with the safety aspects of their profession.

“As EOD we take some great risks, so we put all of our safety measures into place,” Layne said. “This is a very dangerous job.”

The visit was much more than just an information exchange, however; like other SPP visits it was an opportunity for the Florida National Guard to reaffirm its relationship with a partner nation.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Dwayne Layne, an explosive ordnance demolition (EOD) expert with the Guyana Defence Force talks with members of the Florida Army and Air National Guard's during a State Partnership Program information exchange on April 25, 2013, at Camp Ayangana, Guyana. Photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

“The partnership with Guyana is so important because it is U.S. Southern Command’s hope, the Florida National Guard’s hope, and Guyana’s hope that we can strengthen this partnership,” said U.S. Military Liaison Officer for Guyana Capt. Benton Gammons. “It started a few years ago and every year is has been consistently better. But what we want to do is continue to engage and grow the program. It is mutually beneficial to us to reach out to partner nations and help them, because they help us with our interests in the region. It is also mutually beneficial for the partner nation because we bring some things to bear with our forces – especially in the Florida National Guard – that they may not have access to.”

The Florida National Guard has maintained a partnership with Guyana since 2003.

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Soldiers of the 164th ADA stand in formation as they listen to remarks during their deployment ceremony. They will be deploying to the National Capital Region. Courtesy photo

By Sgt. Valeria Pete
164th ADA

ORLANDO (April 30, 2013) – Ready to protect the “pillars of democracy,” Soldiers of the 164th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Brigade were commemorated at a deployment ceremony Friday, April 26th, for their upcoming deployment in support of the National Capitol Region- Air Missile Defense Task Force mission in Washington, D.C.

“Answering the call to duty is not new to the Soldiers and families of the 164th,” said Maj. Gen. James D. Tyre, commander of the Florida Army National Guard. “Over the last 12 years, no other unit in the Florida National Guard has deployed more often.”

Alongside supportive family members and friends of mission ready Soldiers, sat distinguished guests. VIP guests in attendance included: Maj. Gen. Tyre; retired Maj. Gen Bruce Davis; Mr. Jason Russo; Mr. Frank Detoma; a representative from Senator Bill Nelson’s office; and several other local officials.

Command Sgt. Major Ronald Lang (left), Maj. Gen. James D. Tyre, Col. Matthew J. Hearon, Col. Grant Slayden, and Command Sgt. Major Robert Hosford proudly hold the Florida State Flag during the Task Force Artemis deployment ceremony. The Soldiers will take the flag with them to the National Capital Region to fly over the Joint Air Defense Operations Center during their deployment. Courtesy photo

“This unit has a tremendous mix of talent,” said Col. Matthew J. Hearon, commander of the 164th ADA Brigade. Soldiers between the ranks of specialist to colonel with varied Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) and varied deployment experience stood ready to undertake the mission. Once in Washington these varied skills will function together proficiently to execute the Task Force Artemis mission.

“What will we do with all this experience?” asked Col. Grant Slayden, Task Force Artemis commander. “We will use it to bring a renewed Air Defense expertise to the mission, a renewed professionalism, and a renewed dedication to the mission.”

“While in the NCR we will be protecting people and structures, but it is really the ‘pillars of democracy’ we will be protecting,” said Slayden, “that is why we are deploying.” 

Led by Col. Slayden, the Soldiers will provide command and control to support Homeland defense as a part of Operation Noble Eagle. Once in D.C., Soldiers will provide protection against ground and air-based attacks with advanced air missile defense systems consisting of sensors, alert fighters and ground-based air defense weapons systems. 

“The systems used today include the most up-to-date technology available anywhere in the world,” said Tyre. 

Teamwork will definitely be a favorable skill for the Soldiers as they work with a variety of members from the Air National Guard, government, and civilian agencies, to provide the utmost security for the National Capital Region (NCR). 

It has been a strenuous year of training as the Soldiers prepared to defend the nation’s skies. As with all deployments, Soldiers trained on Warrior Tasks as well as additional classified tasks per the special demands of the NCR mission. 

“I am confident that they will be successful at Ft. Bliss and will meet the challenges that lay ahead of them in the NCR,” said Tyre. 

The 164th along with two of their subordinate air defense battalions, 1-265th and 3-265th, rotate with the Ohio Army National Guard, the South Carolina Army National Guard, the Mississippi Army National Guard and the North Dakota Army National Guard. Task Force Artemis will be the Brigade’s fifth rotation to the National Capital Region since 2004. 

Ever since the implementation of Operation Noble Eagle, the 164th has played an essential role in supporting the mission. Operation Noble Eagle was created in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and was put into action in 2003. One of only few in-country deployments, the NCR mission exemplifies the National Guard’s crucial role in defending the homeland.

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FLNG Counterdrug Soldiers assisted in a recent Ground Reconnaissance Phase II course conducted at Camp Murray, Washington State. Indiana, Colorado, Nevada and Washington State National Guardsmen were enrolled in the course. This course is designed to better equip Counterdrug Service Members for the Domestic War Against Drugs. Photo provided by GRT Staff

By Capt. Nathan Dinger
FLNG Counterdrug Operations Office

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. (April 22, 2013) – While Floridians live in peace in their communities, our Florida National Guardsmen often work within very brutal environments. This is especially true when referring to the FLNG Counterdrug Ground Reconnaissance Team (GRT).  These Soldiers spend a great deal of their time lying in swamps, tick-ridden thickets, or operating within an urban environment plagued by illicit drug activity.

Ground Reconnaissance Phase II course conducted at Camp Murray, Washington State. Photo provided by GRT Staff

While these factors would cause great distress for most, the FLNG Counterdrug GRT has exceeded the national standard of drug control and reduction.  This fact was recently vindicated by the Washington Counterdrug program and the Western Regional Counterdrug Training Center (WRCTC) when the facility requested our GRT program provide three instructors in order to assist in the planning, preparation, and execution of the regions Ground Reconnaissance Phase II course.  This course was conducted Feb. 17-March 4, 2013 in Washington.  The FLNG GRT personnel instructed courses including small unit tactics, land navigation, hide site construction, and information reporting techniques.  Additionally, the GRT team assisted the course manager in the instruction of tactical boat operations, combat water survival, mobile and rural operations, digital photography, and combatives.

As a result of the FLNG Counterdrug GRT’s efforts, the Northern Border is better protected from Transnational Criminal Organizations.  Furthermore, the number of outdoor grows, illicit shipping corridors, and drug houses will be greatly reduced.  Most importantly, the pattern of life data will be provided to local and federal law enforcement.  This data will enhance limited law enforcement assets and augment their strained resources.  This in turn will result in more secure, drug free communities for citizens across the North-Western Region of the United States.  

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