Soldiers from the 869th Engineer Company and 669th Engineer Detachment gather outside the James A. Shanks Middle School in Quincy, Fla., Feb. 15, 2012, as dignitaries and community members wish them well on a year-long deployment. While deployed, the Soldiers will provide military engineering support for Operation Enduring Freedom. Photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

QUINCY, Fla. (Feb. 15, 2012) – More than 140 Guardsmen from North Florida are on their way to Afghanistan, following a deployment ceremony in Quincy this afternoon that drew the state’s top officials and hundreds of community members.

Soldiers from the 869th Engineer Company and 669th Engineer Detachment gathered outside the James A. Shanks Middle School as dignitaries including Gov. Rick Scott and Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll wished them well on a year-long deployment. While deployed, the Soldiers will provide military engineering support for Operation Enduring Freedom.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, and Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw Jr. applaud for the Soldiers of the 869th Engineer Company and 669th Engineer Detachment in Quincy, Fla., Feb. 15, 2012, prior to the Soldiers' deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

“On behalf of the over 19 million Floridians, we thank each of you for honoring the call to serve our country,” Gov. Scott told the deploying Soldiers. “…Florida is absolutely safer because of your service. America is stronger because of your service.”

The governor also reiterated his support for helping returning military members find employment, mentioning the state’s Hiring Florida’s Heroes campaign; the year-long effort is aimed at connecting returning National Guardsmen and other veterans with job openings as Florida’s economy continues to improve.

“One thing we can do for you is ensure that you have the support when you return home, and that includes jobs,” Gov. Scott said. “I recently joined business leaders to make a commitment to our military and veterans; through our (Hiring Florida’s Heroes) campaign we are committed to making sure you have a job when you come back.”

Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Emmett R. Titshaw Jr. also expressed the National Guard’s commitment to support its Soldiers during the deployment, and thanked the families of those Soldiers for their support.

“You have our undying gratitude for your service to this nation through your Soldier that you support,” the general said. “The sacrifice that you endure is recognized and valued by the Florida National Guard.”

The 869th Engineer Company’s Sgt. 1^stClass Henry James, who is making his second deployment overseas with the Florida National Guard, said he and his Soldiers appreciated the support of their families and the community at the deployment ceremony.

The 869th Engineer Company's Sgt. 1st Class Henry James, who is making his second deployment overseas with the Florida National Guard, in Quincy, Fla., Feb. 15, 2012. Photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

“I think it’s great that everybody came together today,” James said. “It’s not just a deployment for the 869th, but it’s a deployment for the City of Quincy.”

Quincy-resident Staff Sgt. Bobby Sanders of the 669th Engineer Company, who is also making his second deployment to Southwest Asia with the Florida National Guard, said he feels proud knowing his community and family are so supportive of the Soldiers in his unit.

“This is a big thing that is happening to Quincy,” he said of the small city northwest of Florida’s capital. “I feel a lot of pride about it.”

Sanders noted that after nearly 34 years in the Florida National Guard, this would be his last overseas deployment.

“My wife said this will be the last time. I said ‘Okay. It will be then,’” Sanders said with a laugh.

The engineer units will complete additional training at both Camp Shelby, Miss., and Ft. Bliss, Texas, before heading to Afghanistan.

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The Florida National Guard Counterdrug Program was presented the 2012 Outstanding State National Guard Civil Operations Program Award during the 2012 Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) National Leadership Forum in Washington, DC, Feb. 7. Members accepting on behalf of the Florida National Guard Counterdrug Civil Operations Program included (from left) 1st Sgt. Wesley Erb, 1st Lt. Roye Locklear, Lt. Col. Michael Powers, 1st Sgt. Alain Roque, Capt. Jeanette Kingsley in addition to Maj. Gen. David Harris, Director, Domestic Operations & Force Development, National Guard Bureau, Maj. Gen. (retired) Arthur Dean, Chairman / Chief Executive Officer, CADCA and Col. William Beiswenger, Jr., Director, Joint Directorate of Intelligence and Domestic Operations, Florida National Guard. The Program is being recognized for their outstanding and longstanding commitment to community coalitions in Florida. Photo by Sgt. Lalita Laksbergs, National Guard Bureau - Counterdrug, Public Affairs

By Sgt. Lalita Laksbergs
National Guard Bureau – Counterdrug, Public Affairs

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (Feb. 14, 2012) – The Florida National Guard Counterdrug Program received the 2012 Outstanding State National Guard Civil Operations Program Award Feb. 7, at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) 22nd National Leadership Forum, held at the Gaylord National Hotel & Conference Center, National Harbor, Md.

This is the first time that the Florida National Guard Counterdrug Program has been honored with this award. The program was recognized for its outstanding and longstanding commitment to community coalitions in Florida.

“Without the hard work and dedication of each and every one of our Counterdrug members and supporting agencies, this award would not be possible,” said Capt. Jeanette Kingsley, Florida National Guard Counterdrug Civil Operations Program Manager. “We engage with communities from the western panhandle to Key West. We feel lucky to be a part of the positive development of more than 151,000 students and adults in the State of Florida in 2011.”

In addition to the core Counterdrug Civil Operations mission of helping communities reduce substance abuse, the Florida Counterdrug program has helped coalitions plan and promote prescription drug take back events, provided logistical support for town hall meetings on underage drinking and offered Graphic Information System mapping capabilities.

“We strive to exceed expectations in all we do,” said Col. William Beiswenger, Jr., Director, Florida National Guard, Joint Directorate of Intelligence and Domestic Operations. “We are pleased to be a supporting entity to the CADCA organization in educating our youth on making positive life choices.”

Since 1992, CADCA has trained local grassroots groups in community problem-solving strategies, in assessing local substance abuse-related problems and in developing comprehensive plans to address them.

“The National Guard has always been part of our communities and being members of CADCA only strengthens that community commitment,” said Maj. Gen. David Harris, Director, National Guard Bureau, Domestic Operations & Force Development. “We have a vested interest because Guard members live in communities all across the nation. By maintaining the National Guard’s core mission of support to communities, we keep those community relationships strong.”

CADCA is the nation’s leading drug abuse prevention organization, representing the interests of more than 5,000 community anti-drug coalitions in the country.

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Col. Jack Paschal speaks to members of the 202nd REDHORSE as they prepare for the upcoming deployment to Southwest Asia. Photo by Tech. Sgt. William Nicholls

By Tech. Sgt. Bill Nicholls
202nd REDHORSE Squadron

CAMP BLANDING JOINT TRAINING CENTER, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2012) – More than 100 members of the Florida Air National Guard’s 202nd RED HORSE Squadron will deploy to Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan in March 2012.  Combining with the 254th RED HORSE (RHS) from Guam, both units will form a composite group—the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron (ERHS) – for the ten month assignment.

 202nd Commander Col. Jack Paschal said: “My goal remains the same—accomplish the mission, and bring everyone home exactly as they were when we departed.  This is an extremely important assignment, because we’ll be directly engaged in supporting Coalition troops who are fighting terrorists.  It’s the real deal.”

Paschal will serve as Deputy Commander of the First Expeditionary Civil Engineering Group.  Lt. Col. Audie Arturo (254th RHS) will command the 557th ERHS.

RED HORSE is well-prepared for this assignment; this is its third major wartime deployment since 2001.  In addition to wartime missions, RHS had a very successful Operational Readiness Inspection in 2010, an equally successful Unit Compliance Inspection in 2009, played a major role in Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts, and a 2009-2010 tour with a Consequence Management Response Force (CCMRF) .  The Southwest Asia assignment should be wrapped up by October 2012.

Why did these Airmen volunteer for an assignment in Afghanistan?  Motivation varies.

Members of the 202nd REDHORSE train for the upcoming deployment to Southwest Asia. Photo by Tech. Sgt. William Nicholls

Staff Sgt. Mary Adams said she is looking forward to the training and the money she will earn on deployment: “This is my second tour in Afghanistan.  The money helps, the training is great, and I just got promoted to Staff Sergeant last month.  I’m looking forward to it!”

Senior Airman Nicole Edwards said: “I’m going so I can give of myself, to help our Country.”

Throughout January and February RHS Airmen have kept busy with weapons training, Humvee licensing, last-minute medical checks, and finalizing more than a dozen on-line computer courses—all of which have to be completed prior to departure.

Before RED HORSE can go overseas, all deploying Airmen will undergo additional training in Combat Skills Training at Camp McGregor, N.M. (just outside Fort Bliss, Texas).  There they will fine-tune skills used in ground combat operations, provide command and control, support structure for Airmen in Combat Skills, weapons qualifications, medical skills, communications, navigation/map reading, convoy procedures, and how to identify/handle improvised explosive devices.

After graduating from Combat Skills Training, RED HORSE Airmen will travel to Southwest Asia for various assignments in classified locations throughout the area.  Engineering Officer Maj. Mark Keels said RED HORSE Airmen will work on infrastructure improvements, weapons systems beddown, POL (Petroleum, Oil, Lubricant)/warehouse expansion, plus relocating taxiways for aircraft parking ramps.

“This will be one of the best training opportunities we’ve had in years,” Keels said. “…It’ll be very productive.  Now in terms of lodging, our people will be staying in permanent and semi-permanent billeting trailers.”

The 557th ERHS First Sergeant will be Senior Master Sgt. Sherri Nelson, who said cooperation is a big factor: “It’s important for everyone to work together, and be respectful of each other.  Living and working together for almost a year, everything will be magnified.  Personality conflicts, interactions of any nature—it all needs to be dealt with in a courteous and respectful manner.  Treat others the way you would want to be treated.”

With half the unit overseas, RED HORSE Airmen remaining in Florida will be on hurricane watch, Home Station Training, and assisting at the Republican National Convention in Tampa this August.  Col. Paschal said Home Station missions will continue: “We’ve strategically kept certain key people—both full and part time, on station.  We’ll be ready for any assignments that come up, natural disasters, hurricanes, regular training, and the Republican Convention in August.  The missions will continue both at home and abroad.”

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This portion of the historic seawall along the bayfront in dowtown St. Augustine, Fla., will be restored over the next 12 months as part of a $6.3 million project to restore the 175-year-old barrier stretching from the city's center to the Florida National Guard headquarters. Photo by Debra Cox

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2012) – An historic seawall in the nation’s oldest city will soon be getting a makeover, nearly two centuries after the U.S. military started construction on the initial project in Northeast Florida.

Members of the Florida National Guard joined with local dignitaries Monday morning for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Seawall Rehabilitation Project in downtown St. Augustine. Soldiers and Airmen helped kick off a $6.3 million project to restore a 175-year-old seawall stretching south along the bay front from the city’s center to the Florida National Guard headquarters.

Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw Jr. joined U.S. Rep. John Mica, Director of Florida Division of Emergency Management Bryan Koon, and St. Augustine Mayor Joseph Boles at the city’s marina to announce the start of the year-long project.

The seawall restoration will not only help protect the immediate area from flooding by tropical storms, but is intended to beautify the downtown bay front. The new seawall will include a twelve-foot wide barrier into Matanzas Bay, and encapsulate the historic seawall as part of a new waterfront park.

Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw Jr. (second from left) joins state and local dignitaries in breaking ground on the Seawall Rehabilitation Project in downtown St. Augustine, Feb. 13, 2012. Soldiers and Airmen helped kick off the $6.3 million project to restore a 175-year-old seawall stretching south along the bay front from the city's center to the Florida National Guard headquarters. Photo by Debra Cox

According to Maj. Gen. Titshaw, the fact that the original seawall was designed and built by West Point graduates and military engineers in the early 19th century adds to the proud military heritage of St. Augustine – a heritage that modern-day Guardsmen carry on each day.

“We in the Florida National Guard are privileged that we have some sort of oversight into the protection and well-being of the citizens of not only the city, but of our state and nation,” he said. “…The Florida National Guard is proud to be a part of that and we will be proud about a year from now when we stand here and celebrate the completion of this project. It will add one more jewel to the crown that St. Augustine wears.”

The original seawall was constructed between 1837 and 1846 by military engineers incorporating cut blocks of coquina topped with a layer of granite. The new wall will be constructed with joint funds from the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the City of St. Augustine. It is scheduled for completion in 2012.

The new seawall restoration will be completed in time for St. Augustine’s 450th Celebration, commemorating the founding of the settlement by the Spanish in 1565.

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Florida Air National Guard State Command Chief Master Sgt. Robert Lee (left) and Florida Air National Guard Commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Balskus prepare to award the Florida Distinguished Service Medal to 2012 Airmen of the Year Senior Airman Michael Summers Jr., Master Sgt. Chad Guillet, Master Sgt. Natalie Cooper, Senior Master Sgt. Gerald Pangelinan, Tech. Sgt. Richard Mongold, and Tech. Sgt. Douglas Henry, Feb. 10, 2012 at the World Golf Village. Photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2012) – Respect, honor and excellence were reflected in the eyes of more than 200 Airmen and their families Friday evening, as the Florida Air National Guard selected its “2012 Airmen of the Year.”

The six “Outstanding Airmen of the Year” were presented awards for their dedication and achievement during the annual ceremony at the World Golf Village by Commander of the Florida Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Joseph Balskus and State Command Chief Master Sgt. Robert Lee.

The general lauded the winners and all 2012 Airmen of the Year nominees, and called on everyone present to embody the core values of the U.S. Air Force and follow the tenets Airman’s Creed.

“Airmen of this organization: we are extremely proud of you,” Balskus said. “As I looked into your eyes tonight, I saw American Airmen…I saw people who ‘get it’ and care.”

The general added that every member of the Florida Air National Guard should follow the examples of excellence set by the Airmen of the Year, and look at the core values of U.S. Air Force – Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do – on a daily basis.

Balskus and Lee presented awards to Airmen from units throughout the state for the categories of Airman of the Year, Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, First Sergeant of the Year, Honor Guard Member of the Year, and Honor Guard Manager of the Year.

The six Airmen that were chosen for the prestigious awards were: Senior Airman Michael Summers Jr., Master Sgt. Chad Guillet, Master Sgt. Natalie Cooper, Senior Master Sgt. Gerald Pangelinan, Tech. Sgt. Richard Mongold, and Tech. Sgt. Douglas Henry.

Each of the winners received the Florida Distinguished Service Medal, and will go on to compete nationally at the U.S. Air Force level.

Airman of the Year Senior Airman Michael Summer Jr. is a Network Infrastructure Journeyman at the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla. He was born at Seymore Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., and graduated from Melbourne High School in Melbourne, Fla., in 2001. He has an Associates of Science Degree in Network Security and is currently enrolled at the University of Central Florida working towards his Bachelors of Science Degree in Computer Security Systems. He joined the Florida Air National Guard in 2008, and in 2010 deployed with MacDill’s Joint Communications Support Element to Afghanistan for six months. He is presently employed as an Engineering Computing Technician in Palm Bay, Fla.

Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Tech. Sgt. Chad Guillet is a Systems Control, Telemetry and Command System Operator at the 114th Range Operations Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base. Originally from Woonsocket, R.I., he joined the Rhode Island Army National Guard in 1995, served in Iraq from April 2004 to April 2005. He joined the Florida Air National Guard in June 2006, and he is a subject matter expert on the Transportable Command and Telemetry System (TCATS) at the 114th Range Operations Squadron. Since 2009 he has served full-time as the unit’s Quality Assurance Expert. He has a degree in Business Management from the Community College of Rhode Island.

Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Master Sgt. Natalie Cooper is a Knowledge Operations Craftsman for the Florida Air National Guard, Headquarters Detachment 1, at Tyndall Air Force Base. She is originally from Los Angeles, Calif., and entered the active duty Air Force in 1997. After serving a four-year assignment at Hurlburt Field, Fla., she transferred to the California National Guard in 2001. In 2002 she joined the Florida Air National Guard, where she served at the Southeast Air Defense Sector, and later the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall. In 2008 she joined the Florida Air National Guard, Headquarters Detachment 1, where she is administratively responsible from F-22/F-35 instructor pilots and enlisted members.  Her duties also include Acting Group First Sergeant.

First Sergeant of the Year Senior Master Sgt. Gerald Pangelinan is First Sergeant at the 125th Fighter Wing (HQ/OPS) in Jacksonville, Fla. He is originally from Guam, and began his military career in 1986 with the U.S. Army, serving in Air Defense Artillery on active duty. He subsequently served in the U.S. Army Reserves and the Guam Air National Guard. In 1997 he joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves, and two years later transferred to the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing as an Electrical Systems Journeyman. During this time he was instrumental in starting the Junior Enlisted Council at the 125th, and served as its first president. In 2008 he was selected at the First Sergeant for the 125th Fighter Wing Headquarters. As a civilian he is a Police Officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Honor Guard Member of the Year Tech. Sgt. Richard Mongold is a Cyber Transport Systems Specialist at the 114th Range Operations Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base. He is originally from West Virginia, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1999 as a Pharmacy Technician.  After serving at the 45th Space Wing, he retrained as a Computer Operator and received a follow-on assignment to the 30th Space Communications Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. In 2008 he transition to the Florida Air National Guard’s 114th Range Operations Squadron as a Cyber Transport Systems Specialist. Since May 2011 he has been working with the Patrick Air Force Base Honor Guard team, assisting with an average of 65 military funerals a month.

Honor Guard Manager of the Year Tech. Sgt. Douglas Henry is a Special Vehicle Maintenance Technician at the 114th Range Operations Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base. In addition he is a member of the Patrick Air force Base Honor Guard team serving on a voluntary activation tour at the newly opened South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Fla. He is originally from Pennsylvania, and enlisted in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard in 1987 as a Ground Radio Maintenance Technician. He subsequently served in the Iowa Air National Guard as a Public Health Technician, and later joined the Florida Air National Guard. He is currently enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force.

Other nominees for the 2012 Outstanding Airman of the Year included: Staff Sgt. Stephen McGuire from the 101st Air Operations Group; Senior Airman Ethan Labonte from the 114th Range Operations Squadron; Senior Airman Julio Quinones from the 202nd RED HORSE Squadron; and Airman 1st Class Stephanie Karst from the 125th Fighter Wing. Also nominated for the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year were: Tech. Sgt. Kenny Geisendorff from the 202nd RED HORSE Squadron; Tech. Sgt. Thomas Mahan from the Weather Readiness Training Center; Tech. Sgt. Charles Wilkie from the 125th Fighter Wing; Tech. Sgt. Michael Wilson from the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron; and Staff Sgt. Brett Dunning from the 101st Air Operations Group. Also nominated for the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year were: Senior Master Sgt. Richard Hardy from the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron; Senior Master Sgt. Eric McClendon from the 125th Fighter Wing; Master Sgt. Todd Carballo from the Weather Readiness Training Center; Master Sgt. Jami Osborn from the 114th Range Operations Squadron; Master Sgt. Crystal Register from the 202nd RED HORSE Squadron; and Master Sgt. Karrie Warren from the 101st Air Operations Group. Other Honor Guard Members of the Year nominees included: Master Sgt. Juan Guzman-Camacho from the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron; Master Sgt. Richard Phillips from the 101st Air Operations Group; and Master Sgt. Paul Still from the 125th Fighter Wing. Tech. Sgt. John Hartzell from the 101st Air Operations Group was also nominated for the Honor Guard Manager of the Year.

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The International Franchise Association is inviting U.S. veterans to its 52nd Annual 2012 IFA Convention in Orlando as part of “Operation Enduring Opportunity,” the franchise industry’s campaign to hire as team members and recruit as franchise business owners 75,000 veterans and 5,000 wounded warriors by 2014.

At the 2012 IFA Convention, U.S. veterans and military spouses will be invited to visit the first-ever IFA VetFran Pavilion offering Tools & Solutions to match veterans with franchise opportunities. Approximately 3000 franchise business leaders will attend the Convention – many of whom are interested in hiring and recruiting veterans. The Hero2Hired Mobile Job Store Truck, The Value of a Veteran, MilitaryFranchising.com, GI Jobs, the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, The UPS Store, and CiCi’s Pizza’s Patriot Program will be founding exhibitors in the VetFran Pavilion, sponsored by The Dwyer Group, Sprigster Boost a Hero, and Guidant Financial.

Veterans have a proven track record of success in franchising. According to a recent study based on U.S. Census data, there are more than 66,000 veteran-owned franchise establishments in the United States, providing jobs directly for 815,000 Americans. Over 2,100 veterans have become franchise business owners through the IFA’s VetFran program, originally established in 1991. Responding now to veteran unemployment rates of 11.7 percent (30 percent for veterans under 20-24 years old), IFA launched Operation Enduring Opportunity in November to offer returning veterans career paths in franchising including employment and ownership on a broader scale.

Veterans will have a chance to meet with franchisor and supplier exhibitors on Sunday, Feb. 12, 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm including a the VetFran and Lender Reception starting at 7:00 pm. The exhibit hall will remain open Monday until noon.

VA Chief of Staff John Gingrich will offer remarks at our General Session on the IFA’s Operation Enduring Opportunity Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 8:00 to 10:00 am. The “Panel of the Pros” general session of the Convention Feb. 14 will feature franchise business leaders including Mary Kennedy Thompson (USMC, Ret.), President of Mr. Rooter and VetFran Committee Chair, Greg Tanner, VP of Franchising, Aaron’s, Stuart Mathis, President of The UPS StoreR, as well as SSG Shilo Harris (U.S. Army, Ret.), a wounded warrior. The panel will be moderated by IFA Second Vice Chair Steve Romaniello, Managing Director of Roark Capital Group.

The Marriott World Center is located at 8701 World Center Drive in Orlando, just off I-4 — Exit 67 to 536 East.

The IFA is the oldest and largest trade association of the franchise industry, representing 1800 brands that provide for $2.1 trillion in economic development and 18 million U.S. jobs with nearly 800,000 business units.

For more information about the IFA Convention in Orlando, click here .Veterans and military spouses can register here.

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By Army Master Sgt. Mark Swart
Joint Public Affairs Support Element

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2012) – Service members from the Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE) – including members of the Florida Air National Guard’s 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron – found themselves in a familiar situation in early December as they relied on teamwork in small groups to accomplish a challenging mission.

After the 50-mile relay, members of the Joint Communications Support Element stand in formation as Col. Stephen Corcoran, JCSE commander, gives a speech on the history of JCSE. The JCSE is the premiere joint communications unit in the Department of Defense and provides communications support on short notice in support of Department of Defense missions around the world. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Shandresha Mitchell/ Released)

Running through the night and into the early morning, teams from each JCSE completed a 50-mile relay run the morning of Dec. 9 at the fitness center track on MacDill Air Force Base.

The element, which specializes in sending small teams of communications specialists on short notice to support U.S. forces in contingencies around the world, ran in a mass formation of more than 200 service members back to headquarters where they took time to observe the significance of the day.

Rear Adm. Scott A. Stearney, commander of the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, the higher headquarters for JCSE, spoke to the unit after the run.

“Because of the many thousands and three generations of service members who have come before you, the next 50 years is just the beginning,” Stearney said. “You all carry a special place in our hearts today.”

He added that leadership, especially from the noncommissioned officers, had been one of the keys to mission success for the element. He said JCSE service members are the “essence of what a joint warrior is today. You have the ability to quickly set up command and control wherever and whenever needed.”

Col. Stephen Corcoran, commander of JCSE, noted that even on special occasions such as this, the mission never stops.

“Nearly one third of JCSE is deployed or in motion right now. Today we stop to reflect on the past 50 years and to think about the future,” he said.

JCSE was originally formed as the Communications Support Element in 1961 with 415 Air Force and Army members; in 1972 the Navy and Marines joined the element and it was renamed JCSE.

Some of the first missions for JCSE included deployment to the Belgian Congo in 1964 in support of Joint Task Force Leo and support during disaster relief after the Brownsville, Texas, floods in 1968.

Today JCSE has the capability for mobile, initial-entry, or early-entry communications support for up to a 40-person Joint Task Force in permissive and non-permissive environments. It can also support a larger joint task force headquarters and two Joint Special Operations Task Force headquarters with anywhere from 40-1,500 users.

JCSE consists of more than 1,000 service members in both active and reserve component forces — including three active duty squadrons, two Air-National Guard Squadrons, and one Army Reserve squadron.

In the past year JCSE has deployed service members in support of: Operation Tomodachi, Japan; Operation Odyssey Dawn, Stuttgart, Germany;  Operation Continuing Promise 2011, Central and South America; Operation New Dawn, Iraq; and Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. The JCSE is a subordinate unit of the U.S. Transportation Command’s Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, based in Norfolk, Va.

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By Sgt. Christopher Vann

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2012) – Capt. Ryan Leonard took command of the Florida National Guard’s 153rd Financial Management Company from Maj. William Brothers during a change of command ceremony in St. Augustine, Fla., Feb. 5, 2012.

Capt. Ryan Leonard, commander of the 153rd Financial Management Company, speaks to Soldiers during a change of command ceremony in St. Augustine, Fla., Feb. 5, 2012.

Capt. Ryan A. Leonard enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard in April 1998 with the 3153rd Finance Detachment. He was commisioned as a second lieutenant in 2002 from the Florida State University ROTC program in Tallahassee, Fla. Leonard has served in several positions throughout his career including as a signal platoon leader, the 1153rd Finance Detachment Commander, Finance Officer for Joint Forces Headquarters-Florida, and in his most recent position as Executive Officer for the 153rd Finance Management Company.

Leonard deployed with the 1153rd Finance Detachment as the Detachment Commander in 2005, serving in Iraq. He is a graduate of the Financial Management Captain’s Career Course. Leonard received a Bachelor’s degree in Information Studies from FSU, and will graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Uniersity in May 2012 with a Master’s degree in Management.

“I’m excited about the challenges and the rewards that come with a company command,” said Leonard.

Soldiers from the 153rd Financial Management Company welcomed Capt. Ryan Leonard as their new commander, Feb. 5, 2012.

Major William R. Brothers enlisted in the Florida National Guard in November 1992. He served as an enlisted Guardsman for more than five years,starting as an ambulance driver for the 156th Medical Company in St. Augustine between 1992 and 1994. He attended Officer Candidate School at Florida Regional Training Institute, Camp Blanding Joint Training Center before being commissioned in August 1995.

Brothers served in positions ranging from platoon leader for Company C, 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, in Orlando, Fla., to his most recent position as Commanding Officer of the 153rd Financial Management Company. Brothers deployed to Iraq with Company A, 2-124th, as the Executive Officer.

Brothers is a graduate of the Financial Management Captain’s Career Course. He received an Associate’s degree from St. Johns River Community College in 1983 and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida in 1985. Brothers works full-time as the Education Service Officer for the Florida National Guard.

 Brothers left the unit by issuing a challenge to the Soldiers of the 153rd. “I want you to raise the bar for yourselves. Don’t be afraid to fail. Have the guts to be a leader.”

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ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Feb. 3, 2012) – Three Florida high school football teams were honored this week by Florida Army National Guard recruiters for their commitment to excellence and outstanding seasons.

The 7th Annual MaxPreps Football Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard visited Manatee High School in Bradenton, Armwood High School in Seffner, and Miami Norland Senior High School in South Florida.

The teams finished 8th, 9th and 19th respectively out of 16,000 high school football teams in the nation in the MaxPreps Freeman Rankings poll, and are three of only 50 being recognized by the Army National Guard.

At each school Florida Army National Guard recruiters presented the team and their coach a “Minuteman” Army National Guard ranking trophy and championship rafter banners to be hung in the school.

Manatee High School in Bradenton. Courtesy photo

Armwood High School in Seffner. Courtesy photo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miami Norland Senior High School in South Florida. Courtesy photo

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2012) –Governor Rick Scott joined business, military, veteran and workforce leaders during the annual Florida National Guard Day Jan. 24, 2012, at the Capitol to launch a year-long effort aimed at connecting returning National Guardsmen and other veterans with job openings as Florida’s economy continues to improve.

Maj. Gen. Emmett R. Titshaw Jr., the Adjutant General of Florida, speaks during a press conference Tuesday announcing the "Hiring Florida's Heroes" initiative at the state Capitol.

“These courageous men and women have served us with honor, and it is our turn to ensure veterans who are returning to civilian life have jobs when they come home,” said Governor Scott. “We are calling on Florida’s employers to give veterans strong consideration for available positions. With their proven leadership, skills and discipline, hiring Florida’s heroes is a smart move for businesses and the right thing to do for our veterans and their families.”

While the unemployment rate for Florida’s overall veteran population is slightly lower than that of the population at large, the Florida National Guard estimates approximately 17 percent of returning soldiers and airmen are looking for work. In partnership with Florida’s leading business organizations, the Hiring Florida’s Heroes campaign aims to promote the availability of these returning veterans to Florida’s employers and connect employers with a variety of resources to assist in the hiring process.

Employers interested in hiring veterans are encouraged to call the Employ Florida Marketplace hotline at (866) 352-2345 to connect with a workforce specialist in their area. The specialists can assist employers by posting job listings, assembling lists of qualified candidates and answering questions about available training options among other services. Employers also can visit the Employ Florida Vets web portal at veterans.employflorida.com to post job listings and view resumes.

“Florida’s returning Soldiers and Airmen possess strong leadership skills, work with integrity and are solid private-sector job candidates,” said Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “The Florida Chamber encourages private-sector businesses to honor these talented veterans by hiring our heroes.”

Additionally, the state’s workforce system — consisting of Workforce Florida Inc., the Department of Economic Opportunity, the state’s 24 Regional Workforce Boards and nearly 100 One-Stop Career Centers — is working closely with the Florida National Guard, the state Department of Military Affairs and the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs to provide employment services to veterans who are looking for work and help employers access this exceptional talent pool. Since January 2011, workforce system partners have assisted 12,776 veterans with finding jobs, including 1,237 in the first three weeks of the new year.

“In my travels around the state, I have heard from many employers who appreciate the value veterans bring as employees. They want to do their part to support Florida’s military men and women,” said Sen. Don Gaetz, (R – Ft. Walton Beach). “With our economy improving, businesses growing and veterans returning from service overseas, now is the ideal time to ensure our state and business leaders are working together to get these men and women back to work here at home.”

Senator Gaetz has been a champion for efforts to assist Florida’s veterans and their families. Current legislation includes SB 922/HB 977, sponsored by Sen. Mike Bennett (R – Bradenton) and co-sponsored by Sen. Gaetz and others, which passed the Senate today. SB 922 creates a $10,000 tax credit for employers who hire eligible Florida National Guardsmen, assists veterans’ employment efforts by expanding preferences given in state contracting to veteran-owned businesses, and requires that qualified veterans be admitted to any Florida College System institution of their choosing.

Business leaders attending the campaign kickoff — including the Florida Chamber, the Florida Retail Federation, Associated Industries of Florida, Florida United Businesses Association, the National Association of Independent Business, the Florida Council of 100, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Florida Bankers Association and the Manufacturers Association of Florida ­— have committed to sharing the Hiring Florida’s Heroes message with members and promoting the value of veterans as employees through social media and other outreach efforts during the year-long campaign. The campaign also will help raise awareness of recently expanded federal tax credits of up to $9,600 per veteran hired through the Vow to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. ww.doleta.gov/business/incentives/opptax/PDF/veterans_fact_sheet12_1_2011.pdf

For more information, please visit http://veterans.employflorida.com or call the Employ Florida Marketplace hotline toll-free at (866) 352-2345.