BAYONET

the

OCT2014

The Bayonet is produced for personnel of the Maine Army National

Guard, and is an authorized publication for members of the

Department of Defense.

Contents of the publication are not necessarily the official views of the

U.S. government, the Department of the Army, or the Maine Army National

Guard.

Adjutant General of MaineBrig. Gen. James D. Campbell

Command Sergeant MajorCommand Sgt. Maj. Richard

Hannibal

Public Affairs OfficerCapt. Norman Stickney

121st Public Affairs Detachment

Sgt. 1st Class Pete Morrison, NCOICManaging Editor

Sgt. Angela Parady, Photojournalist

Layout & Design

Spc. Adam Simmler, PhotojournalistContributing Journalist

BAYONETthe

What’s Inside

Chief Master Sergeant Mitchell O. Brush , Senior Enlisted Advisor for the National Guard Bureau and U.S. Armed Forces Command

command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Schroeder visited Maine during the Best Squad Competition. State Command Sergeant

Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Hannibal presented them each with a plaque, carved in the shape of our state to commemorate their visit. Before the winners were announced, Brush had the following

advice for the competitors.

“Take the things you have learned, there should be challenges. If you have never climbed a rope before you learned something new when you came out here, that’s great, that’s what it is all about. Lets get

back to the basics. Get back to being a Soldier, a supervisor, a peer, a mentor, that’s what we are missing. Enjoy this stuff.”

About the Front Cover:Soldiers from the 185th Engineer Support Company, Maine Army National Guard, give Sgt. Mark Lake a boost up as he works to reach a 15 foot target on the rope climb event during an obstacle course. The obstacle course was one of ten events that different squads were tested in during Maine’s first Best Squad Competition. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Angela Parady.)

About the Back Cover:Sgt. Roberto Gonzalez holds on tight as he manuevers his way through the “over / under” obstacle as part of Maine’s Best Squad Competition. His squadmates, from various aviation units throughout the state, helped guide him through before taking their turn at the daunting obstacle. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Angela Parady)

From the Office of The Adjutant GeneralChaplain’s Corner

Inspector General:The Commander’s RoleDFE Aims to Minimize Guard Footprint

Maine Holds First Ever Best Squad CompetitionBest Squad Competition PhotosBest Squad Competition Results

Best Squad CompetitorsOvercoming: A Weight Loss Journey

A Firefight in the ParkDomestic Violence Awareness Month

It’s Election Time: What are Your Rights and Restrictions?

On our Way: The History of the 152nd Field Artillery

Money MattersSubstance Abuse ProgramChristmas Across Maine

Noteworthy

ANYWAY

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;Forgive them anyway.If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;Be kind anyway.If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;Succeed anyway.If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.What you spend years building,someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God; It was never between you and them anyway.

Kent M. Keith

I shared this poem with those members and family members of the 133rd and 1035th families who attended service during the Yellow Ribbon in September. I don’t know that I have ever found a piece that more inspires me to move forward, not because of any earthly reward, but merely because it is what we ought to do in the first place.

The cries for justice in the media, running the gamut from what we and CEOs are paid to what ought to happen when athletes break the law to how we ought to deal with those who have come to our shores without permission or documentation are enough to make your head explode. We are constantly seeking our own definition of fairness, of retribution, of equality, and lo and behold, we are constantly disappointed. This is because we are seeking perfection in a patently imperfect world. Therefore, we will never be satisfied while we seek mundane accolades or penalties.

Don’t do your job for money – you will always feel underpaid. Don’t help others so that you can get a pat on the back – there are not enough hands to give you the sense that you are appreciated. Don’t expect people to think you are special – they are too busy with their own worlds to notice. Do what is right because it is right not for any reward; do it Anyway!

CH Andy GibsonJFHQ-ME, CH

To the men and women of the Maine National Guard:

As the fiscal and training year of 2014 comes to a close, I think it is important for us to reflect on events of the past twelve months, and really consider just how much you all have done – the challenges, major events and exercises, and the frankly astonishing number of successes. It is easy for us to sometimes become too self-critical and focused on things we would all like to see improved, and to lose sight of just what an extraordinary organization to which we are all privileged to belong.

This time last year we had just faced a difficult process of furloughs for much of our valuable technician force, and we were facing the impending government shutdown which drastically affected our training, our full-time employees, and everything from schools budgets to logistics readiness for the remainder of the year – the fact that we had to delay the Army Guard’s September MUTA is in part a result of that shutdown.

On the positive side, this time last year we were poised to exceed our recruiting and retention goals for the second year in a row, and again be one of the leading states in the nation in everything from strength and readiness, to fiscal and logistics management. This past year has been no different. In spite of our budgetary challenges and the challenges of mobilizing and deploying our engineer battalion and Air Force Engineering Installation Squadron to combat, as well as preparing and then canceling other deployments, all of you and your units have excelled this year in ways which have once again reinforced our position as one of the premier National Guard organizations among all 54 states and territories.

Among other accomplishments, we planned and executed the largest domestic response and homeland defense exercise in the history of New England –

Vigilant Guard ’14. We had multiple logistics units and our staff earn national-level awards and accolades in Supply Management, Food Service Operations, Fiscal Management and Aviation Readiness. We saw our Company B (-), 3rd Battalion 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain) awarded the first Valorous Unit Award in Maine’s history, and the 286th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and 488th Military Police Company awarded Meritorious Unit Commendations for their superior performance of duty in combat. Our engineer companies completed multiple important projects for local communities and organizations, and the 133rd Engineer Battalion’s Headquarters, Forward Support Company, and 1035th Engineer Detachment Survey & Design completed an arduous and critical mission in Afghanistan with the professional excellence we have come to accept as routine from all of our Maine units. The 120th Regional Support Group participated in a complex and demanding Joint Readiness Training Center rotation, providing logistics support for the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which included not only our Maine infantrymen from Brewer, but also the 262nd Engineer Company (Horizontal) and our partners from Montenegro.

The 101st Air Refueling Wing was rated “Excellent” on its arduous “no-fail” Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection, all while maintaining an operational mission tempo unsurpassed by any Air Guard unit in the nation. And our communications and IT experts both in the Army and Air Guard began the process of developing our cyber defense capability – an emerging mission set that is critical for our role both at home and abroad. And again this year, both the Maine Army and Air Guard will exceed our recruiting and retention goals – the Maine Army Guard will actually finish this year over strength for the time in many years, all while maintaining personnel readiness at one of the highest levels in the country.

None of these achievements has been possible without the leadership, service and excellence of all of you dedicated Soldiers and Airmen. As we face continued challenges of all kinds in the coming training year, particularly fiscal, I remain confident that we will also continue to exceed every expectation – because all of you remain the best our country has. I’m honored to serve with all of you, and look forward to working with you as we set new standards of achievement in the coming year. Thank you for your service and commitment to the state and nation.

Bayonets, Forward!

Brig. Gen. James D. CampbellAdjutant General, Maine

From the Office of The Adjutant General Chaplain’s Corner

Gen. Frank J. Grass, Chief of the National Guard Bureau met with The Adjutant General of Maine, Brig. Gen. James D. Campbell in September to see the Maine Guard and meet with senior leaders. His tour ended with a visit to the 240th Regional Training Institute and The Army Aviation Support Facilities in Bangor. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Pete Morrison.)

Grass shakes hands with Lt. Col. Herbert Brock during his recent visit to Maine.

Grass shakes hands with Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Hannibal during his recent visit to Maine.

Command. Our most coveted and precious billet in the military. It is here where selected men and women are given the responsibility, accountability and legal authority to lead our organizations. Responsible for everything that their unit does or fails to do, Commanders shoulder a heavy load. They must accomplish their assigned missions and manage their most precious resource – people.

The commander is responsible for establishing the leadership climate of the unit and developing disciplined and cohesive formations. This sets the parameters within which command will be exercised and, therefore, sets the tone for social and duty relationships within the command.

Commanders are also responsible for the professional development of their Soldiers. To this end, they encourage self-study, professional development, and continued growth of their subordinates’ military careers. This care for their Soldiers’ needs and interest in their well-being helps build a positive command climate.

Under US Code, all commanding officers and others in authority are required -

1. To show in themselves a good example of virtue, honor, patriotism, and subordination.

2. To be vigilant in inspecting the conduct of all persons who are placed under their command.

3. To guard against and suppress all dissolute and immoral practices, and to correct, according to the laws and regulations of the Army, all persons who are guilty of them.

4. To take all necessary and proper measures, under the laws, regulations, and customs of the Army.

5. To promote and safeguard the morale, the physical well-being, and the general welfare of the officers and enlisted persons under their command or charge.

As a component of the requirements to “inspect the conduct of all persons who are placed under their command” and to “promote the general welfare of the officers and enlisted persons,” Commanders must assess their command climate periodically to analyze the human dimension of their unit.

Further, regulation clearly specifies that “Commanders at all levels are the EO officers for their commands;” more specifically, requires company-level commanders to “conduct a unit climate assessment within 90 days (180 days for Reserve Component) of assuming command and annually thereafter.”

Army Regulation, charges The Inspector General with “inquiring into, and periodically reporting on, the discipline, efficiency, economy, morale, training, and readiness of the Army to the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff, Army, in accordance with US Code

These requirements apply to all IGs in the Army IG system; but, in particular, assessing morale is a key aspect of an IG’s charter and critical for helping commanders determine the overall mission readiness of their organizations. More importantly, assessing morale is a proactive effort that not only IGs can employ on behalf of commanders but that commanders can conduct for themselves as a way to identify issues within the organization before they become readiness-hindering problems.

In most cases, the IG’s Directing Authority will direct a broad morale assessment of the over command, but subordinate Commanders may request them from the IG as well.

Assessing morale differs from assessing command climate because command climate focuses primarily on leaders while morale focuses primarily on the led -- although both concepts are inextricably linked in numerous ways. In a sense, morale is a subset of command climate because command climate is the principal driver behind morale.

Keep in mind that command-climate assessments are focused on a particular commander’s organization, which provides an IG with an automatic “who” for any alleged improprieties that surface. IG investigations are not the intended goal of command-climate sensing sessions, which

is why EO personnel should perform them. EO personnel are trained specifically to conduct these command-climate sensing sessions and know how to craft the appropriate questions.

However, regulation allows Directing Authorities to have their IGs conduct command-climate sensing sessions only if specifically directed to do so, and certain situations may warrant IG involvement in these assessments. If charged with conducting a command-climate sensing session, the IG will coordinate with the EO advisor for guidance on how to use or reshape Institute’s Organizational Climate Survey to target the specific things the Directing Authority wants to know. But, ultimately, the IG’s specific regulatory charter is to assess morale and not command climate.

Over the past two years, our commanders have done a solid job fulfilling their requirement to complete their Climate Surveys, including two initiated at the state level. Rest assured that feedback is anonymous and incredibly useful to commanders at all levels. It helps them keep their finger on the pulse of the organization and keep the organization moving in the right direction.

For more information about the State IG office and on how to make a complaint, go to http://www.me.ngb.army.mil/ig/filing-a-complaint.aspx, email: ng.me.mearng.list.staff-ig@mail.mil, or call 207-430-6068. You can also visit the office on the second floor, west corner of Building 7, Camp Keyes, Augusta, Maine 04096.

The Commander’s Role in Assessing Unit Morale and Climate

Inspector General

Chief Master Sergeant Mitchell O. Brush , Senior Enlisted Advisor for the National Guard Bureau talks to enlisted Maine National Guard Soldiers at Bog Brook Training Area in Gilead. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Angela Parady.)

The Adjutant General of Maine, Brig. Gen. James D. Campbell talked with enlisted Soldiers at the Maine National Guard Best Squad Competition at Bog Brook Training Area in Gilead. As he talked about all of the accomplishments, he encouraged everyone to continue to work harder, to always be on the lookout for the next target. “Come back next year, bring your experience and help share that knowledge,” he said “You all need to be challenged so you do things you don’t think you can do. You all put on the uniform so you can work hard and do something important right?” (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Angela Parady.)

Even with dwindling budgets, the Army’s responsibility to the environment remains constant. The Maine National Guard has a dedicated team of environmental specialists that works hard to ensure that the only footprints left behind by our activities, are from our boots. This team is located at the Directorate of Facilities Engineering at Camp Keyes, Augusta.

They oversee all the Maine Guard facilities and ensure they meet all current federal and state environmental initiatives and directives. The goal is to minimize the impact that the soldiers and airmen who work and train in these areas leave on the wildlife and surrounding areas, and to prevent problems before they become a bigger issue.

Maine’s team earned recognition for their efforts when they were awarded the National Guard Bureau Environmental Award for Installations, Environmental Quality (Non- Industrial). Maine has come a long way from when

they placed 2nd to last in their first EPAS inspection in 2004. But with nowhere to go but up, the team worked away to make improvements where they could make changes.

In 2009, they earned a spot in the top third of those same 54 locations. But they still had, and continue to have room to improve. They set their sights higher, and aimed for greater achievements. They knew to get there, they needed to train the end user, soldiers. After identifying this need, Maine took a serious look at implementing new trainings and soldier led initiatives.

“We have one of the most advanced training platforms in the National Guard,” said Andrew Flint, the state environmental specialist for Maine. “Soldiers have access to online training programs that give them certain certifications that are only available by classroom in some other states.”

The ease of access to these programs allowed for more soldiers to become trained in

hazardous waste, universal waste, pollution prevention and asbestos awareness, among other environmental programming.

Flint said that while they are happy to be protecting the environment, the mission of his department is to make sure everything they do is in compliance with the law.

“It’s federal law, it is also an executive order,” he said. “If they say you have to do it, well, you have to do it.”

Not only is it a federal law, but as Flint put it, a much more efficient way of dealing with an issue.“A lot of what we have learned is based on the reaction to what the military did in the 1950s through the 1970s,” he said. “They didn’t really care so much then, and they left us with a lot of stuff that we are still continuing to clean up to this day. We can’t keep doing that, it is wasteful. I think now we are more conscious of how expensive it is to repair damages as opposed to preventing them in

the first place. The experiences of the past have made it clear that the most appropriate and sustainable way, the only prudent way to manage our environmental impact, just also happens to follow federal law.”

While Maine, and other states are taking precautionary measures to reduce their footprint, it does mean that the process for getting

actions and t r a i n i n g s a p p r o v e d can be more l e n g t h y as studies must be considered b e f o r e e xe r c i s e s can take place.

“We look at all of our t r a i n i n g areas in the state and see what

training will be happening,” he said. “We have to look at all the impacts that training will have on the area. How will it affect the local and native animals? How will additional noise impact affect the area? What sort of waste will we leave behind?”

Flint said that while the department has now earned recognition when they received their reward, it was

the soldiers and state employees that he and his team worked with who made it possible. It will be that same teamwork, and cooperation that allow Maine to continue to excel when it comes to being environmentally and fiscally aware of their actions.

Installations that win continue to focus on how to save taxpayer dollars while protecting and preserving the environment.

Whether the DFE environmental crew is trying to protect endangered specials, protect forestlands, improve wastewater treatment, preventing damage to historic sites, or improve water usage, they have found cost effective mechanisms that support their efforts in these environmental programs.

Best of all, they have been able to implement these programs and found them to be effective.

DFE Aims to Minimize Guard FootprintStory by Sgt. Angela ParadyPhotos by Sgt. 1st Class Pete Morrison

Asbestos Awareness: Asbestos in the work place and introduce the student to health affects, recognition, regulations, requirements, and best management practices.

Environmental Compliance Officer: This installation-specific Environmental Officer training covers a wide range of environmental topics, the EO’s mission, sources of environmental awareness, and procedures to follow in order to ensure Unit environmental compliance.

Environmental Management System: This training covers what an Environmental Management System is, why MEARNG has one, TAG Environmental Policy Statement, current Objectives and Targets

Hazardous Materials Communications: This course defines what is a hazardous material for students and covers OSHA Hazardous Communication requirements including program requirements, labels, training, handling and Material Safety Data Sheets.

Hazardous Waste : This course covers the proper management of Hazardous Waste and other regulated waste that includes: containers, labels, accumulation and storage requirements. Shop Training: Hazardous & universal waste management, spill response and hazardous communication.

Spill Response: Familiarize personnel with general spill response and reporting procedures.

Universal Waste: This course covers universal waste identification, storage, management, turn-in, transportation and spill response.

Waste Minimization & Recycling:

Wildland Fire: Covers planning, decision making and execution of wildland fire suppression actions that may be required during field training exercises.

Online Training Available Through DFE

NEWS STORY

Sixty-five Soldiers from ten different Maine Army National Guard units travelled to Bog Brook Training Facility in Gilead to compete in a series of warrior tasks that tested them both physically and mentally.

The first ever Maine National Guard Best Squad Competition organized the events to be completed during one 24 hour period, testing their capability to perform with limited rest.

Squads were evaluated based on their knowledge, stamina, teamwork and competency in each of the events, with the 251st Engineer Company (SAPPER) winning overall.

The event kicked off at noon on Wednesday with the squads working their way through the first five tasks: Land navigation, Obstacle course, knot tying, medical and the written test. Nine hours later they headed to a local high school to complete the Army Physical Fitness Test.

As Wednesday night became Thursday morning, squads stayed awake working their way through the weapons systems, vehicle repair and communications. At four o’clock Thursday morning, exhausted, the Soldiers picked up their rucksacks and completed a six mile road march before they were able to finally get a few hours of rest before the awards ceremony.

Spc. Dominic Kelley, is an infantry soldier with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 172d Infantry Division (Mountain.) His squad finished third overall even though both their squad leader and another soldier were injured and sick after the second event. Looking back at the previous 24 hours, he said the event was fun, challenging and educational.

“This really challenged my level of endurance,” he said. “The being

up for 24 hours, it let me know what I can still accomplish on very little sleep. It helped our squad develop rapport with one another. As our team got smaller, I learned to step up a little to fill in those gaps that we needed to fill.”

Staff Sgt. Joshua Way, the training non commissioned officer for 251st Engineer Company (SAPPERS) who won first place, said he thought the tasks did a good job of getting them out of their comfort zone.

“Events like this make sure our soldiers are physically fit and mentally tough,” said Way. “It helps us with our basic soldiering skills. All of these tasks are things we need to be able to do, and more so, it helps us bring out the camaraderie and teamwork within our squads and units.”

Not only did the event help bring together the overall cohesiveness of the individual squads, but because the event was a statewide event, it helped each unit learn more about what each of the other squads and units did, and support each other throughout the event.

Kelley said that coming out to Bog Brook gave him a chance to see all his counterparts and see how they interacted.

“We all wear the same uniform, regardless of what we do, what our specialty is,” said Kelley. “This event gives you a better understanding of all of the different moving parts in the army, the big picture and how we all come together for common tasks. I can be more understanding of the Sapper’s

role, the communications guys’ role, the medical role. All of these different players and how they fit together make us a stronger, better organization.”

Way said that a lot of the tasks at the competition were things his unit may not have focused on as much in the past, but he was going to take this experience back and start back with the basics, so that they would be ready and prepared for next year.

“We are going to take back all the lessons we learned from this, and we will put more emphasis on it for next year,” he said. “Sapper Company owns it now, and we aren’t planning on giving it up in the years to come.”

U.S. Armed Forces Command command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Schroeder talked to the Maine Soldiers during the closing award ceremony.

“Readiness is our number one priority,” he said. “Things like this lead to readiness. We have to be trained. The more ready and trained we are, the less we have to do when we get mobilized. You guys aren’t going to wait until next year to get ready for next year’s competition. You are going to go

Maine Holds First Ever Best Squad CompetitionStory and Photos by Sgt. Angela Parady back and start getting ready at your

next drill. You had a good experience in the last day, and you can’t teach that. You can’t get experience on a power point. You can’t get experience sitting in a classroom. You have got to live it. Things like this, give you the experience, so build off of it.”

NEWS STORY

“We all wear the same uniform, regardless of what we do, what our specialty is,” said Spc. Dominic Kelley. “This event gives you a better understanding of all of the different moving

parts in the army, the big picture and how we all come together for common tasks. I can

be more understanding of the Sapper’s role, the communications guys’ role, the medical role. All of these different players and how they fit together make us a stronger, better

organization.”

“These aren’t things that we do every day,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua Way. “It pushed us out of our comfort zone and

made us think and work hard. Whether it is a physical event, or a mental event, it tests us. It was not just our brigade, or our major support command, it was a state wide event. I had never met some of the

soldiers competing here today, so that helps the camaraderie even more. I earned a lot of respect for what the other

units do. I had no idea what they did, and when I had to perform some of their tasks during this, some of them

were pretty difficult. It gives you more respect for all the

other units.”

Event Winners:Land Nav- 1. Aviation 2. 1136 Transportation Company3. 136th Engineer Company Written Test- 1. Company B, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain) 2. 251st Engineer Company (Sapper)3. 185th Engineer Support Company Obstacle Course- 1. 1136th Transportation Company2. Aviation 3. MEARNG Medical Detachment Medical- 1. MEARNG Medical Detachment2. 488th Military Police Company

3. 185th Engineer Support Company Knots- 1. Company B, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain) 2. 251st Engineer Company (Sapper)3. 120th RSG/521st TC/286th BN APFT- 1. 251st Engineer Company (Sapper)2. MEARNG Medical Detachment3. Aviation Weapons- 1. 488th Military Police Company2. 251st Engineer Company (Sapper)3. 185th Engineer Support Company

Vehicle Repair- 1. 185th Engineer Support Company2. 251st Engineer Company (Sapper)3. 1136th Transportation Company Communications 1. Company B, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain) 2. 120th Regional Support Group/521st Troop Command Battalion/ 286th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion3. 1136th Transportation Company Road March- 1. 251st Engineer Company (Sapper)2. 1136th Transportation Comapny 3. MEARNG Medical Detachment

Top 3 Squads:

1. 251st Engineer Company (Sapper) 2. 488th Military Police Company 3. Company B, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain)

Results of the first Maine National Guard’s Best Squad Competition

251st Engineer Company (Sapper) was represented by (in no particular order): SSG Way, SGT Christie, SGT Nicholas, SPC Bleier, SPC Emery, SPC Rivers, SPC Peterson.

MEARNG MED DETSSG Kedzierski

SGT Phillips, SGT Weymouth, SPC Gaedje, SPC Cote,

SPC Lessard, PFC Brennan

152 CRCSSG ClavetteSGT GirardinSGT BuckmoreSPC SanbornSPC GrencenkoPFC BeanPFC Rodriguez

488 MPSGT DurostSPC SmithSPC PfahlerSPC RichardsonSPC Thomas

1136 TC

SSG Taylor, SGT Anderson

SGT Rancourt, SPC Adams

PFC Jones, PFC Pottle, PV2 Seeley

136 ENSSG MoultonSGT Ellis, SGT KelleySPC Cayia, SPC BrownSPC Curtis, SPC Pfeffer

185 ESCSSG Qualey, SGT Lake,SGT Roy,

SPC Arkebauer, SPC Watts, PV2 Tenney

B/3-172 IN (MTN)SSG Driscoll, SGT Pierce, SGT Wintle

SPC Dudley, SPC Kelley

AviationSSG Thibodeau, SGT Bender, SGT Gonzalez, SPC Bickmore, SPC Michaels, SPC Bartlett, SPC Villareal

120 RSG/ 286 CSSB/ 521 TC

SSG Ryder, SGT Nicke

lson,

SPC Day, SPC Neill,

SPC Baker

PFC Rotini, SPC Welsh Congratulations

to everyone who competed in the

First Ever Maine National Guard

Best Squad Competition!

Small steps down a long road, still lead you to your destination. For one young man, the Maine Army National Guard was his destination, and the long road ahead of him was his excess weight.

“At 5’7’ and 291 pounds I was too heavy, my recruiter said I needed to lose about 80 pounds in order to enlist,” said Pvt. Brandon Millwood a food service specialist with the 120th Regional Support Group. The young private from Auburn was discouraged.

“I mean 80 pounds, that’s just a massive number,” but Millwood saw the weight loss like he sees a lot of things in his life; find motivation in the small steps, the small victories. He didn’t focus on the total weight loss, but the smaller goals of finding fun ways to work out and feeling healthy.

He hopes to work for Habitat for Humanity, and sees it in the same way. “The overarching goal is to make the world a better place, but in the near term, I can see that house and say, I

helped build that.” Changing the world, like changing your weight starts one house at a time or one pound at a time.

During his first visit to the recruiter’s office, Staff Sgt. John Gardner noted Millwood as a smart kid and offered to check in on him and try to keep him motivated. He would call and text him for motivation and to track his progress.

“He came back in after the first couple of months and he only lost a couple of pounds, nothing major and I said ‘look if you really want to do this you really need to lose this weight.’ I think it took him the first couple of months to find his motivation, but when he found it, he really found it.”

Millwood said he left the office after that visit, kinda bummed out. “After that I kinda got a little mad and I wasn’t gonna let this one little stupid thing like my weight stop me. So, I went out and I got a gym membership and I started working out, and I started eating right.”

As a self proclaimed nerd, Millwood found ways to stay motivated by trying new types of fitness, his favorites being hero themed workouts, workouts that simulated heroic acts like running and using weights to imitate rescuing someone from a vehicle or another dangerous scenario.

His mother, Lisa Millwood started to notice more than just the physical changes in her son as she continued to have to buy smaller jeans.

“Brandon has become a more confident and problem solving individual. He appears to have more empathy for others and is able to be more focused on completing goals,” she said.

She thanks Gardner for all the support and guidance he offered her son. “He and the National

Guard have had such a remarkable positive impact on my son, I am amazed and very grateful.”

One of the fun ways to get fit he found, was the hammer sledgehammer work out where he would slam the sledgehammer against a tire for repetitions, and though it was fun he found it was not for him, so he moved on to the next thing.

“There are still times when I am tired and I don’t want to work out and I think, man I just need to push through it. I am allowed to stumble every once in a while as long as I keep moving toward a goal.”

Millwood is now serving in the Maine Army National Guard with a weight loss of over 100 pounds and hopes to become a sergeant or even the next higher level staff

sergeant in his first term with the Guard. Again he likes to see the ultimate goal and works the small steps to get there.

The soft-spoken but driven young man remembers taking a walk the night before he left for basic training, he wanted to clear his head and get ready for the new task at hand when he was struck with the thought “This is the first major thing in my life that I have worked for and achieved.” He said, “I was very proud.”

He didn’t give up. He kept moving toward his destination. He shattered his old goals and set new ones, they are different outcomes and different paths but still small steps toward a bigger dream. “I’d like to work in a kitchen and open my own place one day,” said Millwood.

NEWS STORY

Overcoming: A Weight Loss JourneyStory by Sgt. 1st Class Pete Morrison

Brandon Millwood before his 100 pound weight loss

journeyAfter

Tips for Achieving your Goals:

SMART Goals

A useful way of making goals more powerful is to use the SMART mnemonic. SMART usually stands for:•S – Specific•M – Measurable•A – Attainable •R – Relevant.•T – Time-bound

Further Goal Setting Tips

• State each goal as a positive statement – Express your goals positively – “Execute this technique well” is a much better goal than “Don’t make this stupid mistake.”

• Be precise: Set precise goals, putting in dates, times and amounts so that you can measure achievement. If you do this, you’ll know exactly when you have achieved the goal, and can take complete satisfaction from having achieved it.

• Set priorities – When you have several goals, give each a priority. This helps you to avoid feeling overwhelmed by having too many goals, and helps to direct your attention to the most important ones.

• Write goals down – This crystallizes them and gives them more force.

• Keep operational goals small If a goal is too large, then it can seem that you are not making progress towards it. Keeping goals small and incremental gives more opportunities for reward.

•Set realistic goals – It’s important to set goals that you can achieve. It’s also possible to set goals that are too difficult because you might not appreciate either the obstacles in the way, or understand quite how much skill you need to develop to achieve a particular level of performance.

Maine’s Military History

In 1689, the Maine frontier was much different than the way that we see it now.

The frontier line ran through what are the now-populated areas of Freeport, Gray, and Gorham, with the population huddling along the coast in small farms.

Maine was not a wealthy place, but it did have one aspect that made it the focal point for enemies: it was the easiest way for French troops and their American Indian allies in Canada to get Massachusetts.

At the time, the District of Maine was a province of the colony of Massachusetts. This meant that Massachusetts had to provide protection to the citizens of Maine in case of attack. There had been many attacks in the past, as England and France fought each other for control of the New World.

One of the largest settlements in Maine at the time was at Falmouth, where present-day Portland is built. It was a farming and fishing community, made up of approximately twenty-five families, stretching from the slopes of Munjoy Hill in the east to Anthony Brackett’s Farm in what is now Deering Oaks Park today to the west.

At the time, Deering Oaks was mainly swamp and marshland, with only one bridge allowing for freedom of movement. The town was protected by an earth

and timber fort, Fort Loyal, which stood at the intersection of India and Commercial Streets in present-day downtown Portland. The fort stood on a hill that was levelled in the 1800s to make way for the railroad.

In 1689, another colonial war began, this one known as King William’s War. Governor Andros of Massachusetts conducted several raids against the French and Indians, angering the Indians considerably.

French and Wabenaki Indians conducted many harsh raids on English towns in Maine, including destroying the town and garrison at Pemaquid that summer.

Towns north of Falmouth were

abandoned as fear seized the colonists. In order to stop the enemy offensive, the Massachusetts authorities ordered Major Benjamin Church, one of the most famous soldiers of the time, to take a force of soldiers by ship to Falmouth and seek out the enemy invasion.

Church had created several companies of light infantry made up of both militiamen from Massachusetts as well as Indian allies. That Church had Indians under his command was an irony lost on the government of Massachusetts, when they authorized a “reward of eight pounds per head, for every fighting Indian man slain.”

Church and his men arrived in Falmouth on September 27, 1689, linking up

with Captain Sylvanus Davis, commander of the Falmouth militia. Church ordered his men to stay on their ships as long as there was daylight and to come ashore at dark, so as to not give away their numbers to the enemy who were sure to be watching. They would not have long to wait.

On the morning of September 28, 1689, an advance party of Indians with a few French allies crossed under cover night in canoes from Peaks Island and took up positions on the isthmus, dividing the town from their only landward route of escape.

The colonists were in ignorance

to this invasion until several hostile Indians opened fire on Anthony Brackett and his sons who were working on their farm.

Anthony Brackett was killed but his sons escaped the ambush to bring word to the town of the attack. Major Church mustered his troops, including men of the town, bringing his force to almost four hundred soldiers.

They quickly sped from Fort Loyal to the farm, where they were met with a fusillade of bullets from the hidden enemy.

Major Church quickly deployed his troops into line of battle and they began firing towards their unseen foe.

The French and Indians numbered approximately seven hundred and the New England militia was forced to fight them frontier-style, using light infantry tactics of cover and concealment – or as it was known at the time, the “skulking way of war.”

When fighting at a ranged distance of twenty-five to fifty meters, the English had the advantage because of their volume of fire and better weapons (both sides used smoothbore flintlock muskets), but the Indians excelled at close quarters combat.

Church attempted to flank the enemy, and detached two of his companies to attempt to get behind the enemy. Because much of Deering Oaks was still swamp and water, the going was tough, and the enemy was able to spot the movement.

The French and Wabenaki began to retreat into the underbrush to escape Church’s enveloping tactic. Church, thinking that the enemy was attempting to gain the town from another angle, placed six Indians in an observation post by the bridge and withdrew his

flanking companies to the town, but found no threats there.

In the meantime, his other companies still engaging the enemy were running low on ammunition, as the bullets that had been provided for them were too large for their muskets.

Word was sent to the fort to hammer musket balls into pieces so that they would fit the firearms. This ammunition was sent back down to the militia, carried by an Indian called Captain Lightfoot, and they were able to continue the fight.

The invigorated New Englanders charged the Indian position, scattering them into the woods, winning the battle.

The enemy disappeared into the brush, carrying their casualties with them as was the tradition. Reports of casualties from the colonial side differ, but they were probably ten to twelve men killed with about the same number

wounded.

Falmouth was free of attacks for nearly a year because of the bravery of the men from Maine and Massachusetts.

However, the French and Wabenaki would not forget this defeat and would return the following year with deadly consequences.

**************************

1st Lt. Jonathan Bratten serves as the Command Historian for the Maine Army National Guard. The Command Historian oversees the Maine Army National Guard’s historical program and is responsible for researching and writing articles on the Maine Guard’s history, conducting interviews, maintaining unit and state records, training unit historians, preparing staff rides, and educating Soldiers and the public on the proud legacy of the Maine Army National Guard.

A Firefight in the ParkResearched and Written by 1st Lt. Jonathan Bratten

Massachusetts militia troops, ca 1690, as they might have looked at the Battle of Deering’s Woods (Picture by David Rickman, courtesy of Canadian Military Heritage Group)

Falmouth as it looked in 1690, one year before the battle (Image courtesy of the Maine Historical Society and the Maine Memory Network.)

Does this shock you?

The Maine Domestic Violence Resource Centers provided 88,820 service contacts with 13,258 people affected by domestic abuse in 2013. 12,610 were adults and 648 were children. In addition to services at the resource centers, MCEDV domestic violence advocates placed in Maine Child Protective Services offices, served 560 survivors involved with CPS in the first six months of 2013 and provided 769 consultations for CPS caseworkers.

What is Abuse?Domestic abuse is a deliberate and ongoing pattern of behavior used by one person to control the actions and feelings of an intimate partner or family member.

Abuse is• Not caused by mental illness or

alcohol and drug use, although those conditions can contribute to the severity of the violence.

• Still primarily a male against female behavior, though an increasing number of men are recognizing that they are victims of abuse as well.

• Not the victim’s fault.• Not okay or “excusable” even if

the violent partner was abused or

treated badly as a child or in past re la t ionsh ips . A responsible p a r t n e r recognizes the problem, owns it, and seeks help.

Abuse• Is not only physical.• Can be emotional and

psychological. Hurtful words or threats coming from someone you love and care about can create intense fear and pain.

• Can and does occur in many different types of relationships: same sex (both male and female); heterosexual (female against male as well as male against female), adult child against elder parent, and parent against child.

Myths and Truths:

The Myth: An Abuser ...• Is “out of control”• Has a drinking or drug problem• Has poor anger control• Is just under stress• Has low self-esteem• Was provoked by the victim

The Truth: An Abuser ...• Chooses who, when and where

to abuse• Who is under the influence

continues to make choices about who, when, and where abuse happens

• Is able to control anger on the job, with friends, in court, or when dealing with police

• Chooses to deal with stress through violence

• Does not differ from non-abusers in level of self-esteem

• Is never justified in abusing someone

If You Live with Your Abuser

• If you live with an abusive partner, here are some things to think about – and do – to help you get and stay safe at home or work.

Safety at home...• Plan possible exits you can use

from your home or apartment if an argument erupts.

• Keep an extra set of keys, money, and a packed bag ready in case you need to leave quickly.

• Keep an extra cell phone available so you can call 911. If you need an extra phone, call the Family Violence Project helpline 1-877-890-7788.

• Learn how to disable your cell phone’s GPS locator if it has one, so your abuser can’t track your movements.

• Make plans with a friend, family member, or neighbor who you can contact in case something happens.

• Create a code word or signal to use with your children, friends, family, or neighbors to let them know when you need the police or other help.

• Be cautious about what you post on social networking sites.

• Learn how to clear your computer’s browser history.

• Make plans to go to the home of a friend or neighbor – somewhere safe and a place your abuser won’t look for you -- if you need to leave home. Call our helpline – 1.877.890-7788 – if you need ideas.

Safety at work or in public...• If there’s someone at work you

trust, tell him or her about your situation.

• If you work in a small business, this person may just be a co-worker.

• If you work for a larger company, you might want to alert your office or building security and provide a photo of your abuser if possible. In Maine, there are laws that protect you from losing your job if you are struggling

with an abusive situation, are trying to leave one, or are being harassed by your abuser at work. Check them out.

• Arrange to have someone screen your calls

If You’re Preparing to Leave • Remember that leaving is

dangerous time and many abusers will escalate their violent behaviors to keep control over you. Here are some steps you can take to help you stay safe.

• Pack a bag with things you’ll need to take with you: Identification, driver’s license, car registration and title, birth certificates for you and your children, money, bank books, keys, medications, social security cards, address book, clothes.

• Take steps to increase your independence -- open a bank account in your name and rent a post office box so you can receive mail.

• Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents, and extra clothes with someone you trust, so you can leave quickly.

• Talk with family, friends, police, or staff at community

agencies who you can count on for support.

• Keep the Family Violence Project helpline number (1.87.-890.7788) nearby

• Memorize the phone number for your local police department. Often 911 calls from a cell phone go to a dispatch out of your area, and response time may be longer.

• Immediately tell police or 911 dispatch your location – before you give any other information -- so they can find you if your call gets interrupted.

• Develop resources and find information about how the legal system can help protect you and about the Maine family court system in Maine.

• Contact the Family Violence Project helpline number 1.877.89.7788 for help as yout think about what might work best in your situation.

http://www.familyviolenceproject.org/

MAINE COALITION TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: http://

mcedv.org/24-hour Hotlines from Area code (207) call 1-866-834-HELP National hotline: 1-800-

799-7233 Use 911 for emergency situations

CPT Jasmine A. CainMaine National Guard Sexual Assault Response CoordinatorSuicide Prevention Program

ManagerDomestic Abuse Program Manager

Office: (207) 430-5824

BlackBerry: (207) 620-6335

Cell: (207) 944-4017

24hr DoD Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247

Domestic Violence Awareness Month TAKE ACTION

Cycle of Violence

Active duty and AGR soldiers may:

• Register, vote, and express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Armed Forces.

• Promote and encourage others to exercise their voting franchise, if such promotion does not constitute use of their official authority or influence to interfere with the outcome of any election.

• Serve as an election official, if such service is not as a representative of a partisan political party, does not interfere with the performance of military duties, is performed when not in uniform, and the Secretary (SECARMY) concerned has given prior approval.

• Sign a petition for a specific legislative action or a petition to place a candidate’s name on an official election ballot, if the signing does not obligate the member to engage in partisan political activity and is done as a private citizen and not as a representative of the Armed Forces.

• Make monetary contributions to a political organization, party, or committee favoring a particular candidate or slate of candidates, subject to the limitations.

• Display a political bumper sticker on the member’s private vehicle.

• • Participate fully in the Federal

Voting Assistance Program.

Active duty and AGR soldiers shall not:

• Participate in partisan political fundraising activities (except to make monetary contributions as permitted by law), rallies, conventions,management of campaigns, or debates, either on one’s own behalf or on that of another, without respect to uniform or inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement. Participation includes more than mere attendance as a spectator.

• Use official authority or influence to interfere with an election, affect the course or outcome of an election, solicit votes for a particular candidate or issue, or require or solicit political contributions from others.

• Serve in any official capacity with or be listed as a sponsor of a partisan political club.

• Speak before a partisan political gatheringincluding any gathering that promotes a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.

• Participate in any radio, television, or other program or group discussion as an advocate for or against a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.

• Conduct a political opinion survey under the auspices of a partisan political club or group or distribute partisan political literature.

• Perform clerical or other duties for a partisan political committee or candidate during a campaign, on an election day, or after an election day during the process of closing out a campaign.

• Solicit or otherwise engage in fundraising activities in Federal offices or facilities, including military reservations, for any political cause or candidate.

• March or ride in a partisan political parade, poster, banner, or similar device visible to the public at one’s residence on a military installation, even if that residence is part of a privatized housing development.

• Participate in any organized effort to provide voters with transportation to the polls if the effort is organized by or associated with a partisan political party, cause, or candidate.

• S e l l t i c k e t s for or otherwise actively promote partisan political dinners and similar fundraising events.

Federal and Military Technicians may:

• Be candidates for public office in nonpartisan elections;

• Register and vote as they choose, assist in voter registration drives, drive voters to a polling place, and act as a recorder, watcher or challenger at a polling place.

• Serve as election judge or clerk.

• Express opinions about candidates and issues.

• Display a political sign, sticker, button, etc. but not while on duty, in a government office, or using a government vehicle.

• Contribute money to political organizations.

• Attend political fundraising functions.

• Join and be an active member or a political party or club, or even manage a political campaign or circulate nominating petitions.

• Campaign for or against referendum questions,

const i tut ional amendments and municipal ordinances.

• C a m p a i g n for or against

candidates in partisan elections.

• Make campaign speeches for candidates in partisan

elections.

• Distribute campaign literature in partisan elections.

Federal and Military Technicians should avoid:

• Using their official authority to interfere with an election.

• Soliciting, accepting or receiving political contributions unless both individuals are members of the same Federal labor organization or employee organization, and the one solicited is not a subordinate.

• Knowingly soliciting or discouraging the political activity of any person who has business before the agency.

• Engaging in political activity while on duty, in any government office, while wearing an official uniform, or while using a government vehicle.

• Becoming a candidate for public office in partisan elections.

• Wearing political buttons while on duty.

• Hosting or sponsoring political fundraisers (although you may attend it, and your spouse may host the fundraiser.)

Traditional (M-Day) National Guard Soldiers:

• Soldiers acting in the official capacity may not engage in activities that associate the National Guard, or DoD, with any partisan political campaign, election, candidate, cause or issue.

• Are prohibited from wearing military uniforms at political campaign or election events.

• Military personnel may not engage in public commentary, including speeches and written submissions offered for publication, concerning political campaigns or elections absent prior clearance.

• Shall not distribute partisan political campaign or election literature while in uniform, while acting in their official capacity or while on a military installation.

HUGH T. CORBETTCOL, JA, MEARNGState Staff Judge Advocate

It’s Election Time...What Are Your Rights and Restrictions?General Policy: It is DoD policy to encourage members of the Armed Forces (including members on active duty, members of the Reserve Components not on active duty, members of the National Guard even when in a non-Federal status, and retired members) to carry out the obligations of citizenship.

Members on active duty should not engage in partisan political activity. Members not on active duty should avoid inferences that their political activities imply or appear to imply official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement.

The military wants its personnel to participate in our democratic process

-- within limits. DOD encourages active duty military members to vote, and has established several programs to help active duty personnel to register

and cast absentee ballots. What career military officer or senior NCO has never

had to pull a stint as unit "voting officer," or "voting NCO?" But, when it comes to actively campaigning for a specific

political candidate or partisan objective, the military draws the line.

LEGAL

From the beginning of the Maine Army National Guard’s history, there have been three basic branches

of military function: infantry, cavalry, and artillery.

Of these, artillery tended to have the smallest number of units, as artillery was expensive and the training required mathematical acumen in gunnery.

Maine militia artillery batteries served during the War of 1812 and were called up in 1838-39 during the “Aroostook War.”

The state fielded eight batteries of artillery in the American Civil War, where the Maine artillery’s skills helped defeat the Confederate armies and drew admiration from the infantry they supported.

Mainers stuck to their guns at the Battle of Gettysburg in each key phase of the battle, providing accurate and timely artillery fire from their cannons. Following the Civil War, Maine

artillery formations were varied, with some militia units designated field artillery (light cannon, drawn by teams of horses that could travel quickly around the battlefield to support infantry) and heavy coastal artillery (large cannon, usually placed in fixed fortifications on the coast).

Since Maine has almost two hundred and thirty miles of coastline, coastal defenses became the focus in the time between the Civil War and World War I. Various companies of the Coast Artillery Corps came and went in the Maine Guard, until the units were consolidated into the 240th Coast Artillery Regiment in 1924. Around the same time, the War Department recognized the need for more mobile field artillery units that could be used to support front-line troops in combat. This need came from the National Guard’s experience in World War I (1916-1918), where Coast Artillery formations had been transformed into Field Artillery to serve on the battlefields in France. In 1921, the Maine Army National Guard was authorized to form a regiment of field artillery,

recruited from northern Maine.

This was the birth of the 152nd Field Artillery (FA), which would receive federal recognition in 1922, with one full battalion of artillery headquartered at Houlton.

The first commander of the regiment was Colonel Herbert L. Bowen and the commander of the 1st Battalion, 152nd FA was Major J.W. Hanson, who had seen service in World War I with the 103rd Infantry and would go on to become the Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard. The three artillery batteries that made up the battalion spent the next few years learning the arts of gunnery, making use of their training time from regular Army officers at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

In 1929, the 2nd Battalion, 152nd FA was created and brought into federal service, with batteries at Bangor and Brewer. “D” Battery was created out of “M” Company, 103rd Infantry, and was thereby allowed to carry the lineage and honors of that regiment going back to the 2nd Maine Infantry in 1861.

The new artillerists continued to grow in enthusiasm, training, and organization, adding a new brigade headquarters at Bar Harbor for the 68th Field Artillery Brigade. The 152nd transitioned from horse drawn artillery to motorized in 1933, saying goodbye to a long-standing piece of the artillery tradition. In 1939, the regiment took part in First Army maneuvers in Plattsburg, New York. This training would come to good use sooner than the men could have ever expected. In February, 1941 the 152nd was mobilized for a one-year tour of duty at Camp Blanding, Florida, to take part in the biggest Army exercise conducted in the United States.

The Louisiana Maneuvers of 1941 were meant to bring the U.S. Army into the modern age as possible intervention in World War II loomed over the nation. The maneuvers included three full divisions, including the 43rd Division, of which the 103rd Infantry and the 152nd Field

Artillery were a part.

While many of the men grumbled about wandering through the Louisiana swamps, most regarded the two-month long exercise as being incredibly valuable, especially when they thought of it in light of their wartime service.

One Soldier of the 103rd recalled being derided by the southerners of the 31st “Dixie” Division that they were facing off against, until the command of the 103rd conducted a night-time dismounted assault that completely defeated the southerners.

A Soldier of the 152nd recalled using one of their old 75mm guns to knock out six “enemy” tanks. Between the 103rd and the 152nd, Maine made a very good showing. The tone changed at the end of 1941. On December 7, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and Germany declared war on the United States.

The mobilization of the 152nd was extended past the one-year mark and the troops knew that their training time was not in vain.

Something else changed: in 1942 the Army did away with the artillery regimental system and broke up the 152nd into different units.

The regimental headquarters was designated the 203rd Field Artillery Group, which would deploy as a command element for other artillery units. 1st Battalion, 152nd FA was designated the 203rd Field Artillery Battalion and removed from the 43rd Division. 2nd Battalion, 152nd FA was designated the 152nd Field Artillery Battalion and remained with the 43rd Division.

Going their separate ways, the artillery men from Maine would forge a new legacy, from Normandy to the Philippines.

“On the Way:” The History of the 152nd Field ArtilleryPart 1: The Civil War through pre-World War I

Maine’s Military History

Written by 1st Lt. Jonathan Bratten

1st battalion, 152nd Artillery Regiment in formation in 1922 for its first picture as a full battalion shortly after its federal recognition. The photo was taken either in Caribou or Fort Devens, Massachusetts, where the battalion spent its first annual training. As can be seen in the photo, the artillery was still horse-drawn.

State ARNG Substance Abuse Program

Military OneSource Consultants provide information and

make referrals on a wide range of issues,

including personal financial management. Free face-to-face coun-seling sessions (and their equivalent

by phone or online) are also available. Call 1-800-342-9647 or go to

www.militaryonesource.mil to learn more.

VeteransPlus provides free, confiden-tial financial education

counseling to service members and veterans. Their resources can help you better manage your finances, get con-trol of any debt that you may have and learn how to save and invest for your future. For more information: www.

veteransplus.org or call 888-488-8767.

MONEY MATTERS: Credit Cards

TRANSITION ASSISTANCEAuto Buying Programs

When you are thinking about purchasing a new or used car consider using an Auto/Car Buying Program.

A good program will find for you the best deal in your geographic area. There are many of these programs, so choose a program that is attached to a business or organization you trust and in which

you already have a relationship.

Perks offered by these programs are: availability to the latest purchases prices people in your area are paying for the vehicle you are considering, Guaranteed Used Vehicles Certifications, and an opportunity to buy a car without the hassles incurred at a dealership, which could save you time and often money.

In order to use one of these services you must already know what vehicle you want, color, year, make, model and mileage you are willing to consider. Explore vehicle options on-line and/or visit dealerships that carry the vehicle you’re seeking.

Some places to find a reputable program would be a credit union, bank, service organization, or your employer.

Plastic 101

Credit card — You can use a credit card to buy things and pay for them over time. But remember, buying with credit is a loan — you have to pay the money back. And some issuers charge an annual fee for their cards. Some credit card issuers also provide “courtesy” checks to their customers. You can use these checks in place of your card, but they’re not a gift — they’re also a loan that you must pay back. And if you don’t pay your bill on time or in full when it’s due, you will owe a finance charge — the dollar amount you pay to use credit. The finance charge depends in part on your outstanding balance and the annual percentage rate (APR).

Charge card — If you use a charge card, you must pay the balance in full each time you get your statement.

Debit card — This card allows you to make purchases in real-time by accessing the money in your checking or savings account electronically.

The Fine Print

When applying for credit cards, it’s important to shop around. Fees, interest rates, finance charges, and benefits can vary greatly. And, in some cases, credit cards might seem like great deals until you read the fine print and disclosures. When you’re trying to find the credit card that’s right for you, look at the:

Annual percentage rate (APR) — The APR is a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly interest rate. It must be disclosed before your account can be activated, and it must appear on your account statements. The card issuer also must disclose the “periodic rate” — the rate applied to your outstanding balance to figure the finance charge for each billing period.

Some credit card plans allow the

issuer to change your APR when interest rates or other economic indicators — called indexes — change. Because the rate change is linked to the index’s performance, these plans are called “variable rate” programs. Rate changes raise or lower the finance charge on your account. If you’re considering a variable rate card, the issuer also must tell you that the rate may change and how the rate is determined.

Before you become obligated on the account, you also must receive information about any limits on how much and how often your rate may change.

Grace period — The grace period is the number of days you have to pay your bill in full without triggering a finance charge. For example, the credit card company may say that you have 25 days from the statement date, provided you paid your previous balance in full by the due date. The statement date is on the bill.

The grace period usually applies only to new purchases. Most credit cards do not give a grace period for cash advances and balance transfers. Instead, interest charges start right away. If your card includes a grace period, the issuer must mail your bill at least 14 days before the due date so you’ll have enough time to pay.

Annual fees — Many issuers charge annual membership or participation fees.Some card issuers assess the fee in monthly installments.

Transaction fees and other charges — Some issuers charge a fee if you use the card to get a cash advance, make a late payment, or exceed your credit limit. Some charge a monthly fee if you use the card — or if you don’t.

Customer service — Customer service is something most people don’t consider, or appreciate, until

there’s a problem. Look for a 24-hour toll-free telephone number.

Unauthorized charges — If your card is used without your permission, you can be held responsible for up to $50 per card. If you report the loss before the card is used, you can’t be held responsible for any unauthorized charges. To minimize your liability, report the loss as soon as possible. Some issuers have 24-hour toll-free telephone numbers to accept emergency information. It’s a good idea to follow-up with a letter to the issuer — include your account number, the date you noticed your card missing, and the date you reported the loss.Keep a record — in a safe place separate from your cards — of your account numbers, expiration dates, and the telephone numbers of each card issuer so you can report a loss quickly.

Our Mission: To provide prevention

training, promote family

and peer support through education,

and connect Soldiers to treatment

resources to increase military

discipline, individual

performance, and combat readiness

and resilience.

ADCO: Andrew French, 207-430-5253Substance Abuse Program development, marketing

and reporting. Community partnerships and collaboration.

PC: Tracy Richard, 207-430-5253

Provide substance abuse prevention training, assessment and referrals.

Administration of URIs (Unit Risk Inventory).

You may think it is harmless to:

• Take a little more of your prescription than normal• Borrow pills from a friend or spouse with the same

symptoms• Give a buddy some of your medicine because you

think it will help them

But any of these actions put you and your loved ones at risk.

Please visit armythinline.org to learn more about the thin line between

prescription use, misuse and abuse.

When: 13 December 2014 - the National Guard’s 378th birthday. Where: Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. How: Tickets will go on sale on 13 October.

2014 National Guard Association of Maine Military Ball

For More Information Check out:https://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Guard-Association-of-Maine/323525591019106

It’s not quite the North Pole, but sometimes, December in Augusta, Maine can feel that way.

Quietly tucked away in corner offices of an old school building, the dedicated men and women of the Maine Army National Guard’s Family Assistance Service Center have worked quietly, like Santa’s elves, behind the scenes for years to make sure that Christmas comes to all Maine servicemembers and their families.

Christmas Across Maine is just one of the many programs the center facilitates, and they are accepting requests now.

Mark Cater, the former Family Assistance Center services coordinator describes the program as a confidential, needs based program for currently serving military families in Maine.

“People might need help for any number of reasons, most often its because one, or both parents have lost their jobs,” said Cater. “The program is completely confidential. The names do not leave our office. We use descriptors like gender, age, favorite colors, etcetera.”

As early as August, the family assistance center starts putting out information about this program. As requests come in, they start to compile situations of families, wish lists and needs list, for the various families.

Those situation descriptions are then sent out to businesses and families in the area that have indicated an interest in helping. Some sponsors choose a specific family, or families to adopt, others who are further away may send in

gift cards that go towards filling in the gaps at the end of the season, said Cater.“We have one lady who lives in Rumford, and she and her husband go shopping every weekend,” he said. “They buy toys, and clothing, and books, and then they come in with a big truckload for us to divvy up for the families. They don’t have children of their own, so this is how they give back, and how they choose to support military families.”

Kyra Darling, family support center specialist is coordinating all of the families and donors this year. She said that while the program started small, it has grown to over 100 families each year.

“It started in the lobby at Camp Keyes,” said Master Sgt. Barbara Claudel, state family program director for the Maine Army National Guard. “There were little ornaments on the tree that said ‘girl, age 5, likes Barbie’s’, and things like that. Most of it was our employees that would come in and take one off. We would adopt three or four families to help out during the season. Then the war started, and everyone wanted to help.”

“We typically have between 25 and 35 sponsors, between the larger Maine businesses, individual families, and small businesses,” said Cater. “A lot of local businesses, such as car dealerships, shops will come to us

if they have a good year, as a way to give back. We don’t really advertise for sponsors, information travels by word of mouth, people talk. Someone may be looking for a charity to support, and someone else will direct them towards us. Our sponsors are great. We honestly could not do this without them.”

The program is always looking to make improvements and changes each year. This year, they have incorporated a sign -up form online for easier access, and are looking to change the structure of how sponsorship is done, and will be putting links to that online as well.

For more information, please contact Kyra Darling

Kyra.e.darling.ctr@mail.mil, 207-430-5772

https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventDetails.

aspx?Id=62b2e97a-fdea-4af6-8656-d08beb87d40f

Across MaineNOTEWORTHY

136 ENPV2 Marshal Deckers PV1 Jonathan Brewer

DET 1 152 CRCPV2 Jacob Shaw

B/1-172 IN (MTN)PFC Cody Cronk

PFC Joseph Mcnamara

DET 1/E/186 SPT BNPFC Matthew Carter

251 EN (SAPPER)PV1 David Demers

262 ENPFC Mason Haley

488 MPPV2 Shane Flanigan

PV2 Christopher Bean

DET 1/488 MP PV2 Aaron Fitzmaurice

1136 TC PFC Devin Griffin

DET 1/1136 TCPV2 James Allen

HHC/133 ENSPC Nathan Guindon

Congrats to Maine’s Newest SoldiersThese Soldiers returned from Basic and AIT and were welcomed into their units in September. Welcome to the Maine Army National Guard!

SFC Bethanie MazzaroSFC Jeffrey BickfordSGT Allen RoodSFC Kingsley AdamsSFC Randall ParkerMAJ Cynthia PantaloneSFC Jonathan JensenSSG Mark Twombly1SG Michael PeacockSGT Floyd Frost1SG Lance Farrar

Thank you for your service

The following servicemembers retired in

September

Chief Warrant Officer 4Christopher Merrill

Chief Warrant Officer 3Thomas Cannon

Chief Warrant Officer 2Samuel Canders

CaptainJonathan Campbell

1st LieutenantAaron Saucier

2nd LieutenantJoshua RiceNicholas Trinh

Staff SergeantAmanda BretonTodd DarrowWhytnie Martin-SackettJames Shutts

Aaron SmithRobert Workman

SergeantBenjamin BedenEvan HaskellJonathan JamesMatthew StollMichael StottsKyle ThomasSteven Thomas

SpecialistAvery BintliffAbigail BraggPeter CopelandJonathan DuntonForest DyerJennifer EscotoKatelyn HeimanDominic KelleyJohnathon McGaheyTimothy PittsLuis Rodriguez

Zackary Webster

Private First ClassSpencer AldenMatthew BedardSamuel DaschDamon DowJimeel GarrettGlen GooginsGuang LiRichard MeggisonBrandon MillwoodPhilippe OuelletteIzaak RamosGerald RuaneAlvah SeeleyDean SkehanJeremiah SmithTyler StridBrandon TenneyJames Wrobel

PromotionsThe following soldiers were promoted to rank in September

the

BAYONET