PRNG Presente Magazine October 2010

Presentea u n i q u e b i l i n g u a l m a g a z i n e
PUERTO RICO NATIONAL GUARDArmy/Air/State
The new 1600 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit is here!
PresentePresente
October 2010
...and is looking for a few good men and women.
CAMP SANTIAGO: PREMIER TRAINING
DESTINATION IN THE CARIBBEAN
Page 4
Page 10
Kosovo
Good news from our troops in
Pages 3, 13, 36 and 37

.
MENSAJE DEL AYUDANTE GENERAL
Maj. Gen. Antonio J. Vicéns
PresentePresenteM A G A Z I N E
“Presente” is an unofficial bilingual publication of the Puerto Rico National Guard, authorized under AR
360-81, and prepared by the Public Affairs Office and 113th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. This magazine
is published for all members of the National Guard, courtesy of the Puerto Rico National Guard Institutional
Trust Fund (FIGNA). The viewpoints expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Department of
the Army or Air Force, the Puerto Rico National Guard or the Adjutant General of Puerto Rico.
Articles and photographs for publication in PRESENTE should be submitted to: Editor, PRESENTE, ATTN: PR-
PAO, Public Affairs Office, P.O. Box 9023786, San Juan, P.R. 00902-3786. Telephones: (787) 289-1474, 289-
1475, 289-1479. Fax: (787) 289-1478, e-mail: paul.dahlen@ng.army.mil.
Design and Artwork by: Staff Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, PRNG-PAO
El éxito de una organización está funda-
mentado en los principios de relevancia
y dedicación para con el pueblo al que
sirve. No existe, ni existirá, una empresa
que pueda adjudicase el éxito de su
cometido que haya ignorado las necesi-
dades y asuntos de aquellos a los que
está llamada a servir.
Por los pasados 91 años nuestra
institución ha cultivado la dedicación al
servicio de nuestro país y nuestra nación,
convirtiéndose de esta manera en una organización relevante para
el pueblo que espera nuestra presencia y cometido en los momentos
de crisis y que ahora, más que nunca antes, depende de nuestro
ejemplo y valores.
Desde 1919 nuestra institución ha llenado todos los cometidos históri-
cos a los que se ha enfrentado y ha traído honor y honra a nuestra
tierra, elevando la conciencia colectiva de nuestro pueblo a grandes
alturas. Ninguna agencia gubernamental o militar en la historia de
nuestro país ha tenido tres misiones fundamentales y ha cumplido a
cabalidad con todos sus cometidos sin sacrificar la estabilidad y segu-
ridad de nuestra población.
Hemos superado los retos que trajeron las movilizaciones federales
en apoyo a la Guerra Global Contra el Terrorismo, donde cientos de
nuestros ciudadanos-soldados sirvieron y sirven gallardamente en
diversos frentes alrededor del mundo. Superamos los retos de una
transformación sin precedente en nuestra historia donde docenas de
unidades fueron desactivadas, otras más fueron creadas y nuevas
misiones han sido implantadas para atemperar nuestra organización
a las exigencias de un nuevo mundo. Todo esto lo hemos logrado sin
perturbar la fe de nuestro pueblo en nuestra capacidad de responder
a sus necesidades.
Demostramos nuestra relevancia como institución al ayudar a
nuestro pueblo en el mejoramiento de su calidad de vida al implantar
programas de impacto social como lo es ChalleNGe y más reciente-
mente C.R.E.A.N.D.O. Estamos colaborando con el desarrollo de
nuestros niños y jóvenes con los programas STARBASE, STAY ON
TRACK y las charlas continuas de la oficina de DDR (Drug Depen-
dency Reduction Program) a las escuelas y a la comunidad. De la
misma forma continuamos brindando seguridad a la comunidad con
la participación en conjunto con la policía y las agencias de seguri-
dad.
Ahora, estamos enfrascados en una visión que nos llevará a con-
vertirnos en la institución de mayor relevancia en las Américas.
Todo esto con el propósito, no de de ser exitosos o por lo que esto
signifique para la organización, sino por el bien y el orgullo de nuestra
nación y de nuestro país.
Guardia Nacional de Puerto Rico…
¡SIEMPRE PRESENTE!
The Adjuntant General
Maj. Gen. Antonio J. Vicéns
Chief of Staff
Col. Víctor Pérez
Air NG PAO
Maj. Ricardo D. Castrodad
Master Sgt. Tomás Ramirez
Master Sgt. Anthony Hall
State Guard
Col. Maribel Alejandro
Lt. Col. Gelabert Monserrate
2nd Lt. Javish Collazo
Editorial Board
Maj. Paul W. Dahlen
Sgt. lst Class Luis E. Orengo
Staff Sgt. Waldemar Rivera
Staff Sgt. Marizol Ruiz
Sgt. Angel D. Martinez
Sgt. Robert Owens
Spc. Wilma Vega
...in our next issue
Joint forces maneuver between PRNG and
U.S. Marine Corps airlifted two 18th Cen-
tury Cannons from El Morro Castle to a
preservation facility in Old San Juan.
PhotobySgt.RobertOwens,PRNG-PAO

October 2010 - 3
Soldiers from A Company, 1 Battalion, 296th In-
fantry Regiment, 92nd Maneuver Enhancement
Brigade, Multinational Battle Group East, officially
took over the mission at Mount Goles from Hellas
Coy during a Transfer of Authority ceremony, Aug. 16.
The ceremony, held at the secured site at Mount Goles
in Eastern Kosovo, included the lowering of the Greek
flag and the raising of the U.S. flag in the center of the
camp, signifying the change of responsibility for the
mission.
“The soldiers of Hellas Coy did an exceptional job at
Mount Goles. They successfully ensured that the safe
and secure environment was maintained” said Col.
Francisco J. Neuman, commander of Multinational
Battle Group East, and a member of the Puerto Rico
National Guard. “They have been an instrumental part
of the KFOR mission, and were very helpful in transi-
tioning the Mount Goles mission to the U.S. Coy.”
“We are looking forward to this mission, it should be a
good time for my Soldiers,” said 1st Lt. Alexis Avel-
lanet, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, platoon leader, 296th.
“We will be rotating Soldiers out here throughout our
time on Goles.”
While on Mount Goles, the Soldiers of the 296th will
be responsible for maintaining the security of the nu-
merous com-
munication
antennae as well
as maintaining a
safe and secure
environment and
ensuring locals have
freedom of movement
throughout the area.
Even though they will be at the
secluded location, the Soldiers
of the 296th are looking forward
to the unique opportunities pro-
vided by the mission.
“This will be a good experience for my Soldiers, “said
1st Lt. Avellanet. “Being away from the base will
give my guys time to focus on any schooling they are
taking, plus we will be interacting with the Italian and
Portuguese armies while here. It’ll be a good experi-
ence for all of us.”
With the Transfer of Authority completed, the Greeks
will head back to Camp Rigas Ferros, but they aren’t
worried about the job the Soldiers from Puerto Rico
will do while at Goles.
“I’m happy to get my guys back to Rigas Ferros,” said
Greek 1st Lt. Kostas Karanikolos. “I know the Ameri-
cans will do a great job here, at least as good as we
did, probably a better one and if they need any help or
have any questions, my soldiers and I will be there to
help them.”
Multi-National Battle Group East (MNBG E) is a
U.S. led task force commanded by Col. Francisco J.
Neuman. The Headquarters is the 92nd Maneuver
Enhancement Brigade from the Puerto Rico National
Guard. MNBG- E includes soldiers, from Arme-
nia, Greece (Hellas), Polish, Romania, Turkey, and
Ukraine. The charter mission of MNBE E is maintain-
ing a Safe and Secure Environment and providing
Freedom of Movement for the people in Kosovo.
Story and photo by: Pfc. Brian J. Holloran, 130th Public Affairs Detachment
PRNG unit takes over mission in Kosovo
Sgt. Gerardo Figueroa, Saint Just, Puerto Rico, infantryman, A Company,
1st Battalion, 296th Infantry Regiment, raises the U.S. flag during a Trans-
fer of Authority ceremony, Aug. 16, at Mount Goles, Kosovo. During the
ceremony, responsibility for safeguarding Mount Goles was turned over to
A Company, 1st Battalion, 296th Infantry Regiment.

4 - Presente magazine
Troops from the 65th Army Reserve Command, Ft. Buchanan, Puerto
Rico, while undergoing WLC training at Camp Santiago Joint Maneuver
Training Center. The WLC training taught at Camp Santiago is a require-
ment in order to be promoted as an NCO.
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, PRNG-PAO
Camp Santiago is a military training center in
Salinas Munipality, Puerto Rico, operated by the
Puerto Rico National Guard. It has an elevation of 312
feet occupying 12,000 acres of land at the south of the
island.
Since its establishment in 1940 as Puerto Rico’s
National Guard training facility, Camp Santiago, now
known as the Camp Santiago Joint Maneuver Train-
ing Center (CSJMTC), has seen several generations of
soldiers go through its training courses on a daily basis
throughout the years.
Though it has no permanent residents, the barracks at
this facility can temporarily house thousands of troops.
This facility accommodates brigade-sized or larger
units for maneuver and specialized training. It is used
by Special Operations Forces, the National Guard and
other military units from the US and abroad including
troops from Caribbean nations such as the Dominican
Republic, Jamaica, Barbados, Central America and the
United Kingdom.
Camp Santiago was utilized to provide training to
CARICOM Forces to support United Nations Reso-
lution 940 prior to Operation Uphold Democracy in
Haiti in 1994.
Stable weather conditions and a strategic geographi-
cal location make Camp Santiago the premier training
destination in the Caribbean.
“I was given the chance to choose between going to
the one of the States or coming to Camp Santiago
for my Warrior Leadership Course,” said Sgt. Titus
Dubois, from the 661st MP Co., Saint Croix, Virgin
Islands. “Of course I chose coming here because the
weather conditions are similar to that of back home.
Also I heard that there’s a challenging Land Naviga-
tion Course here and I wanted to measure myself to
it. This is my second time coming to the island, so I
already knew what to expect from the weather and I
really enjoy the training here.”
The year-round warm weather is a decision maker
when you get to choose where to train for a deploy-
ment that will land you in a hot weathered hostile
country. Although, sometimes it is a bit challenging
getting used to it.
“Camp Santiago is a little bit hotter than what I’m
used to, but it is a regular training destination for my
unit back home,” said Sgt. Emmrie Edwards, from
JFHQ-HHD, Saint Croix, Virgin Islands. “I know
some other people back home who have already been
here precisely for WLC training like I am right now.”
Neither good weather or geographical position alone
will result in a great training, there has to be a very
important complement to make all this work together.
PREMIER TRAINING DESTINATIONPREMIER TRAINING DESTINATION
CAMP SANTIAGO:CAMP SANTIAGO:CAMP SANTIAGO:

October 2010 - 5
destination, it really made my day because I knew it
wasn’t going to be another cold weather training.”
On anything from PTAE (Pre-Mobilization Training
Assistant Element), WLC and weapons qualification
to just about anything pertaining to troops training, it
is almost certain there’s a Readiness NCO somewhere
browsing a list of training destinations, making a
pause and reading out-loud:
“Camp Santiago, Puerto
Rico National Guard!”
IN THE CARIBBEANIN THE CARIBBEAN
Soldiers from the Virgin Islands while undergoing WLC training at Camp
Santiago Joint Maneuver Training Center, Aug. 17. From left: Sgt. Titus
Dubois from the 661st MP Co., Sgt. Latoya Létang and Sgt. Emmrie Ed-
wards, both from JFHQ-HHD. The WLC training taught at Camp Santiago
is one of the main requirements in order to be promoted as an NCO.
“The training is wonderful, the trainers are knowl-
edgeable and they know the ‘in’s and out’s’ on ev-
erything they taught us,” said Sgt. Latoya Létang,
from JFHQ-HHD, Virgin Islands. “The facilities are
confortable and the training gets a little intense some-
times, but it is fun. I would definitely come back for
more training.”
Units from the Army Reserve at Fort Buchanan regu-
larly send their troops to Camp Santiago to get trained
and better their skills.
“It is pretty common for us in the Army Reserve to
come to Camp Santiago for our training,” said Spc.
Nelson Nieves, from the 271st Postal Company, 65th
Army Reserve Command, Ft. Buchanan. “It would be
uncommon to go somewhere else when the training
we need is available right here in the island.”
Troops from the northern colder states also prefer the
warm weather and the training opportunity Camp San-
tiago has to offer.
“When I was told there was an open seat for Military
Police qualification training here in Camp Santiago I
got excited,” said Sgt. Teresa Laporte, from the 42nd
Regional Support Group, New Jersey National Guard.
“I had been waiting for two years to get my 31B (Mili-
tary Police) qualification training and finally found it
here after it was cancelled in California. I’m so glad
Camp Santiago was listed as an option for a training
Sgt. Teresa Laporte, from the 42nd Regional Support Group, New Jersey
National Guard, while undergoing weapons training for her 31B MOS
(Military Police) qualification at Camp Santiago Joint Maneuver Training
Center, Aug. 17. Graduates from the 31B training taught at Camp San-
tiago return to their units fully qualified as Military Police.

Historia por: Tnte. Cnel. Gelabel Monserrate, PRSG-PAO
Fotos por: Soldado 1ra Clase José L. Torres y Soldado 1ra Clase Abelardo Pérez, PRSG-PAO
ElComando Estatal de Puerto Rico (PRSG) celebró
su Campamento Anual 2010 en las facilidades
de Campamento Santiago en Salinas del 26 al 29 de
agosto.
Más de 1,000 ciudadanos-soldados de distintos gru-
pos de apoyo a través de la Isla participaron en entre-
namientos de capacitación y certificación en un esfuer-
zo combinado entre instructores de la Guardia Nacional
de Puerto Rico y el PRSG.
El General de Brigada, Héctor Sorrentini, Comandante
del PRSG les dio la bienvenida a las tropas y comentó
sobre los cambios y procedimientos del Comando con
el fin de trabajar mano a mano con la GNPR.
“Este campamento será diferente a los anteriores”, co-
mentó Sorrentini mientras se dirigía a las tropas. “Us-
tedes van a notar que el Comando Estatal y la Guardia
Nacional van a estar trabajando a la par, no solo con el
apoyo de instructores sino también en diferentes aéreas
administrativas y demás”.
La misión primordial del adiestramiento fue la de
ajustarse al cambio estructural y organizacional de la
GNPR para poder responder a cualquier situación de
emergencia que pudiera surgir en la isla y dar apoyo a
cada una de las unidades de la GNPR.
“Para lograr esto, muchos de nosotros vamos a tener
que re-adiestrarnos y adquirir nuevas especialidades
militares”, dijo Sorrentini. “Queremos que Puerto Rico
sepa que estamos capacitados y que puede contar con
el PRSG.
Esto, siguiendo la visión del Ayudante General de Puer-
to Rico de que la Guardia Nacional, la Guardia Nacio-
nal Aérea y el Comando Estatal somos todos un solo
cuerpo. Y así es que vamos a estar trabajando desde
ahora en adelante”.
Por primera vez en la historia, la Compañía de Comu-
nicaciones del PRSG, transmitió la apertura del campa-
mento a través de la red cibernética. Cientos de famili-
ares y amigos dentro y fuera de Puerto Rico tuvieron la
oportunidad de ver la transmisión en vivo del evento.
Para accesar la página del PRSG en la red cibernética:
www.prstateguard.com
COMANDO ESTATALPARTE INTEGRAL DE LA GNPRPARTE INTEGRAL DE LA GNPR

“We are not selling a product, we are promoting
a life style, a service based on duty, loyalty
and commitment toward country and nation,” said Lt.
Col. Zane Lance, Recruiting and Retention Battalion
Commander. “All candidates to join the Puerto Rico
National Guard must understand that there is an obli-
gation to our people here and to the nation. The Guard
is not just benefits, but commitment and responsibility.
Our mission is to get units ready for whatever mission
arises.”
The PRNG Recruiting and Retention Command is also
in a process of evolving, and changes are everywhere.
“Our guidance is to use recruiting as a tool to keep
the readiness of our units, and to ensure units have
the personnel they need to deploy or to support state
missions,” said Lance. “Our primary focus is for
Recruiting
Command
those skill level 10 positions in the units to be filled.”
R&R also has to comply with specific goals estab-
lished by the Adjutant General
“The aim of Maj. Gen. Antonio Vicéns is that our
strength equals our force structure allowance,” said
Lance. “So, for fiscal year 2011 our goal is to recruit
900 citizen-soldiers and 60 officers and also meet our
force structure allowance of 7,177 personnel. It is a
very big challenge. We did not have that type of mis-
sion in terms of enlistment from some years now.”
According to Lance, FY 2010 was very successful,
however, there are Military Occupational Specialties
that are still hard to fill.
“Before the transformation of the PRNG we were a
Combat Arms heavy organization in terms of units and
mission,” said Lance. “After the transformation we
became a Combat Support heavy organization with
only 25 percent of it being combat arms units. How-
ever, we are short in areas such as Military Police,
Engineers, Infantry, Transportation, Chemical Special-
ists and personnel in specialized units like the 1600
Explosive Ordnance Detachment and the 232 Engineer
Diving Detachment, but we are not the only ones in
this situation. Even at the national level there are
people unable to pass the training courses.”
By Sgt. 1st Class Luis E. Orengo, PRNG-PAO
Promoting a Life Style
PRNG

October 2010 - 9
The language barrier and stiff competition from other
services has made the recruiting task a daunting and
challenging one but the PRNG R&R command has
tackled this test head-on with all available tools.
“In the island we are recruiting under the Foreign Lan-
guage Recruiting Initiative, which allows us to recruit
any candidate who has problems with the English
language,” said Lance. “We are in a kind of advan-
tage point here, because we are a larger organization
and have more MOSs to offer, compared to the Army
Reserve or any other service. We have the educational
benefits of FIGNA and we have a domestic role to
support our communities, which is very attractive to
many applicants. So those are our three selling points
for recruiting.”
The near future looks challenging, but the PRNG
R&R has proven its capabilities to adapt and get the
job done.
Staff Sgt. Peter Rivera, Recruiting and Retention Non-commissioned officer from the Recruiting Command, PRNG, while helping Geiren Rivera fill out
his initial enlistement documents during a recruiting event at “The Outlets” shopping center in Canóvanas. The Recruiting Command participates in
recruiting events troughout the year all over the island. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, PRNG-PAO)
“We have implemented changes in how do we do busi-
ness out in the field,” said Lance. “Now we are look-
ing to go back to areas that have been abandoned due
to the difficulties and opposition from some sectors.
We are trying to get back to high schools and colleges.
We are looking for new markets.”
The PRNG R&R capabilities have been tested over
time. In 2010 it raised from position 51 to number 13
of all NG recruiting battalions. It was recognized as
the most improved Recruiting Sustainment Program in
the nation.
“Our job is carried out by a team effort and everybody
is part of the team,” said Lance. “If the Guard has
been good to all of us it may also be good for many
great people out there. We have to reach out to them,
and tell them what we do, and motivate them to join
us.”

The Puerto Rico National Guard confronts constant
changes and challenges since the Guard in general
came to be an important asset in the fight against terror-
ism.
According to the Personnel End Strength report of Glob-
al Security for July 2010, the National Guard constitutes
roughly a sixth of the total U.S. Military fighting force.
Not to mention that during part of the war on terrorism
the Guard has made up, in some instances, about 50 per-
cent of the total force in combat.
With the ever-changing combat environment met during
the ongoing war on terrorism, every National Guard must
be proactive and equipped with the right technology to
counter the enemy’s wit.
Enter the 1600th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company
as part of the Puerto Rico National Guard.
“This unit was created in 2007 and activated in 2008 as a
spin-off from what used to be Troop E, 192nd Cav,” said
1st Sgt. Jorge Luna, unit’s First Sergeant. “This happened
after the 92nd Brigade bacame the 92nd Maneuver En-
hancement Brigade.”
“This is a unique unit that specializes in reducing or elim-
inating the hazards of munitions and explosive devices.
This includes Improvised Explosive Devices placed by
the enemy and conventional U.S. and foreign Unexplod-
ed Explosive Ordnance that represent a threat to opera-
tions, installations, personnel and materiel,” said Luna.
The unit’s mission is not exclusively one of combat op-
erations. It also has some special roles included with its
capabilities.
“As per our mission statement we also provide support to
the U.S. Secret Service in the protection of the President,
Vice-President and any other dignataries as directed,”
said Luna. “Also, we provide EOD service to state and
local agencies and foreign governments as required.”
Story and photo by: Staff Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, PRNG-PAO
1600th EOD COMPANY1600th EOD COMPANY
One of the most important tools in the 1600 is a “squad”
comprised of seven robots that includes six Man Trans-
portable Robotic Systems (MTRS) and a 700-pound Re-
mote Ordnance Neutralization System (RONS) that they
nicknamed “Onion Head.”
“These robots are the pivot point of the unit,” said Sgt.
Charlie Silva, robot operator and Training NCO for the
unit. “They are the ones who do the dirty work for us
when the situation turns awry.”
“These robots are used in dangerous situations,” said Sil-
va. “They are an important complement to our protective
“There’s a new unit in town...”
Sgt. Charlie Silva, robot operator and Training NCO for the 1600 EOD
Unit in Salinas, takes one of the unit’s new Robotic Systems for a stroll
while checking the operational status of the machine, Sept. 12. Silva is the
first Soldier from the PRNG who qualified as an EOD. (Photo by Staff Sgt,
Waldemar Rivera, PRNG-PAO)

October 2010 - 11
suits when a suspected explosive device is encountered.
It is better to send the robot to assess the situation rather
than sending EOD personnel into harm’s way.”
The RONS is sent to recon the potentially dangerous area
and look for a possible secondary IED or even maybe a
third one or more since that is the trend nowadays.
“It has a total of four cameras for a 360 degree surveil-
lance capability,” said Silva. “It has a microphone and
a speaker that enables the operator to remotely commu-
nicate with a Bomb Technician or any other personnel
downrange from a safe distance of 300 meters.”
“The main purpose of the RONS is not to detonate the
explosives itself,” said Silva. “We always try to protect
the equipment as much as possible and the RONS should
be placed as far away from the detonation as possible be-
fore it occurs. In the case that the RONS is handling a
suspicious object and a bomb goes off, the robot could
be destroyed, but it’s better to lose a robot than to lose a
soldier.”
Even in the event of losing a robot due to an explosion,
the robot would still be doing its intended job, which is
to protect the Soldier from getting killed, and that is just
one of its main jobs.
“One of the main jobs for the robotic systems when an
IED is encountered is to try to disarm or separate the
components of the device,” said Silva. “One way is trying
to pull away the blasting cap or the main trigger from the
bomb assembly. This could sometimes be a cell phone,
a simple wire, a pressure plate or one of many ways the
enemy manages to put the device together depending on
their inventive.”
“Once this is done, and the surrounding area is free from
secondary devices, then we get close with our Bomb
Technicians and disassemble the artifact and work on the
evidence gathered to try to identify and arrest the cul-
prits,” said Silva.
“I feel proud to be the first member of the PRNG to go
through the EOD School and the first one to get qualified
in this MOS in the 1600 EOD Unit,” said Silva. “It was a
10-month-long course that started with the first phase at
Redstone Arsenal in Alabama and ended with the second
phase at Eglin AFB in Florida. It was a hard course; you
had to pass with a minimum of 85 percent score on all
tests. It was tough but not impossible.”
The unit seeks soldiers E-5 and below who are willing
to take the challenge of going through the training. The
candidates have to be in good physical condition, pass
the APFT, 105 minimum GM score and posses a Secret
clearance to apply for Top-Secret clearance.
For more information you may contact 1st Sgt. Jorge
Luna at: (787) 824-7492 or visit building 900 at Camp
Santiago Joint Maneuver Training Center in Salinas.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO WEAR ONE OF THESE?
OFFICER
THE PUERTO RICO ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
EXCEL AT WHAT YOU DO BEST
BECOME A LEADER
POC: 1st Lt. Maribel Oliveras (787) 565-7261 / (787) 289-1522
E-mail: maribel.oliveras@ng.army.mil Puerto Rico

Until recently, most members of the Puerto Rico
National Guard did not know what was Geospa-
tial Information Interoperability Exploitation-Portable
or “GIIEP”.
GIIEP is a man-portable equipment which gives the
PRNG a new capability to rapidly deploy during De-
fense Support to Civilian Agencies (DSCA) operations
providing Incident Awareness Assessment products
that can be quickly disseminated among mission part-
ners and PRNG Emergency Management personnel.
It is composed of two “Go-Kits” and a Remote Oper-
ated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) 4 that can
be rapidly deployed to produce Full Motion Video and
still photography for the use of Incident Command-
ers, first responders, state and local leadership, federal
partners and national level leadership. It also eases the
access to the product since it has a web-based inter-
face.
In an effort from National Guard Bureau/J2 to field
this equipment to all 54 National Guards, Puerto Rico
received this new capability early during the month of
July.
Mr. Patrick Plummer and Mr. Jesse Cowen, instructors
from the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Com-
mand, instructed PRNG members at the Joint Opera-
tions Center, Joint Force Headquarters, on GIIEP
handling and operation procedures, July 7-9.
They took turns teaching the modules and performing
hands-on training to members from the JOC, Counter
Drug program, 22nd Civil Support Team, 92nd Ma-
neuver Enhancement Brigade and the J2.
“This has been the first group we’ve seen with so
much interest,” said Mr. Plummer. “Most of the time
people either do not have much knowledge of the
equipment or interest in the training; this was not the
case here.”
The personnel trained here will
also help to train more users
to spread the knowledge and
availability of qualified person-
nel to operate the equipment
during DSCA operations.
HI-TECH EQUIPMENT
PRNG RECEIVES NEW
By Col. Adalberto Rivera, PRANG
Air Force Staff Sgt. Arnaldo Torres, from the 22nd Civil Support Team, while
testing the new GIIEP at Joint Force Headquarters in San Juan, Sept. 7.
The GIIEP is a man-portable equipment that provides incident awareness
assessment to emergency management personnel during emergency op-
erations. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Mario Fernandez, PRNG-JOC)

October 2010 - 13
Members of the KFOR 13, Multinational Battle
Group East, Liaison Monitoring Team, met with
more than 40 local children during a Summer camp
program in Strpce/Shterpce, July 20.
The program, hosted by Strong Start, a non-govern-
mental organization in Kosovo, offered the Soldiers of
LMT 7, who arrived in Kosovo only two weeks prior,
their first chance to interact with the youth of their
sector.
“This is the new face of KFOR in Strpce,” said 2nd Lt.
Suehaine Cancel, officer in charge, LMT 7. “We are
more than glad to be sharing this moment with all of
you,” Cancel told the camp participants.
Cancel, a Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, resident, and her
Soldiers, took the opportunity to spend time with
the Kosovo children, while also handing out various
school supplies and engaging in several activities with
the youngsters.
“We love to participate in all of these activities,” said
Cancel, “especially with the kids. They are the future
of Kosovo.”
The Soldiers participated in various activities with the
children, including soccer, volleyball, board games
and more. Also, during the camp, the children are of-
fered activities ranging from language lessons, singing
and dancing and athletic competitions among others.
The children participating in the camp are from vari-
ous ethnic and cultural backgrounds, which is by
design on purpose by the event organizers.
“We try to get all the communities in one place,” said
Mirlinda Sylejmani, assistant supervisor for the camp.
“We select kids from multiple ethnicities … so they
see that they can live and work together if they want
to.”
Multi-ethnic cooperation and friendship is what can
ensure continued success in the building of a strong
future for all the people in Kosovo.
“This is a good start,” said Cancel. “Let’s all contrib-
ute to this giant step in the build-up of the multi-ethnic
society and a better future for everybody, especially
for Kosovo. The future of Kosovo is in these kids’
hands.”
TEAMS-UP
WITH LOCAL SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM
TEAMS-UP
WITH LOCAL SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM
Story by Sgt. Jordan Werme, 130th Public Affairs Detachment
KFOR 13KFOR 13
2nd Lt. Suehaine Cancel (kneeling), of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, officer in charge, Liason Monitoring Team 7, Multinational Battle Group
East, KFOR 13, poses with her team and a group of children participating in a Strong Start summer camp program, July 20. The LMT
Soldiers spent the day with a group of more than 40 local children from multiple ethnicities and municipalities in Kosovo. Soldiers partici-
pated in various activities with the children throughout the day, including soccer, board games, and group discussions. (U.S. Army photo
by Sgt. Jordan E. Werme, 130th PAD)

Se gradúan dos de
La GNPR recibió a los primeros dos buzos cualifi-
cados del Naval Diving & Salvage Training Center
en Panama City, Fla., pertenecientes al recién formado
232vo Destacamento de Buzos Ingenieros el pasado
agosto.
El Sgto. Alvin Flores, natural de Humacao, y el Solda-
do de 1ra Clase Jason Ortiz Torres, natural de Bayamón,
hacen historia al ser los primeros buzos cualificados de
la GNPR.
El Destacamento de Buzos Ingenieros se forma durante
la transformación general que sufrió la GNPR en el año
2008, cuando varias unidades cambiaron de estatus y
otras desaparecieron para incorporarse a otras unidades
ya existentes o recién creadas.
Desde la formación del destacamento, cuya misión prin-
cipal es la de ejecutar misiones de salvamento en aguas
profundas, se ha hecho el llamado para atraer candidatos
y llenar las posiciones que aún quedan vacantes. Hasta
el momento cerca de un 50 por ciento de las posiciones
quedan por ser ocupadas.
“Yo estaba en la 892va Unidad de Ingeniería en Huma-
cao cuando decidí transferirme a este destacamento a
principios del 2008”, dijo Flores. “Fui el primer can-
didato que llegó al destacamento y llegué pensando en
que sería de los primeros en cualificarse en este tipo de
trabajo en la historia de la GNPR. Ya tenía en mente
cuán difícil podría ser el adiestramiento”.
Los candidatos a buzo del destacamento se enfrentan a
29 semanas de entrenamiento que varía desde concen-
traciones académicas hasta rigorosos adiestramiento
físicos. Es precisamente el estrés del adiestramiento lo
que hace que algunos candidatos no logren terminar el
curso. De 38 candidatos que comenzaron el curso en
octubre, 13 no lo lograron.
“El entrenamiento fue uno muy demandante y hubo
momentos en que este se puso muy difícil”, dijo Flores.
“Decidí meterme de lleno en los estudios, tener la
mente en claro y seguir adelante con el adiestramiento.
Pensaba mucho en la familia y en lo difícil que se le
hacía a mi esposa manejar su trabajo, la casa y nuestros
cuatro hijos por sí sola. Todo esto me hacia ganar más
bríos para comenzar con nuevos ánimos en la mañana
siguiente. Quería volver a casa pero con la frente en
alto”.
“Siento mucho orgullo de haber sido el primer NCO de
la GNPR que se gradúa del NDSTC que es una escuela
de tanto prestigio”, dijo Flores. “También siento orgullo
de haber sido parte de la primera clase del NDSTC que
se graduó con más del 65 por ciento de los estudiantes.
Los instructores dicen que fue la mejor clase que ha
pasado por ese entrenamiento hasta ahora”.
La NDSTC es la escuela de rescate en profundidades
marinas más prestigiosa del mundo ofreciendo una gran
variedad de ambientes de entrenamientos controlados
como piscinas, cámaras de presión y muelles, así como
acceso a buceo en mar abierto.
Para ser parte del 232vo Destacamento de Buzos In-
genieros se requiere una puntuación de GT (General
Technical) de no menos de 107, pun-
tuación en GM (General Mechanics)
de 105, Pulhes de 111111 y pasar el
DPFT (Divers Physical Fitness Test).
Para mas información llamar al Sgto.
Alvin Flores al 787 559-1906.
1ra
UnidaddeBuzos1ra
UnidaddeBuzos
El Sgto. Alvin Flores, del 232vo Destacamento de Buzos Ingenie-
ros, durante su entrenamiento en Panama City, Fla.. Flores hace
historia al ser uno de los primeros buzos cualificados de la primera
unidad de buzos de la GNPR. (Foto provista)
Por Sgto. de Estado Waldemar Rivera, GNPR-PAO

October 2010 - 15
The Puerto Rico National Guard, alongside State
government and Federal agencies, got together
in the PRNG-Joint Force Headquarters in San Juan to
establish a cooperation agreement to better support the
veterans community in the island. The team is named
C.E.I.B.A. and it stands for Committee for Enhanced,
Integrated services and support Benefits for veterans,
service members And their families.
The Ceiba is a tall and strong tree that grows in many
islands in the Caribbean and is known for its strength
and capability to withstand hurricanes.
Early this year the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for
Returning Service Members, Veterans and their Fami-
lies Policy Academy invited 10 states & territories to
Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico was among them.
“We received an invitation to attend this meeting in
Washington D.C. early this year,” said Mr. Héctor De
Jesús Transition Assistance Advisor for Puerto Rico.
“The Puerto Rico Task Force analyzed and reviewed
the current issues and challenges of Puerto Rico’s
Veterans support system strengths and weaknesses,
including a review of the unique political environment
in which it has to operate.”
Once in Puerto Rico, the task force took the task to
assemble all relevant government and federal agencies
to study them and their alternatives.
So, the CEIBA committee was born.
Five of the most relevant points of the meeting were:
1. It has been a long war that stretches a system not
designed for such a long conflict.
2. Conflicts with small groups that don’t support Vet-
erans.
C.E.I.B.A.
3. Limited resources.
4. Disparity of benefits with claim decisions when
compared with Continental U.S.
5. Lack of jobs and employment strategies.
The C.E.I.B.A. Committee includes Honorable Lucy
Arce, Senator and president of the Veterans Affairs
Committee in the PR Senate, two Governor’s special
representatives, the PR Transition Assistance Advisor,
the PR Advocate for Veterans Affairs, PRNG Family
Program Director, Veterans Administration representa-
tives, the ESGR (Employer Support to the Guard and
Reserve) president and selected personnel from differ-
ent military and Veteran service organizations.
“At this point all members of the CEIBA Committee
are engaged in the process to educate our community,
government agencies and the private sector on the sig-
nificance of the Veteran community and their families.
Also, to update laws and benefits that the Veterans
community and their families are entitled to.” said
De Jesús. “The committee will work hand-in-hand to
deal with matters concerning all Veterans, and bring
solutions to the most relevant issues. After all, Veter-
ans have sacrificed themselves for the community, the
country, and our nation.”
A strong tree for times of crisis
an interagency group for challenging times
The Puerto Rico Advocate for Veterans Affairs, Agustín Montañez Allman
(center), and members of the CEIBA Committee discuss some of the
issues and concerns of the benefits earned by Veterans. (Photo by Staff
Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, PRNG-PAO)

La Guardia Nacional de Puerto Rico ha sido precur-
sor de programas, servicios y actividades dirigidas
al beneficio comunitario, sus miembros y por el bien
de Puerto Rico. Todos estos esfuerzos están enfocados
a beneficiar a nuestro pueblo.
Sin embargo, el deseo de servir trasciende ya que la
GNPR es parte del Programa de Países Compañeros
(SPP por sus siglas en inglés) el cual tiene como mis-
ión principal el establecimiento y fortalecimiento de
relaciones mutuas a largo plazo con países compañe-
ros a través de todos los niveles de la sociedad.
Este programa evolucionó del Programa de Equipo
de Contacto Conjunto iniciado en 1993 que fue un
programa de alcance creado para las nuevas democra-
cias surgidas en Europa Central, del Este y la antigua
Unión Soviética. Desde 1994 el programa comenzó a
expandirse hasta convertirse en una iniciativa global.
El SPP es una misión exclusiva de las Guardias Nacio-
nales de los estados y territorios de los EE.UU. y está
dividida en cinco comandos: Comando Europa, Co-
mando África, Comando Central, Comando Pacífico y
Comando Sur-América. Hoy en día hay un total de 61
asociaciones del Programa de Países Compañeros en
todos los comandos.
En asuntos relacionados al SPP, la GNPR responde al
Comando Sur-América, el cual cuenta al momento,
con 19 países-compañeros-miembros.
Puerto Rico es uno de solo dos estados del Comando
Sur-América que mantiene lazos con dos países-
compañeros a la vez; siendo estos países: la República
Dominicana y Honduras.
Entre los objetivos principales a ser logrados para con
los países-compañeros se encuentran: el de apoyar
los objetivos de cooperación de seguridad, desarrollar
Por Sgto. de Estado Waldemar Rivera, GNPR-PAO
GNPRGNPR
actividades donde el gobierno de los EE.UU. pueda
crear vías sociales de crecimiento socio-económico
dentro del país-compañero y contribuir en la creación
de operaciones de coalición en la guerra global contra
el terrorismo.
El programa incrementa las oportunidades económicas
entre los estados y los países-compañeros, promueve
la amistad entre militares y civiles de ambas partes y
habilita el intercambio de información y tecnología
para el beneficio de ambas partes. Es un programa
flexible hecho a la medida basado en los requisitos y
deseos del país-compañero que no limita otros inter-
cambios ni operaciones.
El valor primordial del SPP es su habilidad de enfocar
la atención de una sección del Departamento de la
Defensa – la Guardia Nacional de algún estado – hacia
uno o dos países o región en apoyo a la política del
Gobierno de los EE.UU.
Este enfoque de atención permite que se desarrollen
relaciones personales a largo plazo y un mecanismo
que sirve para atraer más apoyo desde fuera del Depar-
parte del Programa
Capitán Rolando Rodríguez, actual Coordinador del Programa de Paises
Compañeros de la Guardia Nacional de Puerto Rico. (Foto por Sgto. de
Estado Waldemar Rivera, GNPR-PAO)

October 2010 - 17
de Países Compañeros
A Simple Observation
A Single Report can lead to actions that may STOP a terrorist attack
THINK ABOUT THE POWER OF THAT. THE POWER OF iWATCH.
See Something - Say Something
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Because someone is depending on you
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tamento de la Defensa que de otra manera no habría
de ocurrir, pero que aún así complementa la política de
los EE.UU.
Un compromiso óptimo es aquel en que: el país
anfitrión profesa un interés genuino de asociación;
los objetivos del compromiso se satisfacen; el riesgo
a la fuerza de protección es mínimo; se requiere un
mínimo de recursos adicionales para llevar a cabo el
compromiso y donde la habilidad de compromiso de la
Guardia Nacional, particularmente el apoyo militar a
autoridades civiles, se haya incorporado de lleno.
Hoy en día, 35 estados, dos territorios y el Distrito de
Columbia están asociados con 38 países alrededor del
mundo.

The Puerto Rico National Guard Field Maintenance Shop (FMS) #9, located in Fort Allen, Juana Díaz, was
selected runner-up of the Department of the Army Award for Maintenance Excellence (AAME) competition
2010 in the small TDA (Table of Distribution and Allowances) category, June 24.
The award ceremony was held at Richmond, Va., and the Chief of Staff of the Army, General George W. Casey
Jr. was on hand to recognize the 82 outstanding units being awarded for logistics excellence.
This is not the first time the Puerto Rico National Guard competes for this award. Last year FMS #5 from May-
agüez competed and ended up as the winner of the 2009 AAME.
“At the Pentagon, we can make policies and plans, but none of it can be achieved without the Soldiers in the
field,” said Lt. Gen. Mitchell H. Stevenson, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army for Logistics. “The Logistics
Excellence Awards provide an oportunity to recognize outstanding units and their diligent efforts to sustain the
force.”
The award description states that: “All mechanics were ASE (Automotive Service Excel-
lence) qualified and had attended all required technician training courses. Puerto Rico has
been a great supporter of the award program with maximum participation during the past
years and has seen the benefit of improved readiness and recognition of their mainte-
nance personnel by participating.”
The AAME Award was established in 1982 by the Department of the Army and is
co-sponsored by The National Defense Industrial Association. It has recognized the
exceptional accomplishments in maintenance excellence and logistics performed by
FMS #9.
An Army Award for Maintenance Excellence
FMS #9 CommendedFMS #9 Commended
Story and Photo by Staff Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, PRNG-PAO

October 2010 - 19
El Secretario del Departamento de Corrección y Rehabilitación, Sr. Carlos Mo-
lina Rodriguez, junto al Ayudante General de Puerto Rico, General de División
Antonio J. Vicéns, develan la bandera del programa CREANDO como parte de
la actividad protocolar que dio inicio a un nuevo ciclo de este programa. Un total
de 28 jóvenes son parte de este programa de 22 semanas el cual es producto
del empeño y la esperanza de tres agencias gubernamentales que se unen para
desarrollar esta alternativa educativa. (Foto por: Sgto. de Estado Waldemar
Rivera, GNPR-PAO)
Un total de 28 jóvenes procedentes de los
Centros de Tratamiento Social de la Ad-
ministración de Instituciones Juveniles iniciaron
el segundo grupo del programa CREANDO
(Camino al Reto del Éxito A través de Nuevas y
Diferentes Oportunidades) en ceremonia llevada
a cabo en los Cuarteles Generales de la Guardia
Nacional en San Juan.
“Jóvenes, ustedes son la razón por la cual estamos
aquí. Ustedes reconocieron la necesidad de reali-
zar un cambio positivo en sus vidas y depositaron
su confianza en nosotros para facilitar el mismo”,
dijo el Ayudante General de Puerto Rico, General
de División Antonio J. Vicéns. “De hoy en adel-
ante sus vidas jamás serán las mismas. Hoy da
inicio una etapa en sus vidas, una segunda y única
oportunidad que la vida y la Guardia Nacional
les ofrecen. Desde hoy la Guardia Nacional de
Puerto Rico se encargará de encaminarlos hacia
el éxito, pero necesitamos su aceptación no solo
en palabra, sino en compromiso, entrega y aceptación.
Su futuro y su éxito está en sus manos y comienza
hoy”.
El programa CREANDO es el producto del empeño y
la esperanza de tres agencias las cuales se unen para
desarrollar esta alternativa educativa.
“CREANDO es el primer programa educativo para
jóvenes bajo la custodia de la Administración de
Instituciones Juveniles que ofrece una modalidad de
enseñanza no tradicional, acelerada y residencial, que
les permitirá completar en un término de 22 semanas
los requisitos necesarios para obtener el diploma de
Escuela Superior”, dijo Vicéns. “Esta va a ser
una clase para la historia. En ustedes hay un
verdadero deseo de superación. Sé que aquí van a
haber muchos honores, premios y muchas historias de
superación y éxito. Yo confío en ustedes y su Guardia
Nacional también”.
La plataforma académica y administrativa del Pro-
grama CREANDO está fundamentada en los procesos
experimentados exitosamente durante los pasados 10
años por el Programa ChalleNGe de la Guardia Nacio-
nal de Puerto Rico.
“Este nuevo grupo de jóvenes ha demostrado que lo
que hicimos en un principio fue lo correcto y que cu-
ando se brinda la oportunidad hay quienes la valoran y
proceden al cambio”, dijo Vicéns. “Este día celebra-
mos nuevamente el resultado de la unión de esfuerzos
y el deseo de ayudar a jóvenes que serán los futuros
líderes de nuestro país. Estos jóvenes han decidido
alcanzar metas y nosotros, todas las agencias concerni-
das, nos hemos comprometido a estar en la disposición
incondicional de ayudarles a lograrlo”.
Por Sgto. 1ra Clase Luis Orengo, GNPR-PAO
GNPR, AIJ, DCRGNPR, AIJ, DCR
INICIAN NUEVO GRUPO CREANDOINICIAN NUEVO GRUPO CREANDO

The Puerto Rico National Guard assisted the Maritime
Transportation Authority in shipping much needed
goods to Vieques, an island-municipality of Puerto Rico.
It has a population of 10,000 people which lies about 8
miles to the east of the Puerto Rican mainland.
In recent months the maritime transportation to and from
Vieques has become a source of concern for its popula-
tion. Most of the cargo vessels that transport goods into
the island have been docked for maintenance.
“Our citizens in the municipality of Vieques were in dire
need of our support to overcome a potential crisis, and
we were asked to help,” said the Adjutant General of
Puerto Rico, Major General Antonio J. Vicens. “Now
we are taking appropriate action. This is what we do for
the well-being of our communities.”
The situation arose after three of four MTA cargo vessels
were docked for maintenance. Additionally, Hurricane
Earl caused major damage to the island’s piers.
“The government of Puerto Rico approached us request-
ing help with cargo transportation to Vieques,” said Col.
Susan Valentín, 191st Regional Support Group com-
mander. “The PRNG maintains three operational vessels
ready to move at a moment’s notice with a fourth one
in reserve. That has been our practice for more than ten
years. We are always ready.”
The Vieques population relies on the MTA cargo ferries
for most of its daily needs.
“MTA has four cargo vessels that serve the islands of Vi-
eques and Culebra,” said José R. Ruíz Ríos, a supervisor
at the MTA. “Our vessels move over 10 heavy vehicles
in three daily trips to the islands. With the absence of
three of those vessels, the movement of supplies and
goods to and from the islands has become a challenge.
Thanks to the PRNG we are helping the Vieques’ com-
merce by taking their vehicles to the main island for
resupply and re-stock of the island’s stores. We will give
Vieques’ businesses a priority and continue to do so until
our service can be reestablished again.”
The PRNG Landing Craft Detachment is the only one of
its kind throughout the National Guard of all 54 States
and Territories.
“Our mission is to provide transportation to those vehi-
Personnel of the PRNG Landing Craft Detachment supervise the loading
and unloading of vehicles from their vessels as part of the PRNG support
to the Maritime Transportation Authority and the community of Vieques Is-
land. After the MTA vessels were docked for repairs and maintenance, the
PRNG was mobilized to provide transportation of cargo and commercial
vehicles to and from the municipality of Vieques Island.
PRNGTO THE RESCUETO THE RESCUE
Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Luis Orengo, PRNG-PAO

October 2010 - 21
The PRNG Landing Craft Detachment has four Landing Craft Mechanized
(LCM) vessels manned by a crew of four each. This detachment is the only
one of its kind among all NG units across the United States and its territories.
The PRNG Landing Craft Detachment has four Landing Craft Mechanized
(LCM) vessels manned by a crew of four each. This detachment is the only
one of its kind among all NG units across the United States and its territories.
cles taking goods and supplies to the island of Vieques,”
said Chief Warrant Officer Enrique Mercado, command-
er of the PRNG Landing Craft Detachment. “We make
three trips a day from Ceiba to Vieques with two Land-
ing Craft Vessels. We are only carrying cargo vehicles
because the Landing Craft are not designed to carry pas-
sengers. Each trip back and forth takes two hours plus
the time it takes to load and unload the vessels.”
According to Mercado, all cargo and vehicle coordina-
tion is done in Vieques by an MTA supervisor.
“We do not know who needs our services and support, so
an MTA supervisor evaluates the situation and authorizes
the loading of our vessels,” said Mercado.
The citizens of Vieques are very grateful for the PRNG
support.
“I’m grateful to the PRNG because without their help I
may not be able to restock my store and serve the people
of Vieques,” said Roberto Velez, store owner.
“I had to close my coffee shop for lack of supplies, but
thanks to the PRNG I was able to resupply it and keep
the business going,” said Alicia Rosa, business owner.
“Our National Guard is part of the community and this is
what we do for its well-being,” said Mercado. “This is
who we are.”

Con la República Dominicana...
Personal del Centro de Operaciones Conjuntas (JOC
por sus siglas en Inglés) de la Guardia Nacional
de Puerto Rico y de la Agencia Estatal para el Manejo
de Emergencias de Puerto Rico se dieron a la tarea de
viajar a la República Dominicana en la primera de una
serie de intercambios de conocimientos y experiencias
en el manejo de emergencias y desastres.
Como parte del Programa de Países Compañeros, la
función principal de la GNPR es la interacción con los
paises compañeros para promover y realzar las rela-
ciones bilaterales entre estos y los EE.UU.
Con este propósito, la Guardia Nacional de Puerto
Rico tiene a su cargo, como parte del Programa de Pai-
ses Compañeros, a la República Dominicana desde el
año 2003.
“La principal ventaja en el aspecto del manejo de
emergencias es incrementar la interoperabilidad entre
la Guardia Nacional de Puerto Rico y las entidades
públicas del estado que participaron en este evento
con las autoridades militares y civiles que participaron
de parte de la República Dominicana” dijo el Capitán
Rolando Rodríguez oficial a cargo del Programa de
Países-Compañeros en de la GNPR.
En su visita de cinco días, el personal visitó las ofici-
nas del Centro de Operaciones de Emergencias (COE)
en Santo Domingo y en la provincia de La Romana
en las cuales dieron charlas y clínicas relacionadas
con diversas formas de cómo manejar situaciones de
emergencias y de cómo desarrollar su propio plan de
prevención de situaciones en caso de una eventuali-
dad.
Directores de diversas agencias como Bomberos,
Defensa Civil, Policía Nacional, Ejército Nacional,
Marina de Guerra, Ministerio de Salud entre otras
agencias del país se dieron cita durante estas charlas.
“Se espera que haya una continuidad de eventos con
la Republica Dominicana para el próximo año fiscal”,
dijo Rodríguez. “La prioridad que tiene el Comando
Sur y la GNPR en cuanto al Programa de Países
Compañeros es la de crear una línea de eventos en tres
GNPR UNIENDOGNPR UNIENDOHistoria y fotos por Sgto. de Estado Mario Fernández, GNPR-JOC
Personal del Centro de Operaciones Conjuntas de la Guardia Nacional de Puerto Rico y de la Agencia para el Manejo de Emergencias de Puerto Rico
(extrema derecha) se reunieron con sus contrapartes de la República Dominicana en Santo Domingo con el fin de evaluar los procedimientos y capaci-
dades conjuntas en el manejo de emergencias. La GNPR, como parte del Programa de Paises Compañeros, tiene a su cargo a la República Domini-
cana en este programa desde el 2003.

October 2010 - 23
áreas principales que son Manejo de Emergencias,
Operaciones de Paz y Asistencia Humanitaria.
La idea es expandir la interacción no solo entre mili-
tares, sino militares civiles y por ende llegar al punto
donde el Gobierno de Puerto Rico y el de la Repú-
blica Dominicana empiecen a crear eventos entre ellos
como interacciones civiles y que sean ellos los que nos
inviten a sus eventos”.
“Como representante de la GNPR en el área de
manejo de emergencia nuestra meta es poder entrela-
zar a Puerto Rico y la Republica Dominicana en el
caso de una emergencia real”, indicó el Sgto. Maestre
Alfredo Rodríguez, Oficial no Comisionado a cargo de
Operaciones del Centro de Operaciones Conjuntas de
la Guardia Nacional de Puerto Rico.
“Después de estas visitas, Puerto Rico y la Repub-
lica Dominicana podrían establecer unos acuerdos y
planes firmados de cómo responder a una emergencia
donde agilizaría el proceso de responder al llamado de
ayuda”, mencionó Alfredo Rodríguez. En la forma de
operar en una emergencia ellos tienen planes muy sim-
ilares a los nuestros, la ventaja que tenemos nosotros
es que tenemos más equipo tecnológico y unos planes
ya establecidos basados en experiencias previas.
Fue una experiencia a gran escala donde se abren las
puertas en caso de una emergencia para poder salvar
vidas y propiedades, esto nos consolida una vez más
como hermanos en el Caribe”.
Durante su visita a La Romana, se ofrecieron adies-
tramientos al personal del Centro de Operaciones de
Emergencia, Bomberos y Defensa Civil a petición del
COE en Santo Domingo.
“La visita de la GNPR fue calificada como una de las
mejores en cuanto al adiestramiento práctico y fun-
FRONTERASFRONTERAS
cional recibido”, dijo Luis Island, Director del Centro
de Operaciones de Emergencias de la Provincia de La
Romana. “Yo opino que sería de gran utilidad si se
pudieran desarrollar al menos cuatro foros regionales
en un futuro inmediato. Un ejercicio de mesa condu-
cente a uno práctico ayudaría a consolidar los obje-
tivos principales en el manejo de emergencias entre
Puerto Rico y la República Dominicana”.
Se espera que para el próximo año se puedan conc-
retar otras visitas a la República Dominicana con el
propósito de solidarizar aun más el compromiso que
tiene Puerto Rico, en el Programa de Países-Compañe-
ros, para con la República Dominicana.
El Sgto. Maestre Alfredo Rodriguez, del Centro de Operaciones Con-
juntas de la GNPR, comparte experiencias con sus contrapartes de la
República Dominicana en Santo Domingo durante una visita con el fin
de evaluar los procedimientos y capacidades conjuntas en el manejos
de emergencias. Junto a Rodriguez de derecha a Izquierda: el General
Juan Manuel Méndez, Director del Centro de Operaciones de Emergen-
cias, Oscar Sotomayor de la Agencia para el Manejo de Emergencias
de Puerto Rico y Julián Alberto Román García, subdirector técnico del
COE de la RD.

The Employer Partnership of the Armed Forces
participated in the Society of Human Resources
Management (SHRM) conference in Puerto Rico last
month. The Employer Partnership was on hand in
order to promote the program’s benefits to employers
and Guardsmen alike.
The Employer Partnership, referred to as “EPO”,
connects civilian sector employers with the skilled
and experienced workforce residing in the Reserve
Components. EPO establishes partnership agreements
with employers which facilitate the hiring of National
Guard & Reserve Service members.
In PR the program currently has four signed employer
partners; Municipio de San Juan, Puerto Rico Electric
Power Authority, St. James Security and Radio Uno
Group. Overall, the program has more than 1,100 Em-
ployer Partners. And through a relationship with the
Direct Employers Association, job seekers have access
to more than 450,000 available positions Nationwide
at any given time by using the EP virtual job search
portal.
“We are working to expand the number of partners in
the island,” said Lt. Col. Rafael Diaz, Human Resourc-
es Officer for the Employer Partnership. “The partner-
ship benefits both employers and Service members; so
increasing the number of partners here is in everyone’s
best interest.”
Diaz and Program Support Manager (PSM) from
Florida, Ms. Rachael Foster, also met with Col. Vic-
tor Torres, the Asst. Adjutant General for the PRNG.
They discussed opportunities for increasing Guards-
men awareness of the program’s benefits.
Service members also have access to direct assistance
through EPO PSMs, who have developed relationships
with employers. Aditionally, the program is working
with its partners to develop shared training initiatives
and to streamline professional credentialing processes
for service members who already gained relevant skills
through the military.
On Nov. 12, EPO is launching a new, state-of-the-art
job search application for job seekers. The applica-
tion will allow users to set-up a personal profile so that
he or she may save searches, search parameters and
individual job announcements within their own “dash-
board”. By activating the alert option, seekers will be
provided with a notification whenever a desired posi-
tion is posted.
The portal offers other useful features as well. The
Resume Builder allows users to create and keep their
resume available within the system. Service mem-
bers will have an additional feature available to them:
access to the PSM network for career counseling and
resume assistance. The new portal’s functionality
improvements make the search and application process
much more efficient and time-saving for job seekers.
But the improvements don’t stop there. Employers
will find the new portal more useful as well. They
may enter position vacancies directly into the system
and track those jobs, applications and views through
their company dashboard. Employers may also reach
in to the system and locate the resumes of qualified
candidates who may not have had the chance to apply
themselves. So just by posting a résumé, Guardsmen
may be contacted by an employer who needs their
skills.
For learn more about the program or to begin using the
search tools, we encourage you to visit:
www.EmployerPartnership.org.
Reaches Out in Puerto Rico
By Lt. Col. Matt Leonard
Employer Partnership of the Armed Forces

October 2010 - 25
The Puerto Rico National Guard participated in an
event against domestic violence, during National
Guard Week at Fort Allen Training Center, Juana Díaz,
Sept. 14.
During the event, the Adjutant General of Puerto Rico,
Major General Antonio J. Vicéns, led on the march
which ended on the grass near the FATC stage dome
where dozens symbolically formed a human ribbon
representing the need for awareness against domestic
violence.
A theatrical presentation was performed as PRNG
Language Center students acted out scenes of domes-
tic violence that triggered emotions and reactions from
the audience. The play revealed a clear message of
how domestic violence impacts our society.
“We celebrate this event as part of the PRNG Week,
with the participation of the different tenants in Fort
Allen, not only the Language Center, but also the
Youth Challenge and the C.R.E.A.N.D.O. programs;
these are kids that need to know that domestic vio-
lence stops with them,” said Vicéns.
During the Puerto Rico National Guard Week, all
PRNG major commands united to send a loud mes-
sage to the community and country.
“We have such a serious problem regarding domestic
violence, and particularly violence against women and
children. We decided to send an educational message
to the community, that we also are against violence,”
said Lt. Col. Efraín Soto, Commander of the Regimen-
tal Training Institute.
The spirit of unity and awareness from the PRNG
members, demonstrates the serious commitment of the
PRNG against everything that negatively affects the
communities and the country.
“We are a representation of our communities; our
society is within our ranks,” said 1st Sgt. Luis Cora,
PRNG Language Center 1st Sgt. “The Puerto Rico
National Guard is an active player on all our commu-
nity functions and programs, this march sends a loud
message.”
Photo by Staff Sgt. Waldemar Rivera PRNG-PAO
Domestic Violence
March
Story by Staff Sgt. Marizol Ruiz, PRNG-PAO
National Guard Week
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Luis Orengo, PRNG-PAO

La Guardia Nacional de Puerto Rico junto a la
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico,
inauguró un nuevo Centro Cibernético en el Fuerte
Allen en Juana Díaz.
“Para nuestra institución es de gran júbilo el poder
iniciar la Semana de la Guardia Nacional en unión
a la Universidad Interamericana”, dijo el Ayudante
General de Puerto Rico, General de División Antonio
J. Vicéns.
La UIAPR ha establecido siete centros cibernéticos en
varios pueblos de la isla, pero este es especial.
“Este Centro Cibernético tiene un significado
especial pues es el primero que se establece en unas
facilidades militares como lo son estas pertenecientes
a la Guardia Nacional”, dijo el Presidente de la
Inauguran Centro Cibernético
La Guardia Nacional de Puerto Rico y la Universidad Interamericana de Puerto
Rico, inauguraron el Centro Cibernético en el Fuerte Allen, en Juana Díaz. Este
Centro servirá como una alternativa enriquecedora para la Guardia Nacional brin-
dando grandes beneficios a su personal y a sus programas juveniles. En el tradi-
cional corte de cinta vemos, de izda. a der, al Lcdo. Jorge Farinacci, Síndico de la
UIAPR, ElAyudante General de Puerto Rico, General de DivisiónAntonio J. Vicéns,
La Dra. Vilma Colón, Rectora del Recinto de Ponce de la UIAPR y el Lcdo. Manuel
J. Fernós, Presidente de la UIAPR. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Marizol Ruíz, PRNG-PAO)
GNPR yUIAPR
Por Sgto. 1ra Clase Luis E. Orengo, GNPR-PAO
UIAPR, el Lcdo. Manuel J. Fernós.
La visión de convertirse en institución premier de las
Américas ha llevado a la GNPR a establecer alianzas
educativas que sirvan a ese propósito.
“Nuestra institución atraviesa uno de los momentos
de más trascendencia en su historia”, dijo Vicéns.
“La alianza con la UIAPR es valorada grandemente
por nuestra institución. Estamos confiados en que
nuestros ciudadanos-soldados, sus familiares y los
empleados civiles aprovecharán las oportunidades
educativas y las experiencias que una institución de
este calibre puede ofrecer. Este Centro Cibernético
servirá como una alternativa enriquecedora para la
Guardia Nacional ya que brindará grandes beneficios a
nuestro personal y a nuestros programas juveniles”.

October 2010 - 27
248th
ARMY BAND, PRNG
AND OTHER PERFORMERS
PASEO LA PRINCESA, SAN JUAN
11NOVEMBER 2010
6:00PM

Staff Sgt. Mayra Rodriguez, who served a one-year deployment
with the Multi-National Forces and Observers in Egypt, receives
the conmemorative American Flag from Land Forces Commander
Brig. Gen. Rafael O’Ferrall during a Freedom Salute Ceremony in
Santa Isabel, Aug. 15. Rodriguez is accompanied by her daughter,
also named Mayra Rodriguez. (Photo by: Sgt. Angel Martínez,
PRNG-113th MPAD)
Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 296th Infantry Regiment is on a
year-long deployment in Cuba in support of Task Force Guan-
tanemo. Capt. Robert Dekony unveils the unit guideon during
a transition of authority ceremony in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
(Photo provided)
2nd Lt. Juan Torres, from the Puerto Rico National Guard, was
recognized the most junior, or most recently commissioned officer
in the 132nd NGAUS (National Guard Assosiation of the United
States) General Conference & Exhibition, at Austin, Texas, by Maj.
Gen. Tod Bunting, The Adjutant General of Kansas, Aug. 22. (Pho-
to provided)
Lorenzo Dillard, Personal Financial Counselor from DoD’s Military
and Family Life Consultant Program, is available in Puerto Rico to
address all your financial questions or concerns in a confidential
manner. He can be reached at (787) 349-6185 or e-mail: ldillard.
mhn@gmail.com (Photo by: Staff Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, PRNG-
PAO)

From left to right, Capt. Edwin Cruz (125th MP BN S-3), retired
Command Sgt. Maj. Tony McGee (Military Police Regimental As-
sociation President) and Capt. Jose Santos (124th MP BN S-3)
meet at the Military Police Corps Memorial Grove in Fort Leonard
Wood, Mo. to dedicate a memorial brick representing the sacrifice
of the Puerto Rico National Guard in the Global War on Terror.
(Photo provided)
October 2010 - 29
Jóvenes del Puerto Rico Youth ChalleNGe Academy participaron
por la primera vez en un torneo de Taekwondo donde la cadete
Valeria Cappas obtuvo el primer lugar en la categoría femenina.
Tambien se obtuvieron varias medallas de primer lugar en la cat-
egoría masculina. (Foto provista)
Honduran Officers and Senior Non-commissioned Officers trav-
elled to Puerto Rico for an orientation visit of the facilities in Camp
Santiago and Fort Allen last August. The visit strengthened the
State Partnership Program between the PRNG and the Honduran
Armed Forces and enhanced the rapport and mutual cooperation
between the two countries. (Photo by Sgt. Robert Owens, PRNG-
PAO)
El Sgto. Enrique Matos de la Banda 248 de la GNPR, interpreta
los acordes musicales marcando el comienzo de la ceremonia
del Día del Patriota celebrada en el teatro de las facilidades del
Campamento Santiago en Salinas. (Foto por Sgto. de Estado
Waldemar Rivera, GNPR-PAO)
El Ayudante General de Puerto Rico,
General de División Antonio J. Vicéns,
junto al Sgto. de Estado Hector Luis Tor-
res del Centro de Operaciones Conjun-
tas de la GNPR y Eliezer Hernández,
soldador de la Oficina de Ingeniería
de la GNPR, hacen el primer corte al
bizcocho durante la celebración del 91er
Aniversario de la GNPR en los Cuar-
teles Generales de Fuerza Conjunta en
San Juan. Torres representó al Soldado
mas recientemente adquirido y Hernán-
dez, quien es miembro activo de la GN,
representó al miembro mas lóngevo en
la GNPR. (Foto por: Sgto. de Estado
Waldemar Rivera, GNPR-PAO)

Los jóvenes y niños dependientes de ciudadanos-
soldados miembros de la Guardia Nacional
movilizados en y fuera de Puerto Rico tienen a su dis-
posición una serie de programas que buscan ayudarles
durante la ausencia de su familiar.
“Nuestros programas están adscritos a la Oficina de
Apoyo Familiar de la Guardia Nacional de Puerto
Rico y están disponibles para todos los jóvenes y
niños que deseen hacer uso de ellos”, indicó la Sra.
Derilis Santos, Coordinadora del Programa de Jóvenes
y Niños de la Guardia Nacional. “Estos programas
consisten en ayudar a los niños que tienen a sus padres
movilizados y alcanzan niños y jóvenes entre los 3
meses de nacidos hasta los 18 años. Una vez el militar
es movilizado nosotros lo referimos al programa que
este corriendo durante el tiempo que dure esa movili-
zación”.
La G.N.P.R. utiliza tres programas cibernéticos y man-
tiene activo un concilio de jóvenes.
“Tenemos el programa NACCRRA (National Net-
work of Child Care Resources and Referral en inglés)
el cual paga los gasto de cuido de los niños desde las
tres semanas de nacido hasta los cuatro años de edad
y dura el período de la movilización del padre”, dijo
Santos.
Según Santos, no importa donde sea la movilización
después que tenga una orden el dependiente del
ciudadanos-soldado cualifica para los pagos por cuido.
“Otro programa ‘Our Military Kid’ (nuestro niño mili-
tar) se centra en ayudar a los niños entre los tres años
de edad hasta 4to año de escuela superior en activi-
dades extracurriculares,” dijo Santos. “Este programa
paga cualquier actividad extra-curricular que tengan
los niños tales como: clases de canto, baile, deportes
y puede pagar la matrícula, los materiales y el equipo
que sea necesario para practicar el deporte o la ac-
tividad. Si los padres entienden que pueden usar este
dinero para pagar tutorías también se pueden transferir
para este propósito.
Otro programa lo es de tutorías a través de ‘Military
One Source’ y están disponibles para todos en la
familia a través de la red cibernética. Estas tutorías se
dan tanto en inglés como en español y pueden utilizar-
las a través de: www. tutor.com”.
Aún con los programas de ayuda disponibles su uso no
ha sido el esperado.
“Los programas están disponibles, se refieren a las
personas pero no se están utilizando”, indicó Santos.
“Entiendo que la situación reside en el proceso de
referido. Nosotros referimos al programa, pero es el
ciudadano-soldado, o sus dependientes, los que tienen
que darle seguimiento al servicio y someter los docu-
mentos”.
Aunque este seguimiento se da a través de la red ciber-
nética Santos y su equipo están dispuestos a ayudar en
el proceso. Los programas, los servicios y los fondos
están disponibles para aquellos que los soliciten, solo
falta que los ciudadanos-soldados que estén en vías de
movilizarse o sus familiares, apliquen para recibir los
mismos.
“Nosotros podemos ayudarles y ser facilitadores, pero
los documentos que tienen que someter es información
personal que solo ellos deben de tener el control y
en eso no podemos envolvernos”, indica Santos.
“Nuestro propósito es ayudarles y servirles en todo lo
que podamos”.
Por Sgto. 1ra Clase Luis E. Orengo, GNPR-PAO
Programa de Aprestamiento Familiar GNPR
JÓVENES Y NIÑOS
TAMBIEN CUENTAN

October 2010 - 31
Como parte del Programa de Jóvenes y Niños de la
Guardia Nacional es necesario el mantener un concilio
juvenil con un mínimo de 15 miembros, la G.N.P.R.
cuenta con 32.
“Estamos activos todo el año como parte del programa
haciendo actividades para los niños y los jóvenes”,
dijo Santos. “Para veranos, que es el tiempo en el que
nos movemos más, hicimos días familiares, fuimos al
yunque e hicimos un campamento de verano. Hemos
participado en actividades comunitarias en apoyo a
causas benéficas como Relevo por la Vida y hemos
visitamos hogares de niños y niñas maltratados, en-
volviéndonos de esta forma con la comunidad”.
El concilio y las actividades hacia los niños y jóvenes
comienzan temprano en la etapa de movilización del
familiar con su participación en los eventos “Yellow
Ribbon” (Cinta Amarilla).
“Durante las actividades de Yellow Ribbon, mientras
los padres están en orientaciones, sus hijos se dividen
por edades en 4 grupos (0-5, 6-9, 10-12, 13-17)”,
dijo la Tnte. Cnel. Marisel Cántres, directora del
Programa de Apoyo Familiar de la GNPR. “Durante
este tiempo, las coordinadoras del programa de niños
y jóvenes, junto con las voluntarias del programa, se
encargan de educarlos y orientarlos en los temas que
les preocupan. De esta forma los preparamos para la
separación o reintegración del familiar y los apoyamos
durante el proceso para lidiar con el estrés asociado a
la separación utilizado manualidades, dinámicas y for-
mas divertidas de educar utilizando también charlas,
películas y actuaciones entre ellos mismos”.
Al movilizarse el ciudadano-soldado también la
familia se moviliza, y la Guarida Nacional de Puerto
Rico está presente con sus programas familiares para
ayudar en el proceso de separación, adaptación y re-
integración familiar hasta el retorno de su ser querido.
Para más información del Programa de Jóvenes y Ni-
ños de la Guardia Nacional puede comunicarse con la
Sra. Derilis Santos al 787-289-1516 ó 787-289-1499,
correo electrónico: derilis.santos@us.army.mil, la Sra.
Keila Pérez al 787-289-1684 correo electrónico keyla.
perez@us.army.mil o con la oficina del Programa de
Apoyo Familiar de la Guardia nacional de puerto Rico
787-289-1516.
Grupo de Niños
dependientes de
miembros de la GNPR
que participaron
del campamento de
verano del Programa
de Jóvenes y Niños de
la GNPR durante una
de las actividades en
el Albergue Olímpico
en Salinas. (Foto
por Joselline Molina,
Voluntaria del Comité
Jóvenes y Niños del
Programa de Jóvenes
y Niños de la GNPR)

The Army has a commitment to the families of
Fallen Warriors and has recognized the need to ex-
pand and improve services to survivors of fallen ser-
vice members, so it placed Survivor Outreach Services
teams throughout active duty bases in April 2009 add-
ing also one position to each State and territory of its
National Guard HQs.
Edwin Ramos-Jourdán, a Family Support volunteer for
the PR Air National Guard, a Youth Coordinator volun-
teer with the Family Support Program and former Leg-
islative Advisor at the State Capitol Hill, assumed the
position as Puerto Rico National Guard’s first Survivor
Outreach Services (SOS) Coordinator.
The SOS coordinator’s main function is to assist fami-
lies of deceased Service Members providing access to
support, information and services reassuring survivors
that they are continually linked to the Army Family for
as long as they desire.
The SOS office is located at the JFHQ-PRNG, San
Juan.
Ramos works alongside the Army National Guard’s
Casualty Assistance Officer and Air National Guard’s
Family Liaison Officer who function as long-term sup-
port personnel for survivors.
Ramos’s experience and education has taught him that
when a family loses a Service Member, it not only in-
cludes the loved one, but also a way of life, a culture
and often a community.
“We’re here to try to bridge the gap,” said Ramos. “I
want to establish a relationship from the beginning and
fulfill the covenant to help families for as long as they
want or need.”
Survivors can expect to hear from Ramos, who also
hopes to collect information to establish the family’s
needs. His goals are to set up support groups and find
active community groups that also aid in coping with
the lost.
Ramos assists Service Members who experience a loss
of an immediate family member, such as a spouse or
child. He is prepared for active duty SOS coordinators
to call on him when a surviving family lives locally.
“My priority is to the PRNG, although if someone
contacts me from another branch, I will not turn them
away,” said Ramos.
Although Ramos is anxious to stay busy, he’s thankful
he has no new cases.
“The Puerto Rico National Guard has had some good
fortune and I hope that continues,” he said. “I hope to
be the least busy person around here.”
To reach Ramos for questions or services, call (787)
564-2014 MPSC Mobile, (787) 289-1408/1409/1410
or 1411.
urvivor utreach ervices Coordinatorurvivor utreach ervices Coordinator
Puerto Rico National Guard Welcomes
The PRNG has selected Mr. Edwin Ramos-Jourdán as its first Survivor Out-
reach Services (SOS) Coordinator. Ramos-Jourdán wishes to never per-
form his duty, as to the loss of a Warrior, but he is ready and eager to help
the families of the fallen. The SOS coordinator mission is to assist the survi-
vors to get support, information and services reassuring them that they are
part of the Army Family. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, PRNG-PAO)
S.O. S.

FIRST TO OPEN IN PUERTO RICO
The Puerto Rico Air National Guard held an open-
ing ceremony for its first storefront recruiting
office at the San Patricio Plaza Mall, Guaynabo.
The Adjutant General of Puerto Rico, Maj. Gen.
Antonio J. Vicéns, and the Commander of the Puerto
Rico Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Carlos Rodríguez
Quesada, participated in the opening ceremony.
The Recruiting and Retention Superintendent, Senior
Master Sgt. Hector D. Burgos, did the actual cutting of
the ribbon, officially opening the first recruiting station
that will support Air Guard units in Puerto Rico.
“This new facility gives our recruiters that much
needed community bond and starts a new era in the
Puerto Rico Air National Guard recruiting program
spectrum," said Burgos.
The initiative for storefront recruiting offices in Puerto
Rico began under the leadership of Air Force Chief
Master Sgt. Sara G. Ríos, former Recruiting and
Retention Superintendent. It all started when military
bases began tightening security and it became harder
for civilians to enter military installations looking to
be recruited.
Since Sept.11, nearly 1,700 Puerto Rico Air National
Guardsmen have been called upon to fight the war on
terrorism and support relief efforts for multiple natural
disasters.
The new storefront recruiting station is located in the
basement of San Patricio Mall, Guaynabo, Puerto
Rico. For more information on career opportunities in
the Puerto Rico Air Guard National call: 1-800 GO-
GUARD or (787) 253-5233.
From left, Air Force Master Sgt. Luis A. Hernández, Recruiting Office Supervisor, Maj. Gen. Antonio J.
Vicéns, The Adjutant General of Puerto Rico, Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Héctor D. Burgos, Recruiting
and Retention Superintendent, Air Force Brig. Gen. Carlos Rodríguez Quesada, Assistant Adjutant General
for Air and Commander of the Puerto Rico Air Guard, and Air Force Master Sgt. Carlos J. Soto, Production
Recruiter. (Photo by Air Force Master Sgt. Tomás Ramírez, PRANG PAO)
AIR NATIONAL GUARD
STORE FRONT RECRUITING OFFICE
October 2010 - 33

El cadete Giovanny Chaparro, natural de Aguada, mientras ayudaba a
remozar y pintar la cancha de la Escuela Elemental Playa Grande en el
municipio de Vieques. Chaparro, como parte del programa ChalleNGe de
la Guardia Nacional de Puerto Rico, estuvo ayudando a rehabilitar varias
escuelas del Departamento de Educación en todo Puerto Rico.
Cadetes del programa ChalleNGe de la Guar-
dia Nacional de Puerto Rico impactaron nueve
escuelas del Departamento de Educación durante el
verano en un esfuerzo por ayudar a re-acondicionarlas
y tenerlas listas antes del regreso a clases. Esto como
parte de su trabajo voluntario y comunitario.
Los 166 cadetes trabajaron en escuelas de los pueblos
de Santa Isabel, Salinas, Juana Díaz y la isla muni-
cipio de Vieques.
En Vieques, los cadetes realizaron las labores de
re-acondicionamiento de las escuelas elementales de
Playa Grande y María M. Simons de Rivera aún cu-
ando ya había comenzado el curso escolar.
“Los Cadetes comenzaron re-acondicionando siete
escuelas del sur de la isla y luego los transportamos a
Vieques donde estuvieron trabajando en dos escuelas
elementales del área”, dijo Matilde Almodóvar, di-
rectora del programa ChalleNGe de la GNPR. “Ellos
sienten que están teniendo nuevas experiencias en otro
lugar mientras que, a la misma vez, se sienten realiza-
dos al ver que están ayudando y viendo el resultado de
su trabajo”.
Además de trabajar en las escuelas, los cadetes ayuda-
ron en labores de limpieza y reciclaje en los pueblos
que visitaron, pues una de las doctrinas que se les
enseña en ChalleNGe es la de estar consciente del
medio ambiente y protegerlo.
“Esto de ayudar con el medio ambiente y las escuelas
me hace sentir muy bien”, dijo el cadete Giovanny
Chaparro de Aguada. “Hay que ayudar en todo lo que
podamos pues hay gente que no tienen toda la ayuda
que necesitan y para eso estamos aquí. Aunque no
podemos ayudar en todas las escuelas, por lo menos
ayudamos con mucho cariño donde podamos. Lo que
estoy haciendo aquí me enseña a compartir y me da
más ánimo de querer ayudar”.
La Alcaldesa de Vieques, Honorable Evelyn Delerme
Camacho, se expresó “muy agradecida de la labor
que realiza el programa ChalleNGe por el bien de
la juventud puertorriqueña y por el trabajo que los
cadetes realizaron en las escuelas de la ‘Isla Nena’
durante su visita”.
La labor de ayuda en las escuelas y el programa de
reciclaje del programa ChalleNGe son solo parte de
las labores que se llevan a cabo durante todo el año
para crear conciencia, educar a los jóvenes y pre-
pararlos para a ser los líderes del futuro.
ChalleNGeChalleNGe
Ayudando en las escuelasAyudando en las escuelas
Historia y foto por: Sgto. de EstadoWaldemar Rivera, GNPR-PAO

October 2010 - 35
Sabes qué es FIGNA?
?
Tú y tu cónyuge e hijos son importantes para nosotros. Puedes llamarnos, visitar nuestras oficinas
en San Juan, visitar nuestra página: http://www.figna.gobierno.pr/ o enviarnos un facsímil:
(787) 289-1420/1421/1520 Facsímil: (787) 721-1836
Es el Fideicomiso Institucional de
LaGuardiaNacionaldePuertoRico
Estás aportando a nuestro fondo?
Conoces los beneficios que ofrecemos y los
procedimientos para obtenerlos?
Sabías que FIGNA puede aportar a la educación
tuya y la de tus dependientes?
?
?
?
No permitas que la desinformación te prive de nuestros beneficios
* Grado Vocacional/Post-graduado - hasta $900 por año académico
* Maestría/Doctorado - hasta $1,350 por año académico
* Estudios en Medicina para especialización de Médicos validados de
la GN - hasta $1,000 por año académico hasta un máximo de dos años
Ever wonder where all the pictures you see taken
by the Public Affairs Office go? Check out the
Puerto Rico National Guard Facebook page and become a fan!
The page can be found at: http://tiny.cc/yf0sw
·Find old and new friends and connect with fellow soldiers.
· New photos and video added frequently.

Col. Francisco J. Neuman, Multinational Battle Group East Commander,
Bajrush Ymeri, mayor of Novoberde/Novo Brdo, Kosovo, and Jahir Syla,
school director for Ardeni school, cut the ribbon to inaugurate a new sports
field and improvements to Ardeni school. (U.S. Army photo provided by
130th Public Affairs Detachment)
Sgt. Ileana Rodríguez, Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, with the 192nd Liaison Mon-
itoring Team, Multinational Battle Group East, watches as a child shows
her how to write his name in a school in the Ferizaj/Urosevac municipa-lity
Sept. 2. Rodríguez, and many other Soldiers, donated money to help pro-
vide school supplies for underpriviledged children in Kosovo. (U.S. Army
photo by Pfc. Sarah A. Cummings, 130th Public Affairs Detachment)
Col. Francisco J. Neuman (right), Ponce, Puerto Rico, commander of
Multinational Battle Group East, hands the NATO flag to Command Sgt.
Maj. Gilbert Arocho, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, command sergeant major
of MNBG E, during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony at Camp Bondsteel,
Kosovo, July 24. By handing the flag to Arocho, the highest-ranking
noncommissioned officer in the battle group, Col. Neuman signified the
trust he has in his enlisted Soldiers. The ceremony marked the change of
responsibility to MNBG E from Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann, Bismarck, N.D.,
and the 141st MEB to Col. Neuman and the 92nd. (U.S. Army photo by
Sgt. Jerry Boffen, 130th PAD)
KOSOVOIN
OUR TROOPS
MORE GOOD NEWS FROM

October 2010 - 37
Swedish Army 1st Lt. Christopher Johannson, Stockholm, Sweden, gives
an orientation briefing to train Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 296th Infantry
Regiment Soldiers near a starting point for Administrative Boundary Line
patrols with Serbian Armed Forces. The briefing was ongoing as the Sol-
diers asked questions and shared experiences during the event. The U.S.
infantrymen are members of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard and are
deployed to Kosovo for the KFOR 13 rotation. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt.
Joshua Dodds, 130th Public Affairs Detachment)
Rexhep Sylemani (left), the manager of Industrial Battery in Gjilan, guides
Maj. Jose Velazquez (right), Ponce, Puerto Rico, the chief engineer for
Multinational Battle Group East, and Kosovo Security Forces 1st Lt.
Muharrem Asllami, chief of laboratories in the chemical company from the
KSF's civil protection regiment, during an inspection of the battery factory
in Gjilan/Gnjilane. Velazquez assisted Asllami and the KSF during an in-
spection of the factory's hazardous materials. Velazquez, a member of the
Puerto Rico National Guard, is deployed as part of the NATO peacekeep-
ing mission in Kosovo. (U.S. Army photo by Jerry Boffen, 130th Public
Affairs Detachment)
Soldiers from the 192nd Liaision Monitoring Team, Multinational Battle
Group East, pose with students and teachers at a school in Stimlje/
Shtime municipality Sept. 1. Soldiers with the LMTs donated their own
money in order to purchase backpacks and other school supplies for
underprivlaged children living in Kosovo. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Sarah
A. Cummings, 130th Public Affairs Detachment)
Spc. Elias Montañez, Cayey, Puerto Rico, former supply specialist,
now government specialist with the 192nd Liaison Monitoring Team,
Multinational Battle Group East, shows off the backpacks that he and
his fellow LMT Soldiers purchased for school children throughout
Kosovo. The backpacks and other school supplies were purchased
using money donated by individual Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by
Pfc. Sarah A. Cummings, 130th Public Affairs Detachment)
German Army Maj. Gen. Erhard Buhler (left), commander, Kosovo Force,
looks on as U.S. Army Col. Francisco J. Neuman, Ponce, Puerto Rico,
commander, Multinational Battle Group East, addresses members of
the local media following the official Transfer of Authority for response
missions within the MNBG Center Area of Responsibility to Col. Neuman
and MNBG E, Sept. 30. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan E. Werme,
130th Public Affairs Detachment)

38 - Presente magazine38 - Presente magazine
The Air National Guard Non Commissioned Of-
ficer Academy recognized retired Command
Chief Master Sgt. Ferdinand (Freddy) Vega with the
ANGNCO Graduate Association Hall of Fame Award
for a lifetime of outstanding NCO accomplishments
in the Guard, the community and NCOAGA related
programs.
Vega is the first Hispanic to receive such a distinction.
During his military career in the Puerto Rico Air
National Guard, Vega left six permanent programs:
1) Induction Ceremonies for Chiefs, Senior NCO and
NCO, 2) Honorary Chief Induction, 3) Chief’s Coin
Presentation, 4) Female Enlisted Senior NCO Council,
Spirit and Tradition that last in the Guard…
5) Senior Enlisted Advisor Continuity Folder (before it
was officialized) and 6) “From the Deck of the CCM”
in the Base Bulletin Paper.
Vega, the sportsman, was the only one to qualify at
Olympic level in Archery representing Puerto Rico
and the PRNG in the 1972 Olympics Games in Mu-
nich, Germany and also in the 1979 VIII Pan-Ameri-
can Games in Puerto Rico, among many others sport
activities.
Vega is a well-known artist having his paintings and
sculptures in diverse places in Europe and the United
States. His sculptures of the minuteman and the
minutewoman are on display at the Air NG Readiness
Center in Andrews AF Base and also in Lackland AFB
in Texas. Switzerland, France and Spain are among
the many international locations where Vega’s art is
displayed.
Vega retired from the PR Air Guard in 1996, but still
serves with pride.
As a proud member of the Puerto Rico National
Guard, Ferdinand Vega epitomizes the spirit and tradi-
tions of the citizen-soldier and airman,
CCMSgt. Ferdinand VegaCCMSgt. Ferdinand Vega
Command Chief Master Sgt. Ferdinand (Freddie) Vega (right) poses
with Lt. Gen Harry Wyatt, III, Director of the Air National Guard dur-
ing Vega’s induction to the Air National Guard NCOAGA Hall of Fame
during Seminar 41 held in Reno, Nevada. This is the highest and most
prestigious recognition the NCOAGA can award one of its own. (Photo
provided)

October 2010 - 39
AVENTURA 2011AVENTURA 2011
Four days and three nights
filled with fun for the whole family
at an unbeatable price!
Great family cruise
from July 28 to 31
Requirements are:
*Good English communication skills
*E-4 or E-5
*Good interpersonal skills
*107 GT minimum (required)
*Pass an MOS specific interview
*Must attend Defense Information School training
Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
The 113th
Puerto Rico Army National Guard
Is seeking highly motivated personnel to take the challenge and join the unit
Contact: Sgt. 1st Class Luis Orengo (787) 289-1479 / 1475
Coming soon...Coming soon...
Details in our next PRESENTE edition

OR CALL TODAY:
(787) 289-1522
OR CALL TODAY:
(787) 289-1522
ARMORIESARMORIES
JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS, SAN JUAN 787-289-1635
JOINT OPERATIONS CENTER, SAN JUAN 787-723-7700
CAMP SANTIAGO JOINT MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, SALINAS 787-824-7400
FORT ALLEN TRAINING ACTIVITY, JUANA DIAZ 787-260-8000
MUÑIZ AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, CAROLINA 787-253-5100
PUERTO RICO STATE GUARD, SAN JUAN 787-723-4578
PUNTA SALINAS ARMORY
787-795-7980
PEÑUELAS ARMORY
787-289-1400
EXT-1204
RAMEY ANG ARMORY
787-890-8725
1-800-944-6854
SAN GERMAN ARMORY
787-892-1050
UTUADO ARMORY
787-894-2966
AGUADILLA ARMORY
787-890-2810
AIBONITO ARMORY
787-735-4626
ARECIBO ARMORY
787-880-0090
ARROYO ARMORY
787-839-4012
CABO ROJO ARMORY
787-851-1740
CAGUAS ARMORY
787-743-2182
CAYEY ARMORY
787-738-2349
HUMACAO ARMORY
787-852-1252
ISLA GRANDE (AASF)
787-722-3916
ISLA GRANDE
(HANGAR 21)
787-722-1819
JUANA DIAZ ARMORY
787-837-2496
MAYAGUEZ ARMORY
787-833-8180
TOA BAJA ARMORY
787-784-4790
CEIBA ARMORY
787-885-7365
(LANDING CRAFT)
CEIBA ROOSEVELT ROADS
787-534-0985
COAMO ARMORY
787-825-1711
GUAYAMA ARMORY
787-864-1554
GURABO ARMORY
787-737-2443
GURABO (FMS)
787-737-2800
HATO REY ARMORY
787-771-0084
PUERTO RICO
NATIONAL GUARD

PRNG Presente Magazine October 2010

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PRNG Presente Magazine October 2010