1st Mission Support Command - U.S. Army Reserve Puerto .

6Spring 20121st MSC GazetteSoldiers test their technical skillsThe WIN-T networkallows all Armycommanders, andother networkusers at all levels ,to exchangeinformationinternal andexternal to thetheater, from wiredor wirelesstelephones,computers or fromvideo terminals.Aguadilla, PR- The 35th Expeditionary Signal Battalion (ESB)conducted an island wide communication exercise, 2-4 Dec, withthe intent of testing the unit’scommunication equipment, to include the War fighter InformationNetwork (WIN-T), recently fieldedto the only tactical signal battalion of the US Army Reserve in theCaribbean.“The purpose of the communication exercise was to validate theconfigurations of our systems andthe readiness of the equipment,”said Mr. Héctor Sanchez, BravoCompany, 35th ESB, Telecommunications Specialist.Soldiers troubleshoot a connection by replacing a coaxial cable in one ofthe communication shelters, at Camp Santiago Joint Maneuver TrainingCenter, earlier during the year.

Spring 20121st MSC GazetteSoldiers test their technical skillsWIN-T is the Army’s on-the-move,high-speed, high-capacity backbonecommunications network, linkingwar fighters on the ground withcommanders and the Global Information Grid, the U.S. Dept. of Defense’s worldwide network-centricinformation system.7local area battlefield networks into while ensuring the communicationsa commercial information technolo- were maintained at all times.gies-based tactical network.Approximately 250 soldiers participated in the signal exercise.The troopsconductedcontinious 24 houroperations,simulating the realconditions.“As part of the exercise, we wereable to provide voice and data serThe WIN-T network allows all vices to elements of the 210th ReArmy commanders, and other com- gional Support Group. We were notmunications network users, at all required to provide Video Telecon- By practicing their highly technicallevels, to exchange information in- ference services at this time,” said skills, the soldiers assigned to theternal and external to the theater, Sánchez.35th ESB allow the US Army Refrom wired or wireless telephones,serve-Puerto Rico to achieve inforcomputers (internet like capability) The troops conducted continuous mation superiority in the region.or from video terminals.24 hour operations, simulating the “As in any exercise, there is alreal conditions they would face, ways room for improvement. HowThe Battalion conducted the exer- while using their equipments in ever, based on feedback received,cise from several locations in the a deployed environment. As part we achieved the objectives for theisland.of the exercise, the soldiers were training event,” said Sanchez.required to troubleshoot connecBravo Company had a communica- tion and communication problems,tions system at their Reserve Center in La Victoria and at the formerAir force Ramey Base, both in thecity of Aguadilla, at the northwestcorner of the island. Alpha Company had personnel and equipment atthe highest peak in Puerto Rico (at4,390 ft above the sea) at Jayuya, amunicipality in the center of the island, and in Yauco, at the southwestside of Puerto Rico. Charlie Company conducted operations from FortBuchanan and Juana Diaz, at thenortheast and southeast sides ofthe island, respectively.Through communication exerciseslike this one, the soldiers of the35th ESB become proficient on howto employ their organic communica- A soldier assigned to the 35th Expeditionary Signal Battalion configures a Voice Over Internettions systems to integrate wide and Protocol (VOIP) phone during the unit’s communication exercise 2-3 Dec 2011.(US Army photo byB/35th UPAR/Released)

8Spring 20121st MSC GazetteUS Army Reserve-PR develops youthSan Juan, PR- Approximately 50teenagers, between the ages of14-17 years old, from all aroundthe island of Puerto Rico, participated in the first Youth,Leadership, Education and Development (YLEAD) summit forreservists’ dependents, at theCONRAD hotel in San Juan, 2629 Jan.The conference is part of the comprehensive US Army ReservePuerto Rico effort to develop thereadiness of military communityin Puerto Rico.“Here we have children of soldiers who are deployed rightnow, or who will be mobilizing inthe near future. I know that family separation is very difficult forthe sons and daughters of ourtroops. I want you to know thatour command will not hesitateto help each one of you duringthe process of mobilization andto answer your questions,” saidBrig. Gen. Fernando Fernández,senior US Army Reserve Officerin Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, while addressing the YLEADparticipants.Approximately 50 teenagers, from several cities around the island of Puerto Rico, participated in the first Youth, Leadership, Education and Development (YLEAD) summit for reservists’ dependents at the CONRAD hotel,26-29 Jan 2012. (US Army photo by Sgt Jose Babilonia/Released)“The Army Reserve values thefamily very much. When a soldier deploys, it is our responsibility to protect their loved ones,”said Beverly Arah, Director ofthe Child and Youth ServicesProgram for the Army Reservein United States, Europe and thePacific.with the way the event was con- young people together, who reducted for the first time in the side in different places aroundthe island, but who share theCaribbean.fact of being dependents of a US“This is the first event of this type Army Reserve soldier. In thisthat we conduct here in Puerto way, we facilitate the process forRico. In no other place around these young people to develop athe United States, Europe or the support system with other youngPacific, I have had seen the com- sters who are going through themunity support like here in the same experiences,” said Arah.island,” said Arah.The teenagers received severalThe purpose of the YLEAD is to educational workshops to ineducate the teenager children of clude decision making, conflictUS Army Reserve troops, so they management and family relabecome leaders at their commu- tions among others.nities, develop healthy social The youngsters also had the opskills and grow as responsible portunity to visit the San Juancitizens, all while facing the sep- Wildlife Museum, where theyaration from a parent due to a were able to see different wildanimals from around the world,mobilization.Arah expressed being very happy“Our purpose is to pull theseSee YOUTH next page

1st MSC GazetteSpring 20129YOUTH from previous pagedisplayed at their naturalhabitat.They also had the chance todance to the rhythm of “Bomba y Plena”, a Puerto Ricannative music, as a way to learnand celebrate their culture.Events like the YLEAD helpdevelop resilience and readiness in the thousands of USArmy Reserve families inPuerto Rico, who have beensupporting the Nation’s needssince 1922.“In no other placearound the UnitedStates, Europe orthe Pacific, I haveseen thecommunitysupport like herein the island,”Beverly Arah,US Army ReserveCYSS DirectorA guide from the San Juan Wildlife Museum explains to the YLEAD participants details about one of the displays. During the summit, the teenagers received free admission to the only museum of this type in the island,where they learned about ecosystems.(US Army Photo by Sgt. Jose Babilonia/Released)

10 Spring 20121st MSC Gazette1st MSC soldier recognized in WashingtonBy: SGT Jose F. Babilonia1st MSC Public Affairs OfficeWashington DC- A SeniorNoncommissionedofficerassigned to the 1st MissionSupport Command, USArmy Reserve-Puerto Rico,the largest federal US Armycommand in the Caribbean,was recognized during the2012 Joint Women’s Leadership Award Luncheon,at the Gaylord NationalResort and ConventionCenter in Md, 5-6 March.Master Sgt. Mirna Rivera, aRio Grande, Puerto Rico native, was honored by receiv- From left to right, Maj. Sandra Medina, 1st MSC Inspector General, Masing the 2012 Meritorious ter Sgt. Mirna Rivera-Cruz, 1st MSC Assistant Inspector General and Col.Irene Zoppi, Military Intelligence Readiness Command commander, shortService Leadership Award ly after Rivera received the 2012 Meritorious Service Leadership Award, 6in recognition to her profes- Mar, Washington, DC.sionalism and leadership. Rivera has served in the Army tinely attracts a joint auReserve for 29 years and cur- dience of more than 1,500rently serves as the Assistant service women, the largInspector General at the 1st est gathering of womenMission Support Command, in uniform in the world.This year’sFort Buchanan, Puerto Rico.symposioum focused“It was good to see how many Maj. Sandra Medina, 1ston women’s leadershipwomen have achieve success MSC’s Inspector General Ofin some roles occupied by fice and Command Sgt. Maj.development,whilemen” said Rivera, who has René Rivera, Senior Noncomalso highlighting thebeen deployed to Kuwait dur- missioned Officer for the Comachievements of thoseing Operation Desert Shield mand, accompanied Masterwomen leaders who arein 1990 and twice to Iraq in Sgt. Rivera at the event.defending Democracythe years 2004 and 2007.This year’s symposium foand Freedom across the.“I have always said that cused on women’s leadershipglobe.been a soldier is my vo- development, while also highcation,”addedRivera. lighting the achievements ofthose women leaders who areThe Joint Women’s Lead- defending Democracy andershipSymposiumrou- Freedom across the globe.

Spring 20121st MSC Gazette11215th MP Det. making their markBy Capt. Héctor L. Prieto dations with the soldiers from the215th Military Police Det UPAR unit they were replacing, until theirscheduled day to leave the country.Afghanistan- Shortly after vali- After attending mandatory briefingsdating their training at the Fort and classes, the 215th soldiers wereBliss Mobilization Station, the sol- able to rest a bit, until the next day.diers assigned to the 215th Military Police Detachment, US Army As part of their inprocesing, the solReserve-Puerto Rico, were ready diers were required to conduct theto finally board the plane that ater specific training, which wouldwould take them to Afghanistan. help them develop survival skills inthis very different Afghani setting.The soldiers boarded the plane withsense of purpose, cramming every During the following days, whilespace of the aircraft, every overhead most of the troops attended trainingcompartment, every corner, grab- about their mission specific tasks,bing their headsets, their i-pods the unit’s leadership met with theirand laptops, some making their last higher headquarters in country tophone calls home, sending their last coordinate the transition betweentext messages before departure.the incoming 215th Military PoliceDetachment and the departing unit.As part of the process, the unit’sleaders had to get familiarwith a large volume of regulations, laws, documents and rulesthat govern the unit’s mission.“At no other time their nicknameENFOCERS became more appropriate than now” stated Sgt.1st Class Victor Labrador, 215thOperationsNoncommissionedOfficer, referring to their roleas enforcers of the many rules.After a few days of transition,See 215th next pageThis would be a very long voyage,across continents and time-zonesthat would take them over oceans,land, seas, mountains, deserts andrivers to reach their ordered destiny.During the long trip, many soldiers watched movies, othersread, most slept. The flight attendants were extremely cordial andserved those who served the nationwith both humility and respect.The unit leaders got up frequently to check on their troops,to chat casually with them andto make sure they all got up every once in a while to stretch outtheir legs, walk, improve theircirculations, and to drink water.Once in Afghanistan, the soldierswere taken to their rooms. Theywould end up sharing accommo-Private 1st Class Delham Rivera is all concentration when it comes to Custom clearing paperwork. (US Army photo by Capt. Héctor Prieto/Released)

12Spring 20121st MSC Gazette215th from Page 11ESGR Servicesor “ride-along” as it is commonlyreferred, the 215th Military PoThe Employer Support of thelice troops were ready to perform Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is atheir mission in Afghanistan. Department of Defense agencyFrom conducting flight inspections, to inspecting containers, vehicles, trailers and cargocontainers, the presence of the215th troops was quickly felt.that seeks to promote a culturein which all American employerssupport and value the militaryservice of their employees.The agency recognizes outstanding employer support to reservCharacterized by warmth customer ists, increase awareness of thelaw and resolve conflicts betweenservice, uncommonly found in thethe soldier and his civilian emcurrent Afghani cold and harsh en- ployer through mediation.The agency also provides guidance and advice regarding theUniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights(USERRA), a federal law thatprotects the civilian job of thesoldier, while he or she serves inthe military, whether or not theindividual volunteered for duty.The services provided are at nocost to the employee or the employer.vironment, the 215th troops upholdthe inspection standards, while trying to make the required processa pleasant and amicable experience for the troops being inspected.If you have any questions, pleasecontact the Puerto Rico ESGROffice by calling 787-289-1460,787-289-1400, Extensions 1159 or1160.The 215th Enforcers have a clearworking philosophy: “Customsis the last stop most soldiers gothrough, before returning home after a year-long deployment. Thesesolders have served here for a longyear in most cases and we must respect that and honor their service.While everyone must go throughthis process, we must treat everyone of these soldiers with respectand dignity, making sure this lastexperience in country, is a pleasant and uneventful one, settingthe tone for their return home.”For more information visit thewebsitewww.esgr.milEvery soldier assigned to the215th MP Det. lives by this customer service philosophy everyday, as they continue performingtheir critical mission in supportto the War Against Terrorism.Soldiers assigned to the US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico get ready to qualify with theirassigned weapon, during a recent weapons qualification exercise conducted at theCamp Santiago Joint Manuever Training Center. The support that employers provide tothe reservists allow the command to conduct critical training events such as this one.

Spring 20121st MSC GazetteWest Point cadets visitFort Buchanan, PR- A groupof four West Point cadetsvisited the 1st Mission Support Command, US ArmyReserve-Puerto Rico headquarters, 16 Mar. and wasreceived by Brig. Gen Fernando Fernandez, seniorUS Army Reserve Officer inthe region.“This is one of four tripsthat we have on spring togive the cadets who arestudying Spanish at theAcademy, the opportunityfor linguistic and cultureimmersion,” said Dr. Jonathan D. Steigman, Associate Professor of Spanish atthe Academy’s Departmentof Foreign Language, whoalso accompanied the cadets during the trip.“I really appreciate all thehospitality and I hope ourvisits here have served to improve the visibility and relationship between West Pointinstitution and Puerto Rico,”said Steigman.“It is great to see brightyoung people joining theArmy, who will be theleaders of the future,”Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernández13According the Forbes magazine, West Point MilitaryAcademy is the Best Public College or University inAmerica for undergraduateeducation. There is no cost fortuition, or room & board.According to Steigman, thereare currently only two PuertoRicans attending West Point,but there are at least four newPuerto Rican applicants thathave been recently accepted.Those interested in applyingto West Point can visit http://www.usma.edu/ and start theprocess online.Other groups of West Pointcadets are also visitingSpain, Panama and Dominican Republic during theseason.During their eight days visit to Puerto Rico, the cadetsvisited local governmentofficials, universities andtourist attractions. Amongthe places visited were LaFortaleza, the Arecibo Telescope, University of PuertoRico, and the Mayaguezand Cayey Campuses.“It is great to see brightyoung people joining theArmy who will be the leaders of the future,“ said Fernandez during his exchangewith the cadets.Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernández, (third from left to right) poses for apicture with the West Point cadets and their professor, next to the GuardTower or Garita, unequivocal symbol of our command.

14Spring 20121st MSC GazetteMake your voice be heard!activities, while wearing theuniform, in a way to avoid suchparticipation to be perceived asan official representation of thearmed forces,” added Fernández.Fort Buchanan, PR- With lessthan 8 months before the general election, the US ArmyReserve-Puerto Rico continuesencouraging the soldiers toparticipate in the democraticprocess.assigned to this command, to exercise their right to vote, so theycan influence how the issues thatare important to them are decided,” said the commander of thelargest federal US Army command in the Caribbean region.“As soldiers, we defend libertyand democracy with great sacrifice,” said Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernández, senior US ArmyReserve officer in Puerto Ricoand the Caribbean.Along with the encouragementto vote, the US Army ReservePuerto Rico also reminded itsmembers about the rules thatgovern the soldiers’ participationon political activities.The initiative is part of theFederal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) through whichAmerican citizens around theglobe receive non-partisan information to facilitate theirparticipation in the democratic process, regardless of wherethey are assigned to or wherethey reside.The Department of Defense Instruction 1344.10, which appliesto all members of the armed forces, active or reserve, allows service members to attend politicalmeetings, as long as they do notwear the uniform.“In 2012, we want to encourage the thousands of soldiersand military family members“Every citizen has the right tofree speech, to include soldiers.However, there are some limitations that do not allow a soldierto become involved on partisanThe US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico’s effort to encourage the voteamong its members is not onlyfocused on soldiers and familieswho vote at the local level, butalso to those troops and families who, while assigned to thecommand, maintain a legal residence in the Continental UnitedStates. In that case, the command, which celebrates its 90thanniversary in 2012, encouragesthe service members to requestthe absentee ballots.“We want to encourage our soldiers and families to make theirvoice be heard, through the democratic process,

1st MSC Gazette Promoting, Recruiting and Growing Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernández Commander Col. Miguel Isaac Deputy Commander Col. Eric Bermudez Chief Of Staff Maj. Carlos M. Cuebas Public Affairs Officer Sgt. José F. Babilonia Public Affairs NCO The 1st MSC Gazette is an autho-rized publica