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Pictured on the left is MSGR Francis B Juchnowski, Moderator of
the Diocesan Union of
Holy Names Societies in Buffalo, NY. On the right is CDR Wayne
P. Sorrentino, Deputy Commander NYNM Region 3. CDR Sorrentino is
the recipient of the
Patriot Award for 2004.
The Diocesan Union of Holy Name Societies of Buffalo, NY presented
the Patriot Award to Commander Wayne P. Sorrentino, US Naval Reserve, during
ceremonies at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kenmore, NY on January 11, 2004.
CDR Sorrentino received the Patriot Award for his 33 years of service to
the Navy Reserve and for his many years of service to his home parish of
Queen of Martyrs in Cheektowaga, NY. The Patriot Award is presented
annually by the Holy Name Society to a practicing Catholic for his service
to church and community. CDR Sorrentino is President of his parish
Holy Name Society and Chairman of the parish Catholic Charities Drive for
the past 12 years. CDR Sorrentino is also Past President, Past Secretary
and Past Treasurer of the Western New York Chapter of the Naval Reserve
Association, a Life Member of the Naval Reserve Association, a Life Member
of the US Navy League, a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a
Life Member of the American Legion, a Life Member of the Navy Club of Lake
Ontario, a Life Member of the Holy Name Society, Chef de Train of Voiture
51 - 40 & 8 Society, member of Fleet Reserve Association Branch 23,
member of the Militia Association of New York, Associate Member of Navy
Seabee Vets Island X-5, member of the Chief Petty Officer’s Club of Western
New York, member of the US Naval Institute, and a Plank Owner of the US
Navy Memorial. Friends, family and fellow service members were on
hand to witness the ceremonies. A grand catered reception followed
the ceremonies in the parish hall.
Naval Reserve Center Rochester
Seabee's work on Brockport, NY Navy Club
Left to right back row: CM2 Bryce W. Bills, USNR, BU3 Matt Fitch,
USNR, EO2 Frank C. Russo II, USNR, EO2 Jack J. Julian, USNR and CM2 Ron
Newman, Jr., USNR.
Front row, NCCM Edward C. Reese, USN ret., NYNM and CM2(FMF) Ken
Bennett, USNR
As a public service to the local Navy veteran's organization, Navy
Club of Lake Ontario, Ship 1812, Inc, members of the NMCB 21 worked
on the Club rooms drill weekend March 6 and 7.
Master Chief Equipment Operator
John Cubit retires
Captain Greenburg is at podium, Battalion Medical Officer, Brunswick
Maine
reading Master Chief John Cubit's retirement orders
Navy Reserve Center Rochester, Master Chief Cubit, left retired
on Feb. 8th 2004.
Master Chief Reese, right presented him his retirement flag.
Navy salutes local reservists
They've served in Iraq war and around globe since 9/11.
Victoria E. Freile
Staff Writer D&C
(October 13, 2003 - Navy's Birthday) — CHILI —
When U.S. Navy reservist Marty Schulik was separated from his family for
six months, family members admitted that they thought they might not see
him again . . . . . . . . . . . more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . .
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/news/1013P8228PF_navy13_news.shtml
http://www.rnews.com/Story.cfm?ID=13640&rnews_story_type=18
http://www.wroctv.com/news/story.asp?id=10578&r=l
US Navy Special Operations Craft, visited Brockport, NY Friday, 16 May
03. LTCDR Stu Dube' Ron Ayrault, NCCM Reese and other member of the local
Navy Club, "Ship 1812" played unofficial hosts during this impromptu visit.
Special Unit Team Twenty pulled into port while traveling the inland waterways.
Next stops Rome, NY and NY City, then on to Little Creek, Virginia.
Their mission, interdiction, terrorist protection and more.
Special Boat Team Twenty:
Lt Ghormley, CTT2 Livingstone, OS3 Bloink, GMC Rieffer, Enc Potter
and STG3 Barnes
USMC
____________________________
Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony
On 1 Feb 2003 a Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony
was held at
N&MCRC Buffalo, New York. Commander Thomas
A. Magno, USN was relieved by
Commander Andrew N. Wall, USNR after nearly two and
one half years as
Commanding Officer of the Reserve Center. Following
the COC, Commander
Magno retired from the Navy after 22 years of service.
During the
ceremony, Cdr Magno was presented with a commemorative
clock by Captain
Bruce H. Speller, Region III Commander, in recognition
of his support of
the New York Naval Militia. LCDR James Gerland,
the outgoing Executive
Officer of the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center
also received a
commemorative clock. Region III staff were present
to bid fairwell to Cdr
Magno, and to extend a welcome to Commander Wall.
LT Mark Cassidy, CWO4
Rucker, and Commander Wayne Sorrentino from the Region
III staff had great
memories of Cdr Magno's support of the NYNM, and of
Region III objectives;
"Rarely has a Center Commanding Officer been so proactive
in his support of
the Militia".
From September 1992 through
November 1994 the new Commanding Officer,
Commander Andrew N. Wall, had been the CO of NRC Horseheads.
His prior
billet within Region III well familiarized him with
the New York Naval
Militia.
Seabee members of NYNM III are underway . . . . . .
Mobilization news media link:
http://www.rnews.com/story.cfm?story_type=2&rnews_story_type=18&id=8159
Marine Corps League
Weschester County Detachment's Project "We Care"
Project "We Care"
The troops have called and we will be re-instituting the
Detachment's Project "We Care" that we did during Viet
Nam and Desert Storm.
Our overseas troops will be advising us of their needs
that we can aid with, as citizens of Westchester County
and our surrounding areas.
Our first call is through one of our members, FNE3 Mark
Capitillo USN, serving aboard the USS Bataan, in the
Middle East. Their Chaplain, CDR Kieran G. Mandato USN,
has requested hard cover books for their ship's library. They have 3,000
Marines aboard plus ship's crew. You can also consider soft cover pocket
novels, CD's
and DVD's. Also they can use board games to occupy their
"dead time" such as chess, checkers, strategy, etc.
Chaplain Mandato is a Mount Vernon, NY native and had
a parish in Putnam County.
Mail to:
CDR Kieran G. Mandato, CHC, USN
USS BATAAN (LHD - 5)
Command Chaplain
FPO AE 09565 - 1657
Email:
Mandatok@bataan.navy.mil
Checks may be made to:
Marine Corps League
Project "We Care" in memo section
PO Box 505
White Plains, NY 10602-505
Any questions about what YOU can do?
Contact:
Lu Caldara
__________
1 February 2003
Space Shuttle Columbia Lost
At about 0900 (eastern), 1 February 2003, the shuttle Columbia
burned up in the atmosphere. All aboard are lost. Among the 7 member crew
were Captain David Brown, US Navy and Commander William "Willy"
McCool, US Navy
Defense of Liberty Medal was presented by Captain Speller, Commander
Region III
at the Navy Marine Corps Reserve Center Rochester on December 7, 2002
December 5, 2002
Pentagon Is Set to Activate Thousands More Reservists
By ERIC SCHMITT
WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 th The Pentagon is preparing for a major call-up
of National Guard and Reserve troops, a move that would fill military jobs
that would be critical if the United States goes to war against Iraq, Defense
Department officials said today.
The size and timing of the mobilizations hinges heavily on Iraq's
response to the United Nations resolution requiring Baghdad to disarm,
and the pace of the international arms inspections.
In what is likely to be only the first wave of new call-ups, the
Pentagon is expected in the next several days to activate as many as 10,000
reservists, mainly military police units, for security duty here and abroad,
officials said. They would join the 50,755 reservists now mobilized for
the defense of the United States after Sept. 11 and for the war in
Afghanistan.
But if President Bush orders an attack against Iraq, the Pentagon
has plans to summon to active duty roughly as many reservists as it did
during the Persian Gulf war in 1991, when about 265,000 members of the
National Guard
and Reserves were called up. No final decisions have been made on
these larger mobilizations, officials said.
"Activating reserves is significant because it will affect every
community in America, and it sends a signal that the president is serious,"
a senior military official said.
As Pentagon officials considered the Reserve issue, Deputy Defense
Secretary Paul D. Wolfowitz asked NATO nations in Brussels to contribute
forces to an American-led military campaign to oust President Saddam
Hussein. In another effort to build a broad international coalition,
the White House today invited the leader of the largest party in Turkey's
new governing coalition to meet with President Bush next week.
Asked by reporters today to assess the progress of weapons inspections
in Iraq, Mr. Bush said it was too early to tell whether Mr. Hussein would
comply. But he expressed deep skepticism, saying Mr. Hussein was "not somebody
who looks like he's interested in complying with disarmament." The
Pentagon and the White House are handling the Reserve issue with great
care. When and whom to mobilize are tricky, officials said. Defense officials
want to mobilize reservists early enough to allow commanders to move quickly
if President Bush orders an attack against Iraq. They also want to honor
as best they can the Pentagon's policy of giving reservists 30 days' notice
before mobilizing, to allow them to get their affairs in order and for
their employers to find replacements.
"What we try to do is always give a 30-day notification, if we can,"
Thomas F. Hall, the assistant secretary of defense for Reserve affairs,
told reporters last month. "Naturally, if we had a crisis, we could go
below that."
But activating reservists too early could backfire. Pentagon officials
said they want to avoid calling up tens of thousands of reservists during
the holiday season, disrupting their families, jobs and schooling, especially
if the international arms inspections in Iraq delay any offensive
for weeks or months, and leave mobilized reservists with little to do.
"You don't want to jerk the reservists around," a senior military
official said. "If you call them up before Christmas and don't give them
something meaningful to do, that's dumb."
The issue is important enough that Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld,
Gen. Richard B. Myers, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and their
top aides meet about twice a week to discuss the Reserve call-ups, a senior
military official said.
Gen. Tommy R. Franks, the commander of American forces in the gulf,
is also keenly aware of the important role that reservists would play,
and how the timing of their call-up would affect other parts of the war
planning, another top military official said.
Mr. Rumsfeld is so concerned about the impact of any call-up that
he recently ordered aides to review all potential mobilizations to ensure
they are truly needed. One defense official said today that if the Pentagon
does not announce its expected call-up of 10,000 reservists in the next
few days, Mr. Rumsfeld will probably postpone it until after Jan. 1.
"We're trying to balance this," a third senior military official
said. "If the choice is calling up tens of thousands of people on Dec.
20 or on Jan. 10, and it's militarily insignificant when you do it, we're
going to try not to disrupt people's lives."
If the United States attacks Iraq, large numbers of Guard and Reserve
troops will be needed to protect military bases overseas and at home because
of a heightened fear of terrorism. The troops, especially those in the
National Guard, would also be expected to play an important role in protecting
potential terrorist targets in the United States, including
power plants and transportation hubs.
In addition to Army National Guard and Reserve forces, Navy and Coast
Guard Reserves would patrol the nation's maritime borders, and putting
more fighter jets over American cities would require large numbers of Air
Force and Navy pilots, ground crews and aircraft, most of them reservists.
No specific units have been publicly identified.
Reservists are typically summoned for 90 days to one year, but about
4,000 men and women called up after Sept. 11, 2001, are now entering their
second year of service.
Officials who specialize in Reserve affairs say the decision on a
major call-up could come at any time. "I'm expecting it any day," said
Bob Hollingsworth, executive director of the Pentagon's office of Employer
Support of Guard and Reserves.
For that reason, many National Guard and Reserve unit commanders
nationwide say they have already taken steps to ensure that their reservists
have filled out as much paperwork in advance as possible, and have had
their inoculations updated.
But many other reservists â€" as well as their families
and employers â€" are watching the news out of Iraq, and waiting
nervously. "Our concern is with employers who've just had guys demobilized,
and now may have them
remobilized if this goes down," Mr. Hollingsworth said. "How will
employers react to this?"
As Pentagon officials continued to weigh a Reserve call-up, White
House officials today pressed for more vigorous and fast-paced inspections
of Iraq but carefully avoided questioning the performance of the small
inspection team that has been in Iraq for a week.
In private, the United States appears to be pressing the inspectors
to act more vigorously, and to extract Iraqi scientists from the country
â€" with their families â€" so that they can be questioned
outside Mr. Hussein's
reach. Hans Blix, the head of the United Nations inspections team,
has not said publicly whether he thinks it would be wise or helpful to
conduct such interviews, which are authorized under the Security Council
resolution passed last month.
The issue will probably not be decided until after Iraq makes its
declaration this weekend of all its weapons stores and "dual use" facilities
that might be converted to making weapons of mass destruction.
But Iraq said today that its declaration would state that it has
no banned weapons. The White House cited those statements as evidence that
Mr. Hussein was not taking the United Nations demands seriously.
"We believe, and we have said it publicly, they continue to have
weapons of mass destruction â€" biological weapons and chemical
weapons," the White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said. Iraq's denials
in the 1990's, he said, were proven false.
But he expressed concern that the new inspections may not uncover
any banned weapons. "Whether inspectors ultimately will be able to disprove
any lie by the Iraqis remains to be determined," he said.
"We want to make certain that they are aggressive enough to be able
to ascertain the facts in the face of an adversary who in the past did
everything in his power to hide the facts," Mr. Fleischer said.
Defense of Liberty Medal
From: Commander, New York Naval Militia, Region III
Subj: Defense Of Liberty Medal with WTC (World
Trade Center) device
1. On 9-11 terrorists attacked the United States. In the immediate
aftermath the call went out from the Governor of New York State for volunteers
to assist in rescue, and then recovery efforts at the World Trade Center
site in New York City. You raised your hand as one of the “first
responders”, and were activated to State Active Duty. You served
with distinction and honor during a time of greatest threat to our country,
and I want to extend my personal thanks for your efforts in that massive
undertaking.
2. There had never been anything in our experience that came close to
preparing us for what we had to contend with while at ‘Ground Zero’.
Even so, while performing our difficult duties under such arduous conditions,
we came to see the very best of America; Firefighters and Police, Red Cross
volunteers, State and Federal Emergency Management personnel, civilian
construction workers, civilians who “just want to help in some way”, Army,
Coast Guard, National Guard, and Naval Militia - all determined to first
find and rescue, and then recover victims. I know that you felt that
what we did was very little, as did I, yet there was not a day that went
by that each of us was not thanked by the same people we stood beside;
whether they were part of the recovery effort or members of the public
who were attempting to get back to their day to day “routine”.
3. I have come to understand that what we accomplished, what you accomplished
while we were on duty in New York City, was greater than we could imagine.
You gave the public a sense of safety and confidence. You were a
reminder that any further attempt at terrorism would be met with swift
action. And as the days and weeks following 9-11 passed the public
saw that you, along with the rest of our Task Force, had provided security
and calm to a City that desperately needed both.
4. The Defense of Liberty Medal was struck at the request of the Governor
of the State of New York to recognize the contributions of members of New
York State Military forces following 9-11. The WTC device is awarded
along with the medal to those individuals who served at Ground Zero for
seven or more days. It is presented to each of you, “In grateful
appreciation for homeland defense service in response to the 11 September
2001 attack on the World Trade Center, New York City”. God Bless
You, and God Bless America!
Bruce H. Speller
Captain, CEC, USNR(ret)
Commander, NYNM, Region III
Defense of Liberty Ribbon, NY State Awards
DEFENSE OF LIBERTY MEDAL
a. To whom awarded: The Defense of Liberty Medal is a Campaign Medal
which may be awarded to members of the New York State Organized Militia
who performed homeland defense duty in any status in response to
an order by the Governor. This medal may also be awarded to civilians who
worked in support of the New York State Organized Militia and are deemed
appropriate by The Adjutant General.
b.. Standards.
(1) Award Period and Duty Location.
The Defense of Liberty Medal will be awarded for homeland defense missions
during the period of 11 September 2001 through a future date to be determined.
This includes duty at Ground Zero and in any other location in the state
where homeland defense missions were performed.
(2) Award Composition. Individuals performing
a minimum of seven days duty in the borough of Manhattan, New York will
receive the World Trade Center Device (WTC). The seven duty days for qualification
are not required to be consecutive and may be waived in selected instances.
The request for waiver by MACOM Commanders is subject to approval by The
Adjutant General.
(3) Award Recognition. The Duty in Aid
to Civil Authority Medal and/or Medal for Humane Service to New York State
will not be issued in conjunction with this medal.
c. How awarded. Rosters for military personnel on State Active Duty
will be provided through command channels to each respective major component
awards area of responsibility. Individuals who are in federal technician,
Active Guard and Reserve (AGR), Active Duty Special Work (ADSW) or volunteer
status should be added to the roster, along with the period
of service and mission. All rosters must be certified by the
major component commander, prior to forwarding to each major component
awards area of responsibility for review and award issuance, ATTN:
MNP-AWR for NYARNG; MNAF/DP for NYANG; MNNM for the NYNM, and MNSG for
the NYG. Recommendations for civilian personnel will be forwarded to The
Adjutant General, ATTN: MNHS-AD. The period of service and type of
duty performed shall be clearly defined.
d. Succeeding awards. Only one award
per individual will be issued for this campaign.
e. Precedence. The Defense of Liberty
Medal will follow the New York State Desert Storm Medal.
f. Approving authority. Commander of
each respective major component of the New York State Organized Militia.
The Adjutant General will be the approving authority for civilian personnel.
NYS Division of Military & Naval Affairs: NYS Decorations
Latest Update: 1 Nov 02 (ww)
URL: http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/dmna/awards/Def_of_Lib.htm
LT Mark Cassidy
Photo of
NYNM helping City of Buffalo
____________
FROM: DEPUTY COMMANDER FOR OPERATIONS
1. COAST GUARD ISSUED ADVISORY FOR COASTAL UNITS
TO WATCH FOR TERRORIST SCUBA DIVERS IN EAST COAST HARBORS.
2. REGIONAL COMMANDERS SHOULD CONSIDER CRUISE SHIP,
BRIDGE AND TUNNEL AND ENERGY PLANTS AS POSSIBLE TARGETS.
3. REVIEW AND UPDATE CALL UP LISTS.
4. ACKNOWLEGE RECEIPT
R. L. WOLF
BGEN, NYNM
ZAPANTA NAMED CHAIRMAN OF RESERVE FORCES POLICY
BOARD
Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld has appointed
Albert C.
Zapanta as the chairman of the Reserve Forces Policy
Board.
The Reserve Forces Policy Board is the principal
independent
policy advisor to the Secretary of Defense on matters
relating
to the reserve components. The board is composed
of 24 members
in addition to the chairman.
Zapanta is the president and CEO of the United States-Mexico
Chamber of Commerce based in Washington, D.C. The
United
States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit,
bi-national
corporation that promotes trade and investment
between the two
North American nations. He served as assistant
secretary of
Administration and Management, U.S. Department
of Interior,
during the Reagan administration. He was also a
White House
fellow in 1973-74. Zapanta has served in appointments
to
various government commissions and advisory committees
in five
different administrations.
Zapanta holds a bachelor of arts and master of arts
in public
administration from the University of Southern
California. He
is a decorated combat veteran who holds the Silver
Star, and has
32 years of active, Guard and reserve experience.
Reminder . . . .The following dates apply
to Region 3 Staff meeting dates. All meetings
will be held at NMCRC Buffalo at 1530 in the Day Room in the
Reserve
Center. June 1, July 13, August 3, Sept 7, October 5, November
2 & December 7.
City Parks Project
EO1 James Erhardt---32 hrs
EO3 Juan Valdez--16 Hrs
EO3 Robert Crewe--16 Hrs
EO3 Michael Feldman--16 Hrs.
UT2 Vincent Ostrowski--16 hrs
UT1 Mark Kohler--16 Hrs
UT2 Joseph Flett--16 Hrs
EO3 Donald Schrader--16 Hrs.
EO2 Raymond Gioseffi- -32 Hrs
EOC George Giambrone--16 Hrs.
EO3 Joseph Steen--16 Hrs
EO3 Kevin Yargeau--16 Hrs
EO2 ----- Hupkowski-16 Hrs
EO3--Henry Barnes--16 Hrs.
Lt. Mark Cassidy--40 Hrs.
SWC Michael Cassidy--4 Hrs.
Guard Support Project ( welding the frontend loaders at
the Armory)
SWCS Peter Kuczkowski 16 Hrs.
Lt. Cassidy 16 Hrs.
Commander Sorrentio was presented with the NYS
Conspicuous Service Medal on Saturday, 4 May 2002 at the Buffalo ResCen.
_______________
UT1 William P Bolger
Petty Officer Bolger enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1966.
He was assigned to the ammunition ship USS Mauna Loa (AE-8) as a Damage
Controlman responsible for the ship’s Damage Control Locker, fire fighting
equipment and fire pumps. He taught fire fighting, shoring and bracing
and performed soundings and security watches. He separated from active
duty in June 1966 and affiliated with the Navy
Reserve in October 1988 as Utilitiesman Third Class (UT3).
He was #1 Rifleman on the Fire Team of NMCB 13. He was promoted to
UT2 in 1990 and UT1 in January 2001. PO Bolger joined the New York
Naval Militia in October 1988 and immediately became the Militia Unit Representative
for CB 7, CB 13 and CB 21 and holds these positions to the present day.
PO Bolger was mobilized for Operation Y2K in December 1999 and was
assigned to the State Police Barracks in Olean. He is currently the
Career Counselor, Assistant Program Manager, Retention Petty Officer and
Advancement Petty Officer for CB 7 and CB 21.
PO Bolger proudly wears his Militia uniform, marching in 6 parades
annually as Color Guard Captain. He was the Facilities Coordinator
for the Navy Family Day in July 2001 where 1200 guests and family members
toured the Navy Reserve Center, grounds and LCU 1680.
In his civilian career, PO Bolger is Maintenance Supervisor Level
1 for the Western New York Developmental Disabilities Service Office.
He supervises 10 employees and is responsible for 40 group homes where
he coordinates contract work for the facility. He has been in state
service for the past 32 years.
For the last 10 years, he has been an usher at Nativity of Our Lord
Parish in Orchard Park, NY.
________________
I wrote this letter to my youngest son who had served in the Army
in the Gulf War.
27 October 2001
Having arrived on the 18th of October (2001) I was reasonably able
to find my way to the Park Ave Armory where I would be staying until the
4th of November. Let me quickly state that I got to the site of the
World Trade Center within about 24 hours, and I was moved to tears.
It took me that first day to get my courage up. It felt somehow that
it would be voyeuristic, and that I would just be gaping at the destruction
and horror in a more or less morbid fascination sort of way. When
I got to the Red Zone I was very tentative about taking that first look.
Stopping, and really looking. When I did I was immediately aware
of my anger and my deep sorrow - after all, thousands of American’s were
slaughtered here. And countless family and friends were and still
are affected. The debris field is shrinking as construction equipment
(huge cranes, excavators, trucks to haul out material) does this terrible
work, fewer volunteers than in the early weeks because the site is now
in “normal” recovery mode. I would go a few steps, then stop and
turn first in one direction and then another. It is vast. The
eye cannot see it all at one glance; the brain cannot comprehend it all
at once. You walk a bit, look a bit tentatively, then you focus your
energy and really look, and you begin to “see” what happened. From
every angle, from every place you stop you see more - and with more clarity.
Slowly I made my way through the area known as ground zero. Some
workers, drawn and tired, resting by a Red Cross tent. Inside the
tent there were counselors in case things became too overwhelming for the
men, I saw no women on the site - except at the Red Cross tent. At
least not at the center of the site where the debris was being cleared.
There is a landfill site somewhere not too far away where the debris is
taken, and then given the closest examination by forensic specialists who
are looking for anything to help identify the dead. There isn’t much
of the dead that has been found. Early on there were identifiable
parts found. No longer. As the crews go deeper they must surely
find more. One of my teams works in a warehouse that is at (the)
Pier. Donated goods are stored for use by those involved in the recover
effort. The thousands of body bags are still on the shelf -
barely touched.
I walked up onto a wooden platform built for visitors to get a “better”
look. There were people on the platform, and I sort of walked around
before climbing the steps - I felt like an intruder. On them, and
on the site. This is a “hallowed” ground now. We can never
build over it, lest we cover up our humanity. I walked along the
viewing stand railing, towards the point closest to ground zero.
The railing had hand written messages, like many places around the area
there were messages to the lost. One in particular…in black magic
marker - “Daddy”, with an arrow pointed towards where a building had been
(maybe the Marriott Hotel, or one of the Towers), and “I love you” underneath
the arrow. Along a wall leading away from the stand were letters
with photographs…one from a mother-in-law to her daughter’s husband who
had perished telling him, “…what a great son-in-law you are”, and thanking
him for the three beautiful granddaughters who are the light of her life.
The picture was of her daughter and three granddaughters. I couldn’t
read any more of that letter. Other letters, flowers, too much to
soak in. Across the street from there was a granite memorial to police
who over the years had died in the line of duty. Facing the wall
was a makeshift memorial to firefighters, their pictures in alphabetical
order, and more letters. I looked for the names of three NYFD members that
I know. When I couldn’t find them I was relieved, and then guilty
for being glad that they were alive when so many of them were not.
More tears. Terrible sadness, and then a very real swelling of pride
- pride in being an American. Pride in being in the company of these
heroic men.
The site at ground zero is (what must be like) the aftermath of Hiroshima,
without the radiation, and without the bodies. The big debris piles
are pretty much out, but there is unimaginable damage to buildings still
standing. One in particular has a steel girder sticking out of one
floor near the corner of the building about twenty stories up. Like
a spear. Another building is missing the middle one of five vertical
columns. Some buildings may be demolished because they cannot be
saved. Buildings facing the ones that are still standing have been
covered with what I can only describe as a car cover. Keeps dust
out of the buildings, and also keeps out bad weather. Like the Federal
Building in Oklahoma, one building had the façade stripped off.
Office furniture, computers sitting on top of desks, chairs, all visible
from the street. You look for people. They all got out of that
building…I think.
I have heard dozens of stories. One of the men in my unit was
on the 81st floor - he was a Bank of America computer guy. Everyone
got out (Tower Two, I think), and the company is in temporary quarters
in New Jersey. He is a Marine, and is on State active duty because
he has to be here. He was not “made” to be here. “I have to
be here, sir. I have a duty to be here. I will stay here until
we are done. I’m a Marine.” His name is Cho. And he is
a Marine. I met a firefighter, a SGT in the Army Reserve serving
in the Emergency Operations Center. He had buried a good friend and
comrade the day before who died when the second tower collapsed.
His friend was in the part of the fire company that responded, while he
had been held in reserve. His company was on the way in when the
tower collapsed. His friend had two little ones and a wife that he
left. The SGT I spoke with also has a wife and infant child at home.
More tears. Both of us.
As I visit with members of my task group I am overwhelmed with their
humility. We stand a variety of posts with State Troopers from numerous
States, NYC Police, and MTA Officers. We have both men and women,
and without exception they are the finest, most noble people that I have
ever served with. We are all of us changed, sometimes in unexpected
ways. Over my years of military service I have always been proud
to be associated with such dedicated and honor driven service members.
As I advanced in the military I increasingly found that visiting with “the
men and women of my commands” was important to do. This duty has
brought me closer to them than I would have imagined possible. We
connect on a level of common understanding. We look into each other’s
eyes and we recognize one another in common purpose. We see our own
commitment in their eyes. And I am listening, when in the past I
was “showing the flag” and eager to get to the next thing on the schedule.
It is different here. I linger with them, and we listen to each other.
I think we are listening for a signal that it is ok to feel the way we
do. And that it is ok to laugh. And we laugh together, and
I am grateful for the laughter. Grateful and proud of them.
Grateful that we have been so honored as to be here.
I am so proud to be an American.
Bruce H. Speller
Captain, USNR (ret)
Commander, Region III
New York Naval Militia
JTF-42, Operation Rainbow Hope
MOBILIZATION FOR 10-20-01
We can't wait 'til the weekend to start planning for Wave #3.
I am calling folks now to get them ready. See who you can get for
us. We need trigger pullers and wrench turners. That means
E-6 and below, any rate, MUST HAVE CAMMIES, bring sleeping bag (any flavor
sleeping bag), web gear & helmet if available, warm clothes, rain poncho,
parka, extra socks, don't worry about name tapes on the cammies, we need
60 folks for Wave #3, medical types do not count against our numbers which
means we can have more than 60 folks mobilized if the extra folks are medical
types
(any pay grade for medical-types), one sea bag and one carry-on
bag per person, dates are 10/20/01 thru 11/05/01 (or longer if the person
can swing it). Do not bother contacting the Marines. HQ will
handle them. We leave from Buffalo ResCen via Greyhound bus, probably
very early Saturday morning. Email me with your results as soon as
possible or
with what you've got by Thursday evening. The bus will take
them to Camp Smith where they will get their Militia ID card and Militia
badge to wear on their uniform. They will be staying at Governor's
Island in an open room barracks with sleeping bags and cots. Duty
is 12 on and 12 off. Bring one set of civvies. This is a high
stress evolution due to the nature of the situation. Everyone is
on high emotions. We need mature folks who want to do the job not
folks who are forced to participate. 'Nuff said. Email any
questions to me as they come up.
Cdr Wayne Sorrentino
Deputy Commander
MOBILIZATION FOR 10-5-01
60 plus Militia members from Region 3 are being activated to report
to
Ground Zero and perform duties as perimeter guard in relief of fellow
Militia members currently on site.
1. All personnel from Horse Heads are to report directly to Camp
Smith, to arrive NLT 1500 on Friday. POV is authorized and travel
will be reimbursed by NYNM. You must report in uniform (BDUs).
2. Personnel from Rochester are directed to report to
NMCRC Buffalo for transportation to Camp Smith. You must report in
uniform (BDUs). UT1 Bradley Smith has directions if you need them.
3. For those using the bus, baggage limitation is two
pieces per person (one seabag and one carry-on bag).
4. All personnel reporting to NMCRC Buffalo are to report
NLT 0800 Friday and in uniform (BDUs). Buses leave for Camp Smith
at 0900. Do not be late as this impacts everyone. Please do
not leave your vehicle in the ResCen parking lot as the parking lot is
not secure. Have someone drop you off.
5. Bring at least two sets of BDUs, extra socks, warm
clothes, sleeping bag, hard hat, poncho, rain gear, etc.
6. Pack for a two-week AT.
7. Sleeping bags and cots will be issued at Governor’s
Island upon arrival.
8. Absolutely no cameras or video equipment allowed.
Unauthorized items will be confiscated.
9. You represent this Region and the NYNM. Let’s
be professional and proud.
10. Thank you for your volunteer efforts and your concern
for our fellow Americans who are hurting. Keep this in mind during
your stay.
11. All of your other questions should be answered when
you get to Camp Smith.
12. In the event of a family emergency at home, you may
be contacted at:
NYNM 518-786-4583 or JOC NYNM LNO 518-786-6107.
13. The seven folks who needed orders in hand should have
them by 0600 Thursday. If not, contact me and I’ll get them to you.
I need your company email address in order to email them to your employer.
I don’t have fax capability.
14. Feel free to contact me with any further questions
at cell 716-983-0774.
15. Stay safe. Watch out for one another.
CDR Wayne P. Sorrentino
Deputy Commander
Change of Command Ceremony
New York Naval Militia, Region III
"The Navy Component of the National Guard"
at the Navy Club of Lake Ontario
21 Clinton Street Brockport, NY 14420
Saturday, 29 September, 2001 at 10:00 O'clock
Parade the Colors
National Anthem
Invocation
Navy Club Chaplain Ron Ayrault
Guest Speaker
Brockport Mayor Josephine Matela
Remarks By Rear Admiral (L) John R. Comins
Captain Bruce Speller
relieves
Rear Admiral John R. Comins
Remarks by Captain Bruce Speller
Retire the colors
Benediction
Dan Sell
Official Party departs, guests please stand
Retire the colors. Captain Bruce Speller is now the Commander
New York Naval Militia Region Three
According to Chief Tim Masyln, 6 of his CBs from NMCB7 were mobilized
by
the NYNM and arrived on scene (World Trade Center in New York City)
on
9/22/01. The names are:
BU1 Mike Clark
EO1 Chris Brown
IC1 Steve Dumbleton
CE3 Steve Sherman
CM3 Paul Tantalo
EOCN Andy Kujawski
___________________________________
IAW an email from COL Jeff Yeaw the MANY Dinner originally scheduled
for
October 13th is postponed. No further info is available.
As soon as I
hear of a new date I will relay it to you. Thanks for your patience
and
understanding.
From: John R Comins, RADM, Commander, NYNMIII
We go when called regardless of whom calls first. If
the NYNM calls and then the Navy, we have to switch hats. We've never
done that before, but so what. As far as the RESCEN losing reservists,
let's wait until something happens. Aren't we supposed to be called.
That is why we are reservists or NYNM members.
I do, however, believe that a Navy call-up may be somewhat less (with
exception of Marines) than Army or Air Force. Coast Guard is likely
to some extent.
For all those making phone calls and maintaining lists, thank you.
Your support and dedication is important. Let's hope the only
call-ups we need is for relief in NYC, not battle fields.
With all the terrorists leaving their camps, we are going to find
it harder to strike back right now. Will they ever return to their
camps or stay away permanently, rather than being at the end of cruise
missile run. More worrisome: "Have they dispersed for some larger or more
defined reason?"
The government must begin to hurt them economically first.
Take away their money used to support their evil. Then as opportunities
provide, strike and hard. We also need to secure the borders.
Use racial profiling if necessary, but severely restrict all travel from
certain parts of the world. Especially don't allow casual entry,
without close monitoring and deporting if they don't leave on schedule.
Question repeated trips to US for simply casual visits.
Life will never be the same. Unfortunately, our freedoms will
be severely impacted to prevent similar incidents.
All for now.
God Bless America.
_____________
More . . . . .
Want to thank everyone, especially you, Wayne, for your outstanding
dedication and support in the past few days. It is obvious from the
messages coming over e-mail that many have spent hours and dollars of their
own in support of the Militia mission.
The tragedy in NYC and Washington is unprecedented in our nations
history and it will live in everyone memories for the rest of their lives.
I was in Washington at the time of the WTC strikes and saw the second plane
strike on live TV. I will never forget the shock it produced.
I will also never forget the firm resolve it filled me with to help anyone
I can see this through to the end.
Want to thank everyone in the command for their dedication and commitment.
I know I have not addressed everyone who has helped, since I don't have
addresses for everyone involved. I would ask that everyone pass on
my thanks and that of Headquarters for their contributions and willingness
to support in this tragic time.
Waiting to be called is hard, but wait we must. Obviously,
in every
situation, all the forces available cannot always be committed at
the same time. There is a need for reserves to be maintained.
You cannot put a significant number of additional people into NYC right
now without fouling up the flow. We must be patient as eventually
those on the front line will tire and need relief. Then, I
expect, we will be called.
Whether we are called for this crisis or not is not important as
many have been called and served before. It might have only been
for natural "disasters", but serve they did and well. The only thing
that makes this situation different is the cause and magnitude.
Thanks again.
God Bless America.
_____
All,
IAW an email from COL Jeff Yeaw the MANY Dinner originally scheduled
for
October 13th is postponed. No further info is available.
As soon as I
hear of a new date I will relay it to you. Thanks for your
patience and
understanding.
Keep in touch.
Wayne
________
When the orders come, they will be cut by the Army (paper orders
may not show up until after the fact). All of our folks
will get paid according to their reserve pay grade and Navy Reserve
pay rate (Federal pay scale). Those in the retired
group will get paid according to their NYNM pay grade and Navy Reserve
pay rate (Federal pay scale). The
transportation issue remains undecided, but I have put a bug in
the ear of Gunny Madden to ask the coordinators how
we are to move our troops to the front lines. I would expect
a military air lift from Niagara Falls and/or bus. I will relay
any info as it becomes available.
Keep in touch.
Wayne
(CDR Wayne Sorrentino, Deputy Commander, NYNMIII)
More . . . . .
All,
I just spoke to NYNM HQ in Latham, NY (9-13-01 10:00 pm) and they
have informed me that we do not expect an imminent callup since the National
Guard personnel are still relatively fresh. We will probably be called
up to replace folks as they wear out and must return to their civilian
careers. It also appears that we may have up to 72 hours to respond
to the recall, which gives us time to gather our gear and make sure it's
all set.
Please be patient as this situation will probably take months to
complete.
I know you are all really anxious to help out, but we need to coordinate
this task for the long haul. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Stand by.
Keep in touch.
CDR Wayne Sorrentino
Deputy Commander
NYNM Region 3
______________________
Old Ft Niagara
A tribute to War of 1812 US Navy
Departed Shipmates
Sunday 19 August 2001
Jim Fisher - Master of Ceremonies
Firing squad, Butts-Clark Post 204,
American Legion Medina, NY
-
Dell Stork Commander
-
Peter Huth
-
Mike Szulis
-
Bob Ryan
-
Franklin Tower, Orleans County, Director of Veteran
-
Frank Berger
-
Walt Shimmel
-
Sterling Lewis
Taps ensemble
-
Mike Young (on board cutter)
-
Matt Jaeger (in tower)
-
Spectrum 2001 Honor Guard
-
Stefanie Harding
-
Debbie Harding
-
Autumn Sanders
-
Autumnlynn Sanders
Ship 1812 Honor Guard
US Coast Guard Wreath Laying detail
off the Shore of Ft Niagara
-
Bugler Mike Young
-
Lt Mark Cassidy
-
Cdr Wayne Sorrentino
-
CWO4 Harry Rucker
-
NCCM Ed Reese
-
BM3 Marc Snyder
-
MT3 David Jenkins
NYNM Region III honors departed shipmates off the coast of Old
Ft Niagara by performing a wreath laying ceremony for revolutionary war
sailors that went down aboard the Scourge and Hamilton in 1813
Left to right, Echo Taps Bugler Mike Young, Lt. Mark Cassidy,
Cdr. Wayne Sorrentino and CWO4 Harry Rucker
Left to right Cdr Wayne Sorrentino, Bugler Mike Young,
Master Chief Ed Reese and CWO4 Harry Rucker
Skipper BM3 Marc Snyder, USCG (right), MT3 David Jenkins, USCG and
SN Rusty Lumpkins, USCG (not pictured) getting underway to transport
the ceremonial party to waters near the Fort.
Left to right , Bugler Mike Young, Lt Mark Cassidy, Cdr Wayne Sorrentino
and CWO4 Harry Rucker
Navy ROTC Scholarship awarded
CDR Ed Balaban, NYNM, Chief of Staff for Region 3, left,
awards Olean High School graduate David W. Oldham, right, a ceremonial
check representing his Navy ROTC Scholarship to Pennsylvania State University
as his classmates proudly look on. The presentation occurred during
Olean's Class of 2001 commencement. Oldham will be pursuing a degree
in the sciences. Balaban also serves as RDAC Zone Coordinator (southwestern
NY) for NRD Buffalo. (Photo courtesy Olean Times Herald).
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