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MAR14: What’s Inside:Assistant Adjutant General Boyles RetiresFrom the Desk of The Adjutant General

Chaplain’s CornerMaine Recognized for Excellence

Serving with Pride286th Honored in Ceremony

Photos from the 133rdEmployer Support- At the Heart of the Guard

Maine Guardsmen Serve as Role Models on and off Duty

Celebrating the Life of a Maine HeroSafety Briefing- Spring Driving

CAC Card PolicyTSGLI

2014 Army Wide Strategic PrioritiesRecruiters Entertain and Educate

Your Money Matters

The Bayonet is produced for personnel of the Maine Army National

Guard, and is an authorized publication for members of the

Department of Defense.

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

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

Adjutant General of MaineBrig. Gen. James D. Campbell

Command Sergeant MajorCommand Sgt. Maj. Richard

Hannibal

Public Affairs OfficerMaj. Michael Steinbuchel

121st Public Affairs Detachment

Sgt. 1st Class Pete Morrison, NCOICManaging Editor

Sgt. Angela Parady, Photojournalist

Layout & Design

Spc. Adam Simmler, PhotojournalistContributing Journalist

BAYONETthe

“We are honoring the remarkable achievements of a pivotal leader in the Maine National Guard who exemplifies the true meaning of a citizen Soldier, and we do so with our deepest gratitude,” said Brig. Gen. James D. Campbell, The Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard.

Brig. General Brent M. Boyles, the Assistant Adjutant General, was honored at a retirement ceremony celebrating 35 years in the U.S. Army and the Maine Army National Guard today. He was accompanied by his wife Duska and daughter Pfc. Melissa McGary. (U.S. National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rhonda Russell).

This issue is dedicated to Brig. Gen. Brent M. Boyles

BRIGADIER GENERAL BRENT M. BOYLES

Assistant Adjutant General-Army, Maine Army National Guard

Brig. Gen. Brent Boyles is a native of Mapleton, Maine. After graduating from Presque Isle High School in 1975, Boyles received an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. He was commissioned a 2LT from USMA where he received a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in applied sciences and engineering in 1979. Boyles received a Masters of Science in Defense Management from American Military University in 1998. He graduated from the U.S. Army War College in July 2002 and received a second Masters degree in Strategic Studies.

He began his military career at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland where he attended the Ordnance Officer Basic course followed by attendance at the Basic Airborne course in Fort Benning, Georgia. Boyles served in several capacities from 1979-1984 at Fort Bragg, NC with the 82nd Airborne Division. He saw combat action as a Maintenance Company commander during the 1983 Grenada invasion.

After leaving active duty in May of 1984, Boyles became a member of the Maine Army National Guard. First, as a member of the 1st Battalion, 152nd Field Artillery where he has served in a variety of positions to include, Commander of Service Battery, Commander of Battery A, Battalion Executive Officer, and Battalion Commander. Brigadier General Boyles also served as the Commander of the 121st Public Affairs Detachment, 52nd Troop Command S-3, Director of Special Staff, and Commander of the 52nd Troop Command.

He became the Assistant Adjutant General for the Maine Army National Guard in 2006, and served in that capacity until his March 2014 retirement.

Boyles is employed by Maine Public Service Company in Presque Isle, Maine. He has served in a variety of positions at the Company and is currently the President of Maine Public Service. Brigadier General Boyles is married to the former Duska McGary who is employed in the Presque Isle School system. They have three children ages and reside in Mapleton.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:Legion of Merit

Meritorious Service Medal (with three bronze Oak Leaf Clusters)Army Commendation Medal (with one bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)Army Achievement Medal (with one bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)

Armed Forces Expeditionary MedalArmed Forces Reserve Medal

Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (with one bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)Humanitarian Service Medal

National Defense Service MedalArmy Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon (with numeral 4)

Army Service RibbonSenior Parachutist Badge

Maine Ice Guard Award with DeviceMaine Emergency Service Award

After 35 years spent between the Army, and the Maine Army National Guard, Assistant Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Brent M. Boyles was recognized for his service during a retirement ceremony at Camp Keyes, March 1.

During the ceremony, those who had served with him gathered to thank him for his contributions to the nation, and to the Maine Army National Guard.

Brig. Gen. James D. Campbell., The Adjutant General of Maine, spoke highly of Boyles during the afternoon ceremony.

“We are honoring the remarkable achievements of a pivotal leader in the Maine National Guard who exemplifies the true meaning of a citizen Soldier, and we do so with our deepest gratitude,” he said.

I am confident that every Soldier is ready, highly trained, well-led and able to support the citizens of Maine and the nation to the high standards and in the dedicated and professional manner which we have all come to expect as ordinary, from these extra-ordinary people.

We are facing some critical issues which will dramatically affect the Department, and specifically the Army National Guard, in the near future. If these issues are not resolved successfully, the Maine National Guard and the National Guard across the nation will be effected in such as way as to reduce it to the lowest relative level of strength and combat capability the organization has had in over a century, if not in our history. This dangerous situation will have terrible ramifications not only for our national security, but will significantly reduce our historic state militia’s ability to execute their Constitutional role of support to our civil authorities, protecting lives and property during times of emergency.

During this past summer and fall I was privileged to be one of ten Adjutants General from around the country who participated in closed-door discussions about this very topic with the Army’s senior uniformed leaders and civilian officials. These discussions were an unsuccessful attempt by the Active Army to convince the leadership of the National Guard to accept what we saw as unnecessary and even dangerous reductions to our organizations, along with changes to our structure which would place in jeopardy the role of the National Guard as the primary Combat Reserve of the Army. This rejection, coupled with a failure to produce any transparent analysis supporting the Active Army’s positions, has made it clear to us, therefore, that there is a significant possibility that the Army’s plans clearly go beyond budgetary considerations and seek a fundamental reduction to and change in the traditional combat role of the National Guard.

Last Monday the Secretary of Defense presented a preview of what the proposed Defense budget would be for fiscal year 2015. This budget will seek to reduce the Army National Guard from its current size of 350,000 Soldiers, which it has maintained with minimal changes since the mid-1990s, to 335,000 Soldiers. Moreover, if the Congress does not alter or eliminate the sequestration required under the Budget Control Act, under this plan the Army National Guard will be further reduced to 315,000 Soldiers. What does this drastic and unprecedented reduction of our country’s citizen militia mean for the state of Maine? If these plans are allowed to pass, our current Maine Army National Guard of 2,122 Soldiers, already reduced by over 500 Soldiers since 2007, will potentially be reduced by another roughly 200 Soldiers. With a force of less than 2000, the Maine Army National Guard will be the smallest it has been since Maine gained its statehood in 1820. We will lose jobs, we will lose helicopters and other important equipment, and we will have to close armories in our communities. And most importantly, the Maine Army National Guard will not have the ability it currently has to support our citizens in time of emergency. It is worth

From the desk of the Adjutant General

noting here that in 1936, following the economic devastation of the Great Depression and when the population of Maine was far smaller than it is today, our Maine Army National Guard consisted of almost 4000 Soldiers. 2013 was in many ways a year of change for the Maine National Guard. As we have reduced our military’s commitments in Afghanistan, along with reduced budgets our National Guard has seen a slight deceleration of our operational tempo and overseas deployments. We have also experienced some changes in leadership, as many of our senior leaders have retired, and we have moved up younger officers into positions of responsibility and authority. With those changes, however, one constant has remained – your National Guard is still recognized around the world for its excellence and for the caliber of its Soldiers and Airmen. The Maine Army National Guard, the oldest and largest element of our Department, continues as it has since 1760 to fight our country’s wars overseas and protect our citizens and communities here at home. In 2013 we brought home from deployment or mobilized and sent into combat 378 Soldiers, including the headquarters of the 133rd Engineer Battalion from Gardiner and Portland. The 133rd is deployed today in Afghanistan overseeing over 900 personnel from other states and units during the process of base closing and realignment for the drawdown there. The engineers of the 133rd, Maine’s oldest and most highly decorated unit, continue to live up to the state’s motto of “Dirigo:” We have gotten reports that in Afghanistan they have established such a reputation for excellence, and so many visiting senior officers and other dignitaries want to visit them, that they are now known by their higher headquarters from the 82nd Airborne Division as “The Greatest Show on Earth.”

As we face this latest round of threats to our state’s militia, I can assure you that our Soldiers, our Airmen and the dedicated civilians of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management will remain ready, vigilant and constant in our duty to protect the lives and property of our citizens, ensure dignity and care for our veterans, and to defend our nation against all threats, regardless of their origin. Our state has a proud history of military and civilian service to the nation, always contributing far more than what our small population would suggest. Mainers are tough and resilient, and your current state militia is no different than what it has always been – brave, resourceful and dedicated. It remains the greatest honor of my life to be your Adjutant General to have the privilege of serving side-by side with these extraordinary men and women. Thank you again for the opportunity to tell their story.

Bayonets, Forward!BG James D. Campbell

From the desk of the Adjutant General

Chaplain’s CornerThe command that I am giving you today is not too difficult or beyond your reach. It is not up in the sky. You don’t have to ask, ‘Who will go up and bring it down for us, so that we can hear it and obey it?’ Nor is it on the other side of the ocean. You don’t have to ask, ‘Who will go across the ocean and bring it to us, so that we may hear it and obey it?’ No, it is here with you. You know it and can quote it, so now obey it. (Deut. 30:11-14)

The King of England for more than half of the thirteenth century was Henry III. He was generally considered to be an ineffectual and “simple” King; he was regarded as being naïve and even stupid. He knew of these criticisms; therefore, in his later life, he was happy when a court jester compared him to Jesus Christ. “And how could I possibly compare to our Lord and Savior,” asked the smiling King. “Because,” replied the jester, “our Lord was as wise at the moment of His conception as when He was thirty years old; so likewise our King is as wise now as when he was a little child.”

This, of course, was an insult; I doubt the jester had much job (or life) security from that moment on. However, all too often we complicate things far too much. At the end of the day, doing the right thing is truly a simple thing – though it might be a hard thing. We all have learned from a very early age to treat each other with respect and kindness; to tell the truth; to help when needed; to say, “please and thank you”; and yet, so often we feel the need to make things more complicated.

We are in an atmosphere where austerity, and not prosperity seems right around the corner. We might fear cutbacks, change, vulnerability and uncertainty. Yet, the principles of God and/or of nature do not change. If we each stick to what we know to be right, if we each cherish those around us as brothers and sisters, if we each try each day to reach our potential, than what happens on the outside will be largely irrelevant. Trust in that which does not change and that which does not decay or rust or suffer sequestration. Trust in love and the principles that you have known since you were a child.

God Bless You,CH Andy Gibson

Joint Forces, Headquarters – MaineChaplain

The Maine Army National Guard’s Department of Facilities and Engineering was recently recognized with the National Guard Bureau’s Fred Aron Award for Excellence in Facilities Programs for being the best in the nation.

Col. Kimberly O’Keefe, the National Guard Installations Division Chief, presented the trophy to Lt. Col. Gregory Leimbach, director, and facilities engineers for the Maine Army National Guard, at the Construction and Facilities Management Officer Program Management training at the Professional Education Center, North Little Rock, Arkansas Feb. 4, 2014.

The DFE provides the assets required to manage all of the Maine Army National Guard properties and facilities. They provide support, maintain and fix existing buildings, perform maintenance to the grounds, oversee leases and rental agreements, and acquire new property when needed.

Each state and territory is measured in eight performance areas, including military construction program execution, financial management, budget estimates and energy management programs. This award comes at the conclusion of a review from subject matter experts based on information from the 2012 fiscal year. That year, Maine continued the Regional Training Institute in Bangor, and finalized planning for two new armories.

“This is not just an award for any one individual,” said Leimbach. “This goes to show how the directorate functions together like a team. This award not only shows the effectiveness of the relationships we have build, but also the quality of our work.”Leimbach said it is a great honor for a small state with limited resources to win an award like this. It is not only the first time the state has won the national level award, but also the first time they have won at the regional level.

“I think we have gotten a lot better at managing resources,” he said. “That’s what it

all comes down to, managing resources, when you look at the criteria. It is not something we apply for, it is something NGB evaluates how each state performs in all 54 territories.

Looking at current plans for overall troop reductions, and impeding military budget cuts, Leimbach said the future of the Military Construction program funding indicates that threr will be less resources than in the past ten years.

“We won’t be building new facilities as often, so maintenance and sustainment of all existing facilities will be even more important,” said Leimbach. “Our long range construction plan programs funding for 5-25 years out. The projected decrease in funding means that instead of receiving funding every two years, we can anticipate receiving funding for new construction every 5 years.”

Lt. Col. Raymon Hoeflein, the Strategic Plans and Education Branch Chief Installations Division, for National Guard Bureau said that the accuracy, effectiveness and timeliness of submissions are considered, as well as prudent execution of federal funding in program execution.

“The award is given to the state with the best overall performance among the 50 states, 3 territories, and the district of Colombia,” said Hoeflein. “Maine won the region award for being the best in the region, and the Fred Aron Award for being the top program overall.”Leimbach said that he couldn’t be more proud of the team he has in place.

“I couldn’t do this without the awesome state employees we have,” he said. “They provide a sense of continuity and continue to be the subject matter experts in all of our areas. They have all taken it in stride; there is a great work ethic here. They make me proud to come into work every day. This, being the director here, is the best job I have ever had, working around such high performing people.”

Maine Recognized for Excellence

Col. Kimberly O’Keefe, installations division chief at the National Guard Bureau, and Col. Michael Bouchard, Army National Guard operations division chief, present the 2012 Fred Aron Award to Lt. Col. Gregory Liembach, director of Facilities and Engineers, Maine Army National Guard during the Construction and Facilities Management Officer Program Management training at the Professional Education Center, North Little Rock, Arkansas, Feb. 4, 2014.(Courtesy photo.)

No one is more professional than I. I am a noncommissioned officer, a leader of Soldiers. As a noncommissioned officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is

known as “The Backbone of the Army”. I am proud of the Corps of noncommissioned officers and will at all times conduct myself

so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the military service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or

personal safety.

Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind—accomplishment

of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient. I am aware of my role as a noncommissioned officer. I will fulfill my

responsibilities inherent in that role. All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I

know my Soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when

recommending both rewards and punishment.

Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my

Soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by

taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are

professionals, noncommissioned officers, leaders!

Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer

After 24 years of dedicated service to his country, Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Thibodeau, of Fort Kent, retired from the Maine Army National Guard. He was honored for his exceptional service and unwavering devotion to his fellow Soldiers and the mission. Thibodeau’s parents, his wife Melissa and their daughter Gabrielle, accompanied him to the ceremony held in Augusta. He was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal, after which he made a special presentation to Gabrielle, a Military Child Medal to honor her strength and pride. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rhonda Russell.)

Serving with PrideMaine Chefs Compete for National

RecognitionSoldiers from the Maine Army National Guard’s 1136th Transportation Company are proving that Army dining isn’t all MRE’s and sloppy joe’s, as they compete in the 46th annual Phillip A. Connolly Award.

“Food is everything,” said PV2 Brian Lothrop. “Without food no one is moving, no one is going to go anywhere.”

This group of soldiers first earned attention when they competed at the regional event earlier this year, and were selected as one of 10 teams to advance to the national level.

There are five other National Guard teams, and four Army Reserve teams that are currently competing in the same event. Each team has to prepare the same meal, create the same environment, and serve similar evaluators.

2nd Lt. Aaron Saucier is the executive officer for the 1136th. He said this is the first time a team from Maine has made it to the national level since 1993.

“The Connolly Award is a logistics award based on food safety and service,” said Saucier. “They grade us on the environment, as to whether or not we can serve food safely to soldiers, and

how the food tastes. They actually grade us on how well our soldiers like our food. So it’s kind of a double edged sword, we have to be able to do it safely, and they have to actually like it. “

Lothrop, a truck driver in the 1136th Transportation Company and is proud of the work he and his field sanitation crew have done in assisting his company’s cooks advance to this level.

“They say the army marches on its stomach, and that the soldier in the field is only as good as the number of calories he

can put in his body to keep moving,” said Lathrop. “You get a good soldier, who goes a few days without food, he isn’t worth anything.”

Sgt 1st Class Russell Hopkins of Augusta, Sgt. Chris Bolduc of Sanford, Spc. Nick Barnett of Calais, Spc. Bryanna Gerrish of Bangor and PV2 Tommy Pelletier of Sanford, have been working as a team to be as prepared as possible. Since winning at the regional level, their motivation has only picked up speed. They have been working hard to learn from mistakes they made at the regional level, so they won’t make them again this time.

The team rehearsed setting up their mobile kitchen trailer and tearing it down repeatedly, so that they are able to do it quickly and efficiently. The meal that they are serving to 60 soldiers and evaluators for the National Guard Bureau, has been created dozens of times in order to make sure everything is just perfect.

Even though they may be getting a bit tired of pork chops, their fellow soldiers have been there to support them the whole time.

Lothrop, who lives in

Mechanic Falls, said it was a nice change of pace to be able to support this part of their team.

“I am one of the guys who just drives a truck most of the time, and these guys come out and cook for us when we are in the field, or at a drill weekend, and it is nice to see them get some respect and attention for what they do,” he said.

It is also nice because he has been able to function a little differently now than in the

past.

“I went out with a couple of these guys, and we took a 40 hour field sanitation course, to get ready for this,” he said. “We learned a lot there, and what we didn’t know, we learned at regionals, and have only continued to improve.”

Of course, no amount of preparation and rehearsal can fully prepare individuals for the unexpected. On the day of the event, the temperatures in Bangor

didn’t reach above freezing and snow and melted water left dangerous and icy spots.

“It is real slippery; we have been telling people to be careful around the ice, to walk like a penguin, keeping your feet close together,” said Saucier. “ Even worse, our hand washing stations keep freezing up, so we have to keep pouring in hot water so our sanitation is up to date, cold weather injuries, cycling our people in and out of our cold.”

Keeping the sanitation stations functional was important, because along with the quality and taste of the food being presented, the overall cleanliness and sanitation of the area is graded for this award.

Saucier said they were also graded on his documentation of food and material purchases, the overall service and demeanor of the cooks, and their ability to portion correctly and to the specifications set forth by the Army.

The award, which was

established in 1968, helps bring the food service specialists of the Army pride in their work, and to promote and improve Army food service through awareness with incentives, competition and media attention. Saucier said he was very pleased with how his team performed on Sunday, and is hopeful about the next stages going forward.

“Food service is important because people work all day long, and they train very hard, at the end of the day, the middle of the day, they need that break where they

can go sit down for a few minutes, relax, and everyone loves food,” he said. “When they come in and they get a good meal, not the typical army food you may hear false rumors about, or MRE’s when they get to come in and have a real good meal you can see the light come back in their eyes and they are ready to start the next part of their day or night. So I take food service very seriously. I am proud of what these guys do.”

286th Honored in Ceremony

Soldiers of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 286th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, gathered in Bangor Sunday, March 2, for a ceremony to award the Meritorious Unit Commendation for service in Afghanistan in 2009. The commendation is awarded to any military command that displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions. “Maine Soldiers always answer the call and bring a traditional Maine work ethic to the fight,” said Maine Governor Paul R. LePage. “It is right and fitting that this group of Soldiers was recognized for going above and beyond.” (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Spc. Adam Simmler.)

Danforth, Maine native, Sgt. Casey Nash (left), a surveyor for the 1035th Survey and Design Team, attached to the Portland, Maine-based 133rd Engineer Battalion, works on a new parking area for 133rd Engineer Battalion Jan. 24 at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. Surveyors are responsible for designing and laying out horizontal construction projects. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ricky Sturgis, 1035th Survey and Design Team UPAR)

As we start the final countdowns to welcoming home the soldiers of the 133rd Engineer Battalion and the 1035th Survey and Design Team, it is good to remember the work they are doing in Afghanistan.

Littleton, Maine native, Spc. Joshua McNinch, a surveyor with the 1035th Survey and Design Team, attached to the Portland, Maine-based 133rd Engineer Battalion, prepares an awards carrying case for an “end of tour” awards ceremony Feb. 20 at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. Once complete, the finished case will be painted with the battalion crest and will serve as the platform for the various awards to be handed out to soldiers. As Afghanistan enters the crux of its rainy season, projects like this one, keep soldiers busy when jobsites are too flooded to work on effectively. This “down-time” is welcomed by the soldiers as it allows them to show off individual talents and skills that are not part of their primary military occupational specialties. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ricky Sturgis, 1035th Survey and Design Team UPAR)

Sheriff Randy Liberty, Kennebec County’s Sheriff Department, was awarded the Patriot Award at an event March 6, at the Senator Inn, Augusta. Liberty was nominated by Staff Sgt. Jacob Pierce who is currently deployed to Afghanistan with the 133rd Engineer Battalion. In the nomination letter, Pierce said that Liberty’s leadership allowed him the flexibility and time to prepare for his deployment. Since his departure, members of the department have kept in contact with his family, and have stopped by to help with chores that Pierce would have normally done himself.

The Adjutant General of Maine, Brig. Gen. James D. Campbell hands the Seven Seals Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program Award to Maine Governor Paul R. LePage for his strong support of the military and military programs. Commissioner Anne Head, and Professional Financial Board Head, Catherine Carroll were also recognized for their significant contributions.

You know, being in the Guard is great: you get to do all the fun Army things (file reports, make powerpoint slides, go to meetings) and still have the flexibility to pursue a civilian profession (file reports, make powerpoint slides, go to meetings). But let’s be honest: the Guard is not the one weekend a month, two weeks in the summer deal that you’re told when you join, especially if you’re in leadership. And when it is your unit’s ready year (i.e., year in which you could deploy), then your time commitment is even greater. Which is why having a supportive employer is absolutely fantastic. Soldiers in the Guard and Reserve are protected under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) which ensures that their jobs are protected while they are away on military duty. Thankfully, that act is not necessary for most employers as so many are supportive of their employees in uniform. As a platoon leader, there were a few occasions that I needed to contact an employer to go over a Soldier’s military obligations, but those times were few and far between. On my civilian side, I am an insurance adjustor (I know, great use of my MA in history) and my employer has been absolutely fantastic. They accomodate my drill schedule and the countless meetings that I have to attend (both over the phone and in person). When I’ve aplogized for the amount of time the military takes me away from my job, my supervisor, Abel, has said, “Just let us know what we can do to help.” That’s the kind of support that makes the long absences for training or deployment easy. For Soldiers, the last thing they want to worry about when facing a deployment is whether their employer is breathing down their neck. Because employers are so important to the Guard and Reserve, there is an organization that works to promote good relations between the military and employers, called Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. They give awards to employers and recognize those employers who do an outstanding job of supporting their uniformed employees. I recently put my supervisor, Abel, and my employer in for the Patriot Award for their support. A representative from ESGR came to the office and presented the award in a ceremony in the conference room. The award itself was not incredibly fancy, but what it represented was quite meaningful for my supervisor. It let him know that his efforts were being recognized. I strongly encourage Soldiers to take advantage of this and let your employer know you appreciate their support.

Employer Support, At the Heart of the GuardWritten by 1st Lt. Jon Bratten, photos by Sgt. Angela Parady

Maine Guardsmen Serve as Role Models both on and off DutyNational Guard members are often referred to as “citizen-soldiers” because they balance being a soldier responsible for reacting to threats to the nation and state, and a citizen who works and interacts in the communities they live in.

Oftentimes, servicemembers are recognized for their military contributions, but sometimes, it is what they do in their community that is more important.

Most recently, two fulltime Maine Army National Guardsmen were recognized for work they do as high school wrestling coaches.

Col. Hamilton Richards, and Sgt. 1st Class Tenney Noyes were each named Coach of the Year for their respective classes within the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference by a committee of their peers.

Richards is the head coach at Mount View High School in Thorndike, a Class B West school, and Noyes is the head coach for Skowhegan High School, a Class A school.

These men strive to give the kids they work with paths, directions, and additional steps to success in life.

Chuck Karter, the Athletic Administrator at Mount View High School, had nothing but praise for Richards, who has been coaching at the school since 1994. Karter pointed

to Richard’s strong sense of moral character, and uncanny ability to lead young people.

“Hamilton has the ability to

manage a group of young men and women to get them to realize their ability to push themselves physically, mentally, and technically,” said Karter. “He has a great command presence that demands attention and respect, but is displayed in an unassuming and supportive demeanor. Don’t get me

wrong, when it’s time to be heard over the crowd of if someone makes a knucklehead move, you’ll know it. He is clear and

direct with expectations and always holds the kids to those standards.”

Richards grew up in the rural confines of Waldo County, in the farthest outreach known as Jackson. After leaving to study at Cedarville College (now Cedarville University) in Ohio, Richards was introduced

Maine Guardsmen Serve as Role Models both on and off Dutyto wrestling by some of his dorm mates. During visits back home he discovered that a program had been introduced to his old high school, and stepped in to help, bringing his collegiate experience with him. As he became more involved, he wanted to give kids what he found to be lacking when he was growing up. Giving them positive role models, and showing them the opportunities and life outside of their rural area, and of course making them better wrestlers.

Noyes on the other hand wrestled throughout his time at Skowhegan High School, where he graduated in 2000. In college he fine tuned his technique, learned how to officiate, and helped out his old high school during his breaks from college. He worked as an assistant coach, eventually taking over as head coach after his coach retired.

Richards, who has been working with his program since the late 80’s,has a strict background, not only coming from his time in the military, but also 15 years of working in the Department of Corrections, 11 of those years working with Juvenile Probation and Parole.

“I realized I had a much more positive influence over my wrestlers compared to my caseloads, and a number of opportunities to compare

apples to apples,” said Richards. “I see a fairly high rate of my wrestlers going on to college, joining the military or law enforcement. I have even had a few join the coaching ranks, although I am not sure exactly how much I had to do with it, hopefully at least a little.”

Noyes, who prefers to keep his military life separate from his work as a coach agreed that it was nice to be able to make a positive impact, and that it went both ways.

“Working with the kids, especially during the cold winter months, it’s great,” he said. “Wrestlers are a rare breed. These guys are great to work with, fun to hang out with. A great bunch of kids with good families, and a good community.”

Noyes, who is the operations noncommissioned officer for the 136th Engineer Company, makes it a point to not recruit from his wrestlers. He wants to keep the two missions separate, so that no one will ever question his intent. But it isn’t something he avoids either.

“They will ask me questions about the military, and I answer them,” he said. “I do not attempt to recruit. But, they are all young and they don’t understand it all just yet. They only know what they see on the news or in the movies, so I try to answer their questions. But that’s it.”

Noyes and Richards are both entrenched in their local communities, and this most recent award shows that they have worked hard and dedicated themselves to helping those around them. Their loyalty, duty and respect go much further than the uniforms they wear into work everyday, it shows up in the attitude and demeanor of every student they work with, at the end of every practice, and out there on the mats. Richards said that adults need to remember that they are being watched, and their actions do make a difference, whether they are volunteering at the middle school dance, or the high school wrestling team, it all makes a difference.

“I think involved adults can make a difference with the following generations,” said Richards. “It shows that the community cares about young people, and as far as the military, there is more to it that just our jobs. We do what we do because we deeply care about our homeland, our nation. As a member of the National Guard, as opposed to active duty, we have roots. There is a place we are from and I believe some of our obligation as citizen soldiers is to that home community. Making it a better place and helping our neighbors’ and friends.”

Celebrating the Life of a Maine HeroThis February marked the 100th anniversary since the death of Joshua Chamberlain. In his honor, we urge you to learn more about the man who did so much for Maine, the National Guard, and this country.

Birth & Early Life:

Born in Brewer, ME on September 8, 1828, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was the eldest child of Joshua and Sarah Chamberlain. A gifted student, he taught himself Greek in order to attend Bowdoin College in 1848.

While at Bowdoin he met Harriet Beecher Stowe and listened to readings of what would become Uncle Tom’s Cabin. After graduating in 1852, Chamberlain studied for three years at the Bangor Theological Seminary before returning to Bowdoin to teach. Serving as a professor of rhetoric, Chamberlain taught every subject with the exception of science and math.

Personal Life:

In 1855, Chamberlain married Fanny Adams (1825-1905). The daughter of local clergyman, Fanny had five children with Chamberlain and remained with him until her death in 1905. Of the couple’s five children, three died in infancy. As Fanny aged, her

sight deteriorated, leading Chamberlain to become a founding member of the Maine Institution of the Blind in 1905.

Military Career:

With the beginning of the Civil War, Chamberlain, whose forefathers had served in the American Revolution and War of 1812, sought to enlist. He was prevented from doing so by the administration at Bowdoin who stated he was too valuable to lose.

In 1862, Chamberlain requested and was granted a leave of absence to study languages in Europe. Departing Bowdoin, he quickly volunteered his services to the governor of Maine. Offered command of the 20th Maine Infantry,

Chamberlain declined stating he wished to learn the trade first and instead became the regiment’s lieutenant colonel.Serving under Colonel Adelbert Ames, Chamberlain and the 20th Maine mustered in on August 20, 1862.

Assigned to the V Corps of the Army of the Potomac, the 20th Maine served at the Antietam, but did not see action. Later that fall, the regiment was part of the attack on Marye’s Heights during the Battle of Fredericksburg. Though the regiment suffered relatively light casualties, Chamberlain was forced to spend the night

on the cold battlefield using corpses for protection against Confederate fire. Escaping, the regiment missed the fight at Chancellorsville the following May due to a smallpox outbreak.

Shortly after Chancellorsville, Ames was promoted brigade command in the XI Corps, and Chamberlain ascended to command of the 20th Maine. On July 2, 1863, the regiment entered action at Gettysburg. Assigned to hold Little Round Top on the extreme left of the Union line, the 20th Maine beat off repeated attacks from the 15th Alabama. With his men running low on ammunition, Chamberlain boldly ordered a bayonet charge which routed and captured the Confederates. Chamberlain’s heroic defense of the hill earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor and the regiment everlasting fame.

Following Gettysburg, Chamberlain fell ill with malaria and temporarily was suspended from duty. Returning to the Army of the Potomac, Chamberlain was promoted to brigade command in May 1864. On June 18, while leading his men during an attack on Petersburg, he was shot through the right hip and groin. Supporting himself on his sword, he encouraged his men on before collapsing.

Believing the wound to be fatal, Lt. Gen. Ulysses S.

Celebrating the Life of a Maine HeroGrant promoted Chamberlain to brigadier general as a final act. Over the following weeks, Chamberlain clung to life and managed to recover from his wounds.

Returning to duty in November 1864, Chamberlain

served for the remainder of the war. On March 29, 1865, his brigade led the Union attack at the Battle of Lewis’ Farm outside Petersburg. Wounded again, Chamberlain was brevetted to major general for his gallantry. On April 9, Chamberlain was

alerted to the Confederate’s desire to surrender. The next day he was told that of all the officers in the Union army, he had been selected to receive the Confederate surrender.

On April 12, Chamberlain presided over the ceremony and ordered his men to attention and carry arms as a sign of respect for their vanquished foe.

Postwar Career:

Leaving the army, Chamberlain returned home to Maine and served as the state’s governor for four years. Stepping down in 1871, he was appointed to the presidency of Bowdoin.

Over the next twelve years he revolutionized the school’s curriculum and updated its facilities. Forced to retire in 1883, due to aggravation of his war wounds, Chamberlain remained active in public life, the Grand Army of the Republic, and in planning events for veterans. In 1898, he volunteered for service in the Spanish-American War and was bitterly disappointed when his request was turned down.

On February 24, 1914, the “Lion of Little Round Top” died at the age of 85 in Portland, ME. His death was largely the result of complications of his wounds, making him the last Civil War veteran to die from wounds received in battle.

The ID Card issuing office is now required to scan the lost/stolen report for missing CACs.

The ID Card issuing programs now require Verifying Officials (VO) to scan a report or letter documenting the loss of a Sponsor’s Common Access Card (CAC) if it was lost, stolen, confiscated, or destroyed. In an effort to validate a missing CAC and to deter customers from requesting a new CAC out of convenience, the Sponsor will need to provide documentation prior to being issued a new CAC.

Acceptable documents include:1. Police report or2. Report from an installation security office or 3. Letter or memorandum from the activity’s security manager, the individual’s supervisor, or the sponsoring Trusted Associate Sponsoring System (TASS), Trusted Agent.

The letter or memorandum, which can be typed or handwritten, must be prepared on the activity’s letterhead, dated, and signed via ink or digital signature.

Please call the Camp Keyes ID Card office for additional clarification if necessary (207) 430-5914.

Changes to Missing CAC Card Policy

Spring driving is upon us, and this is no time to be relaxing….

Potholes and Frost Heaves are 2 of the biggest issues for us in the Northeast. Just last week I read about a Tractor-Trailer that hit a frost heave so hard that the trailer started to crumple… The driver managed to pull over before the trailer collapsed onto its landing gear. Be Aware of these hazards, slow down and you could save yourself a lot of money in car repairs (at the minimum).

Spring Storms are more hazardous than the winter storms. People tend to regard them like winter storms, but they usually are worse due to the temperatures being warmer, which causes the precipitation to fluctuate between snow and rain and freezing rain. Coupled with melting snow on the roads, you end up with a Slush mix that even 4Wheel Drive vehicles can’t command.

Speaking of melting…. Snow banks are slowly melting away …..some of the water is running off the road, but some melts across the road….This WILL RE-FREEZE come late afternoon and last thru mid/late morning! Please expect BLACK ICE in areas…especially low areas, shaded areas, bridges and places where the melt crosses the roads!

The MEARNG has had too many POV accidents this winter due to Black Ice, and Adverse Weather conditions. STAY ALERT- STAY ALIVE

Potholes, Frost Heaves and Spring Storms

Richard S HatchState Safety Specialist207-430-6031ng.me.mearng.list.j3-sso@mail.mil

Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) is a rider to Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) that provides automatic traumatic injury coverage to all Service members covered full-time or part-time under SGLI. TSGLI is not only for combat injuries, but provides insurance coverage for injuries incurred on or off duty - 27/7. Soldiers who are covered under SGLI are also covered under TSGLI.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for TSGLI payments Soldiers must meet the following criteria:

a.The Soldier must be insured by SGLI.b.The Soldier must incur a scheduled loss (http://benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/tsgli_schedule_Schedule.asp) and that loss must be a direct result of a traumatic injury. c.The Soldier must have suffered the traumatic injury prior to midnight of the day of separation from the uniformed services.d.The Soldier must suffer a scheduled loss within 2 years (730 days) of the traumatic injury.e.The Soldier must survive for a period of not less than seven full days from the date of the traumatic injury.

TSGLI is not payable when:

The injury was the result of any of the following:a.An intentionally self-inflicted injury or an attempt to inflict such injuryb.Use of an illegal or controlled substance that was not administered or consumed on the advice of a medical doctorc.The medical or surgical treatment of an illness or diseased.A traumatic injury sustained while committing or attempting to commit a felonye.A physical or mental illness or disease (not including illness or disease caused by a wound infection, a chemical, biological, or radiological weapon, or the accidental ingestion of a contaminated substance)

The premium for TSGLI is a flat rate of $1 per month. Members who carry the maximum SGLI coverage of $400,000 will pay $27.00 per month for both SGLI and TSGLI.

TSGLI - Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury

Protection

Richard S HatchState Safety Specialist207-430-6031ng.me.mearng.list.j3-sso@mail.mil

Wendy J. MoodyTransition Assistance Advisor - Maine(207) 430-5778wendy.j.moody2.ctr@mail.mil

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno laid out his strategic priorities for 2014 in October, with the following Army wide document---

It read: As your 38th Army Chief of Staff, I have visited with Soldiers serving around the world as well as at our installations across the United States. At every location our Soldiers, civilians, and family members have inspired me with their passion, courage, and commitment to each other, to our Army, and to the nation. Our Army serves in a period of dynamic uncertainty. International threats by both state and non-state actors to America’s national interests and those of our Allies and partners are in the headlines every day. The unpredictability so prominent in the contemporary security environment will almost certainly remain a characteristic of the future. In this challenging environment, it is essential that our Total Army -- the active-duty Army, the Army National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserve -- be ready to accomplish the range of military operations we are directed to perform. Our leaders and the American public rightly place their confidence in our professional competence and character, and they expect us to succeed. While we continue to support our Soldiers and civilians who are in harm’s way around the world, we are making changes to our institutions and processes to ensure that

we are maximizing the limited resources available to the Army.

To communicate my intent for how the Army must move forward, I am publishing here the following five priorities: - Adaptive Army Leaders for a Complex World - A Globally Responsive and Regionally Engaged Army - A Ready and Modern Army - Soldiers Committed to Our Army Profession - The Premier All-Volunteer Army These priorities are the basis for the objectives outlined in the upcoming 2014 Army Strategic Planning Guidance. That Strategic Guidance will provide the Total Army a definitive statement of our mission as we look ahead to build upon our hard-earned experiences of the previous decade of war and toward a future that poses distinct challenges of its own. The attached document explains my priorities. I expect every member of the Total Army to know these and to implement decisions and actions in accordance with them. I look forward to discussing them with you further as I visit your duty locations.

Army Strong! Raymond T. Odierno General, 38th Chief of Staff United States Army

2014 Army Wide Strategic Priorities

2014 Army Wide Strategic Priorities

The Army’s Strategic Vision

The All-Volunteer Army will remain the most highly trained and professional land force in the world. It is uniquiely organized

with the capability and capacity to provide expeditionary, decisive landpower to the Joint Force and ready to perform

across the range of military operations to Prevent, Shape and Win in support of Combatant Commanders to defend the Nation

and its interests at home and abroad, both today and against emerging threats.

Adaptive Army Leaders for a Complex World

• Continue to foster the individual toughness, battlefield skill and fighting spirit that have always typified the American Soldier.

• Educate and develop all Soldiers and Civilians to grow the intellectual capacity to understand the complex contemporary security environment to better lead Army, Joint, Interagency and Multinational task forces and teams.

• Evolve the Total Army (Active Army, the Army National Guard, and the US Army Reserve) school systems to provide the right education and training to the right individuals at the right time while broadening joint and interagency school and exchange opportunities to assure a common knowledge of Unified Action partner capabilities.

• Retain tactical competence and technical proficiency while cultivating strategic perspective and leadership from senior NCO, to field grade, to general officer ranks.

• Actively manage talent (assignments and education) to broaden leader experience and better align individual desires with Army requirements.

• Institute new evaluation and assessment tools that enable Army leaders to more clearly identify the best talent and encourage leaders to seek self improvement.

A Globally Responsive and Regionally Engaged Army

A Globally Responsive Army• Downsize, transition, and then sustain a smaller, but ready and capable Total Army that

provides Joint and Combined forces with expeditionary and enduring landpower for the range of military operations and features unique competencies such as operational leadership, mobility, command and control, and theater logistics at all echelons.

• Rapidly deploy, fight, and win whenever and wherever our national interests are threatened.

• Maintain a responsive force posture and effective network of installations and capabilities at home and abroad to protect US interests and those of our Allies.

• Aggressively pursue improvements to deployment processes to eliminate institutional impediments and expedite movement of ready forces in response to Global Combatant Command requirements.

• Support the Joint Force with critical enablers such as aviation, intelligence, engineers,logistics, medical, signal, and special operations, both while enroute to, and operating within, expeditionary environments alongside Unified Action Partners

A Regionally Engaged Army• Provide deployable and scalable regionally-focused Army forces task organized for direct

support of Geographic and Functional Combatant Commands and Joint requirements.• Shape and set theaters for regional commanders employing unique Total Army

characteristics and capabilities to influence the security environment, build trust, develop relationships, and gain access through rotational forces, multilateral exercises, mil-to-mil engagements, coalition training, and other opportunities.

• Assure the readiness of forward deployed and rotational forces in support of the• Defense Strategic Guidance.• Deepen regional understanding in line with Regionally Aligned Forces by Soldiers,

leaders, and units to sharpen tactical, operational and strategic planning and operations.• Continue to improve Special Operations – Conventional Forces interdependence and

integration in pursuit of a Prevent-Shape-Win strategy

A Ready and Modern Army

A Ready Army:• -Train and equip the Total Army to rapidly deploy, fight, sustain itself, and win against

complex state and non-state threats in austere environments and rugged terrain (the expeditionary mindset).

• Ensure the right mix of operationally ready and responsive Total Army forces and capabilities to rapidly meet emergent Global Combatant Command requirements while maintaining an operational and strategic landpower reserve.

• Rebuild the Army’s combined arms maneuver and wide area security capabilities employing our CTCs to challenge and certify Total Army formations in a comprehensive and realistic decisive action training environment.

• Conduct tough, realistic multi-echelon home station training utilizing our live, virtual, and constructive capabilities to efficiently and effectively assure individual, leader and unit competencies.

• Leverage multi-echelon Joint and Multinational command post exercises, staff rides, simulations, and MCTP-supported training events to produce regionally capable JFLCC and JTF headquarters

A Modern Army:• Prioritize Soldier-centered modernization and procurement of proven technologies so that

Soldiers have the best weapons, equipment, and protection to accomplish every mission.• Seek fundamental improvements to Soldier and unit system lethality, survivability,

mobility, and network functionality to ensure that the American Soldier remains the most discriminately lethal force on the battlefield.

• Focus S&T investment to maximize the potential of emerging game-changing landpower technologies to counter emerging threats and to ensure that Army formations retain a decisive materiel edge and tactical overmatch across the range of military operations, to include missions such as cyber, space, CWMD, and WMD-Elimination.

• Ensure that Army units are prepared for new, emerging and evolving missions in areas such as space, cyberspace, missile defense, and countering weapons of mass destruction.

Soldiers Committed to Our Army Profession• Preserve the earned trust of the American people and their confidence in our Army.• Enforce a professional environment across our Army, free of harassment, that promotes

and respects the individual dignity of all Soldiers and Civilians, allowing them to realize their full potential.

• Renew the foundation of our Army’s strength by daily living the Values of our• Profession and exhibiting the character, competence and commitment that are hallmarks

of an Army Professional.• Build the comprehensive physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual resiliency of

our Soldiers, Civilians and their Families to enable them to thrive personally and professionally.

• Serve as a Total Army: Soldiers, Civilians and Families of the Active Army, the Army National Guard, and the US Army Reserve who share the same professional ethic and commitment to the defense of our nation and way of life.

• Accentuate the military expertise, honorable service, esprit de corps, and professional stewardship that marks our Army’s heritage as defender of our Nation in peace and war since 1775. The 187 Campaign Streamers that adorn the Army flag today are proud testimony to our Army’s service.

The Premier All Volunteer Army• Honor the service and sacrifice of our Veterans, Retirees, Wounded Warriors and Families

by preserving the highest possible quality of life, on our installations, and wherever Soldiers serve and live. Assist Soldiers transitioning out of Army service to return to civilian occupations successfully. “Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier.”

• Support a level of Regular Military Compensation (RMC), retirement, and health care that assures the highest quality Soldiers and Civilians are recruited and incentivized to remain with the Army for a career in uniform, and a lifetime of service through retirement.

• Uphold the Army’s responsibility to provide benefits and high quality services such as MWR, education assistance, exchanges, housing, dependent schools, commissaries, and child and youth programs, that are components of a professional force dedicated to the Army for the long term.

Recruiting and Retention Batallion

Earlier in March, the Maine Army National Guard Recruiting & Retention Battalion arranged for a group called AGA Nation to perform at Gardiner and Lewiston High Schools.

The “Bring Your A-Game to School” Program combines a BMX bike exhibition, the National Guard values and school spirit to create a memorable message for local high school students.

The first Maine performance was a morning break for the entire student body at Gardiner High School. The Principal, Chad Kempton was a somewhat-willing participant in a stunt involving a BMX biker flipping over the Principal who was seated at the top of the bike ramp. Despite some dramatic doubting, Andrew “Boosty” Fox completed the trick with ease.

Earlier in March, the Maine Army National Guard Recruiting & Retention Battalion arranged for a group called AGA Nation to perform at Gardiner and Lewiston High Schools.

The “Bring Your A-Game to School” Program combines a BMX bike exhibition, the National Guard values and school spirit to create a memorable message for local high school students.

The first Maine performance was a morning break for the entire student body at Gardiner High School. The Principal, Chad Kempton was a somewhat-willing participant in a stunt involving a BMX biker flipping over the Principal who was seated at the top of the bike ramp. Despite some dramatic doubting, Andrew “Boosty” Fox completed the trick with ease.

With the entire school present, there was some playful class cheering competitions and a few brave student volunteers for a segment involving the National Guard Values. Student volunteers were asked to describe each value and what it meant to them.

For those readers who can’t immediately recite the National Guard Values, they are: LEADERSHIP, DUTY, RESPECT, SELFLESS SERVICE, HONOR, INTEGRITY & PERSONAL COURAGE.

Additionally, the fearless students were asked to lie down on the ground while a BMX rider jumped over them. After several playful false-starts with the rider simply jumping over the students himself, and then lifting his bike over them; he moved on to the real trick. In the

end, it seemed too easy and the two additional BMX riders added themselves to line of people, which was cleared easily by the performer. The students looked relieved the riders practice often!

Later in the afternoon, the performance was repeated at Lewiston High School for a packed gym of students, who were happy to sneak away from Study Hall, European History, Algebra, etc.

Now, the competition for the group of student volunteers was even more boisterous, until they realized they would need to speak on the microphone. Nevertheless, they overcame their sudden stage-fright and easily defined the National Guard Values. The monster-student jump was effortlessly done, but then it came time for the ramp flip.

This time Lewiston High School’s Assistant Principal, Donald Ferrara was tapped for the ramp flip trick. He looked dubious at first, but seeing the BMX rider’s skills he seemed to take it on faith that the jump would be completed easily. Sure enough, “Boosty” made the trick with ease, almost looking like he would hit the rafters of the gym with his bike wheels.

At both locations, the National Guard Recruiters distributed info about joining the Maine Guard, t-shirts, water bottles, pens, pencils and other cool prizes. We had a great time with the AGA Nation crew: Dan Sieg, Andrew Fox and New-Guy Will. The Maine RRB is already looking forward to the 2015 AGA Nation events. Let us know if you think your local school would be a good fit for this event!

Recruiters Entertain & Educate- BMX Style

Your Money MattersSetting budget and Financial Goals

Once you have a budget, it’s time to go through your spending and figure out where you need to cut back.

This is especially urgent, obviously, if you spend more than you make - a scary position, for sure, but not uncommon. In fact, Labor Department numbers show that many families making $50,000 or less are spending at least a few percentage points more money each year than they actually bring in.

That doesn’t mean that they, or you, are headed for bankruptcy. But it does show that Americans are in the habit of borrowing to

cover both short-term expenses, like those on credit cards, and long-term ones, such as buying cars and homes.

Let’s just say that if your spending exceeds your income, then your top priority in constructing a budget should be to slash your spending, pronto.

If your household runs in the black, you may still want to reallocate some of your spending. The calculator helps identify trouble spots by highlighting categories where your annual expenses are sharply higher or lower than average for households with similar demographics.

In some cases, a

divergence will be perfectly reasonable. The average family spends only a few percent of its income on education, for example. But if you have a child in college or private school, or are taking some courses yourself, your education spending will be a lot higher - and more power to you.

On the other hand, if the calculator shows that you’re spending twice as much as the average family on meals away from home, and there’s no obvious reason why that should be so, you may want to consider eating in more often.

When projecting your income, don’t include money that you can’t be sure

Your Money MattersSetting budget and Financial Goals

Military OneSource Consultants provide

information and make referrals on a wide

range of issues, includ-ing personal finan-

cial management. Free face-to-face counsel-

ing sessions (and their equivalent by phone or

online) are also avail-able. Call 1-800-342-

9647 or go to www.militaryonesource.

mil to learn more.

VeteransPlus provides free, confidential fi-nancial education

counseling to service members and veterans.

Their resources can help you better manage your finances, get con-

trol of any debt that you may have and learn how to save and invest

for your future. For more information: www.

veteransplus.org or call 888-488-8767.

to receive, such as highly variable year-end bonuses, tax refunds or gains on investments. Instead, wait until the extra cash arrives, then save or invest it to produce more revenue for the future.

Your goal should be to reduce your spending to about 90% of your income, with the aim of plowing the rest of that money into the financial objectives you deem most important.

Once you’ve set your budget goals, you need to develop the habit of tracking your expenses on an ongoing basis - something that’s most easily accomplished using personal finance software. The aim here is to make sure

the spending stays within the limits you’ve set.

But there’s a second aim: Very likely you will discover that some of the goals you set were unrealistic. If so, ease them slightly. No point in giving yourself an unreachable hurdle, but neither should it be too easy.

Often it takes two or three revisions before you achieve a budget that you can really stick to. If juggling the numbers leaves you wishing you could free up some extra cash, push on to the next section of this lesson for suggestions.

BAYONETthe