monstrat viam - Association of the First Corps of Cadets

MONSTRAT VIAM
association of
the first corps of cadets
May 2009
Active Unit Casualty in Iraq
Specialist Matthew M. Pollini, 772nd Military Policy Company, 211th MP Battalion (First Corps of Cadets), was
killed in Iraq on Jan. 22, 2009, near the province of al-Kut. SPC Pollini was killed when his Humvee toppled over on unsteady ground. He was the turret gunner of the vehicle. SPC Pollini received a Bronze Star and a Good Conduct Medal
posthumously. He is survived by his parents, sisters, and brothers, and his wife Sarah, whom he married on Dec. 22, four
days before departing for Iraq.
SPC Pollini was given a funeral with full military honors. Following the funeral mass in Holy Family Roman Catholic
Church in Rockland, MA, thousands lined the streets holding American flags and with hands on their hearts as a horsedrawn caisson proceeded with majestic dignity carrying his coffin to the cemetery.
“He served with distinction and valor, in a position that many other soldiers did not clamor for,” said MG Joseph
Carter, Adjutant General, MAARNG, and member of the AFCC Board of Directors. MG Carter gave the coffin flags to
SPC Pollini’s father and to his wife, “on behalf of a grateful nation.”
Several short videos of the Pollini funeral procession can be found on You Tube.
The caisson in procession
Mrs. Sarah Pollini
Casket being carried out of Holy Family Catholic Church
LTC Johnson receiving the unit flag
Change of Command for AFCC
Former President
At a Change-of-Command for the 26th Infantry Division
Combat Team on 18 May 2008, COL Bernard A. Flynn transferred his command to COL John W. Conley. The ceremony
was held at the Cambridge Armory. The reviewing officer was
BG (P) Paul C. Genereux, Commander of the 42nd Infantry
“Rainbow” Division.
COL Flynn is a former president and executive board member of the AFCC and a former commander of the 211th MP BN
(FCC). COL Flynn entered active duty after 9/11 and reported
to the Army Operations Center, Crisis Action Team, at the
Pentagon. In January 2002 he was promoted to colonel and then
assigned as Chief, National Detainee Reporting Center. In May
2005, he was assigned as Commander, Forward Operations Base,
Abu Ghraib, Iraq.
At his change of command, COL Flynn was awarded the
Legion of Merit. His other awards include the Bronze Star,
Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army
Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Iraq
Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the
Combat Action Badge, and other medals and ribbons during his
illustrious career of great service and sacrifice for this nation.
At attention with the Bowdoin Sword
211th Change of Command
On 12 July 2008 at Lee Parade Field, Camp
Edwards, LTC John A. MacPherson transferred command of the 211th Military Police Battalion (First
Corps of Cadets) to LTC Richard F. Johnson.
LTC MacPherson assumed command of the 211th
on 1 April 2006. His other significant assignments
include an activation for Desert Storm while serving as commander of the 972nd MP CO. His new
assignment is Deputy Commander, 26th Maneuver
Enhanced Brigade. LTC MacPherson is the full time
Mobilization Readiness Officer for the Massachusetts
Army National Guard.
LTC Johnson has enlisted service in the 26th MP
Company and he has served as a platoon leader in the
972nd MP CO during Desert Storm, as commander
of both the 972nd MP CO and the 772nd MP CO
(OEF – Afghanistan), and Operations Officer and
Executive Office of the 211th MP BN. LTC Johnson
is a Massachusetts State Trooper in his civilian career.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
211th MILITARY POLICE BATTALION
MASSACHUSETTS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
459 BEDFORD STREET
LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420-1499
211MP-CDR
5 April 2009
MEMORANDUM FOR Association of the First Corps of Cadets
SUBJECT: Active Corps (211th Military Police Battalion) Training-Deployment Update
1. All elements of the Battalion continue to maintain a very active OPTEMPO in support of our units that are currently deployed or
preparing to deploy for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Currently, the 772nd Military Police Company is engaged in Police Transition Training
(PTT) operations at Forward Operating Base D, Al-Kut, Iraq. The 747th MP Company is preparing to deploy in July with a similar mission in Basra and the 211th Headquarters and Headquarters Company is preparing for its deployment to Camp Bucca, Iraq in July as well.
The HHC will be responsible for detainee operations and command and control of 5-6 subordinate elements while deployed. The 972nd
MP Company is currently in reset having returned from a highly successful tour in Iraq last year. Soldiers from the 972nd have been supporting the current deployment preparation of their sister units by providing trainers who have infused their recently acquired tactical and
technical expertise into a comprehensive mission-focused Battalion training plan that began several months ago and is in progress.
2. Over the last several months, the soldiers of the 211th Military Police Battalion have trained specifically for deployment to Iraq. We have
completed out initial Soldier Readiness Processing, conducted training and certification in the Army Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills which
focus on critical soldier survival skills to include Close Quarter Battle shooting, movement and reaction to enemy contact, operations in
urban terrain, land navigation, communications, and Combat Lifesaver Certification. Our soldiers have been trained to operate the latest
Automated Battlefield Control Systems (ABCS) to include Blue Force Tracker (BFT), Maneuver Control System (MCS), and Command
Post of the Future (CPOF). We have conducted basis Arabic language training and all soldiers have attended detailed country briefings
which include politics, geography, history, and culture of Iraq.
3. We recently conducted a highly successful Annual Training at Camp Edwards in which we incorporated all of the individual warrior tasks
and battle drills into a comprehensive collective training exercise. Utilizing a Lanes Training concept that included Joint Patrolling, Base
Defense, and Convoy Survivability, soldiers were immersed in a realistic, battle-focused scenario designed to replicate the contemporary
operating environment in Iraq. We incorporated Arabic speaking role players as interpreters and combatants in the exercise. The depth and
complexity of training support is unprecedented and the result was an overwhelmingly positive training experience for our soldiers that has
better prepared them for the rigors of their upcoming deployments.
4. The Battalion Staff has been engaged in staff training and mission preparation with the 89th Military Police Brigade from Fort Hood,
TX which will assume command of all Detention Operations in Iraq during its deployment. During several training events over the last
2-3 months, the staff has trained along side our higher headquarters’ Command and Staff to insure a seamless transition to command of
the Theater Interment Facility (TIF) at Camp Bucca. The training culminated just last week in a Mission Readiness Exercise (MRE) at
Fort Bliss, TX during which our staff acted as a subordinate element for the 89th MP BDE and as a higher headquarters for company size
elements performing the detention operations mission inside the mock TIF at McGregor Range, NM (Fort Bliss) run by Task Force Outlaw
(MP Detainee Ops Trainers). The MRE was an great success for all involved and will serve as a rehearsal for a similar exercise that the
211th MP BN will participate in while at Fort Bliss in August immediately prior to deployment.
5. The remaining few months before mobilization will be spent finalizing deployment plans and finishing up some remaining validation
training. We have completed plans for executing all logistical tasks and soldier movement following mobilization and have completed
approximately 90% of our required pre-mobilization training. This leaves our soldiers with as much time as possible to spend with their
families and address any personal and financial issues that remain before deployment. We will be planning a Send-Off Ceremonies for both
the 747th MP Co and the 211th HHC immediately prior to mobilization. The 747th MP Company will mobilize and deploy from Fort
Dix, NJ. The 211th MP BN will mobilize and deploy from Fort Bliss, TX.
6. We have our Quarterly Training Meeting scheduled for 29 April to be conducted at the First Corps Museum and I am looking forward to
seeing some of the AFCC members there at which time I can brief you more in depth regarding the mission and the road ahead for the Active Corps. It is my intention to promote stronger membership in the Association among my officers and senior NCO’s by exposing them
to our wonderful museum and having them interact with the Board and leadership of the Association.
7. Thank you, as always for the support and friendship that our association has shown to the soldiers of the Active Corps and their families.
If I can be of any assistance never hesitate to call on me or my staff in support of our great organization. I am proud to be counted among
your members.
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Respectfully,
RICHARD F JOHNSON
LTC, MP
Commanding
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
211th MILITARY POLICE BATTALION
MASSACHUSETTS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
459 BEDFORD STREET
LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420-1499
MEMORANDUM FOR Members of the AFCC
FROM BG (MA) William B. Hurley, President
During the past year, the 211th Military Police battalion experienced the loss of two of its own: Sergeant Scott Miller of the 972nd MP
Company and Specialist Matthew Pollini of the 772nd MP Company. The Association of the First Corps of Cadets wishes to express its
sincerest sympathy to the families of these soldiers for their losses. SGT Miller and SPC Pollini served their country and the First Corps of
Cadets with pride and distinction. We will remember them in our prayers.
Like many other organizations, the Association is looking carefully at its finances during these tough economic times. Fortunately, because
its funds have been prudently invested in less risky financial instruments, our portfolio losses have been significantly lower than those of
the market in general. Additionally, COL (Ret.) Robert Soldani, our Treasurer, has analyzed our operating expenses and recommended
several ways that the Association can reduce expenses. With COL Soldani overseeing our expenses and taking care of our bills, our financial
outlook is good.
Several successful functions have been run since our last annual meeting and all have been very successful thanks to the organizational talents and dedication of several key Association members and the participation of the membership in general. Let me cite a few: the Annual
Association Holiday Party (thanks to COL (MA) Dean Saluti and COL Richard Matlak), the annual “Greatest Generation” Event (thanks
to COL (MA) Saluti and his wife Marjorie Cahn), and the Annual Golf Benefit to support the 211th MP battalion Family Support Group
(thanks to Board Members, Arthur Burt and John Beale, and the support and participation of COL (MA) John Silva, COL William Wood,
and Dr. John Christoforo).
Increased involvement of Active Corps members, LTC Richard Johnson, MAJ Allen Aldenberg, and CPT Bryan Pillai, offers our organization a broader and more current awareness of the important mission that 211th MP battalion performs in preserving the security of our
nation. Their participation at meetings and events is a constant reminder to our membership that there are brave men and women in our
armed forces putting their life on the line every day to protect our lives. Former 211th MP battalion Command Sergeant Major, CSM William Davidson continues to serve on the Association Board of Directors and, although he has been promoted to become the 26th Brigade
Command Sergeant Major, he remains committed to the association and its mission.
Finally, I want thank the members of the Association of the First Corps of Cadets Board of Directors and Committee Members without
whom this organization could not succeed.
Larry Dinardo, Peter Clegg,
and John Cristoforo
President Hurley thanks LTC Johnson for
his presentation
Executive board and membership convene
AFCC Meetings for 2008
The AFCC held its semi-annual meeting on 26 October 2008
at the museum. LTC Richard Johnson, Commander, 211th MP
BN, delivered an informative and well-received address on “The
First Corps Today – History in the Making.” You can see LTC
Johnson’s letter in this issue for an update of FCC activities in
the Global War on Terror (GWOT).
On 27 April 2008, the Annual Meeting was held at the Museum. The business meeting was followed by a wine tasting with
dinner.
The minutes of the Annual Meeting and Semi-Annual Meeting are included on the next page.
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SSG Donald Mason and AFCC members
Tom Harrison and Jim Daly
Juicy Steaks, Happy Cook
John Burt talking to his ball
Third Annual Golf
Fundraiser
On 15 September 2008, the AFCC
held its third annual golf outing at the
Far Corners Golf Club in Boxboro,
MA, to raise funds for the family
support groups of activating units of
the 211th MP BN. Board members
Arthur Burt and John Beale, with assistance on the field from John Silva,
Bill Wood, and John Cristoforo, again
put together a remarkably enjoyable
outing for new and old friends. The
“best-ball” golf match was followed by
a delicious cook-out with New York
strip steak, corn on the cob, salads,
baked potato, desert, and a reasonably
priced cash bar. A fund-raising raffle
with many donated gifts was then
conducted by Dean Saluti and Bill
Hurley. .Many unit members joined
the AFCC membership and invited
friends to raise $5,500 for the faculty
support fund!
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Veteran’s
Recognition Event at
Smith and Wollensky
On 23 November 2008, the AFCC
held its annual Veterans Recognition Event
at Smith & Wollensky Steak House, aka
“The Castle,” on Arlington Street, Boston.
This posh eatery displays many artifacts
from the AFCC Museum. In recompense,
the management of Smith and Wollensky
partially subsidizes the Veteran’s dinner and
provides a substantial gift certificate to the
211th MP BN Soldier of the Year.
Honored for their military service in
WWII were: Senior Motor Machinist
Mate, 3rd class, Alfred Paul Frattasio, U.S.
Navy; PFC Franklin W. Simon, US Army;
Radioman First Class, Donald F. Tabbut,
US Navy.
Honored for his service in the Korean
War was CW3 Edwin William Stedman,
US Air Force and US Army.
Honored for their service in Viet
Nam were 2nd Class Petty Officer Gary
Frattasio, US Navy; Airman 2nd Class,
Walter Robak, Jr. US Air Force; COL
John S. Shea, Jr., US Army; MAJ Patrick
Townsend, US Marine Corps; and LTC
John H. Wilson, US Army.
COL John A. Hammond, Chief of
Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, received
the 2008 President’s Award. MG Joseph
Carter introduced COL Hammond, who
serves as his Chief of Staff.
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Annual Christmas Party
Major Brett Conaway, Major Allen
Aldenberg, and CPT Bryan Pillai
On December 14, 2008, the AFCC held its annual Christmas Party
at the Museum. The very successful format for the event has now become
a tradition: 1) cocktail party with open bar, 2) turkey buffet with all the
fixin’s served by board members, 3) a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by the AFCC president, 4) a concert of Christmas carols, followed by
5) raffle of gifts donated by board members.
It’s simply the best Christmas Party in town and certainly the most
reasonably priced. This year President Hurley presented a few well-deserved
awards to board member John Beale, owner of the famous Cornwall’s Pub
in Kenmore Square, for his generosity in often donating food from his
establishment for AFCC events and to Dean Saluti and Marge Cahn for
their amazing generosity of time, work, and effort in organizing many high
profile events over the years. Marge routinely donates air tickets, hotel accommodations, and symphony tickets to our frequent raffles.
To top off the seasonal giving, Captain Bryan Pillai, Commander,
972nd MP Company, presented the AFCC with artifacts his unit brought
back from Iraq for the museum’s collection. The 972nd was assigned as a
Protective Services Detail to seven high ranking Iraqi officials, including the
Iraqi president and vice-president.
President’s Plaque to John Beale
President’s Plaque to Dean Saluti and
Marge Cahn
President Hurley reading
“The Night Before Christmas
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Holy Cross Carolers with director,
Pam Mindell
MONSTRAT VIAM
association of the first corps of cadets
227 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
SSG Miller
Another Fallen Hero
Sgt. Scott A. Miller, age 35, of Plaistow, died October 13, 2008, at his home, following a courageous
battle with cancer.
A member of the 972nd Military Police Company of the Massachusetts Army National Guard,
stationed at Camp Curtis Guild, Reading, MA since
2001, Sgt. Miller took part in Operation “Noble
Eagle” at Logan Airport, Boston, from October
of 2001 until March of 2002. In June of 2002,
he deployed to Pakistan in support of Operation
“Enduring Freedom,”serving until 2003. He also
served as a member of the military relief effort after
Hurricane Katrina and deployed to Iraq in July of
2007 until illness forced his return to the United
States in February of 2008.
Dean Saluti addressing the
gathering with
Irv Schein looking on
Dr. Robb and Bill Hurley
The First Corps of Cadets Band
The AFCC Curator, Craig Brown, was recently contacted by
Richard M. Robb, M.D. Emeritus Chief of Ophthalmology, Children’s Hospital Boston, and now member of the First Corps Cadets
Band, to inform Craig that the band existed as an active community
band in Brookline and to inquire about its likely relationship to the
AFCC. What a surprise! Both organizations have been co-existing
but without awareness of the other. Craig had no definitive answer to
our mutual tradition and history, and thus the quest for this thread
of our history is on! To celebrate the finding of our long lost relative,
President Hurley hosted a meet and greet for Irv Schein and his band
members. We look forward to a future event when we can join with
the band in an evening of entertainment. The band’s next gig was
playing for the Boston Marathon!
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