Rhode Island National Guard

10/18/2026

Col. Stephen T. Guertin is promoted to the rank of brigadier general during a promotion ceremony in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, Oct. 17, 2026. He currently serves as Assistant Adjutant General - Army. Guertin’s distinguished military career spans more than three decades of service across the Air Force and Army.

His previous assignments include commander of the 1207th Transportation Company, commander of the Rhode Island National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, deputy commander of the 43d Military Police Brigade. He has also served in key operational and staff positions for the Rhode Island National Guard including Chief of Staff, Director of Operations, and was nominated to perform duties as the Command Inspector General for both Air Force and Army. His deployments include service as an Assistant Operations Officer J3 with Joint Task Force 160 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Battle Captain with the 43d Military Police Brigade in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Deputy Chief of Operations and Chief of Operations with Task Force Protector in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Provide Comfort. He also served in support of IFOR, Operation Joint Endeavor in support of NATO Dayton Peace Accords.

In his civilian capacity, Guertin serves as executive director of SENEDIA, the Alliance for Defense Tech, Talent, and Innovation, where he leads efforts supporting defense technology, workforce development and innovation. He previously served 26 years in the Rhode Island National Guard’s Active Guard Reserve program.

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Michael Mascellino, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Iacona, Sgt. 1st Class Terry Rajsombath)

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10/17/2026

The Rhode Island Army National Guard's Recruiting and Retention Battalion held a change of command ceremony, Oct. 16, 2026, at Camp Fogarty, East Greenwich.

Lieutenant Colonel Jarred Rickey relinquished command of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion to Lt. Col. Jeffrey Ahern.

Rickey began his military career in 1998 as an enlisted infantryman. Throughout his career, he has served in numerous leadership positions and deployed in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. During his two years in command of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Rickey led the battalion through significant recruiting challenges, strengthened retention efforts and helped advance the Rhode Island Army National Guard's strength maintenance mission. His tenure reflected a continued commitment to strengthening the organization and supporting the Soldiers under his command.

Ahern also began his military career in 1998 as an enlisted infantryman before commissioning as an infantry officer in 2003. A combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he has held numerous leadership and staff positions across infantry, military police and artillery units, gaining experience in both operational and administrative roles. Most recently, he served as the Deputy G1 at Joint Force Headquarters, where he supported personnel management and readiness efforts across the organization. His extensive military experience and leadership background have prepared him to lead the Recruiting and Retention Battalion.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Lt. Col. Rickey for his dedicated leadership and service to the Soldiers of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion and wish him continued success in his future endeavors. We also congratulate Lt. Col. Ahern as he assumes command and wish him the very best as he leads the battalion into its next chapter.

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Terry Rajsombath)

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10/16/2026

Brigadier General Kenneth P. Wisniewski III, Land Component Commander of the Rhode Island Army National Guard, delivered remarks during a Liberty Tree Dedication ceremony at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, Oct.16, 2026.

Held in commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, the ceremony honored generations of Rhode Islanders who have served and sacrificed in defense of our nation.

The Liberty Tree serves as a living symbol of freedom, service, and remembrance, connecting Rhode Island's Revolutionary War heritage to the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform throughout the past 250 years. As the tree grows, it will stand as an enduring reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before us and our shared responsibility to preserve the freedoms they helped secure.

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Terry Rajsombath)

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10/14/2026

The National Guard SAPR program’s mission is to eliminate incidents of sexual assault by implementing a comprehensive policy that focuses on prevention, victim support, and accountability. The program provides Victim-Centered support by providing sensitive, immediate, and comprehensive care (medical, mental health, and advocacy) to restore health and well-being. For more information you can contact Jill at [email protected] or get immediate assistance at 401-430-5520 or [email protected] with 24/7 access at 401-480-6028.

10/08/2026

“Being a paratrooper to me is something fantastic, incredible, something indescribable. So, competing here [at Leapfest] is something really great. It’s the first time Guatemala is taking part in this competition, and we’re here to give it our all.”

— Cabo Especialista Manuel Agustin Suruy Zuniga, Guatemalan Army

At Leapfest-International Airborne Competition, hosted by the Rhode Island National Guard, paratroopers from across the United States and around the world come together to compete and connect through a shared bond within the airborne community. Different uniforms, different languages and different nations, but the same desire at the door: to jump and feel alive.

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Terry Rajsombath)

10/07/2026

10/06/2026

Three cadets were recognized as recipients of the National Guard Minuteman Scholarship at Joint Force Headquarters, East Greenwich, R.I. CDT Makenzie Allcroft received a four-year scholarship for the University of Rhode Island while drilling with the 169th Military Police Company. CDT Nuvia Torrez-Flores received a three-year Active Duty scholarship to Providence College, while drilling with the 169th Military Police Company. CDT Lillian Doak received a four-year scholarship for University of Rhode Island, while drilling with the 1207th Field Support Company.

The National Guard Minuteman Scholarship provides eligible students with valuable financial assistance toward their college education while serving in the National Guard. The program helps students pursue their academic goals while gaining military experience, developing leadership skills, and serving their communities.

Congratulations to all three cadets on this outstanding accomplishment and on their commitment to both higher education and service in the Rhode Island National Guard!

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Terry Rajsombath)

10/02/2026

Chief Warrant Officer 3 David E. Powers retired after more than 26 years of dedicated service as a warrant officer and aviator in the Rhode Island Army National Guard.

Throughout his career, Powers’ leadership, professionalism, and commitment to aviation and safety played a vital role in mission success and, most importantly, the safety of our Soldiers.

In recognition of his outstanding service, Powers was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Rhode Island Star.

The Rhode Island Army Aviation and Safety community, along with the entire Rhode Island National Guard, extends our sincere gratitude for more than two decades of dedicated service. Congratulations on a remarkable career, CW3 Powers, and best wishes to you and your family in retirement. Thank you for your service!

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Terry Rajsombath)

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10/02/2026

Members of the Rhode Island National Guard attended the graduation ceremony for the International Maritime Staff Operators Course 2026-02, held at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, on Sept. 24, 2026.

The ceremony recognized 20 international students representing 15 nations who successfully completed the course, including two Rhode Island National Guard State Partnership Program partners from The Bahamas Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF): LCDR James Cox and LT Reynaldo Farquharson.

Representing the Rhode Island National Guard were Brig. Gen. Thomas Hannon, Director of the Joint Staff; Maj. Bradford Barco, State Partnership Program Director, Maj. Richard McMahon, Incoming Bahamas Bilateral Affairs Officer and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert Hewett, Command Chief Warrant Officer.

International professional military education provides an important opportunity for military leaders from partner nations to strengthen relationships, exchange knowledge, and enhance interoperability. The participation and graduation of RBDF officers further demonstrates the enduring partnership between Rhode Island and The Bahamas and our continued commitment to supporting our partner nation through meaningful military-to-military engagement.

Congratulations to LCDR Cox and LT Farquharson on this significant accomplishment, and to all 20 graduates on successfully completing the International Maritime Staff Operators Course.

(Photos courtesy of Maj. Bradford Barco)

10/01/2026

Members of the Rhode Island National Guard join veterans, community leaders and distinguished guests at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery for a flag-raising ceremony, honoring the service and legacy of Cabo Verdean-American veterans, on Sept. 30, 2026, Exeter, R.I.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Cabo Verde, Francisco Carvalho, and an official delegation from Cabo Verde attended the ceremony, where the flags of the United States and Cabo Verde were raised together at the Cape Verdean Veterans Memorial. Formerly known internationally as Cape Verde, the nation officially renamed “Cabo Verde” for international use in 2013.

The memorial is the first of its kind in the nation to honor U.S. military members of Cabo Verdean descent. Generations of Cabo Verdean-Americans have answered the call to serve, and some have paid the ultimate price in defense of the nation. Their service and sacrifice are part of America’s history and the history of the Cabo Verdean-American community.

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Terry Rajsombath)

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