March Newsletter Themes
This month, the PaYS Program is highlighting a few of our partners and stakeholders in honor of Vietnam Veterans Day and Women's History Month. We hope you enjoy their stories as well as the others in this newsletter.
Vietnam Veterans Day
Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates the sacrifices of Vietnam Veterans and their families and is part of a national effort to recognize the men and women who were denied a proper welcome home more than 40 years ago. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, signed into law in 2017, designates March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Story by https://www.ncsl.org/research/military-and-veterans-affairs/vietnam-veterans-day-legislation-and-statutes.aspx
Women's History Month
Women's History Month is celebrated by the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. This month highlights the contributions women have made and recognizes their specific achievements over the course of American history in a variety of fields.
Story by https://people.com/human-interest/womens-history-month-facts-explainer/
PaYS Salutes Vietnam Veteran CASAs
By: Cory Thomas
PaYS would like to recognize two Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army (CASA), Mr. James A. Cada and Mr. Raymond W. Carpenter for their Military service during the Vietnam War. CASAs are business and community leaders appointed by the Secretary of the Army to advise and support Army leaders across the country. They promote good relations between the Army and the public, advise the Secretary about regional issues, support the total Army workforce and assist with recruiting and helping Soldiers as they transition out of the Military.
 James A. Cada
Mr. James A. Cada is an active CASA in the state of Nebraska. He was born and raised on a farm south of Clarkson, NE and served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. At the age of 24, Mr. Cada was drafted by the Army while attending law school in Lincoln, NE. He attended training at Fort Washington, DC and Fort Leonard Wood, MO and then deployed to Vietnam as a Combat Engineer while assigned to the 39th Engineer Battalion. "I did not know anything about Vietnam as a country before leaving", stated Mr. Cada.
Upon arrival in Vietnam, Mr. Cada and his team were assigned to build Landing Zone (LZ) Dottie which was 12 miles south of Chu Lai. Every day they had to sweep the highways, build bridges and secure the perimeter. "We had to sweep for Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) every day across Highway One and when we would discover one we would just blow them in place. Blowing up the IEDs in place was against my Military training but it was the easiest way to deal with them."
Mr. Cada's awards include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with two Overseas Bars, National Defense Service Medal, Marksman M-14, Expert M-16, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Combat Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. In regard to his overall experience, he stated, "I wish I was braver when I left for Vietnam, all the NCOs were tough and brave".
Ray Carpenter
Mr. Ray Carpenter currently serves as a CASA for South Dakota. In 1968, he volunteered for the U.S. Navy and was assigned as an interpreter. He attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California for Vietnamese language. After a year of language training, he received orders to Da Nang, Vietnam. His training was intended to prepare him to work in a program to resettle the refugees who had fled to Saigon and Da Nang back to their hamlets. The Vietnamization Program was designed to facilitate the retaking of the rural areas of South Vietnam. However, by the time he arrived in country, the decision had been made at a national level that the United States was leaving Vietnam and the program was terminated. Ray served 10 months in Camp Tien Sha, Da Nang then returned to the United States.
 
In 1972, Mr. Carpenter returned to South Dakota and joined the Army National Guard where he served until 2006. He served in various command and staff positions culminating with his assignment as the Assistant Adjutant General for the South Dakota Army National Guard and Deputy Commanding General for the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Mr. Carpenter went on to serve as Acting Director of the Army National Guard. When asked for a quote on his experience in Vietnam, Mr. Carpenter said, "Some 50 years later my comment is - the greatest tribute this Nation could give is to honor the sacrifice and heroism of the nearly 59,000 young men and the hundreds of thousands who had their lives changed by Vietnam."
PaYS thanks Mr. Cada and Mr. Carpenter for their Military service as well as sharing their experiences with us. We appreciate everything you have done and continue to do in support of our Nation.
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A MESSAGE FROM
THE PROGRAM MANAGER...
Dear PaYS Partners,
Let's welcome our newest PaYS Partners and give a special thanks to the battalion's leadership and A&PAs for their support.
Southern Crown Partners, LLC - SCARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion
Vos Glass, Inc. - MIARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion
Armed Forces Bank, N.A. - Kansas City Battalion
Academy Bank, N.A. - Kansas City Battalion
PCL Construction Enterprises - Denver Battalion
Denali Universal Services - AKARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion
The City of Monroe - Baton Rouge Battalion
Imperial Manufacturing Group - Chicago Battalion
Ferrovial Services Infrastructure, Inc. - San Antonio Battalion
Global Connections to Employment - Richmond Battalion
JPW Erectors, Inc. - Syracuse Battalion
Yellow Corporation - Great Lakes Battalion
Westfall Technik, Inc. - San Antonio Battalion
Henry County Sheriff's Office - Atlanta Battalion
TD Bank, N.A. - New York City Battalion
Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC - Milwaukee Battalion
Arrow Exterminators, Inc. (Parent Brand) - GAARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion
Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Inc. - Montgomery Battalion
Upcoming Signing Ceremonies
24 March 2022: College of Biomedical Equipment Technology - San Antonio Battalion
25 March 2022: Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Inc. - Montgomery Battalion
8 April 2022: Salo Inc., DBA Interim Healthcare RMC - Columbus Battalion
15 April 2022: Brewster Ambulance Service - New England Battalion
15 April 2022: Barry Callebaut - VTARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion
26 April 2022: Architectural Metals, Inc. and Voss Glass, Inc. - MIARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion
28 April 2022: Moffitt Cancer Center - Tampa Battalion
Regional Army PaYS Marketing Analysts:
Crancena Ross (Northeast Region)
(410) 206-0413
crancena.g.ross.ctr@army.mil
Kristopher Broadus (Southeast Region)
(615) 419-5357
kristopher.s.broadus.ctr@army.mil
Davin Bentley (Midwest Region)
(614) 886-0270
davin.j.bentley.ctr@army.mil
John Delk (West Region)
(847) 971-1336
john.e.delk.ctr@army.mil
Samuel Armstrong (ARNG East)
(202) 770-7200
samuel.armstrong21.ctr@army.mil
Samuel Gitchell (ARNG West)
(501) 249-2437
samuel.b.gitchell.ctr@army.mil
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Army Reserve Ambassador Served in Vietnam
By: Kris Broadus
Robert W. Chesnut is an Army Reserve Ambassador (ARA) for the State of Mississippi and has dedicated over 50 years of his life to serving others. While attending the University of Mississippi, Mr. Chesnut participated in Army ROTC. In 1968, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
Mr. Chesnut deployed to Vietnam as an Armor Officer/Platoon Leader with the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment. His unit was part of the AmeriCal Division, which is also known as the 23rd Infantry Division. Mr. Chesnut stated, one of the most important lessons he would learn in his storied career came from his time in Vietnam, "Listen to your Sergeants!" He has always possessed a mentality that people work with him rather than for him. That initial lesson would serve him well as he continued his career. Mr. Chesnut retired from the Army Reserve in 2006 as a Major General. His last assignment was at the Pentagon on the Army Staff as Assistant G-3 for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs as the primary advisor to the G-3 and Army Chief of Staff on Army Reserve issues.
As an ARA, Mr. Chesnut operates at state and local levels and voluntarily represents the Chief of Army Reserve without salary, wages, or other benefits. He develops awareness and advocacy for the Army Reserve and creates vitally important bridges to communities across the state of Mississippi.
Mr. Chesnut has been elected to the Ole Miss Army ROTC Alumni Hall of Fame and is an active member of American Legion Post 49, Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi, Inc., National and Mississippi Financial Planning Associations, VFW, Northeast MS Chapter of Military Officers Association, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and the Reserve Officers Association.
Thank you Mr. Chesnut for your service, we are proud to have you as an Army Reserve Ambassador.
Saluting Women-Owned Companies Partnered with PaYS
By: Cory Thomas
For National Women's History Month we would like to showcase Maggie Knox and Stacey Smith who are the Presidents and CEOs of 84 Lumber and Prairie Quest Consulting (PQC).
  84 Lumber Company has been PaYS Partner since 2015, The Company was founded in 1956 by Joseph Hardy. They supply building materials, services to residential and commercial contractors, home builders and remodelers.
In 1992, Maggie Hardy Knox, took over as President of the company. Within her first year as President, the company reached $1 billion in revenue for the first time in history. Maggie's energetic approach and aggressive goals have been critical success factors in 84 Lumber's operation and growth. Today, the company is the leading privately held building materials supplier in the U.S. and is also a certified Women's Business Enterprise.
We reached out to Ms. Knox for a quote for Women's History Month and she said, "For Women's History Month this March, we are focusing especially on women in our industry. There seems to be a misconception across the building and construction industry that we are an industry built for men. However, 84 Lumber is actually a woman-owned business, and our entire team works hard to support women across the industry at 84 Lumber and elsewhere. Whether someone is male, female, a Military Veteran, a college grad, has 0 years of experience or 20, as long as they work hard and have passion, 84 Lumber welcomes them into the family." She also wants everyone to know 84 Lumber is a family-owned business that values its people, including both customers and associates above everything. When it comes to hiring, 84 Lumber has found that Military Veterans fit in very well with the organization. The company has several Veteran associates who have spent their entire careers at 84 Lumber and who see it as a place where they are respected, valued and provided with career growth opportunities.
Prairie Quest Consulting (PQC) has been a partner since 2012, PQC has been honored as the Small Business Administration's 2019 National 8(a) Graduate of the Year. They have worked with numerous high-profile public sector clients, including the U.S. Army, the FDA, and FEMA. The company has over 200 employees in 24 states across the country. They focus on supporting contracts for Government customers at the Federal, state, and local levels.
Before Stacey Smith founded PQC, she had a 25-year career in project management, working as a senior project manager at Lincoln Financial Group and Lockheed Martin. During an interview, we asked Ms. Smith what made her want to start her own company? She said, "After 20 years in the private sector, I felt there was a different way of looking at people, employees were not widgets." She founded PQC in 2004 and her company has flourished ever since. We asked Ms. Smith what is the most rewarding thing about your job as Owner/CEO, she said, "My most rewarding thing is when people tell me this is the best place to work." She also wanted to share the most important lesson she has learned as a CEO, "You own the culture of your organization".
PaYS congratulates Maggie Knox and Stacey Smith for setting an example for others to emulate. Their leadership successes are an inspiration for many to always work hard towards their goals.
JCB, Inc. hires a PaYS Soldier
By: Kris Broadus
 Private First Class Jeremy Shiley grew up in Richmond Hill, GA, just 30 minutes from Fort Stewart. He was surrounded by a community of men and women who prioritized service to others as their primary responsibility. During an interview, PaYS Marketing Analyst, Kristopher Broadus asked PFC Shiley why he joined the Military and he said, "My family history of Military service and my community influenced me to answer the call to service." Shiley joined the Georgia Army National Guard on May 28, 2020.
PFC Shiley started his Army career by attending Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, SC and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Huachuca, AZ. After 42 weeks of training, he returned home as a new man. He currently serves in the Georgia Army National Guard's 78th Aviation Regiment as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator (MOS 15W).
As part of his enlistment process, Shiley selected JCB, Inc. as a PaYS Partner, located in Pooler, GA. Soon after returning home, Bud McFadden, a Recruiter for JCB, Inc. contacted PFC Shiley for an interview. Within two weeks, he was hired and started work in assembly. PFC Shiley currently works in JCB's plant that builds high mobility engineer excavators for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps.
JCB Inc. is the world's largest privately owned manufacturer of construction, agricultural and defense equipment. From its United Sates headquarters in Georgia and at 21 other manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom, India & Brazil. JCB Inc. manufactures a range of more than 300 products for customers in over 150 countries, it was founded in 1945, in Staffordshire, England.
PaYS would like to thank PFC Shiley for his service as well as JCB, Inc. for their unwavering support of Soldiers and the PaYS Program.
PaYS Ceremonies
By: Crancena Ross
Security Service Specialist, Inc. announced their partnership with the U.S. Army by hosting a PaYS Signing Ceremony with the New England Recruiting Battalion at their family-owned restaurant, 2Twenty2, in Boston, MA. Security Service Specialists, Inc. is a privately held company incorporated in 1997. The corporation is 100% minority-owned and operated. Over the years they have established themselves as the premier organization for armed and unarmed private security in the New England area.
Right - Mr. Justin Cecchini, Senior Operations Manager, Security Service Specialist and LTC Natasha Clarke, New England Recruiting Battalion Commander take a pose after the completion of a successful PaYS Signing Ceremony
During the ceremony Mr. Justin Cecchini, Senior Operations Manager, Security Service Specialist, Inc., stated, "Being head of security has allowed me to stretch out to different programs for partnerships. However, coming across the Army PaYS Program has been my greatest accomplishment and I look forward to hiring every Veteran that comes through our door as long as they're wanting to work and qualify." After his remarks Mr. Justin Cecchini signed the ceremonial certificate, confirming Security Service Specialist, Inc. as an official Army PaYS Partner.
The Hampton Sheriff`s Office signed their partnership agreement during a ceremony with the Richmond Recruiting Battalion at City Hall in Hampton, VA. During the ceremony, Sheriff Karen Bowden stated, "Often times we don't realize our partners are within arm's reach, it's simply a matter of making connections. If we would just pick up the telephone and ask the question. Which Warrior does Hampton Sheriff's Office want to partner with? Army PaYS. Hampton Sheriff's Office is looking forward to a long-term relationship with the PaYS Program. When looking for a quality individual the only place to go is to the Army".
Right - LTC Erik Peterson, Commander, Richmond Recruiting Battalion and Sheriff Karen Bowden, Hampton Sheriff`s Office both take turns signing the Army PaYS Ceremonial Agreement
Sheriff Bowden also stated becoming a partner with the Army PaYS Program will provide Hampton Sheriff's Office with those quality individuals that her team and community so desperately need.
During his remarks, LTC Peterson, Commander, Richmond Recruiting Battalion said, "The Army PaYS Program provides partners with highly qualified men and women and we're proud to have the Hampton Sheriff's Office join us with opportunities for success".
Congratulations Hampton Sheriff's Office, we look forward to a successful partnership.
PaYS Marketing Trips
By: John Delk, Davin Bentley and Samuel Armstrong
John Delk, PaYS Marketing Analyst conducted a marketing trip visiting Army recruiting stations and PaYS Partners in Central California. During one of the recruiting station visits, Mr. Delk met with SSG Victoria Wahlgram, SSG Dennis Chaney and SSG Derick Lewis, of the San Jose East recruiting station to discuss the PaYS Program and its benefits to Future Soldiers. Mr. Delk also talked to the recruiting NCOs to ensure they knew about updates to PaYS, including recruits being able to select up to five PaYS Partners during the enlistment process.
Mr. Delk`s partner visits included Securitas Security Services USA, Inc., Four Points by Sheraton, Tesla Motors Inc., HAAS Automotive Inc., Applied Materials Inc. and Symantec Corporation. During the meetings he was able to reenergize the partnerships; ensuring the PaYS continues to flourish now and in the future.
Right - John Delk met with SSG Victoria Wahlgram and SSG Derick Lewis for a PaYS brief
 
PaYS Marketer, Davin Bentley traveled to New Bremen, Ohio to visit Crown Equipment Corporation.
During his visit, he had the opportunity to provide a PaYS overview to the entire corporate recruiting team. The team asked many engaging questions such as how do they maximize return on investment with the PaYS Program. The overview was an overall great success and the PaYS Team would like to thank Crown Equipment Corporation for the opportunity!
Right - PaYS Marketer, Davin Bentley giving Crown Equipment Corporation corporate recruiting team a PaYS overview
 Mr. Bentley also traveled to John Carroll University located in Cleveland, Ohio. He met with LTC Mike Wroblewski, Professor of Military Science for the Wolfpack Battalion Army ROTC program and their students. Davin talked to all of the Wolfpack Battalion, which serves as the host school for several ROTC programs around the Cleveland area including Baldwin Wallace College, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University and Oberlin College. He talked to the students about the PaYS Program and the PaYS Partners in the local area they could potentially work for. His future plan for the Wolfpack Battalion is to get all MSIV (Senior) Cadets enrolled in the PaYS program.
 
Army PaYS Marketer Samuel Armstrong visited Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO). While visiting the Jacksonville area he met with Officer Felicia Williams and discussed the PaYS Program. Officer Williams is fairly new to her current role with JSO. JSO has hired eight PaYS Soldiers in 2021 and 29 PaYS Soldiers in 2020. They are excited about the future PaYS Soldiers that will join JSO within the next year. JSO is currently seeking Soldiers from Police, Corrections, and Community Service Officers.
Right - PaYS Marketer Samuel Armstrong greeting Officer Felicia Williams at Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
Below - Samuel Armstrong giving Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Army ROTC Cadets a PaYS brief
  Mr. Armstrong also visited the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Army ROTC recently. He briefed over 25 MS3 and MS4 Army Cadets. During the brief, he emphasized the importance of taking advantage of opportunities that will help them in the future. Mr. Armstrong answered all questions about current partners, job vacancies, registration requirements and other questions. The Cadets were excited about having five interviews and possible employment with PaYS Partners.
A Big Thank You to these Partners Celebrating their March PaYS Anniversaries:
Bast Hatfield, Inc. 7-Mar-02,
Raleigh Police Dept. 4-Mar-03,
Maryland Transportation Authority PD 27-Mar-03,
New England Motor Freight, Inc. 3-Mar-04,
FABCO Equipment, Inc. 9-Mar-05,
Louisville Metro Police 14-Mar-05,
Transport Corporation of America, Inc. 6-Mar-06,
Ranger American of Puerto Rico 6-Mar-06,
Glendale Police Dept. 6-Mar-06,
L-3 Communications Linguist Operations & Technical Support 6-Mar-06,
RTI International Metals, Inc. 6-Mar-06,
Echostar Satellite L.L.C. 15-Mar-06,
PGT Trucking 5-Mar-07,
Wells Fargo Bank N.A. 5-Mar-07,
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. 5-Mar-07,
The Town of Enfield, CT 16-Mar-07,
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office 18-Mar-07,
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) 22-Mar-07,
Ventura County Sheriff's Department 10-Mar-08,
Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department 10-Mar-08,
Wake County Sheriff's Office 16-Mar-08,
EOD Technology, Inc. 22-Mar-09,
Six Flags, Inc. 30-Mar-09,
Town of Yauco, PR 17-Mar-11,
MediaOne of Utah 17-Mar-11,
Stewart Enterprises, Inc. 17-Mar-11,
Zions First National Bank 17-Mar-11,
Santa Fe Cattle Company 17-Mar-11,
City of Cleveland 17-Mar-11,
ManTech International Corporation 29-Mar-11,
Samaritan Health Services 2-Mar-12,
Lithia Motors, Inc. 5-Mar-12,
Orlando Police Department 6-Mar-12,
United Petroleum Transports, Inc. 6-Mar-12,
Nueces County Sheriff's Office 6-Mar-12,
Securitas Security Services 24-Mar-12,
Rasmussen College, Inc. 30-Mar-12,
McCoy Group, Inc. 30-Mar-12,
Shearer's Foods, Inc. 7-Mar-13,
Coast to Coast Computer Products, Inc. 7-Mar-13,
BBVA Compass Bancshares, Inc. 23-Mar-13,
JR Moody Inc. 4-Mar-15,
UnitedWeb, Inc. 11-Mar-15,
Indiana Department of Corrections 13-Mar-15,
Iron City Services, LLC Affiliate 1800gotjunk 13-Mar-15,
Lunarline 20-Mar-15,
RockSolid, LLC 20-Mar-15,
Wyoming Medical 20-Mar-15,
Mid Georgia Ambulance 20-Mar-15,
Master Piper Distribution Company, LLC 2-Mar-16,
Universal Truckoad Services, Inc. 2-Mar-16,
Volt Workforce Solution 23-Mar-16,
Veteran Strong, Inc. 23-Mar-16,
Logistics Health Incorporated 23-Mar-16,
Allan Myers 1-Mar-17,
City of Salisbury, NC 12-Mar-17,
Hempstead Financial Group LLC d/b/a Northwestern Mutual 12-Mar-17,
OldCastle Inc. 12-Mar-17,
Northwestern Mutual (NC) 7-Mar-18,
Calfrac Well Services 7-Mar-18,
Halliburton 14-Mar-18,
Wisconsin Nationwide Transportation, Inc. 14-Mar-18,
Schierl Inc. 22-Mar-18,
Sentara Healthcare 22-Mar-18,
Unversal Inc. 22-Mar-18,
Schierl Sales Corp 22-Mar-18,
PROCEPT Biorobotics 1-Mar-19,
Henley Enterprise, Inc. 1-Mar-19,
Jackson Health System 14-Mar-19,
The Martz Group 14-Mar-19,
City of Houston 8-Mar-19,
Steris Corporation 28-Mar-19,
The Regional Medical Center 28-Mar-19,
Sanford Health 28-Mar-19,
Concord Police Department 28-Mar-19,
Reborn Cabinets, Inc. 28-Mar-19,
University of Utah Health 9-Mar-20,
Andrews Distributing 9-Mar-20,
Smiths Detection, Inc. 11-Mar-20,
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office 16-Mar-20,
Young's Environmental Cleanup, Inc. 20-Mar-20,
Architectural Metals, Inc. 20-Mar-20,
Emerson Express CO., Inc. 20-Mar-20,
Aldevra, LLC 24-Mar-20,
Smithfield Foods, Inc. 24-Mar-20
Archived newsletters - https://www.armypays.com/newsletter/archive/Newsletter_list.html
To contact us please email usarmy.knox.hqda-asa-mra.mbx.Payshelpdesk@army.mil
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