February Newsletter Theme
Each February, National Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black History is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America - our faults, our struggles, our progress, and our aspirations. Shining a light on Black History today is as important to understanding ourselves and growing stronger as a Nation as it has ever been. That is why it is essential that we take time to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans, honor the legacies and achievements of generations past, reckon with centuries of injustice, and confront those injustices that still fester today.
Source: A Proclamation on National Black History Month, 2022 | The White House
PaYS Recognizes African American Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army
By: Curtis Taylor
Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) are business and community leaders appointed by the Secretary of the Army to advise and support Army leaders across the country. In honor of African American History Month, PaYS would like to recognize African American CASAs who support the U.S. Army.
Allie L. Braswell Jr. grew up in Samford, FL, until the age of seven and then moved to upstate New York, where he resided until enlisting into the U.S. Marine Corps in 1982. He served honorably for 12 years in various roles, culminating as a Signals Intelligence Analyst, Cryptologic Linguist (Bahasa Indonesia) and Cryptanalyst in support of national operations while assigned to the National Security Agency. CASA Braswell was appointed as a CASA in 2016 during an investment ceremony at the Pentagon. CASA Braswell also serves as the Senior Vice President of Cultural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for VyStar Credit Union (a PaYS Partner), as well as being Founder and Managing Director of the Braswell Group, LLC.
CASA Braswell was asked who some impactful figures in black history were that he admired. He said, "I have two trailblazers, from a Military standpoint, General Benjamin O. Davis Sr., who led the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, and played an essential role in integrating the U.S. Air Force and became the second Black general in the Air Force, breaking barriers and instrumental in the eventual desegregation of the U.S. Military." CASA Braswell added, "On a civic side, Whitney M. Young Jr., who although was a silent trailblazer, sat alongside Rev. Dr, Martin L. King, Jr., and President Lyndon Baines Johnson, was instrumental in the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964."
CASA Braswell is extremely proud of his service as a CASA. He said, "On a personal note, as a CASA, you have to be someone willing to stand up, look at the obvious, and state the truth in order to move the needle." He added, "My most fulfilling role serving as a CASA, is to be that champion and connector, to bring people together regardless of gender, background, racial identity, to bring people together to truly do what the constitution calls for."
Angela M. Odom grew up in Jackson, MS. She attended Southern Mississippi University on an ROTC Scholarship and was commissioned as a 2LT in May of 1988. CASA Odom honorably served in the U.S. Army for 27 years, retiring in 2015 at the rank of COL. Throughout her distinguished career, she earned numerous awards and decorations. CASA Odom was invested on August 2, 2022, at a ceremony at the Pentagon by Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth.
When asked who some impactful figures in black history were, she said, "First and foremost, Harriet Tubman. The first woman to lead an Army raid during the American Civil War, the Combahee Ferry Raid that freed more than 700 from slavery." CASA Odom added, "On a personal level, COL (Ret) (now Reverend Doctor) Vaseal Montgomery, who CASA Odom considers a mentor and friend, showed her what professionalism looks like and how to navigate the Army." CASA Odom also mentioned her service as a Veteran Advisory Board Member for the AARP Georgia and Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
CASA Odom is extremely proud to continue her Army service as a CASA. She said, "One of my most fulfilling role serving as CASA, is my engagement with the JROTC and ROTC Cadets. Engaging with future leaders of the Army and telling the Army's story." CASA Odom added, "I am proud, humbled and honored to have been selected by Secretary Wormuth to serve as a CASA for Georgia (North)." CASA Odom also added, "This critical appointment allows me to continue my service to our Army's greatest asset: its Soldiers and their Families."
PaYS Features an African American Recruiting Battalion Commander
By: Crancena Ross
The United States Army Recruiting Command's (USAREC) mission is to recruit the enlisted, non-commissioned and officer candidates for service in the United States Army and Army Reserve. This process includes the recruiting, medical and psychological examination, induction, and administrative processing of potential service personnel.
One of the leaders charged to recruit our sons and daughters is LTC Dion Hall. LTC Hall is a native of Crestview, FL, and graduated from Troy University in 2000. Upon graduation, he was commissioned through the ROTC Program as a 2LT in the Ordnance Corps. He is currently the Battalion Commander of the Mid-Atlantic Battalion headquartered in New Jersey.
When asked, what does Black History mean to him, he stated "Black History means celebration, achievement, and reflection. Never forget to celebrate the legacy we walk in." He continued, "So much has been accomplished by our people. I would not have gotten to where I am today without standing on their shoulders. My success is from those that have paved the way."
When asked if there are any family traditions that are practiced by his family LTC Hall stated, "No family tradition by my family, however, we celebrate all year round with continued learning, experiences, and relationships."
LTC Hall also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice. Additionally, he holds a master's degree in management from Webster University.
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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.
New PaYS Partners
Chicago Transit Authority - Chicago Battalion
Pride Industries - Northern California Battalion
Camin Cargo Controls - Houston Battalion
Quality Custom Distribution - Chicago Battalion
Upcoming Signing Ceremonies
No ceremonies confirmed at this time
Regional Army PaYS Marketing Analysts:
Crancena Ross
Northeast Region
(410) 206-0413
crancena.g.ross.ctr@army.mil
Curtis Taylor
Southeast Region
(256) 566-9653
curtis.a.taylor8.ctr@army.mil
Matthew Green
West Region
(254) 220-2098
matthew.m.green.ctr@army.mil
Samuel Armstrong
ARNG East
(202) 770-7200
samuel.armstrong21.ctr@army.mil
Travis Carter
ARNG-WEST
(228) 369-9169
travis.c.carter2.ctr@army.mil
Jack Main
Midwest Region
(239) 677-9377
jack.main@tundrafed.com
Louis Gill
Southwest Region
(915) 588-8914
louis.gill@tundrafed.com
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Signing Ceremonies
By: Crancena Ross and Travis Carter
The PaYS Signing Ceremony solidifies the formal partnership and allows new partners to begin granting guaranteed interviews for transitioning Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve Soldiers. This month, we welcome Pike Industries, GCI, and Henrico County Police.
Pike Industries hosted their signing ceremony with the New England Army Recruiting Battalion at their headquarters in Belmont, New Hampshire. Established in 1872, Pike Industries is a leading highway contractor, as well as the largest producer of hot mix asphalt and construction aggregates in New England.
Right -(l-r): CPT Derek Bisson, Commander, New Hampshire Recruiting Company and Mr. Barry Duffy, President, Pike Industries
Captain Derek Bisson, Commander, New Hampshire Recruiting Company, represented the Army at the Signing Ceremony along with Mr. Barry Duffy, President, Pike Industries. CPT Bisson stated, "As a PaYS Partner, Pike Industries and all of its employees are now community partners helping to spread awareness about the benefits and opportunities available in the Army." Mr. Duffy said, "It really is a strategic fit, the background that Soldiers have and the training that they receive is very beneficial to us." As an Army PaYS Partner, this will provide great opportunities for Veterans in our community. The Army PaYS Program benefits all who are involved and allow Veterans an opportunity for five guaranteed job interviews when transitioning out of the Army, with an Army PaYS Partner of their choice.
Both parties participated in the signing of the ceremonial MOA and the PaYS Certificate of Participation and plaque was presented to Mr. Barry Duffy, on behalf of PaYS.
This month the Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) and GCI Communication Corp. conducted a signing ceremony at GCI's headquarters in Anchorage, AK.
The ceremony was hosted by CPT Jessica Fernandez, Officer Strength Manager, Alaska Army National Guard (AKARNG) Recruiting and Retention Battalion. Signing the MOA, Joseph Wahl, Chief Human Resources Officer, GCI Communication Corp. He was accompanied by Chrissy Bloom, Senior Manager Recruiting and Compensation, GCI Communication Corp.
During the ceremony, Mr. Wahl said, "The PaYS Program allows our Soldiers to develop and enhance their professional skills outside of wearing the uniform and build positive working relationships with valued members of our community. I don't think I can put into words just how much this will positively impact our Soldiers and their families' lives. We are grateful that you have joined us on this journey."
After Mr. Wahl and CPT Fernandez signed the ceremonial agreement, a cake cutting and reception was held where CPT Fernandez said, "It is our honor to welcome GCI as our newest partner. We appreciate their participation in the program; hiring Army National Guard Soldiers along with Active Duty and Reserve Soldiers is always a step in a positive direction."
Right -(l-r) Captain Jessica Fernandez and Mr. Joseph "Joe" Wahl sign the ceremonial PaYS Memorandum of Agreement
Left - Mr. Wahl speaks to those in attendance about what the PaYS partnership means for GCI Communication Corp.
Headquartered in Alaska with additional locations throughout the U.S., GCI has worked for more than 40 years to deliver communication and technology services to some of the most remote communities and in some of the most challenging conditions in North America. GCI is a pioneer in its field, bringing telemedicine and online education capabilities to communities across the state and continuing efforts to connect the Arctic globally as well as providing strong services to consumer and business markets.
Congratulations to GCI Communication Corp. We look forward to a successful partnership.
Henrico County Division of Police located in Henrico, VA, hosted their signing ceremony with the Richmond Army Recruiting Battalion. They strive to be cutting edge public safety leaders dedicated to equality and civic trust while providing innovative and collaborative police services for a safe and thriving Henrico.
The ceremony started off with the Henrico County Division of Police Color Guard presenting the Colors and Ms. Kristin Gainous, Civilian Employee, Henrico County Division of Police, singing the National Anthem.
COL Toni M. Rieke, Commander, 23rd Quartermaster Brigade, Fort Lee, VA, represented the Army at the signing ceremony along with COL Derek English, Chief of Police, Henrico County Division of Police. COL Rieke said "It's a great pleasure and honor to represent the U.S. Army. The PaYS Program provides great benefits and opportunities for both the U.S. Army and the Soldiers that participate in the program. Henrico County Division of Police, and all of its employees are now community partners helping to spread awareness of the benefits and opportunities available in the Army." Chief English mentioned "It's a great opportunity for Henrico County Division of Police, to connect with seasoned and professional individuals from the Army PaYS Program and looking forward to a great partnership. The background and training the Soldiers receive is very beneficial to us".
As a partner, the Army PaYS Program provides great opportunities for Veterans in our community. A program that allows Veterans an opportunity for five guaranteed job interviews transitioning out of the Army. It is a win-win program. This program removes some of the stress off the Veteran and their Family knowing they will have these opportunities waiting for them as they depart the Army.
Both parties participated in the signing of the Ceremonial MOA and the PaYS Certificate of Participation and plaque was presented to Chief English on behalf of the PaYS Program.
Left -COL Rieke and Chief English cut the cake with the traditional saber.
Right - (l-r) COL Rieke presents the Ceremonial Plaque to Chief English.
Marketing Trips
By: Travis Carter and Samuel Armstrong
PaYS Marketing Analyst Travis Carter conducted a marketing trip to San Diego, CA, visiting the California Army National Guard, CASA M. Janet Chin, and San Diego State ROTC to discuss the PaYS Program. Master Sergeant Melody Pavur, Western Regional Deputy Director, Soldier for Life, accompanied Mr. Carter on the trip to support community outreach.
Right -Mr. Carter briefs Cadets from San Diego State Army ROTC on the benefits of the PaYS program.
Left - CASA Chin and Mr. Carter after discussing Army recruiting strategies.
During the visit, Mr. Carter was given the opportunity to speak to Cadets at San Diego State University Army ROTC about the PaYS Program. He discussed the program offers up to five guaranteed job interviews with any of our partners, and he showed them how to sign up using the Cadet Portal on the PaYS website.
During the meeting with CASA Chin, California (Coastal-South) at a local coffee shop in Del Mar, Mr. Carter asked CASA Chin about the program and she stated, "As a CASA, I appreciate the PaYS Program providing regular updates and Travis personally coming out to San Diego in person. The needs of the program require qualified business partners to see the benefits of signing Soldiers." She also mentioned, "For at least the past two years, coming out of the pandemic, we've heard across civilian industries that skilled individuals are hard to find. Our Soldiers will reach out and apply with listed companies for their initial interviews."
Upon visiting the local California Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Mr. Carter met with First Sergeant Alberto Gastelum. They discussed the status of the PaYS Program and methods to bring on potential partners in the San Diego area.
Finally, Mr. Carter met with PaYS Partners San Diego County Sheriff's Office and San Diego Police Department. New points of contacts were established and follow up training was scheduled for them to get oriented to the system and how to make the program work for their organizations.
Right -(l-r) First Sergeant Gastelum, Mr. Carter, and Master Sergeant Pavur pose with the company mascot, Killer Whales.
PaYS Marketing Analyst Samuel Armstrong conducted a trip to Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG), Bowie State University ROTC, Baltimore MEPS and current and potential partners.
During his travels, Mr. Armstrong stopped by Bowie State ROTC and met with Assistant Professors of Military Science, CPT Carver Campbell and 1LT James Palmer. After giving the leadership an overview and answering questions, he encouraged them to utilize PaYS to assist Cadets with guaranteed job interviews. Mr. Armstrong asked CPT Campbell about the PaYS Program and he stated, "It is an amazing program for Cadets to use after separation from the Army."
Left -(l-r) CPT Campbell, 1LT Palmer, and Mr. Armstrong prior to a PaYS Overview.
Right -(l-r) Mr. Armstrong and POFC Saywack after reviewing ideas for partnerships.
Mr. Armstrong also met with Police Officer First Class Mahindra Saywack, Background Investigator, Baltimore County Police Department. They discussed PaYS and the vacancies that Baltimore County Police Department currently has. Officer Saywack expressed interest in the program and provided Mr. Armstrong with Baltimore County Police Department information cards to give to Fort Meade Transition Assistance Program to further assist our Veterans with job searches. Mr. Armstrong asked Officer Saywack about the PaYS Program and he shared, "I'm all in! This partnership will be a huge success for all parties involved."
While at the MDARNG, discussions were had with CSM John Walk, MDARNG RRB CSM, MSG Mark Roark, MDARNG Operations NCO, and SFC Kamil Maclin, RSP NCO on the usage of PaYS. Many efforts were discussed to include potentially having a career fair and inviting PaYS Partners in Maryland.
Highlighting PaYS Partners in the Community: Glendale Police Department Super Bowl Preparation
This year's Super Bowl will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona -- home of the Arizona Cardinals. The Super Bowl is the annual final playoff game of the National Football League (NFL) to determine the league champion. The Super Bowl is among the world's most-watched single sporting events and frequently commands the largest audience among all American broadcasts.
On a stage so large, someone must provide direct traffic, perform security escorts, and ensure the competing teams and fans are safeguarded throughout the city.
The Glendale Police Department (GPD) was tasked to answer the call. GPD is a current and proud PaYS Partner. PaYS Marketing Analyst Travis Carter recently discussed the huge request with SGT Jay Davidge, Glendale Police Department. During their conversation, Mr. Carter asked SGT Davidge, "What is it like for the department to have Super Bowl 57 (LVII) in their city and what types of measures are taken to prepare?"
Sergeant Davidge shared, "This will be our third iteration hosting the Super Bowl. We love the opportunity to showcase our great city. Through the years, we have established and maintained great working relationships with our neighboring agencies as well as the federal agencies which accompany such a significant event." SGT Davidge went on to say, "This game is larger in scale and involves more teamwork with other organizations to pull this off. Our commitment to this event is the same as any other special event within the city."
GPD Special Operations Division has been working with the NFL and preparing for this year's Super Bowl since last year's Super Bowl in Los Angeles. GPD sent officers and representatives to California to observe the operations firsthand.
GPD has a dedicated group of officers and staff that have been assigned to work with local, state, and federal partners to include community stakeholders to begin planning for Super Bowl LVII. GPD and city departments have met regularly internally as well as with the Super Bowl LVII Core Planning Group, consisting of resource working groups from all over the country and state assembled to address the resource demand and impact that such an event brings with it.
"We've participated in numerous tabletop exercises with the NFL and their partners. GPD SWAT has hosted multiple trainings with other SWAT teams in preparation."
The Glendale Police Department is proud and prepared to host Super Bowl LVII.
The game will be aired, February 12, 2023 at 4:30pm eastern standard time on FOX.
Spotlight: RecruitMilitary
Story by: Aimee Halpin
As we continue to spotlight programs that serve our Army Veterans, this month we are sharing RecruitMilitary. In April of 2020, RecruitMilitary and its parent company, Bradley-Morris, LLC, announced its appointment by the United States Army Human Resources Command to provide employment services and resources through the Army Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to support America's transitioning Soldiers.
When asked how RecruitMilitary got its start, Tim Best, CEO, and former U.S. Army Special Operations Attack Helicopter Pilot, said "At RecruitMilitary, we know the value of veteran talent and make it our mission to empower members of the Military community with meaningful career opportunities. We work with thousands of companies throughout the world that see tremendous value in the transferable skills that transitioning service members, veterans, and Military spouses bring to their organizations. We are pleased to provide these organizations with a vast network of highly qualified job candidates who are ready to bring their Military trained talent to work."
PaYS Program Manager Antonio Johnson invited Mr. Best and his Chief of Staff, Jen Hines, to the annual PaYS Training held at TRADOC in November. Mr. Johnson saw the way the two programs worked and knew there was a way for us to work together as a team. If a Soldier went through a company that was using RecruitMIlitary's services, and they had the opportunity to work with both services, it would be a win-win for the Soldier transitioning out with up to 5 interviews guaranteed through our program.
RecruitMilitary has been serving the Military community for more than 25 years and they offer a Candidate Success Program. Mr. Best said "RecruitMilitary offers a Candidate Success Program that supports any transitioning member of the Military and Military families in support of their career search journey. Every time a member of the Military community registers for the RecruitMilitary job board they receive a call from a member of our Candidate Success Program to help them optimize their profile for maximum success in their job search." He also shared, "To our knowledge, we are the only organization making calls to every job board registrant. The resources that are provided include the following: job board navigation and search tips, completing the candidate profile, using the one-click application feature, job application support and in-person and virtual career fair registration. We are really excited about this program!"
When asked about the new leadership program RecruitMilitary announced, Mr. Best had this to say, "Studies show that people's jobs play a significant role in their overall happiness. And they also tell us that their relationships with teammates and managers at work are key components of this happiness." He then mentioned, "So, at RecruitMilitary, we believe developing good leaders, at all levels, helps our teammates live happier lives! That's one of the reasons why our RecruitMilitary Leader Development Program is not just for people in leadership roles."
Overall, RecruitMilitary is networking with a benefit to any Army PaYS Soldier during the transition process and both of our services are designed with one thing in mind: To help our Veterans succeed in a rapidly changing workforce.
Above -(l-r) Antonio Johnson, PaYS Program Manager, Tim Best, CEO RecruitMilitary, Jen Hines, Chief of Staff RecruitMilitary
Use this link to learn more about the jobs:https://recruitmilitary.com/job-seekers
A Big Thank You to these Partners Celebrating their February PaYS Anniversaries:
Deere & Company 16-Feb-01
NFI Industries 23-Feb-04
Pierce County Sheriff's Office 23-Feb-04
Shell Oil Company 24-Feb-04
Tallahassee Police Dept. 4-Feb-05
RDO Equipment Co. 17-Feb-05
Texas Instruments 25-Feb-05
Sacramento County Sheriff's Dept. 7-Feb-06
Orange County Sheriff's Office 7-Feb-06
Quad/Graphics, Inc. 7-Feb-06
Hawaii State Government 13-Feb-06
Las Vegas Metro Police Department 13-Feb-06
Sears Holdings Corporation 16-Feb-06
G4S Secure Solutions 21-Feb-06
Quest Diagnostics 5-Feb-07
Nationwide Truck Brokers, Inc. 5-Feb-07
OMNI Energy Services Corporation 5-Feb-07
Brock Group 13-Feb-08
City of Columbus, Department of Public Safety 19-Feb-08
Mississippi Dept. of Corrections 19-Feb-08
Albuquerque PD 23-Feb-08
Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice 17-Feb-09
Baton Rouge General Medical Center 23-Feb-09
Orion South, Inc. 23-Feb-09
U-haul International, Inc. 28-Feb-09
East Texas Medical Center 28-Feb-09
AT&T, Inc. 9-Feb-10
Haas Automation, Inc. 1-Feb-11
Don Schumacher Racing Corp. 1-Feb-11
Schumacher Electric Corp. 1-Feb-11
GSE Lining Technology, LLC 1-Feb-11
Minnesota Wire & Cable Company 24-Feb-11
Frank C. Alegre Trucking, Inc. 12-Feb-14
URRA CO., Inc. dba Flynns Tire Group 19-Feb-14
City of Cape Girardeau 19-Feb-14
Rivera Consulting Group, Inc. 19-Feb-14
AM Waters 8-Feb-16
The City of Orangeburg 10-Feb-16
The Geo Groups, Inc. 10-Feb-16
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center 11-Feb-16
Ocala Police Department 11-Feb-16
Horizon Health Care, Inc. 17-Feb-16
Brad Cole Construction 23-Feb-16
Dental Associates 26-Feb-16
System Scale Corporation 26-Feb-16
Indue Sales & Services, Inc. 10-Feb-17
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office 2-Feb-18
First Coast Security Services, Inc. 2-Feb-18
Novation Enterprise 2-Feb-18
Pennington County Sheriff's Office 2-Feb-18
West Florida Medical Center 2-Feb-18
GAT Airlines Ground Support 2-Feb-18
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinic Authority 2-Feb-18
Cortina Solutions 5-Feb-18
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation 5-Feb-18
Pharmaceutical Products Deveploment 5-Feb-18
RMI 5-Feb-18
South Carolina DMV 16-Feb-18
Cincinnati Fire Department 16-Feb-18
Centerstone 16-Feb-18
Regional Health 16-Feb-18
Tempus, Inc. 15-Feb-19
ShipEx, LLC 15-Feb-19
The Meruelo Media 15-Feb-19
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office 27-Feb-19
Mayvin, Inc. 10-Feb-20
Park National Bank 10-Feb-20
TWC Service 10-Feb-20
Bonnell Industries, Inc. 10-Feb-20
T-Rex Solution 13-Feb-20
Heartland RV 13-Feb-20
Elior North America 14-Feb-20
Charter Senior Living 14-Feb-20
Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway, Co. 20-Feb-20
John C Fremont Healthcare District 20-Feb-20
College of Biomedical Equip Tech 20-Feb-20
B & J Trucking Service, Inc. 20-Feb-20
City of Radcliff 9-Feb-21
Mission BBQ 9-Feb-21
Cloverdale Foods Company 9-Feb-21
Eyemart Express Holdings, LLC 9-Feb-21
Randall County Sheriff's Office 9-Feb-21
McCall Farms 10-Feb-21
Armed Forces Bank, N.A. 1-Feb-22
Academy Bank, N.A. 1-Feb-22
Denali Universal Services 1-Feb-22
Ferrovial Services Infrastructure, Inc. 4-Feb-22
Henry County Sheriff's Office 4-Feb-22
City of Texarkana, Arkansas 10-Feb-22
Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Inc. 10-Feb-22
Global Connections to Employment 10-Feb-22
Westfall Technik, Inc. 10-Feb-22
JPW Erectors, Inc. 11-Feb-22
TD Bank, N.A. 17-Feb-22
Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC 26-Feb-22
Arrow Exterminators, Inc. 28-Feb-22
Perrigo Company 28-Feb-22
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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