April Newsletter Themes
U.S. Army Reserve Birthday
On April 23rd, the Army Reserve will celebrate 115 years of exemplary service to our Nation and to the world. Our "Citizen Soldiers" have served with distinction and dedication and have never failed to answer the Nation's call.
For generations, Citizen Soldiers have leveraged professional skills, while serving in uniform, with education and expertise acquired in the private sector. In cities and towns across America, the U.S. Army Reserve has always been comprised of men and women with great passions, talents, and abilities. Those abilities are manifested as leadership, bravery, and a strong sense of purpose.
Source: Army Reserve Birthday
Month of the Military Child
Month of the Military Child is observed each April to honor and celebrate military children and youth for their service, commitment, and sacrifice in support of the Army's mission. The observance reiterates the Army's commitment to provide quality care and positive youth development for a bright future.
Source: Month of the Military Child (MOMC) (armymwr.com)
U.S. Army Reserve 115th Birthday
Story by: PaYS Staff
On 23 April, America's Army Reserve will celebrate the generations of Soldiers who, like many patriots before them, embraced their role as "Citizen Soldiers," continuing a proud and distinguished legacy of service in the Army Reserve.
On 18 April, TRADOC Headquarters will celebrate the Army Reserve's 115th birthday during an event that includes remarks from TRADOC's Deputy Chief of Staff/DCG US Army Reserve, Brigadier General Scott Linton, and a cake cutting ceremony. The event will also be livestreamed via MS Teams for virtual attendees.
The PaYS Team interviewed BG Linton, who has served in the Army Reserve for over 30 years, to gain insight on his experiences, reflection and shaping the force for the future.
Please share some of the highlights you have experienced while serving as a Citizen Soldier.
"My career in the Army Reserve has been filled with incredible experiences, travel, great teammates and friendships, challenging training, education, and knowing my time serving in uniform and in the Army Reserve helped countless people around the world."
If you had the opportunity to talk to a younger you, what advice would you give yourself about a career in the Army Reserve?
"To take more time to enjoy the moment and the people I was serving with at every phase/assignment in my career as well as taken more pictures to reinforce those memories! Also, I would recommend younger me to step outside of my comfort zone, seek jobs I wasn't sure I was ready for, and not underestimate my potential and positive impact on the Soldiers and Families I worked with."
How do you see the Army Reserve's current role evolving to match the current requirements of an ever-changing Army?
"The Army Reserve will continue to support the Army's requirements to fight and win on tomorrow's battlefields today. Our Soldiers are the best trained, best equipped, and best led force in history. The one thing that will always remain constant is the Citizen Soldier remains the bedrock upon which the military might of the United States is built. Therefore, every Soldier, Civilian, and Family Member of the United States Army Reserve is priceless."
The PaYS Team would like to thank BG Linton and his staff for their support and say, "Happy Birthday!" to the Army Reserve.
April: Month of the Military Child
Established in 1986 by then Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, April has been designated as the Month of the Military Child, because kids serve too! We salute Military children for the resilience they possess. Military children are the very fabric of the Military community, and they play an essential role in supporting their parents' Military service. Military children display great courage and adaptability throughout multiple relocations, long separations from parents, away from family and friends, celebrating holidays and major milestones are just a few challenges Military children encounter in their young lives.
This month, we would like to highlight the following families:
Aquino Family
The Aquino Family has a long and storied tradition of Military service, spanning over a century and multiple generations. With roots in Puerto Rico, the Aquinos have been distinguished participants in  every significant conflict since World War I, including World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, Gulf War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The current generation, Miguel A. Aquino II and his wife, Cynthia Aquino, continue to uphold this legacy of dedication and sacrifice for their country.
Left -(l-r) LTC Aquino, CDT Aquino, Natalia Aquino, and Cynthia Aquino enjoying an Army college football game.
Right -(l-r) LTC Aquino and CDT Aquino after discussing Ranger and Airborne Schools.
Miguel A. Aquino II, a LTC in the U.S. Army, is attending the prestigious Army War College furthering his military education and strategic leadership skills. His wife, Cynthia Aquino, also comes from a strong Military background and shares her husband's commitment to service. Their two children, Natalia Aquino and Cadet (CDT) Miguel Aquino III, carry the family tradition with distinction. Natalia, a proud alumna of the University of North Carolina, has forged her path, while CDT Aquino is a senior at West Point Military Academy where he will graduate in 2023. In 2024, CDT Aquino, will attend the Infantry Officer Basic Course (IOBC), Ranger School, Airborne School and will be assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.
Alvarez Family
Jomaris Vazquez, the daughter of 1SG (R) Jose Alvarez enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2011 as a 35M, Human Intelligence Collector. When asked what her best experience as a Military child was, without hesitation she responded, "Traveling"! She felt like moving around the Nation was great and allowed her and her siblings to build resilience at a very young age. She served proudly for six years. After separating from the Army, she started her own IT business as CEO of Fad Vision. She contributes her success to her father and her Military service.
Left -1SG (R) Alvarez enjoying some laughs with his Battle Buddies.
Right -PVT Vazquez after graduating Basic Training
1SG (R) Jose Alvarez served over 20 years in the U.S. Army and is currently employed with U.S. Army Cadet Command as a Civilian. During his tenure as a recruiter, he enlisted his daughter Jomaris.
1SG (R) Alvarez enlisted in the Army to provide stability for his family along with medical and dental benefits. He is very proud that his daughter Jomaris, applied the tools given by the Army to successfully start her own business.
Rodgers Family
PV2 McKeal Rodgers, Jr. is a recent graduate of 91B, Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic AIT at Ft. Lee, VA. He will be assigned at Ft. Hood, TX. The Army wasn't his first choice out of high school. PV2 Rodgers, went to college for a year and a half then decided to join the Army.
Right -PV2 Rogers after graduating Basic Training.
Far Right -(l-r) PV2 Rodgers is congratulated by his father, LTC (R) Rodgers after graduating Basic Training.
Below -LTC (R) Rodgers during a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
 When asked, why he enlisted in the Army, his response was, "I wanted to get a head start on a career and develop some discipline." When asked if he felt growing up as a Military child was an advantage or a disadvantage when joining the Army, he stated, "It was definitely an advantage. Watching my dad serve and traveling around as a Military Family opened my eyes to the Military life." He continued, "I'm not sure if it's a career for me at this point because this will be my first duty station but so far, I'm happy that I joined."
LTC (R) McKeal Rodgers, Sr. served seven years enlisted and 20 years as a Commissioned Officer. His last assignment was a Capability Developer at Ft. Lee, VA. After retirement from the Army, he chose to continue to serve by working as a DA Civilian at Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Headquarters as a Program Analyst.
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Akima In Motion Leadership Offsite 2023
By: Thomas Parker
 As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, VA, Akima, a current PaYS Partner, is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers' missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success. In 2022, Akima ranked #29 on Washington Technology's Top 100 List and #56 on Bloomberg Government's BGOV200 List of top federal contractors.
Akima In Motion Leadership Offsite is an annual leadership conference to provide company insights, networking opportunities, and break-out groups of various topics to Akima's Companies Leaders. During the conference, keynote speaker CEO Bill Monet, explained the portfolio of over 45 companies and 8,000 employees dedicated to providing excellent services and solutions to the federal government - all in order to create a long-lived asset for more than 14,000 Iñupiat shareholders in the NANA region of Alaska.
Thomas Parker, PaYS Project Lead, was invited to attend the Akima's Leadership Conference as one of its Team Leaders. While there, he was introduced to a host of other Project Leads/Program Managers and VPs of Akima's subsidiary companies to share best practices.
Above Right -President and CEO Bill Monet addressed Akima employees on current state of the company and the new heights he's trying to take it.
Right -Qikiqtagruk Northern Light Dancers perform during the Akima's Leadership Conference.
Qikiqtagruk Northern Lights Dancers provided a demonstration in their native style and language. Explaining each dance and its origin, the crowd was in total awe and provided a standing ovation.
Mr. Parker, caught up with the Qikiqtagruk Northern Lights Dancers for an in-depth conversation to gain a better understanding about the harsh conditions and realities in the NANA region of Alaska.
Thank you again to all the local leadership and those that travelled for days from Alaska to share their stories and culture with Akima's employees.
Above Left -(l-r) Thor Lie, Shylena Lie, Rosie Hensley, Judy Huss, Martin Woods, Thomas Parker, Christina Hensley (back), Sidney Sherman, Reggie Joule, III (back), Richard Atoruk ---
Qikiqtagruk Northern Light Dancers discussing life in Alaska with Mr. Parker.
PaYS Success Story
Story By: Crancena Ross
Officer Shayna Perlstein is employed with Henrico County Division of Police and currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserves as a 31B, Military Police. She enlisted 14 years ago following in the footsteps of her grandfathers who served in the Military. She feels the military gives her a sense of pride and service that is most important to her.
Officer Perlstein stated, "I am proud of my Military service, but I am most humble to have been selected as a Drill Sergeant." She continued, "I look forward to my two-week Annual Training when I get a chance to teach, coach, and mentor our IET as they transition from Civilian to Soldier. It is very rewarding to motivate and encourage trainees who have self-doubt conquer their fears and attain goals they never imagined."
She contributes serving in the Military as a foundation which has instilled pride and resilience. She credits the Army for shaping her to remain professional while exercising emotional intelligence in demanding and tough situations. She also prides herself on having a neat and physically fit appearance both in her military and Civilian career field. Officer Perlstein is thankful for the opportunities given to her and wanted to give back to her community, which is why she joined the Henrico County Division of Police Department.
Lonza Announces Partnership with PaYS
By: Samuel I. Armstrong
LTG Maria Gervais, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), returned to her hometown of Greenwood, South Carolina to officiate the signing ceremony between Lonza Greenwood, LLC and the U.S. Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program. The ceremony also included Gabriel McCutcheon, Vice President, Site Operations, Lonza Greenwood, LLC.
Lonza supplies active ingredients, chemical intermediates, and biotechnology solutions to the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. It also offers organic  intermediates for a range of applications, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, vitamins, food and feedstuff, dyes and pigments, adhesives, and fragrances. Lonza manufactures specialty biocides and oleochemicals; and develops and produces specific polymer intermediates, unsaturated polyester-resins, compounds, and composites.
LTG Gervais stated, "When you hire a Veteran, you are getting an individual who understands discipline, established values, trustworthy, and someone who you want on your team. Lonza currently employees 52 Veterans across their organization."
Above -LTG Gervais presents the ceremonial plaque to Mr. McCutcheon.
Above Right -LTG Gervais, Mr. McCutcheon, Future Soldier, and ROTC Scholarship recipient cut the cake.
Right -(l-r) Antonio Johnson, Program Manager, Army PaYS, LTG Gervais, and Samuel Armstrong, Marketing Analyst, Army PaYS.
Marketing Trip for Seattle, WA
By: PaYS Marketing Analysts Crancena Ross & Matthew Green
PaYS Marketing Analysts Crancena Ross and Matthew Green traveled to Seattle, WA to conduct a marketing trip.
Their first meeting was with the City of Seattle. MAJ Aaron Oswald, Executive Officer and Michael Dobbs, Public Affairs Specialist of the Seattle Recruiting Battalion accompanied Ms. Ross and Mr. Green for the overview of the PaYS Program. In attendance from the City of Seattle was a host of HR professionals representing the police department, the department of transportation. Mike Forehand, Police Recruitment Innovation Manager stated, "What an outstanding program! The level of potential talent is likely going to be a game changer across many areas in the City of Seattle!"
Ms. Ross and Mr. Green had an opportunity to speak with Mrs. Alicia Teel, Senior Vice President for the Seattle Chamber of Commerce along with Tay Yoshitani, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA).
CASA Yoshitani stated, ""Most American companies, large or small, want to do the right thing and support veterans. But particularly in difficult economic times, these same companies are often scrambling just to survive. Though recruiting good people is always an important key to success, it's often difficult to get a company's attention on issues beyond survival. PaYS is a program that recognizes these challenges and is designed to make it easy for companies to participate while garnering access to experienced and motivated veterans. As a veteran, former CEO, and board member, I whole-heartedly endorse the PaYS program".
During the visit, Ms. Ross and Mr. Green also met with Ms. Andrea Reay the President & CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. The command team from the Spanaway Army Recruiting Center, CPT David Jackson and 1SG Stephen Dunham also attended the meeting.
The highlight of this meeting was the discussion of how the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber can be an asset to U.S. Army Recruiting as well as Joint Base Lewis-McChord. When asked for a comment from Mrs. Reay, she stated, "The Chamber is proud to support the Army PaYS Program and partner in their work to ensure the amazing people who serve so selflessly in the Army are able to transition their in-demand skills to benefit our business community and create prosperity for their families and the communities they call home".
Above Left-Crancena Ross conducts an overview with staff of the City of Seattle and members from the Seattle Army Recruiting Battalion. (L-R) MAJ Aaron Oswald, Crancena Ross, Mr. Michael Dobbs, Caitlin Gonzales, Doug Cisler, Ryan Jones and Mike Forehand.
Above Right -Army PaYS Marketer Matthew Green discussing the Army PaYS Program with Alicia Teel, Senior Vice President of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce.
Left -(L-R) CPT David Jackson, 1SG Stephen Dunham, Mrs. Crancena Ross, Mrs. Andrea Reay and Mr. Matthew Green
RSP Workshop Conference - Little Rock, AR
By: Travis Carter and Samuel Armstrong
PaYS Marketing Analysts Travis Carter and Samuel Armstrong conducted training in Little Rock, AR for the Army National Guard's Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP). While there, they also visited Little Rock MEPS and the Arkansas Army National Guard Recruiting (ARARNG) and Retention Battalion (RRB).
During the visit, Mr. Carter and Mr. Armstrong visited the Little Rock MEPS and spoke to SFC Claire Randall and Mr. Les Anderson about the PaYS Program.
Mr. Carter and Mr. Armstrong attended ARNG RSP Workshop Conference which included Strength Management Accessions Group (SMAG). There were RSP NCOs from all 54 states and territories in attendance. SSG Rennardo McDaniel, RSP Training NCO from National Guard Bureau had this to say, "The Attrition Management Recruit Sustainment Program greatly values its partnership with the PaYS Program."
Above Right-Mr. Carter briefs RSP NCOs from SMAG's 5-7 on the PaYS Program.
Above Far Right -Mr. Armstrong briefs RSP NCOs from SMAG's 1-4 on the PaYS Program.
LSG Sky Chefs, Inc. PaYS Signing Ceremony
By: Travis Carter
This month, the Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) and LSG Sky Chefs, Inc. conducted a signing ceremony at LSG Sky Chefs' headquarters in Irving, TX. The event formalized the partnership between the U. S. Army and LSG Sky Chefs, Inc.
The ceremony was hosted by LTC John Harrell, Commander, Dallas Recruiting Battalion. Karen Damerow, Human Resource Director Central Area and NAM Recruitment, LSG Sky Chef, was present for the event.
During the ceremony, Mrs. Damerow stated, "I am very excited about the opportunity to finally put together a program that is going to support us nationally, and most importantly, give opportunities to people all over the country with military history to take their talents and exercise them in the private sector."
  
After Mrs. Damerow and LTC Harrell signed the ceremonial agreement, a cake cutting and reception was held where LTC Harrell commented, , "The Army not only instills certain principles and values into our Soldiers - Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage, but we challenge these Soldiers to live those values through arguably their most challenging and stressful life experiences and I will tell you like being forged out of fire, they become who they are meant to be, we draw out and mold and shape them into all that they can be. This program ensures that these diamonds, our American Soldiers, transition into successful citizens and return to their work ethic and principles."
LSG Sky Chefs, Inc. is best known as one the world's largest airline catering and hospitality companies. LSG Sky Chefs also supports airlines with a wide selection of related services to include lounge catering, hospitality, airline consulting, and last-mile logistics. The company was founded originally in 1942 making it the oldest independent caterer in the world. LSG Sky Chefs, Inc. has continued its global expansion throughout Asia and Africa. They currently deliver over 560 million meals a year and are present at 205 airports in 53 countries. Congratulations to LSG Sky Chefs, Inc. we look forward to successful partnership.
Above left -LTC Harrell and Mrs. Damerow sign the ceremonial memorandum of agreement.
Above center -Mrs. Damerow and LTC Harrell cut the cake at the reception following the signing ceremony.
Above right -LTC Harrel presents the ceremonial PaYS Plaque to Mrs. Damerow, a symbol of the finalized partnership.
A Big Thank You to these Partners Celebrating their April PaYS Anniversaries:
Goodyear 4-Apr-01
Cleveland Clinic 28-Apr-03
Oakland County Sheriff's Office 20-Apr-05
Atlantic Health System 29-Apr-05
Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office 29-Apr-05
McKinney Drilling Company 29-Apr-05
Canadian Pacific Railway 12-Apr-06
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. 14-Apr-06
Sheetz, Inc. 10-Apr-07
City of Tampa 18-Apr-07
Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc. 24-Apr-07
State of Kansas, Dept. of Administration 1-Apr-08
United States Cellular Corporation 16-Apr-08
Johnson Controls, Inc. 17-Apr-08
NPC, Inc. 29-Apr-08
Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation 23-Apr-09
Oregon State Police 23-Apr-09
Amazon 19-Apr-10
CDW, LLC 26-Apr-10
Sherman Bros. Trucking 6-Apr-11
Flextronics International, Inc. 26-Apr-11
Town of Fishers 26-Apr-11
Central Cardiology Medical Clinic 11-Apr-12
Faulkner Holdings 11-Apr-12
Super Service, LLC 12-Apr-12
Hansons Window & Siding 12-Apr-12
Brinker International Payroll Company, L.P. 26-Apr-12
Gila County, Arizona 9-Apr-13
Sprint Nextel Corporation 26-Apr-13
Metro One Loss Prevention Services Group, Inc. 26-Apr-13
Four Points by Sheraton 26-Apr-13
NuCO2 Management, LLC 9-Apr-14
Jtilley, Inc. 13-Apr-15
Phase 5 16-Apr-15
Ellwood Specialty Steel Group 16-Apr-15
Parkview Medical Center 8-May-15
MP2HP, Inc. 11-Apr-16
Goodwill of Orange County 18-Apr-16
Spectrum Health System 18-Apr-16
HSS 28-Apr-16
Duke Energy Corporation 28-Apr-16
Reddaway 28-Apr-16
OakCraft Elegant Cabinetry 10-Apr-17
Albemarle County Police Department 10-Apr-17
City of Carrollton, GA 10-Apr-17
La Crosse Area Family YMCA 2-Apr-18
Haag Ford Sales, Inc. 5-Apr-18
Dekalb County Police Department 5-Apr-18
Rogers Tire 5-Apr-18
Nations Roof, LLC 5-Apr-18
US Ecology, Inc. 5-Apr-18
Northwestern Mutal Little Rock 5-Apr-18
Shipmates Printmates dba Velocity 5-Apr-18
Honda Logistics North America, Inc. 30-Apr-18
SP+ 30-Apr-18
Oak Harbor Freight Lines 30-Apr-18
Bluehawk, LLC 30-Apr-18
BioSurplus, Inc. 30-Apr-18
Firefighting Finest Moving and Storage, Inc. 30-Apr-18
Enterprise Leasing Company of Philadelphia, LLC 30-Apr-18
Boise Cascade 1-Apr-19
T.A. Loving Company 1-Apr-19
Maryland State Police 1-Apr-19
Superior Fuel Company, Inc. 1-Apr-19
Boston Beer Corporation 12-Apr-19
Gwinnett Medical Center 25-Apr-19
Regent University 25-Apr-19
The Greenbbrier Companies 14-Apr-20
Mercy Health 15-Apr-20
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office 15-Apr-20
The Cooper Health System 15-Apr-20
Littlefield Investment Company 15-Apr-20
Covenant Transport 15-Apr-20
Ponsse North America, Inc. 15-Apr-20
Aldevra, LLC 15-Apr-20
Smithfield Foods, Inc. 15-Apr-20
D.A. Collins Construction Co., Inc. 6-Apr-21
Northrim Bank 6-Apr-21
Xcel Energy 6-Apr-21
Denso Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. 14-Apr-21
Floyd County Sheriff's Office 14-Apr-21
Knight Transportation 14-Apr-21
Nine Line Apparel 14-Apr-21
ABC Supply 14-Apr-21
HHS 15-Apr-21
Montrose Memorial Hospital, Inc. dba Montrose Regional Health 4-Apr-22
City of Harlingen 7-Apr-22
Public Consulting Group LLC 8-Apr-22
Securatech 9-Apr-22
South Jersey Industries, Inc. 13-Apr-22
Orion Services Group 10-Apr-22
Rome Fire Department 21-Apr-22
Alexandria, VA Sheriff's Office 26-Apr-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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