Bulletin 23 – 08 (23 MAY 2023)
Memorial 2023 Edition, gone but never forgotten. We hold each one of them dearly in our hearts, and we have not forgotten their sacrifices.
This weekend, we celebrate such an important holiday. On Memorial Day, we celebrate the gift of those brave men and women who gave everything in the service of our country. We hold parades, have parties, and show our gratitude for those amazing souls willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. However it’s good to remind each other that this isn’t just a party day. Take time this weekend to remember the Connecticut Guardsmen and women who gave their lives in the service of our country.
SPC Cindy M. Beaudoin:
Born on July 20, 1971, the daughter of Paul & Phyllis Beaudoin. Her dad was a Veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of the Connecticut National Guard.
In 1989, Cindy Graduated from Plainfield High School, Plainfield, Connecticut. Shortly afterward she followed in her dad’s footsteps and joined the 142nd Medical Co., Connecticut National Guard.
In 1990 the unit was activated for Desert Storm and shortly thereafter left for Saudi Arabia. The 142nd’s journey had taken it north from Saudi Arabia into Iraq and then east to just across the border into Kuwait.
There, at about 3:00 P.M. on February 28, an explosion rocked the 142nd’s convoy. At the sound of the explosion, Cindy dove out of her truck and took up a position in the sand with her M16. At that point there was a second explosion where Cindy was laying in the sand, mortally wounding her.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place;
SGT Felix Delgreco
GT Felix Delgreco of Simsbury, a member of C Company,102nd Infantry in Bristol, was killed April 9, 2004 while on patrol in Baghdad, when his vehicle struck an improvised bomb and was attacked with small arms. He was the first member of the Connecticut
Army National Guard to die in Iraq. He was 22 years old.
A member of Simsbury High’s Class of 1999, Delgreco played trumpet in the jazz band. He worked as part of the backstage technical crew on school plays and other performances.
He also was an Eagle Scout.
“He was proud of that achievement,” he said. “I was happy to be there because he was such a great kid and he was well-liked by his classmates. He always had a smile on his face all the time.”
“He was one of those kids you just wanted to bring home and adopt,” said Bergouhi Spencer, Delgreco’s high school Latin teacher of four years.
Spencer remembers Delgreco as a boy with a keen curiosity and a joy to have in class. She took her Latin class to Europe every year and Delgreco was along for four of them. She gave her students Latin nicknames, but Delgreco came ready-made with a moniker.
“Felix means lucky or happy in Latin and we used to kid him about that,” she said. “I can just see him sitting there.”
Spencer said he could also still see him basking on the steps of a Florence cathedral, blending in with his trademark European beret-style cap, which he wore on all the trips abroad.
“He was just a part of the fabric, sitting there in the sun,” Spencer said.
Delgreco would often come back and visit his former teacher, once proudly wearing his uniform, she recalled. She learned of his death Saturday night.
And in the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below
We are the Dead. Short days ago
SPC Robert Hoyt
member of the C Company, 102nd Infantry Battalion from Bristol , was killed Dec. 11, 2004 when his armored vehicle struck a bomb in Baghdad . He was a graduate of E.O Smith High School in Storrs and has family in the Ashford area. He was 21 years old.
Robert William Hoyt, 21, a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend, warrior, combat veteran and Hero, died Saturday, (December 11, 2004) in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV while conducting convoy operations. Hoyt was assigned to the Army National Guard’s C Company, 1st Battalion 102nd Infantry, Bristol.
Robert Hoyt was born in Manchester to Kathleen and Thomas D. Hoyt, Sr. He grew up in Mansfield, was a 2001 graduate of Edwin O. Smith High School and enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard in 2002. Hoyt had a love for sports and music. He played football and ran track in high school. He also coached football for the Mansfield youth league. He was an employee of Wing Foot Commercial Tire.
Soldiering is an affair of the heart, and it is that spirit, that fundamental commitment to volunteer, to place the Nation’s needs above one’s own, that makes Robert Hoyt one of the best Soldiers in the world today. Robert Hoyt was a great Soldier, who voluntarily answered the call to duty. He was a true hero. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Etta Zwick and his grandfather, Ross Russell. Survivors include mother, Kathleen Hoyt of Storrs, father, Thomas Hoyt of Ashford; his brother, Thomas Hoyt, Jr.; two sisters, Ginger and Amber Hoyt; grandmothers, Clara Russell and Nancy Cunningham; grandfathers, Samuel Zwick and Paul Cunningham; 26 aunts and uncles; many cousins and countless friends.
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
SSG Joseph E Phaneuf II
SSG Joseph E Phaneuf II, 38, of Kozey Road died Friday, 15 Dec 2006 in Afghanistan.
He was the loving husband of Michele Kozey Phaneuf for eleven years. Born in Putnam, he was the son of Peter Phaneuf of Dayville, and Barbara Ortega Phaneuf of Killingly.
Staff Sgt. Phaneuf joined the Headquarters Company of the First Battalion 102nd Infantry Brigade in New Haven in November of 2005. He was also deployed to Iraq in February of 2004 with the Connecticut Guard’s 118th Medical Battalion. Prior to his service in Afghanistan, he worked as a field operating technician for T-Mobil for five years. Joseph was a member of the Eastford Volunteer Fire Department and also coached basketball, T- ball and baseball. He enjoyed photography and golf and was an avid Michigan Wolverine fan.
Besides his wife and his parents, he is survived by three beloved children, Ryan Phaneuf, Danielle Phaneuf and Jordan Phaneuf, all at home; three brothers, Dennis Phaneuf of Medford, Ma., Tony Phaneuf of Killingly, and Rob Phaneuf of East Putnam; three sisters, Tiffany Gion of Killingly, Holly Grube of Eastford, and Veronica Mobley of Montville; father and mother in- law, Greg and Teddy (LaBarre) Kozey of Eastford; a sister-in law, Sharon Kozey of Eastford and 13 nieces and nephews.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.
SSG Edwin Rivera:
SSG Edwin Rivera died 25 May 10 from injuries received from indirect fire on May 20th in Laghman Province, Afghanistan.
He was serving in the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment. It was one of two Connecticut National Guard units deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq late last year.
Governor Jodi Rell has ordered that flags around the state be flown at half-staff until his interment.
“As we pause over the coming days to remember, honor, encourage and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of men and women who have served our nation in uniform, I ask that every Connecticut citizen keep Staff Sergeant Rivera, the Rivera family and their friends in their thoughts and prayers,” the Governor said in a written statement.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
SGT Steven J DeLuzio
SGT Steven J. DeLuzio 25, of South Glastonbury, Conn.; assigned to 172nd Infantry Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Jericho, Vt.; died Aug. 22 in the Jalil District of Paktya province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Also killed was Army Sgt. Tristan H. Southworth
Play taps in their honor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S- Xrlf3taEo
The long version played by 13 year old Melissa Venema with Andre Rieu: “<http://www.flixxy.com/trumpet-solo-melissa- venema.htm>
“SAD IS AN NATION WHO HAS NO HEROES –
PITIFUL IS AN NATION WHO HAS HEROES BUT FORGETS THEM”
John F Kennedy
DOWNLOAD MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBERANCE PDF HERE:
Turning 65 Soon? Sign Up for May 18 TRICARE For Life Webinar TRICARE Newsroom
TRICARE For Life (TFL) is the TRICARE health plan for military retirees and their family members who are eligible for Medicare Part A, Part B, and …
Faced with the Survivor Benefit Plan Decision? 5 Things to Know
Military families getting ready to retire after 20-plus years have a lot on their plate as they transition to civilian life. What’s up next on the career front? Where will they land location-wise? How will the kids cope? With all that going on, it’s easy to understand how making a sound decision as it relates to the Survivor Benefit Plan could tumble down the list of priorities. Don’t let that happen, and give the SBP decision the attention it deserves.
Armed Forces Day Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Military?
How Veterans Benefits Could be Delayed in June by a US Default Billions of dollars of veterans benefits could be imperiled if the U.S. defaults on its debts, though the full extent of the fallout is uncertain because of the unprecedented nature of a default….
A Note from CW5 Brian Erkson
We would like to generate a Warrant Officer Retirees email list. We now have a few Warrant Officer events each year, and would like to invite our WO retirees.
We have an annual Warrant Officer Birthday picnic at Camp Nett and an RTI- Warrant Officer School Graduation.
I would like to ask if you could forward this email, to the retirees, and if any of the retired Warrant Officers wish to be on this list, they could contact me.
Thank you, with great appreciation.
CW5 Brian Erkson,
3rd Command Chief Warrant Officer, Connecticut Army National Guard, Governor William O’Neill Armory, 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105, O: 8604932768, C: 8608834709
US Military Recreation Facilities (Excerpted from the “Stephanie at Poppin’ Smoke” newsletter) If you want a fun vacation that won’t break the bank, don’t forget that you can use your benefits to stay in military recreational lodging. Here are 17 ideas to get you started with your planning.
Thu, 25 May 23 – Retiree Breakfast: 0900 at Pop’s Family Restaurant, 134 Old Gate Lane, Milford.
Thursday, 15 Jun 23 – CT Chapter AUSA Celebration of Flag Day & The Army’s 248th Birthday: 1800 at the Officers’ & Enlisted Club of Connecticut, 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105.
Registration Form at: https://info.ausa.org/l/784783/2023-05- 13/5cvf1b/784783/1684007598QrRLbIzU/2023_Army_BD_Flag_Day_Flyer.pdf
Thu, 29 Jun 23 – Retiree Breakfast: 0900 at the Hangry Goose, 11 Halls Rd, Old Lyme.
Sat, 8 Jul 23 – 192 Engineer Bn Formal Military Ball, Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa. Flyer @ 23-05
Mon, 17 Jul 23 – CT National Guard Foundation 2023 Charity Golf Outing, Chippanee Country Club, Bristol. (Save the Date flyer @ 23-04)
Thu, 27 Jul 23 – Retiree Breakfast: 0900 at Athenian Diner, 864 Washington St, Middletown.
Thu, 24 Aug 23 – Retiree Picnic at Camp Nett at Niantic. Retiree briefings 1030, meal 1200. Flyer to follow.
Thu, 24 Aug 23 – 242d Engr Bn Association summer meeting. 1130 at Camp Nett at Niantic
Thu, 31 Aug 23 – Retiree Breakfast: 0900 at Pop’s Family Restaurant, 134 Old Gate Lane, Milford.
FY23 NGACT Scholarship Announcement
National Guard Association of Connecticut 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105-3795 www.ngact.org
A Message from the Scholarship Committee of the National Guard Association of Connecticut (NGACT)
The National Guard Association of Connecticut (NGACT) proudly announces the F Y 23 Scholarship Application for NGACT members and their dependents. For a full list of those eligible to apply, please visit our website at https://www.ngact.org.
Background: NGACT was founded in 1994 as a combined officer and enlisted organization for the purpose of representing active and retired members of the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard.
NGACT was originally organized as a non-profit organization designed to serve as the collective voice of all Guard officer and enlisted personnel. Together, members share in the pride, patriotism, and vigilance that keep America strong, accomplishing together what no person could accomplish alone. This united voice helps keep the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard ready and equipped to defend our freedom and represented at the national level through the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS).
NGACT provides a means to express the wishes of its many members. In the past it has proven its value through improved benefits, modem facilities, and better equipment. Moreover, NGACT offers individual and family benefits otherwise not available; Group Insurance for members and families, annual NGACT Conference, and support services including co-sponsor of National Guard events and support of Send Off and Welcome Home Celebrations. The Scholarships program is just one of the many ways the organization gives back to the members, and recognizes its members for exceptional service and academics.
Please take a moment to review the online application at: https://www.ngact.org. Complete and return no later than 0 1 June 2023.
Three (3) $1,000 scholarships from the National Guard Association of CT. One (1) $1,000 scholarship from USAA.
Must be uploaded to website, or postmarked no later than 01 June 2023.
Best of Luck to our Applicants.
Please contact Mark Soltau for additional information at (203) 727-4379.
The Scholarship Committee
DOWNLOAD SCHOLARSHIP FLYER HERE: NGACT SCHOLARSHIPS Welcome Letter AY23 (Academic Year)
DOWNLOAD NGACT SCHOLARSHIP PAPER APPLICATION HERE: NGACT-Scholarship-Paper-Application-JUL-2023
FY22 Scholarship Awardees were presented with their check at the Scholarship Award Brunch at JFHQ:
The National Guard Association of CT State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI)
- Up to $1,000,000 coverage available*
- Members covered in combat
- Covered 24/365
- Most valid claims paid within 24 to 48 hours of receipt of proof of loss
- All military occupations covered
- Spouse and Children coverage available
- Coverage does not end and rates DO NOT go up just because you separate from the National Guard
- SSLI can be payroll deducted from drill check or AGR payroll
- All SSLI group plans cover members while serving in the Connecticut National Guard including deployment
For coverage details including eligibility, benefits, rates, exclusions, limitations and renewal provisions please contact the plan administrator tollfree at 800-633-8333.
National Guard Association of Connecticut State Sponsored Life Insurance is provided under group life insurance policies issued to the Militia Insurance Trust (MIT). The
Guardian group life policy and the Uniformed Services Benefit Association (USBA) 10, 15 and 20 year level term life policies are underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company.
DOWNLOAD FLYER HERE: SSLI FLYER
Download 23 MAY 2023 Bulletin HERE:
CT MILITARY DEPARTMENT PICNIC 2023
Thur, 24 August 2023 at “Camp Nett at Niantic”, Niantic, CT.
Cutoff for early registration is Mon, August 21st 2023
Mark your calendar
DOWNLOAD NECROLOGY LIST HERE:
Honor Flight Connecticut
A Hub of the National Honor Flight Network
Honor Flight CT recognizes American veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, DC to see THEIR memorials at no cost. Current priority is chronological by conflict (WWII, Korea and Vietnam) with special consideration given to terminally ill veterans from all wars. Guardians fly with the veterans on every flight providing assistance and helping veterans have a safe, memorable and rewarding experience.
Please note: Veterans are only eligible once for the Honor Flight experience.
Your information MUST be exactly as it appears on your ID For Airline Travel (License, Passport, Govt ID):
DOWNLOAD THE HONOR FLIGHT APPLICATION HERE:Honor Flight – HFCT Vet App
Please submit this form to:
Honor Flight Connecticut
c/o Amy Casey
26 Copperstone Lane
Madison, CT 06443
