From 18th-century music to 21st-century leaders: RI hosts National Muster and Young Marines

This week, let’s catch up on recent happenings in Rhode Island.

Young Marines run National Leadership Academy in Newport

When we launched our effort to bring the aircraft carrier Saratoga into Narragansett Bay in 1998, one of the very first groups to volunteer support was Mike Isherwood‘s contingent of Young Marines. (The Young Marines is a national youth organization for boys and girls from age 8 through high school graduation.)

For a number of years, we were lucky to have their active and enthusiastic participation at all our events – rain or shine, day or night. They provided color guards at ceremonies, marching units for parades and staffing at events – such as the Quonset State Air Show, fairs, and seafood and arts festivals.

As such, that group has always held a special place in my memory.

In July, Naval Station Newport hosted the week-long National Leadership Academy of the Young Marines. More than 50 young men and women representing some 25 states and the District of Columbia participated in the organization’s Advanced Leadership School (ALS) or Senior Leadership School (SLS).

The 2024 graduation of the Leadership Academy took place in Newport on Saturday, July 20. The keynote speaker was Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, the 20th sergeant major of the Marine Corps.

Fort Adams hosts National Muster of Fifes & Drums

On Aug. 9 and 10, the Kentish Guards Fife & Drum Corps and the Pawtuxet Rangers celebrated their 250th anniversaries by hosting the National Muster of Fifes & Drums at historic Fort Adams in Newport . Bad weather caused the cancellation of all camping and the Friday night Tattoo, so Plan B went into effect.

The four corps that would have performed at the Tattoo reformed at the Kentish Guards Armory in East Greenwich : the Argovia Rebels from Switzerland, The Old Guard Fifes & Drums of the 3rd U.S. Infantry, Plymouth Fifes & Drums from Michigan and the Bristol County Fife & Drums. This turned into a great evening of food, fun and fellowship, which ended with a jam session on the lawn of the nearby Varnum House.

Picture-perfect weather greeted the participants on Saturday morning. The muster began with a parade led by the 88th Army Band of the Rhode Island National Guard. Each of the 35 participating fife & drum corps was introduced, and an impressive group of local dignitaries kicked off the event.

Rhode Island’s entire congressional delegation attended: Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, along with U.S. Reps. Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo. Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore’s remarks focused on the role of the Rhode Island 250 Commission as a major sponsor. Additional remarks followed from Maj. Gen. Chris Callahan, the Rhode Island adjutant general, and Newport Mayor Xaykham  Khamsyvoravong. The opening ceremony concluded with the national anthem and a C-130 flyover.

The musical program began with presentations by the hosts, the Kentish Guards and Pawtuxet Rangers. The muster continued with each corps performing in turn. The Old Guard put on an impressive demonstration of precision marching and music. After five hours of performances, an informal jam session lasted well into the night.

Announcements

Naval Station Newport to host annual Salute to Summer Concert and Fireworks Show on Aug. 24

Last year’s event drew more than 8,600 people to the base, and this year’s estimates are for slightly more. Activities and music will begin at 2 p.m. for the military community members and their families. The installation will be open to the public starting at 4 p.m., and admission is free.

The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.

No pets are allowed other than service animals. Visitors may not bring coolers, outside food and drink, or glass bottles or containers, but a dozen or so food trucks and vendors will provide meals, snacks and beverages. Visitors are welcome to bring folding chairs, blankets and appropriate gear to help make their day more comfortable and enjoyable.

Providence Vet Center offers scuba diving and certification

Veterans who are already open-water certified can contact the Vet Center (401-739-0167) to join a dive group. If you would like to get certified, the Vet Center is working with Operation Blue Pride to provide the necessary instruction. Veterans who would like to complete their diving certification, brush up with a refresher course or receive additional diving certification instruction should sign up through the Operation Blue Pride website at operationbluepride.org .

Button Hole Golf Course continues veterans golf clinics

All veterans, active service members and immediate family members are welcome.  There is no charge for the golf clinics, golf equipment or the food that follows. Two “ParaMobile” golf carts are also available. Remaining 2024 schedule (All Thursdays): Aug. 22, Sept. 12, Sept. 26 and Oct. 10.

Join Button Hole for one clinic or as many as you can attend; they are open to players of all experience levels. To participate, email Dwright@buttonhole.org so they have a head count for the food. If transportation is an issue, call Don Wright at (401) 421-1664.

Also: Veterans can use the range or play nine holes at no charge on any Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. Simply sign in at the Pro Shop.

RI Model Rocketry Association (RIMRA) to host workshop for veterans

RIMRA will host its second annual Veterans Rocket Building Workshop at the Providence VA Medical Center (830 Chalkstone Ave. in Providence) on Saturday, Oct. 12 .  Rocket kits, motors and building supplies for the workshop have been donated by Aerocyonics Inc. and Hoffman Engineering Inc. This popular event filled up quickly last year, so interested veterans and family members should register as soon as possible. Capacity is limited, so sign up by emailing lucy.DiMase@va.gov by Sept. 30 to secure your spot. RIMRA also seeks volunteers for this workshop to assist veterans who may not have experience building rockets. If you can help, email daniel.DiMase@Aerocyonics.com .

New hirings will strengthen services to the veteran community

U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, D-RI, announced the July hiring of Fred McLin as the new veterans’ caseworker and community liaison in the Pawtucket office. He will focus his efforts on helping constituents who need assistance with the VA or any of the service branches.

Director Kasim Yarn recently announced the appointment of Parker Gavigan to the state Department of Veterans Services as the planning, policy and communications administrator. Gavigan spent 17 years as an investigative journalist for TV news, and he is a recipient of the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award. His most recent position was director of communications for the Providence City Council.

“I’m excited to join Rhode Island's Department of Veterans Services and help the dedicated team with communications, strategy, and policy,” said Gavigan. “What an inspiring mission to assist veterans and their families!”

Calendar

Tuesday, Aug. 27; 6 to 8 p.m.; International Museum of World War II to host bestselling WWII author Alex Kershaw, 344 Main St., South Kingstown. Kershaw will discuss his latest book, “Patton’s Prayer.” It tells the story of Gen. George Patton’s composition of a prayer asking for good weather during the Battle of the Bulge. Tim Gray, president of The World War II Foundation , says, "Alex is one of the top WWII authors in the world.” Admission is free, but space is limited. Attendees must reserve a spot online on Eventbrite.com ; search “Alex Kershaw Rhode Island.” For more information, call Thom Brassil at the museum: (401) 580-9622.

Saturday, Sept. 7, 1 to 3 p.m., State Amvets Steak Fry, Amvets Post 7, 842 Social St., Woonsocket. Event is open to the public. Cost is $25 per person. Please RSVP no later than Aug. 31. To sign up, make your check payable to Rhode Island Amvets and mail to 842 Social St., Woonsocket, 02895.  Questions? Call Brian Camara at (401) 488-3087, call the post at (401) 762-9748, or email bcamara34@hotmail.com .

Thursday, Sept. 12, 4:30 to 7 p.m., annual surfcasting event with the Narragansett Surfcasters, Scarborough Beach, Narragansett. Narragansett Surf Casters (NSC) and the state Department of Environmental Management will partner with the Vet Center to teach surfcasting skills to 20 veterans. NSC volunteers will partner with participating vets and provide personal instruction. They will also provide all necessary equipment. This event is limited to 20 participants, so sign up early by calling the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or by emailing edward.smith6@va.gov .

Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Veterans Resource Fair at Schofield Armory, 705 New London Ave., Cranston. Organized by Ocean State Unit 118 of Military Women Across the Nation, the event is open to all veterans and their families. Representatives from various providers, such as the VA , VA Hospital, and Social Security, will provide information and answer questions. For details, call retired Col. Patty Ryan at (401) 369-1280 or email her at chefpatty100@gmail.com .

Friday, Sept. 20, 1 to 5 p.m., Reunion: 243d Engineer Battalion R.I. Army National Guard; at Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Post 2812, 1418 Plainfield Pike, Cranston. Italian buffet, $25 per person, cash bar. Come join us for food, friendship and fun! Bring your mementos and photos. RSVP no later than Sept. 10. To sign up, make your check payable to Ray Laprad and mail it along with your contact details (including phone number and email address) to: 243d Engr Bn Reunion Fund, 33 Northampton St., Warwick, RI 02888. Questions?  Email raylaprad@hotmail.com .

Veterans Voice, our column detailing veterans stories, issues and community events will run every other week. To report the outcome of a previous activity, or to add a future event to our calendar, please be aware that the deadline for this Monday column is 5 p.m. the previous Wednesday. Email your details (including a contact name and phone number/email address) to veteranscolumn@providencejournal.com .

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: From 18th-century music to 21st-century leaders: RI hosts National Muster and Young Marines