Rhode Island National Guard

Chief Warrant Officer 3 David E. Powers retired after more than 26 years of dedicated service as a warrant officer and aviator in the Rhode Island Army National Guard.

Throughout his career, Powers’ leadership, professionalism, and commitment to aviation and safety played a vital role in mission success and, most importantly, the safety of our Soldiers.

In recognition of his outstanding service, Powers was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Rhode Island Star.

The Rhode Island Army Aviation and Safety community, along with the entire Rhode Island National Guard, extends our sincere gratitude for more than two decades of dedicated service. Congratulations on a remarkable career, CW3 Powers, and best wishes to you and your family in retirement. Thank you for your service!

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Terry Rajsombath)

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Members of the Rhode Island National Guard attended the graduation ceremony for the International Maritime Staff Operators Course 2026-02, held at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, on Sept. 24, 2026.

The ceremony recognized 20 international students representing 15 nations who successfully completed the course, including two Rhode Island National Guard State Partnership Program partners from The Bahamas Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF): LCDR James Cox and LT Reynaldo Farquharson.

Representing the Rhode Island National Guard were Brig. Gen. Thomas Hannon, Director of the Joint Staff; Maj. Bradford Barco, State Partnership Program Director, Maj. Richard McMahon, Incoming Bahamas Bilateral Affairs Officer and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert Hewett, Command Chief Warrant Officer.

International professional military education provides an important opportunity for military leaders from partner nations to strengthen relationships, exchange knowledge, and enhance interoperability. The participation and graduation of RBDF officers further demonstrates the enduring partnership between Rhode Island and The Bahamas and our continued commitment to supporting our partner nation through meaningful military-to-military engagement.

Congratulations to LCDR Cox and LT Farquharson on this significant accomplishment, and to all 20 graduates on successfully completing the International Maritime Staff Operators Course.

(Photos courtesy of Maj. Bradford Barco)

Members of the Rhode Island National Guard join veterans, community leaders and distinguished guests at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery for a flag-raising ceremony, honoring the service and legacy of Cabo Verdean-American veterans, on Sept. 30, 2026, Exeter, R.I.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Cabo Verde, Francisco Carvalho, and an official delegation from Cabo Verde attended the ceremony, where the flags of the United States and Cabo Verde were raised together at the Cape Verdean Veterans Memorial. Formerly known internationally as Cape Verde, the nation officially renamed “Cabo Verde” for international use in 2013.

The memorial is the first of its kind in the nation to honor U.S. military members of Cabo Verdean descent. Generations of Cabo Verdean-Americans have answered the call to serve, and some have paid the ultimate price in defense of the nation. Their service and sacrifice are part of America’s history and the history of the Cabo Verdean-American community.

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Terry Rajsombath)

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The rivalry returns to the ice for the 2027 Adjutant General’s Cup! 🏒

Join us Jan. 10 as the Rhode Island Army National Guard and Rhode Island Air National Guard take to the ice for an evening of friendly rivalry, competition and camaraderie.

📅 Jan. 10, 2027
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
📍 Schneider Arena at Providence College

Come out, support the teams and see who takes home the 2027 Adjutant General’s Cup!

Congratulations to SGM Costantino Natale on his promotion on September 25, 2026, in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

SGM Natale will now serve as the Operations Sergeant Major of the 118th Military Police Battalion. This promotion marks an important milestone in his military career and reflects his continued dedication to leadership, service, and the Soldiers of the Rhode Island National Guard. SGM Natale has had a storied career serving the Rhode Island National Guard and most recently served as the 1st Sergeant for HHD of Rhode Island National Guard JFHQ. We also thank his family for their continued service and sacrifice to the organization.

Congratulations, Sergeant Major, and best wishes in your new role!

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Capt. Alexandra Curtis)

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200464993@N06/albums/72177720335900058/" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/200464993@N06/albums/72177720335900058/

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Mark R. DeSouza completed his final flight with the Rhode Island Army National Guard at Quonset Air National Guard Base on Sept. 23, 2026, closing out a career spanning nearly 40 years of military service with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and Rhode Island Army National Guard.

Over the course of his career, DeSouza accumulated more than 10,000 flight hours, deployed overseas five times, including three combat deployments to Iraq, and served the Army Aviation community as a master Army aviator, instructor pilot, instrument examiner, maintenance test pilot and aviation safety officer.

Following his final landing, family, friends and fellow Soldiers were waiting on the flight line to give him a proper send-off, popping bottles in a way only custom to final flight celebrations.

Congratulations, CW5 DeSouza, on an incredible career of service and leadership. We wish you and your family nothing but the best in the next chapter. Clear skies and safe travels, Chief!

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Terry Rajsombath)

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Members of the Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard came together Saturday for a soccer match, bringing some friendly competition and camaraderie to Centreville Bank Stadium, Pawtucket, R.I.

After a hard-fought match from both sides, the Air National Guard came away with a 3–2 victory successfully defending their title as champions.

Events like these give our Soldiers and Airmen a chance to build connections, strengthen teamwork and enjoy some well-earned competition outside of the mission.

Thank you to everyone who played, supported and helped make the game possible.

(U.S. Air National Guard photos by Tech. Sgt. Tyler Donley)

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Members of 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, held a retirement ceremony for Sgt. 1st Class Alan Potter.

Potter’s military journey began in 1986 when he joined the U.S. Navy. After a 10-year break in service, he returned to the military in 1996, beginning what would become a long career with the Rhode Island National Guard.

Throughout his career, Potter supported countless missions and estimates he pumped approximately 2.5 million gallons of fuel, helping keep aircraft flying and Soldiers and aircrews moving. Along the way, he became known as a trusted teammate and mentor, building friendships and passing down lessons to the Soldiers who served alongside him.

Potter carried advice from his father throughout his life: Whatever you do, give it 110 percent. Later in his military career, a senior officer gave him another piece of advice: “Always leave a legacy.”

After decades of service spanning the Navy and Rhode Island National Guard, Potter leaves behind a legacy measured not only by the missions he supported, but by the Soldiers he trained, mentored and influenced along the way.

Congratulations, Sgt. 1st Class Potter, on your retirement. Thank you for your many years of honorable and dedicated service, and best wishes as you begin this next chapter.

(Courtesy photos of Sgt. 1st Class Potter’s family and members of the 126th Aviation Regiment)

The Rhode Island National Guard extends our sincere thanks to the City of Wilmington, Delaware National Guard and event organizer Bill Knightly for honoring the Soldiers of the First Rhode Island Regiment who fought during the Revolutionary War and now rest at Wilmington-Brandywine Cemetery.

We are grateful for the opportunity to join the Delaware National Guard and the Wilmington community in remembering these Soldiers and ensuring their service and sacrifice are not forgotten.

Thank you for preserving this important piece of Rhode Island, Delaware and American history, and for honoring those who served more than two centuries ago.