Veteran Association of the First Corps of Cadets and Museum

03/30/2021

U.S. Army

U.S. Army

March 29th is #NationalVietnamVeteransDay.

Today we recognize all Veterans who served during this conflict. Join us in saluting and thanking them for their service.

#ServeWithHonor | #ArmyValues | #Veterans

03/24/2021

📢 Our online shop is back up and running! 🛍️ You’ll find #books about military #history, #postcards with historical images, mugs, decals, and more!

Visit VAFCC.org to browse the #museumstore and show your support for the VAFCC.

03/20/2021

Curator's Corner Episode 3

Join Craig W.C. Brown Curator Michelle Abrams for a quick historical chat about the Cadets' famous white uniform!

03/17/2021

One can never have too much MP green. Happy Saint Patrick's Day !

03/15/2021

We’ve called in reinforcements for our IT team! 👩‍💻

Petty Officer Drake (who you may remember from the 2019 New England Museum Association conference) is helping us get our ducks in a row for the next installments of Curator’s Corner as we wait for SGT Mallard to arrive. 🦆🦆

#MuseumMonday #Monday #History #videoediting #rubberducks #tech #teamwork #militarymuseum

03/08/2021

U.S. Army

Happy International Women's Day!

Today is International Women's Day.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Leah Kilpatrick narrates her original poem, 'HERstory of Greatness,' recognizing trailblazing women.

#SoldierStory | #ChoosetoChallenge |#IWD2021

03/05/2021

🎥 We are excited to announce that we have new filming equipment! We apologize for the delay in bringing you the next installment of Curator's Corner as our staff sets up the new technology. 👩🏻‍💻

Thank you for your patience!

02/22/2021

Craig W.C. Brown Curator Michelle Abrams will #dressitup a bit during this week’s installment of Curator’s Corner, highlighting a uniform from the 1870s (much like the one pictured here).

See you on Friday!

#history #museum #museummonday

02/15/2021

📅 Don't forget! 📚

On Thursday evening, Captain Jonathan D. Bratten will discuss his recently published book, "To The Last Man," about the Maine National Guard’s “103rd Infantry Regiment, and their mobilization, training, and wartime experiences during the Great War.”

This virtual event is FREE!

Attendees must register in advance: https://www.vafcc.org/rsvp-form

#bookstagram #book #author #history #wwi #militaryhistory #authortalk #reading #educational #maine #newengland

02/08/2021

Join the VAFCC and Captain Jonathan D. Bratten on February 18th at 6pm for a virtual evening of military history.

Captain Bratten will discuss his recently published book, "To The Last Man," about the Maine National Guard’s “103rd Infantry Regiment, and their mobilization, training, and wartime experiences during the Great War.”

The event is FREE!

Attendees must register in advance: https://www.vafcc.org/rsvp-form

Captain Jonathan D. Bratten is an engineer officer and National Guard historian from Maine.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐

More about the book: Historian and Army Captain Jonathan Bratten provides the rich history of a Maine National Guard unit, the 103rd Infantry Regiment, and their mobilization, training, and wartime experiences during the Great War. Lessons exist throughout the book and Bratten's storytelling brings to life America's relationship with World War I in the stories of men who left the comforts of home and traveled to the other side of the earth to fight "to the last man."

A Combat Studies Institute Press publication.

#bookstagram #book #author #history #wwi #militaryhistory #authortalk #reading #educational #maine #newengland

02/05/2021

Curator's Corner Episode 2

🚗 Take a trip back to 1919 with Craig W.C. Brown Curator Michelle Abrams and learn about some of the Corps’ municipal work during the Boston Police strike!

Today we’re looking at a Parking Ticket 🎫 from the museum collection.

#history #cars #boston #citylife #thenandnow #museum

02/04/2021

Massachusetts National Guard — The Nation's First

WASHINGTON – Following a long tradition of answering the nation’s call, more than 500 members of the Massachusetts National Guard recently arrived safely in Washington as part of Task Force Freedom.

The task force is there in support of civil authorities, which includes local and federal law enforcement and the District of Columbia National Guard.

Col. Peter Fiorentino, the task force commander, addressed the troops after they arrived at the District of Columbia Armory where he stressed the importance of this high-visibility mission and reminded the troops to remain professional, work together and be safe during the month-long mission.

He also added his appreciation for their sacrifice and dedication to the mission.

“I appreciate everyone who came down to do this,” Fiorentino said, adding this is a tremendous opportunity to help safeguard key landmarks while learning more about the nation’s capital.

The task force is slated to provide mission command and support for about 700 personnel, including Massachusetts Soldiers from military police, engineering, transportation, quartermaster and medical elements; Massachusetts Airmen from maintenance and security forces elements; and roughly 100 Vermont Soldiers from cavalry and support units.

As the Massachusetts Guard units in the task force get used to working with each other, leaders eagerly collaborated to spread the wealth of knowledge within the ranks.

2nd Lt. Even Andrade, a platoon leader with the 772nd Military Police Company, said he is working with his counterpart, 1st Lt. Chris Babas, a platoon leader with the 182nd Engineer Company, to cross-train Soldiers in the two units.

Andrade said military police will help train other Soldiers to get them ready to aid local and federal law enforcement, including members of the U.S. Secret Service. He anticipated they will all understand the importance of using the correct posture and professionalism expected on this mission.

“We got the right people in place,” Andrade said.

Staff Sgt. Paul Salmi, of the 110th Maintenance Company, said the troops are excited about the mission and are extremely motivated.

“I see smiles behind the masks,” Salmi said.

Members of the National Guard carry on a tradition of service which began in 1636 when the Massachusetts Bay Colony General Court established the militia, which mustered the following year and later fought during the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War and were involved in every major conflict through the ongoing Global War on Terrorism.

Additionally, the National Guard is frequently activated to respond to state emergencies, including floods, ice storms, hurricanes and other incidents around the nation.

Story By U.S. Army Capt. John Quinn

02/01/2021

On this #snowy first Day of February, we’re thinking about the Corps’ history of assisting #Boston police to keep daily operations running smoothly and ensure the safety of our city’s residents. Friday’s installment of Curator’s Corner will feature a possibly unexpected #memento from one of these moments in First Corps #history.

#museummonday #museum #militaryhistory #militarymuseum

01/28/2021

On Monday we asked what color coats the Cadets adopted in 1776 to distinguish themselves from British soldiers. The answer? Black coats with red facings! But why did the Cadets make this change?

In 1772, John Hancock became commander of the Cadets (then known as the Independent Company of Cadets) and adopted red coats with buff facings. Following disagreements with the British Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Gage, Hancock was dismissed in 1774 and his loyal Cadets disbanded in outrage. While there was no formal Cadet company fighting in the Lexington and Boston campaigns of 1775, some members of the company joined the American forces during these battles and assisted in the March 1776 evacuation of Boston. By the summer of 1776 the Independent Company of Cadets reformed, adopting the black coats with red facings. By this time, Hancock was President of the Continental Congress and accepted an honorary role of colonel while Henry Jackson stepped in as acting Captain.

Since today is #LegoDay, we are sharing some images of Brickmania historical lego sets featuring American and British troops from the Revolutionary War. To see more of their custom historical military Lego sets, find them on social media or visit their website https://www.brickmania.com/!

#history #revolutionarywar #military #museum

01/25/2021

Time for some First Corps Historical #Trivia! Today we have a little question about cadet uniforms which will be answered later in the week:

What color coats did the Independent Company of Cadets (the predecessor company to the First Corps) adopt in 1776 after rejecting the original red uniforms which resembled British “Redcoat” uniforms?

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this question and some additional #RevolutionaryWar era FCC #history !
#MuseumMonday #military #18thcentury #museum

01/23/2021

Bernie what are you doing in our Archives?! You can hang out with the boys later!
#berniemittens #sittingwithsanders #BernieMemes #funwithhistory #memesaturday

01/22/2021

Curator's Corner Episode 1

#HappyFriday everyone! We’re back after an eventful week (and despite technical difficulties) with our much-anticipated first installment of Curator’s Corner! We hope you enjoy Ms. Abrams’ video about the combination fork, knife, and spoon #tool, lovingly known as “the #spork” here at the First Corps #Museum.

01/18/2021

Massachusetts National Guard — The Nation's First

BOSTON — Lt. Col. Bryan Pillai, Massachusetts National Guard, is interviewed by Christina Hager, reporter with CBS Boston WBZ 4, Jan. 18, 2021. The Massachusetts National Guard was activated by Governor Baker in the event municipal leaders required support to protect opportunities to exercise first amendment rights and maintain public safety.
(Massachusetts National Guard photo by Lt Col. Rick Biedermann)

01/15/2021

211th Military Police Battalion

Good job Soldiers!

Monstrat Viam! #MPsLeadTheWay

01/13/2021

Forwarded from 26th Yankee Brigade

An important message to the force from The Joint Staff. This message was sent to JBLM from the Pentagon on Jan. 12. The official announcement is available athttps://jsportal.sp.pentagon.mil/SiteCollectionDocuments/CJCJC_Memo_to_The_Force_20210112.pdf but requires a CAC card.

01/11/2021

📢 We have a special #MuseumMonday announcement! 📚

This Friday marks the beginning of a new VAFCC Museum #vlog series called “Curator’s Corner,” hosted by our very own Craig W.C. Brown Curator Michelle Abrams.

Ms. Abrams’ videos will showcase museum objects and answer questions from the community about behind-the-scenes work involved in curating exhibits and caring for #museum collections. This week’s installment will feature the combination fork, knife, and spoon #tool seen here.

#CuratorsCorner videos will be posted weekly to social media and the VAFCC website. Check back on Friday afternoon for the first installment!

01/04/2021

VAFCC Members! Please check your email for an email containing our Digital Content Questionnaire! We really appreciate your help during this unusual time. Didn't receive the email? Let us know and we can send it!

12/23/2020

On the 12th day of Christmas
my Museum gave to me:
12 Artifact Boxes
11 Temperature Checks
10 Clorox Tubes
9 Cups of coffee
8 Purell jugs
7 Activations
6 Feet of distance
5 CDC Guidelines!
4 Live Lessons
3 Virtual Tours
2 Mask Boxes
and a Museum Closure Again!
Monstrat Viam!

12/15/2020

Covid-19 Update

12/14/2020

Great job!

#protectionpartershipprogram #partnerships #dualcareer #setupforsuccess #militarypolicetopoliceofficer

Increasing Civilian Career Opportunities

Story and photos by Sgt. Tricia Andriski, Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs

Massachusetts National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have a unique opportunity available to them to advance their skills and civilian career opportunities. The Protection Partnership Program, offered at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree, Mass., provides a leap forward for military police and security forces to land a career as a civilian police officer.
The level of training that the graduates receive will put them at a great advantage when applying for police jobs. Gaining military experience and completing the full-time academy training is a career path that often takes years to complete. With the assistance of the partnership program, there is now a clearer and easier path for military police or security forces members to become dual-career, civilian police officers.
“It just sets you up for success,” said Staff Sgt. Darrell Kretchmar of the @104th Security Forces in Westfield, Mass.
The opportunity to complete the program will enable Kretchmar to have more job opportunities after he graduates.
“I started applying to departments two years ago. Even with my military background, even being a veteran, there were guys ahead of me, guys with a full-time academy,” said Kretchmar.
The training helps improve military readiness and mission success at home and abroad.
Gina Pedro, a second lieutenant with the 972nd Military Police Company from Reading, Mass., graduated from the program earlier this year. Pedro feels that being in the military while going through the partnership program can create a more focused experience for recruits.
“These recruits already have a lot of skills, they already have discipline. You can spend more time on classroom and tactics and things that are really important to becoming a police officer,” Pedro said.
Before enrolling in the program, Pedro was waiting on the civil service list to attain a police job for several years. Being able to complete the program allowed her to get the training she needed to become a police officer.
“It was a life changing experience,” said Pedro about how the program accelerated her career.
After graduation she was hired as a full-time police officer at Boston University.
Looking back, Pedro says that the majority of her class was able to find jobs immediately after graduation.
The benefits of the program also extend beyond the individuals attending.
“In addition to National Guard members, the program also benefits taxpayers,” said Lt. Col. Bryan Pillai, the battalion commander of the 211th Military Police Battalion.
“Training paid for once with government dollars now counts twice, with instruction at the US Army Military Police School and U.S. Air Force Security Forces Center credited towards the Commonwealth’s certification requirements,” said Pillai.
“Municipalities are provided the opportunity to hire police officers who, because of their dual-career in the National Guard, have a strong background with a security clearance and are physically fit, medically ready, service-oriented, and community-based. Moreover, cities and towns don’t have to pay the training costs normally associated with a newly hired police professional, representing a significant financial and time savings that gets highly qualified police officers on the street quickly,” said Pillai.

Community leaders interested in hiring a program graduate are encouraged to contact the Massachusetts National Guard for more information and members of the public interested in becoming a part of a successful team and taking part in the Protection Partnership Program should visit the careers tab at www.massnationalguard.org.

211th Military Police Battalion
104th Fighter Wing

12/13/2020

U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

Happy Birthday National Guard!

Happy 384th birthday, The National Guard! As the oldest military force in the DOD, we salute you. #Guard384

12/12/2020

Video 1: "The Nation's First: A History of the Massachusetts National Guard" Exhibit.

Looks great!

Learn about the Exhibit "The Nation's First: A History of the Massachusetts National Guard at the Salem Armory Visitors Center in Salem, Mass.

12/07/2020

Today we remember the lives lost during the attack of Pearl Harbor base on Oahu Hawaii. "December 7th, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." Pres. F.D. Roosevelt.

12/02/2020

This #waybackwednsday Kilroy wants to remind you to shop at the Museum Store this holiday season! There are books, mugs, postcards, coasters and more! All purchases support the museum directly. #Shop below! https://www.vafcc.org/museum-store

12/01/2020

Veteran Association of the First Corps of Cadets

#givingtuesday update! So far thanks to your generous donations we have raised $100! Let's keep it going to hit our goal of $1000! Every donation goes straight to the museum and supports our mission of preservation, education, and exhibition. Donate here: https://www.vafcc.org/donations

Help us in our mission!

12/01/2020

This #GivingTuesday we at the Museum hope to have your gift of a donation especially during this time of COVID-19. As we run off of donations, your gift goes to the museum to support it's mission of preservation, education, & exhibition. Please donate here http://ow.ly/VgSO50Czq3H

11/27/2020

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Massachusetts National Guard!
#Thanksgiving2020