May Themes
Memorial Day
Memorial Day was originally established three years after the Civil War ended.
On May 5, 1868, MG John A. Logan declared Memorial Day's official date to be recognized on May 30. America first observed Memorial Day as a federal holiday on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War Soldiers by proclamation of MG Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union Sailors and Soldiers.
Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. After World War I, it came to be observed in honor of those who had died in all U.S. wars, and its name changed to Memorial Day.
Source: The Origins of Memorial Day
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of May and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
Source: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Military Spouse Appreciation: Recognizing the Unsung Heroes
Military Spouses hold a unique but significant role in the life and morale of servicemembers. Many spouses work full-time, pursue education goals and maintain family dynamics while their spouse carries out their mission. For this, Military Spouse Appreciation Day was established. This day is an opportunity to show appreciation and respect for the spouses of those who have served and are serving our country.
In the United States, Military Spouse Appreciation Day is observed on the Friday preceding Mother's Day. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed National Military Spouse Appreciation Month for the first time in April of 1984. Since then, the month has provided an opportunity to commemorate Military Spouses' daily sacrifices and contributions.
Source: Military Spouse Appreciation Day: A salute to their sacrifices
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
By: Matthew Green
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the PaYS Team would like to highlight and share a story from the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) (O'ahu East), Ms. D. Noelani Kalipi. It is important to pay tribute to how Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have enriched America's history and contributed to the U.S. Army.
Ms. Kalipi has extensive experience working with the public and private sectors. Currently serving as the Chief Strategy Officer for Progression Energy, Ms. Kalipi leads the development of utility-scale renewable energy projects that specialize in floating offshore wind in Hawaii and the Pacific. She also owns a consulting firm specializing in systems planning, food security, energy security, community empowerment, and helping communities to create and implement "courageous space" for complex and emotionally charged discussions related to land use, ancestral knowledge and indigenous rights, economic development, and access to capital.
Ms. Kalipi led Kohala Institute, a nonprofit entity, managing 2,400 acres dedicated to place-based learning experiences and worked with Arizona State University to establish strategic partnerships in Hawaii. Ms. Kalipi led TiLeaf Group, a native advocacy firm, working with Native Hawaiian entities, Indian Tribes, and Alaska Native Corporations to support community-based economic development. Ms. Kalipi was privileged to work with U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka, serving as his Counsel, Military Legislative Assistant, and Minority Staff Director for the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ms. Kalipi lives in Hilo, Hawaii, with her husband Gaylen, and two daughters, Hau'oli and Ku'uipo.
Ms. Kalipi was appointed by Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormuth a new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army during a ceremony on 9 August 2021 at Fort Shafter in Honolulu, HI.
PaYS Marketer Matthew Green reached out to CASA Kalipi to ask a few questions:
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
"I am of Native Hawaiian, Okinawan, Chinese, and Portuguese descent, which reflects Hawaii's history over the past 200 years. Each of my ethnicities has shaped the way I see and interact with everything around me." She continued, "I have had the fortunate experience of living in Hawaii, where the practices and customs of these ethnicities have been blended into a 'local' way of being. This 'local' culture is grounded in the language, practices, and customs shared by Native Hawaiians that demonstrate a connection to nature (place), people (ancestors and future), and the spirit of Aloha, which embodies reciprocity, kindness, and responsibility for the future."
Who are the role models or mentors that have influenced or helped guide you?
"Senator Daniel K. Akaka and my grandparents, Kikue Correa and Jimmy Correa, are the mentors who have helped guide and influenced me. As a six-year-old, I was fortunate to meet Senator Akaka while writing nametags at his Chili Night fundraiser in Hilo. He told me I had nice penmanship and said I could work for him one day - and I did." CASA Kalipi added, "Senator Akaka, a World War II Veteran, mandated that we demonstrate the spirit of Aloha in all we do, especially in institutions where it is not always the norm, such as the United States Senate. Over and over, he showed that difficult challenges could be resolved through shared understanding and intent, with respect and kindness. I have taken the many lessons he taught me and shared them with colleagues and students." She continued, "My grandmother, Kikue Correa, taught me the importance of education and perseverance. She is the daughter of Okinawan migrants who dropped out of school to support the education of her younger siblings. Then she worked as a cafeteria cook to put eight children through school, six of whom became teachers. My grandfather, Jimmy Correa, a World War II Veteran of Native Hawaiian and Portuguese descent, taught me the importance of community. He was a respected baseball and basketball coach, coaching multiple basketball and baseball leagues." CASA Kalipi concluded, "These activities created important opportunities for players to learn lifelong lessons about teamwork, strategy, persistence, individual responsibility, and sportsmanship."
Thank you CASA Kalipi for your dedication to Veteran success in O'ahu East.
CASCOM Industry Day 
By: Velvett Jenkins and Crancena Ross
Fort Gregg- Adams, VA (formerly Ft. Lee) - For the first time since its inception in 2000, the Army PaYS Program had the opportunity to participate in the U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM) Industry Day event hosted at Army Logistics University on Fort Gregg-Adams, VA. The PaYS Program is a strategic partnership with companies across the nation that connect Veterans with companies across the nation.
Nearly 485 personnel participated in the event including 30 vendors. Of the vendors present, 10 of them are PaYS Partners to include Carmax, Richmond Police Department, Henrico Police Department, Chenega, and Huntington Ingalls Industry, amongst others. AIT Soldiers were briefed by Antonio Johnson, PaYS Program Manager, and Travis Carter, PaYS Marketing Analyst who shared their Military experiences and the benefits of the PaYS Program. Soldiers were encouraged to register for the PaYS Program on-site in efforts to set conditions for post Army career success. The PaYS Program has over 280,000 Soldiers registered. There are more than 400,000 job opportunities available with over 1,100 partner organizations who commit to hiring Veterans.
Above -Mr. Johnson briefing AIT Soldiers on Army PaYS Program benefits.
Right -Soldiers interacted with vendors to learn of job opportunities that interest them.
In addition to Industry Day, those present had the opportunity to witness the signing ceremony for the City of Hopewell where Dr. Concetta Manker, Interim City Manager, City of Hopewell and COL Latonya Jordan, Director G3/5/7, CASCOM, signed the ceremonial MOA solidifying the partnership between the City of Hopewell and the U.S. Army. COL Jordan stated, "Soldiers who take a part in PaYS, agree to fulfill their duty obligations with the opportunity to interview with five PaYS partners, and many of those partners are in the room today. I'd like to extend a heartfelt welcome to the City of Hopewell as a new U.S. Army PaYS partner."
COL Jordan added, "I know this program will provide the City of Hopewell a ready and resilient hiring pool who possess professional and tactical skills, leadership, discipline, and work ethic that will separate them from Civilian counterparts." Dr. Manker mentioned, "It is a pleasure to take part in today's ceremony as it involves something very dear to my heart, and that is taking care of Veterans. Today, the City of Hopewell publicly announced their partnership with Army PaYS and becomes part of the network of over 1,100 organizations that offer employment opportunities to transitioning Soldiers. This program will provide the City of Hopewell with highly skilled Veteran candidates."
Right -(l-r) Dr. Manker and COL Jordan hold the PaYS Certificate of Participation that symbolizes a new partnership between the City of Hopewell and the U.S. Army.
Below -CASA Flanagan shares his remarks after the signing ceremony.
Mike Flanagan, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) Virginia (South) was the guest speaker. Mr. Flanagan stated, "Today was the first time the PaYS Program has done something like this. There are close to 1,200 partners. Some of those partners are states, police departments, hospitals, and today, it is the City of Hopewell. Some of you are just starting out. There are some Warrant Officers here that are at the tail-end of their career. Whether you've been a Soldier for two years, four years, or 24 years, we feel like we owe it to you to help you transition from wearing your uniform to the uniform of the job you want. I have been in the industry side for 10 years. Industry loves Veterans. Soldiers show up on time, are mission focused, and uniquely incredible in the workplace."
This was a successful event, and we look forward to partnering with more companies and cities to increase the awareness of the PaYS Program.
Right -PaYS team members from (l-r), Thomas Parker, Project Lead, Crancena Ross, Marketing Analyst, Velvett Jenkins, Social Media Coordinator, LaQuyin Brock, Senior Marketer, Travis Carter, Marketing Analyst, Antonio Johnson, Program Manager
Visit www.armypays.com for a list of current partners and follow us on social media to keep track of events, new partners, and job postings in an area near you.
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McLeod Health Hires PaYS Soldier
By: Samuel Armstrong
McLeod Health is a hospital network serving the twelve counties of northeastern South Carolina. McLeod Health was founded in 1906. It is a locally owned, not-for-profit institution. In addition to seven acute care facilities, McLeod Health operates a home health agency, a cancer center, two urgent care facilities, a hospice service, and approximately 85 medical practices. McLeod Health has been a PaYS Partner since 2020.
Private First Class (PFC) James Powell enlisted in the Army Reserves and completed his Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Gregg- Adams, VA (formerly Ft. Lee) October 2022. PFC Powell earned the Military Occupational Specialty 92F, Petroleum Supply Specialist. He is from Modesto, CA and now resides in Sumter, SC.
McLeod Health hired PFC Powell as a Clerical Associate II, working with McLeod Physician Associates (MPA). MPA is a network of hundreds of extraordinary healthcare providers and specialists in 18 counties throughout SC. PFC Powell serves as the liaison between the patients and the doctors. He works with the patients to coordinate their care and file patient insurance.
PFC Powell joined the Army Reserves to experience travel opportunities, gain financial security, and serve the greater good. PFC Powell stated, "I forgot I registered for the PaYS Program when I enlisted in the Military. McLeod Health contacted me, and I'm happy they did. Without this opportunity with the PaYS program, I would be unemployed." He added, "A PaYS marketer in my area contacted me and connected me with the resources needed to apply for the position. I was granted a guaranteed interview and I am fortunate for this program."
PFC Powell's transition from the Army Reserves to McLeod Health was seamless. PFC Powell advises other PaYS Soldiers to "Please sign up."
Signing Ceremonies
By: PaYS Staff
Secretary of the Army Officiates four PaYS Ceremonies
Honorable Christine Wormuth, the 25th Secretary of the U.S. Army, hosted the ceremony for the Army PaYS Program with four companies during her visit to Chicago, IL. Those four companies were Chicago Transit Authority, Cook County Sheriff's Office, ABT Electronics, and BDO. The PaYS Program truly appreciates Honorable Wormuth and the representatives from each company for participating in the memorable ceremony.
Left -Hon. Christine Wormuth signs the PaYS Ceremonial Agreement.  
Chicago Transit Authority
CTA operates the Nation's second largest public transportation system and covers the City of Chicago and 35 surrounding suburbs. On an average weekday, approximately 1.6 million rides are taken on the CTA.
Right -(l-r) CSM Jason Peterson, Command Sergeant Major, Chicago Recruiting Battalion, Hon. Wormuth, Veronica Alanis, Chief Operating Officer, Chicago Transit Authority, and LTC Shane Doolan, Commander, Chicago Recruiting Battalion, pose with the PaYS Ceremonial Plaque.
Cook County Sheriff's Office
The Cook County Sheriff's Office strives to provide direction and leadership to all departments and employees in order to meet and exceed the needs of the citizens of Cook County in providing protection, rehabilitation, civil action, security, and community services.
Left -(l-r) CSM Peterson, Hon. Wormuth, Chief Leo Schmitz, Chief of Police, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and LTC Doolan proudly presents the PaYS Ceremonial Plaque.
ABT Electronics
ABT Electronics is one of the largest independent single-store appliance and electronics retailers in the country, situated on 75 acres in Glenview, IL, and employing a staff of more than 1,600 trained experts.
Today, ABT Electronics carries tens of thousands of products in a variety of categories including appliances/custom kitchens, gourmet cooking, home comfort (HVAC, power generators and sump pumps), TV and A/V, computers, furniture, mattresses, watches, fitness, and more - many of which are introduced exclusively at ABT before gaining widespread distribution.
Right -(l-r) CSM Peterson, Hon. Wormuth, Becky Stavin, HR Director, ABT Electronics, and LTC Doolan proudly presents the PaYS Ceremonial Plaque.
BDO Global
As one of the industry's largest associations of accounting and professional service firms, BDO has more than 800 independent alliance firm locations representing nearly every state and offering a comprehensive range of services. Member firms are fully autonomous yet united in how they think, collaborate and serve their clients.
Right -(l-r) CSM Peterson, Hon. Wormuth, Darin Kempke, Assurance Office Managing Partner, BDO, and LTC Doolan proudly poses with the PaYS Ceremonial Plaque.
Community Financial Services Centers - NY & NJ
Community Financial Service Centers is a third-generation, family-owned business that prides itself on being a vital part of the community, with over 200 locations nationwide. Their purpose is to provide financial services tailored to each customer and their community's needs so that each client is uniquely catered to. They offer services such as check cashing, bill payment, bitcoin services, and more.
During the ceremony MAJ Kelcey Epps, Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Battalion Executive Officer, stated, "The PaYS Program is a program that benefits all involved." Mr. Anthony Guzzi, Director of Human Resources, said, "We are extremely proud to partner with the U.S. Army PaYS Program. We look forward to welcoming our servicemen and women into the next chapter of their careers."
Right - (l-r) MAJ Kelcey Epps presents the PaYS Ceremonial Plaque to Mr. Larry Liskiewicz, Chief Operations Officer of Community Financial Service Centers.
Home City Ice
Home City Ice is an industry leading, full-service ice, Midwest based company that specializes in the manufacturing and delivery of high-quality ice. Through advanced production and filtration, family-oriented values, 24/7 service, and outstanding distribution methodologies, they strive to deliver the best possible product to fill the needs of their customers and stakeholders.
The signing ceremony was hosted by LTC Brett Gambacorta, Commander, Columbus Recruiting Battalion and Tommy Sedler, Owner/Treasurer, Home City Ice, was in attendance. During the ceremony, Mr. Sedler stated, "We are a family ran business and very honored to welcome our Veterans into our organization as family."
After Mr. Sedler and LTC Gambacorta signed the ceremonial agreement, a cake-cutting and reception were held where LTC Gamborcota stated, "Recruiters cannot make the recruiting mission on their own, we need partnerships like Home City Ice that brings a proud past and a promising future, much like the Army."
Right - (l-r) Mr. Sedler accepts the PaYS Ceremonial Plaque from LTC Gambacorta to solidify the partnership.
Wintrust Corporation and Quality Custom Distribution
Wintrust is a financial holding company in the United States that operates 15 chartered community banks in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. They provide traditional retail and commercial banking services, as well as wealth management services, commercial and life insurance premium financing, and certain treasury management services such as data processing of payrolls and billings.
Quality Custom Distribution (QCD) was established in 2006 as a division of Golden State Foods. QCD provides custom distribution services to iconic customers throughout the United States.
 QCD is value-based and services thousands of restaurants throughout the U.S. Today, QCD provides over 17,000 deliveries a week from 24 Distribution Centers strategically located throughout the country. The company and associates also support the GSF Foundation for Kids, a non-profit organization to help children and families in need.
GEN Brito stated, "What I can almost guarantee, you will get a young man or woman regardless of how many years that they served, who is fit, who is disciplined, has a great work ethic and wants to make change every single day better for your organization. From a business perspective, this is going to go well for you and the community."
Right - (l-r) Tim Crane, President, Wintrust Financial Corp., GEN Gary Brito, Commanding General, TRADOC, and Roger Prahl, General Manager Quality Custom Distribution sign the agreement for partnership.
Left - (l-r) Mr. Crane, GEN Brito, and Mr. Prahl after solidifying the company’s partnership with the Army PaYS Program.
ABM Industries
ABM is a facility management company that provides custom facility solutions for clients across Aviation, Banking, Life Sciences, Commercial Office Buildings, Real Estate, Education, Food and Beverage, Government, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Nuclear Power, Parking, Retail, Sports, Technology, Warehousing and more.
Following the ceremony, Mr. Winrich stated, "ABM Industries is proud to partner with the U.S. Army via the PaYS Program. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the Army PaYS Program."
LTC Ramirez-Scott commented, "I serve today to give back to our communities, and I am dedicated to making our Military better for our next generation! So, today I am excited to have this opportunity to expand our Military community and be a part of history bridging the partnership between the U.S. Army and ABM Industries."
Right - LTC Ramirez-Scott presents the ceremonial PaYS Plaque to Mr. Winrich after signing the Memorandum of Agreement, finalizing the partnership.
A Big Thank You to these Partners Celebrating their May PaYS Anniversaries:
Ruan Transportation Mgt. Sys. Inc. 6-May-02
Johns Hopkins Hospital/Health Systems 13-May-02
New York City Police Dept. 2-May-03
Stewart & Stevenson (Currently BAE Systems-NOV 07) 8-May-03
Arizona Dept. of Public Safety 9-May-03
Ohio State Highway Patrol 20-May-03
Vermont State Police 20-May-03
Benning Construction Company 20-May-03
City of Harrisburg, PA 28-May-03
D. M. Bowman, Inc. 2-May-04
Cincinnati Police Department 2-May-04
Cintas Corporation 2-May-04
Walgreen Co. 3-May-04
Bell Ambulance, Inc. 6-May-05
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office 16-May-05
City of Cambridge Massachusetts 24-May-05
San Diego County Sheriff's Dept. 3-May-06
Turner Corporation 3-May-06
Infotech Solutions DBA Avysion IT 3-May-06
Critical Intervention Services, Inc. 22-May-06
Houston Police Department 22-May-06
Scotts LawnService 22-May-06
Ring Power Corporation 31-May-07
Eastman Chemical Company 31-May-07
Dresser - Rand 14-May-09
Centro Medico del Turabo, Inc. 3-May-10
Casey's General Store, Inc. 10-May-10
City of Chicago 5-May-10
City of Indianapolis 18-May-10
Cleveland County Sheriff's Office 18-May-11
Banner Health 18-May-11
Patrick Cudahy, Inc. 18-May-11
Time Customer Service, Inc. 18-May-11
Aaron's, Inc. 25-May-11
McDonald's Restaurants of Hawaii, Inc. 2-May-12
The Los Angeles Film School 2-May-12
Bridgepoint Education 9-May-12
Quicken Loans 18-May-12
Cuyahoga County 30-May-12
Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) 12-May-14
MOAC Mall Holdings, LLC 1-May-14
Kappler, Inc. 1-May-14
Prairie Quest Consulting (PQC) 5-May-14
Interstates Construction Services, Inc. 14-May-15
Monster Worldwide Incorporated 26-May-15
JLB Trucking Company, Inc. 30-May-15
Price Pump 30-May-15
84 Lumber 27-May-15
Global Aviation Services 9-May-16
AlliedBarton Security Services 9-May-16
First Data Corporation 2-May-18
One World Logistics, Inc. 2-May-18
North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center 1-May-19
Eden Senior Care, LLC 1-May-19
Rockdale County Sheriff's Office 10-May-19
State of New Hampshire 10-May-19
Aetos System 20-May-19
7-Eleven 20-May-19
TDIndustries 20-May-19
ABF Freight System Inc. 20-May-19
Charter Communication d.b.a. Spectrum 28-May-19
Michigan Department of State Police 28-May-19
Estes Express Lines 11-May-20
The Cooper Health System 20-May-20
Littlefield Investment Company 20-May-20
Covenant Transport 20-May-20
Ponsse North America, Inc. 20-May-20
Altice USA 31-May-20
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota 20-May-21
UPMC Health Plan 6-May-22
Door and Window Guard Systems, Inc. 19-May-22
Avenue5 Residential LLC 24-May-02
Cook County Sheriff's Office 26-May-22
State of South Carolina 26-May-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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