A Year in the Guard - 2024

A Commemorative issue celebrating the National Guard's 388th Anniversary. It was distributed at the Birthday Gala held on Dec. 7, 2024 at the Washington Hilton in Washington D.C.

RTX salutes you Congratulations to the National Guard of the United States for defending U.S. interests globally for 388 years. We are honored to support this legacy and work together to connect and protect our world. Learn more at rtx.com

HAPPY 388 TH BIRTHDAY

The history of the National Guard began Dec. 13, 1636, when the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony ordered the organization of militia companies into three regiments: The North, South and East Regiments. The first muster of the East Regiment took place in Salem, Massachusetts. The colonists adopted the English militia system which obligated all males, between the ages of 16 and 60, to possess arms and participate in the defense of the community. The militia drilled once a week and provided guard details each evening to sound the alarm in case of attack. The National Guard continues its historic mission of providing units for the first-line defense of the nation, and recently celebrated 388 years of proud service to the nation.

2021 COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE 385 YEARS OF SERVICE A YEAR IN THE GUARD 2024 COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE 388 YEARS OF SERVICE

CONTRIBUTING STAFF: BG (Ret) Timothy Wojtecki, President, USFAA MMC LTC Antonio J. Barroso, Vice President USFAA MMC Ms. Shirley G. Artis, ARNG NGB, USFAA MMC MAJ Bryan Shapow, USFAA MMC

CONTRIBUTING STAFF: Shirley G. Artis, CIV USA NGB MAJ Stephan Toussaint, ARNG NGB NGB Gala Planning Committee

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island

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USFAA Minuteman Cannoneers Chapter Alabama Alaska Arizona

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Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas

South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Virgin Islands Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming The National Guard Song

Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan

Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska

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ALABAMA

Alabama Air Guard Showcases Communications Capabilities By Capt. Michael Luangkhot 187th Fighter Wing PMONTGOMERY, Ala. – The 226th Combat Communications Group, Alabama Air National Guard, conducted a large-scale contested environment exercise Sept. 5-8. Copperhead Beacon 2024 is an expeditionary communications exercise built to simulate deploying units to support Agile Combat Employment training objectives by operating tactical/expeditionary communications capabilities in a global area of responsibility. The increased coordination between disparate Total Force units and the AFFOR Communications Coordination Center command entity is invaluable in preparing for the future fight. The four-day exercise tested the ability of more than 20 Air National Guard, Active-Duty Air Force, and special operations communica- tions units’ ability to coordinate and synchronize communications assets in and outside the continental United States, including Puer- to Rico, Hawaii and Germany. The exercise simulated a contested environment to identify and address communication vulnerabilities in an increasingly competitive and complex operating environment. “The lessons learned from this exercise will not only bolster our efficiencies as a tactical communications capability but provide a communications interoperability framework that can be refined to preserve critical expeditionary communications infrastructure in a near-peer/peer altercation,” said Master Sgt. Gordon Hallmark of the 226th Combat Communications Group. “We are able to conduct these joint training opportunities to best equip our units to work together, with a better understanding of any limitations and risks in a controlled environment.” Effective communication in austere conditions can be critical to mission success. With evolving technology and potentially large theaters of operations, expeditionary communications units must ensure interoperability between legacy and new systems.

The exercise highlighted the critical role of combat communications in ensuring constant connectivity.

“We want our members to have the confidence to execute mission command in any scenario,” said Maj. Jason McKenzie, section chief for plans and resources, 226th Combat Communications Group. McKenzie said the exercise was a realistic test of the unit’s ability to work together and ensure equipment functions in a contested environment. “If we can win in the communications domain, our service members, the nation’s greatest asset, will be best equipped to make the defining difference in this era of great power competition,” he said.

The key focus areas included communication pathways, synchronization, and interoperability across multiple operating bases.

ALASKA

Alaska Army Guard Conducts Cold-Weather Readiness Training

By Balinda O’Neal 176th Wing Public Affairs | FEB. 7, 2024

ing from -10 to -15 degress, equipped with the patrol sleeping bag, intermediate cold weather bag and waterproof bivy cover. “The sleep systems are rated to a certain negative temperature, and we were nearing that overnight,” said Irish. “So, there were a lot of Soldiers that were kind of cold. But nobody was injured. Nobody was hypothermic.” The training regimen also included assembling and using the Ahkio Group — a sled with an arctic 10-man tent and other squad cold-weather supplies. “We’ve talked about them a lot, we’ve done a lot of prep work for them, but I’ve never really been able to truck them out into the field and use them before,” said Spc. Luke Barnes, an infan- tryman who joined the AKARNG three years ago. The company completed a 5-kilometer snowshoe ruck march, pulling the Ahkio group with them. The unit’s last consolidated training in the area coincided with the 2018 Kuskokwim 300 sled dog race. Training focus shifted as more than 150 Guardsmen from the 1-297th deployed to Kosovo from 2019-2020. Following a month-long rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Louisiana last summer, approximately 100 Bison Company Guardsmen deployed to Kuwait in November as part of Operation Spartan Shield.

BETHEL, Alaska - Bison Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, demonstrated readiness and resilience during cold weather training in Bethel Feb. 2-4. This training marked a significant reunion for the Alaska Army National Guard infantry unit in Bethel, emphasizing the city’s importance as a training ground that challenges Soldiers to adapt and excel in real-world scenarios. Alaska Army Guard 1st Lt. Troy Irish, Bison Company’s rear detachment commander, said the rugged terrain and extreme weather in Western Alaska provided an ideal testing ground for his Soldiers preparing for Arctic warfare. Bethel, on the Kuskokwim River 340 miles west of Anchorage, set the scene for the training with its snow-covered landscape of tundra marshes and frozen lakes and streams. “It’s just you, your rucksack, and the terrain,” said Irish, reflect- ing on the solitude of the tundra. “During our snowshoe ruck, I wasn’t initially sure about my gear —polypro, waffle tops, and [soft shell jacket] — but trusted my noncommissioned officers. Wearing the right gear broke the wind, and I maintained a comfortable temperature, crucial in preventing freezing due to precipitation or sweat.” For three days, members of the infantry unit rigorously tested their field-craft skills, individual movement over arctic terrain, and arctic transportation proficiency. The Guardsmen operated small unit support vehicles and slept in the snow. They insulated themselves in temperatures rang-

The primary training objective in Bethel was to reacquaint themselves with arctic conditions.

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ARIZONA

Arizona National Guard Rescues 104 People from Flooding By Maj. Erin Hannigan Arizona National Guard Public Affairs | AUG. 26, 2024 PHOENIX - An Arizona Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew evacuated 104 Havasupai tribal community members and tourists from Supai village in a flood-response mission Aug. 23-24. “State missions are what we are here for,” said Staff Sgt. Louis Mirabelli, a flight medic and civilian firefighter. “They give us [Guardsmen] the opportunity to serve our communities and, for me and many of my medic buddies, the opportunity to utilize our civilian-trained skill set in bigger ways.” Mirabelli joined in 2017 after learning from his firefighter cowork- ers that his training could be put to greater use. Since joining, Mi- rabelli has done just that — serving on the state COVID response mission, fire response effort, and overseas, deploying to Kosovo. On Aug. 23, Coconino County and the Havasupai tribe asked the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to begin evacuat- ing those stuck in Grand Canyon National Park and Havasupai Falls. “I got the call that we needed a crew to support,” said Sgt. 1st Class Gabe Bofman, crew chief. “I was supposed to be on leave, but when there is a call for help, I couldn’t turn that down.” Bofman was on paternity leave. “My wife is supportive and understands,” he said. “I couldn’t help my community without her support.”

Aircrew staffing and flight plans were complete Aug. 23 when the mission came to an unexpected halt. “That’s the frustrating part of our job and for those expecting support,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Symmes, pilot in command. “There are so many moving pieces to an operation. There are times when we have to stop and make sure we are taking the right steps. The last thing we need is to put evacuees and our crew at risk.” After coordination with partners and the official ‘go’ to begin, the aircrew arrived in Supai village for their first pick-up at about 7:30 p.m. They evacuated 44 people by the UH-60 in four aircraft lifts that night. Over 60 people remained in Supai village overnight. “Crew rest had to be considered. We are trained and proficient in our night tasks, but rest is necessary to keep our skills sharp and everyone safe,” said Maj. Neal Jelsma, copilot. “While we wish we could have continued, we couldn’t risk our passengers’ safety.” The next morning, evacuees stood eagerly awaiting their turn to depart. They cheered after Mirabelli’s safety brief and through- out the morning as people were secured in their seats and again as they departed the aircraft. By Saturday afternoon, the 60 additional people were evacuated from Supai village. DEMA was just one of many players in the multi-agency rescue and evacuation effort. The teamwork and coordination reflect how local, tribal, state and federal resources strengthen crisis response.

ARKANSAS

Arkansas National Guard Air Wing Receives C-130J Aircraft

AW and 19th AW to care and feed for these aircraft,” said Lt. Col. Sonny Baxter, 189th Maintenance Group commander. “We are uniquely positioned to collaborate with these units and thus provide the 189th Operations Group with C-130J flying capabil- ities.” Baxter said that, unlike most maintenance groups undergoing conversion, the 189th MXG will also maintain its legacy fleet of the C-130H. This means recertifying, training, and establishing a way ahead to meet the legacy PFT and current PFT demand simultaneously. The 189th Operations Group will also face the challenge of a split fleet as it takes on training new pilots and loadmasters for both models, including transitioning students going from the C-130H to the C-130J. “The survivability of the C-130J has become tremendously important to our joint force as we think about how to provide tactical airlift capabilities in the face of a peer adversary,” said Coggin. “As the 189th enters its C-130J era, we are proud to expand our installation’s training capacity to keep up with the growing need for trained C-130J aircrews for the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and international partners.” The 189th AW is a tenant of Little Rock AFB and provides premier training to the C-130 and cyber enterprises, capitalizing on partnerships to support the state of Arkansas, defend the nation and contribute to rapid global mobility. In addition to its primary role in tactical airlift, the Air National Guard’s C-130s support humanitarian, peacekeeping and disas- ter relief operations.

By Tech. Sgt. Christopher Sherlock 189th Airlift Wing | SEPT. 26, 2024

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. - The 189th Air Wing offi- cially began its first aircraft conversion in almost 40 years with the arrival of two EC-130J Super Hercules aircraft Sept. 18. The conversion to the C-130J is a major step toward fleet mod- ernization for the Air National Guard in the effort to retain rapid global mobility with its primary combat delivery aircraft. With the C-130 legacy celebrating its 70th anniversary of flight this year, the J-model is the latest addition to the C-130 fleet and has replaced aging models. The C-130J incorporates state-of-the-art technology, which reduces manpower requirements, lowers op- erating and support costs, and provides life-cycle cost savings over earlier C-130 models. “We are thrilled to start our transition into the more modern and more capable C-130J,” said Col. Patric Coggin, 189th AW com- mander. “This day also marks the beginning of a long, challeng- ing journey for our Airmen into a multiyear process to modify these aircraft to fully meet the needs of our mission.” However, the wing remains bullish about overcoming the chal- lenges and the rewards this conversion will bring to Little Rock AFB and Herk Nation. “On the maintenance side, we will be integrating with the 314th

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CALIFORNIA

California Army Guard Brigade Works 24/7 to Defend Nation

By David Loeffler California National Guard | JAN. 5, 2024

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. - Seven California Army National Guard members of Detachment 1, 100th Missile Defense Brigade, epitomize the National Guard’s motto, “Always ready, always there.”

The detachment, located in a windowless, nondescript building in a remote area, operates the Ground Missile Defense launch facili- ties and equipment to support the Missile Defense Element and Fire Direction Center.

Their mission, described as shooting a bullet with a bullet, is to intercept and destroy incoming ordnance, such as International Conti- nental Ballistic Missiles from adversarial nations.

Although limited by size, the Soldiers of Detachment 1 can provide 24/7 monitoring, saving and enabling of ordnance chains to deliv- er Interceptors to the Fire Direction Center. All Soldiers of the unit are members of the California Army National Guard.

On Dec. 11, the Soldiers demonstrated their capabilities by launching a Ground-Based Interceptor missile from Vandenberg SFB that intercepted and destroyed a simulated missile attack. The test target was an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, or IRBM, launched from a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft northwest of the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Hawaii. This successful “bullet hitting a bullet” took place in space, mere moments after the missile was launched from over 5,000 miles away. “Three hundred defending 300 million is a phrase used to describe the mission of the 100th Missile Defense Brigade,” said Army Capt. Scott Hoffman, 100th MDB Detachment 1 commander. “The defenders of Det. 1 here at Vandenberg, who are California Na- tional Guardsmen, the Colorado National Guardsmen of the 100th MDB, and Alaskan National Guardsmen at Fort Greely, make up roughly 300 Soldiers that make up the Ground Missile Defense mission that provide stability and certainty that the national security is protected.”

Hoffman, a former enlisted Soldier, has served on the Ground Missile Defense mission in all three states. He describes his team as dedicated professionals who are always up to the job.

“Det. 1 is manned by California Army National Guard Soldiers,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Orellano, one of the few enlisted members who has served in each of the tristate missions. “Not all of the team members originated from California. Many came from other states to perform the mission and meet the operational needs of the unit. I’m very proud of this team because we do a 24/7-365 mission, and they meet that mission despite the challenges. If I had a message to the American public, it would be that they can rest assured that the homeland will be defended.”

COLORADO

NASA’s Apollo, Artemis missions cross paths at Colorado National Guard aviation training site

By U.S. Army Capt. Remington Henderson JULY 25, 2024 BThe Colorado National Guard’s High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site hosted Charlie Duke, one of only 12 NASA astronauts to have walked on the moon, July 8, 2024. HAATS, based in Gypsum, Colorado, teaches military rotary-wing pilots from around the world the knowledge and confidence to safely operate their aircraft at maximum gross weights in any environment—especially at high altitudes. Since 2021, HAATS has been building a partnership with NASA, training astronauts on power management and rotary wing operations at higher elevations. Duke’s tour was as much an opportunity for him to see current NASA training as it was an opportunity for him to offer insights from his own experience. “It was an incredible opportunity to learn from an astronaut who personally walked on the moon,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Scott Tucker, HAATS commander. “He described his experience to us which demonstrated how complex landing on the moon can be. He also validated our training program with NASA to prepare Ar- temis astronauts to return to the moon and how we can improve that training.” NASA’s current mission, Artemis, is to return mankind to the moon and then set their sights on Mars. Although most NASA pilots come from a fixed-wing background, recent determina- tions from NASA have shown that lunar operations are more aligned with rotary-wing operations. NASA’s goal in partnering with HAATS is to build a program that will give every astronaut a shared base of knowledge that covers some of the challenges associated with landing on the moon. “The best way to understand how to be successful is to go back and figure out what we learned in the 60s when we did those Apollo landings,” U.S. Army Lt. Col. Anne McClain, NASA astro- naut, said. “In pulling out all the debriefs we looked at the ‘lessons learned’ from a crew-training perspective,” she said. “What did it look like, what did it feel like, what skills did they need, were there skills that they felt that they were lacking? What we need to do is make sure that when we go back to the moon, we’re even more prepared than they were.”

two astronauts to come to HAATS with the overarching goal of determining whether such a program would be beneficial to NASA. While at HAATS, McClain and Moghbeli focused on “brown out” operations, power management, flight controls, team commu- nication, and visual illusions. A “brown out” or “white out” is defined as when dust particles blow around the outside of an aircraft making visual landing difficult. This is something that all Apollo missions recorded encountering when landing on the moon.

Incidentally, all of these parts are already built into the curricu- lum of HAATS and so a natural partnership has developed.

Doug Wheelock, a NASA astronaut since 1998 and former Army aviator, has been a regular at HAATS, having visited more than 15 times since 2021. During that time, he has been instrumental in helping build the curriculum taught to NASA’s other astro- nauts. “As Charlie described to us…the Apollo astronauts learned to fly helicopters to incorporate vestibular and proprioceptive motion cueing into their training,” Wheelock said. “Our Artemis astro- nauts are partnering with the Colorado team at HAATS to build a mastery-level training course to prepare our astronauts to land on the lunar surface.” Wheelock was part of the official party to tour HAATS with Charlie Duke and, later, the two flew together to various landing zones used in NASA’s program. “I remember hearing Charlie Duke’s voice as the Capsule Communicator in Mission Control in Houston,” Wheelock said. “Apollo inspired generations of explorers and scientists, pilots and astronauts. Those were profound moments in time and proved to be defining moments in my life.” Speaking more on his personal experience with Duke, Wheelock continued: “We briefed Charlie Duke on our Artemis training strategy, and he flew with us on our NASA lunar-analog trajecto- ries into our most challenging landing zones.” While many may recognize that Apollo and Artemis are both the names of historical Greek gods, their connection is not so commonly known. Both were twins born to Leto and Zeus with Apollo being associated with sunlight while Artemis is connect- ed to moonlight.

McClain and U.S. Marine Maj. Jasmin Moghbeli were the first

Connecticut Guardsman overcomes adversity, finds success with military career CONNECTICUT

“At this point I wasn’t in the Army, I hadn’t signed the contract,” explained Rampassard. “At this point I wasn’t in the Army, I hadn’t signed the contract. He showed me the camaraderie. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, [but] I wanted to surround myself with positive people, people that will see each other get better, a good community. Franco … he started me off with that.” Within two months, Rampassard went from being 262 pounds to 217 pounds. He shipped out to Fort Jackson for Basic Training on October 10, 2021. Following his training there, Rampassard began his Advanced Individual Training, or AIT, specialized training that teaches soldiers the duties of their selected occupation, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in January 2022. There, he learned how to manage, operate, load and unload wheeled tactical vehicles to transport troops and supplies. After graduating from AIT on March 4, 2022, Rampassard returned back to Connecticut and was briefly assigned to the Recruit Sustainment Program, or RSP, for three months to prepare him to fall into his permanent unit, the 1048th Trans- portation Company (Medium) stationed in Enfield. Things were fairly routine after joining his unit, until he unexpectedly fell ill while at Fort Drum, New York, during his unit’s Annual Training period, or AT. An infection built up in his throat, which created a blockage that required him to be admitted to Samaritan Med- ical Center to have surgery on August 22, 2022. “It was gradual,” explained Rampassard. “At first I felt pain in my throat. I thought it was strep throat and felt that in a few days it would get better. For two to three days I didn’t eat and did barely any drinking. It was so painful. [The hospital staff] told me if I had waited one more day I wouldn’t have been able to breathe and I could have died.” This complication would turn out to have lasting negative effects for Rampassard. During his time recovering, he began falling back into his previous bad habits. Slowly but surely, he began gaining weight once more. This eventually spiraled to the point that he failed his height and weight screening, result- ing in him receiving an administrative flag. Flags such as these stop a soldier from being able to receive favorable actions like participating in additional military schooling, receiving awards, can bar a soldier from re-enlisting and, if enough flags accu- mulate, can be the cause for separation from military service. Rampassard was at a crossroads. He could continue to go down the path he was set on, start working out on his own, or, at the strong recommendation of his unit, enroll in the Con- necticut National Guard’s Fitness Improvement Program, or FIP.

By Sgt. Matthew Lucibello May 9, 2024

HARTFORD, Conn. – HARTFORD, Conn. — “A lot of cardio,” that’s how Connecticut Army National Guard Spc. Donovan Ram- passard, a motor transport operator with the 1048th Transpor- tation Company (Medium), describes losing 45 pounds over the course of two months to enlist into the National Guard. Rampassard joined Connecticut’s Home Team in May 2021. His career in military service started out practically on a whim. Originally, Rampassard had aspirations to further his education after graduating from East Hartford High School in 2020, to go to college, and graduate with a degree. Almost immediately after starting his Uconn spring semester online classes, he realized he wanted to do anything else.

“I just really couldn’t do it,” he said.

About a year later, Rampassard would accompany one of his friends, Jamel Brown, as he enlisted into the Connecticut Army National Guard. After sitting down and talking to one of the recruiters, Staff Sgt. John Franco, about some of the Guard’s benefits, including the VA Home Loan Program, Rampassard decided to give the Guard a shot. “I went there with my friend and [Franco] was like why don’t you join,” said Rampassard. “I had no reason not to. I just dropped out of college. I had no plan, so I was like, why, not?” Unfortunately for Rampassard, joining would not be as simple as taking the ASVAB, picking his career, taking the Oath of Enlistment and shipping off to Basic training like many expect. Rampassard was overweight and therefore ineligible to enlist. In order to ship out to basic training he would need to lose weight. Franco took Rampassard under his wing and developed a training regimen to get him in line with the Army’s body weight standards. Soon after that, Franco, Rampassard, and Brown, would meet up at the riverfront in East Hartford three times a week and run three miles together. In addition to conducting physical fitness training to address the immediate issue of Rampassard losing weight, Franco also took steps to be proactive and prevent Rampassard from potentially gaining weight again in the future by teaching how nutrition can impact one’s fitness and overall health.

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DELAWARE

Trinidad Defence Force,” Emerson said. “We have had amazing opportunities with our medical and maintenance folks from here, and have had great discussions. They are sharing their best practices with us and making us a better force because of it.” Ambassador Candace Bond emphasized the significance of these joint efforts, stating: “This training with our partner nation underscores the deep partnership between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, built on mutual respect and shared regional interests. It is extremely beneficial to the participants who exchange expertise and ideas, enabling us to enhance our mutual capacity to conduct security operations.” Ambassador Bond further highlighted the broader importance of the collaboration, noting that “Our close military-to-military cooperation, and particularly this interoperability training, once again demonstrates that the United States is Trinidad and Tobago’s closest friend and partner in the world.” This year’s training marks the 20th anniversary of the Dela- ware and Trinidad and Tobago partnership under the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. In 2022, the partnership was recognized globally, winning Partnership of the Year as the top collaboration in the world. Established in 1993, the SPP links U.S. states with foreign nations, promoting military cooperation, readiness, and mutual development. Today, there are 100 such partnerships, fostering connections across the globe. The Delaware National Guard remains committed to strength- ening its ties with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, continuing to build on its legacy of cooperation, security, and shared success.

Delaware National Guard Strengthens Aviation

Interoperability with Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard Through State Partnership Program

By Maj. Bernie Kale Delaware National Guard | OCT. 23, 2024

NEW CASTLE, Del., NEW CASTLE, Del. – The Delaware National Guard’s Army Aviation units recently conducted joint training with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) as part of the long-standing State Partnership Pro- gram (SPP). This training, which took place from April 28 to May 15, involved the use of three UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and approximately 40 aircrew and support personnel. Soldiers from Delaware’s Army Aviation units and the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard trained side by side, sharing expertise in planning and executing air operations, while also enhancing maintenance practices. The training provided participants with the opportunity to fly to- gether on Blackhawk helicopters across urban and rural regions of Trinidad and Tobago. These joint exercises are designed to improve aviation interoperability and further strengthen the bond between the Delaware National Guard and the TTDF, marking another successful collaboration in their 20-year part- nership. “I can’t speak highly enough of the men and women in the

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

DC National Guard, Jamaica Celebrate 25-year Partnership

By 1st Lt. Alexia Nal, 113th Wing District of Columbia Air National Guard OCT. 7, 2024

regional stability under the U.S. Southern Command.

The State Partnership Program, which began in 1993 and has grown to include 106 nations, produces continuing relationships that improve the readiness of U.S. and partner forces to meet emerging challenges.

JWASHINGTON – District of Columbia National Guard and Jamaican Defense Force leaders celebrated their 25-year partnership under the State Partnership Program Oct. 5. The Commanding General’s Reception, hosted by the National Guard Association for the District of Columbia, was attended by Brigadier Markland Lloyd, force executive officer for the Jamaica Defence Force; Warrant Officer Class One Michael Moulton, force sergeant major, and Brigadier Ricardo Blidgen, brigade commander for the Jamaican Nation- al Reserve. Also attending were current and former State Partnership Program directors, the Embassy of Jamaica, city government and many others who contributed to the quarter-century landmark. ”Our partnership with Jamaica is a shining example of mission in action,” Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, interim commanding general of the D.C. National Guard, said at the event at the D.C. Armory. “For 25 years, we have tirelessly supported not only military objectives but also the broader goals of peace and prosperity for the Jamaican people. Our joint focus is ideally tailored to each other’s needs and capabilities.”

Andonie highlighted the importance of continuing this collaborative effort.

“Together, we will build on this legacy of partnership, ensuring that our forces remain strong and capable of addressing the complex challeng- es of tomorrow. Here’s to the next chapter in our enduring alliance,” he said.

Lloyd expressed his appreciation for the partnership.

“We look forward to continuing training exercises and subject matter expert exchanges in areas that will enhance our capabilities,” Lloyd said. “Our national Reserve also plays an important role in this partnership, and with each engagement, we advance our objective of improving our military readiness.” The D.C. National Guard-JDF partnership, established in 1999 through the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, will continue to expand with engagements in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear tactics, logistics, medical, disaster response, NCO development, recruitment and retention.

This enduring partnership underscores the commitment to U.S. strate- gic objectives, enhancing Jamaica’s defense capabilities, and fostering

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US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Orozco

US Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Casey Bonestroo

US Army National Guard photo by Maj. Travis Mueller

US Army National Guard photo by Maj. Travis Mueller US Army National Guard photo by Maj. Travis Mueller

US Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Baker US Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Baker

US Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Minto

US Army photo by Sgt. Alleyson Singley US Army photo by Sgt. Alleyson Singley

The National Guard 2024 Gala Humana Military is proud to help celebrate the 388 th year of the National Guard Humana Military is proud to help celebrate the 388 th year of the National Guard

FLORIDA

“As a National Guard member, we’re trained and prepared for missions like this. Responding to natural disasters is one of the key roles we fulfill in the Guard, and it’s an honor to be able to contribute to relief efforts for our state and others in need,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ashley Smith, Pilot, Bravo Compa- ny, 1-111th Aviation Regiment. Smith was deployed for Hurricane Helene operations in Florida, then traveled to North Carolina to support the response to the storm there. “My team was focused on providing assistance to those in need, ensuring the safety of those affected by the storm and helping with recovery operations. It’s a challenging situation, but we were ready and committed to doing our part,” said Smith. Within the first 24 hours of its EMAC operations, the Florida National Guard’s 1-111th Aviation Regiment flew over 20,000 pounds of supplies, including food and water, from Asheville Regional Airport to Mitchell High School. This EMAC response was the first for the Florida National Guard since 2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisi- ana. As part of its support package, the FLNG provided two CH-47 Chinooks with heavy lift capabilities. These allowed the Florida National Guard to deliver commodities to isolated locations, leveraging a larger platform for urban search and rescue movements into an affected area, and sling load capabilities, enabling engineer assets to clear roads and ensure first re- sponders could get to the areas of greatest need. “This EMAC was historic — historic in that this generation of Soldiers has never seen this, including myself. Florida typically receives the donor states to us, due to being the first impacted state,” said Cooper. “This one was historic because of the size and nature of this hurricane, affecting numerous states at a great deal of speed. So, what we felt as an impact [in Florida] ultimately impacted those states as well.” While there are standard expectations that come with hurri- cane response operations, it’s rare that the Florida National Guard is activated to support two storms barely two weeks apart. With Hurricane Milton’s imminent landfall, the Florida National Guard needed to rescind its EMAC package to prepare for new operations back in Florida. The EMAC process has repeatedly proven to be a vital aspect of the National Guard’s framework, ensuring that the necessary resources are available and, more importantly, giving citizens the peace of mind that the National Guard is “always ready and always there.”

By Capt. Brittianie Funderburk Florida National Guard Public Affairs Office | OCT. 15, 2024 STARKE, Fla. - The end of September and beginning of October proved to be a heavy lift for Soldiers and Airmen of the Florida National Guard when Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton made landfall over two weeks. While Florida National Guard units are trained for these types of emergency operations, every storm is different and presents its own challenges. Nearly 4,100 troops were activated just days before Hurricane Helene was expected to hit, most of them staged and ready for post-landfall operations. Others were working in operation centers throughout the state. Once Hurricane Helene left Florida, the Florida National Guard’s work was no longer restricted to state borders —expanded to North Carolina via an Emergency Management Assistance Compact request. EMACs are integral to large-scale National Guard operations, enabling states to support and respond capa- bilities to each other when needed. “The role of the Guard in an EMAC situation is really a force multiplier,” said Lt. Col. Brian Cooper, commander, 1-111th General Support Aviation Battalion. “It’s an agreement between states that enables other National Guard organizations into that state to help those citizens in need.” Florida’s aviation assets relieved some of the demands placed on the North Carolina National Guard and civilian partner agencies and augmented Guardsmen impacted by the storm who were unable to support State Active Duty operations. This aspect of the Guard is often overlooked, but it’s proven to be critically important. Many Guardsmen pride themselves on being Citizen-Soldiers able to give back to their communities in times of desperation. When another state can step in and fill the gap, it allows those displaced service members to focus on their own families’ well-being. Florida National Guard Responds to Storms in and out of State

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Aircraft modifications, maintenance, aircraft painting, training, and logistics

WOUNDED WARRIOR TIM APONTE (RIGHT) WOUNDED WARRIOR TIM APONTE (RIGHT)

HELPING VETERANS THRIVE Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® has helped post-9/11 wounded, ill, and injured veterans, service members, and their families realize what’s possible. Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® has helped post-9/11 wounded, ill, and injured veterans, service members, and their families realize what’s possible.

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GEORGIA

New Georgia Army Guard Soldiers say ‘Send Me’ Overseas

By Maj. Charles Emmons, Georgia National Guard | APRIL 15, 2024

FORT STEWART, Ga. - On April 13, 194 new Soldiers joined the Georgia Army National Guard during a battle handoff ceremony that followed basic and military occupational specialty training. Most will now report to one of the Georgia ARNG’s five brigades and prepare for unit assemblies and annual training. For a select few 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team “Volunteers,” an overseas deployment is in their immediate future. Following the official ceremony, the 74 Soldiers of the 48th IBCT were offered a life-changing opportunity — the choice to volunteer and deploy to support units mobilized overseas in Kosovo and the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. More than 20 Soldiers raised their hands and demonstrated the brigade motto: “Send Me.” “There is no better place to be a professional Soldier than on a deployment,” Col. Luke Gaspard, the rear detachment com- mander of the 48th IBCT, told the new Soldiers. “You will learn more about yourself and you will start to earn and build those relationships that you will carry for the rest of your lifetime.”

that includes higher education and a future role as a commis- sioned officer and nurse.

“I joined the Georgia Army National Guard for college benefits and the experience,” said Vazquez. “I want to do ROTC, so I just wanted the background knowledge to help me out as an officer.” Vazquez, who was awarded an Army Achievement Medal during the ceremony, will defer college for now, gaining extra income and experience while deployed overseas as a full-time medic assigned to the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment. The Soldiers who volunteered at the ceremony will work quickly with their units to meet their readiness goals. More importantly, they will prepare their families for the challenges that come with an overseas deployment.

For Pfc. Cassandra Vazquez, a recent high school graduate and combat medic, a deployment is the first step in a career journey

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Photo By: Sgt. Maj. Tanya Lumbard. SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador - From left: Honduran Army Col. Marco Lanza, Salvadoran Army Col. Mario Figueroa, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Mikolaities, New Hampshire National Guard adjutant general, and Guatemalan Naval Capt. Hector Ortiz reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional security and renewed partner-nation engagement and training opportunities during a multinational forum in San Salvador, El Salvador, May 21, 2024. Source: NGB

GUAM

Guam National Guard launches State Partnership with Palau

By Mark Scott Guam National Guard | MAY 2, 2024

KOROR, Palau – In a historic ceremony at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center in downtown Koror, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Col. Michael Cruz, adjutant general of the Guam National Guard, signed a declaration formaliz- ing the nation’s newest state partnership between the U.S. Territory of Guam and the Republic of Palau. Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, senior enlisted advisor to the chief of National Guard Bureau; U.S. Ambassador Joel Ehren- dreich; Palau Vice President J. Uduch S. Senior, and members of the Palau National Congress and Council of Chiefs witnessed the ceremony. Managed by the National Guard Bureau and executed with combatant commanders, the State Partnership Program develops endur- ing relationships, improves interoperability, and enhances the readiness of the United States and partner nations to meet emerging challenges together. The program has been building relations for over 30 years and includes more than 100 nations. This year, NGB selected the Guam Guard to partner with Palau. “When we talk about commonalities between Guam and Palau, we voyaged as warriors and seafarers thousands of years ago,” said Leon Guerrero. “Our ancestors braved the seas and storms with no computers or science at all, except the feel of the current and wind, the temperature of the water, and knowledge of the stars. We are innovative and resilient people who have weathered world wars, colonization and struggles for political identity. This partnership is just one way we will continue fighting for and defending our freedom.”

Guam and Palau’s island of Peleliu were sites of major battles during World War II.

Although Palau has no military, the State Partnership Program fosters a whole-of-government approach. Opportunities include exchanges in law enforcement and border security, cyber protection and resilience, medical and civil engineering community engage- ments, humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Staff Sgt. Christina Adelbai, UH-72 Lakota helicopter mechanic for the Guam Guard’s aviation detachment, greeted the audience in native Palauan before reading the Declaration of Partnership in English. “I just want to take a moment to say how proud I am of this partnership,” Adelbai said. “To be a Soldier in the Guam National Guard, standing here as a daughter of Palau, there’s a lot of pride.”

After the ceremony, Whipps shared the importance of the newly signed partnership.

“We are here today to celebrate and, really, I think, to begin a new chapter in this relationship that creates a lot of opportunities for our people to continue to help each other in that Pacific Way,” Whipps said. “Caring for each other and helping each other build each other up. Most importantly, being prepared and keeping our Indo-Pacific free and open and ensuring that our values, our democratic values, are made strong.”

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