An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Vermont National Guard Logo News
Articles
News | June 28, 2021

Vaccination rates soar for deployed infantry battalion

By 2nd Lt. Nathan Rivard 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain)

The Jericho, Vermont, based 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain) surpasses the average COVID-19 vaccination rate while deployed.

The National Guard unit reached a staggering 87 percent COVID-19 vaccination rate throughout the battalion’s deployed Soldiers. Vaccinations started at home station, continued during mobilization, and additional vaccines were received while deployed.

Noting the unit’s maxim, “Ascend to Victory,” it’s easy to understand how the unit was able to accomplish the high vaccination rate.

“It’s our culture. We simply don’t fail. COVID was an obstacle to the success of our mission, and we were determined to negate its effect,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Wignall, the 3-172nd IN (MTN) commander. “Our team had the opportunity to receive COVID vaccinations and there was an overwhelming response from Soldiers to do so.”

The Soldiers’ vaccination rate far exceeded the average throughout the Department of Defense. According to a DoD news article from May 20, DoD health officials stated that 58% of active duty members have received one dose and 44% of DoD personnel are fully vaccinated. As of June 23, more than 3.9 million doses have been administered to DoD personnel.

“We started receiving vaccinations at home station and we began the administration of the COVID-19 vaccination at Camp McGregor, N.M. during mobilization,” said 2nd Lt. Michael Cordiero, the battalion medical officer. “At mobilization, Sgt. 1st Class Bond, our HHC senior medic, took charge of tasking personnel for administrating the vaccine, coordination to receive doses, and preparation of the vaccination area. He did a tremendous job and as the data shows, our Soldiers took advantage of that opportunity.”

The 3-172nd IN (MTN) vaccination rates even exceed those in the Green Mountain State. According to Vermont.gov, as of June 14, 80% of eligible Vermonters have been received as least one does of COVID Vaccination.

“The two main factors to our success in vaccination rates are due to availability of the vaccine and education,” said Cordeiro. “Our medical team can only provide the opportunity for vaccination and education. The dissemination and usage of the education falls on the company commands.”

This knowledge was noticeable passed onto Soldiers who were making the decision to get vaccinated.

“Our Company commanders and battalion surgeon Col. Ricky Kue have done an absolutely phenomenal job of getting information to our Soldiers to allow them the ability to make informed decisions about receiving the COVID vaccine,” said Wignall. “Our partners at Task Force Spartan and the 36th Infantry Division have been extremely supportive to get us the resources needed to vaccinate our Soldiers. Their work allows us to focus on our mission while maintaining a high-level of medical readiness.”

National Guard News
Warrant Officer Paul D. Kelly's mother, Maria, pins his silver wings on his uniform as he graduates flight school as a Black Hawk pilot at Fort Novosel, Ala., Feb. 8, 2024. He serves with the Virginia Army National Guard.
Army Flight School Grad Follows in Father’s Footsteps
By Kelly Morris, | March 8, 2024
FORT NOVOSEL, Ala. – When Warrant Officer Paul D. Kelly walked across the stage and graduated flight school Feb. 8, his silver wings were not the only thing he took away with him.Also in his tool kit is a sense of connection...

Gen. Daniel Hokanson, left, chief of the National Guard Bureau, presents retired Army Capt. Larry Liss with a Silver Star citation during a ceremony March 5, 2024, at Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pa. Liss received the medal, an upgrade from a Distinguished Flying Cross, for rescuing more than 80 U.S. and South Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War.
National Guard Chief Presents Silver Star to Vietnam Veteran
By Brad Rhen, | March 8, 2024
WAYNE, Pa. – Nearly 57 years after rescuing more than 80 U.S. and South Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War, retired Army Capt. Larry Liss received the Silver Star medal.Liss originally received a Distinguished Flying...

Three New York Army National Guard Soldiers who were on duty at a hotel being used as a migrant shelter in Long Island City, New York, helped apprehend a suspected arsonist and put out the fire he started Jan. 29, 2024. Pictured are, from left, Staff Sgt. Richard Miller, Sgt. Animesh Das, Spc. Jaslin Guzman.
New York Army Guard Soldiers Help Track Down Arsonist
By Staff Sgt. Sebastian Rothwyn, | March 8, 2024
NEW YORK – Three New York Army National Guard Soldiers displayed quick thinking and teamwork to help track down a suspected arsonist who tried to set fire to a building a few feet from a Long Island City hotel housing...

Spc. Alexander Weimer, assigned to Bravo Company, 545th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard, speaks with Col. Andrew Ballenger, commander of the 45th IBCT, at his Oklahoma Star of Valor ceremony at the Muskogee Armed Forces Reserve Center, Muskogee, Oklahoma, March 3, 2024. Weimer was recognized for his bravery and compassion while assisting civilians involved in a vehicular collision while on his way to drill.
Oklahoma Guardsman Receives Star of Valor for Heroic Actions
By Spc. Danielle Rayon, | March 8, 2024
MUSKOGEE, Okla. – Oklahoma Army National Guard Spc. Alexander Weimer was awarded the Oklahoma Star of Valor in a ceremony at the Muskogee Armed Forces Reserve Center March 3. Weimer earned the award for his courageous actions...

The 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team and subordinate battalion during a command post exercise at the Pierce County Readiness Center, Camp Murray, Wash., Feb. 29, 2024.
81st SBCT Completes Command Post Exercise
By Joseph Siemandel, | March 8, 2024
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - The 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team tested its command processes and identified redundancies during a command post exercise at Camp Murray from Feb. 29 to March 3.“This was the first time we brought in...