National Guard News
Sgt. James Gale, a crew chief with G Company, 1-189th Aviation, Oregon Army National Guard, displays the SK-1189-V litter strap at Salem's McNary Army National Guard Field Heliport, Dec. 5, 2025. The new strap, designated SK-1189-V after the Oregon unit that developed it, solves a critical equipment compatibility issue with the Vita Vertical Rescue System and will become standard equipment for all Army medevac units. Photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne.
Oregon Guard Innovation Becomes Army-Wide Standard for Medevac Operations
By Maj. Wayne Clyne, | Jan. 22, 2026
SALEM, Ore. – An innovation born from operational necessity on the flight line in Salem has become the new standard for medical evacuation operations across the entire U.S. Army.Oregon Army National Guard aircrews with G...

Bethel-based U.S. Army UH-60L Black Hawk aviators assigned to the 207th Aviation Troop Command, Alaska Army National Guard, fly under the Northern Lights while responding to a medical evacuation request in Western Alaska, Jan. 21, 2026. Because of daylight restrictions, local civilian air ambulance services were unable to conduct the medevac mission. Using night-vision goggles, Alaska Army National Guard Black Hawk aviators along with two Bethel Fire Department medics successfully transported a patient from New Stuyahok to Dillingham. Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nick Lime.
Alaska Guard Conducts a Nighttime Medical Evacuation
By Alejandro Pena, | Jan. 22, 2026
BETHEL, Alaska – Alaska Army National Guard members assigned to the 207th Aviation Troop Command medically evacuated an individual Jan. 21 in Southwest Alaska.In response to a request for assistance from Kanakanak Hospital...

State Partnership Program logo. Graphic by Department of War.
Virginia Guard Participates in Warfighter Exercise in Finland
By Mike Vrabel, | Jan. 21, 2026
KOUVOLA, Finland – Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division Headquarters participated in the Finnish training exercise Operation Karelian Spear Nov. 28 – Dec. 4, 2025, in...