An official website of the United States government
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 Press Releases
Press Release | Nov. 5, 2020

158th FW public affairs specialist receives national recognition

Vermont National Guard Public Affairs

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vermont  –  

Julie Shea, 158th Fighter Wing public affairs specialist, is the U.S. Air National Guard’s 2020 Outstanding Communication Civilian.

Shea now represents the Air National Guard at the Air Force service level against the Active-Duty Air Force and Air Force Reserve components.

“Julie’s performance has been nothing short of tremendous,” said Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, adjutant general, Vermont National Guard. “Telling our story is so important and Julie does it every day. We are lucky to have her as part of our organization.”

The Air Force Public Affairs Communication Excellence Awards program recognizes Air Force individuals in Air Force, Space Force or joint organizations for excellence in communication efforts, outstanding achievement and innovation.

“Our Wing is so proud of Julie and this deserving, distinguished recognition of her as a communications expert and professional at the national level,” said Col. David Shevchik, commander, 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard. “Julie has enabled and fostered both community engagement efforts and internal messaging to our team through a challenging environment, providing a vital connection within our team and with our communities.”

Shea, a resident of Underhill, serves as a photojournalist for the 158th Fighter Wing. Her coverage focusing on the Wing’s transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the F-35A Lightning II highlighted her submission for the nomination. She also covered Vermont’s continued participation in the State Partnership Program with Senegal and North Macedonia during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find Shea’s work by visiting https://www.dvidshub.net/portfolio/1630511/julie-paroline.

National Guard News
Airmen from the 188th Wing Operations Group put their skills to the test during Exercise Sentry South 26-2 in Gulfport, Mississippi, training alongside joint and international partners in a dynamic, contested environment. With more than 1,100 service members participating, Sentry South 26-2 highlights the power of teamwork, innovation and adaptability, ensuring the 188th remains ready to deliver anytime, anywhere. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Patricia Teare.
Arkansas Guard Strengthens Readiness During Sentry South
By Master Sgt. Jessica Wilson, | March 3, 2026
GULFPORT, Miss. – Airmen from the Arkansas National Guard’s 188th Wing Operations Group strengthened their combat capabilities during Exercise Sentry South 26-2, a large-scale National Guard-led training event designed to...

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Xavier Gordan, left, and Airman 1st Class Autumn Lopez, right, both fire protection specialists assigned to the 165th Civil Engineer Squadron, 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, stow a fire hose after responding to a simulated aircraft fire during an employment exercise at the Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, Feb. 8, 2026. This exercise reinforced technical proficiency to execute aircraft fire response operations in degraded and congested conditions. Photo by Senior Airman Christa Ross.
Georgia Air National Guard Wing Executes Swift Fire Mission
By Master Sgt. Caila Arahood, | March 2, 2026
SAVANNAH, Ga. – Airmen of the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, responded just before 7 p.m. Feb. 22, to contain a rapidly spreading brush fire located on the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport...

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Waylon Dashiell, 141st Civil Engineers, Washington Air National Guard, cuts a concrete wall alongside the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department during the humanitarian assistance disaster relief demonstration, part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2026 at the Disaster Relief Training Centre, Phanom Sarakham District, Chachoengsao, Thailand, Feb. 27, 2026. The U.S. and Thailand host the 45th annual Cobra Gold from Feb. 24 to March 6, with about 8,000 participants from 30 nations to engage in military training and humanitarian projects. The exercise strengthens regional partnerships and demonstrates U.S. commitment to Indo-Pacific security. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. Matthew Sprowl)
Washington Guard, Thailand Partners Train Through Cobra Gold 2026
By Joseph Siemandel, | March 2, 2026
PHANOM SARAKHAM DISTRICT, CHACHOENGSAO, Thailand – When a disaster happens, and lives are in danger, time might be the most critical asset first responders have.“We train together, [so] we can respond together swiftly, safely...