Name: Sgt. John Medenwald
Military Specialty: 12 N Equipment Operator
Years of Service: 36
Unit: Detachment 1, Garrison Support Command
Deployments: 2005-2006 and 2010-2011, both to Afghanistan
Previous Senegal Trips (Year, Mission): 2015, Humanitarian demining training site construction
Hometown: Amery, WI
Current Town: North Ferrisburgh, Vt
High School/Graduation Year: Amery High School, 1981
College/Graduation: St. Michaels College, 1997

Q. What do you do in the Vermont National Guard?
A. Full-time technician as a construction project manager. I work as a traditional Guardsmen as a heavy equipment operator performing range construction and repair projects.

Q. What do you think is the greatest benefit of being in the National Guard?
A. Service to my community. 

Q. What is your most memorable military moment?
A. Embedded training, teaching, coaching and mentoring the Afghanistan Army

Q. How long have you lived in Vermont?
A. 24 Years

Q. What is your favorite aspect of living or working where you do?
A. Rural Life

Q. What has surprised you about the Vermont National Guard?
A. Teamwork

Q. What is your favorite part about serving in the VT National Guard?
A. Camaraderie with the members of my unit.

Q. How many push-ups did you get on your last physical fitness test?
A. 40

Q. What made you volunteer for this Senegal Mission?
A. I’m the contracting officer representative for the project.

Q. Is this your first time here going to Senegal? 

A. I was here in 2015 for the humanitarian demining training site mission. I was the contracting officer representative.

Q. What is your mission in Senegal?
A. We are repairing and constructing a known distance range at Mt. Rolland Training Site.

Q. Why do you think your mission in Senegal is important?
A. This continues to build on our partnership for peace with the Senegalese Armed Forces and the Vermont National Guard.

Q. What do you want to take away from this trip?
A. I want to learn even more about Senegalese culture.

Q. How do you feel about being able to train with the Senegal Army?
A. I am looking forward to it.

Q. What are some differences between Senegal and Vermont?
A. Climate, culture, and the economy.