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.

Articles
News | April 29, 2022

VTANG honors deploying Airmen, families

By Maj. Meghan Smith 158th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The Vermont Air National Guard held a deployment ceremony April 28 to recognize the sacrifices of Airmen and their families ahead of the 158th Fighter Wing’s deployment to Europe.

“There are not words to tell you how immensely proud I am of our Vermont Air National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, Vermont Adjutant General. “For our families and employers, I offer sincere thanks for your support. We simply couldn’t do what we do without you.”

During the ceremony Knight presented a Green Mountain Boy battle flag to two deploying Airmen. The flag is used as the regimental flag of the Vermont National Guard and accompanies units on missions as a symbol of the trust and confidence the Adjutant General places in the unit to succeed in their assigned mission.

“Like many other times throughout our proud Green Mountain Boy history, it is when we’re needed most that we are at our best--when you are at your best,” said Col. David Shevchik, commander, 158th Fighter Wing. “That time again is right now. I want to thank you and your families for all that you’ve already done up to this point and for what you’re about to do. We’re extremely proud of you.”

A Blue Star Banner was presented to a family member of a deploying Airman. Families display these banners when a loved one is serving overseas.

“Know that the Blue Star Banner represents your loved one, but also it represents the service of your household,” Shevchik said. “The support and strength of your family members and the pride that goes along with it.”

Governor Phil Scott and Senator Bernie Sanders also spoke at the ceremony thanking the Airmen and families for their service to the state and nation.

The official logo of the Vermont National Guard.

National Guard News
Representatives from all 54 states and territories participate in the 18th annual All-Hazards Coordination Workshop at the Higgins Hotel in New Orleans March 10-12, 2025. The workshop facilitates emergency preparedness.
Louisiana Guard Hosts All-Hazards Coordination Workshop
By Staff Sgt. David C. Kirtland, | March 14, 2025
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard hosted its 18th annual All-Hazards Coordination Workshop March 10-12, bringing togetherrepresentatives from all 54 states and territories to assess worst-case emergency scenarios,...

The 188th Wing participated in a combat readiness inspection exercise from Feb. 27 to March 2, 2025, at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas. Multiple personnel from the 188th Security Forces Squadron and the 188th Civil Engineer Squadron headed into the field on Day 2 of the exercise.
Arkansas Air Guard’s 188th Wing Readiness Validated
By Maj. Jennifer Gerhardt, | March 14, 2025
EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. – The 188th Wing demonstrated resilience and operational effectiveness during a weeklong combat readiness inspection.  The wing earned an “effective” rating in foundational readiness,...

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 156th Contingency Response Group, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, listen to instructions for tactical gear issue during the Mothball 2 Combat Readiness Exercise at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, March 7, 2025. The exercise measured  the 156th Wing’s ability to generate, employ and sustain contingency response capabilities in a war-fighting scenario.
Puerto Rico Air Guard Wing Conducts Combat Readiness Exercise
By Senior Airman Sharymel Montalvo Velez, | March 14, 2025
MUÑIZ AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Puerto Rico - U.S. Airmen assigned to the 156th Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, conducted the Mothball 2 Combat Readiness Exercise March 6-9 at Carolina.The exercise measured the wing’s...