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 | July 18, 2023

U.S. Marines Assist Vermont Woman During Flash Floods

By Sgt. 1st Class Jason Alvarez Joint Force Headquarters - Vermont National Guard Public Affairs

Heavy rain relentlessly poured in Vermont starting on about July 9th. The rain led to catastrophic flooding across the state. In this dire situation, Ms. Marie Baril found herself caught in a difficult scenario while driving home. Her vehicle suddenly had a flat tire in an area where flooding was eminent and visibly encroaching around her.

“I’m not helpless, I maintain my own property, but I’ve never felt helpless like that before, ever,” Ms. Baril said.

As she opened the hatchback of her car to reach the spare tire, all four of her winter tires, which were stacked on top of the spare, fell into the road. She began to get anxious.

“I was panicking. I know nobody would have gotten to me in time. The water came up a foot in the 15 minutes I was there. That was scary!”

Two U.S. Marines happened to be driving by when they noticed the woman’s predicament, their military instincts alert to the dangers of the storm. Without a second thought, they pulled over to help.

Staff Sgt. Juan Padilla, and Sgt. Alex Marrufo with the 2nd Battalion, 25th Regiment based in Garden City New York, were on their way to the Ethan Allen Firing Range (EAFR) in Jericho, Vermont, for training exercises.

“Sgt. Marrufo and I had just finished fueling our rental truck when we saw Ms. Baril open her trunk and the tires fell out. She started to yell for help and we went over to assist,” said Padilla.

Their presence, and willingness to assist someone in danger, saved her from a perilous situation. Their act of selflessness demonstrated the values instilled in them as Marines – protecting and assisting those in need, even in the face of danger.

“We were able to change the tire quickly and get Ms. Baril back on her way home. Unfortunately, by that time the waters had risen and all the roads going to EAFR were closed due to flooding. All the hotels in the area were also fully booked so we were forced to spend the night in the truck,” said Padilla.

When Ms. Baril arrived safely at her home after the harrowing flood rescue, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and relief.

“It scares me to think what could have happened,” Baril said.

Wanting to express her heartfelt thanks and let the Marines know she made it home safely, she picked up the phone and called EAFR. The call was received at the Battle Desk and Ms. Baril recounted the harrowing experience and how the Marines’ arrival had been nothing short of a miracle. A few days later Padilla and Marrufo received the message that she had made it home safely, and her gratitude meant a great deal to them. It reinforced the significance of their duty and the impact their actions had on people’s lives.

The incident caught the attention of the Adjutant General of Vermont, Maj. Gen. Greg Knight. Knight wanted to recognize the Marines for their actions and arranged for a small gathering where they would be presented with one of his coins. Their selflessness and dedication exemplified the values of the military community, and Knight wanted to recognize them for their exceptional service. Knight and Marrufo were unable to attend the coining ceremony at EAFR.

U.S. Army Col. Matthew Brown, Garrison Support Commander for the Vermont National Guard, presented the coins to Padilla at the gathering with Ms Baril also present. Brown praised Padilla and Marrufo for their unwavering dedication to duty, emphasizing how their actions had made a life-changing difference for Ms. Baril.

“I would have been stranded there with rising waters and no way to get home. I wanted you to know that act of kindness made a huge difference in my life. I will think of you fondly for the rest of my life,” Baril told Padilla.

Padilla felt a deep sense of pride, knowing their actions made a meaningful impact on someone’s life.

“We’re very very happy we were there and were able to help, and that you made it home safely,” Padilla told Baril.

The official logo of the Vermont National Guard.

TAG's State of the Guard - April 2025

The above YouTube video link may not work on all government computers. Read the transcript of MG Gregory Knight's full State of the Guard here.

National Guard News
A Security Forces Airman responds to a simulated attack during a field training exercise at Ft. William Henry Harrison, Helena, Mont., June 2, 2025. Security Forces Squadrons from Arizona and Pennsylvania traveled to the Fort for a week of field training. The field instruction consisted of patrol movements, base security, key leader engagements, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives detection response, and simulated attacks from opposition forces.
Arizona and Pennsylvania Air Guards Train Together in Montana
By Tech. Sgt. Jayson Burns, | June 6, 2025
FORT WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, Mont. – More than 100 security forces Airmen from Arizona and Pennsylvania conducted five days of joint annual training in Helena, Montana, June 2-6.The defenders from the 161st Air Refueling...

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Maritza Garcia, 154th Medical Group Detachment 1 medic and Tactical Combat Casualty Care instructor, evaluates Armed Forces of the Philippines students during a medical field training exercise May 29, 2025, at Camp O’Donnell, Philippines. The training emphasized rapid response and effective medical treatment in high-pressure environments.
Hawaii Guard, Philippine Armed Forces Unite for Medical Exchange
By Tech. Sgt. John Linzmeier, | June 6, 2025
CAMP O’DONNELL, Philippines - Hawaii National Guard medical professionals completed their fourth annual Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) exchange with partners from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp...

Service members from the Maine National Guard, Vermont National Guard, Armed Forces of Montenegro, and the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia pose for a group photo before beginning a cyber training exercise during Immediate Response 25 at Golubovci Air Base, Montenegro, June 2, 2025. The cyber exercise was developed and facilitated as a combined effort between the Maine National Guard and the Armed Forces of Montenegro through the State Partnership Program (SPP). The Vermont National Guard and the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, SPP partners since 1993, also participated in the exercise.
Guardsmen, Montenegro, North Macedonia Strengthen Cyber Capabilities at Immediate Response 25
By 2nd Lt. Paige Bodine and David Kennedy, | June 6, 2025
PODGORICA, Montenegro — Nearly three years after a sweeping cyberattack disrupted Montenegro’s government networks, the country has taken a powerful step forward in strengthening its digital defenses by hosting its largest...