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 10, 2024

Sisters-in-Arms

158th Fighter Wing

Vermont Air National Guard Base -- SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – Within the ranks of the United States military, sharing a last name is not all that uncommon, but for U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sarah Gerry and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Laura Gerry, it's more than just a coincidence, that’s because the two are sisters.

Sarah, an aircraft armament systems loader at the 158th Fighter Wing, joined the Vermont Air National Guard in June 2014, saying she was driven to leveraging the Guard's educational benefits, embracing the globe-trotting life, and “learning unique skills while gaining leadership opportunities.”

Meanwhile, Laura, a munitions systems storage handler at the 158th Fighter Wing, was influenced to enlist at the Vermont Air National Guard in 2020 by a blend of personal and professional aspirations. “Learning skills that I would not be able to in the civilian workforce I saw as incredibly valuable,” she said.

Like Sarah, Laura saw the practical benefits such as the Veterans Assistance loan to help pave her path to homeownership, coupled with the prospects of travel and to serve her country.

The opportunity to serve came on April 29, 2022, when the Gerry sisters deployed with the 158th Fighter Wing to Europe in support of the NATO air policing mission. This deployment not only demonstrated U.S. commitment to training and interoperability with the U.S. Allies in Europe, it also marked the first time the VTANG would deploy with the F-35A Lightning II.

Coincidentally, this deployment to Europe was also the first time the sisters would deploy overseas together. "It’s an honor and a privilege to serve with my sister," Sarah said, reflecting on the connection and sense of duty they both share.

Laura echoes this sentiment, saying that “it’s such a unique opportunity to be able to serve with your family on a deployment overseas.”

The Gerry sisters’ story is a narrative that speaks to the heart of the Green Mountain Boys, a commitment to serve community, state, and nation.

As we mark National Sibling Day, let us thank not only Laura and Sarah for their service, but to all the other siblings serving their country as well! Each mission and day in uniform is another chapter in a larger story.

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
Paratroopers from the Colorado National Guard and the Jordanian Armed Forces stand together before the first joint Colorado-Jordan airborne Friendship Jump, Watkins, Colorado, April 23, 2025. Members parachuted from a CH-47 Chinook as part of an event to strengthen interoperability and deepen the partnership between the two forces.
Airborne Operation Strengthens Colorado Guard, Jordan Partnership
By Senior Airman Melissa Escobar-Pereira, | June 4, 2025
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – In a display of cooperation and capability, Soldiers from the Colorado Army National Guard and the Jordanian Armed Forces recently conducted a joint airborne operation in Watkins, Colorado.The April 23...

Army Guard Soldiers assigned to Regional Command-East of the NATO-led Kosovo Force mission, also known as KFOR, host a multinational non-commissioned officer academy, referred to as the Jungleer Academy, at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, May 8, 2025. 11 Sergeants Major from seven countries shared their experience with the soldiers, and many nations showcased their weapons, gear, vehicles and took a flight or hoisted in the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Army Guard Soldiers in Kosovo Host Inaugural Event for Non-Commissioned Officers
By Sgt. Cheryl Madolev, | June 4, 2025
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo – National Guard Soldiers assigned to Regional Command-East of the NATO-led Kosovo Force mission recently hosted an inaugural multinational event for non-commissioned officers (NCOs), focusing on...

Spcs. Ethan Ward, left, and Brandon Moore, both assigned to the 776th Maintenance Company, Tennessee Army National Guard, received the 2025 USO National Guardsman of the Year award for helping to rescue people being pulled away by flash flooding during Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
Tennessee Army Guard Members Recognized at Gala Event for Actions During Hurricane Response Efforts
By Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy, National Guard Bureau, Katie Lang, DOD News | June 3, 2025
ARLINGTON, Va. – The USO recognized two Tennessee Army National Guard Soldiers as “servicemembers of the year” in the organization’s annual award program highlighting service members who carry out extraordinary acts of...