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 | Sept. 8, 2025

158th Fighter Wing Conducts Essential Night Flying Training

By Senior Master Sgt. Michael Davis

The Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing will conduct night flying operations from Tuesday, Sept. 9, to Friday, Sept. 12, and again from Tuesday, Sept. 16, to Friday, Sept. 19.

Flights are scheduled with one launch period in the afternoon and one in the evening and are scheduled to conclude before 9:30 p.m. each night.

"Proficiency in night operations is a cornerstone of our combat readiness," said U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Peel, the 158th Fighter Wing Deputy Commander for Operations. "These exercises allow our pilots to hone their skills in low-light conditions, ensuring we can execute our mission effectively, anytime, anywhere."

Night flying is an integral component of maintaining the 158th Fighter Wing's operational capabilities. This training maintains pilots' proficiency in low-visibility environments and simulated operational environments.

For more information, contact Lt. Col. Meghan Smith, meghan.smith.5@us.af.mil

The official logo of the Vermont National Guard.

TAG's State of the Guard 2026

Note: the above YouTube video link may not work on all government computers. 

National Guard News
New York Guard Soldiers participate in a 12-mile ruck during the New York Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition 2026, at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt Manor, New York, March 26, 2026. Photo by Sgt. Maximilian Boudreaux.
Two Military Police Company Soldiers Named New York Guard Best Warriors
By Sgt. Richelle Cruickshank, | April 7, 2026
CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, N.Y. – Two Soldiers from Buffalo’s 105th Military Police Company have been named winners in the New York Army National Guard’s 2026 Best Warrior competition.Spc. Trevor Lock took first place in the...

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Kelly, the senior enlisted leader of the Illinois Army National Guard, presents the Illinois Army National Guard’s 2026 Soldier of the Year award to Polish Territorial Defense Forces Soldier Mateusz. Competitors from the Illinois National Guard and the Polish Territorial Defense Force, partnered through the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, participated in the 2026 Illinois Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition held March 26-29, 2026, at the Marseilles Training Area. Photo by Sgt. Haesi Fanizzo.
Polish Soldier Wins Illinois National Guard Best Warrior Competition
By Sgt. Haesi Fanizzo, | April 6, 2026
MARSEILLES, Ill. – Polish Territorial Defense Forces Soldier Mateusz, whose rank and surname have been omitted to comply with the Polish Territorial Defense Forces policy, traveled across the Atlantic to compete recently in...

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Karen Mitchell, member of the Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program, Missouri Air National Guard, prepares to fold a ceremonial flag, March 26, 2026, in St. Louis. Mitchell has served 42 years in the Missouri Air National Guard. Photo by Master Sgt. Stephanie Mundwiller
Missouri Guardsman Renders 6,500 Military Funeral Honors
By Staff Sgt. Whitney Erhart, | April 6, 2026
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – U.S. Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Karen Mitchell has stood before grieving families approximately 6,500 times during her 18 years with the Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program, rendering...