An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
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.

Vermont National Guard Logo Press Releases
Press Release | Sept. 22, 2022

Vermont National Guard holds distinguished visitor day for state legislators

Vermont National Guard Public Affairs

CAMP JOHNSON, Vermont  –  

Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, Vermont’s adjutant general, hosted 12 Vermont legislators during a tour of the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho, Vermont, on Sept. 20, 2022.

Legislators received a brief from Range Control, a tour of the new Army Mountain Warfare School, and the National Guard Biathlon program.

“There is so much the Vermont Guard offers and we need to tell that story,” said Knight. “I love bringing people around the range because more often than not, visitors are completely unaware of what we have to offer.”

Ethan Allen Firing Range covers more than 11,000 acres and hosts multiple ranges and training locations. The new Army Mountain Warfare School facility, built on a $30 million federal military construction project appropriation, was one of the highlights. While still under construction, the new facility opened many eyes of the distinguished visitors.

“This facility is unbelievable,” said Vergennes Rep. Matt Birong. “Coming and seeing all (Ethan Allen Firing Range) has to offer has been eye-opening. There are incredible opportunities for folks to hone and advance their skills. The dedication and professionalism of the people who work here is first-rate."

The National Guard Biathlon Program and Vermont National Guard Biathletes were also showcased. Representatives watched the athletes roller ski on the biathlon track, fire rounds, and answer questions about the program. After a quick look into their training, representatives could try their hand at firing the .22-caliber rifles used in biathlon sports.

“I have to admit, I had no idea of all that the military brings to our communities, and all that they offer right here in Vermont," said Essex Junction Rep. Lori Houghton. “It’s important for me to be here so I can share with the rest of the Legislature, my constituents, and Vermonters."

The Vermont National Guard hosts public tours of the Ethan Allen Firing Range and the 158th Fighter Wing. For more information, visit http://www.vtguard.com/EAFR

National Guard News
Idaho Army National Guard Pfc. Bailey Craig attends her first drill at the Orchard Combat Training Center, Feb. 8, 2023, with the organization's 937th Engineer Detachment. She is the unit's first female to earn the 12M firefighter military occupational specialty after graduating in December from the Department of Defense's 68-day basic firefighting training academy at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas.
Idaho Guardsman Blazes her own Trail in Firefighting
By Crystal Farris, | March 15, 2023
BOISE, Idaho - Beads of sweat dripped down her face and collected at the bottom of her mask. Her firefighting suit and breathing apparatus were heavy and weighed her down. She crawled forward and pulled the 175-pound “dummy”...

New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin, the commander of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, holds the
NY Guard’s 69th Infantry Carries Poet’s Crucifix to Africa
By Staff Sgt. Alexander Rector, | March 15, 2023
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Poet Joyce Kilmer, most famous for the poem “Trees,” was killed over 100 years ago while serving as a sergeant in the New York National Guard’s 69th Infantry Regiment scout section during World War...

First Sgt. John Melson, then a Sgt. 1st Class and member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, was presented the Bronze Star Medal with
Guard Soldier Featured in Army ‘Be All You Can Be’ Campaign
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Whitney Hughes, | March 15, 2023
ARLINGTON, Va. – Many military members consider their service life-changing, but for 1st Sgt. John Melson, it was lifesaving — literally. After doctors at Melson’s military entrance screening discovered a lump in his neck, he...

Sgt. Osse Jeanpierre shows off his U.S. citizenship certificate following his swearing in as a U.S. citizen Dec. 15, 2022, in Tukwila, Wash. The Washington National Guard member left Haiti as a 9-year-old.
Army National Guardsman Shares Journey to Citizenship
By Joseph Siemandel, | March 15, 2023
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - When you ask Sgt. Osse Jeanpierre, JP for short, about immigrating to the United States, he smiles and talks so vividly about how it helped his family. His smile widens when he explains his time in the...

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shane Yuknis, cavalry scout for B Troop, 172nd Cavalry Squadron (MTN), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (MTN), Vermont Army National Guard, before tactical insertion training at the airfield in Resolute, Nunavut, Canada, March 14, 2023.
Vermont Guard Soldier Thrives in Canadian Arctic Exercise
By Capt. Mikel Arcovitch, | March 15, 2023
RESOLUTE, Nunavut - U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shane Yuknis first came to Resolute in 2019 while participating in Guerrier Nordique.This is his second visit to the northernmost location for the Canadian-hosted exercise. National...