Compiled and created by Ohio National Guard Heritage Center
A Look in the Attic: June 16-22, 2025
In Through the Lens, Soldiers from Company C, 112th Engineer Battalion place explosive charges on the outside of a chimney set for demolition at Camp Atterbury, Ind. in 1991; in Week in Review, the 1192nd Engineer Company is organized 150 years ago in Youngstown as the Iron City Guards; and Hall of Valor honors Pvt. Joseph O. Gregg, who earned the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 16, 1864, during the Battle of Petersburg, Va. in the American Civil War.
Cindy Ayers Hayter / Ohio National Guard Public Affairs
Latest Buckeye Guard online publication available
The Buckeye Guard, the official online publication of the Ohio National Guard, features the latest episode and individual segments from the companion Buckeye Guard video newscast, which airs several times weekly on the Ohio Channel, a service of Ohio's public broadcasting stations. Each issue of the online publication also includes news, articles and historical content that highlight the missions, training, readiness and accomplishments of the Ohio National Guard's more than 14,000 Soldiers and Airmen.
Staff Sgt. Samantha Aguridakis / 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
2025 OHARNG Best Warrior Competition determines top Soldier, NCO
The 2025 Ohio Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition, held at Camp James A. Garfield this year, brought together the best Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from six brigade-level commands to test their resilience, fitness, tactical skills and cognitive abilities. At the conclusion of the four-day event, Spc. William Schmitt, of Troop C, 2nd Squadron,107th Cavalry Regiment, was named Soldier of Year and Sgt. Benjamin Kovacic, of the 323rd Military Police Company, was named NCO of the Year. Both Soldiers moved on to represent Ohio in the ARNG Region IV BWC at Fort McCoy, Wis.
Cindy Hayter / Ohio National Guard Public Affairs
83rd Ohio Adjutant General says farewell to the members of the Ohio National Guard
Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, presents his final command message to Ohio National Guard members, their families and the citizens of Ohio. Harris is joined by his wife, Angela, as they reflect on their time in service. He is culminating a 44-year career in the Ohio Army National Guard, having served as adjutant general since 2019. Harris will turn over command of the Ohio National Guard to Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, who currently serves as the assistant adjutant general for Army. The Ohio Channel will televise the change of command ceremony, immediately followed by a retirement ceremony for Harris, beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Senior Airman Ivy Thomas / 121st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
Ohio Air National Guard announces its top Airmen
The 2025 Ohio Air National Guard Outstanding Airmen of the Year award winners stand with senior leaders during a recognition ceremony in Columbus, Ohio, Jan.11, 2025. The event honored selected Airmen who demonstrated outstanding leadership, strong work ethic and commitment to their community, state and nation.
Airman of Year: Senior Airman Logan Hargis, 123rd Air Control Squadron, 178th Wing
Noncommissioned Officer of Year: Staff Sgt. Zachary Wohlford, 124th Intelligence Squadron, 178th Wing
Senior NCO of Year: Master Sgt. Travis Brown, 123rd ACS, 178th Wing
First Sergeant of Year: Master Sgt. Andrew Jenkins, 121st Air Refueling Wing
Company Grade Officer of Year: Capt. Melissa Steele, 179th Cyberspace Wing
Staff Sgt. Jillian Maynus / Ohio National Guard Public Affairs
Woodruff takes command as Ohio adjutant general, Harris retires
Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., outgoing Ohio adjutant general, transferred authority and responsibility as head of the Ohio National Guard to Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, incoming Ohio adjutant general, during a change of command ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. Following the change of command, Harris officially retired after 44 years of military service, the last six as adjutant general, to begin his new state government role as director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.