July-September 2023 Buckeye Guard
The 179th Cyberspace Wing marked its official mission change with a redesignation ceremony this September. Prior to this historic event, the Air Force chief of staff visited Mansfield, Ohio earlier this year as the unit continued its transition from its previous military airlift mission to become the Air National Guard’s first cyberspace wing. Also in this Buckeye Guard: Ohio hosts the 2023 Region IV Best Warrior Competition; new state command sergeant major takes the reins; units deploy in support of U.S. Central Command; and meet the Ohio National Guard Soldier of the Year. View these segments from the video newscast, plus articles, photos, history and more. ~ U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Alexis Wade, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
BUCKEY GUARD ARCHIVES | JULY-SEPTEMBER 2023 BUCKEYE GUARD ONLINE PUBLICATION featuring BG NEWSCAST
Airmen train for space operations during Vulcan Guard exercise
Senior Airman Capostagno analyzes data on his laptop during Vulcan Guard, a space-focused exercise incorporating several diverse space weapons systems in realistic threat-based scenarios and hosted at the 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio, Aug. 10, 2023. Personnel from all seven NGB states that currently conduct space operations, U.S. Space Command and the Brazilian military participated in the exercise. ~ U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Colin Simpson, 178th Wing Public Affairs
Ohio’s Soldier of Year reflects on Region IV Best Warrior Competition
The Ohio Army National Guard hosted the 2023 Army National Guard Region IV Best Warrior Competition at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center in Newton Falls, Ohio, May 3-7, 2023, as Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from seven states competed among their peers to be named the ‘Best in the Midwest.’ Pfc. Max Walls, of the 324th Military Police Company, is the Ohio National Guard Soldier of the Year and placed second in the Region IV BWC. ~ U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Thomas Moeger, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
READ STORY | PFC WALLS PROFILE VIDEO | REGION IV BWC VIDEO | PHOTO GALLERY
Ohio runners tops in National Guard for first time, earn ‘The Cob’
For the first time in program history, the Ohio National Guard Marathon Team won the team title, earning “The Cob” traveling trophy, during the 46th Annual Lincoln Marathon and National Guard Marathon Trials in Lincoln, Neb., May 7, 2023. More than 200 Soldiers and Airmen from all the states and territories ran in the 26.2-mile event for spots on the National Guard Military Competitions All Guard Marathon Team, with six Ohio runners qualifying for the 2023-24 All Guard Team including Capt. Brittany Downs, kneeling, right, who placed first overall in the female category. ~ Courtesy photo
Renovation, memorialization ceremony for Newark Armory honors native son, Guard member
The 1st Lt. James Gregory Miller Armory is memorialized during a July 13, 2023, ceremony in Newark, Ohio, as Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., left, Ohio adjutant general, and Bobbi Ford, Miller’s niece, present the facility’s dedication plaque. Miller, a native of Newark, enlisted in the Ohio National Guard at the armory in 1964 and was commissioned a lieutenant in 1966, serving with the 737th Maintenance Battalion, 37th Infantry Division until 1968. He transitioned to active service and was serving in Vietnam with the Americal Division when he was killed in action on June 4, 1969. The ceremony also marked the completion of $1.73 million in improvements to the nearly 70-year-old facility. ~ U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Mann, Ohio National Guard historian
Ohio Army National Guard musician performs final taps before retiring
Sgt. 1st Class Vernon Harris, a trumpet player with the 122nd Army Band, performed taps in May during the 2023 Governor’s Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. Harris retired from the Ohio Army National Guard this spring after more than 30 years of service performing ceremonies and concerts. ~ U.S. Army National Guard video by George B. Davis, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs
WATCH ON YOUTUBE | READ ADJUTANT GENERAL'S INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE
St. Marys honors its Ohio National Guard legacy
The city of St. Marys, Ohio has dedicated a memorial to honor the Ohio National Guard units and armory that have been part of the western Auglaize County community since 1877.
Member’s instincts, vigilance helps rescue victim of child abuse
An Ohio Guard member serving on the COVID-19 hospital support mission in late 2021-early 2022 was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the Ohio adjutant general for their actions to help rescue a child from an abusive situation.
State command chief leads through strong support from family, fellow Airmen
Chief Master Sgt. Troy Taylor is the 12th state command chief master sergeant of the Ohio Air National Guard. He says the support from family, fellow Airmen and mentors have helped him be the leader he is today.
'No wrong door’ policy opens possibilities to improve service member, family well-being
The J9 Directorate is a comprehensive wellness program specifically focused on prevention, risk reduction and resiliency for Ohio National Guard members and their families.
#knowyourmil
State command chief leads through strong
support from family, fellow Airmen
A matter of life or death:
Seeking help and overcoming
Air Force names Ohio ANG member one of 12
Outstanding Airmen of the Year
A Day in the Life:
Ohio National Guard historian
OHMR member’s nursing skills,
quick actions save life
Twin sisters serve, retire together at 178th Wing
Ohio nets top 3 finish at
All Guard Endurance Team competition
Staff Sgt. Cherelle Hines
121st ARW Airman: A passion to serve
Airman First Class Sophie Tridico
Airman tops in her class at basic training,
DOD Fire Academy
Spc. Matthieu Henry
Radiology specialist with the
285th Medical Company
Staff Sgt. Geffry Gehrlich &
Master Sgt. Shaun Ruvoldt ~
Ohio Army National Guard namestop
recruiters for 2021
Staff Sgt. Roumel Arrozal ~
Hot Shot: Soldier earns Distinguished
Pistol Shot Badge
Lt. Col. Albito Lopez ~
‘Mi casa es su casa’:
Hispanic heritage instills hard work, importance
of inclusion for veteran Airman
Tech. Sgt. Jordan Hopson ~
121st Airman is Ohio Air National Guard
Recruiter of Year
Spc. John Owen ~
Living the American Dream: Military has provided
family, friends, career for South Korean immigrant
Senior Master Sgt. Mark Schneider ~
200th RED HORSE member is senior
NCOof year for Air National Guard
Staff Sgt. George Davis ~
Brick by Brick: Father, Soldier
builds family and career
Sgt. 1st Class Kindra Elder ~
Longtime victim advocate answers
calling to help her fellow Soldiers
Senior Master Sgt. Jacob Bridges. ~
Airman’s personal story motivates him
as victim advocate
Master Sgt. Aaron Foy ~
Formerly in
military police, Soldier now trains others
in sexual assault awareness, prevention
Senior Master Sgt. Brianne Forrester
Air Guard victim advocate strives for
safe space for those who need help
Brig. Gen. Rebecca O’Connor
Dual-status commander unifies forces
Lt Col. Thomas Butler
Career paths contribute to diverse
journey for Guard member
California wild fires:
178th Wing sensor
operator’s support saves hundreds of
lives during California wildfires
Staff Sgt. Kathryn Dobbs
180th FW Airman holds leadership post
in BGSU student veterans chapter
Sgt. Aaron Amsden
1-145th Soldier earns ARCENT NCO
of Year title on deployment
Staff Sgt. Nemec
Soldier’s path to service began
in Argentina
Second Lt. Colleen O’Callaghan
Ohio’s first female infantry officer serves on
the front lines during COVID-19 pandemic
Spcs. Gabriel Kirk (left) and Javier Roman
Ohio Guard members build bridges over
language barriers at food bank
Pfc. Dal Sum
Guard member helps family friend, pregnant
COVID-19 patient at Columbus hospital
Spc. Jacque Elama
Ohio National Guard Soldier shares story
of becoming U.S. citizen
Hailey and Lexi Ireton
Sisters embark on NG carareers together
Capt. Sulaiman Bah
A commander's uncommon journey
Sgt. Kouami Honkpo
Freedom and Opportunity
Master Sgt. Ryan K. Tucker
A Lifesaver: Right Place, Right Time
2nd Lt. Devin King
Excelling on the gridiron
Maj. Gwendolyn Hoogendorn
Giving Back: Wildlife Warrior
Spc. Matt Logsdon
A case study in motivation
Staff Sgt. Michael Ginikos
ANG Firefighter of the Year
Staff Sgt. Ken Keller
Celebrating Adoption
Capt. Chris Brandt
Cherokee heritage sets life�s foundation
Col. Kimberly A. Fitzgerald
Leading the way at 178th Wing
Tech. Sgt. Chel sea Lovelace
Finding purpose through tragedy
1st Lt. Valerie Stearns
Challenging herself in order to grow
ONG HISTORY | THIS DAY / WEEK
ONG Heritage Center on
A Look in the Attic: Sept. 18-24
In Through the Lens, an Ohio National Guard Soldier wins the 1986 Port Clinton Marathon; in Week in Review, the 1st Ohio Volunteer Infantry contributes to the American victory over Mexico at the Battle of Monterrey in 1846; and Connecting to the Connections features an early 20th century uniform of the Cleveland Grays, whose lineage is perpetuated today by the 112th Engineer Battalion.
READ MORE
BUCKEYE GUARD ARCHIVES
BUCKEYE GUARD
July - September 2023
Featuring
- Air Force chief of staff visits 179th Cyberspace Wing
- Ohio hosts Region IV Best Warrior Competition
- Stow armory, named for Civil War hero, gets an upgrade
- Ceremony between state command sergeants major
- Airmen train for space operations during Vulcan Guard
- Ohio runners tops in National Guard for first time
- 121st tested at Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection
- 371st Sustainment Brigade, 137th Signal Company deploy
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