March 2021 Gallery
Courtesy photo
Citizen-Airman: Career paths contribute to diverse journey for Guard member
From a young Soldier playing the flute in the band, to an experienced Airman responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, to a civilian leading cybersecurity for a presidential debate, Lt. Col. Thomas Butler’s career, both civilian and military, has been diverse, with each experience building toward the next. Butler, whose current civilian role is as director of cybersecurity intelligence for the Cleveland Clinic, was integral to establishing a network specifically created to monitor and thwart possible cyber threats during the first 2020 debate (pictured), held last September in Cleveland.
Courtesy photo from a March 2017 meeting in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Stepping up when needed:
Rhoads reflects on time as JTF Fox commander
Ohio Army National Guard Col. David Rhoads led the joint task force headquarters that provides management and oversight to all Ohio National Guard and State Defense Force COVID-19 support missions requested through the governor’s office. He reflected on his rotation as JTF Fox commander: “It (was) both an honor and a privilege to lead something as momentous as this. I’ve been able to work with people from all over, from all walks of life. What we’re doing is something worth doing, and I’m glad to have been able to help shape it.”
Image courtesy of CBS/60Minutes
Maj. Gen. Harris interview airs on '60 Minutes,' talks about ONG support during COVID-19
Inside the COVID-19 recession, one of the most unequal in modern history: It’s been nearly one year since Gov. Mike DeWine called on Ohio National Guard members to support their fellow Ohioans by providing assistance at food banks across the state. Since the mission began, ONG Soldiers and Airmen have helped distribute about 90 million pounds of food. Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, and others talked to "60 Minutes" about how the pandemic has impacted Ohio communities.
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Ohio National Guard completes cleanup mission in Southern Ohio
Ohio National Guard members have completed a mission in Southern Ohio where they helped clear nearly 230 miles of roadway during a 15-day activation. Gov. Mike DeWine directed about 100 Guard engineers to assist with ice storm cleanup and debris removal in Gallia and Lawrence counties from Feb. 21 to March 2, 2021.
Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker, 180th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Soaring to Success: Air Force recognizes 3 Ohio ANG wings for outstanding achievement
Three Ohio Air National Guard wings — the 121st Air Refueling Wing, 178th Wing and 180th Fighter Wing — have been recognized again with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The award is given to units that demonstrate exceptional meritorious service, accomplish specific acts of outstanding achievement and/or excel in combat operations.
Photo by Senior Airman Kregg York, 180th Fighter Wing Ohio National Guard
323rd MP Company returns from D.C. mission: Toledo unit keeps pace with multiple deployments in past year
The Ohio Army National Guard’s 323rd Military Police Company, based in Toledo, Ohio, which has been busy in 2020-21 with five different short-notice deployments to support state and federal missions, including a recent deployment to the Washington D.C. area to assist with security at entry points to the U.S. Supreme Court building.
Photo by Spc. Olivia Lauer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Ohio National Guard public affairs unit deploys in support of U.S. European Command
Eight Soldiers from the 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, based in Columbus, Ohio, have deployed to support U.S. European Command. They were honored during a call to duty ceremony March 18, 2021, at the 147th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) on the Defense Supply Center Columbus campus.
Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Vega, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs
Dual-status commander unifies forces
Ohio National Guard general leading mass vaccination efforts in Cleveland
The Community Vaccination Center at Cleveland State University is officially open and vaccinating Ohioans in an effort to save and protect lives by stopping the spread of COVID-19. The CVC is manned by a team of about 540 Ohio National Guard and active-duty service members, as well as personnel from local, state and federal agencies and is being led by Ohio Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Rebecca O’Connor (pictured), who has been appointed as the dual-status commander in charge of the CVC, which is capable of vaccinating more than 6,000 people per day.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Noah J. Tancer, 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Camp James A. Garfield offers world-class training opportunities
Members of the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 910th Security Forces Squadron utilize teamwork to navigate obstacles on the leadership confidence course during training March 22, 2021, at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, near Newton Falls, Ohio. There are numerous world-class training opportunities available at Camp James A. Garfield for all Department of Defense entities in the Midwestern U.S.
Marking a year of COVID-19 mission support
March 23 marked the one-year anniversary of the Ohio National Guard’s first mission as part of the state’s response to COVID-19, when members answered the call from Gov. Mike DeWine and reported for duty at food banks across the Buckeye State. Since then, a total of 5,600 Soldiers, Airmen, and members of the Ohio Military Reserve and Ohio Naval Militia — nearly a third of the entire Ohio National Guard force — have answered the call to help their communities during nearly 70 missions, which have included providing vaccinations, collecting personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers and providing staffing support to state prisons and long-term care facilities.
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‘Mission first mentality’:
ONG, State Defense Force members complete corrections mission
Ohio National Guard members stand for a photo March 15, 2021, during the last shift providing staffing support at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Franklin Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. From September 2020 to March 2021, Guard members augmented staffs at 23 of the state’s 28 correctional institutions, providing support where critical personnel shortages arose due to COVID-19-related health issues and concerns.