December 2021 Gallery
Ohio National Guard graphic
Changes in VA home loan program expands eligibility for National Guard
Current and former National Guard members now have a much better chance of qualifying for a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-backed home loan, thanks to recent changes made to the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program. A new law expands the definition of veteran for the purpose of a home loan to include National Guard members who have mobilized for full-time duty.
Photo by Master Sgt. Joe Harwood, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
179th Airlift Wing conducts change of command
Brig. Gen. Gary McCue (left), director of the joint staff for the Ohio National Guard, presents Col. Darren E. Hamilton (third from left), as the 17th commander of the 179th Airlift Wing, as Chief Master Sgt. Todd A. Hunt (second from left), 179th AW command chief, and Col. Todd K. Thomas, outgoing 179th Airlift Wing commander, stand at attention during a change of command ceremony Dec. 3, 2021, at Mansfield-Lahm Air National Guard Base in Mansfield, Ohio. Hamilton takes over for Thomas, who joined the unit in 1991 as a C-130 pilot and retires as the wing commander after more than 33 years of military service.
Photo by Spc. Jessica Silhavy, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs
Wreaths Across America ceremony at Ohio Statehouse honors veterans
Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, speaks during a Wreaths Across America ceremony Dec. 13, 2021, at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. Conducted each December at more than 2,500 locations in all 50 states and throughout the world, the events are intended to raise awareness and appreciation for the sacrifices of the nation’s veterans and their families.
Ohio National Guard graphic
2021 year in review: Ohio National Guard, State Defense Force contribute to multitude of missions in service to community, state and nation
The National Guard’s motto is “Always Ready, Always There!” That has never been truer than in 2021, as the Ohio National Guard began its second year of supporting the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ohio National Guard 2021 Year in Review looks at the top news stories and organizational accomplishments of the past year, including balancing federal deployments and domestic missions along with developing cybersecurity capabilities and celebrating the continuation of key strategic partnerships. ~Ohio National Guard graphic
Photo by Spc. Jessica Silhavy, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs
Explosives training at Camp James A. Garfield helps prepare future combat engineers
Soldiers taking the Army 12B10 combat engineer qualification course train with high explosives April 21, 2021, at the Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, near Newton Falls, Ohio. Coming from all components of the Army, including the active duty, the Soldiers undergo this training as part of the course conducted by the Ohio Army National Guard’s 147th Regiment (Regional Training Institute).
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Photo by Shawn Green, Cleveland Clinic
Guard providing support to Ohio’s hospitals
Ohio National Guard members provide support to a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site Dec. 28, 2021, at the Cleveland Clinic main campus in Cleveland. Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered the Ohio National Guard to help relieve the statewide hospital staffing strain caused by the recent increase in people needing medical treatment for COVID-19.
Photo by Shawn Green, Cleveland Clinic
Guard providing support to Ohio’s hospitals
Ohio Army National Guard Spc. Paige Watson helps augment hospital food and nutrition services staff Dec. 28, 2021, at the Cleveland Clinic main campus in Cleveland. At the direction of Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohio National Guard members have been activated to support hospitals throughout Ohio that are currently strained due to the surge of COVID-19 patients.
Photo courtesy of Mount Carmel East
Guard providing support to Ohio’s hospitals
Ohio Army National Guard Spc. Nicholas Deltedesco helps augment hospital staff Dec. 29, 2021, at Mount Carmel East in Columbus, Ohio. At the direction of Gov. Mike DeWine, the Ohio National Guard is providing medical and support personnel to aid Ohio hospitals that are strained due to the increase in people needing medical treatment for COVID-19.
Photo courtesy of Mount Carmel East
Guard providing support to Ohio’s hospitals
Ohio National Guard members help manage inventory to support hospital staff Dec. 29, 2021, at Mount Carmel East in Columbus, Ohio. Gov. Mike DeWine has directed the Ohio National Guard to provide medical and general support personnel to aid Ohio hospitals that are currently strained due the recent influx COVID-19 patients statewide.