Staff Sgt. Alyssa Reik / 179th Cyberspace Wing Public Affairs
179th fire protection Airmen build readiness on the job
Fire protection Airmen with the 179th Civil Engineer Squadron practice rescue procedures during training at the Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base in Mansfield, Ohio. Fire protection specialists conduct readiness training to maintain their ability to respond to fires, calls for emergency first aid and hazardous material incidents.
Airman 1st Class Josh Kaeser / 178th Wing Public Affairs
178th Security Forces Airmen strengthen physical readiness during tactical training
Members assigned to the 178th Security Forces Squadron move a simulated casualty to a safe location during a tactical training event in Springfield, Ohio. Practicing these rigorous extraction techniques is vital for boosting readiness, ensuring the unit can effectively protect and evacuate personnel from hostile environments.
OHANG | 178TH WING | PHOTOS
Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith / Joint Force Headquarters-Pennsylvania Public Affairs
Ohio Soldier’s third straight Lacerda Cup title helps National Guard to historic finish
U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers claimed three championship belts and delivered their strongest performance to date at the 2026 Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championships, as two full National Guard teams placed third and sixth overall out of 21 Army teams. In the cruiserweight division, Ohio Army National Guard Sgt. Jeremiah Slagle secured his third consecutive Lacerda Cup title, becoming the second Soldier in the competition’s history to achieve that feat.
OHARNG | 73RD TC | MODERN ARMY COMBATIVES | PHOTOS: 1, 2, 3, 4 | STORY | VIDEO
Staff Sgt. Sarah Stalder Lundgren / 180th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Airman’s journey reflects a blend of grit, grace, purpose
Staff Sgt. Catherine “Katie” Carene didn’t set out to become a trailblazer. But as a previous Air National Guard Outstanding Airman of the Year in the noncommissioned officer category, the fleet management and analysis specialist with the 180th Fighter Wing is now a role model for all and a driving force behind operational excellence.
Courtesy photos
Service that starts at home
In the Sommer family, service was the tradition. Ryan Sommer’s father, grandfather, uncles and almost every man in his family tree have worn the uniform at one point in their lives. Growing up surrounded by these examples shaped how he viewed service, long before he could define it.
Ohio Governor’s Office photo
Ohio National Guard, Angola formalize State Partnership Program agreement
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a State Partnership Program agreement between the Ohio National Guard and the Republic of Angola at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, April 9, 2026. The agreement formalizes Angola as Ohio’s newest partner nation, expanding international engagement efforts through joint training, military exchanges and leader development in support of regional stability and shared security objectives.