Ohio National Guard News

Ohio National Guard celebrates 230 years of being
'Always ready, Always there'

Story by Airman 1st Class Amber Mullen, 178th Wing Public Affairs

Photos by Sgt. Joanna Bradshaw, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

Members of the Ohio National Guard state command team, including Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman (third from left), Ohio adjutant general, are joined by Josie McCue (left) and Garrett Baldwin (right) to cut the cake in a ceremony celebrating the ONG’s 230th birthday July 25, 2018, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. McCue and Baldwin are the newest enlistees into the Ohio Air and Army National Guard, respectively.

Video by Sgt. Andrew Kuhn, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

Soldiers, Airmen and distinguished visitors gather on the drill floor of the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory to celebrate.

Spc. CeCe Benson, a soloist with the 122nd Army Band, sings the national anthem and “God Bless America” during the celebration.

COLUMBUS (07/25/18) —The Ohio National Guard celebrated its 230th birthday during a ceremony on July 25, 2018, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory.

During the celebration, the ONG command staff led a program that featured a review of the organization’s history, remarks by Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman, Ohio adjutant general, and a ceremonial cake-cutting with the two most recent enlistees, Josie McCue and Garrett Baldwin, who joined the Ohio Air and Army National Guard, respectively.

On July 25, 1788, the Ohio National Guard was organized as the Northwest Territory Militia and since then has been involved in every major conflict the nation has faced, with the men and women of Ohio serving selflessly.

“Fifteen years prior to Ohio becoming a state, there were a group of militia men that came together to fight for a common cause,” Bartman said. “That thread continues today (through our Soldiers and Airmen) 230 years later.”

The Ohio National Guard is a joint force between the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard that is always ready to fight and defend the state and the nation at a moment’s notice.

Since 9/11, more than 25,000 Soldiers and Airmen have deployed around the globe. Most recently, Ohio National Guard military police members conducted operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve to combat the actions of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

In addition to serving overseas, the Ohio National Guard also deploys Airmen and Soldiers to support stateside missions, including assisting local authorities in the event of a natural disaster.

Last year, during a historic hurricane season, more than 400 Airmen and Soldiers deployed to help with recovery efforts in Texas, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico after Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

With 230 years of rich history, the Ohio National Guard continues to develop Airmen and Soldiers who are ready to serve their communities, state and nation.

“I look forward to seeing what the Ohio National Guard does over the next 20 to 30 years,” Bartman said.

The Ohio National Guard is a joint force of more than 16,000 Soldiers and Airmen who are trained and ready to assist with stateside and global missions whenever disaster strikes. They embody the Ohio National Guard’s mission, “Always ready, Always there.”