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Green Mountain Guard October 2023

From The Desk Of:

Col. John Johnston

We had a flurry of activity in the Vermont National Guard during October, highlighting the Guard's commitment to both global partnerships and community engagement.

This month we welcomed State Partnership Programs from Austria and North Macedonia, fostering mutual interests and continuing enduring relationships. Their visit underscored the international respect for the Vermont Guard's proficiency, specifically in the area of mountain warfare skills -- an expertise that is vital for military readiness in various global theaters.

Simultaneously, the servicemen and women of C Co. 3-126th Air Ambulance remained actively deployed within CENTCOM's area of responsibility. Their ongoing mission exemplifies the selfless dedication to duty that is the hallmark of the National Guard, providing critical medical evacuation capabilities and support to joint forces.

Back home, the Halloween festivities showcased the Guard's community spirit. Members donned costumes and joined in the celebrations, sharing in the seasonal joy and providing a safe and festive environment for families.

As we look ahead into November, there is an air of deep respect and honor for our veterans. Veterans Day preparations are in motion all over our nation to pay homage to those who have served. The Guard stands ready to continue its tradition of service and remembrance, ensuring the sacrifices of our fellow veterans is recognized and honored in the heart of the Green Mountain State.

We can't thank you enough for all you do.

-Col. John Johnston

Ammo Loading F35 Competition

Members of the Vermont Air National Guard soar to new heights during an adrenaline-pumping bomb loading competition.

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It was high-stakes event that showcased the remarkable skill and commitment of these Air National Guard heroes, ensuring our skies remain secure and our nation protected.

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Pumpkin Carving For The Holidays!

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Soldiers from D. Company, 186th BSB, 86th IBCT (MTN) got into the spooky spirit and had a pumpkin carving competition on the range.

The top five shooters of the day got to carve pumpkins with their weapons. Five rounds at 100 meters; best jack-o'-lantern face won.

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SGT Handy came out on top with the best design! šŸŽƒ

"Something fun, something challenging, something different."

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Range Time: Ethan Allen Firing Range

A Beautiful Day At EAFR

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Since it's initial construction in 1926. The Ethan Allen Firing Range has been home to a plethora of activity to help train Soliders, Airmen, Marines, Special Forces groups, local law enforcers and many others more.

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ROTC students train on weapons systems

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The Ethan Allen Firing Range (EAFR), is located in Jericho, Vermont. It serves as a major training facility for the Vermont National Guard and other military units from all over the world.

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A UH-60 Black Hawk Prepares To Lift-Off

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With the only military .50 caliber machine gun range in New England, EAFR continues to provide essential training grounds for live-fire exercises, marksmanship training, mountaineering, and other military operations.

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Rucking is always fun, EAFR hosts one of the largest and most challenging Land Navigation Courses in New England.

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Over the years, the facility has evolved to meet the changing needs of the military, ensuring our troops are well-prepared for their tasks and missions.

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A. Company 186th BSB (MTN) Prepare Ammo For Range

Vermont Air National Guard Base

Lease Extended Securing Benefits for City, State, and Nation

The Burlington City Council voted to extend a lease between their city and the U.S. Government for the Vermont Air National Guard to remain at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport through 2073.

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A group of Airmen pose in front of the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. Home to the Vermont Air National Guard and Army Aviation.

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ā€œBurlington has been the committed steward of the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, one of the great economic engines of Vermont, for over 100 years ā€“ and since 1946 the Airport has also been the proud home of the Vermont Air National Guard,ā€ said Mayor Miro Weinberger. ā€œThis lease extension is an important step in ensuring the mutual success of the City, VTANG, the airport, and the region, and in continuing to mitigate the sound and emissions impacts of VTANG operations. I am grateful that the Council approval Monday of the lease and MOU I negotiated will result in Guard members continuing to be our neighbors, teachers, police and firefighters, coaches, volunteers, doctors, and nurses for generations to come.ā€

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Groups have been meeting to discuss ongoing projects.

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The councilā€™s decision unfreezes $51M in capital investments for the Vermont Air National Guard and Leahy Burlington International Airport, including nearly $8M in environmental improvement and sustainment projects, which align with Burlingtonā€™s climate goals.

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State Partnership Program:

Delegations From North Macedonia and Austria

North Macedoniaā€™s Defense AttachĆ© to the U.S. Colonel Goran Pavleski visited Vermont to discuss new defense initiatives and strengthen the partnership. Colonel Pavleski met with The Office of The Adjutant General, Vermont National Guard , the Joint Staff, and the Army Mountain Warfare School. Colonel Pavleski has had a long history with the Vermont National Guard, coordinating SPP activities since 2000.

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Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, Vermont's Adjutant General, meets with Colonel Goran Pavleski in Colchester, Vermont on October 5th.

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A delegation of officials from Austria visit the the Vermont National Guard Army Mountain Warfare School on October 19.

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Army Mountain Warfare School Cadre with the Delegation from Austria pose in front of the U.S. Army Mountain Warfare School Logo.

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This highlights the enduring strength of our state partnership program. We have so much to contribute to one another! With an experienced mountaineering State Partner, together we will climb to new heights.

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Commander Lt. Col. Jason Beams explains the flow of the Army Mountain Warfare School.

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Patriot Medevac

USCENTCOM Operations

C Co. 3-126th Aviation (Air Ambulance), known for their unwavering commitment and elite medical evacuation capabilities, has been deployed for the past year under USCENTCOM to bolster the United States' rapid response medical operations across the Central Command's area of responsibility.

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Prepping Medevac Team.

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This deployment has tested the unit's highly skilled personnel and advanced air assets. They have integrated into multifaceted operations aimed at ensuring the safety and health of U.S. and coalition forces.

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Crew Chiefs by their UH-60 Blackhawk.

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With readiness and resilience at their core, the 3-126th stands ready to undertake life-saving missions in some of the world's most challenging environments. Patriot Medevac's presence significantly enhances the operational medical framework within the theater, providing a critical lifeline and adds to the medical response capacity of USCENTCOM's strategic operations.

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(L) Staff Sgt. Claire and Sgt. Corban 'Loving' what they do.

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06 Promotion

Congratulations to newly promoted Col. Hazel Kreider.

VTANG Host Air Families For Halloween Fun

Last week, the VTANG hosted ghosts, goblins, superheroes, and princesses (and their Air Guard parents) to an on-base, trick-or-treating event! Which costume gets your vote for fan favorite?