From The Desk Of:
Brig. Gen. Henry Harder
We find ourselves fully in the midst of the holiday season, which gives us time to look back with gratefulness and pride at the work of our Guardsmen. Though many consider this time of year to be “slow,” we know that the diligent work and training to maintain readiness continues in both the land and air.
With gratitude for all of you who currently serve, November 11th also signifies a special time to reflect on the sacrifices and service of all veterans as a country. I know that our veterans, both currently serving and those who came before, are never far from my mind but it is comforting to see our communities come together to recognize their service.
More locally, thank you to all those involved with executing this year’s excellent multicultural event at the 158th Fighter Wing. Between 150 and 200 Airmen and Soldiers attended this year’s event and took the time to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our fellow Guardsmen. When you take diversity in heritage and perspective and unite those backgrounds with a drive to serve our state and nation, the result is a strong and dynamic collection of individuals that pass those strengths into our Guard.
Thank you all for your continued commitment and all the work that goes into that service. I hope you are able to enjoy some precious time with family and friends during this holiday season.
Brig. Gen. Henry Harder
86th IBCT: M.C.P Training
When mountain operations call for a remote command post, the Soldiers of HHC, 86th IBCT (MTN) have got that covered.
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Today’s Modular Command Post Systems, or MCPS, are a marvel of engineering. Tent components are lightweight, easy to transport, and configurable. The weather-resistant structure meshes easily with power generation, network, and camouflage systems.
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These Soldiers are timing just how long it takes to set up and strike a command post in mountainous terrain. The consensus among leaders is that it’s pretty darn fast!
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Remote command posts can empower our brigade to maintain its strategic advantage by allowing us to operate where least expected.
Multi-Cultural Event: Giving Thanks
The Vermont National Guard gathered together over drill weekend to celebrate the 4th annual multicultural event, November 5th, at the 158th Fighter Wing.
“Every year we host a multicultural event to showcase the heritage and diversity of our members,” said U.S. Army Maj. Todd Connolly, Diversity Equity Inclusion director for the Vermont National Guard. “It's an opportunity for us, both Army and Air, to get together to celebrate our differences, to celebrate our similarities, and to really showcase where our members come from.”
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According to a 2020 fact sheet from the American Immigration Council, Vermont has a small but growing community of immigrants. As of 2018, that number was more than 30,000. Connolly said he hopes that events like these will foster relationships within various Vermont communities by growing an understanding of the diverse immigrant populations and strengthening bonds within the Vermont Guard community. One of those immigrants attended this years’s celebration.
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“I'm from Russia originally; yes, raised and born,” said Sgt. 1st Class Yulia Benson, percussionist and keyboard player with the 40th Army band. “I finished university in Russia and then came here as a student and then, you know, by accident joined the Army.”
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Benson was one of many Guardsmen who attended the day's festivities. According to Connolly, between 150 and 200 Airmen and Soldiers attended this year's event. He would like to see it grow even larger.
Honoring Our Veterans 11/11
Night Flying Operations: Dark Wing
The Vermont Air National Guard will conduct night flying from Tuesday, Nov. 28 to Friday, Dec. 1, with one afternoon and one evening takeoff period per day. Flying will typically conclude by 7:00 p.m. each day.
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“We appreciate the community support, especially during our night flying operations,” said Air Force Col. Laura Caputo, 158th Maintenance Group Commander. “We are required to train at night to ensure our pilots and the supporting Airmen on the ground remain proficient in various weather conditions and scenarios.”
The Vermont Air National Guard will also continue regularly scheduled daytime flying operations during drill weekend, Dec 2-3.
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“Night flying is a crucial component of training,” said Air Force Col. Brian Lepine, 158th Fighter Wing Deputy Commander. “The maintenance team, with the assistance of the Mission Support Group, provides direct support to the training by ensuring critical systems are fully operational to safely execute the demands of night flying.”
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