From The TAG:
Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight
As busy as we are month to month, September was an especially hectic 30 days. We hosted our second Open House and welcomed over a thousand service members, friends, families, and community members onto our base at Camp Johnson.
The very next day we hosted around 100 at the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho. We also hosted Operation Bullseye which is another great opportunity for us to meet with members of our community. Every single Soldier and Airmen who took part did an exceptional job of executing and being knowledgeable stewards of the Vermont National Guard to the public. It’s a great reminder of all our capabilities and an excellent way to tell our story. Thanks for your efforts.
Obbie West, William Tell competition, and the Adriatic 5 conference in Skopje, North Macedonia are also among the events occurring in September. I’d be remiss if I didn’t bring special attention to our POW/MIA Day and the 22nd anniversary of 9/11.
We lost Bill Busier this past year. A stark reminder that every year with our POW/MIAs, especially those from WWII, is a gift. It was a great celebration as always. While we don’t have a direct ceremony tied to 9/11, it’s critical for us to never forget. Seeing footage from the day and reading stories from survivors always weighs heavy on my mind and heart.
Happy new (fiscal) year! I look forward to visiting more units in FY 24.
Thanks all and Put the Vermonters Ahead!
-Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight
Open House
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On September 9th, the Vermont National Guard held a highly successful Open House, drawing a significant number of attendees.
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The event provided an invaluable opportunity for the public to gain insight into the operations, equipment, and dedication of the Vermont National Guard members.
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Members of both the Vermont Army National Guard and the Vermont Air National Guard actively engaged with local communities, hosting educational events and spearheading initiatives to foster closer ties with the public.
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Vermont Remembers Run
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On September 10th, Camp Johnson was alive with activity as it hosted the "Vermont Remembers Run" in honor of the tragic events of 9/11. Participants from various backgrounds came together, walking, running, and rucking in unity and remembrance of the lives lost two decades ago.
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Soldier Showcase
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Operation Bullseye
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September 10th was capped off with the Soldier Showcase, where Guard members displayed their skills, training, and equipment, further bridging the gap between the military and civilian communities.
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It was a great opportunity to demonstrate combat warrior tasks, and training, and answer the public's questions. The Vermont National Guard looks forward to more community events.
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P.O.W./M.I.A Recognition Ceremony
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On September 15th, in observance of POW/MIA Recognition Day, a solemn ceremony was held to honor and remember those who were prisoners of war (POWs) and those who remain missing in action (MIA).
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The event was particularly poignant as three veterans of war, who had endured the harrowing experience of being POWs, were welcomed and celebrated.
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Their stories of resilience and courage served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by many for the freedoms we cherish today. The community came together in gratitude and reverence, ensuring that the legacy of these brave individuals, and all those who have faced similar fates, will never be forgotten.
After nearly two decades, the skies over Savannah once again roared with the sound of competitive spirit as the Air Force's historic William Tell Air-to-Air Weapons Meet made its triumphant return. Hosted at the Air Dominance Center from Sept. 11-15, this event showcased the prowess of the Air Force's finest, with a special spotlight on the 158th Fighter Wing.
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The William Tell meet, which began in 1954, was paused in 2004 for 19 years due to the military's operational tempo and contingency requirements, according to Air Combat Command. But the world of aerial combat didn't stand still as during the hiatus, the Air Force expanded its fleet, introducing 5th generation aircraft with the F-35 Lightning II being the newest model.
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Vermont has a storied history with the William Tell competition, having clinched third place back in October 1972 with the 134th Fighter Squadron. Fast forward to October of 1994, they performed flawlessly, marking the first perfect score in the competition's 40-year history. Not only did they excel in the skies, but their ability on the ground was also evident as they secured first place in the Maintenance Team Competition. Overall, Vermont secured a commendable third place, a testament to their dedication and skill.
This year, the 158th Fighter Wing stood out again, earning the title of Top F-35 Wing. Individual accolades were also in order:
State Partnership Program:
Vermont Visits North Macedonia
Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, the Adjutant General for the Vermont National Guard, and a delegation of Vermonter Soldiers and Airmen kicked off their visit to North Macedonia at the U.S. Embassy and Ministry of Defense in Skopje on September 25.
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North Macedonia and Vermont have been in the state partnership program together since the National Guard program began in 1993.
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"This partnership is stronger than ever," said Knight, "I look forward to seeing continued development in the next 30 years."
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The busy first day of the visit included meetings with the U.S. Embassy staff and a brief office call with Ms. Angela Aggeler, the U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia. Aggeler and Knight discussed the strength of the partnership, where it can and will grow from here, and what kind of actionable steps the Vermont Guard can take with the embassy to continue building.
The partnership remains an example of what the state partnership program can look like. "The strength of this enduring partnership with Vermont goes beyond the military relationship, with much room for future growth and further cooperation,” said Aggeler.