Colo. Guard sets up mobile command center at X GamesColorado Army National Guard 1st Lt. Christopher Doerfler stands next to a non-descript truck and trailer against a backdrop of snow-covered mountain peaks half a mile from the site of the 2012 Winter X Games. Sailors support X GamesSNOWMASS, Colo. (1/27/12) – The U.S. Navy participated in the Winter X Games as one of the major sponsors in Aspen, Colo., Jan. 27. Small town gives big welcome home to local troopsCENTENNIAL, Colo. (1/17/12 ) – The small western slope town of Montrose, Colo., welcomed home more than 75 members of the Colorado Army National Guard’s 928th Area Medical Support Company in grand fashion Jan. 13. Mission: saving livesMore than a schoolhouse, the High-altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site in Gypsum, Colo., is the home of some of the nation’s most experienced and dedicated search-and-rescue professionals. And they don’t need any special equipment to do it. Piloting: a team effortSince the Colorado’s High-altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site opened 26 years ago, it’s never had any injuries or fatalities. In June 2012, a new curriculum will be introduced, which will include a course for enlisted crew members. High-altitude training: local school, global impact Among the Army National Guard aviation schools, this one is considered to be the only graduate-level training course, providing life-saving combat aviation skills to pilots serving in Afghanistan and other mountainous regions around the globe. Military poised to track Santa’s flightWASHINGTON (12/23/11) – As children go to bed tomorrow with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, the staff at North American Aerospace Defense Command will be busy tracking Santa Claus’ global flight. Military strategy drives budget decisions, Dempsey saysWASHINGTON (12/9/11) – The Defense Department considers strategy and capabilities as key factors in budget decisions that will cut $450 billion over the next 10 years, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today. Fallen warriors honored by governorDENVER (12/7/11) – Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper lit the Colorado Tree of Heroes yesterday to honor all service members based in Colorado who have lost their lives in combat operations since Sept. 11, 2001.
Volunteers pack gifts for deployed troopsCENTENNIAL, Colo. (12/2/11) – The Colorado National Guard Family Programs office joined dozens of volunteers to assemble holiday packages for deployed servicemembers in one massive team effort today at the CONG state headquarters. Dempsey shares observations on Defense budgetU.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT (11/30/11) - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said he understands that service members are nervous about looming budget cuts, but will have to be patient as the process moves forward. The passion of the pilotPassion: It drives us to do what we do every day. So when we say, “The sky’s the limit,” we’re lying. The only thing that limits us is ourselves. Growing the ArmyOver the last 10 years, the Colorado Army National Guard's force strength has grown by 25 percent. To accommodate, the COARNG is constructing facilities at a total cost of $73 million over the next five years, as part of the Grow the Army initiative. Exercise and inspection: The test of an AirmanAs glamorous as the commercials appear, little attention is given to what goes on behind the scenes that makes the Air National Guard capable of carrying out wartime and civil-response missions. Soldiers teach cadets: Crawl, walk, shootFORT CARSON, Colo. (10/9/11) – The Colorado Army National Guard and the U.S. Air Force Academy linked up Oct. 7-9 to participate in a rare joint force training opportunity. 89th Troop Command gets new commanderDENVER (10/16/11) – Col. Christopher Petty, former commander of the Colorado Army National Guard’s 89th Troop Command, relinquished his position as brigade commander to Col. John Skillicorn at the Denver Armory. Bird’s-eye viewWith a wide smile on his face, Jordanian Army Lt. Col. Bashar Alrefai sat in the rear of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter as it soared 500 feet above the colossal Rocky Mountains in Colorado Sept. 16. Veterans remain strong togetherEvery member of the U.S. military and their families have always shared a common bond. Developed through enduring hardships and enjoying momentous occasions together, it’s further fortified at times of great need, whether in combat or on the home front. First scrambleOn Sept. 11, 2001, Col. John R. “Buck” Buckingham was an F-16 pilot in the Colorado Air National Guard. That night, he flew his first combat air patrol over Denver. Not forgottenMaj. Wallace “Cole” Hogan, Jr., a member of Company B, 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (circa 1985-88), was working as an aide in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations on Sept. 11, 2001. My Story …On Sept. 11, 2001, Brig. Gen. Ronald G. Crowder was the commander of the Colorado Army National Guard. He and at least 13 other Colorado National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were at or near the Pentagon that day. OK on 9-11-2001In 2001, Col. Larry J. Ciancio was the state aviation officer for the Colorado Army National Guard and copilot of the C-26 Metroliner that carried a total of 14 Colorado National Guardsmen to and from Washington the second week of September 2001. Chapter 2: Sept. 11, 2001Chaplain (Maj.) Andy Meverden was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 135th General Support Aviation and was taking part in a “career-enhancing opportunity” when he joined several other Soldiers and Airmen on a trip to Washington the week of Sept. 9, 2011. Reflections on Sept. 11On Sept. 11, 2011, Lt. Col. Thomas Duffy was at National Guard Bureau in Arlington, Va., just outside the nation's capitol. ‘Colorado 14’ memories of 9-11-2001On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Col. Madonna M. Nuce and other Colorado National Guard staff members were making a quarterly visit to National Guard Bureau near Washington. My Story …Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brian Robinson was the Pilot in Command of the C-26 Metroliner that carried a total of 14 Colorado National Guardsmen to and from Washington the second week of September 2001. 9/11 through my eyesOn Sept. 11, 2001, then-Colorado Air National Guard Lt. Col. Chris Ryan was the Colorado National Guard’s counterdrug coordinator and was in Washington to make a case to acquire a helicopter for the mission. A journal of the dayOn Sept. 11, 2001, Lt. Col. Ken Sanchez was at the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington to discuss the unit’s conversion from flying UH-1H Huey to UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. ReflectionsOn the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Lt. Col. George Leone was meeting with Army National Guard officials in at the ARNG Readiness Center in Arlington, Va., just outside the nation’s capitol, about the Distance Learning Program. The 100-yard differenceIn August 2011, Former Lt. Col. Mark Schoenrock sat down for an impromptu interview about the CONG’s latest construction project. What followed was a stunning reminder of human mortality – and a lesson in the value of intuition and faith. 9/11 recollectionsIn the minutes following the terrorist attacks if Sept. 11, 2001, Brig. Gen. Wayne L. Schultz received the presidential authorization for his pilots to shoot down civilian aircraft, if necessary. 9/11 in their own wordsOn Sept. 11, 2001, at least 18 Colorado National Guard members were on official business in Washington. One Soldier narrowly escaped, and at least one former Colorado Guardsman was killed in the terrorist attack on the Pentagon. These are their stories. Remembering a fallen comradeAug. 19, 2011, was a day few will soon forget. The preceding two weeks had been filled with sorrow and remorse along with reflection and praise. Showtime for 8th Civil Support TeamDENVER (7/28/11) – Airmen and Soldiers from the Colorado National Guard’s 8th Civil Support Team partnered with four other CSTs and other local and federal agencies to conduct emergency preparedness training. Team Buckley honors one of its ownBUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (8/18/11) – A charter aircraft arrived at Buckley Aug. 17 bringing Chief Warrant Officer 4 David R. Carter, a Colorado Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter pilot, home. Multi-lateral exercise Steppe Eagle beginsCAMP ILLISKY, Kazakhstan (8/8/11) – Flags from five nations were raised as more than 200 U.S. Soldiers participated in the opening ceremony for exercise Steppe Eagle at Camp Illisky Aug. 8. Colorado National Guard opens new readiness centerFORT LUPTON, Colo. (8/6/11) – “Now I have an Army!” said Tommy Holton, the mayor of Fort Lupton, Colo., during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Colorado National Guard’s newest readiness center Aug. 6. From Pike’s Peak to the Dead Sea – 15,503-ft drop … In July, three Colorado National Guard chaplains left the Rocky Mountains to learn more about the people, language, culture and religion of their Middle East counterparts on the eastern bank of the River Jordan. Civil Support Team gets new commanderAURORA, Colo. (7/29/11) – The Colorado National Guard’s 8th Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction) held a change of command ceremony for its members July 29. Space teams depart for AfghanistanPETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (6/28/11) – A farewell ceremony was held in honor of the U.S. Army’s Space Support Team 15, 1st Space Battalion, U.S. Army and ARSST 28, 117th Space Battalion, Colorado Army National Guard here, June 28. Detachment One formally activated, changes commandersVANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (5/13/11) – The 100th Missile Defense Brigade (Ground-based Midcourse Defense) officially unfurled the guidon for its new Detachment One during an Activation and Change of Command ceremony here today. Safety Day at the 100th focuses on fire, waterCOLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (5/11/11) – Once a quarter, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 100th Missile Defense Brigade (Ground-based Midcourse Defense) takes a day to focus on safety instruction. Band holds reunion, honors Armed Forces DayARVADA, Colo. (5/22/11) – Seating filled quickly in the Arvada High School auditorium for the Colorado National Guard’s 101st Army Band’s reunion performance in honor of Armed Forces Day on May 22. Airmen getting new way to pay for travelThe new Controlled Spending Account card is currently being launched by CitiBank to replace the current GTC. Once your current Government Travel Card expires, the new CSA card will be issued. In fact, some may have already received the CSA. Colorado, Slovenian Soldiers complete trainingLJUBLJANA, Slovenia (3/11/11) – The Colorado Army National Guard and Slovenian Armed Forces second Organizational Mentor and Liaison Team completed its week-long, culmination exercise in Slovenia today. Troops deliver healthCENTENNIAL, Colo. (3/25/11) – The Colorado Army and Air National Guard is providing trucks and drivers to help deliver supplies for 9Health Fair to more than 150 communities. The 7Seven men and women were reporting for their monthly training on a cloudy Sunday in March, unaware of an impending test requiring a grade of no less than exceptional – and saving lives was just part of the drill. 'Vibrant Response' tests emergency aidBUTLERVILLE, Ind. (3/14/11) – Muscatatuck Urban Training Center was filled with fire and smoke for the Army North Homeland Emergency Response exercise Vibrant Response 11.1, taking place at the southern Indiana facility through March 20.
ESGR joins in leading effort to help veterans with jobsRecognizing the need for intervention, leaders from the Colorado Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve and others signed a memorandum of understanding to collectively and cooperatively work to help Colorado veterans obtain jobs. A wing and a prayerDENVER (2/21/11) – Colorado Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 2 Larry J. Ciancio is presented a Broken Wing Award in Denver, Feb. 21, 2011. Military police battalion returns from AfghanistanBUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (2/1/11) – Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 193rd Military Police Battalion, returned home from a year-long deployment to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Falcon Air Meet 2010: Desert AlliesMUWAFFAQ SALTI AIR BASE, Jordan (10/27/10) – Fighter aircraft representing Jordan, the U.S., Pakistan and United Arab Emirates compete in the 2010 Falcon Air Meet in Azraq, Jordan. The FAM is a friendly competition centered on the F-16 Fighting Falcon Falcon Air Meet 2010: Desert AllianceMUWAFFAQ SALTI AIR BASE, Jordan (10/27/10) – Fighter aircraft representing Jordan, the U.S., Pakistan and United Arab Emirates compete in the 2010 Falcon Air Meet in Azraq, Jordan. The FAM is a friendly competition centered on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Falcon Air Meet 2010: Dead Sea TourMUWAFFAQ SALTI AIR BASE, Jordan (10/27/10) – Fighter aircraft representing Jordan, the U.S., Pakistan and United Arab Emirates compete in the 2010 Falcon Air Meet in Azraq, Jordan. The FAM is a friendly competition centered on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Falcon Air Meet 2010: Dance PartyMUWAFFAQ SALTI AIR BASE, Jordan (10/25/10) – Fighter aircraft representing Jordan, the U.S., Pakistan and United Arab Emirates compete in the 2010 Falcon Air Meet in Azraq, Jordan. The FAM is a friendly competition centered on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Falcon Air Meet 2010: On your mark, get set, GO!MUWAFFAQ SALTI AIR BASE, Jordan (10/20/10) – Fighter aircraft representing Jordan, the U.S., Pakistan and United Arab Emirates compete in the 2010 Falcon Air Meet in Azraq, Jordan. The FAM is a friendly competition centered on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Falcon Air Meet 2010: Pakistani PrideMUWAFFAQ SALTI AIR BASE, Jordan (10/20/10) – Fighter aircraft representing Jordan, the U.S., Pakistan and United Arab Emirates compete in the 2010 Falcon Air Meet in Azraq, Jordan. The FAM is a friendly competition centered on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Falcon Air Meet 2010: Falcon EnvyMUWAFFAQ SALTI AIR BASE, Jordan (10/17/10) – Fighter aircraft representing Jordan, the U.S., Pakistan and United Arab Emirates compete in the 2010 Falcon Air Meet in Azraq, Jordan. The FAM is a friendly competition centered on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Opinion: Rank is heavier than a rucksackI recently joined the ranks of the noncommissioned officer corps. It feels strange. Folks keep telling me, “You earned it,” or “It’s about time.” ... but I didn’t want it to just be handed to me. ‘Witch Doctors’ receive heroes’ sendoffMany things have changed in the last 10 years, except for one: the patriotism and support our communities provide our troops. This couldn’t be more evident in the heroes’ send off the 928th Area Support Medical Company was given in Montrose, Colo., Jan 3. ANG director visits Colorado GuardsmenBUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (12/14/10) – Air National Guard Director Lt. Gen. Harry W. Wyatt addressed nearly 100 members of the 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard Dec. 14 on Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colo. Duty of a different kindAs chaplains, we’re frequently called upon to perform or provide religious support for our Colorado Soldiers and Airmen. Many of these duties, such as funerals, death notifications, grief counseling and crises support, are sacred but difficult. Army Space team home from AfghanistanPETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (12/3/10) – The U.S. Army’s 1st Space Brigade welcomed home Army Space Support Team 20, 117th Space Battalion, Colorado Army National Guard, and ARSST 6, 1st Space Battalion, U.S. Army, in a ceremony here today. Handle with care: Volunteers assemble packages for troopsCENTENNIAL, Colo. (12/3/10) – In one massive team effort Dec. 3 at the Colorado National Guard state headquarters, the CONG Family Programs Office joined with dozens of volunteers to assemble holiday packages for deployed servicemembers. Southern Colorado Veterans honored in PuebloPueblo, Colo. (11/11/10) – Southern Coloradoans and servicemembers from every branch were on hand to dedicate the Pueblo Veteran’s Bridge in honor of veterans at a ceremony on Veterans Day at the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo. Minister praises cooperation with Colorado National GuardSLOVENIA (11/7/10) – Slovenian Defense Minister Dr. Ljubica Jelusic continued her official visit to the U.S. on Saturday by attending a military parade in Denver to honor war veterans and the 150th anniversary of the Colorado National Guard. Ten miles of eternal lessonsAs a young lieutenant and the youngest chaplain in the Colorado Army National Guard Chaplain Corps, I can’t claim extensive military experience; yet there are some things you don’t need experience to understand. Biathlon team looking for participantsThe Colorado National Guard is seeking motivated Soldiers and Airmen to represent Colorado on our state biathlon team. All National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are eligible to compete. Praying at a higher levelFrom July 10-16, the Colorado National Guard hosted four officers from the Royal Jordanian Armed Forces for the first ever chaplain and imam State Partnership Program exchange. When duty callsA culture of selfless service, an obligation to duty, and a stream of fellow Soldiers who have been there before, help to mentally prepare you for a deployment to theater. Nothing could help me prepare for this. Army Band fills opera house for 150th anniversaryThe Colorado Army National Guard’s 101st Army Band held a free, public concert at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in downtown Denver to continue the year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Colorado National Guard. Closure 65 years in the makingWorld War II veteran U.S. Marines return from Iwo Jima following the 65th anniversary of the battle for the Japanese-held island. Soldier of the Year competition Staff Sgt. Robert Henry, 168th Regional Training Institute, and Spec. Ryan L. Teeter, Company D, 5th Battalion 19th Special Forces Group, won the Colorado Army National Guard’s Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year. Lowering the boomBeing the wife of a military member isn’t easy. Helpless, overwhelmed and frustrated is how I feel on some ordinary days – not to mention during deployments. Rob Phillips: 9Teachers Who Care winnerMitchell Elementary music teacher Rob Phillips is March’s 9News 9Teachers Who Care winner. He has been teaching for 21 years and continues to go above and beyond the expectations of a typical school day at Mitchell Elementary School. American Red Cross ‘Breakfast Club’ honors Colorado GuardCiting the countless hours of selfless, behind-the-scenes work, the Colorado National Guard’s family support group was among those honored at the 8th Annual Breakfast of Champions event hosted by the Mile High Chapter of the American Red Cross. Colorado remembers DachauMost have heard of the ugly events surrounding World War II and the systematic executions of European Jews by Adolph Hitler’s notorious Nazi regime. Corona educates Guard advocates, past and presentCENTENNIAL, Colo. (3/26/10) – More than 20 former senior Colorado National Guard leaders joined their current counterparts at the inaugural Colorado Corona held at the Colorado National Guard state headquarters. Safe and soundHundreds of tired but happy faces emerged from three separate jets parked out on the tarmac on a blustery spring day on Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colo. Colorado National Guard taps firefighter expertiseThe West Metro Training Center opened its doors to the Colorado National Guard’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-yield Explosive (CBRNE)-Enhanced Response Force Package April 10-11. Legacy laid to restThe Colorado Air National Guard bid farewell to a legacy during a memorial event at the Colorado National Guard headquarters. Father knows BestIf imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, then emulation has to be the highest form of love. Every father has felt the pride in watching his son dress in his father’s clothes, or to hear his son say, “When I grow up, I want to be just like you.” 101 Critical Days of Summer almost hereThe clock is ticking and summer is almost here. The 101 Critical Days of Summer, Memorial Day through Labor Day safety campaign, is intended to remind us that we can't afford to lose focus on safety while either on- or off-duty. Quick-thinking custodian saves lifeTerry Brown, a state-employed custodian who cleans Colorado Air National Guard facilities, was enjoying a hamburger in the breakroom in building 830 here on April 13 when something went horribly wrong. La Glorietta Pass staff ride offers hands-on history In tribute to the 150th Anniversary of the Colorado National Guard, Soldiers of the Colorado Army National Guard's Officer Candidate Class 52 conducted a staff ride through the La Glorieta Pass battlefield near Santa Fe, N.M., April 22-25. Children come to ‘work’The Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs hosted the first organized Bring Our Kids to Work Day event at its headquarters. Aviation Soldiers complete downed Chinook cleanupAfter days of hard work, members of the 2nd Battalion, 135th General Support Aviation, completed their mission of cleaning up the site where a Colorado Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook was forced to make a hard landing. Organizational overhaulAbove & Beyond articles profile Soldiers and Airmen who go out of their way to excel as citizens and Guardsmen. It's mandatory, it's safe and it's freeDid you know you are required to complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course? It’s per AR 385-10, AFI 91-207, NGR 385-10, and the DODI 6055.4. While the process is different for Soldiers and Airmen, the good news is, it’s free. 9Health Fair salutes Colorado GuardJim Goddard, chief executive officer of the 9Health Fair, accepts a lithograph celebrating 150 years of the Colorado National Guard at the KUSA Channel 9 studios in Denver, May 18, 2010. Diary of a deployed dadWhat’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done in your life? I can tell you the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my 42 years is to live one year of my life away from my wife and children. Colorado Airmen rock Guardian Challenge 2010Airmen of the 137th Space Warning Squadron, Colorado Air National Guard, participating as Team Buckley and the 460th Space Wing, took home the coveted Aldridge Trophy for the Air Force's best Space Operations Wing in Guardian Challenge 2010. ‘Space Cowboys’ return from multi-theater missionThe Colorado Army National Guard welcomed home six members its Army Space Support Team 26 of the 117th Space Support Battalion at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/U.S. Army Forces Strategic Command on Peterson Air Force Base. 101st Army Band annual tourThe 101st Army Band is scheduled to start its annual tour in June. The band will perform these free, public concerts at events across the state. Colorado Guardsmen set another new standardCOANG Maj. Walt “Redeye” Williams observed a locally-sanctioned aerial demonstration team at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona during Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star flight training and said it was “one of the greatest things I have ever seen.” Colorado Guardsman named regional Soldier of the YearCompeting against seven other Citizen-Soldiers from six states and one territory, a Colorado Army National Guard won the 2010 Region 7 Army National Guard Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year “Best Warrior” Competition. |