​COARNG Leadership Team's Command Messages

 

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Commander, COARNG, BG Rogers	Land Component CDR, BG Fenner	​Deputy CDR, Scott Hartman	​CCWO, CW5 Coppock	​State CSM, CSM Miller

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November 2024

Soldiers, 

We are now in full swing into November and have already braved the first snows of the year. I want to take a moment and thank those Soldiers on our Snow Rescue Team that volunteered over Veterans Day weekend to help save lives. In total, we activated 14 Soldiers and conducted 8 rescues.

I also want to take a moment to reflect on two important observances: Native American Heritage Month and Thanksgiving. Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to recognize the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American communities. Let us honor their enduring legacy and the important role they play in shaping our nation’s history.

Additionally, Thanksgiving reminds us of the importance of gratitude, unity, and service. It’s a time to appreciate the efforts of each of you and to express my thanks for your commitment and dedication to our mission. Please take time to reflect on these themes, whether with your families, communities, or in your personal moments of reflection.

Thank you for your continued hard work and service,

BG Tod Fenner
Land Component Commander

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October 2024

Warriors,

It has been my distinct honor to have served as your State Command Sergeant Major over the past few years. As my time comes to an end, I wish you and your families well and my sincerest thanks for the efforts and support you’ve given to this great organization to make it what it is today.

I want to leave with you a few words before I go -- October is upon us as we enjoy cooler weather, outdoor foliage, and wrapping it up with ghouls and goblins. Back on October 1st, 1961, in response to Soviet threats against West Berlin, President John F. Kennedy mobilized two Army National Guard divisions and numerous Air National Guard units in support of the Berlin Crisis. This marked the first time women in the National Guard mobilized and deployed overseas, and the first time a National Guard jet aircraft flew to duty stations in Europe. This serves as a consistent reminder that the world was an uncertain place then and continues to be this way today. We must be ready to respond to anything, whether at home or away. Train like it and don’t accept anything less. 

Regards,
CSM John Assaad

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August 2024

Soldiers, 

Each month, we in the command staff take the time to write command messages because we feel that it is important to communicate to all Soldiers in our organization – not just those at the strategic and operational levels of the COARNG. We try to convey a message of motivation and what we hold important as leaders. This month as I was trying to formulate the right motivational message, I thought of our outgoing Chief of the National Guard Bureau, GEN Daniel R. Hokanson, and his final letter to the National Guard. I found GEN Hokanson’s words so inspiring that I want to hold off on our normal messaging and share his letter instead. A remark that had the most impact on me the most was as follows: 

"As I reflect on my 42 years in uniform, I realize most of the incredible opportunities I’ve had in my life I owe to joining our nation’s military. The closest friends I will ever have, the chance to meet my amazing wife, educational opportunities I only dreamed of, experiences around the globe serving our nation with some of the greatest people I will ever know, the ability to provide for my family and the opportunity to fly were all possible because I made the choice to join the profession of arms and wear the cloth of our nation."

I encourage you all to take a moment and read his final letter here. In it, there are great takeaways for all members of the National Guard!

Thank you and remember to BUILD TRUST – BUILD STRENGTH (HOOAH)

Bren D. Rogers
BG, COARNG
Commanding

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July 2024

Warriors,

This month, we celebrate the founding of our great Nation in which the United States declared its independence. This declaration cost approximately 25,000 American Soldiers lives during the Revolutionary War, a price not taken lightly. While we may celebrate with fireworks, attending concerts or sporting events, barbeques, camping, and other methods, it’s important to keep this reminder in our minds and in our hearts as a reason of why we continue to serve. Also, we remember our fellow COARNG family members that are currently deployed. It’s also important to not overlook safety. As much as it’s mentioned, we cannot emphasize enough its importance as the temperatures are hotter, the fire danger increasing, units conducting Annual Training, and so on. You are a valued member of this family, and any accident impacts us all. Also, the 2024 Olympic Games begin in Paris, France later this month as we cheer on the talented athletes selected to represent our Country.  In closing, remain safe, remain vigilant, look out for each other, and thank you all for what you do.

Regards,
CSM John Assaad

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June 2024

Warriors,

This month, we marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day. It is crucial to reflect on the profound significance of this historic event. The bravery and sacrifice exhibited on those beaches changed the course of history, standing as a testament to the courage and unity of our armed forces. For our part, more than 6,200 Coloradans have been killed in action in defense of our nation — over half of those were from WWII alone.  This anniversary not only honors the valor of those who served but also reaffirms our commitment to uphold the values of freedom and democracy for which they fought so valiantly. Let us take this opportunity to remember their legacy and rededicate ourselves to the principles they defended. Our work today remains a tribute to their enduring spirit and sacrifice.

BG Tod Fenner

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May 2024

Soldiers, 

In May of 1944, Tech Sgt. Van Barfoot fought with the 157th Infantry in Italy. While his Soldiers were pinned down by enemy fire from machine gun emplacements, he selflessly engaged the enemy in close combat so that his Soldiers may not have to. He took on, alone, three machine gun emplacements, killing 7 enemy Soldiers and capturing 17, earning a battlefield commission and the Medal of Honor. Just recently, Ft. Pickett, Va was renamed to Ft. Barfoot in his honor. Barfoot’s actions that day are the epitome of what the Army Values are about; loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.  As we go into May, I challenge each of us to reflect on how we can demonstrate these values; at work and in our personal lives.

CW5 Mike Coppock, CCWO

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April 2024

COARNG Warriors,

This month we sent off another unit on rotation overseas, the 169th Field Artillery Brigade.  There was a sendoff ceremony with messages from the Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, The Adjutant General, Commanding General, and 169th Commander to the Soldiers and assembled family, friends, and employers.  The themes included importance of the mission as well as the thankfulness to the Soldiers, their families, and employers for their service and sacrifice.

This is not the first rotation for the 169th, nor for its subordinate Battalions, nor the many other units across the Colorado Army National Guard. The history of service was a key point touched on by each of the speakers. It is worth noting that we currently have other units currently deployed from Cyber Protection Team and Space, returning units from Special Forces, and upcoming rotations from Engineers, Special Operations, and Aviation.  

Colorado National Guard has past, present, and future of service and it is worth reflecting on what that means for each of us. Our mission is to “deploy, fight, and win our Nation’s wars by providing trained and ready forces to fulfil combatant commanders and our state’s requirements across the full spectrum of conflict and crisis”. The steady cycle of units performing valuable missions around the world might lull us into a steady state mindset expecting time to prepare for the next rotation. But don’t forget about the “crisis” part of our mission. We also need to be prepared to deploy without advanced warning. This includes possible emergencies closer to home.

There are a lot of big and little tasks we do as an organization to ensure we equip and train as units. As proudly serving Citizen Soldiers, these unit preparations rely heavily on us, as individual soldiers. We all have ownership of our individual readiness. As we move into summer and into Annual Training season, challenge yourselves to ensure you are doing everything you can to increase your medical and personal readiness.  

Increased fitness levels increase our ability to deal with stress, conduct our missions, and improve our resiliency and health. We live in Colorado… the greatest state to enjoy outdoor activities. Get out there and encourage others around you to do so as well. Together we will be Always Ready, Always There.

SCOTT J. HARTMAN
COL, COARNG
Deputy Commander

 

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March 2024

COARNG Warriors,

To start off this month's command message, I want to take a moment and celebrate Women’s History Month. Please view this podcast that I sat in on which highlights women’s rich history and contributions in the U.S. Military and across the Colorado Army National Guard. Thank you!

This month’s command message is about civility and why it matters.

Civility refers to the practice of being respectful, courteous and polite. It involves treating others with dignity, showing appreciation for their contributions, and refraining from any behavior that may be perceived as rude, aggressive, or disrespectful. Civility matters because it is a requisite to communicating
effectively, building community and creating high-functioning teams.

In contrast, incivility is more than just the lack of civility — it’s the active display of behaviors that negate or violate mutual respect and often lead to tension and conflict. Rudeness is a subset of incivility. While rudeness pertains to overtly impolite actions, incivility can manifest in subtler ways, such as exclusion.
Both researchers and leaders have found that a high prevalence of lack of civility in our society has led to negative consequences on organizations and workers. These consequences include reduced performance, low morale, burnout, and estimated annual economic losses of billions of dollars.
Civility is about more than just politeness (although politeness is a necessary first step). It is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, understanding biases and personal preconceptions, and teaching others to do the same.

Because civility and respectful conduct are necessary for creating and sustaining healthy work environments and building strong cohesive teams, it is important to align these values with the COARNG’s vision and mission, therefore, BUILD TRUST – BUILD STRENGTH.

For more information on the Army’s view on civility, please read Army Regulation 600-20, paragraph 5-13 which states that, “There is an indisputable link between how Soldiers are treated and how they perform their duties. Human relations training directly affects individual and unit readiness. Training commanders and Soldiers to treat one another with dignity and respect achieves better morale, greater commitment, increased trust and cohesion, and better performance.”

Build Trust, Build Strength!
BG Bren D. Rogers

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January 2024

Happy New Year Guard Family! 

I hope the holidays was spent with family and friends and time was found to relax. 2024 opens new opportunities for us as maybe some of us have set new goals or resolutions we want to accomplish. Whatever your goal is, stay consistent and stay disciplined and you will accomplish great things. This year, we’ll be focused on mobilizing some of our units and preparing others for future mobilizations.

This month we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. King was a trailblazer in the Civil Rights Movement that has led to a better America.

Last of all, keep safety a forethought in everything you do on and off duty. Whether you’re taking down holiday lights or just out driving, we don’t want to lose anyone to an accident. You all are an important part of this great organization. Thank you all for what you do, and we look forward to great 2024 with you.

Build Trust, Build Strength!
CSM John Assaad

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December 2023

COARNG Warriors, 

November typically signifies the kickoff to the holidays, but it was also Native American Heritage Month and Colorado has a rich Native American history.  November was an important month in Colorado for tribes such as the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne (just to name a few) due to the colder temperatures making it easier to stockpile food stores for the winter.  For this reason, it was a big month for hunting game animals, such as the bison.  For Native Americans to survive the harsh Colorado winters, they had to be resilient and plan for challenging times.

Now that we are into December, while we may not require a bison hide to survive the winter, resiliency during this season remains extremely important.  With the holidays comes joy, as well as stress.  Please have a plan for dealing with the stressors of the holidays.  Have someone that you can reach out to for support, and be the one that reaches out to others to support.  While I hope none of you do, if you ever find yourself feeling hopeless, please know that you are valued and call/text 988, or our Colorado Joint Resiliency Helpline at 866-333-8844.  Winning matters, and we can’t do it without each of you!

CW5 Mike Coppock, CCWO

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November 2023

Warriors of the COARNG,

I look forward to serving you as your Land Component Commander. I have been fortunate to serve in the Colorado Army National Guard since 1998. One thing I have often appreciated about the COARNG is the sense of optimism and positivity that often prevails in the toughest times. No matter the situation, members of the Colorado Army National Guard often find optimism and positivity while working through the challenges or obstacles presented.

It was shortly after I graduated from college when I read this quote by Charles Swindoll: 'Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.' I have remembered and often referred to this quote for the past thirty years. When I am faced with adversity in my life, I get to choose how I respond. Life will take what it needs from me, but it won't take my ability to choose my attitude. The number one leadership book I always recommend as your first read/listen is 'The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell.' I like this book because the author, Oren Harari, describes Colin Powell’s 13 leadership secrets in simple and actionable detail and provides specific examples and stories from GEN Powell's life of military and federal service. Colin Powell’s Leadership secret #12 is 'Perpetual Optimism is a force multiplier.' The author describes this secret as a gung-ho attitude to continue to strive for improvement.

Having a positive attitude and being optimistic does not mean you ignore the facts and the challenges of the situation; it means you work like heck to find your way through it. It always helps to keep a sense of humor along the way! As your LCC, I expect and welcome challenges, diverse thoughts, and differences of opinion, and I am also confident that we will find the way forward together, and we shall have some fun along the way.

PS  If you're interested, I keep an active list of my learning resources on google drive.

BG Tod Fenner
Land Component Commander

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October 2023

COARNG Warriors,

We are well into fall, days are getting shorter, schools are well into sessions/semesters/etc.  

Now is the time to start prepping yourself for the coming winter, ensuring you have what you need to maintain your home in the cold, thinking about how to winterize your vehicles, etc.  

And, because we are who we are, thinking about how best to prep yourselves and your units in case you are called out to help others in time of need.  The constant exersize of thinking through what the next season may bring and be ready.  Being always there and always ready.  

Living that ethos of service to being ready and available to help others is who we are.   Embrace that.  Be proud of that.  Be that example that others want to follow.  And inspire others to join us to also be a part of it as well.

Be all you can be, be ready and resilient, and Build Trust, Build Strength!  

 COL Scott Hartman

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September 2023

COARNG Warriors,

TOPIC:  Talent Management. We must continue investing in the development and employment of our Soldiers and ourselves. As leaders, we need to continuously strive to provide access to opportunities for all our Soldiers so they can achieve their aspirations and defined ideals of success. Talent management is about putting the right Soldier in the right job at the right time. We will work to ensure deliberate management of our Soldiers’ talents. We will continue to improve our talent management system with policies, programs, and processes that recognize and capitalize the unique knowledge, skills, and behaviors possessed by every member of the COARNG team.

As busy as life can get, it is critical that as military professionals, we remain consistently devoted to a personal professional development plan throughout our careers. To be ready and able to fulfill our missions, we need to make sure we are the best educated, trained, and experienced Leaders and Soldiers that we can be. When we achieve more and more individual successes, it will lead to team and organizational successes. The priority centers around being the “best that we can be!” We do this by making sure that we become qualified in our assigned positions quickly, and also attend that next level of Professional Military Education as soon as possible. For every leader or Soldier who is not qualified or PME complete… we set ourselves, your unit, and our organization back… don’t be that person. Be There and Be Ready! Help us to help you manage your talents.

Build Trust, Build Strength!
BG Bren D. Rogers

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August 2023

COARNG Warriors,

As the summer season begins to wind down and fall season approaches, we embrace seasonal changes that bring to us our State’s beautiful foliage and a brand-new school year. Some of us may be looking forward to a new football season and perhaps joy in knowing that we are a month closer to winter activities.

Although this month holds no specific National holiday, August brings us many different celebrations such as American Family Day, National Aviation Day (chosen after Orville Wright), Women’s Equality Day, and National Coast Guard Day. Towards the end of the month, we will also get to see a Blue Moon, the biggest supermoon of the year.

As we continue to face recruiting and retention challenges across our force, we continue to improve our organization and seek financial incentives like JEEP (the Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program). We encourage you to take advantage of this great recruiting incentive tool. If you’re not familiar with it, please get with your unit leadership to learn more about it. Every one of you executes a vital role in this organization! You are not just numbers to us, you are our people, and that is our number one priority!

Despite all these mentioned great events, we want to also remind everyone to continue to be safe. The well-being of you and your families are what matter to us.

Be well, be safe, and continue to be all you can be!

Build Trust, Build Strength!
CSM John Assaad

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July 2023

COARNG Warriors,

The State command team wants you to know how important you are to all of us. You are what makes this organization great! We also want you to know that we have noticed a recent increase of cases in Service Members driving under the influence across the force and we want to reinforce safety and responsible alcohol consumption. Impaired driving could result in a serious or even fatal accident. You could lose your own life or take someone else’s. It’s just not worth it!

The price of driving under the influence could also be costly to your career. You’ll be subjected to CCMJ actions and the potential of security clearance suspension or revocation. These actions erode trust, and ultimately degrade readiness. If, while consuming alcohol, you cannot stay at the current location, consider a more responsible method of getting home. You have options like calling an Uber, a sober friend, a family member, or even your battle buddy. Responsible alcohol consumption includes not driving while impaired. Please don’t think that this cannot happen to you. The well-being of you and your family are what matters to us. Thank you for what you all do and continue to be all you can be!

Build Trust, Build Strength!
BG Bren D. Rogers

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June 2023

 

This month, our command message topic is about effective leadership and developing others. Effective leadership is crucial to the Army and all of us…and is fundamental to operations as an element of combat power. It requires an understanding of related doctrine. Leaders at all levels and Soldiers should be familiar with the fundamentals of leadership, attributes, and competencies in ADP 6-22, Army Leadership and the Profession; understand the nature and fundamentals of operations as described in FM 3-0 Operations; and FM 7-0 the guide for Army training and training management.

FM 6-22 provides the framework for how leaders develop others, improve their organizations, and build teams. It emphasizes the active process of teaching, training, coaching, mentoring, study, and learning required for developing others. The process requires deliberate intent and genuine engagement by leaders at all levels as well as Soldiers themselves.

The newly updated FM 3-0 establishes Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) as the Army’s operational concept. The focus remains on large-scale combat operations (LSCO) against adversaries able to contest the joint force in the land, air, maritime, space and cyberspace domains. MDOs fracture the coherence of threat operational approaches by repeatedly disintegrating, dislocating, isolating, and destroying their interdependent systems and formations and exploiting the opportunities to defeat enemy forces in detail. Army forces combine maneuver and targeting methods to accrue relative advantages over time and defeat enemy formations and systems. MDO, applies to all echelons and requires understanding of how land forces influence the other four domains and how capabilities applied in the other domains influence outcomes on land. Army forces benefit from capabilities they do not control, for example satellite communications and air interdiction. The Army must also protect against enemy capabilities from all domains.

FM 7-0 is the guide for Army training and training management. It addresses the fundamentals of training modular, expeditionary Army forces to conduct full spectrum operations—simultaneous offensive, defensive, and stability or civil support operations—in an era of persistent conflict. Conducting effective training must be a top priority for leaders and Soldiers at all levels of the COARNG. Training should be focused on the most likely operational environments and experience of seasoned individuals should be used in developing effective training plans. The bulk of this manual discusses how to use the Army’s training management model to plan, prepare, execute, and assess training.

In order for all of us to be able to fulfill our duties and responsibilities in keeping this great nation and our fellow Americans safe, we have to make sure we are constantly educating, training and gaining the experience necessary to build the caliber of readiness and strength required to win…because WINNING MATTERS! I want to leave you with a quote from the Sergeant Major of the Army, “Investing in Soldiers’ training and education not only builds readiness; it is also an investment in our future as an Army." - SMA Daniel A. Dailey

Build Trust, Build Strength!
BG Bren D. Rogers

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May 2023

COARNG Warriors,

May is here and we’re experiencing warmer temps, blooming flowers, and the fresh beginnings of summer. It’s the month of creative beginnings where we show appreciation for our teachers, pets, nurses and much more. We celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day, and we acknowledge Jewish American Heritage and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage. May is also the month of Military Appreciation and on Memorial Day, we remember our fallen brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving.  

To improve the strength of the 947th EN CO, COARNG will initiate the restationing of one vertical platoon from Montrose to Fort Carson no later than the fourth quarter of Training Year 2023. In the meantime, the 947th EN CO will continue to train on the western slope in preparation for their upcoming deployment. The unit will not physically move to the front range until the completion of their deployment.

This month will also mark the transition of responsibility for our State Command Chief Warrant Officer, CW5 Drew Zanoff. On 06 May, CW5 Zanoff will relinquish responsibility as the Seventh State CCWO to CW4 Mike Coppock. CW5 Zanoff has faithfully served the Warrant Officer Cohort and our State in this capacity for over four years. We wish him and his family well as he transitions to HAATS as the Battalion Standardization Pilot, and we welcome CW4 Coppock and his family to this role.

In closing, thank you for what you do. Our organization is better because of you. We’re honored and humbled to serve with each of you and lastly, May the fourth be with you!

Build Trust, Build Strength!
CSM John Assaad

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April 2023

COARNG Warriors, 

Finally, Spring is here; the snow is mostly gone and we are moving into the Annual Training season. The Colorado National Guard will be moving along at top speed for the next few months so make sure you conduct all operations safely, on and off-duty.  April is a “Big” month; Month of the Military Child, Easter, Holocaust Remembrance Day and Earth Day. As we look back on COARNG history, on the 29th of April, 1945, elements of the COARNG (1-157 Infantry Regiment, now 157 Field Artillery Regiment), led by Lt. Col. Felix Sparks, as part of the 45th Infantry Division, liberated Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany. This was a major event in the overall  liberation of Europe and a proud moment in Colorado Guard history.  

This will be my last “Command Message” as the Command Chief. It has truly been a pleasure and the highlight of my career serving the Colorado National Guard as the CCWO. I have confidence that CW4 Mike Coppock will do an amazing job as the 8th Command Chief of the COARNG and he will continue to move the COARNG in the right direction. Thank you all for your generous support.

CW5 Drew Zanoff, CCWO

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March 2023

Soldiers,

Our command message this month focuses on building strength! We have to be ready to fight tonight. When we talk about building strength, we are talking about a wide array of things. Our personnel readiness has to be at 100% paid strength, training readiness should be in line with Army requirements depending on what SRM year your unit is in, and equipment has to be kept at or very near 100% readiness levels. As Army leaders, we have a “sacred obligation” to ensure our Soldiers are a highly trained, strong cohesive team that is disciplined, fit, and able to “win on any battlefield.”

Through proper training management, leaders need to plan, resource, and execute excellent training. We should always be striving towards tough realistic training in degraded environments with the ability to fight at night. We have to master the fundamentals and that is why the Army is moving to a foundational readiness model that prioritizes the training of individuals and small units at the company level and below. The best combat units in the world ensure their individuals and small units are masters of their craft. We must be ready to defeat any adversary, anywhere, whenever called upon, under any condition!

The COARNG Vision:  The COARNG is a capable, lethal and relevant force that cultivates strong cohesive teams, maximizes talent, sustains tactical and operational readiness, strengthens our alliances and partnerships while progressing through the Army’s greatest transformation since the Vietnam era to that of multi-domain operations.

Build Trust, Build Strength!
BG Bren D. Rogers

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February 2023

COARNG Warriors,

February is upon us as it’s the shortest month encompassing many things. It’s the month in which we say goodbye to winter as spring follows in March. It’s the month of purification, Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, the Super Bowl, Random Acts of Kindness Day, and so on. February is also Black History Month. It’s an opportunity for a continued engagement with history as it helps us give context for the present. As we continue our journey of serving together, we continually become stronger and more cohesive than the day before. That’s a direct result of YOUR efforts and determination of serving as Warriors, and not just Soldiers. Remember to keep safety on your minds as we continue to witness frigid temperatures across our beautiful state. Thank you for what you do. Our organization is better because of you and we’re honored and humbled to serve with you.

Build Trust, Build Strength!
CSM John Assaad

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January 2023

                                                Happy New Year Guard Family. 

I hope you were able to enjoy the holidays with family and friends and take advantage of some downtime.  2023 looks to be another busy year so I hope you are ready.  A big thank you to all the Soldiers and Airmen that supported the shelter mission that we were tasked with just a few days before Christmas.  Great job, the Governor asked, and the CONG delivered as always.  In January we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  Take time to recall Dr. King’s great accomplishments with the Civil Rights Movement, he truly made America better.  Last of all, keep safety a forethought in everything you do on and off duty, we cannot afford to lose people due to accidents. 

Thank you all for what you do, and I look forward to serving with you in 2023. 

CW5 Drew Zanoff

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December 2022

To The Soldiers, Civilians, and Families of the Colorado Army National Guard,

From your Senior Leadership Team, we send heartfelt Holiday Greetings to you and yours! We hope that you and your families enjoy the season, find time to recharge, and most of all that you just have some good old-fashioned holiday fun!

This is the season of reflection and thinking back, remembering what has transpired throughout the year in our lives. It is a time to count our blessings and for remembering all the people in our lives that we are thankful for. We are thankful for all of you and your families, “Thank you for choosing to serve this great state and nation!” Thank you for being so dedicated and working so hard to accomplish so many amazing things throughout the year. You are all just incredible and we are so humbled and honored each and every day to be able to serve with you. This past Thursday, I was able to celebrate what you all accomplished throughout the year at a community engagement and am just in “awe”, as were the attendees, in the caliber of people you are and how incredibly talented and skilled you are. Keep up the great work!

Our thoughts are with our Soldiers who are deployed and cannot be with their families this holiday season, we realize they are making that very hard sacrifice for our nation’s security……we as a state and nation owe them a debt of gratitude. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Reach out if you know someone who is deployed and let them know you are thinking about them, I know they will appreciate it very much.

Warm Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season,

BG Bren Dee Rogers
COL Tod Fenner
CW5 Drew Zanoff
CSM John Assaad

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November 2022

Warriors,

November is upon us and we are heading into the holiday season. As mentioned last month, please continue to keep in touch with your fellow servicemen and women as this time of year can bring additional undue stress that can affect us all differently. That’s what families do and please keep our men and women supporting missions abroad that cannot be with their families during the holidays in your thoughts.

The 2022 Colorado Military Ball, also referred to as the Governor’s Ball, is taking place on the 19^th. This is a great event for CONG members and families to enjoy each other’s company and entertainment. Additionally, all proceeds go towards the CONG Foundation which helps our Warriors and their families in times of need. It will be held at the Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield, CO. 

Also, the Inaugural Protection Ball on December 3^rd at the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center.

As we are in the month of giving thanks, we’re thankful for our Veterans, past and present for the sacrifices made to enjoy our liberties and freedoms and thankful for each other. We wish each and every one of you and your family a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. We’re honored and thankful to serve with you in the COARNG family!

 

Build Trust, Build Strength!
CSM John Assaad

 

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October 2022

October is here and Fall is in full swing. The holidays are just around the corner, and this can be a stressful time of year for a lot of us.  If you find yourself overstressed and in need, reach out for help, you are not alone.  The COARNG’s Family Programs Office has a ton of resources to help you make it through the holiday season. Halloween is almost here, have fun, be safe and watch out for all the kids running around the streets.  If you are celebrating, be responsible.  Let’s not forget we still have COARNG Soldiers out there on the Front Line of Freedom.  Army Space Support 16, 117^th Space Support Element and several individuals are currently deployed across the globe. We are welcoming home 3-157 FAR & 188^th FSC. The MCPOD, Army Space Support Team 20 and 5/19^th SF are ramping up to head out the door to do amazing things. Last of all, The COARNG needs all of you, you are all a part of this incredible machine. Keep and eye out and look to bring quality people in to fill our ranks, everyone is a recruiter.

CW5 Drew Zanoff

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September 2022

Soldiers,

The Senior Leadership Team, along with your Command Teams, need to hear from you! We need your help assessing the COARNG's efforts to help you reach your goals. We want to hear how we are doing on making every member of the COARNG feel Welcomed, Valued, Respected and Heard. We want to hear how the Command Climate in your unit is affecting your overall readiness. So, we are asking that unit leadership provide you the time and opportunity this drill weekend to complete the DEOCS or Command Climate Survey. The more Soldiers that complete the survey means a better assessment of our efforts and, in turn, this let us know what we need to prioritize this year in our People First Strategy.

 

Build Trust, Build Strength!
BG Bren D. Rogers

 

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August 2022

COARNG Warriors,

I would like to re-introduce COL Isaac Martinez as the new COARNG Chief of Staff. He is replacing COL Charles Beatty as he moves on to his next assignment as the CONG Joint Staff J3. We wish COL Beatty the best in his new role and thank him for all he’s done for the COARNG during his time as the Chief of Staff.

Thank you all for everyone’s hard work during the year’s Annual Training season. We have had units local and abroad continuing to focus on strengthening partnerships and increased lethality. Let’s also not forget our men and women that are currently serving overseas exhibiting it. As CSA, GEN McConville stated, “Winning matters, there is no second place on the battlefield” and I whole-heartily agree. Our men and women deserve to be the best trained and you’re making it happen.

Let’s remember on August 6^th the 31 fallen Warriors who were a part of EXTORTION-17 in Afghanistan in 2011. We lost one of our own, CH-47 Pilot, CW5 Dave Carter, on that mission. Please continue to keep him, the others lost and their families in our hearts.    

August 7^th is National Purple Heart Day; a day for Americans to remember and honor the men and women who bravely represented their state and nation and were wounded or killed while serving. Thank you to the Purple Heart recipients in our formations for your service and sacrifice.

As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all Service Members, we are seeing a considerable backlog in reviewing Religious Accommodation and Medical Exemption Requests at the NGB Surgeon General’s Level. The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine received Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration on 13 July 2022. As we’ve stated before, the choice to get the vaccine is yours and included to the Command Message is a fact sheet for everyone’s awareness regarding the Novavax vaccine in the event you feel this may be a better option for you.  

As we are nearing the end of summer, please continue to keep yourself, families, and friends safe. You are our greatest asset.

Lastly, I cannot express enough gratitude to all our Soldiers, families and civilians working make the Colorado Army National Guard a better place. Your efforts are appreciated and not overlooked. Keep doing the things you’re doing thank you for willingly being a part of our COARNG family.

Build Trust, Build Strength!
CSM John Assaad

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July 2022

Summer is in full swing if you have not noticed by the current temperatures. The 4th of July is just around the corner, so get ready to celebrate and be sure to celebrate responsibly. Please get outside with family & friends and experience all that our great state of Colorado has to offer this summer. But we need you to be safe while doing it. Make sure you are wearing that life jacket while paddle boarding or boating. Put on a helmet and vest when getting out on the motorcycle. Don’t forget to buckle up when heading out on the road trip, we’ve all experienced the dangers of I-70. If you are going out hiking in the mountains, make sure someone knows where you are going, when you will return and wear bright colors so our Flight Crews can find you if something happens. Last of all, stay hydrated in this heat and if you plan to drink alcohol, drink in moderation, designate a driver or have good exit plan with a ride share/ taxi. Do not allow a $30 fare cost you your career or possibly a life. Remember, your family & friends need you, the Colorado National Guard needs you and the Nation is counting on you.

https://safety.army.mil/MEDIA/Video-Library/Video-Player/VideoId/392/csm-light-off-duty-training-discipline-and-standards

CW5 Drew Zanoff

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