​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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April 2025

COARNG Soldiers,

As we enter the month of April, I want to take a moment to reflect on the outstanding work and dedication that each of you has demonstrated in your service to the Colorado Army National Guard.  I also want to remind you that April is a time of celebration and recognition for our organization.  We will be observing several important events, including the anniversary of the Liberation of Dachau by Colorado’s 157th Infantry Regiment.  I encourage you to know your Colorado National Guard’s history and celebrate our rich culture.

As we move forward into the new month, I want to leave you with a few key reminders:

• Ensure you are up-to-date on all required training and certifications
• Stay connected with your chain of command and fellow Soldiers
• Prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you
• Take care of your physical and mental health

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your chain of command.  We are always here to support you.

Thank you again for your service and dedication to the Colorado Army National Guard.  I am proud to serve alongside each of you, and I look forward to seeing the great things we will accomplish in the month of April.

STAY SAFE, STAY FOCUSED, AND STAY PROUD TO SERVE!

ERIK R. MILLER
CSM, COARNG
14th State Command Sergeant Major
Colorado Army National Guard

 

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March 2024

As we continue navigating any NGB guidance from executive orders, we want to encourage you to keep focused on the mission to meet the needs of the State and the Nation and our lines of effort: People, Readiness, Modernization/Innovation.  As an organization, this will test us with changes and new challenges. Some will be impacted more than others, and some may be able to process and adapt faster than others. Let’s all remember to reach out to each other, to check in, to make sure we maintain strong team bonds and maintain the cohesive team.  Both for our soldiers and their families.  

Our TAG and Command Team will ensure we keep you informed as any guidance or updates that arise.   

This month marks the anniversary of Colorado fighting a Civil War battle at Glorietta Pass, NM. Colorado formed the 1st Regiment of Colorado Volunteers (1st Colorado Infantry Regiment) to meet, and ultimately defeat, a Confederate force from Texas in the northern New Mexico territory between March 26th and 28th, 1862. Among the volunteers was likely our first chaplain to serve with a combat deployed Colorado unit. Father John Kehler was among the volunteers at Glorietta Pass, volunteering in his mid-60s to join an infantry unit heading into harm's way.  

 We continue, 163 years later, to carry forward the traditions of volunteer service, honor, and courage.  We honor our heritage as we consistently step forward and face the many challenges needed to serve our State and our Nation.  It is up to each of us to stay fit and ready to serve at any age.

 Father Kehler founded the St. John’s in the Wilderness Church which, as an entity, still exists to this day as St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Denver.

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SCOTT J. HARTMAN
COL, COARNG
Deputy Commander

 

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February 2025

Soldiers,

As we prepare for the upcoming changes related to the executive orders on the 10-day social media pause, return to work, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and any other changes, I want to acknowledge the reactions these orders may provoke. Some may feel relief, while others may feel concern. While change can often be daunting, regardless of its nature, I am confident that we will use this opportunity to come together and grow stronger.
 
Over time, our organization has cultivated a culture built on trust that values multiple perspectives and ensures that every voice is heard. This commitment is evident in our actions and in the exceptional work we accomplish together. We are united in this journey, and as we embrace these changes, we can continue to build a stronger, more balanced organization that reflects our shared values because that is who we are.
 
This command team and staff are dedicated to developing resilient, integrity-driven leaders. We will communicate all policy changes as we move forward, keeping our focus on people first. Our goal is to enhance our warfighting readiness and modernize our formations to better protect the citizens of Colorado and our nation.

COARNG's Command Team
BUILD TRUST – BUILD STRENGTH

 

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January 2025

Soldiers, 

2025 started off strong for the Colorado Army National Guard Warrant Officer Cohort as Mr. Michael Antinora, with his family and friends present, pinned to CW5 just before heading out on the SOD-K deployment.  The CW5 plays an important role within the organization, providing years of experience within their field of expertise to advise the commander.  A CW5 will typically have at least 16 years of experience as a Warrant Officer, let alone their enlisted time, bringing a wealth of knowledge to their formations. 

On a historical note, this month in 2003 our very own 220^th MP company was heading out the door for Iraq in support of OIF, commanded by, then, CPT Isaac Martinez.  Just 59 years prior to that, the 157^th Infantry was making its third beach landing at Anzio!  Pretty soon, we’ll be welcoming back our 169^th FAB from the CENTCOM AOR.  We continue to answer our nation and state calls -- thank you for doing your part in writing history!

Although the holiday season has come to an end, we ask that you don’t take your foot off of the gas when it comes to caring for those around you: your family, friends, and fellow Soldiers.  If you see someone in need of support, please offer your help.  If you need help yourself, please reach out!

CW5 Mike Coppock, CCWO

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December 2024

Soldiers and Families of the COARNG,

Happy Holidays! We here in the Command Staff want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for all the hard work and dedication each of you has shown throughout the year. What you all have accomplished throughout 2024 is simply incredible and we couldn’t be any prouder of you. Your competence, resilience and professionalism are amazing and will ensure that we will continue to move forward with purpose and strength.

While we maintain our commitment to mission readiness and excellence, we want to emphasize that the holidays are a time to reflect on our achievements, recharge, and spend quality time with family, loved ones and friends. For those Soldiers currently deployed who are unable to spend the holidays at home, thank you to you and your families for your sacrifice and for your service. We can’t wait to have you home safe and sound.

We encourage each of you to be mindful of your fellow Soldiers’ needs and help foster a supportive environment. Don’t hesitate for a minute to reach out if you need assistance or support. We are here to take care of you and your families.

Wishing you and your families’ peace, joy, and good health during this holiday season.

Thank you for all you do and here’s to a great 2025 for all,

COARNG's Command Team

BUILD TRUST – BUILD STRENGTH

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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.

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,

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, 

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 exercise 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), 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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