Ohio National Guard Photo Gallery - May 2016

Photo Gallery

Sgt. Michael Swanker, a member of the 1194th Engineer Company, carries the American Flag during the 25-kilometer Danish Contingency, or DANCON, ruck march.

Sgt. Michael Swanker, a member of the 1194th Engineer Company, carries the American Flag during the 25-kilometer Danish Contingency, or DANCON, ruck march May 3, 2016, at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. While deployed, the 1194th’s mission is to conduct vertical engineering operations and construction projects.

U.S. Army photo

More than 80 service members from the Army, Air Force and Navy participated in the Sexual Assault Awareness Month 5K run

More than 80 service members from the Army, Air Force and Navy participated in the Sexual Assault Awareness Month 5K run May 6, 2016, at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. “See Something, Say Something” was the theme of this year’s campaign, which is intended to raise awareness about sexual violence and to educate people and communities on how to prevent it.

Staff Sgt. Michael Carden, ONG

A member of the Mahoning County Hazardous Materials Response Team is cut out from his suit by members of the Ohio National Guard’s 52nd Civil Support Team.

A member of the Mahoning County Hazardous Materials Response Team is cut out from his suit by members of the Ohio National Guard’s 52nd Civil Support Team May 12, 2016, during a joint training exercise at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio. The 52nd CST partnered with the Mahoning County Hazardous Materials Response Team and other local first responders during joint training designed to expand their interoperability in the case of a real incident.

Staff Sgt. Michael Carden, ONG

The Ohio National Guard will host the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 16-20, 2016, at Camp Perry Joint Training Center near Port Clinton, Ohio.

The Ohio National Guard will host the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 16-20, 2016, at Camp Perry Joint Training Center near Port Clinton, Ohio. Army National Guard Soldiers and NCOs from across the Midwest will face off to determine who is the region’s best. Event updates, photos and videos will be shared on the Ohio National Guard Facebook page throughout the competition.

Ohio National Guard graphic

Ohio Army National Guard Spc. Matthew Allen makes his way toward his starting point during the day land navigation course at the 2016 Region IV Best Warrior Competition.

Ohio Army National Guard Spc. Matthew Allen makes his way toward his starting point during the day land navigation course at the 2016 Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 18, 2016, at Camp Ravenna Joint Military Training Center near Newton Falls, Ohio. The top Soldier and noncommissioned officer from seven Midwestern National Guard states competed in a four-day event that tested their strength, ability and stamina, both physically and mentally.

Spc. Brett Anderson, ONG

Airmen with the 121st Civil Engineering Squadron Fire Department hone their firefighting skills during a live fire training exercise.

Airmen with the 121st Civil Engineering Squadron Fire Department hone their firefighting skills during a live fire training exercise May 20, 2016, at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus Ohio. Training exercises like these are conducted to ensure firefighters’ confidence and proficiency when it comes to real-world situations.

Master Sgt. Ralph Branson, ONG

Members of the 637th Chemical Company move a simulated casualty through the decontamination tent during a training exercise.

Members of the 637th Chemical Company move a simulated casualty through the decontamination tent during a training exercise May 21, 2016, at Ohio Task Force 1’s Urban Search and Rescue Team Training Center in Dayton, Ohio. Such exercises are vital for Ohio National Guard members, working in cooperation with civil authorities and first responders from local and state agencies, to be ready to support any potential large-scale emergency.

Staff Sgt. Michael Carden, ONG

Airmen of the 121st Air Refueling Wing celebrate the opening of a new quarter-mile running track

Airmen of the 121st Air Refueling Wing celebrate the opening of a new quarter-mile running track with a ceremonial crossing of the finish line May 25, 2016, at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. The track will provide a safe place for training and conducting fitness tests, which all Airmen must complete at least once annually.

Master Sgt. Ralph Branson, ONG

Members of the Ohio National Guard carry a memorial wreath

Members of the Ohio National Guard carry a memorial wreath May 27, 2016, during the Governor’s Wreath Laying Ceremony, an annual Memorial Day observance, at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. The event honors the memory of Ohio service members who lost their lives in service to their country.

Staff Sgt. Michael Carden, ONG

Soldiers from the 204th Engineer Detachment receive their "combat patches"

Soldiers from the 204th Engineer Detachment receive their "combat patches," or shoulder sleeve insignia, signifying their deployment in a combat/conflict area, during a recent ceremony. Currently deployed in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, the unit is providing theater-level construction management support throughout Afghanistan.

U.S. Forces Afghanistan photo

Sgt. Todd M. Bates · Staff Sgt. Aaron T. Reese · Sgt. Michael C. Barkey · Spc. Samuel R. Bowen ·
Spc. Ryan A. Martin · 1st Lt. Charles L. Wilkins II · Sgt. Jeremy M. Hodge ·
Sgt. 1st Class Daniel J. Pratt· Sgt. 1st Class Daniel B. Crabtree · Lt. Col. Kevin H. Sonnenberg ·
Sgt. Anthony M. Vinnedge· Capt. Nicholas J. Rozanski · Master Sgt. Shawn T. Hannon ·
Master Sgt. Jeffrey J. Rieck· Spc. Cody D. Suggs

A Time for Solemn Remembrance

As our nation commemorates Memorial Day, many of the 16,000 members of the Ohio National Guard will be supporting events in their communities this holiday weekend. They will march in parades, serve as honor guards at wreath laying ceremonies and pilot aircraft in flyover tributes to fallen heroes.

The holiday serves as an important time to pause and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country. Since September 11, 2001, more than 25,000 Ohio National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have deployed to combat zones. With dedication, selflessness and courage, they have answered the call of duty. Fifteen of these brave heroes lost their lives.

While Memorial Day is a day of solemn remembrance, it is also a day to celebrate our men and women who gave all so that we might continue to enjoy the freedoms and benefits of this great nation. Each of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen we remember today have my heartfelt gratitude.

Major General Mark E. Bartman
Ohio Adjutant General