Stepping up when needed:
Rhoads reflects on time as JTF Fox commander
Ohio Army National Guard Col. David Rhoads led the joint task force headquarters that provides management and oversight to all Ohio National Guard and State Defense Force COVID-19 support missions requested through the governor’s office. He reflected on his rotation as JTF Fox commander: “It (was) both an honor and a privilege to lead something as momentous as this. I’ve been able to work with people from all over, from all walks of life. What we’re doing is something worth doing, and I’m glad to have been able to help shape it.” ~ Courtesy photo from a March 2017 meeting in Helmand Province, Afghanistan
Citizen-Airman:
Career paths contribute to diverse journey for Guard member
From a young Soldier playing the flute in the band, to an experienced Airman responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, to a civilian leading cybersecurity for a presidential debate, Lt. Col. Thomas Butler’s career, both civilian and military, has been diverse, with each experience building toward the next. Butler, whose current civilian role is as director of cybersecurity intelligence for the Cleveland Clinic, was integral to establishing a network specifically created to monitor and thwart possible cyber threats during the first 2020 debate (pictured), held last September in Cleveland. ~ Courtesy photo
National Guard members provide assistance in Southern Ohio after ice storm
Members of the Ohio Army National Guard’s 1191st Engineer Company help clear roads in Gallia and Lawrence counties Feb 23, 2021, in Southern Ohio. Over 100 members of the Ohio National Guard, including about 60 from the Portsmouth-based 1191st, were called in to assist local authorities after a recent ice storm. ~ Photo by 2nd Lt. Christi A. Richter, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs
Helping vaccinate Ohioans against COVID-19
Ohio National Guard medical personnel support a COVID-19 community vaccination clinic Feb. 19, 2021, at The Centers for Families and Children in Cleveland. The Ohio National Guard is working in support of the Ohio Department of Aging, Ohio Department of Health and several community partners to administer COVID-19 vaccines, as part of efforts to ensure eligible Ohioans have the opportunity to be vaccinated. ~ Courtesy photo
178th Wing sensor operator’s support saves hundreds of lives during California wildfires
In this file photo, an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter prepares to land in Camp Pendleton, Calif., following a mission assisting the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection with aerial water drops against wildfires in San Diego County. Senior Airman Andrew (inset), a sensor operator with the 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio, provided critical support to firefighters and rescue crews during the historic wildfires in California during the summer of 2020, helping save hundreds of lives. ~ Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joan E. Jennings, U.S. Navy and portrait pulled from video.
ONG, Hungarian Defence Forces planning for June 2021 JRTC rotation
Members of the Ohio Army National Guard’s 837th Engineer Battalion conducted a State Partnership Program military-to-military virtual training conference Jan. 19-21, 2021, with Hungarian Defence Forces volunteer soldiers (pictured), in preparation for a bilateral training exercise between the HDF and Ohio National Guard in June at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La. The VTC was one of a series of events that have taken place to plan and prepare for the upcoming training event, which will integrate over 130 Hungarian soldiers with 2,000 members of Ohio’s 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. ~ Courtesy photo
Coronavirus/COVID-19 coverage
Check news updates, photos and videos on what your Ohio National Guard is doing to support government and civilian health organizations during the pandemic.
Ohio Cyber Reserve member deployed in cybersecurity response
For the first time, a member of the Ohio Cyber Reserve (OhCR) was deployed on state active duty under the authority of Gov. Mike DeWine to assist in mitigating a recent cybersecurity breach of an undisclosed government agency. The deployment occurred just 16 months after passage of Ohio Senate Bill 52, which established the OhCR under the Adjutant General’s Department as part of the State Defense Force.
Earning the Green Beret: Becoming a National Guard Special Forces team member
Two Ohio Army National Guard Soldiers passed the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) earlier this year, qualifying them to attend the 53-week Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). The two spent about six months with 19th Special Forces Preparatory Detachment (SFPD) conducting physically demanding training including running, ruck marching, pushups, situps and land navigation as part of their assessment and then endured the strenuous 21-day SFAS course.
Ohio National Guard begins assisting with COVID-19 vaccinations
The Ohio National Guard has begun supporting the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Aging and several community partners to administer COVID-19 vaccines, as part of efforts to ensure eligible Ohioans have the opportunity to be vaccinated. Guard members are supporting efforts by state and local partners to assist Ohio’s underserved population with COVID-19 vaccinations. The focus will be on those most susceptible to COVID-19, including older Ohioans and those who are immunocompromised.
Romance Scams:
A Public Service Announcement
The internet is utilized for so many critical functions today — working, handling finances and bills, communication, entertainment and for some, finding companionship and forming romantic relationships. Unfortunately, those pursuing online relationships are sometimes not dealing with the person who they think is on the other end. Instead, it is a predator or romance con artist who portrays themselves from the start as someone a victim can trust; often the image chosen is that of a U.S. service member.
#knowyourmil
California wild fires
178th Wing sensor operator’s support saves
hundreds of lives during California wildfires
Staff Sgt. Kathryn Dobbs
180th FW Airman holds leadership post
in BGSU student veterans chapter
Sgt. Aaron Amsden
1-145th Soldier earns ARCENT NCO of Year
title on deployment
Staff Sgt. Nemec
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
Soldier’s path to service began in Argentina
Second Lt. Colleen O’Callaghan
Ohio’s first female infantry officer serves on
the front lines during COVID-19 pandemic
Spcs. Gabriel Kirk (left) and Javier Roman
Ohio Guard members build bridges over
language barriers at food bank
Pfc. Dal Sum
Guard member helps family friend, pregnant
COVID-19 patient at Columbus hospital
Spc. Jacque Elama
Ohio National Guard Soldier shares story
of becoming U.S. citizen
Hailey and Lexi Ireton
Sisters embark on NG carareers together
Capt. Sulaiman Bah
A commander's uncommon journey
Sgt. Kouami Honkpo
Freedom and Opportunity
Master Sgt. Ryan K. Tucker
A Lifesaver: Right Place, Right Time
2nd Lt. Devin King
Excelling on the gridiron
Maj. Gwendolyn Hoogendorn
Giving Back: Wildlife Warrior
Spc. Matt Logsdon
A case study in motivation
Staff Sgt. Michael Ginikos
ANG Firefighter of the Year
Staff Sgt. Ken Keller
Celebrating Adoption
Capt. Chris Brandt
Cherokee heritage sets life�s foundation
Col. Kimberly A. Fitzgerald
Leading the way at 178th Wing
Tech. Sgt. Chel sea Lovelace
Finding purpose through tragedy
1st Lt. Valerie Stearns
Challenging herself in order to grow
ONG HISTORY | THIS DAY / WEEK
Ohio Army National Guard Historical Collections
THIS WEEK: MARCH 1-7
In Through the Lens, Airmen with the 200th RED HORSE squadron help lay concrete during the expansion of an airfield in Iraq in 2005; in Week in Review, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment is organized in Worthington, Ohio in 1990; and Connecting to the Connections features the organizational color that was carried by the 107th Cavalry when it was inducted into federal service in March 1941 for World War II.
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