
Compiled and created by Ohio National Guard Heritage Center
A Look in the Attic: June 23-29, 2025
In Through the Lens, a member of the 121st Security Police Squadron competes in the combat endurance course portion of Rodeo ’94 at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. in June 1994; in Week in Review, the U.S. Army Chemical Corps is established as the Chemical Warfare Section in June 1918; and Connecting to the Collections features a dosimeter device training box that was used by the 37th Infantry Division Chemical Section in the 1960s for training Soldiers.

Cindy Ayers Hayter / Ohio National Guard Public Affairs
Latest Buckeye Guard online publication available
The Buckeye Guard, the official online publication of the Ohio National Guard, features the latest episode and individual segments from the companion Buckeye Guard video newscast, which airs several times weekly on the Ohio Channel, a service of Ohio's public broadcasting stations. Each issue of the online publication also includes news, articles and historical content that highlight the missions, training, readiness and accomplishments of the Ohio National Guard's more than 14,000 Soldiers and Airmen.

Staff Sgt. Samantha Aguridakis / 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
2025 OHARNG Best Warrior Competition determines top Soldier, NCO
The 2025 Ohio Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition, held at Camp James A. Garfield this year, brought together the best Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from six brigade-level commands to test their resilience, fitness, tactical skills and cognitive abilities. At the conclusion of the four-day event, Spc. William Schmitt, of Troop C, 2nd Squadron,107th Cavalry Regiment, was named Soldier of Year and Sgt. Benjamin Kovacic, of the 323rd Military Police Company, was named NCO of the Year. Both Soldiers moved on to represent Ohio in the ARNG Region IV BWC at Fort McCoy, Wis.

Sgt. Olivia Lauer / 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
1-137th Aviation Regiment Soldiers sharpen essential skills during AT
Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment take part in annual training at Camp Grayling in Grayling, Mich., June 1-14, 2025. Annual training enhances unit readiness and capabilities by executing essential missions such as aerial door gunnery, sling load operations and other tactical exercises.

Senior Airman Ivy Thomas / 121st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
Ohio Air National Guard announces its top Airmen
The 2025 Ohio Air National Guard Outstanding Airmen of the Year award winners stand with senior leaders during a recognition ceremony in Columbus, Ohio, Jan.11, 2025. The event honored selected Airmen who demonstrated outstanding leadership, strong work ethic and commitment to their community, state and nation.
Airman of Year: Senior Airman Logan Hargis, 123rd Air Control Squadron, 178th Wing
Noncommissioned Officer of Year: Staff Sgt. Zachary Wohlford, 124th Intelligence Squadron, 178th Wing
Senior NCO of Year: Master Sgt. Travis Brown, 123rd ACS, 178th Wing
First Sergeant of Year: Master Sgt. Andrew Jenkins, 121st Air Refueling Wing
Company Grade Officer of Year: Capt. Melissa Steele, 179th Cyberspace Wing

Staff Sgt. Jillian Maynus / Ohio National Guard Public Affairs
Woodruff takes command as Ohio adjutant general, Harris retires
Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., outgoing Ohio adjutant general, transferred authority and responsibility as head of the Ohio National Guard to Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, incoming Ohio adjutant general, during a change of command ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. Following the change of command, Harris officially retired after 44 years of military service, the last six as adjutant general, to begin his new state government role as director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.