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Mission Statement 

​The Utah National Guard is composed of two branches of the military, The Utah Army National Guard and the Utah Air National Guard. The Adjutant General is the military commander of both branches and is appointed by the Governor. While serving in a state status the Governor serves as the Commander in Chief. This duty shifts to the President of the United States when forces are federalized for national missions.

The mission of the Utah National Guard is to provide mission-ready military forces to assist both state and federal authorities in times of emergency or war.  Since 1894, The Utah National Guard has effectively trained, equipped, and prepared its members to accomplish that mission successfully.  We stand ready to protect our citizens from enemies both foreign and domestic, and to react quickly in the face of natural disaster or emergency.  We are always ready and always there.

Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley
Adjutant General
Utah National Guard

A Soldier in 3rd Platoon, 116th Engineer Company, 1457th Engineer Battalion, Utah National Guard guides an excavator operator while installing a new cattle guard at Dinosaur National Monument, June 13, 2022. The cattle guard replacement was one of several projects the company did at the monument as part of their annual training. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stowell)
Utah National Guard Engineers Train at Dinosaur National Monument
By Sgt. 1st Class Richad Stowell | June 22, 2022
Soldiers from the 1457th participated in an annual training exercise they won't soon forget.Engineers from the 116th Engineer Company and support personnel for the Forward Support Company– about 125 Soldiers in all–...
U.S. Soldiers from the 1-211th Aviation Regiment, Utah Army National Guard, unload an AH-64 Apache helicopter on June 20, 2022, at Agadir Al-Massira International Airport, Morocco. AL22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, combined annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner-nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Christopher Hall)
Utah’s Apache Helicopters Arrive in Morocco
By Maj. Brent Mangum, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) | June 20, 2022
Approximately 60 Soldiers from the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah Army National Guard, landed at the Agadir Al-Massira International Airport, Morocco, June 20...
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Utah Army National Guard, and Royal Moroccan Army paratroopers pull the static lines from their doorways after two sticks of Soldiers successfully jumped out of a C-130 as part of a friendship airborne operation in Grier Labouihi, Morocco, during African Lion 22, June 19, 2022. African Lion 22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, combined annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner-nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Mackenzie Willden)
Utah, Moroccan, and Tunisian Paratroopers Jump Together
By Maj. Brent Mangum, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), | June 19, 2022
Paratroopers from the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Utah Army National Guard, the Royal Moroccan Army, and the Tunisian Land Army boarded a Moroccan C-130 in Grier Labouihi, Morocco, June 19, and conducted both...
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Utah Army National Guard, U.S. Navy Sailor and Soldiers from the Royal Moroccan Army train together in a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force operations center as part of exercise African Lion 2022. AL22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, combined annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner-nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Christopher Hall)
Utah National Guard Members Arrive in Morocco for African Lion 22
By Maj. Brent Mangum | June 17, 2022
Roughly 300 members of the Utah National Guard will participate in African Lion 2022, U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, combined annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More...
Gun crews from 2nd Battalion, 222nd Field Artillery Regiment, 65th Field Artillery Brigade, Utah Army National Guard, begin preparing their equipment for a day of fire missions as part of Western Strike 22 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, June 11, 2022. Western Strike is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the 65th FAB, that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a combat training center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Alejandro Lucero)
Lightning Strikes: Summoning America’s Thunder
By Sgt. Alejandro Lucero | June 14, 2022
Units from the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, Utah National Guard, rocked the Idaho landscape in a barrage of awe-inspiring firepower. Soldiers from California, Iowa, North Carolina, and Utah assembled near Boise, Idaho at...
Forward observers await UH-60 helicopters for transport to new observation areas for training on marking artillery targets during Western Strike 22, June 9, 2022. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the Utah National Guard’s 65th Field Artillery Brigade, that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a combat training center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ariel J. Solomon)
North Carolina National Guard forward observers provide fire support to National Guard units from four different states at Western Strike 22
By Cdt. Joshua Matthews | June 14, 2022
Fire support teams from 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment of the North Carolina National Guard provided fire support to National Guard units from four different states during Western Strike 22 throughout the month...
A gun crew from Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 145th Field Artillery, Utah National Guard, lines up their M109 Paladin for day of live fire during Western Strike 22, June 11, 2022, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, Utah National Guard, that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a combat training center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. William Cowley)
Making a Move: Logistics and the Success of an Exercise
By Sgt. James Bunn | June 14, 2022
Whether moving across the country or making a tactical river crossing, a good logistics plan is the crucial difference between success and failure. Military operations have always hinged upon the movement of troops, weapon...
U.S. Army Cpl. Spencer Fayles with Utah’s 144th Area Support Medical Company, receives a certificate of participation during the Region VII Best Warrior Competition award ceremony on the island of Guam, May 26, 2022. This annual competition featured the best noncommissioned officer and Soldier from eight different states and territories including Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Testing competitors’ skills and knowledge and pushing them to their limits, the competition graded each participant in key areas such as basic Soldier skills, marksmanship under stress, land-navigation, and physical fitness. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Hack)
Two Utah Soldiers awaken "Warrior Spirit" at Region VII Best Warrior Competition
By Staff Sgt. Jordan Hack | June 4, 2022
A Soldier’s transformation into a warrior is difficult to describe. Hand-picked by leadership, proving themselves with every drop of sweat, every sore muscle, and every labored breath; Soldiers who compete naturally don the...
Brig. Gen. Frank Gräfe, the defense attaché from the Federation of Germany to the United States, (left) and Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Boyack, Commander of the Utah Air National Guard & Assistant Adjutant General-Air, (right) pose using the iconic “thumbs up” that Gail Halvorsen was known for on May 20th at the Provo City Cemetary. The Utah Air National Guard was in attendance to show support and honor the heroic efforts of Gail Halvorsen. (Utah Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt Nicholas Perez)
Honoring a war hero who delivered hope
By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Perez | May 31, 2022
Ret. U.S. Air Force Col. Gail Halvorsen, known as the “Candy Bomber”, was honored by top leadership from the Utah Air National Guard, Utah National Guard, and Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany with the laying of two...
The Utah National Guard FEMA Region VIII Homeland Response Force held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Collapsed Structure Venue Site which included a demonstration and static display of capabilities May 10, 2022 at Camp Williams, Utah. The CSVS is one of only three military owned Urban Search and Rescue training venues west of the Rocky Mountains. This CSVS will allow both military search and extract and civilian search and rescue teams the opportunity to train together and build those necessary partnerships needed in an “all hazards” response. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 1st Sgt. John Etheridge)
Camp Williams adds a Premiere Search and Extraction Training Site to Benefit the Homeland Response Force, State, Region, and Nation.
By Lt. Col. Robert Ramage Warden | May 11, 2022
The Utah National Guard has a new training site for the Region VIII Homeland Response Force’s search and extraction team, as well as partner civilian urban search and rescue teams. Lt. Col. Erick R. Wiedmeier, commander of...
Members of the Combined Veterans Honor Guard joined members from the Utah National Guard Honor Guard in conducting military funeral honors for the remains of Cpl. David Milano April 29, 2022 in Ogden, Utah. Milano went missing in action Dec. 2, 1950, during the Korean War. After 71 years, his remains have been repatriated to the United States and have been laid to rest on U.S. soil. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Sgt. John Etheridge)
A Family's Faith: Chosin Soldier Comes Home
By Staff Sgt. Jordan Hack | May 3, 2022
Often referred to as “the Forgotten War,” the Korean War’s significance tends to be overshadowed by World War II and the Vietnam War. Even in that light, it’s nothing short of a miracle that Korean War service members are...
Chief Warrant Officer4 Deena Haag
The Utah National Guard Celebrates Women’s History Month in March 2022
By (Courtesy article) | March 31, 2022
During the month of March, the Utah National Guard celebrates Women’s History and honors and acknowledges the struggles and achievements of American women throughout the history of the United States. Women have played a vital...
The 2-222nd Field Artillery Battalion, “Triple Deuce,” held a reunion for all current and former members of the unit March 19, 2022, at the Stanley A. Staheli Readiness Center in St. George, Utah. This event marks the fifth time in the last eight years that the group has rallied to reunite and reflect on their time spent in service to the nation, state, and community of Southern Utah.
2-222 Field Artillery Battalion “Triple Deuce” holds reunion for former and current members
By Maj. Emilio Suazo | March 19, 2022
The 2-222nd Field Artillery Battalion, “Triple Deuce,” held a reunion for all current and former members of the unit March 19, 2022, at the Stanley A. Staheli Readiness Center in St. George, Utah...
Brig. Gen. Tyler Smith receives his certificate of retirement from Maj. Gen. Michael Turley, adjutant general, Utah National Guard, at his retirement ceremony, March 14, 2022, at Camp Williams, Utah. Smith, whose most recent assignment was assistant adjutant general-Army, Utah National Guard, was joined by family, friends and community members to celebrate his 36-year career in the military. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Sgt. John Etheridge)
Brig. Gen. Tyler B. Smith, former assistant adjutant general-Army, retires after 35-years of service
By Staff Sgt. Ariel Solomon | March 16, 2022
Family, friends, co-workers and community members gathered to say farewell to Brig. Gen. Tyler Smith, the former assistant adjutant general-Army, Utah National Guard, at his retirement ceremony March 15, 2022, in the Lundell...
Maj. Gen Michael Turley, adjutant general, Utah National Guard, passes the organizational colors to Brig. Gen. Joseph Green during a change-of-command ceremony March 13, 2022 at Draper, Utah. During the change-of-command ceremony, Brig. Gen. Joseph Green assumed the role of assistant adjutant general-Army, Utah National Guard, from Brig. Gen. Tyler Smith. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Ariel J. Solomon)
Utah National Guard promotes and welcomes new assistant adjutant general-Army at change-of-command ceremony
By 1st Sgt. John Etheridge | March 14, 2022
The Utah National Guard welcomed its new assistant adjutant general-Army at a change-of-command ceremony March 13, 2022, at its headquarters building in Draper, Utah...
Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Brown passes the 97th Troop Command colors to Col. Tammy Manwaring during the change-of-command ceremony on Camp Williams, Utah, March 13, 2022. Manwaring will then pass the colors on to her successor, symbolically relinquishing her responsibility as the unit's commander. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Cpl. Alejandro Lucero)
97th Troop Command conducts change of responsibility
By Cpl. Alejandro Lucero | March 12, 2022
The 97th Troop Command, Utah Army National Guard, conducted a change-of-command ceremony at the Lundell Readiness Center on Camp Williams, Utah, March 13, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Tammy Manwaring relinquished command...
Sgt. First Class Robert Conder, a soldier with the 141st Military Intelligence Battalion, Utah National Guard, and members of Boy Scout troop take a break from collecting and loading donations for the Scouting for Food drive in Draper, Utah, Feb. 12, 2022. The Utah National Guard is committed to the Scouting for Food drive as it unites Utahns from multiple counties in the fight against hunger. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Alejandro Lucero)
Utah National Guard Assists Boy Scouts to Feed Utah Families
By Sgt. James Bunn | Feb. 17, 2022
Soldiers from the Utah National Guard partnered with Boy Scouts of America to collect food donations across Utah for Scouting for Food Day Feb. 12, 2022. This year approximately 75 Utah National Guard members helped deliver...
Utah National Guard Soldiers learn how to take blood pressure during their two-day Nurse Aide Training. Nine members of the Utah National Guard’s COVID-19 Joint Task Force receive clinical training support from Avalon Health Care staff at the Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins beginning Feb. 9, 2022.
Soldiers help amid omicron surge in Southern Utah
By Ileen Kennedy | Feb. 16, 2022
As the spike in the omicron variant of COVID-19 cases affect Southern Utah, the Utah National Guard COVID-19 Joint Task Force deployed 17 Soldiers to assist at the Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins, Utah, and St. George...
For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, Utah National Guard members of the COVID-19 Joint Task Force are providing direct hospital support in non-medical roles. Service members will be at St. George Regional Hospital providing food and housekeeping services and patient transport. As part of the COVID-19 Joint Task Force, 17 service members arrived to help in Southern Utah, Feb. 8, 2022.
Utah National Guard members send much needed help to Southern Utah
By Ileen Kennedy | Feb. 15, 2022
For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, Utah National Guard members are providing direct hospital support in non-medical roles. Service members will be at St. George Regional Hospital providing food and...
Soldiers with the 640 Regiment, Regional Training Institute, Officer Candidate School Company, perform push ups during drill one, Phase Zero, of Officer Candidate School, Feb. 4, 2022. OCS is a rigorous course that consists of four drills and eight weeks of in person training. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. DaleAnne E. Thomas)
Soldiers develop leadership skills at Officer Candidate School
By Maj. Charles Thompson and 1st. Lt. DaleAnne Thomas | Feb. 2, 2022
To become an officer in the United States Army is a goal that many strive to achieve and is not for the faint of heart...
Staff Sgt. Brian Conger, a medic assigned to the Utah National Guard’s 85th Weapons of Mass Destruction–Civil Support Team, performs one last safety check of his rope rig before descending a cliff face Leeds, Utah, Nov. 17, 2021. The 85th CST from Utah, the 93rd CST from Hawaii, and the 94th CST from Guam participated in a training event to enhance their skills when performing a rope rescue. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. James J. Bunn)
On the line, rescue training with ropes
By Sgt. James Bunn | Dec. 9, 2021
The Utah National Guard’s 85th Weapons of Mass Destruction–Civil Support Team or CST conducted joint training with teams from Hawaii, the 93rd CST, and Guam, the 94th CST, Nov. 16-18, 2021, in St. George, Utah...
Utah Army National Guard Master Sgt. Shane Richards of Joint Forces Headquarters completes a pull up during the physical assessment at the Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition on Camp Williams, Utah, Nov. 8. 2021. The Best Warrior Competition tests Soldier readiness by enforcing training of soldiering skills in a competitive atmosphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. William Cowley)
Utah Soldiers compete in state-level Best Warrior Competition
By Sgt. Nathan Baker | Dec. 9, 2021
Major commands from throughout the Utah Army National Guard sent their strongest, fittest and most capable Soldiers from across the state to compete for the title of Best Warrior at Camp Williams, Utah, Nov 7-10, 2021...
Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Population, USAID and the Utah National Guard greet each other as medical supplies to help aid Nepal’s COVID-19 response are offloaded from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Utah National Air Guard.
Utah Air National Guard transports life-saving equipment to Nepal
By Ileen Kennedy | Aug. 30, 2021
– As COVID-19 infections have continued to be reported around the world, many countries healthcare facilities have quickly became overwhelmed and run short on equipment and supplies to care for the large number of patients...
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Jeff Burton (center), the previous adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, receives the Bronze Minuteman award from Maj. Gen. Michael Turley (left), adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, and Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Brian Tarbet (right), commander Honorary Colonels Corps, Aug. 12, 2021, at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Bronze Minuteman Award recognizes community leaders for their extraordinary support and leadership to the citizens of Utah. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge)
Utah National Guard and Honorary Colonels recognize pillars of the community with Bronze Minuteman Awards
By Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge | Aug. 18, 2021
The Utah National Guard and the Honorary Colonels Corps honored six civic leaders at the 59th Annual Bronze Minuteman Awards dinner, Aug. 12, 2021, at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City...
Freedom Academy delegates pose in front of the Utah State Capitol building Aug. 3, 2021 at the Utah State Capitol, Salt Lake City, Utah. The Utah National Guard and the Honorary Colonels Corps has sponsored Freedom Academy since 1961. It is designed to teach young leaders the importance of freedom, that it comes with a price, and that leadership is essential to its survival. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Nathan Baker)
High-school seniors from across Utah gather to pass on torch of freedom
By Sgt. Nathan Baker | Aug. 9, 2021
Following a year-long break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Utah National Guard invited high school student leaders from around the state to take part in the 59th Annual Freedom Academy held Aug. 1-6, 2021, at Camp...
Col. Shawn M. Fuellenbach, the incoming commander of the 65th Field Artillery Brigade passes the organizational colors to Maj. Gen. Michael Turley, the adjutant general, Utah National Guard, during a change-of-command ceremony Aug. 8, 2021, at Camp Williams, Utah. Fuellenbach took command of the 65th FAB from Col. Steven Fairbourn during the ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Rebecca Call)
America’s Thunder welcomes new commander
By Sgt. Rebecca Call | Aug. 9, 2021
The 65th Field Artillery Brigade said farewell to their outgoing commander and welcomed their incoming commander at a change-of-command ceremony Aug. 8, 2021, at Camp Williams, Utah...
Camp Rucker: circa 1942
WWII Veteran, Warren Olsen, celebrates his 100th birthday
By Ileen Kennedy | Aug. 2, 2021
World War II veteran, Warren Olsen, turned 100 at his residence in Logan, Utah, Aug. 2, 2021. Despite being 100, he still does his own laundry and cheers up other residents at the assisted living center where he resides...
A staff sergeant (name withheld for security) from the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) navigates the obstacle course during the U.S. Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Navajo Military Reservation, Arizona July 21, 2021. The staff sergeant won the competition and was crowned U.S. Army National Guard Noncomissioned Officer of the Year and will move on to the Department of the Army competition later this year at Fort Knox, Kentucky. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge).
Two Utah Soldiers Compete in National Best Warrior Contest, One Wins Title
By Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge | July 28, 2021
Fresh off their victories in the state and region levels, two Utah National Guard Soldiers competed in the U.S. Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition held July 19-23, 2021 at Camp Navajo Military Reservation, Arizona...
Capt. Melissa Stenquist
The Utah National Guard Celebrates Pride Month in June
By Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge | June 28, 2021
During the month of June, the Utah National Guard celebrates Pride Month to commemorate LGBTQ+ service members and civilians for their dedicated service to both the Guard’s mission and to our nation. Pride Month brings the...
The Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Platoon, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), held a redeployment ceremony at the Aaron Butler Readiness Center, Camp Williams, Utah, June 23, 2021. The TUAS Platoon deployed from July 2020 to January 2021 in support of Special Operations Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. Soldiers received Army Commendation Medals for their service during the deployment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Brent Mangum, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne))
19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) holds Redeployment Ceremony Tactical Unmanned Aerial System Platoon
By Maj. Brent Mangum | June 24, 2021
A redeployment ceremony was held for the Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (TUAS) Platoon, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), at the Aaron Butler Readiness Center, Camp Williams, Utah, June 24, 2021...
Retirement Ceremony for Sgt. Maj. Jason R. Legler A retirement ceremony was held for Sgt. Maj. Jason R. Legler at the Aaron Butler Readiness Center, Camp Williams, Utah, June 23, 2021. Legler last served as command sergeant majorof the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Friends present Legler with two large picture frames representing his units, service, and memories. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Brent Mangum, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne))
19th SFG(A) Command Sergeant Major retires, credits family, friends, leaders for distinguished 33-year career
By Maj. Brent Mangum | June 24, 2021
A retirement ceremony was held for Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Legler at the Aaron Butler Readiness Center, Camp Williams, Utah, June 24, 2021. Legler most recently served as the command sergeant major of the 19th Special Forces...
Soldiers from the 932nd Forward Resuscitative Surgical Team train for surgical procedures, June 8, 2021, near Cap Draa, Morocco during African Lion 21. The medical personnel keep their skills sharp through consistent practice. African Lion is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cahugh Giles)
144th Area Support Medical Company treat Soldiers and forges strong camaraderie during African Lion 21
By Sgt. Nathan Baker | June 20, 2021
Approximately 40 Soldiers from the 144th Area Support Medical Company, Utah National Guard, worked as a Role 2 medical treatment center during exercise African Lion 21 near Tantan, Morocco, June 7-18, 2021...
Employers attend a Boss Lift on June 18, 2021, on Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah, sponsored by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, to watch what their employees do during annual training for the National Guard. This group is visiting Soldiers with the 118th Transportation Company, 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Ariel J. Solomon)
Civilian employers spend a day in their guardsmen’s boots
By Sgt. Ariel Solomon | June 17, 2021
To help employers understand what it means to be a reserve-component service member, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve sponsors Boss Lifts to bring bosses to see the training that their employees receive on their...
U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Eric Cielinski, a physician assistant with the 151st Medical Det-1, provides medical care in the pediatric section of the Military Medical Surgical Field Hospital in Tafraoute, Morocco on June 12, 2021 during African Lion 2021. African Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for us and partner nation forces. AL21 is multi-domain, null-component, and multinational exercise, which employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Annie Edwards)
U.S. Airmen bring medical care to Moroccan children
By Tech. Sgt. Annie Edwards | June 17, 2021
U.S. Air National Guard medical providers brought pediatric care to local children at the Military Medical Surgical Field Hospital in Tafraoute, Morocco June 7-17 during African Lion 2021...
Col. Tammy Manwarring, commander, Utah National Guard’s COVID-19 Task Force, presents an award to a Soldier during a demobilization award ceremony at Camp Williams, Utah, June 16, 2021. After serving their state and communities for over a year, approximately 140 Airmen and Soldiers serving as part of the Utah National Guard COVID-19 Response Task Force demobilized June 15-16, 2021 at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, as well as at the 640th Regiment, Regional Training Institute at Camp Williams, Utah. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge)
Utah National Guard COVID-19 Response Task Force Demobilizes
By Sgt. Jordan Hack | June 16, 2021
CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah - After serving their state and communities for over a year, approximately 140 Airmen and Soldiers serving as part of the Utah National Guard COVID-19 Response Task Force demobilized June 15-16, 2021 at...
Moroccan Gen. Belkhir El Farouk, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Southern Zone Commander, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael Turley, Adjutant General Utah National Guard, learn more about the humanitarian civil assistance during a key leader engagement as part of African Lion 2021 June 16, 2021, at the Military Medical Surgical Field Hospital in Tafraoute, Morocco. African Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. African Lion 21 is multi-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, which employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Colton Elliott)
Humanitarian Efforts Strengthen Utah's Partnership with Morocco
By Tech. Sgt. Colton Elliott | June 16, 2021
Gen. Belkhir El Farouk, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Southern Zone Commander, welcomed Utah National Guard leaders to the humanitarian civic assistance portion of Exercise African Lion, in Tafraoute, Morocco June 16, 2021...
Reporters from KUTV 2 news interview Staff Sgt. Michael Jordan, section chief C Battery, 145th Field Artillery Battalion at Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah, June 12, 2021. The battalion was demonstrating fires capabilities during annual training for the media to observe. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Jeffrey Dallin Belnap)
Redlegs for a Day: 145th Field Artillery gives local journalists a taste of Army life
By Staff Sgt. Timothy Beery | June 16, 2021
Spending two weeks in the blistering sun of the Utah desert is nothing new for the Soldiers of the 145th Field Artillery Battalion. Nearly every single year, the thundering booms of paladins and the rattling of heavy machine...
U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, the U.S. Army Europe and Africa commanding general, and Belkheir El Farouk, the Commander of Moroccan Southern Zone vist Tifnit Training Area, Morocco, June 9, 2021. African Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. African Lion 21 is a multi-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, which employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rhianna Ballenger)
Gen. Cavoli and Gen. El Farouk visit troops at Tifnit, Morocco
By Maj. Brent Mangum | June 15, 2021
Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and Gen. Belkhir El Farouk, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Southern Zone Commander, visit with U.S. and Moroccan forces at Tifnit, Morocco, June...
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Todd Bingham, commander of the U.S. military humanitarian civic assistance portion of African Lion 2021, meets with Governor Hassan Khalil, civic leader of Tiznit Province at the Military Medical Surgical Field hospital in Tafraoute, Morocco on June 10, 2021 during AL21. African Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for us and partner nation forces. AL21 is multi-domain, null-component, and multinational exercise, which employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Colton Elliott).
Tiznit Governor visits African Lion 21 field hospital
By Tech. Sgt. Annie Edwards | June 13, 2021
Governor Hassan Khalil, civic leader of the Tiznit Province, visited the Military Medical Surgical Field Hospital in Tafraoute, Morocco on June 10, during African Lion 2021...
U.S. Soldiers, assigned to the 19th Special Forces Group, train Moroccan Forces in fast rope maneuvers at Tifnit, Morocco, on June 8, 2021. Africa Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. Africa Lion 21 is a multi-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, which employs a full array of mission and capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rhianna Ballenger)
Utah National Guard participates in African Lion 21, Morocco
By Maj. William Mangum | June 11, 2021
Approximately 260 Soldiers and Airmen from the Utah Army and Air National Guard arrived in Agadir, Morocco, June 4, 2021, to participate in Exercise African Lion 2021, U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual...
U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the Utah National Guard’s 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) board a CH-47 Chinook flown by the 160th SOAR during a joint jump with the Utah National Guard’s 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and Royal Moroccan Army Paratroopers in Ben Guerir Air Base, Morocco, June 10, 2021. African Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. African Lion 21 is a multi-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, which employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rhianna Ballenger)
Utah and Moroccan Paratroopers Jump, Exchange Wings
By Maj. Brent Mangum | June 10, 2021
Approximately 90 U.S. Army Paratroopers and 15 Royal Moroccan Army Paratroopers participated in a joint airborne operation near Ben Guerir Airbase, Morocco, June 10, 2021...
Approximately 80 U.S. Air National Guard and active duty airmen joined more than 100 members of the Moroccan military to provide medical care to 461 patients on June 7, at a surgical field hospital set up for humanitarian civic assistance during African Lion 2021.
U.S. Airmen begin African Lion humanitarian efforts
By Tech. Sgt. Annie Edwards | June 9, 2021
Approximately 80 U.S. Air National Guard and active duty airmen joined more than 100 members of the Moroccan military to provide medical care to 461 patients on June 7, at a surgical field hospital set up for humanitarian...
Utah Air National Guard doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals of the 151st Expeditionary Medical Group were welcomed to Morocco with live traditional Berber folk music and a dance performance by the Tafraoute citizens, June 6, 2021.
Morocco Welcomes Medical Team at African Lion
By Tech. Sgt. Colton Elliott | June 8, 2021
Utah Air National Guard doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals of the 151st Expeditionary Medical Group were welcomed to Morocco with live traditional Berber folk music and a dance performance by the Tafraoute...
U.S. Airmen from the 151st Air Refueling Wing, Utah Air National Guard and 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, remove the tail from a KC135R at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Utah, June 2, 2021. The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Colton Elliott)
MXG removes tail from Utah Air Guard KC-135R
By Maj. Marie Denson | June 2, 2021
On June 2, members from the Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Maintenance Group, along with members from the 190th Maintenance Group, Kansas Air National Guard, took on the monumental task of removing the tail from a KC-135R...
Tech. Sgt. David Owen. This month the Utah National Guard celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to honor and celebrate generations of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians who continue to serve proudly and selflessly in the defense of our nation.
The UTNG Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
By UTNG Public Affairs | May 25, 2021
This month the Utah National Guard celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to honor and celebrate generations of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians who continue to serve proudly and...
Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Brown, accepts the 97th Troop Command colors from Col. Tammy Manwaring during the change of command ceremony on Camp Williams, Utah, May 23, 2020. By accepting the colors, Brown symbolically took the reins of responsibility over the 97th Troop Command. (U.S. Army National Guard photo taken by Spc. Alejandro Lucero)
97th Troop Command conducts change of responsibility
By Staff Sgt. Nicolas Cloward | May 25, 2021
The 97th Troop Command, Utah Army National Guard conducted a change of responsibility ceremony at the 640th Regiment, Regional Training Institute on Camp Williams, Utah, May 23, 2021, where Command Sgt. Maj. Richard G...
Elizabeth Smart speaks to Service members and employees of the Utah National Guard May 24, 2021 at Draper, Utah. Smart was invited by the Utah National Guard Dignity and Respect Task Force to speak to Service members and employees about her childhood kidnapping, sexual assault and recovery. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge)
Elizabeth Smart shares her story of survival with the Utah National Guard
By Ileen Kennedy | May 24, 2021
Elizabeth Smart shares her story of survival with the Utah National Guard...
(From left to right) Lt. Col. Kevin Leitch, Capt. Nathan Griffin, Sgt. 1st Class Eric Dwelle, and Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Dimond show their bronze de Fleury award after a ceremony at the Utah National Guard Headquarters May 22, 2021. The de Fleury awards honor those who have provided significant contributions to Army engineering. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stowell)
‘For Courage and Boldness’ — 2021 Utah National Guard De Fleury Award Recipients
By Sgt. 1st Class Richard Stowell | May 22, 2021
Eight Utah National Guard Soldiers, including The adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, Maj. Gen. Michael Turley, received de Fleury awards at a 1457th Engineer Battalion ceremony last week...
A staff sergeant from 19th Special Forces Group Utah Army National Guard (name withheld for security), performs first-aid on a simulated casualty during the medical event as a part of the Region VII Best Warrior Competition held at Fort Carson, Colorado May 17-21. The Special Forces staff sergeant was crowned Region VII NCO of the Year and his counterpart, Spc. Adam Barlow, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Field Artillery Brigade, Utah Army National Guard, won the Soldier of the Year title.
Utah Army National Guard Soldiers bring home Region VII BWC titles
By Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge | May 21, 2021
Two Utah Soldiers won the top spots at the Region VII Best Warrior Competition hosted by the Colorado Army National Guard at Fort Carson May 17-20, 2021. The competition included the best Soldiers and noncommissioned officers...
The Utah Army National Guard Chaplain Corps inducted two officers, including the first female chaplain candidate in the organization, during a commissioning ceremony at Draper, Utah, May 12, 2021. From left, Chaplain candidate Brent Black, Brig. Gen. Charlene Dalto, commander, Utah Army National Guard Land Component Command, and chaplain candidate 2nd Lt. Mindy Butler. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge)
Utah National Guard Chaplain Corps commissions two officers, first female
By Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge | May 19, 2021
The Utah Army National Guard Chaplain Corps inducted two officers, including the first female chaplain candidate in the organization, during a commissioning ceremony at Draper, Utah, May 12, 2021...
Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, presents Brig. Gen. Thomas C. Fisher, the former commander of the Utah Army Guard Land Component Command, with a flag during his retirement ceremony on Camp Williams, Utah, May 1, 2021. Turley remarked that Fisher was truly a teacher of Soldiers and never forgot about how important each individual Soldier is to the units. (U.S. Army National Guard photo taken by Spc. Alejandro Lucero)
UTNG Land Component commander retires from 31-year career
By Spc. Alejandro Lucero | May 4, 2021
Brig. Gen. Thomas C. Fisher, the former commander of the Utah Army National Guard’s Land Component Command and current Summit County Manager, retired from his military career May 1, 2021, after 31 years of distinguished...
Maj. Gen. Michael Turley, the adjutant general, Utah National Guard, passes the organizational colors to Brig. Gen. Charlene Dalto signifying the transfer of authority of command during a ceremony at Camp Williams, Utah, May 1, 2021. Dalto assumed command of the Utah Army National Guard’s Land Component Command from Brig. Gen Thomas Fisher. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Alejandro Lucero)
Utah Army National Guard Land Component Command welcomes new commander
By Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge | May 4, 2021
It was a morning of transitions as the Utah Army National Guard held a ceremony for the incoming and outgoing commanders of the Land Component Command on Tarbet Field at Camp Williams, Utah, May 1, 2021...
Command Sgt. Maj. Steven B. Wooldridge receives his retirement certificate from Brig. Gen. Thomas C. Fisher on Camp Williams, Utah, April 30, 2021. Wooldridge has served in the military for more than 40 years and intends to continue to serve in the Salt Lake City Police Department. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Ariel J. Solomon)
A Soldier’s Soldier – Land Component Command senior enlisted leader retires ending 43-year military career
By Sgt. Ariel Solomon | May 4, 2021
After 43 years of military service, Command Sgt. Maj. Steven B. Wooldridge’s change-of-responsibility and retirement ceremony was held April 30, 2021, at Camp Williams, Utah...
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alissa Snow, assigned to the Utah Counterdrug Task Force, participates in Iron County Prevention Coalition’s Take-Back Event in Cedar City, Utah, Apr. 24, 2021.
Utah National Guard Counterdrug Task Force supported efforts in the DEA’s 20th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
By 2nd Lt. Jesse Hudson | April 24, 2021
On April 24, 2021, the Utah National Guard Counterdrug Task Force partnered with communities across Utah to support efforts in the DEA’s 20th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day...
Ginger Livingston of Ginger Snaps Photography (right) received a Seven Seals Award by officials from the Utah Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Provo, Utah, April 15, 2021. Staff Sgt. Jullienne Labrum (left) a Basic Leader Course instructor with the 640th Regiment-Regional Training Institute, nominated Livingston for the award for the support she received from her while deployed to the Middle East. Livingston surprised Labrum with over 1600 photos of her son that were taken over the 12-month period that she was deployed. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge)
Local businesswoman receives recognition for support of deployed UTNG Soldier
By Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge | April 21, 2021
For going above and beyond in performing an immense act of kindness to a deployed Soldier, Ginger Livingston of Ginger Snaps Photography, was presented a Seven Seals Award by officials from the Utah Committee of Employer...
Chaplain (Col.) Larry Bazer, deputy director, National Guard Bureau-Office of the Joint Chaplain, leads Soldiers participating in the Utah National Guard Chaplain Conference at Camp Williams, Utah, April 10, 2021. The mission of military chaplains is to build the spiritual readiness of the nation’s warfighters by providing world-class religious support. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Bryton Bluth)
Joint Forces Headquarters conducts annual chaplain sustainment training
By Staff Sgt. Nicolas A. Cloward | April 14, 2021
As the sun rose over Mount Timpanogos ,the cold air surrounding Camp Williams began to dissipate deeper into the valley. Chaplains and religious affairs specialists slowly began to fill the foyer of Sunrise Hall. Some greeted...
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Wallace B. Gatrell (center) receives induction to the Order of Saint Barbara at 100 years and counting, awarded by Lt. Col. Brett Anderson (right) and Sgt. Maj. Brady MacDonald at the Scott B. Lundell Readiness Center, Camp Williams, April 10, 2021. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Melissa Stenquist)
Honoring A Utah National Guard Legend
By Capt. Melissa Stenquist | April 12, 2021
At 100 years young and counting, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Wallace B. Gatrell, a field artillery legend in his own right, received induction into the Order of Saint Barbara April 10, 2021, in the Utah Army National Guard’s Scott B...
U.S. Airmen from the 151st Air Refueling Wing load on to a KC-135 Stratotanker at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Salt Lake City, Ut. April 6, 2020. The Guardsmen are deploying to support the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Colton Elliott)
151st Air Refueling Wing Deploys
By Tech. Sgt. Colton Elliott | April 7, 2021
– Four KC-135 Stratotankers and approximately 120 Airmen assigned to the 151st Air Refueling Wing, Utah Air National Guard, deployed from Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base April 5-6, 2021, in support of Operation...
Master Sgt. Gabriel Hernandez engages his target during the 9mm firearm portion of the Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition on Camp Williams, Utah, March 22, 2021. The Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition tests Soldier’s physical endurance, military knowledge, and mental perseverance to determine the state’s Soldier of the Year, Non-commissioned Officer of the Year and Senior NCO of the Year. (U.S. Army National Guard photo taken by Spc. Alejandro Lucero)
UTNG Best Warrior Competition Selects Top Soldiers
By Spc. Alejandro Lucero | March 30, 2021
Twenty-two Soldiers battled frigid temperatures, as well as mental and physical challenges as they competed for the title of Soldier of the Year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Senior NCO of the Year during the Utah...
Tech. Sgt. Erik Bornemeier, a medical technician assigned to the 151st Medical Group, Detachment 1, receives the Utah Cross from The Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley on March 15, 2021 at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Utah. The Utah Cross is the second highest state award that an Utah National Guard military member can receive. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Colton Elliott)
Utah Guardsman receives Utah Cross for aiding crash victim
By Tech. Sgt. Colton Elliott | March 16, 2021
A Guardsman from the 151st Air Refueling Wing, Utah Air National Guard, was presented the Utah Cross by the Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley on March 15, 2021...
Lt. Col. Kimberly Lawson prepares for an airborne operation.
UTNG Celebrates International Women’s Day and Women’s Heritage Month
By Maj. Tambra West | March 8, 2021
Today, the Utah National Guard celebrates International Women’s Day, and celebrates Women’s History Month through the month of March. Women’s History Month honors and celebrates the struggles and achievements of American...
Photo of 1959 National Guard Members at the Fillmore Armory. Note style of windows and doors in the background. (Courtesy photo)
Fillmore Armory: A perfect way to bring a community together
By Jamie Brand | March 4, 2021
The first dance on the new, much anticipated, hardwood floor occurred on Memorial Day 1938. The newly constructed Fillmore Armory (Millard County) was a perfect way to bring a community together, built for both military...
Utah National Guard medical teams administer COVID-19 vaccinations
By Ileen Kennedy | Feb. 10, 2021
The Utah National Guard, in cooperation with the Utah Department of Health, expanded its support of the COVID-19 mission in January by administering vaccinations to Guard members and the civilian population...
Capt. Jeffrey Dallin Belnap snaps photo of Jupiter, a stuffed animal that belongs to his daughter at home, behind the U.S. Capitol building during a Utah National Guard mission to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 15, 2021. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from several states traveled to Washington, D.C. to supplement federal and district authorities responsible for securing the U.S. Capitol for the 59th presidential inauguration. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Jeffrey Dallin Belnap)
Jupiter Capit-Owl
By Sgt. Jordan Hack | Feb. 10, 2021
Capt. Jeffrey Dallin Belnap, Public Affairs Officer with Utah’s 128th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, has been serving in Washington D.C. as one of the Utah National Guard’s 350 Soldiers sent to the nation’s Capitol to help...
The Utah National Guard, in cooperation with the Utah Department of Health, has expanded its support of the COVID-19 mission providing vaccinations and monoclonal antibody infusions to patients living in long-term care facilities throughout Utah.
The Utah National Guard’s Monoclonal Infusion Strike Team works hard combating COVID-19
By Ileen Kennedy | Feb. 3, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to one of the longest activations of the Utah National Guard in the state. The Utah National Guard has provided the state with support in COVID-19 testing, contact tracing and medical supplies...
From left to right, Tech. Sgt. Keith Mecham, 142nd Military Intelligence Battalion (Linguist) RINGGOLD noncommissioned officer in charge; Mr. Terry Wilson, Utah training coordinator; and Mr. Nathaniel Hancock, language coordinator.
NSA 2020 Learning Excellence Award for Learning Organization of the Year
By | Feb. 1, 2021
The Utah National Guard is home to two units who are renowned for their "excellence in language." The service members of the 151st Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group and the 300th Military Intelligence...
Lt. Col. Wallace Bassett Gatrell poses while still an enlisted Soldier at Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif. Gatrell celebrated his 100th Birthday Jan. 25, 2021. He has lived through 20 U.S. presidents, served through World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars, and into the Cold War, serving a 34-year career in the military.
Former Utah National Guard member turns 100
By Ileen Kennedy | Jan. 21, 2021
Lt. Col. (retired) Wallace Bassett Gatrell was born on Jan. 25, 1921. He has lived through 20 U.S. presidents, served through World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars, and into the Cold War, serving a 34-year career in the...
Gov. Elect Spencer Cox officially became Utah’s 18th governor after Justice Paige Petersen administered the oath of office during his inauguration ceremony at Tuacahan Center for the Arts in Ivins, Washington County, Utah on Jan. 4, 2021,. Cox and his lieutenant, Deidre Henderson, took the oath of office against a backdrop of red rock cliffs at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts Amphitheatre in Ivins. The date also marks Utah’s 125th anniversary of statehood. Members of the Utah National Guard supported the inauguration with the Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley as the master of ceremony; the Utah National Guard Honor Guard presentation of colors; members of the 2nd Battalion; 222nd Field Artillery fire a 19-gun cannon salute; a four aircraft flyover by members of 2nd Battalion, 211th General Support Aviation Battalion; members of the 85th Weapons of Mass Destruction—Civil Support Team and other support personnel.
Utah Guard supports Gov. Spencer J. Cox inauguration ceremony held in St. George, Utaah
By Ileen Kennedy | Jan. 5, 2021
Gov. Elect Spencer J. Cox officially became Utah’s 18th governor after Justice Paige Petersen administered the oath of office during an inauguration ceremony at Tuacahan Center for the Arts in Ivins, Washington County, Utah...
Lt. Col. Jeremy Stevenson, commander of the 141st Military Intelligence Battalion, speaks during the farewell ceremony for a detachment of 24 Soldiers from the 141st MI at the Utah National Guard’s Orem Readiness Center Dec. 10, 2020, as they prepare to depart for an overseas deployment. The deploying detachment is comprised of human intelligence and counterintelligence Soldiers and tasked to provide force protection support to ground forces during a 12-month deployment in the U.S. Central Command area of operations.(U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge)
Utah National Guard’s 141 MI Battalion hold farewell ceremony for Soldiers deploying to Middle East
By Sgt 1st Class John Etheridge | Dec. 16, 2020
In a scaled back event due to COVID-19 precautions, 24 Soldiers from the 141st Military Intelligence Battalion, 300th Military Intelligence Brigade, said a final farewell during a ceremony Dec. 10, 2020, at the Utah National...
There is nothing better than starting your day with a good old fashioned ruck march. Going where and how far you ask? The snipers wondered that themselves as they started off on foot to ranges of unknown distance headed to obstacles of unknown difficulty. Fatigued and unfamiliar, each team races against time and instability to attain as many targets as possible in the allotted time given on ranges at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center, Barling, Arkansas, December 5, 2020. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Israel Sanchez)
50th WPW and 30th AFSAM Sniper Championships ~ Colorado, California National Guard Win Sniper Championships
By Maj. Theresa Austin, National Guard Marksmanship Training Center | Dec. 16, 2020
Staff Sgt. Nick D. Hardin and Master Sgt. Richard T. Weems, Utah Army National Guard, earned 3rd place overall for the 50th Winston P. Wilson Sniper Championships and the Winston P. Wilson Precision Engagement Team Champions...
2nd Lt. Blase Barker teleworks in his home office in Salt Lake City contacting people after they receive a positive COVID-19 test. The Contact Tracing and Investigation team’s goal is to first educate and inform people who have tested positive for COVID-19 on the proper precautions they should take. Secondly, to stop the spread by identifying, contacting, and educating those who came into contact with a morbidity (COVID-19 Positive) case.
UTNG’s Contact Tracing and Investigation Team works tirelessly to protect local communities
By Cpt. Brad Herkimer | Dec. 8, 2020
The ongoing mission of the Utah National Guard Contact Tracing and Investigation Team is to reduce the spread of COVID-19 through morbidity investigations, and methodical contact tracing within 24 hours of a positive test...
Lt. Col. Lorin Bodily, chief of operations for the 20th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, studies a large “sand table” map prior to a combined arms rehearsal at Fort Carson, Colo.(U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Nathaniel Free)
From NCO to Virtual Commander
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | Dec. 4, 2020
The 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and many of its subordinate elements traveled from Utah to Fort Carson, Colorado, to conduct a sweeping division-level combat simulation called a “warfighter exercise,” held in October...
It can be hard to break into a new industry without any real skills. Many entry-level jobs still require at least 1-2 years of prior experience, which can be tough to come by. The Utah Army National Guard will cut you a paycheck while training you in a new skill that can be used in the civilian economy. We are actively looking to hire and train truck drivers, engineers, mechanics, medics, telecommunications and IT experts.
10 unexpected benefits of serving in the Utah Army National Guard
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | Nov. 16, 2020
The Utah Army National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Army that falls under the direction of Utah state leadership. Our Commander-in-Chief is the governor of Utah. We have been called on to help with local,...
1st. Sgt. Rick Hone (left) and Sgt. 1st Class Bill Bowman (right)
When You’re in Trouble, Call a First Sergeant
By Sgt. 1st Class Richard Stowell | Oct. 30, 2020
Sometimes a group needs someone who is focused on the members of the team — equipping them and paving the way for them to succeed. If your organization works in a dynamic, demanding environment, you might need to find...
An Airman assigned to Joint Task Force Pioneer cuts branches scattered by wind at the Kaysville City Cemetery during Operation Wind Debris, September 11, 2020. Members of the Utah Training Center, Utah National Guard, participated in the operation after Governor Gary Herbert activated the task force to respond to damage caused by windstorms earlier in the week.
Joint Task Force Pioneer helps Utahns clean up wind debris
By Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stowell | Sept. 17, 2020
Nearly 300 members of the Utah National Guard responded to an activation order to help clean up debris caused by windstorms in Northern Utah last week...
Lt. Col. Budd Vogrinec, commander of the 625th Military Police Battalion and Command Sgt. Maj. Garrett Whatcott unveil the guidon of their new unit during an activation ceremony at the Springville Readiness Center in Springville, Utah, Sept. 13, 2020. The 625th MP Battalion will support the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Utah National Guard.
From one battalion to another: the 489th cases its colors, while the 625th unveils
By Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stowell | Sept. 13, 2020
Members of the Utah National Guard who were part of the 489th Brigade Support Battalion became part of the 625th Military Police Battalion during a ceremony at the Springville Readiness Center, Sep. 13, 2020. Soldiers...
Brig. Gen. Michael Turley, left, adjutant general, Utah National Guard presents Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Anderson with a citation of merit following Anderson’s retirement after a 31 year career in the Utah National Guard. Anderson served as the senior enlisted leader for the Utah National Guard before announcing his retirement to take place this fall.
Utah National Guard’s 10th Senior Enlisted Leader retires
By Staff Sgt. Timothy Beery | Sept. 3, 2020
CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah – The Utah National Guard said ‘goodbye and best wishes’ to its senior enlisted leader and one of its most trusted caretakers Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, in a celebratory retirement ceremony at Camp Williams...
Gov. Gary R. Herbert applauds after presenting the Utah Medal of Valor to Sgt. Chasen Brown, a service member of the Utah National Guard, in the Gold Room at the Utah State Capitol on Sept 1, 2020. Brown, a gunner for Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 222nd Field Artillery, was attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada on Oct. 1, 2017. Shortly after the concert started, a man started shooting indiscriminately at the massive crowd. Without hesitation or regard to personal safety, Brown immediately started to render aid to the wounded personnel while under constant gunfire. His actions on that tragic day, also known as one of the deadliest mass shootings in the United States, saved the lives of half a dozen fellow concertgoers.
Guardsman receives Utah Medal of Valor for heroism during mass shooting in Las Vegas
By Ileen Kennedy | Sept. 1, 2020
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — In the midst of gunfire, and with a frantic crowd trying to flee from being shot as a gunman opened fire on the famous Las Vegas Strip, a Utah National Guard member saved many lives as he repeatedly,...
Lt. Col. Brandon Holmer, Utah National Guard, fires at paper targets with a pistol during the Tactical Games in Price, Utah, Aug. 29, 2020. Holmer placed first in Master class, and placed first overall.
Utah Guard Claims Top Honors at Tactical Games
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | Aug. 29, 2020
The All Guard Marksmanship Team, composed of several members of the Utah National Guard, claimed top honors at the Tactical Games held in Price, Utah, Aug. 30, 2020...
Soldiers assigned to the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade are hit by a simulated improvised explosive device during squad movement operations at Camp Williams, Utah, as part of their annual training Aug. 2-15, 2020. Despite the added health protocol restrictions, 204th MEB Soldiers were still able to conduct their required annual training.
Utah Soldiers Train With “Solidarity and Purpose” During Pandemic
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | Aug. 15, 2020
True to their unit motto, the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Utah National Guard, conducted annual training with “Solidarity and Purpose” and some additional health precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Aug. 1-15,...
Gov. Gary R. Herbert salutes the newly promoted Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley at the Utah State Capitol, in the Gold Room, Aug. 6, 2020. Gov. Herbert officiated at the ceremony and administered the oath of office. Turley's wife, MaryLou, pinned on his new rank with his family assembled in the Gold Room observing. Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer Nielsen unfurled and posted the two-star flag followed by offering the first salute. Due to COVID-19 social distancing those who attended in person were limited. The ceremony was broadcasted on Facebook Live where hundreds were able to be a part of this historical day.
The Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. (P) Michael J. Turley promotes to Major General
By Ileen Kennedy | Aug. 6, 2020
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah--Brig. Gen.(P) Michael J. Turley was officially promoted to the rank of major general at a ceremony officiated by Gov. Gary R. Herbert, the commander-in-chief of the Utah National Guard Aug. 6, 2020. The...
Gold Star families were honored during a memorial dedication ceremony Aug. 1, 2020, as Utah's first Gold Star Memorial was unveiled in North Ogden. Historically the “Gold Star
Utah’s first Gold Star Family Monument unveiled in North Ogden
By Staff Sgt. Timothy Beery | Aug. 5, 2020
NORTH OGDEN, Utah - Gold Star families were honored during a memorial dedication ceremony Aug. 1, 2020, as Utah's first Gold Star Memorial was unveiled in North Ogden.Historically the “Gold Star" moniker describes family...
Army National Guard Soldiers participate in a weapons zeroing for the Region VII Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Williams, Utah, July 29, 2020. Guardsmen from Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Hawaii are participating in the competition for the chance to move on to the higher level Army National Guard BWC later this year. Best Warrior Competitions are designed to test Soldiers’ mental and physical endurance with a variety of challenges to help the Army build strong and knowledgeable leaders. (U.S. Army Photo by Pvt. Shae Cox)
Utah Guard Hosts Region VII Best Warrior Competition 
By Staff Sgt. Timothy Beery | Aug. 4, 2020
CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah - Twelve Soldiers from the Western United States and Guam exhausted themselves physically and mentally over three blisteringly hot days at Camp Williams, July 28-30, to be named the Soldier and...
Staff Sgt. Jesse Shiner of the Utah Army National Guard participates in a weapons zeroing for the Region VII Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Williams, Utah, July 29, 2020. Guardsmen from Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Hawaii are participating in the competition for the chance to move on to the higher level Army National Guard BWC later this year. Best Warrior Competitions are designed to test Soldiers’ mental and physical endurance with a variety of challenges to help the Army build strong and knowledgeable leaders. (U.S. Army Photo by Pvt. Shae Cox)
Two Utah Guardsmen Give All at Region VII Best Warrior Competition
By Pvt. Shae Cox | Aug. 4, 2020
CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah - Best warrior competitions require a lot of preparation. Utah National Guard Soldiers Spc. Payton Hicks, who competed for Region VII Soldier of the Year, began his training several weeks in advance while...
U.S. Senate confirms U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Loh as the next director to lead the Air National Guard. Loh has served nearly 30 years in the Colorado Air National Guard and has experience in various key leadership roles, such as flight, squadron and group commander as well as the Colorado National Guard assistant adjutant general and adjutant general. Loh is a command pilot with more than 3,200 flight hours, including 2,900 hours and 128 combat flight hours in the F-16A/B/C/D Fighting Falcon.
Senate confirms Loh as next director of the Air National Guard
By ANG Public Affairs Office | July 21, 2020
AIR NATIONAL GUARD READINESS CENTER, Md. - The U.S. Senate confirmed U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael A. Loh to serve as the 13th director of the Air National Guard July 20. By assuming the post, Loh will be promoted to...
Staff Sgt. Wayne “Guido” Gray, California National Guard, engages targets in the Reflexive Fire match July 10, 2020, during the Marksmanship Advisory Council Region Seven Championships at Camp Williams, Bluffdale, Utah. Thirty-four Guard members from California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah spent three intense days in the mountains of Utah competing. Colorado took home the team championship title.
Guard Soldiers achieve marksmanship overmatch in Utah
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | July 17, 2020
LEHI, Utah – At 800 meters from the target, the Soldiers started running. The sun beat down on their shoulders as their boots pounded along the winding dirt road, kicking up dust. Each Soldier carried 50 rounds of ammunition...
Sgt. Justin Tomlinson with the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) makes his way to the finish line durin the ruck march portion of the state level Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition held July 7, 2020 at Camp Williams, Utah. The competitors were tested physically and mentally during a long and grueling day that included a rifle range, ruck march, physical fitness test and a military board. The annual competition is designed to challenge and select the best junior enlisted and best noncommissioned officer in the Utah National Guard to move on to the regional competition. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge)
Reforged Best Warrior Competition Names Utah Soldier of the Year
By Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge | July 15, 2020
Utah National Guard's major Army commands and the 151st Air Refueling Wing sent their best Soldiers to Camp Williams, Utah to compete in this year’s Utah Best Warrior Competition held July 7, 2020. The 20 warriors gave their...
Lt. Col. Woodrow Miner, commander, 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, is pinned with the rank of colonel by his wife at Utah National Guard headquarters in Draper, Utah, June 17, 2020, with a date of rank May 21, 2020. Miner assumed command of the 204th MEB as a lieutenant colonel on Nov. 2, 2019, when Brig. Gen. Michael J. Turley was appointed to the position of adjutant general.
Col. Woodrow Miner: A Bold Commander
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free, 801-716-9162 | June 29, 2020
In a small room at Utah National Guard headquarters in Draper, Utah, accompanied  by a few masked friends and family due to COVID-19 restrictions, Lt. Col. Woodrow Miner, commander, 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, was...
Approximately 200 Utah National Guard Soldiers returned to Salt Lake City, Sunday, June 7, 2020 following an activation at the request of the Secretary of Defense to augment civil authorities in Washington, D.C. amid civil unrest. Soldiers from Group Support Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) spent five days in D.C. providing security at national monuments and assisting in cleanup efforts.
Utah Army National Guard’s “Monuments Men” return to Salt Lake City following D.C. civil unrest
By 1st Lt. MARK SAGVOLD | June 15, 2020
Approximately 200 Utah Army National Guard Soldiers returned home to Salt Lake City, Utah, June 7, 2020 after volunteering to support civil authorities in Washington, D.C. after four days of domestic unrest.Members of the...
A Utah National Guard Mobile Testing Team member conducts a nasopharyngeal sample collection on a Soldier in Salt Lake City to test if they are a carrier of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, May 27, 2020. To collect a sample a flocked swab is sent through the nasal cavity and will stay there for 20 seconds, be twisted and removed.
Protecting the Force
By Spc. Bryton Bluth | June 9, 2020
The Utah National Guard’s Mobile Testing Team administered nasopharyngeal swabs, testing Soldiers and Airmen for COVID-19 who had responded to civil unrest in Salt Lake City, June 7, 2020. The testing took place at the North...
Col. Daniel Boyack, commander Utah Air National Guard, promotes to the rank of Brigadier General at a promotion ceremony at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Salt Lake City, Utah on June 6, 2020. Boyack assumed his current post in June 2019, and is responsible for the command, control and operations of plans and programs for more than 1,400 Utah Air National Guard Airmen. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. John Winn)
Utah Air National Guard Colonel Daniel Boyack Promoted to Brigadier General
By Maj. Ryan Sutherland | June 8, 2020
Colonel Daniel D. Boyack, who serves as the Commander of the Utah Air National Guard, was promoted to brigadier general during a ceremony held on June 6, 2020 at the Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base...
Airman of the 151st Security Forces Squadron answer the call of Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert, to provide an extra layer of safety and security in response to demonstrations and rioting at the Utah State Capitol, as well as, the Salt Lake City and County Building. (US Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe A. Davis)
151st SFS answers the call
By Maj. Marie Denson | June 8, 2020
Members of the Utah Air National Guard's 151st Security Forces Squadron were called up to state active duty in support of on-going civil unrest following the death of George Floyd...
Airman of the 151st Security Forces Squadron answer the call of Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert, to provide an extra layer of safety and security in response to demonstrations and rioting at the Utah State Capitol, as well as, the Salt Lake City and County Building. (US Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe A. Davis)
Utah Guard Activated by Order of the Governor
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free, 801-716-9162 | May 31, 2020
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Approximately 200 members of the Utah National Guard were activated by order of Utah Governor, Gary R. Herbert, to assist law enforcement agencies in protecting life and property in Salt Lake City, May...
Members of Utah's 85th Weapons of Mass Destruction, Civil Support Team (CST), Hawaii's 93rd CST, Guam's 94th CST and Alaska's 103rd CST train for disaster support on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
85th Civil Support Team responds in times of need
By Tech Sgt. John Winn | May 20, 2020
Members of the Utah National Guard's 85th Civil Support team respond to a myriad of situations including chemical spills, drug epidemics, nuclear detection and more, the mission of the CST is broad, but indispensable...
U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, assigned to the Utah National Guard, participate in medical training as a response force to Covid-19 in Sandy, Utah, May 12, 2020. Soldiers and Airmen with Utah National Guard will be assisting medical professionals in mobile Corona Virus test sites around the state as a service to Utah Residents. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Jacob Jesperson)
Utah National Guard Supports Utah Department of Health with COVID-19 Response
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | May 19, 2020
More than 100 soldiers and airmen from the Utah National Guard arrived at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah, May 13, 2020, to receive training on three separate missions that they'll be supporting across the...
As of May 14, 2020, the Utah National Guard has packaged 487,419 items of PPE, and delivered 45,066 packages to 3,601 businesses across Utah, from an improvised warehouse at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Utah National Guard will continue to receive, stage and ship items of PPE to businesses across the state.
The Utah National Guard Helps Reopen Local Economy
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | May 19, 2020
In a warehouse-sized dock at the back of the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah National Guard Soldiers and Airmen drive forklifts, stack cardboard boxes full of face masks, and siphon hand sanitizer out of...
A Black Hawk helicopter crew from 2nd General Aviation Support Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah National Guard drops water on the Saddle Fire in Midway, Utah, May 14, 2020. Two UH-60 Black Hawks were in the air above Midway by 9 a.m. and dropped 85 to 90 bucket loads of water on the fire.
Utah Guard Aviation Fights Saddle Fire
By Ileen Kennedy | May 19, 2020
Black Hawk helicopter aircrews from 2nd General Aviation Support Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah National Guard, were called in to fight the Saddle Fire, May 14, 2020.    Two UH-60 Black Hawks were in the air above...
Soldiers assigned to the Utah National Guard's 1st Battalion, 211th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, Aviation Regiment, depart the Army Aviation Support Facility, West Jordan, Utah, May 7, 2020. The battalion, comprised of three companies of AH-64 Apache helicopters and more than 300 soldiers, will provide combat air support to ground forces during the year-long deployment. (Utah National Guard photo by Ileen.Kennedy)
Utah Guard's Aviation Battalion Deploys During Pandemic 
By Ileen Kennedy | May 13, 2020
In this time of crisis amid the coronavirus pandemic, approximately 300 Utah National Guard Soldiers of the 1st Attack/Reconnaissance Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah Army National Guard departed the Army Aviation...
On April 16, 2020, Pvt. 1st Class Hope Torok took the final step to join the Utah National Guard, during one of the worst weeks of coronavirus-related deaths in the U.S. “I’ve worked in retail pretty much all of my working years,” Torok explained. “During Covid-19 in March, I was furloughed from my work since it is considered a non-essential job.” As a furloughed, non-essential worker, Torok said she had more time to think about what she wanted in life. She decided to sit down with a recruiter.
A message of hope: Utahns volunteer for military service during pandemic
By Spc. Felicia Olmos and Sgt. Nathaniel Free | April 30, 2020
Utahns continue to volunteer for military service despite increased restrictions on recruiting and in-processing during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to recruiting officials in the Utah National Guard, April 29, 2020.“In...
Spc. Kalani Bedell, a parachute rigger from the 19th Special Forces Group sews together two layers of fabric in this stage of mask production to protect Utah National Guard Soldiers during the Covid-19 Pandemic April 15, 2020 on Camp Williams. Masks are based on instructions from University of Florida Health, two layers of tightly woven cotton fabric. U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Ariel J. Solomon
Parachute Riggers Make Face Masks to Protect the Utah National Guard
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | April 21, 2020
To slow the spread of COVID-19 among Soldiers and Airmen in the Utah National Guard, parachute riggers with 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), at Camp Williams, use their skills to make approximately 2,000 face masks."In...
Service members assigned to the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Utah Army National Guard, conduct a meeting via video teleconference April 19, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 204th MEB is among the first National Guard units in the nation to conduct a teleworking drill or
How “Teledrill” Keeps Utah Service Members Safe and Ready
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | April 19, 2020
Service members assigned to the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Utah Army National Guard, were among the first in the nation to conduct a teleworking drill April 18-19, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.“This is a unique...
An Ecuadorian C-130 loaded with humanitarian aid takes off from Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Utah, April 10, 2020. The aid, which is part of an ongoing humanitarian aid program, was collected and donated by Charity Anywhere, a Utah based non-profit organization. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. John Winn)
Utah National Guard helps transfer humanitarian aid to Ecuador
By Tech. Sgt. John Winn | April 13, 2020
Members of the Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Air Refueling Wing, assisted Charity Anywhere, a Utah based non-profit organization operated by Gordon and Susan Carter, with the loading of humanitarian aid onto an Ecuadorian...
A military linguist competes in site exploitation event of the Polyglot Games during the 300th Military Intelligence Brigade’s 31st Annual Language Conference held March 7-8, 2020, at the Utah National Guard Headquarters in Draper, Utah. Teams and individuals competed in their core military intelligence skills in six different events to include language operational skills test, accent evaluation and site exploitation during the event. The Language Conference is an annual event that brings the military intelligence community together to participate in panel discussions, presentations and cutting-edge lectures on the significant issues and topics important to the language community. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Taylor Lakey-Tamacori).
300 MI hosts 31st Annual Military Intelligence Language Conference
By Spc. Taylor Lakey-Tamacori | April 9, 2020
The 300th Military Intelligence Brigade hosted the 31st annual Military Intelligence Language conference March 7-8, 2020, at the Utah National Guard Headquarters in Draper, Utah.The Language Conference is an annual event that...
Members of the Utah National Guard Homeland Response Force's decontamination team interact with role players during a mock domestic emergency in support of the Hawaii National Guard’s relief-in-place training exercise at the former Naval Air Station Barbers Point on Oahu, Hawaii, Jan. 28-30, 2020. More than 150 Utah Guard members were transported by military aircraft to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to assist and train alongside their Hawaiian counterparts.
Utah National Guard Medical and Science Officers Join the Utah Economic Response Task Force as Data Analytics and Decision Support Advisory Team
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | March 27, 2020
Following Governor Herbert’s release yesterday of the Utah Economic Response Task Force Plan, “Utah Leads Together,” the Task Force announced the formation of a cross-disciplinary team of data analytics and subject-matter...
Spc. Logan Jensen, a Spanish and Chinese linguist with the 142nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 300th MI Brigade, collaborates over video teleconference with 2nd Lt. Joseph Kline, a Spanish Linguist with the 141st Military Intelligence Battalion, to translate emergency preparedness information from English into Spanish during a state-wide self-quarantine, near Salt Lake City, Utah, March 26, 2020. The pair worked from their respective homes for 18-hours straight while self-quarantined, dividing up the documents and reviewing of each other's work for accuracy.
Utah Guard Linguists Overcome Language Barriers During COVID-19 Pandemic
By Ileen Kennedy | March 26, 2020
As Utah confronted the COVID-19 pandemic amid a succession of earthquakes, linguists in the Utah National Guard helped communicate clear and concise messages to everyone affected, in as many as 12 different languages.“The...
Brig. Gen. Tyler B. Smith visits members of the 141st Military Intelligence Battalion who were mobilized to the Southwestern U.S. border October 1, 2018, as part of Operation Guardian Support, a larger National Guard mission in support of the Department of Homeland Security. In a presidential memorandum issued on April 4, 2018, President Donald J. Trump authorized the National Guard, with the affected governors’ approval, to enhance its support to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Operation: Guardian Support
By Maj. Ryan Sutherland | March 17, 2020
Utah has a long history with the Southwest border of the United States. More than 100 years ago, President Woodrow Wilson mobilized the National Guard with the National Defense Act to secure the Southwest U.S. border from...
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for the 151st Air Refueling Wing, Nathan Reid, poses for a photo in his office February 26, 2020 at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Salt Lake City, Utah. Reid has been with the unit for just over one year and looks to build upon the units Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program
151st ARW welcomes new SARC
By Tech. Sgt. John Winn | March 17, 2020
In February 2019, Nathan Reid became the first full-time Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for the 151st Air Refueling Wing. After one year on the job, Reid feels like he has hit his stride...
Teams of Soldier-biathlete teams from 21 states compete in the patrol event during the 2020 Chief, National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championship at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway, Utah, March 1, 2020. The patrol event requires biathletes to shoot, move and communicate as a team. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Nathaniel Free)
Utah Guard Hosts 2020 Chief National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships
By Staff Sgt. Tim Beery | March 12, 2020
Crisp mornings and sunny days set the tone for a week of fierce competition as soldier-athletes from 22 states convened at Utah’s famed Soldier Hollow Resort for the 2020 Chief National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships...
The human resources personnel at Draper, Utah, surrounding armories get trained on the new Integrated Personnel and Pay System – Army system processes, Feb. 2, 2020. IPPS-A boasts a 98 percent accuracy rate on more than 26 different pay transactions (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Nichole Bonham)
What Is IPPS-A, and Why You Should Care
By Sgt. 1st Class Nichole Bonham | March 12, 2020
Have you ever experienced a pay problem in the military because something didn’t get updated correctly? Or maybe you’ve turned in a document to your unit and it’s still not in your records? Did you know that the Army...
At the age of 79, David Jager is likely the oldest enlistment in Utah National Guard history. Jager’s military record states that his Utah Guard career began on May 6, 1963 in Salt Lake City, at the age of 28, but he didn’t actually swear-in until Feb. 20, 2020, almost 57 years later.
Veteran Swears Oath of Enlistment at Age 79
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | Feb. 20, 2020
At the age of 79, David Jager is likely the oldest enlistment in Utah National Guard history.Jager’s military record states that his career began in the Utah Guard on May 6, 1963, in Salt Lake City, at the age of 22, but he...
Behavioral health experts with specialized military training at the University Neuropsychiatric Institute call center in Salt Lake City manage the SafeUTNG app 24/7 in partnership with the Utah National Guard, Jan. 11, 2019. On average, the response time for chat messages are less than 30 seconds, according to Capt. Juliann Jeppsen, Director of Behavioral Health for the Utah National Guard.
SafeUTNG App Reporting Early Success
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | Feb. 12, 2020
A suicide prevention and awareness app that went live in December has already reported preliminary success, according to Robert Spencer, Suicide Prevention Program Manager of the Utah Army National Guard, Feb. 12, 2020. "What...
Capt. Charles Thompson, a full-time victim advocate for Utah National Guard’s Family Programs was recognized by Salt Lake City Police Department Chief Mike Brown during a command staff meeting at the Public Safety Building in Salt Lake City, “for going beyond the call of duty,” Feb. 12, 2020. Thomson assisted SLCPD Detective Daren Sipes in taking a suspect into custody on December 6, 2019.
Utah Guard Soldier Offers Critical Assistance to SLC Police Department
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | Feb. 12, 2020
Capt. Charles Thompson, a full-time victim advocate for Utah National Guard’s Family Programs was recognized by Salt Lake City Police Department during a command staff meeting at the Public Safety Building in Salt Lake City,...
The Utah Jazz, in partnership with Larkin Mortuary, took a moment to recognize a local hero and member the Utah National Guard, Sgt. 1st Class Steven Sandberg, during the NBA game in Salt Lake City, Feb. 5, 2020. Sandberg currently serves as the human resources non-commissioned officer for the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at Camp Williams, Utah.
Jazz Vet of the Game - Honorary Recognition of SFC Sandberg
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | Feb. 11, 2020
Between the first and second quarter of the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, the Utah Jazz, in partnership with Larkin Mortuary, took a moment to recognize a local hero...
Soldiers assigned to HHC, 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Utah National Guard, set up a mobile command operations center in support of the brigade’s mission during field training at Camp Williams, Utah, Nov. 2, 2019. The mobile command center will be housed in a rapidly deployed tent-like structure called the Standard Integrated Command Post System. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stowell)
The 204th MEB Slotted for Two Annual Training Events in 2020
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | Feb. 11, 2020
The Utah National Guard’s 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Utah National Guard, will be breaking from tradition with two annual training events in the same calendar year, scheduled for June and November 2020.“We have the...
Members of the Utah National Guard Homeland Response Force's decontamination team interact with role players during a mock domestic emergency in support of the Hawaii National Guard’s relief-in-place training exercise at the former Naval Air Station Barbers Point on Oahu, Hawaii, Jan. 28-30, 2020. More than 150 Utah Guard members were transported by military aircraft to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to assist and train alongside their Hawaiian counterparts.
Utah Guard Responds to Mock Disaster on Oahu
By Ileen Kennedy | Jan. 28, 2020
More than 150 members of the Utah National Guard arrived on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, by military aircraft to assist and train alongside their Hawaiian National Guard counterparts during a multi-state training exercise Jan...
Lt. Col. Kendall Workman, Plans Officer, First Army is going into his 36th continuous year in the military. Workman started his military career as a National Guard Soldier doing 18 years enlisted reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant before attending Officer Candidate School. Before entering the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program Workman worked for 25 years at Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. He deployed twice once to Kuwait and again to Iraq.
An Unconventional Career
By Sgt. Aaron Berogan | Jan. 23, 2020
Imagine, if you will, having lived not one but two full careers. A 25-year career in the civilian world, and 36 years in uniform serving both the Army National Guard and Active Army. But, for Lt. Col. Kendall Workman, Plans...
The Utah National Guard hosted biathlon athletes from Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and Oregon for the Western Regional National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championship at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, in Midway, Utah, January 10-11, 2020. Biathlon is a unique race that combines Nordic skiing and precision marksmanship, which translate directly to key battlefield proficiencies like shoot, move and communicate.
The 2020 National Guard Bureau Western Regional Biathlon Championship
By Capt. Rory Mele | Jan. 16, 2020
The ancient worship of Norse gods meets the modern warrior’s spirit of readiness at the 2020 National Guard Bureau Western Regional Biathlon Championship as 75 Soldier-athletes from eight different states compete for top...
The 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade hosted its inaugural Maneuver Support Awards Dinner January 11, 2020. Eight Soldiers and a civilian were presented awards, dinner was served and the 23rd Army Band performed during the event.
A Successful First Annual Maneuver Support Awards Dinner
By Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stowell | Jan. 11, 2020
The 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade hosted its inaugural Maneuver Support Awards Dinner January 11, 2020. Eight Soldiers and a civilian were presented awards, dinner was served and the 23rd Army Band performed during the...
The SafeUTNG app is now available in the Android and Apple app store, free to download.
In Safe Hands
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | Jan. 10, 2020
A new suicide prevention and awareness app went live Dec. 6, 2019, designed to support Utah National Guard service members and families in crisis.The SafeUTNG app is free to download from the Android and Apple app stores,...
Members of the Utah National Guard's 640th Regiment, Regional Training Institute went head-to-head at a Best Warrior Competition held January 4-5, 2020, at Camp Williams, Utah, for a chance to claim the RTI's titles of NCO of the Year and Senior NCO of the Year. Staff Sgt. Sams ruck marches 8.5 kilometers through undulating terrain.
The Best Warriors of Fire and Sword
By Master Sgt. Clint Markland | Jan. 8, 2020
The 640th Regiment, Regional Training Institute, conducted a robust Best Warrior Competition on January 4-5, 2020, at Camp Williams, Utah, to select and train the best Soldier, Noncommissioned Officer, and Senior NCO to...
Military commissaries, exchanges and recreation facilities now available to eligible Utah Veterans, beginning on Jan. 1, 2020. The Department of Defense recently announced expanded commissary, exchange and morale, welfare and recreation retail eligibility.
Utah Military Stores, Recreation Facilities Now Open to Veterans
By Utah’s Department of Veterans and Military Affairs | Jan. 1, 2020
The Department of Defense (DOD) recently announced expanded commissary, exchange and morale, welfare and recreation retail eligibility beginning on Jan. 1, 2020.Who is eligible?Expanded access is now available to military...
Stocked shelves with some of the items available at the Draper Family Assistance Center. Items change depending on the time of year.
Soldier and Family Readiness
By Laci Warby | Jan. 1, 2020
Happy New Year and welcome to 2020!  The New Year tends to lead folks to think about new beginnings and changes in life.  The Military Community and Family Services Office is no different.  The New Year brings with it new...
BYU professor Dave Wood Wood also serves as a behavioral health officer in the Utah Army National Guard. BYU photo by Madeline Mortensen
Stronger for Having Served
By news.byu.edu | Nov. 11, 2019
More than one million American men and women are veterans of the War on Terror—that is, veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces after September 2001. Contrary to popular belief, most veterans who return home do not...
The annual period for part-time Utah National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to enroll in or change their TRICARE health insurance plan began on Monday, November 11th and ends on Monday, December 9th.
Are You Covered? What You Need to Know About TRICARE Open Season
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | Nov. 11, 2019
The annual period for part-time Utah National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to enroll in or change their TRICARE health insurance plan began on Monday, November 11th and ends on Monday, December 9th. During TRICARE Open Season,...
Service members and their supporters from across the state gathered at the Tabernacle on Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah November 8, 2019 for the Utah National Guard’s 64th Annual Veteran’s Day Concert commemorating the 75th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy. The 23rd Army Band joined forces with a combined Granite School District high school choir of some seven hundred students in a celebration of music to “honor the men and women of the ‘greatest generation’, their commitment and sacrifices, and the pivotal role they played” in the nation’s identity.
Honoring the Greatest Generation and Those Who Followed
By Spc. Taylor Lakey-Tamacori | Nov. 9, 2019
Service members and their supporters from across the state gathered at the Tabernacle on Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah November 8, 2019 for the Utah National Guard’s 64th Annual Veteran’s Day Concert commemorating the...
The Utah National Guard hosted a change-of-command and retirement ceremony for its top general officer and commander, the Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton, at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Nov. 7, 2019. The Governor of Utah, the Honorable Gary R. Herbert, provided remarks and oversaw the event. The ceremony was closed to the general public due to time and space restrictions. On Oct. 17, 2019, Herbert announced the selection of Brig. Gen. Michael J. Turley to serve as the adjutant general of the UTNG. Turley took over for Burton effective Nov. 7, 2019.
Retirement of Maj. Gen. Jefferson S. Burton
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | Nov. 7, 2019
The Utah National Guard hosted a retirement ceremony for its top general officer and commander, the Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton, at the Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Nov. 7, 2019.“I think integrity is...
The Utah National Guard hosted a change-of-command and retirement ceremony for its top general officer and commander, the Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton, at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Nov. 7, 2019. The Governor of Utah, the Honorable Gary R. Herbert, provided remarks and oversaw the event. The ceremony was closed to the general public due to time and space restrictions. On Oct. 17, 2019, Herbert announced the selection of Brig. Gen. Michael J. Turley to serve as the adjutant general of the UTNG. Turley took over for Burton effective Nov. 7, 2019.
Brig. Gen. Michael J. Turley Assumes Command of the Utah National Guard
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | Nov. 7, 2019
On Oct. 17, 2019, the Honorable Gary R. Herbert, Governor of Utah, announced the selection of Brig. Gen. Michael J. Turley to serve as the next adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, to succeed retired Maj. Gen...
A Czech Republic soldier prepares to present awards during a during a ceremony in Prostejov, Oct. 25, 2019, marking a successful six-month tour to Western Afghanistan. During the ceremony, Special Forces Soldiers from the Czech Republic and Texas Army National Guard received awards, distinctions and badges of honor as an appreciation for their successful service abroad and excellent representation of their homeland. The Texas Military Department and the Czech Republic have participated in the U.S. Department of State’s Partnership Program cooperation since 1993 with the Nebraska National Guard, in support of the U.S. European Command Theater Security Cooperation Strategy. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Pena)
19th Special Forces Soldiers Honored by the Czech Republic
By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Pena | Oct. 25, 2019
Soldiers assigned to 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces, Texas Army National Guard, were awarded the Medal of the Minister of Defense of Czech Republic, at a ceremony in Prostejov, Oct. 25, 2019, for their efforts supporting...
2nd Lt. Carter briefs adjustments to the plan at the Objective Rally Point (ORP) in preparation for field interrogations, during a training exercise in Cache Valley National Forest, August 11, 2019.
Military Intelligence Soldiers Conduct Training in Northern Utah
By Sgt. First Class Dustin Waite | Sept. 30, 2019
Soldiers from B Company, and IC Detachment of the 142nd Military Intelligence Battalion (Linguist), 300th Military Intelligence Brigade held a field training exercise in Cache Valley National Forest, ‎August ‎9-11, ‎2019. The...
Members of the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) participate in a change of command and retirement ceremony on Camp Williams, Utah 14 September 2019. The unit received a new commanding officer and a new command sergeant major. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by, PFC. Jacob Jesperson)
19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) welcomes new leadership
By Sgt. James Bunn | Sept. 19, 2019
The 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) said farewell to two of senior leaders and welcomed two new leaders during a change-of-responsibility and change-of-command ceremony at Camp Williams, Utah, Sept. 14, 2019. The...
West Valley City receives Freedom Award
West Valley City receives Freedom Award
By Ileen Kennedy | Sept. 18, 2019
West Valley City was awarded the 2019 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award and held a special reception for community members to view the award, Sept. 17, 2019.  The Employer Support Freedom Award is the...
Governor's Day 2019
Soldiers and Airman Celebrate the 65th Annual Governors Day
By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Cloward | Sept. 14, 2019
Approximately 7,000 Air and Army National Guardsman stood in formation on Tarbet Field at Camp Williams, Utah, for one of Utah's proudest traditions, the 65th annual Governor’s Day ceremony, Sep. 14, 2019.Gov. Gary R...
CHRISTINE M. BURCKLE
Utah’s First Female General to be Awarded Legion of Merit at Retirement Ceremony
By D.J. Gibb, 801-716-9063 | Aug. 28, 2019
Brig. Gen. Christine Burckle of the Utah Air National Guard will receive the Legion of Merit, one of the highest peacetime U.S. military decorations, at her retirement ceremony, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the...
During a combined change of command/responsibility ceremony for the 65th Field Artillery Brigade (65th FAB) held at Camp Williams, August 24, 2019, Col. Adam L. Robinson relinquished command to Col. Steven Fairbourn, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ryan K. Josie handed responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer Nielsen.
65th Field Artillery Brigade Change of Command
By Sgt. Jordan Hack | Aug. 24, 2019
The 65th Field Artillery Brigade (65th FAB), 'America's Thunder,' conducted a combined change of command/responsibility ceremony on Tarbet Field at Camp Williams, August 24, 2019.Col. Adam L. Robinson relinquished command to...
Soldiers and participate in the 300th Miltary Intelligence Brigade Change of Command Ceremony, August 10, 2019 at the Draper Utah National Guard Headquarters Bilding (U.S. Army Photo By Sgt. Nathan J. Baker)
300th MI Change of Command 2019
By Sgt. Nathan Baker | Aug. 20, 2019
Soldiers of the 300th Military Intelligence Brigade come to celebrate the successes of outgoing commander Col. Joseph Green and welcome the new commander Col. Shahram Takmili as the new brigade commander, at the Draper Utah...
Bulgarian and Ukrainian Special Operations Forces fast-rope from a U.S. Army MH-60M Blackhawk helicopter assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) near Yambol, Bulgaria June 17, 2019, as part of Exercise Trojan Footprint 19. Trojan Footprint is an annual U.S. Special Operations Command Europe-led exercise that incorporates Allied and partner special operations forces, this year's exercise brought together 1400 SOF from ten nations for training over land, sea and air across Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and the Black Sea. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Monique O’Neill)
Green Beret Citizen Soldiers make their mark at Trojan Footprint
By Sgt. 1st Class Whitney Hughes | Aug. 13, 2019
When most people imagine the U.S. Army National Guard, they might think of Soldiers responding to domestic disasters, Guardsmen cradling a child through waist-deep flood waters, or blazing through blizzards in HUMVEE’s. What...
On August 9, 2019, four Soldiers from the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) returned to Utah following a six-month tour to Panzer Kaserne, Germany in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve and the European Deterrence Initiative.
Colorado and Utah National Guardsman receive their German Jump wings while deployed
By Sgt. Jake Cox | Aug. 9, 2019
On August 9, 2019, four Soldiers from the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) returned to Utah following a six-month tour to Panzer Kaserne, Germany in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve and the European Deterrence...
Members of the Polish Territorial Defense Forces receive training in checkpoint vehicle clearing techniques from members of West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG) Special Forces during Ridge Runner 19-02, June 24, 2019, in West Virginia. Ridge Runner is a WVARNG training program that provides various National Guard, active duty, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally nation armed forces with training in irregular and asymmetrical warfare tactics and operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo illustration by Edwin Wriston.) (This photo has been altered for security purposes by blurring out faces.)
Special Forces Soldiers train with Polish, Latvian allies in West Virginia
By Capt. Holli Nelson | Aug. 3, 2019
West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG) Special Forces Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) recently completed the first irregular and unconventional warfare training iteration for members...
Top down clockwise: Ty'lene, Army Guard; Tayva, Air Guard; Tiara, Air Force; Taryn, Navy; Tambra, Army Guard.
Five Sisters - Five Different Paths to Military Service
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | July 9, 2019
Tiara Puro was 17 years old when her father handed her a recruiting brochure for the Utah Army National Guard. She remembered a feeling of excitement as she flipped through the pamphlet, especially when she read about the...
The Oak Springs Utah Fire started at the machine gun range of Camp Williams and burned approximately 200 acres before it was stopped at fire breaks, July 15, 2019. Three helicopters, thirteen brush trucks, two dozers, a grader, and over sixty personnel managed to contain the fire.
Utah Guard Quickly Subdues Wild Fire at Camp Williams
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | July 7, 2019
CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah –The Utah National Guard responded to a fire that started during training at the Camp Williams .50 Caliber gun range around 11 a.m., July 14, 2019. The fire spread into a draw known as Oak Springs and...
Spc. Gregory Thomson (far left), Utah Army National Guard, interprets for a media role player during cordon and search training with the Kazakhstani Ground Forces at Exercise Steppe Eagle 19 at Chilikemer Training Area near Almaty, Kazakhstan, June 25, 2019. Kazakhstan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan all sent participants for the exercise, while India, Turkey, and Uzbekistan sent observers. Steppe Eagle 19 is an annual U.S. Army Central-led exercise that promotes regional stability and interoperability in the Central and South Asia region.
Utah linguists enhance Exercise Steppe Eagle 19
By Staff Sgt. Adrian Borunda | June 27, 2019
Utah Army National Guard Linguists' dual-language skills made them valuable assets at Steppe Eagle 19, an annual, multinational exercise meant to enhance coalition interoperability and operational readiness, promote regional...
Major General Jeff Burton, the adjutant general; Allan Matheson, executive director of the Department of Environmental Quality; Joshua Emfield, deputy director for Congressman Curtis; Larry Ellertson, advisor to Congressman Curtis; Don Summit, engineer with Construction Facilities Management Office and other members of the Utah National Guard flew on a UH-60 Black Hawk to view the burn scar left from the Coal Hollow Fire on Loafer Mountain located at the south end of Utah County, June 19, 2019.
Utah Guard Revisits Coal Hollow Fire Area to Survey Burn Scars
By Ileen Kennedy | June 20, 2019
On June 19, 2019, a beautiful morning with blue sky and sunshine, the Utah National Guard flew a UH-60 Black Hawk, with key observers on board, to view the burn scar left from the Coal Hollow Fire in 2018 on Loafer Mountain,...
Utah Army National Guard Soldiers SGT Amber Guel (front), of the 141st Military Intelligence Battalion and SFC Brian Andelin of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 300th Military Intelligence Brigade, participate in the Operational Skills Test during the 2019 Polyglot Games at the brigade’s 30th Annual Language Conference, March 2019.
Breaking the Language Barrier
By Chase Whitlock and Matthew Liptak | June 20, 2019
300th Military Intelligence Brigade Hosts Unique Joint ConferenceCOL Joseph Green wasn’t bragging when he said his brigade’s Annual Language Conference is the center of gravity for language excellence in the military...
Soldiers from the United Kingdom and Canada perform Trooping the Colour in observance of the Queen’s birthday during Panther Strike, June 8, 2019 at Camp Williams, Utah. Panther Strike is an annual exercise organized by the 300 Military Intelligence Brigade, that is centered upon developing the skill level of active duty and reserve military intelligence Soldiers and units. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nathan Baker)
Panther Strike 2019
By Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge | June 18, 2019
Several hundred Soldiers from around the country and around the world arrived at Camp Williams, Utah to participate in the annual military intelligence exercise Panther Strike, June 2, 2019.Panther Strike is a combined...
National Guard members will soon see changes to the program that allows them to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouse or children that will limit the time frame they can initiate that transfer. Set to go in effect July 12, Guard members will need to have served six years before they can transfer benefits and they must transfer the benefits by the time they hit 16 years of service. Additionally, Guard members extend their enlistment contract by at least four years to transfer benefits.
Changes in GI Bill transfer benefits coming July 12
By Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy | June 18, 2019
ARLINGTON, Va. – Provisions allowing Guard members to transfer some or all of their Post- 9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouse or children are set to change in less than 30 days, limiting the timeframe Soldiers and Airmen...
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Farnsworth, a medical provider, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Nicole Ligeza, a public health specialist, both assigned to the Utah Air National Guard, examine an X-ray during the humanitarian civic assistance component of exercise African Lion 2019 in Tata, Morocco, March 28, 2019. African Lion 2019 is a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-sponsored, U.S. African Command-scheduled, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa-led, joint and combined exercise conducted in the Kingdom of Morocco. African Lion offers an opportunity for participation in a multinational exercise to enhance professional relationships and allow support for interoperability of forces. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Danny Whitlock)
Utah Air National Guard participates in African Lion 2019
By Staff Sgt. Danny Whitlock | June 17, 2019
Approximately 80 members of the Utah National Guard participated in the humanitarian civic assistance portion of exercise African Lion 2019, March 25-April 3, 2019 in Tata, Morocco.African Lion is a Chairman of the Joint...
U.S. Army Cpl. Jasmine McCarthy, a signals intelligence analyst and an Arabic linguist with the Utah National Guard participated in the humanitarian civic assistance portion of exercise African Lion 2019, March 25-April 3rd, 2019 in Tata, Morocco. African Lion is an annual, combined multilateral exercises designed to improve interoperability and mutual understanding of each nation’s tactics, techniques and procedures while demonstrating a strong partnership between nation’s militaries. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Martha Castleton)
Utah Soldier speaks the language
By Maj. Janine Smith | June 16, 2019
Learning a different language is no easy undertaking; sustaining it is even harder. One way to retain this perishable skill is to continuously use it with native speakers.For U.S. Army Cpl. Jasmine McCarthy, a signals...
Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Simper on his way to the top of the rock with adaptive resources, March 2019 Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo credit: Fort Carson WTU)
Pushing Yourself to the Limit
By MaryTherese Griffin | June 12, 2019
You probably never realize how much you need your thumb until you can’t use it. Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Simper of the Utah Army National Guard now faces that notion every day. In November 2018, while on his third deployment –...
All Branches of Utah's military gathered for an evening at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day June 8, 2019.
Utah Military Ball 2019
By Spc. Elizabeth Johnson | June 9, 2019
This year’s Military Ball was held at The Grand America Hotel, June 8, 2019, commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the U.S. Army's 244th birthday.On June 6, 1944, naval vessels traveled from English ports to assault...
Col. Joseph Green Command Photo, Commander of the 300th Military Intelligence Brigade, Oct. 10, 2018.
Joseph Green: Fully Committed
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | June 4, 2019
Friday, December 15, 1989: Panama names Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega the “maximum leader of the struggle for national liberation,” and declares the country “to be in a state of war.” A thousand miles away, in the Dominican...
Eighteen Soldiers from the 174th Cyber Protection Team stand on the stage of the Utah National Guard's Draper headquarters during their departure ceremony Jan. 2, 2019.
The Online Battle
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | May 20, 2019
It was a hot Saturday afternoon in July 2005. U.S. forces quickly surrounded an internet café on the outskirts of Baghdad, capturing an al Qaeda courier standing outside. An email was recovered, signed by the terrorist...
Members of the 65th Field Artillery greet the awaiting crowd upon their return from a Middle East deployment Jan 31 to the Rolland R. Wright Air Base, Salt Lake City.
65th Field Artillery Brigade Home from Middle East
By Sgt. Nathaniel Free | May 20, 2019
More than 100 Soldiers from the Utah Army National Guard’s 65th Field Artillery Brigade, ‘America’s Thunder,’ returned from a Middle East deployment on Jan. 31, 2019, at the Utah Air National Guard’s Wright Air Base, Salt...
Tech Sgt. Sean Price, a boom operator with the 151st Air Refueling Wing, Utah Air National Guard, stands with his wife Kelly, Utah Governor Gary Herbert and The Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard, Major General Jefferson Burton, April 22, 2019 at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Salt Lake City, Utah. Price was presented with the Utah Cross award for providing lifesaving first aid to an injured driver. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. John Winn)
Utah Air Guardsmen awarded the Utah Cross
By Staff Sgt. Whitlock Danny | April 22, 2019
Tech. Sgt. Sean Price, a boom operator assigned to the 151st Air Refueling Wing, was awarded the Utah Cross by Utah Governor Gary Herbert and the Adjutant General, Major General Jefferson Burton, April 22, 2019 at Roland R...
Soldiers from the Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Alpha), pass through southern Utah as they conduct convoy operations on Utah highways, March 9-10 in perpetration for their upcoming training exercise in Canada.
Soldiers Take to Utah Highways
By Lt. Col. Choli Ence | April 18, 2019
Soldiers from Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Alpha), conducted convoy operations, March 9-10, 2019, in perpetration for their upcoming training exercise in Canada...
Families and friends gather at the Roland R. Wright Air Base to greet the approximately 100 Soldiers from Echo Battery, 1st Battalion, 145th Field Artillery, “Big Red” as they returned from a 10-month Middle East deployment April 9.
Utah Guard’s “Big Red” Artillery Battalion Returns from Middle East Deployment
By Ileen Kennedy | April 18, 2019
The crowd at the Roland R. Wright Air Base erupted in cheers as the police escorted plane taxied up to the large north hangar doors with approximately 100 Soldiers from Echo Battery, 1st Battalion, 145th Field Artillery, “Big...
Boy Scouts and volunteers unload food at the Community Action Services and Food Bank in Orem, March 16, 2019 during Scouting for Food.
Annual Scouting for Food Drive Brings Communities Together
By Capt. Laureen MacGregor and Sgt. Jordan Hack | April 16, 2019
Hundreds of Utah National Guardsmen, Boy Scouts and community leaders participated in the annual Scouting for Food, March 16.Truckloads of food were collected by local Scouts of Boy Scouts of America (Scouts BSA), who were...
Members of the Utah National Guard provide assistance following a nuclear fallout scenario exercise at Camp Williams in Bluffdale to showcase the Homeland Response Force’s capabilities on Saturday, March 23, 2019. The training involved drills on on responding to a 10-kiloton nuclear blast and included rescue, extraction, decontamination and medical attention.
Utah’s HRF Trains for the Worst
By By Sgt. Tim Berry | March 23, 2019
On a normal weekend, the sight of men and women donning full chemical suits and driving rescue vehicles may seem alarming. To the soldiers in the Utah National Guard Homeland Response Force it’s any given Saturday. With...
A U.S. Special Operations Forces soldier pulls security during a nighttime reconnaissance mission outside Enslwang, a simulated town at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, January 27, 2018. Roughly 4,100 troops from 10 nations are participating in Allied Spirit VIII, a multinational training exercise designed to test participants' readiness and capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Lt. Benjamin Haulenbeek)
Green Berets mentor U.S., Albanian and Lithuanian forces during Allied Spirit VIII
By Army Sgt. Karen Sampson, Joint Multinational Readiness Center | March 2, 2019
U.S. Army 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) served as Observer-Coach-Trainers during multinational exercise Allied Spirit VIII at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, January 15 to February 5,...
Members of the Utah National Guard Homeland Response Force (HRF) participated in regional disaster training in Missouri, May 14-18, 2018, as part of the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) exercise hosted by the Missouri National Guard. The UTNG 116th Engineer Company trained with members of Missouri Task Force One during search and extraction missions, shoring of unstable structures and breaching of structures to reach hypothetical patients.
Utah Homeland Response Force trains in Missouri seismic zone
By Staff Sgt. Lalita Laksbergs | May 25, 2018
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Members of the Utah National Guard Homeland Response Force (HRF) participated in regional disaster training in Missouri, May 14-18, as part of the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) exercise hosted by the Missouri...
Utah Guard Artillery Soldiers Train in Kuwait
By Army Spc. Joshua P. Morris | March 6, 2018
Utah National Guard artillery soldiers deployed to Kuwait left their cannon behind during Operation Diamond Strike, a training exercise that tested their combat skills in an urban environment...
Maj. Gen. Jefferson Burton, the Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard, hands the 151st Air Refueling Wing guidon to Col. Ryan Ogan, the new commander of the 151st ARW, during the change of command ceremony held at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base on Nov. 4, 2017. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Annie Edwards)
151st ARW conducts change of command
By Tech. Sgt. Annie Edwards | Nov. 6, 2017
The Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Air Refueling Wing conducted a change of command ceremony on Nov. 4, in the north hangar at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base. Maj. Gen. Jefferson Burton, the Adjutant General of the...
The Army’s birthday was observed with a cake-cutting ceremony by the youngest Soldier present (Pfc. Giovani Hernandez - 3rd person) and by the oldest (Master Sgt. Steven Peters - 2nd person), assisted by 76th ORC Commander, Maj. Gen. Ricky L. Waddell (1st person) and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Robinson (4th person), during the 76th ORC's Utah Army Ball, June 11, at the Living Planet Aquarium, Salt Lake City.
Fort Douglas-based Army Reserve unit hosted a Utah Army Ball
By Maj. Michael Garcia | June 16, 2016
The 76th Operational Response Command (ORC), Commander, Maj. Gen. Ricky L. Waddell, hosted a Utah Army Ball in celebration of the United States Army’s 241st birthday with nearly 300 people in attendance, Saturday, June 11, at...
Col. Susan Melton and Lt. Col. Robert Taylor accept the Air Force Association Air National Guard Outstanding Unit Award for the 151st Maintenance Group at a ceremony in National Harbor, Md. on Sept. 14, 2015. (Photo by Brittany Gray/Released)
Utah's 151st Maintenance Group wins ANG Outstanding Unit Award
By Staff Sgt. Annie Edwards | Sept. 30, 2015
The 151st Maintenance Group was awarded the Air Force Association 2015 Air National Guard Outstanding Unit Award at a ceremony in National Harbor, Maryland, Sept. 14.The award, which covered achievements from Jan. 1-Dec. 31,...
Senior Airman Justin Lemon gets a last kiss from his wife and baby before boarding his flight at the Salt Lake City International airport on February 3, 2011. Airman Lemon is one of the 33 members with the Utah Air National Guard's 151st Security Forces Squadron who left for a six-month deployment to Iraq.(U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Gary J. Rihn)(RELEASED)
151st SFS deploys to Iraq
By Senior Airman Lillian Harnden | Feb. 13, 2011
Approximately 33 Guardsmen from the Utah Air National Guard's 151st Security Forces Squadron departed for a six-month deployment to Iraq from the Salt Lake City International airport on February 3.During a time when most...
Sgt. Jill Stevens, a member of 1st Battalion, 211th Aviation, Utah National Guard, was crowned Miss Utah Saturday evening, June 30, at the annual pageant held at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City.
Utah National Guard Soldier Crowned Miss Utah
By Utah National Guard | July 2, 2007
DRAPER, Utah - Sgt. Jill Stevens, a member of 1st Battalion, 211th Aviation, Utah National Guard, was crowned Miss Utah Saturday evening, June 30, at the annual pageant held at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City.As the...
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