Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States Army

VICENZA, Italy — Members of U.S. Army Garrison Italy welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Paluso as their new senior enlisted leader during an April 15 change of responsibility ceremony, while bidding farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Ricardo Moreno.

Col. Vaughn Strong, commander of USAG Italy, presided over the traditional passing of the colors at Caserma Ederle. The event drew distinguished guests, including local Italian officials, and senior military leaders, to honor the transition of leadership for the Army’s “home south of the Alps.”

“You poured your heart and soul into this community, and your dedication was clear in every corner of this garrison. Your leadership ensured that USAG Italy remains a premier place to live and work,” Strong said.

Moreno, an infantryman from Puerto Rico with nearly 30 years of service, was praised for his “Soldier-first” philosophy. During his tenure, he championed the “Best Barracks” initiative, a competition that encouraged units to take ownership of their living spaces. The program led to significant renovations, such as new day rooms and kitchens for local units.

Moreno also oversaw a period of unprecedented success for the Better Opportunities for Single Servicemembers program. Under his guidance, USAG Italy’s BOSS teams earned back-to-back honors, including the 2025 Army-level BOSS Program of the Year for Camp Darby. Beyond the gates, Moreno served as a key link to the Italian community. He was a frequent fixture at local events, from the Fiera del Soco ribbon cuttings to the first Italian-American Friendly Baseball and Softball Tournament in Vicenza.

“As I prepare to pass the colors today, I do so with a full heart. A heart filled with pride for what we have accomplished. A heart filled with gratitude for the relationships we have built. And a heart filled with confidence in the future of this garrison,” Moreno said.

Paluso, a native of Gilroy, California, assumes responsibility after serving as the deputy commandant of the Henry Caro NCO Academy at Fort Moore, Georgia. A Ranger-qualified leader, Paluso brings extensive combat and instructional experience from tours in Iraq, Kosovo and Korea. Paluso now takes the lead of a garrison that provides support to thousands of soldiers, civilians and families across the Vicenza and Darby military communities.

Source: United States Army

USAG BAVARIA – HOHENFELS, Germany – Leadership from U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria and the Joint Multinational Readiness Center took time to honor the dedication of volunteers in the Hohenfels community during a ceremony April 14, 2026 at the Community Activity Center.

In numeric terms, the volunteers within U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria contributed a total of 63,346 volunteer hours in 2025, which, at an estimated value of $34 per hour, contributed $2.2 million of service to the community.

For the Hohenfels community, 141 volunteer gave 13,572 hours.

Angela Lane, deputy garrison manager at Hohenfels, conveyed to the audience the qualitative impact volunteers made to the community.

“When services are provided by our volunteers to support each organization, our Soldiers – warfighters – can focus on their mission, confidently knowing their Families will be cared for and supported,” said Angela Lane, deputy garrison manager for Hohenfels, said to the audience at the ceremony. “Through your selfless actions, you demonstrate the profound impact one person can have, which leads to motivating others to serve. You have created a domino effect of generosity, building a powerful culture of service that will be remembered for years to come.”

Seth Kloss, the director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation for the garrison, also spoke on the occasion.

“Through selfless dedication and honorable service, your efforts contribute to community cohesion and enhance the quality of life to those of us who surround you, our community, the Army and our country,” he said. “For all the awe-inspiring work you do to support USAG Bavaria, in the Hohenfels training area, we thank you.”

The volunteers contributed their time and efforts to several organizations (USO, the American Red Cross, the Hohenfels Community and Spouses Club, parent-teacher organizations, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, scouting organizations, Veterans of Foreign Wars), and these organizations in turn submitted nomination packets to Army Community Service for review. Volunteers are grouped into different categories – service members, civilians and retirees, and Family members. The packets are scrubbed of identities, and the panel members assess the strengths of the different volunteers and rank them.

During the ceremony, USAG Bavaria Command Sgt. Maj. James A. Boersma conferred certificates of appreciation to each volunteer nominee. After Boersma presented all the nominees in a particular category with their certificate, the master of ceremonies read the winner, who then received a plaque.

The winners of two different categories came from the same family. Sgt. Hunter Edstrom Fairbanks, a Soldier with B Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, earned Soldier volunteer of the year during the ceremony. His wife, Allicia Edstrom Fairbanks earned Family volunteer of the year.

Hunter volunteers with the Girl Scouts, the Hohenfels Community and Spouses Club, the Hohenfels Community Pantry and his company’s Soldier and Family Readiness Group. The HCSC nominated Hunter, who contributed to clubhouse maintenance, helped set up and set down special events, and coordinated Soldier volunteers for the club. He gave almost 200 hours of volunteer time.

Allicia was nominated by B Co.’s Soldier and Family Readiness Group, where she serves as the advisor and treasurer. She also volunteers with the Hohenfels Community and Spouses Club, she oversees the operations of the Hohenfels Community Pantry, and she helps with the hospitality programs of the local chapter of Protestant Women of the Chapel. Her volunteer time totaled 926.75 hours.

“I like to see the community thrive and what we can do for the community,” Allicia said during the reception after the ceremony. “But of course, getting a pat on the back never hurts.”

“Like her,” said Hunter, referring to Allicia’s answer, “I do not do it for recognition at all. I just – it feels good for me to do it every single day and help out the community.”

“With Hohenfels being so small, everybody knows everybody,” Allicia continued. “There’s always something you can do that – chances are – it’s going to make someone else’s experience or life easier or better, even if it’s the tiniest thing.”

The Edstrom-Fairbanks family, which includes a daughter who won for Family volunteer of the year the previous year, are returning to Fort Drum, New York in the U.S. this year.

Bellanira Stafford earned the title of civilian / retiree volunteer of the year. The HCSC nominated her for fulfilling multiple roles, as a second vice president, as a worker in the back of the Hohenfels Thrift Shop, as an organizer of the Fall Bazaar. The citation stated she “consistently demonstrated a positive, flexible, and service-driven mindset, reliably arriving prepared on time, and willing to assist wherever needed.” She dedicated 176 hours to the club and community.

“I was not expecting the recognition because when I sign up for volunteering, it’s coming from my heart,” Stafford said. “It’s my responsibility as a spouse, a veteran, retiree that served the country for 30 years.”

Originally from Whittier, California and arriving to Hohenfels from Fort Irwin, California, Stafford realized the benefits of volunteering are not limited merely to personal or community wellbeing; volunteering is also a valuable networking tool.

“It doesn’t matter whether you volunteer to the Red Cross, to the spouses club, to the thrift store, to the commissary,” she said. “When you find a way to contribute and give back, it feels so good.”

The nominees and winners from the ceremony are as follows:

Active-duty category:

• Winner: Sgt. Hunter Edstrom-Fairbanks, nominated by the Hohenfels Community and Spouses Club,
• Nominee: Pvt. Aidan Burke, nominated by B Co., 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, and
• Nominee: Staff Sgt. John Kortz, nominated by Child and Youth Services Youth Sports.

Civilian / retiree category:

• Nominee: Nicola Saunders, nominated by the Hohenfels Elementary School Parent Teacher Association, and
• Winner: Bellanira Stafford, nominated by the HCSC.

Family category:

• Nominee: Angel Casares, nominated by the Hohenfels Elementary School PTA,
• Winner: Allicia Edstrom-Fairbanks, nominated by the B Co., 1-4 IR, Soldier and Family Readiness Group,
• Nominee: Camille Kortz, nominated by the Hohenfels Girl Scouts,
• Nominee: Michaela Krum, nominated by the HCSC, and
• Nominee: Lauren Mills, nominated by the Hohenfels Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization.

For further photos from the event, visit the USAG Bavaria Flickr album at https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagbavaria/albums/72177720333117510.

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

TUNIS, Tunisia — Military forces from Tunisia, the United States and international partner nations officially inaugurated Exercise African Lion 2026, April 13. The multinational engagement in Tunisia, scheduled to conclude April 30, serves as a venue for strengthening regional security cooperation and refining the readiness of participating forces in a complex, global security environment.

Tunisia marks its 10th consecutive year as a host nation for African Lion and is the first of four countries to facilitate the 2026 iteration. Follow-on phases of the exercise are scheduled to begin in Ghana, Morocco and Senegal later this month.

“African Lion 2026 is focused on strengthening readiness across a combined and joint force, advancing shared understanding among partners, and enhancing interoperability in preparation for crisis response,” said Eldridge Browne, chief of exercises for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). “Now in its 10th year of execution in Tunisia, we continue to build on the accomplishments of previous iterations. AL26 reinforces our collective ability to counter terrorism, contribute to regional security, and improve effectiveness across multiple functional areas.”

The exercise demonstrates a significant scale of international integration, with more than 7,000 personnel from more than 30 nations participating across the four host countries. Approximately 560 military personnel are currently operating in Tunisia. NATO allies, including France and Italy, have also joined Tunisian and U.S. forces to conduct synchronized maneuvers.

Training coordinators designed AL26’s curriculum to enhance multinational response capabilities to emerging crises through a series of academic symposiums and field training events. The exercise focuses on integrating combined arms, command post simulations and advanced planning modules to ensure seamless interoperability across diverse military structures.

Core competencies under evaluation include chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense. Under the State Partnership Program, the Wyoming National Guard is conducting joint training with Tunisian forces to mitigate chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the Wyoming-Tunisia partnership.

Training also includes air-to-ground integration, counter-improvised explosive device tactics and special operations maneuvers. AL26 has also prioritized strategic sessions on cyber warfare and security training to address modern digital threats.

The U.S. contingent in Tunisia represents a comprehensive Total Force approach, incorporating active-duty soldiers alongside the National Guard, Army Reserve, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps.

By standardizing procedures and fostering professional military relationships with Tunisian, European and African counterparts, Exercise African Lion 2026 reinforces a collective commitment to regional stability and the principle of peace through strength. As the exercise host, Tunisia showcases its position as a regional leader in exporting stability and addressing shared security concerns.

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African Lion 2025 opens in Senegal, strengthening regional security cooperation | May 5, 2025

About African Lion

African Lion 2026 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Co-led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security.

African Lion content can be found on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

Source: United States Army

SEMBACH, Germany — Senior leaders from across the theater gathered for the 21st Theater Sustainment Command Senior Leaders Forum, April 7–10, 2026, at the Workforce Development Center on Sembach Kaserne to align priorities and assess operations in support of U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. European Command objectives.

Hosted by Maj. Gen. Michael B. Lalor, commanding general of the 21st TSC, the forum brought together commanders, senior enlisted leaders and key staff to discuss the state of the command and prepare for future operations supporting large-scale combat.

As the Army’s primary sustainment command for U.S. Army Europe and Africa, the 21st TSC enables deterrence, strengthens interoperability with allies and sustains forward-postured forces across the region.

During his opening remarks, Lalor highlighted the command’s operational tempo and recent accomplishments, emphasizing sustainment as a critical enabler of combat power.

“Our teams have successfully executed sustainment missions across Europe over the past six month,” Lalor said. “We’ve delivered more than 2 million gallons of fuel and executed 14 RSOMs (reception, staging, onward movement). The 21st TSCs continues to enable combat power at the point of need when it’s needed.”

These efforts support rotational and forward forces aligned with EUCOM priorities, ensuring combat-credible capabilities are positioned rapidly across the theater.

“Our ability to move equipment across ports, rail and ground networks demonstrates the strength of our theater-opening capability and the expertise of our Soldiers and civilians,” Lalor said.

“It’s important to bring the team together to talk, collaborate and build cohesion,” said Col. William Prince, chief of staff for the 21st TSC. “Knowing the people to your left and right strengthens the organization.”

The forum also highlighted modernization efforts aligned with Army and theater priorities, including the fielding of advanced bulk fuel distribution systems and continued development of the Advanced Manufacturing Strategy and Innovation Center, which supports readiness by producing critical parts forward in theater.

Looking ahead, Lalor outlined priorities for the next six months, including preparations for exercise SWORD 26, a key opportunity to integrate sustainment capabilities into large-scale, multidomain operations alongside allies and partners.

“Our primary focus is, and will continue to be, setting and supporting the European theater,” Lalor said. “We will continue to train to execute theater opening, distribution and closing.”

Senior leaders reinforced the importance of training and leader development across formations.

“The command’s priorities remain consistent: people, warfighting, readiness, innovation and connection,” said Col. Michael Lindley, deputy commander of the 21st TSC.

Leaders also emphasized interoperability and burden-sharing across the alliance, particularly through bilateral agreements that enhance efficiency and strengthen multinational sustainment frameworks.

“We are committed to ensuring our formations are ready to operate in contested environments and building a resilient and adaptive sustainment network,” Lindley said. “Our brigades are developing experts, investing in our teams and building formations with the capabilities to meet the demands of the warfighter.”

Throughout the forum, participants engaged in sessions focused on sustainment innovation, data integration and building resilient logistics networks capable of supporting dispersed operations across EUCOM.

Senior enlisted leadership emphasized the importance of maintaining connections beyond the forum.

“Do not allow the Senior Leader Forum to become the sole touchpoint for command team engagement, said Command Sgt. Maj. Denise Malave, senior enlisted adviser for the 21st TSC.”Use it as a start point, not a finish line. Continue to deliberately connect across formations, strengthen relationships, and maintain open lines of communication at every echelon to better improve training, leader development, and standards across the theater.”

The forum provided leaders an opportunity to synchronize efforts and ensure the command remains ready to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa, EUCOM and allied forces.

Source: United States Army

POWIDZ, Poland – The landscape of opportunity expanded on NATO’s forward edge as U.S. Army Garrison Poland opened the Powidz Education Center on April 15.

Located in the Powidz Military Community, the logistical heartbeat for V Corps operations about 1.5 hours east from the garrison’s headquarters in Poznan, the new education center will provide immediate support to the 2,500 Soldiers stationed at or near the post.

“The opening of the Powidz Education Center marks a major milestone for USAG Poland,” said Majella Lanham, the garrison’s Education Services Officer. “It’s a milestone I’m deeply proud to support because it gives our

Soldiers and civilians, the face-to-face guidance and academic opportunities they deserve.”

The new education center is part of a broader effort that began under the garrison’s precursor organization – Army Support Group Poland in December 2022 – when the Poznan Education Center was established.

Lanham said much like the Poznan center, the new site will provide a hub for education, vocational training, and career advancement that includes academic counseling, financial aid workshops. The center also provides access to degree programs from partnered universities, with offices from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of Maryland Global Campus on location.

Future plans include a Testing Center to offer exams such as the Defense Language Aptitude Battery, Defense Language Proficiency Test, Armed Forces Classification Test, Oral Proficiency Interview, and the Selection Instrument for Flight Training. These exams support promotion points, commissioning pathways, mission readiness, and career progression said Lanham.

April 15th also marks the first Powidz Graduation Recognition Ceremony – and only the garrison’s second. Eight service members will be recognized for completing higher education milestones. Four graduates have earned their associate degrees, and four have earned their bachelor’s degrees.

Spc. Mohammad Sesay, assigned to the 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, has committed to mission readiness and professionalism while simultaneously pursuing his academic goals.

“Graduation means everything to me,” said Sesay. “I balanced my responsibilities, stayed disciplined and pushed myself to keep going no matter the obstacle. “

Sesay is set to earn his Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Colorado Technical University, with an expected award date of April 27, 2026. By balancing deployment, coursework, and military obligations, Sesay has shown the discipline and drive that defines true leadership potential.

“As we recognize our first Powidz graduates and open this brand-new center, it’s an honor for my team and me to stand beside these service members whose commitment to education reflects the resilience and excellence that drive our mission forward,” said Lanham.

Source: United States Army

WASHINGTON — In a basement training room at the D.C. Army National Guard Armory, soldiers and airmen train in close-quarters combat — a hands-on program leaders say is sharpening readiness, discipline and the warrior ethos across the force.

Formally established in February, the District of Columbia National Guard’s Combatives Program is already producing results, sending competitors to the 2026 Lacerda Cup — one of the Army’s premier hand-to-hand combat tournaments — while reshaping how some units approach physical training. The program aligns with the Modern Army Combatives Program, blending wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing and Muay Thai to improve lethality, self-defense and unit cohesion.

“The mission of the combatives program is to increase soldier lethality and their understanding and comprehension of what to do during a physical altercation,” said Capt. Andrew Devine, the program’s officer in charge.

Training prepares troops for unpredictable environments, teaching them how to create space, control individuals and protect themselves and others, Devine said.

The program has also fielded a competitive team testing itself against top fighters across the force. At the 2026 Lacerda Cup at Fort Benning, 21 teams competed — including 19 active-duty, one Army Reserve and two National Guard teams — with only eight champions emerging. National Guard soldiers from several states advanced through early rounds, with seven reaching the semifinals and four advancing to the finals.

Among them was Spc. Isaiah Castellanos of the D.C. National Guard, who won the bantamweight title after four matches in three days. He finished each bout in under two minutes, earning three submission victories before closing the championship fight with a knockout against a teammate.

“It feels pretty good,” Castellanos said. “My coaches and my teammates helped me a lot with my game plan.”

While competition highlights top performers, leaders emphasize the program is designed for soldiers and airmen at all experience levels. Participation ranges from beginners to professional fighters across the Army and Air National Guard.

A five-day basic course introduces foundational techniques, while a two-week advanced course builds on those skills through scenario-based training and controlled competition.

“The way that it’s designed is to take somebody who’s never had any martial arts or fighting experience and … give them a basic understanding,” Devine said.

That accessibility has drawn participants with varied backgrounds. Castellanos, who entered with experience in wrestling and jiu-jitsu, said the program helped expand his skills into striking disciplines.

“It’s definitely something you can start from zero with,” he said.

Located inside the D.C. Armory, the program offers accessible training opportunities for Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force–District of Columbia. Units can reserve time with instructors, enabling broader participation across the force, including recurring training by the 260th Special Purpose Brigade and long-term involvement from Air National Guard members.

Leaders say the program is also improving morale and retention, with many participants ranking combatives among their preferred forms of physical training.

“It’s their favorite PT because it’s something new, and people are actually learning skills that they can apply,” Devine said.

Participation remains voluntary, but officials expect the program to expand as interest grows. For leaders, the objective is clear.

“It’s just being able to be prepared to fight and win,” Devine said.

Related Links

The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil

The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard

The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard