Category: Security

Source: United States Army

strong>FORT HOOD, Texas — III Armored Corps and Fort Hood honored 10 Central Texas community leaders Feb. 5 during the 2026 Good Neighbor Induction Ceremony at III Armored Corps headquarters.

The newest inductees joined 78 others recognized during the past 30 years through the Fort Hood Good Neighbor program, which formally acknowledges civilians who enhance quality of life for Soldiers and their families.

“Since 1996, we’ve recognized special members of our community with the title of Good Neighbor,” said Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood commanding general. “It formally recognizes outstanding leaders who have enhanced the quality of life for our Soldiers and families here at Fort Hood.”

This year’s inductees are: retired Maj. Gen. Kendall Cox; Dr. Michele Carter, chancellor of Central Texas College; retired Col. Todd Fox, former Fort Hood garrison commander and current president of First Heroes National Bank; Dr. Elizabeth Garza, a family medicine physician; Fernando Fernandez, vice president of Military Banking at First Heroes National Bank; Abdul Subhani, president and CEO of CenTex Technologies; Dr. Linda Angel-Watford, president and CEO of Workforce Solutions of Central Texas; Willie Keller, post commander of Command Sgt. Maj. A.C. Cotton VFW Post 12209; Kathy Gilmore, former Killeen city councilwoman and mayor pro tem; and retired Master Gunnery Sgt. Alan Wedding, military transition liaison for Workforce Solutions of Central Texas.

Dr. Richard Rhodes, president of Texas A&M University-Central Texas, was also selected and will receive his Good Neighbor jacket at a later date.

According to U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Hood Commander Col. Mark McClellan, each inductee was nominated by a unit commander or fellow Good Neighbor who witnessed their contributions firsthand.

“Each of today’s inductees was nominated by someone who saw the difference their support made through mentoring, advocacy, volunteering or simply showing up when it mattered most,” McClellan explained. “From those nominations, the commanding general selected individuals whose commitment exemplifies what it means to be a Good Neighbor.”

McClellan emphasized the program recognizes civilians who serve the installation voluntarily and often without recognition.

“These men and women give their time, energy and talents in support of Soldiers and families, often quietly and selflessly,” he said. “Your actions strengthen readiness in ways that cannot always be measured, but are deeply felt.”

Admiral echoed that sentiment, noting being a Good Neighbor extends beyond proximity to the installation.

“It means understanding the unique rhythm of our lives — having patience when training exercises run into the night and welcoming military families into your schools, churches and neighborhoods, knowing they may only be here a few years,” he said. “The strength of III Armored Corps is not measured solely in tanks and helicopters. The true source of our power is our people — and their resilience is directly linked to the support of our surrounding communities.”

That partnership, Admiral added, ensures Soldiers can focus on their missions and deployments, confident their families are supported at home in Central Texas.

Among this year’s inductees, Fox said the recognition represents an opportunity to continue serving Fort Hood beyond his military career.

“It is just a great opportunity to continue to serve this community,” Fox said. “When you’re on active duty, you really benefit from the quality of the relationship we enjoy with our local community. After you retire, it’s your turn to strengthen that relationship where you can.”

Fox noted Fort Hood’s program stands out across the Army.

“Some installations have similar programs, but none are as strong as this one,” he said.

In his civilian role, Fox said he remains focused on preserving and growing Fort Hood’s military mission while improving quality of life for Soldiers and families through job creation, education initiatives and transition support for veterans.

For Carter, the Good Neighbor induction was deeply personal.

“It’s very humbling,” she said. “This is a full-circle moment for me.”

Carter, an Army brat whose father served two tours in Vietnam, now leads Central Texas College in supporting military-connected students worldwide. Her husband is a retired Airman, and her daughter currently serves in the Air Force.

“I understand the importance of community support for families, especially while Soldiers and Airmen are deployed,” she said. “Having the opportunity to give back and pay it forward in my current role is priceless.”

Admiral expressed gratitude to the newest inductees.

“While we officially bring you into the fold today, the truth is you’ve been our partners, our advocates and our friends for a long time,” he said. “Fort Hood does not stand apart from its community — we are a part of it.”

Source: United States Army

FORT HOOD, Texas — Valentine’s Day is about caring for the people who matter most. At Fort Hood, that care is demonstrated every day in a far more practical way by protecting workers from fall hazards before an incident ever happens.

While “falling” may sound romantic in February, on the job it is one of the most serious risks faced by maintenance, construction and engineering professionals. Preventing falls is not about slogans or seasonal awareness; it is about deliberate planning, execution and a shared commitment to ensuring everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.

Thanks to a long-standing partnership between the Fort Hood Directorate of Public Works Safety Office and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District, Fort Hood has turned that risk into a model of collaboration, prevention and trust.

The DPW and USACE partnership did not happen overnight. Its roots go back more than 15 years, gaining momentum during the construction of the new Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center.

“That period was really when fall protection came to the forefront on Fort Hood,” said Daniel Juracek, safety occupational health specialist, USACE Fort Worth District. “As safety professionals, we found ourselves attending the same Career Program-12 safety certification courses, and started asking each other important questions, ‘What are you doing? Who are you training? Who is actually exposed to fall hazards?’”

Those early conversations revealed a significant opportunity to improve the safety of DPW personnel.

“We had maintenance personnel accessing rooftops and elevated areas with limited training and lacking a process to validate the required equipment was present,” Juracek said. “Once training improved, personnel started asking, ‘We’re supposed to have what?’ And that’s when the collaboration began, ‘Can you come look at this building and assist with developing a solution to this fall protection challenge?’”

From gaps to programs

This collaboration brought the expertise of DPW and USACE together to ensure DPW has a fall protection program that meets Army Regulation 385-10 and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z359 requirements.

Juracek, a recognized subject-matter expert in fall protection, serves on the USACE High Hazard Working Group and the ANSI Z359 panel over the ANSI Z359 Standard for Fall Protection.

“Fall protection is one of our top three hazards for the DPW,” said TC Coffman, occupational safety and health program manager, DPW Safety Office. “One of my personal goals, for our directorate, was to develop, establish and begin implementation of a fall protection program, which hadn’t previously existed in DPW. Having a peer, colleague and friend with Dan’s competency was critical to the success and improvement of a fall protection program that was done right.”

That partnership soon extended beyond fall protection. DPW and USACE collaborated on confined space entry programs, installation-wide roundtable discussions and training for DPW personnel. Over time, hundreds of DPW employees, including maintenance staff, supervisors and engineers — received training.

“One of the strongest aspects of a good safety program and safety culture is buy-in,” Coffman said. “The more sets of eyes that you have focused on the health and safety of the team, the better the outcomes.”

Beyond programs and equipment, the partnership thrives on communication.

“We talk nearly every day,” Juracek said. “Any accident more serious than a smashed finger, we’re calling each other. ‘Hey, this failed. Are you doing the same thing?’”

Lessons learned, safety bulletins and hazard analyses are routinely shared between organizations. The collaboration also allows for resource sharing during complex operations. In one case, DPW equipment supported a USACE confined space entry operation involving a 20-foot manhole and underground drainage inspection.

“I didn’t have forced air systems, rescue and evacuation equipment, guardrail system and gas monitors,” Juracek said. “DPW did. We borrowed their equipment, developed the plan together and were able to safely access the manhole and run a remote-control car down the drainage culvert under Gray Army Airfield.”

A model for the Army

Through Juracek and Coffman’s efforts, Fort Hood has become the pilot location for developing and implementing a quality Fall Protection Program for the Army, including assessments and policy development from the ground up.

The DPW and USACE partnership has strengthened safety culture across the installation.

“We’re aware of what each other does, recognize our different strengths and bring them together,” Coffman said. “We’ve not only significantly increased the number of eyes on the work being done on installation, but also the capability to address concerns and observations more expeditiously … to get to an efficient response and get action.”

This Valentine’s Day, the DPW and USACE partnership serves as a reminder that safety is more than compliance. It’s collaboration. It’s trust. And it’s making sure everyone goes home safe. That’s a partnership worth falling for.

Source: United States Army

BAUMHOLDER, Germany – USAG Rheinland-Pfalz Child and Youth Services (CYS) sports and fitness program delivered an exceptional year expanding opportunities for youth and strengthening connections across the military community. Through the dedication of staff and volunteer coaches, the program delivered high-quality programming to military families across the Rheinland-Pfalz footprint, with a strong focus on the Baumholder community.

Led by new volunteer instructors, CYS introduced additional activities and hosted large-scale events that energized the community. The program added Jiu Jitsu to its sports catalog, providing Baumholder youth with a new and engaging athletic outlet. CYS also launched signature events, including the “Youth Spartan Challenge,” an obstacle course competition that attracted more than 200 participants and spectators from Baumholder and Kaiserslautern.

In the fall, the program welcomed the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts Cheer team, drawing more than 250 community members to an interactive clinic and high-energy performance that provided young athletes with a unique engagement opportunity. Participants also had the opportunity for a meet-and-greet with the famous mascot “Blue.”

Marcel Fisher, CYS youth and sports fitness director, said the sports program plays an important role in supporting military families and overall readiness.

“Our youth sports and fitness program provides young athletes a positive outlet beyond school and home,” Fisher said. “It gives them opportunities to build confidence, develop friendships and grow through competition, while families connect and support one another.”

Fisher emphasized that volunteers remain essential to the program’s success, noting their leadership and mentorship shape both athletic ability and character development.

Volunteer coaches reinforced that message.

“Balancing my responsibilities as an active duty along with coaching this season provided a sense of stability amidst the intense operational demands of 2025,” said Sgt. 1st Class Eric Blue, volunteer coach and active-duty Soldier. “Mentoring these young athletes allowed me to step away from the rigors of active duty and rediscover a sense of peace through their pure enthusiasm for the game.”

Parents and coaches echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the role of sports in fostering life skills and building community in a small, remote overseas location.

“It can be challenging to live in a small community, but youth sports have helped my kids stay active and involved,” said Julia Powell, a volunteer coach and parent. “Sports teachreally great life skills like consistency, confidence, perseverance, and resilience that carry over into everyday life.”

Bryce Pappas, a volunteer coach, added that youth sports create meaningful opportunities for connection.

“In a small and remote community like Baumholder, youth sports give parents and children a chance to meet others and stay active in a safe, structured environment,” Pappas said.

USAG Rheinland-Pfalz’s Directorate of Family Morale Welfare and Recreation’s Child and Youth Services deliver high-quality programs designed to benefit military children, youth, and students while simultaneously aiding the Army Family by mitigating conflicts that can arise between mission readiness and parental responsibilities.

For more information on Baumholder CYS Sports and Fitness programs, visit https://baumholder.armymwr.com/programs/youth-sports-fitness.

U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz sets, serves and secures the total force community, enabling power projection for the European Theater.

Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/usag_rp

Source: United States Army

MILAN–CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Four Soldiers of the Army National Guard are representing the United States of America in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

Vermont Army National Guard’s Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin, Spc. Sean Doherty, and Spc. Maxime Germain are competing as part of the U.S. Olympic Biathlon team and Utah Army National Guard’s Sgt. Ben Loomis is competing in the Nordic Combined event.

Vermont Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin: Biathlon

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin, of Pulaski, Wisconsin, competed in her first Olympics in 2022, where she placed seventh in the women’s 15-kilometer individual biathlon — the highest finish for an American in biathlon history. Irwin is now the top female athlete for the U.S. Biathlon Team, and she could compete in six events in Milan.

Irwin, 33, is a human resource specialist with the Vermont National Guard. She enlisted in the Army in 2019 and competed for the National Guard Biathlon Team in the 2022 Games. In 2023, she joined the U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program, or WCAP, for its consistent support, which she said has made all the difference in both careers.

“With WCAP, I have full-time orders, full-time benefits and direct access to resources,” Irwin said. “Being both a platoon sergeant and an athlete have pushed me to learn a lot.”

Growing up, Irwin wanted to be a track and field athlete. She picked up cross-country skiing in the winter during high school to stay in shape between the fall cross-country season and the spring track and field season. Irwin then went to Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan, where she competed in all three sports.

After college, Irwin tried her hand at a professional skiing career. She didn’t start biathlon until she was 25, when a fellow cross-country skier talked her into attending a talent camp. She told Team USA she instantly fell in love with the sport.

“It has been an honor to be able to represent my country as both a U.S. Olympian and a U.S. Army Soldier,” she said. “I hope to inspire the next generation to serve and represent our country, too.”

Outside of biathlon, Irwin enjoys knitting, baking, puzzles and music.

Vermont Army National Guard Spc. Sean Doherty: Biathlon

U.S. Army Spc. Sean Doherty, of Center Conway, New Hampshire, might be the most experienced military athlete this year, as he is competing on his fourth Olympic team in as many as six events.

Doherty began competing in biathlon, a sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting, at age 12. By 18, he was competing in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, becoming the first teenager and the youngest U.S. athlete in the sport.

In 2018, Doherty enlisted in the Army as a carpentry and masonry specialist and is now a member of the Vermont National Guard. However, he didn’t join the WCAP until after he competed in the 2022 Beijing Games. Now 30, Doherty said the experiences he’s had with the WCAP continue to shape him.

“WCAP supports you not just as an athlete, but as a person and a Soldier,” he said. “They care about my athletic performance, but they also care about my development as a whole person, and I’m grateful for that.”

Doherty trains at the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho, Vermont, which is home to theArmy Mountain Warfare School. Outside of biathlon, he’s an avid hunter, archer, fisherman and woodworker.

Vermont Army National Guard Spc. Maxime Germain: Biathlon

U.S. Army Spc. Maxime Germain, of Juneau, Alaska, is competing in his first Olympic event this year. Germain had three top-30 results in individual events at the 2025 Biathlon World Championships and followed up with a strong start to the 2025-26 World Cup season, securing his spot on his first Olympic team in biathlon for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Germain, 24, first tried biathlon at age 13 while living in France, then moved back to Alaska, this time to Anchorage, at age 16 to finish high school, according to his Team USA biography.

Germain enlisted with the Vermont National Guard in 2020 as an aviation specialist and is studying to be a commercial pilot. He has trained with the National Guard Biathlon Team since joining the Guard.

When not competing in biathlon events, Germain enjoys surfing, backcountry skiing, rock climbing and mountain running.

Utah Army National Guard Sgt. Ben Loomis: Nordic Combined

U.S. Army Sgt. Ben Loomis, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is competing in his third Olympics in the Nordic Combined event, which combines ski jumping and cross-country skiing. Loomis competed in the 2022 Beijing Games and the 2018 PyeongChang Games in South Korea.

According to Nordic Combined USA, Loomis, 27, started ski jumping at age 5. His talents grew so quickly that, at 15, he moved to Park City, Utah, to find higher-caliber training and competition.

In 2019, after high school, Loomis enlisted in the Utah National Guard as a motor transport operator to join the WCAP for its opportunities. He told the Army that training for his sport requires power, endurance and strength — physical traits that are also required to carry out his military duties.

“Being an athlete and a Soldier go hand in hand,” Loomis said. “What I’ve learned in the military has helped my athletic career, and my athletic background has helped me as a Soldier.”

He said his experience in the military has been incredibly positive.

“I want to stay in after my athletic career, maybe even for a full career,” Loomis said. “My reasons for joining and my reasons for staying are completely different now.”

After earning silver in the 2016 Youth Olympic Games, Loomis was named the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association’s Nordic combined athlete of the year. He’s been a member of four world championship teams, and his brother, Adam, is also a former world champion in the sport.

When Loomis isn’t on the snow, he enjoys hiking, fishing, biking and water skiing.

Source: United States Army

FORT HOOD, Texas – Leaders assigned to the 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command and the 120th Infantry Brigade conducted a Mobilization Assessment Workshop, February 2-6, 2026, at Fort Hood, Texas, ahead of an upcoming mobilization for observer, coach/trainers that will prepare combat ready formations for deployments and overseas operations.

“The purpose of the (MAW) is to assist with our training, to help us identify personnel gaps and see what capabilities someone else can bring for you,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Kenyon Cummings, Command Sergeant Major, 120th Infantry Brigade.

“We can’t help solve problems that we don’t know about. We have enough resources here that can help solve problems for you,” added Cummings while speaking to leaders from the 2-345th Training Support Battalion, the 3-360th TSBN and the 2-382nd Logistics Support Battalion.

The MAW is one of many steps units complete in preparation for their mobilization to their mobilization force generation installation at Fort Hood, Texas, where they will play an important role as OC/Ts with the 120th INF BDE, 1st Army Division West, assisting with pre-mobilization, mobilization, post mobilization, and the deployment of U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard units.

“Our goal is to train Component 2 (National Guard) and Component 3 (U.S. Army Reserve) Soldiers,” said Col. Charles Ausman, 120th INF BDE Commander. “We are here to support you and to make sure that you are ready and trained so that we can train other Soldiers. Our main focus is to train our COMPO 2 and 3 units while taking care of our Soldiers.”

Leaders attending the MAW had the chance to see what their mission would look like while mobilized in support of the 120th INF BDE. The MAW also provided commanders an opportunity to identify obstacles or deficiencies within their units, prepare their forces for mobilization, and recognize key personnel in the 120th INF BDE who can help ensure mission success.

Brig. Gen. Michael Shanley, Commanding General, 85th USARSC, also attended the MAW and addressed the Soldiers participating. During his remarks, Shanley highlighted the importance of COMPO 3 units in preparing for mobilization and post-mobilization activities.

“It’s great to see that the level of cohesion and support between Component 1 and Component 3 has never been better,” said Shanley. “Fighting alongside each other for the past few decades has definitely strengthened the cohesion and collaboration between the components. It has never been stronger; it will only grow with units like yours and commanders who recognize the value that Component 3 Soldiers bring to the fight.”

Source: United States Army

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s National All-Domain Warfighting Center, or NADWC, was designated by the U.S. Department of War as a national range for uncrewed aerial systems training.

“Today’s designation of the NADWC as a national test site shows that Michigan can lead the future of aerospace and continues to play a key role in protecting our national defense,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Over the last few years, we held an autonomous drone competition, released a statewide Advanced Air Mobility Initiative and secured a new fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Now, thanks to this new national test site, we are building on that momentum, becoming an even more attractive place for cutting-edge defense and aerospace companies to invest in, create good-paying, high-skill local jobs and grow our economy. You can already see Michigan-made products on roads around the world, and soon, we’ll be in the sky too.”

This designation cements the NADWC as the nation’s premier proving ground for advanced UAS and counter-UAS, positioning Michigan at the forefront of America’s defense innovation economy. Selected by the U.S. Army and National Guard Bureau, NADWC offers an unmatched environment for drone development and testing and training, one that is squarely focused on the warfighter and on doing what is best for the force. By combining permissive operating authorities, cutting-edge infrastructure and close ties to Michigan’s world-class technology and manufacturing ecosystem, this designation amplifies our ability to train at speed and scale.

Anchored by nearly 200,000 acres of maneuver space at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and more than 17,000 square miles of special-use military airspace at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, NADWC delivers a level of scale and realism few training environments can match. These Joint National Training Capability–certified sites feature diverse terrain, robust electromagnetic spectrum access and a true four-season climate, allowing units to stress systems, tactics and formations in conditions that replicate multiple theaters of operation and prepare forces for the next fight.

As the largest joint training range east of the Mississippi River and home to the flagship Northern Strike Exercise, NADWC is purpose-built to enhance readiness. Its all-weather, all-domain environment enables warfighters and our allied partners to train together at full operational tempo, integrating uncrewed systems into live-fire, combined arms and advanced swarm operations. The result is a more lethal, more prepared force, better equipped to succeed on the future battlefield.

“This designation is about staying focused on the warfighter and doing what’s best for the force,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “The NADWC gives us the scale, airspace and all-domain environment we need to amplify our ability to train and prepare for the next fight. It allows our Soldiers, Airmen, joint partners and allies, to develop, test and employ uncrewed systems at operational tempo under realistic, all-weather conditions. That kind of training directly translates to readiness and ensures our forces are positioned to succeed on the future battlefield. I want to thank Governor Whitmer and Michigan’s congressional delegation for their steadfast support in making this effort possible, which will ensure the men and women of the U.S. military and our allies will be prepared for any future conflict.”

Related Links

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