CHIÈVRES AIR BASE, Belgium – Leaders from the American Legion arrived with a clear mission – listen to Soldiers, assess their quality of life and take their needs directly to the Department of State. Dan Wiley, American Legion national commander, Doug Hensley, American Legion aide to the national commander, Sean Counihan, American Legion national security director, and Hans Stockenberger, American Legion national executive committeeman for France met with Soldiers from U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Benelux during a visit on Jun. 2, 2026, at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium.
During the European tour, which included stops in Italy and the United Kingdom, members of the delegation met with Soldiers, Airmen and military Families to gain insight into the opportunities and challenges of overseas assignments. Discussions centered around quality-of-life issues, Family support programs and overall well-being of service members far from home.
1 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –Dan Wiley, American Legion national commander, Doug Hensley, American Legion aide to the national commander, Sean Counihan, American Legion national security director, and Hans Stockenberger, American Legion national executive committeeman for France met with Soldiers from U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Benelux during a visit on Jun. 2, 2026, at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium. Wiley and his team were welcomed to the Benelux by Yvette Castro, USAG Benelux deputy to the garrison commander[B(1.1], and enjoyed a luncheon with Soldiers from the Benelux and their Families. The gathering provided an opportunity for open dialogue and personal connection, reinforcing the American Legion’s longstanding mission to support service members, veterans and their Families wherever they serve. (U.S. Army photo by Kristin Savage, USAG Benelux Public Affairs) (Photo Credit: Kristin Savage)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –Soldiers and Families from U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Benelux met with a delegation from the American Legion during a luncheon during a visit on Jun. 2, 2026, at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium. Discussions centered around quality-of-life issues, Family support programs and overall well-being of service members far from home. (U.S. Army photo by Kristin Savage, USAG Benelux Public Affairs) (Photo Credit: Kristin Savage)VIEW ORIGINAL
Wiley and his team were welcomed to the Benelux by Yvette Castro, USAG Benelux deputy to the garrison commander, and enjoyed a luncheon with Soldiers from the Benelux and their Families. The gathering provided an opportunity for open dialogue and personal connection, reinforcing the American Legion’s longstanding mission to support service members, veterans and their Families wherever they serve. The conversations that followed brought valuable perspectives on the importance of maintaining strong support networks, accessible resources and resilient military communities.
In addition to meeting with service members, the delegation participated in several key engagements with senior diplomatic and military leaders. The visit included a meeting with Bill White, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, discussions with Col. Jared Thompson, U.S. National Military Representative to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), and tours of NATO installations that highlighted the critical role U.S. forces play in strengthening the Alliance and advancing collective security.
1 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –Soldiers and Families from U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Benelux met with a delegation from the American Legion at a luncheon during a visit on [B(3.1]Jun. 2, 2026, at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium. The conversations that followed brought valuable perspectives on the importance of maintaining strong support networks, accessible resources and resilient military communities. (US Army photo by Kristin Savage, USAG Benelux Public Affairs) (Photo Credit: Kristin Savage)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –Soldiers and Families from U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Benelux met with a delegation from the American Legion during a luncheon during a visit on Jun. 2, 2026, at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium. The American Legion’s engagement with Soldiers, Airmen, and Families overseas reflects a shared commitment to service, leadership and the values that unite generations of Americans in uniform. (Photo Credit: Kristin Savage)VIEW ORIGINAL
As U.S. forces continue to support NATO missions and strengthen relationships with Allies throughout Europe, visits such as these demonstrate the enduring bond between America’s military community and the organizations dedicated to serving them. The American Legion’s engagement with Soldiers, Airmen, and Families overseas reflects a shared commitment to service, leadership and the values that unite generations of Americans in uniform.
FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas – This year’s 951 graduates of U.S. Army Command and General Staff College’s Command and General Staff Officer Course have jumped tracks on a railroad their careers from direct to organizational leaders.
This year’s class experienced reformed and modernized curriculum that reflected the rapid technological and tactical advancements dictated by the current operational environment.
They navigated unexpected learning environment and academic calendar shifts.
With more than 30 years of military and leadership experience, Lt. Gen. Jim Isenhower, Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Command and Fort Leavenworth, explained to the class, the responsibility placed on them as graduates of CGSOC is to be the conductor of the track, prepared through the academic rigor they conquered over the last 10 months.
“. . .You can influence all the way down to a private every day as a Battalion S3 or XO. And you’ve also got the opportunity and will be expected to influence all the way up to the senior leaders of our Army. You’re at the center. You are the most important demographic in our Army,” Isenhower said.
Lt. Gen. Jim Isenhower, Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Command and Fort Leavenworth, delivers the commencement address at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College’s Command and General Staff Officer Course graduation May 29, 2026, at the Lewis and Clark Center on Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. More than 900 U.S., allied and partner nation service members, and interagency civilians graduated America’s School for War after the 10-month program. (U.S. Army photo by Dan Neal) (Photo Credit: Sarah Hauck)VIEW ORIGINAL
During his commencement address, Isenhower reflected on his leadership transition following his own CGSOC graduation.
Field-grade leadership was something he’d only observed, but quickly learned the impact, good or bad, would have lasting impressions on more than just his career.
A single conversation, and high-performing Soldier’s decision to leave service directly impacted Isenhower’s leadership style and view of field-grade officers.
He challenged each of the graduates to approach their next assignments with courage to challenge the late-night work parties, and missed bedtime stories.
The graduates are at pivotal times not only in their careers, Isenhower explained, but also in their lives.
Early in his own field-grade time Isenhower explained establishing non-negotiable working hours to ensure his teams were home, putting in their second shift of life, on a regular, predictable basis.
“… I realized field grades are stewards of the profession, and they have an obligation to inspire future service, not to discourage it…that shaped how I approached my field grade time,” Isenhower said.
The inspiration of service doesn’t stop within the walls of the unit headquarters, extending to those of the home.
According to Isenhower, nearly 30% of the Army’s volunteer force comes “from the Army”, emphasizing the example being set by graduates of true work-life balance.
Isenhower concluded with a reiteration of expectations of the graduates’ new leaders, which included performing at levels far beyond those of their peers, but also to establish leadership philosophies that focused on work-life balance and implemented through their own unwavering example.
“I’m already proud of what you’re going to do,” he said. “I think you and our families for taking this on and investing in all of our Soldiers and their families.”
The following individuals were recognized for their dedication to stewarding the Army profession:
BIRRER-BROOKES AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING MMAS THESIS
Major Prabhat Mishra, India
MAJOR GENERAL HANS SCHLUP AWARD
Lieutenant Colonel Taleh S. F. H. H. Alrashid, Kuwait
MAJOR GENERAL JAMES M. WRIGHT MASTER SUSTAINER AWARD
Major Andrew L. Scholl, TC
GENERAL GEORGE S. PATTON, JR. AWARD
Major Jordan J. Downey, FA
HOMELAND SECURITY STUDIES AWARD
Major Shaun A. Kennedy, MS
EXCELLENCE IN JOINT SERVICE WARFARE AWARD
Major Alaina M. Brooks, USMC
BRIGADIER GENERAL BENJAMIN H. GRIERSON AWARD
Major Tara C. Santon, FA
FATHER DONALD W. SMYTHE MILITARY HISTORY AWARD
Major Luke F. Donaldson, FA
SIMONS CENTER INTERAGENCY WRITING AWARD
Major Scott A. Lovejoy, CH
GENERAL GEORGE C. MARSHALL AWARD
Major Andrew L. Scholl, TC
GENERAL DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER AWARD
Major Aleksander Granberg, Norway
GENERAL DOUGLAS MACARTHUR MILITARY LEADERSHIP WRITING AWARD
Major Prabhat Mishra, India
ARTER-DARBY MILITARY HISTORY WRITING AWARD
Major Paul D. Mackey, IN
ARTER-DONIPHAN AWARD
Major Aleksander Granberg, Norway
GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING AWARD
Major Aloysius J. Hunter, EN, USAR
IRON MAJOR AWARDS
Major Andrew W. Stoafer, IN (Male)
Major JaLyssa J. Walker, TC (Female)
AFCEA INFORMATION WARFARE WRITING AWARD
Major Ryan D. Menge, USAF
LIEUTENANT COLONEL BOYD MCCANNA “Mac” HARRIS LEADERSHIP AWARD
The reactivation of the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) marked a new chapter in aircraft maintenance operations as the 355th, 365th and 18th Fighter Generation Squadrons (FGS) officially merged and deactivated during a ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 1, 2026.
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany- Sgt. Elijah Campbell, a public affairs mass communication specialist assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, was officially inducted into the Noncommissioned Officer Corps at Tiger Theater on Sembach Kaserne, Germany on May 29, 2026.
Originally from Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, his father, who also served in the Army, inspired Campbell to enlist in the Army in 2022 and completed basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He later graduated from the Defense Information School at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, before serving assignments that led him to Germany.
Reflecting on the milestone, Campbell said, “I faced a lot of obstacles becoming an NCO, but I persevered. The most rewarding part of my job is taking care of my Soldiers.”
This induction marks Campbell’s transition into the Army’s professional NCO Corps and reinforces his commitment to leadership, mentorship, and service.
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany- Sgt. Oscar Ayala, a transportation management coordinator assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, was officially inducted into the Noncommissioned Officer Corps during a ceremony held at Tiger Theater on Sembach Kaserne, Germany on May 29, 2026.
Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Ayala began his Army career by completing basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Lee, Virginia. He is currently assigned to 21st Theater Sustainment Command, based in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Since joining the Army, he has focused on developing the skills and experience necessary to support mission success and prepare for positions of greater responsibility.
As he transitions into his role as an NCO, Ayala is eager to embrace the opportunities and challenges that come with leadership.
“As a new NCO, I’m looking forward to developing my leadership skills and taking care of soldiers so I can make a positive impact in the Army,” he said.
Ayala views this milestone as the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one centered on mentorship, professional growth and serving those entrusted to his leadership.
POZNAN, Poland — U.S. Army soldiers partnered with Polish elementary students for a day of athletic competition here June 1, reinforcing community ties in the NATO-allied nation during a local Children’s Sports Day celebration.
This visit is part of a growing relationship between U.S. Army Garrison Poland and local schools. Last holiday season, students and staff performed a Christmas carol concert during the garrison’s tree lighting ceremony, a gesture deeply appreciated by military personnel and their families.
This year’s sports day, organized by the school, brought together 200 students ranging from ages 7 to 14, alongside teachers and parents. All were eager to experience a day in the life of a U.S. Soldier.
“Today was a very special day to bond with the Polish school children,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Javonte Smith, a religious affairs non-commissioned officer with the 510th Regional Support Group. “They were all so welcoming, and it is a blessing to share this experience with them.”
The day’s events included a military-themed fitness circuit adapted for children, culminating in a highly anticipated, friendly volleyball match.
To warm up, Soldiers led the children through a set of pushups. The students then completed jumping jacks and cardio drills, with some even trying on military tactical gear to experience the added weight.
The main event took place in the school gymnasium, where students lined the court to watch their peers face off against the Soldiers in a best-of-three volleyball match. While the students ultimately defeated the Soldiers, the scoreboard took a backseat to the camaraderie in the gym.
“Being able to have this experience really gave me a taste of home that I miss by being away from my own kids,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Callaway, a signal support sergeant with the 418th Civil Affairs Battalion, 308th Civil Affairs Brigade, 353rd Civil Affairs Command. “Seeing the smiles on their faces and how much fun they were having made it all worth it. I look forward to more community engagements in the future.”
As the day wrapped up, proud parents watched their children interact with the service members, with many students lining up to take photos with their new American friends.
The 510th Regional Support Group, 7th Mission Support Command, is headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and co-located in Poznan, Poland, where it provides base operation support to seven installation sites across the Baltics. As a rotational unit, the 510th RSG sustains the readiness of V Corps and NATO forces defending the eastern flank
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Coast Guard conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, May 26-30, 2026. This activity demonstrated a collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
ANSBACH, Germany — USAG Ansbach holds its next Community Leaders’ Information Forum (CLIF) Wednesday, June 17, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Von Steuben Community Center.
The CLIF is held quarterly and open to the USAG Ansbach community. The intent is to enable communication between Ansbach community spouses, unit FRG leaders, Garrison leadership, and key service partners.
The CLIF addresses garrison services, community updates, and provides community members the opportunity to interact directly with directorates and service providers. Information is shared, feedback is heard, and conversation is encouraged.
ANSBACH, Germany — USAG Ansbach holds its next Community Leaders’ Information Forum (CLIF) Wednesday, June 18, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Von Steuben Community Center.
The CLIF is held quarterly and open to the USAG Ansbach community. The intent is to enable communication between Ansbach community spouses, unit FRG leaders, Garrison leadership, and key service partners.
The CLIF addresses garrison services, community updates, and provides community members the opportunity to interact directly with directorates and service providers. Information is shared, feedback is heard, and conversation is encouraged.
SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Military Department participated in the 2026 Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) May 18-21, marking twelve years of interagency partnership.
SAREX focuses on disaster response preparedness for search and rescue organizations to better prepare for natural disasters and improve interagency coordination between state and federal partners. This year’s exercise integrated rotary-wing rescue assets with unmanned aircraft systems teams to improve situational awareness and communication between agencies.
“One of the rescue sites, Camp Bullis, provided a realistic disaster environment that first responders could face including power lines, trees, roof extractions and more,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Rob Meischen, a SAREX planner from the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade. “Collectively this training is exactly what aircrews, hoist personnel, ground teams, and UAS operators need to help validate training and processes so we are better prepared for the next Kerrville or Hurricane Harvey.”
There were 22 aircraft from 13 different agencies, including the U.S. Air Force 41st Rescue Squadron, National Guard units and Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Teams (HART) from Arkansas and Indiana, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. With over 335 attendees, there were 275 hoists, 339 personnel moved, and over 84 hours flown.
“Last year, SAREX was held less than two months before the catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country and central Texas during the July Fourth weekend, which claimed the lives of 136 people,” said Brett Dixon, the assistant chief of Texas A&M Task Force 1 and SAREX director. “The local, state, and federal aviation coordination that rescued and evacuated flooding victims is a testament to the training at SAREX. Our goal is to make sure that all aviation resources in Texas are ready to respond in a coordinated way to help Texans on their worst day.”
SAREX 2026 enables local, state and federal government search-and-rescue aviation to develop better coordination mechanisms for responding to hurricanes and natural disasters in real-world scenarios. The Texas Military Department plays a critical role in disaster response exercises by providing rapid aerial response, personnel transport, and coordinated aviation support alongside civilian emergency agencies, strengthening interagency partnerships that are essential to lifesaving operations.