Category: Security

Source: United States Army

USAG BAVARIA – HOHENFELS, Germany – Community members from across U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria – Hohenfels, lent their time, an arm and a vein to supply needed blood to the Armed Services Blood Program March 2 and 3, 2026 at the Community Activity Center.

The blood drive managed to meet and exceed the goal of 60 bags per day by two on the first day and 12 on the second for a total of 134 donations.

Members of the local chapters of the American Red Cross and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers helped arrange the effort, volunteered at the event and donated blood. Camille Solak, a volunteer with the American Red Cross, was there both as a volunteer and as a donor.

“I volunteer with the Red Cross to help support the community,” she said. “We do a bunch of different type of outreach events and there’s many different avenues and places around post that we help.”

Solak provided a personal example of why it is important to donate blood.

“My mom was a transfusion recipient a few years back,” she said. “She has a rare blood type, so I know how hard it is to find blood for people like that. If I can help somebody, I try to do it.”

According to personnel at the Armed Services Blood Program – Europe, one pint of blood may be broken into three parts – red blood cells, plasma and platelets – which may each go on to save lives.

Solak said sparing blood is a small but vital sacrifice on the part of donors.

“We don’t need all of our blood,” she said. “So if you can spare it and you can handle it, it’s definitely going to impact somebody in a very positive way. It will be back flowing in your body in the next two days.”

To learn more about the Armed Services Blood Program, including further donation opportunities, visit their site at https://dha.mil/ASBP.

Source: United States Army

PIRMASENS, Germany– In a display of camaraderie and tactical skill, American service members from across the Kaiserslautern and Stuttgart Military Community joined their German Bundeswehr counterparts today for the Schützenschnur, a prestigious German armed forces badge for weapons proficiency.

The not only tested the participants’ marksmanship but also strengthened the spirit of cooperation recently forged during the German-American Friendship Days in Ramstein.

The diverse American contingent included soldiers from Public Health Command Europe, Veterinary Readiness Activity, Rheinland Pfalz, security forces from the 596th United States Forces Police Squadron, a member of the 86th Medical Squadron from Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and several of their Navy counterparts. This broad participation underscores the deep level of cooperation between the allied nations.

The Schützenschnur, a tradition with deep roots in German military history, is a highly respected decoration and a testament to a soldier’s shooting prowess.

Participants fired the German G36 rifle and the P8 pistol. The G36 is a 5.56x45mm assault rifle that has been the standard issue for the Bundeswehr since 1997 and the P8 is the German military’s standard service pistol.

For many of the American participants, the experience was a unique opportunity to step outside their own military’s standard procedures and equipment.

Sergeant Jhonas Lopez, Brigade S1 noncommissioned officer in charge at PHCE, shared his enthusiasm for the cross-cultural exchange.

“I enjoyed the most was getting to work with our International partners and get a feel of their weapon systems and comparing it to what we use on the U.S. side,” said Lopez.

The event was not without its trials. The demanding course of fire pushed the service members to their limits.

“The most challenging part was having to move to the next fighting position and engage the target,” Lopez explained. “My heart rate was running and it made it more interesting.”

Despite the difficulty, Lopez said his goal was to earn the highest-level badge. “Gold is the standard!” he declared.

The sentiment of partnership and mutual respect was echoed by the German hosts.

“My goal is for everyone to have fun, stay safe and earn a Schützenschnur they can wear with pride,” stated Bundeswehr Senior Master Sgt. Brian Wagner. “Above all, this was a chance to build partnerships with our allies, connect and exchange expertise.”

Notably, all participating soldiers from Public Health Command Europe achieved the gold standard. Earning the gold Schützenschnur, the highest of three levels, requires a soldier to achieve the top score on all weapon systems in the competition, demonstrating exceptional marksmanship.

The following soldiers from Public Health Command Europe were recognized for their participation:

• Capt. Javier Pino
• Sgt. 1st Class Marissa Henson
• Staff Sgt. Tatiana Jones
• Sgt. Syarra Bermudez
• Sgt. Dayton Crawford
• Sgt. Jhonas Lopez

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angela Ling spearheaded the first-ever Tanzanian medical readiness exercise during Justified Accord 26. She transformed a state partnership into real-world operational readiness.

The exercise took place at Lugalo General Military Hospital in Dar es Salaam and Msata Military Training Base, March 2-12. The event leverages the Nebraska-Tanzania State Partnership Program by having U.S. and Tanzanian medical professionals train side by side to provide care and strengthen long-term collaboration.

Ling, assigned to the 155th Medical Group, 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska Air National Guard, orchestrated this historic mission. She sourced distinct medical specialties from U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force units across the Nebraska National Guard and active-duty personnel to build a cohesive joint team. The exercise structure reflects the needs identified by Tanzanian partners rather than relying on a predetermined U.S. team.

“We collaborate with the host nation about the types of specialties they prefer,” Ling said. “It’s not just what Nebraska has available, it’s what they need and desire, and then how do we improve readiness by fulfilling their needs.”

Ling’s passion for global health began during her 2009 deployment to Afghanistan. Locals called her “Mama Ling” while she treated children at the hospital. She commissioned in 2007 and served 12 years on active duty as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner.

She transitioned to the Nebraska National Guard in 2019 to provide geographic stability for her family. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped her responsibilities and introduced her to large-scale operational planning. By September 2020, she ran all COVID-19 operations for the state of Nebraska at the governor’s request.

She oversaw testing, vaccinations and alternate care facilities, cementing her evolution from a clinical provider to an operational planner.

“In the National Guard, I have been able to do more things than I ever could have imagined,” Ling said.

Ling also holds a leadership position at the University of Nebraska Medical Center Global Center for Health Security. She manages disaster health response grants and leverages that institutional knowledge when designing medical engagements in resource-constrained environments. Since 2022, she has participated in multiple engagements across Rwanda and Tanzania, serving as lead planner for the first medical readiness exercises in both countries.

The Tanzania exercise introduced new technology designed to better measure the impact of medical readiness operations. JA26 marked the first time the Medical Currency Application for Readiness Tracking 2.0, a cloud-enabled medical tracking platform developed by the U.S. Air Force, has been employed in an Army-led military exercise — and the first time that capability has operated in Africa. The modular system allows providers to log encounters, procedures, diagnoses and clinical hours through a mobile interface.

International exercises often require months or years of coordination and trust-building between partner nations. Ling explained that interoperability and host-nation requirements drive the mission despite logistical complexities. The resulting joint medical team integrates capabilities that match Tanzanian priorities.

Establishing this initial medical engagement in Tanzania promotes shared responsibility and enables African partners to lead regional security efforts. The SPP builds relationships that outlast a two-week training rotation. Constant communication builds the trust required for rapid crisis response.

“The relationship takes more than one engagement,” Ling said. “It builds over multiple visits as you get to know and trust each other.”

For Ling, the Tanzania exercise is an early demonstration of what the Nebraska-Tanzania partnership can achieve. It highlights the growing role National Guard planners play in strengthening global military cooperation. Individual planners, clinicians and National Guardsmen transform strategic agreements into real-world readiness.

“This fills my cup,” Ling said. “Having the opportunity to plan these missions brings me a lot of joy.”

Justified Accord is U.S. Africa Command’s largest exercise in East Africa. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted this year in Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania, JA26 increased multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance and crisis response, prepared regional partners for United Nations and African Union missions, and built readiness for the U.S. joint force.

Related Stories

US, Tanzanian medical professionals complete Tanzania’s first-ever medical readiness exercise during Justified Accord 26 | March 17, 2026

US, Kenya expand innovation, crisis response readiness during Justified Accord 2026 MEDCAP | March 7, 2026

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

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – Being a part of the largest population of U.S. citizens outside the continental United States means facing unique challenges and threats. Terrorism is the most notable of those threats, requiring vigilance and awareness from all members of the total force community to make sure no threats are ever carried out.

Emily Roemer, Antiterrorism Officer with U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz’ Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security (DPTMS), encourages Soldiers and families to remain vigilant and aware of any potential threats and report any suspicious activity to the right channels.

Roemer highlighted a few important things to look out for when out in public.

“A good rule of thumb to go by is if it looks sketchy, it probably is,” said Roemer.

She explained that if anything that looks strange or out of place, like a person wearing overly concealing clothing in the summer heat, someone surveying or taking notes on a place of interest – particularly a military installation gate or high-traffic area – it deserves a second look.

Roemer said high school students and young adults are helpful sensors for suspicious activity and encourages students to trust their gut and know how to use their resources to report any suspicious activity they notice.

“Even if students aren’t comfortable going directly to the police, telling a parent or teacher works just as well,” said Roemer.

Maintaining Operational Security, or OPSEC, is another measure everyone can practice to protect themselves and their communities.

“It’s hard to grasp just how many people out there can be listening for information,” Roemer cautioned.

OPSEC means being mindful of what information you’re posting or talking about. Always double check to make sure social media posts, conversations you’re having in public or any other form of public communication does not contain any sensitive information that could be harmful if it falls into the wrong hands.

Being careful of what questions you answer is also important, Roemer said. Bad actors may pose seemingly casual or normal questions that, while sounding innocent, are really attempts to get sensitive information.

She advised that if a stranger asks probing questions about deployment history, operations, training schedules, unit names or temporary duty (TDY), you should avoid answering to protect sensitive details.

Additionally, Roemer noted that high-traffic areas and mass gathering events are at higher risk for potential threats.

“Parades, concerts, and especially the yearly Octoberfest celebrations provide a lot of opportunities for bad actors to take advantage of,” said Roemer.

While it’s always a good idea to be mindful anytime you’re out in public, Roemer said it’s important to be extra vigilant for threats and suspicious activity around places and events like these.

USAG Rheinland-Pfalz’ award-winning anti-terrorism program always works to ensure the garrison and our communities are always supported and prepared for any threat that may arise.

To report any suspicious activity, call the garrison’s Military Police at 0611-143-541-7007/7008 or DSN 531-2677, or use the garrison’s suspicious activity reporting tool, https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/j7VryiMv4g. In the event of an emergency, dial 110 for law enforcement or 112 for fire services from any phone to connect with emergency services.

To learn more about DPTMS operations, visit https://home.army.mil/rheinland-pfalz/index.php/about/directorates-support-offices/s357-operations-dptms/operations

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

The Camp Darby Military Community came together for a day filled with flavor, fun, and friendly competition at the Chili Cookout Contest held at the Darby Community Center on March 17.

The event showcased the culinary talents of 11 contestants, featuring a variety of delicious chili creations to impress the judges and attendees.

From traditional recipes to creative twists, one dish stood out above the rest. Nathan Cerulli, Fire Chief with the Directorate of Emergency Services, impressed the judges with his “Fire House Pheasant White Bean Chili”, earning him the title of Chili Cookout Champion.

As the champion, he was awarded a crown, an Oscar-style trophy, and a gift card to the local commissary.

“I’ve wanted to enter the past few years but never have. Since I will be PCS’ing soon, I thought it would be fun to enter, “said Cerulli. “I thought Fire House Pheasant White Bean Chili was a little risky to enter the contest with, but that’s what made it a fun challenge.”

When asked if he would participate again in the future, Cerulli added, “Well, since I’ve been here five years, it’s time for me to go back to the States. Hopefully, I can do my two-year reset and come to enter the contest again.”

The competition was incredibly close, with Jayme Hertlein, one of the event organizers, placing second by just one vote.

The event was also an opportunity for the Camp Darby community to come together, share laughs, and enjoy a day with friends.

“This event is a great way to bring everyone together and have some fun,” said Jayme Hertlein, one of the organizers. “It’s not just about the chili—it’s about connecting with each other and enjoying the day as a community.”

The Chili Cookout Contest is one of many events hosted at Camp Darby to foster morale and strengthen bonds within the military community. With its mix of friendly competition and delicious food, it’s sure to remain a favorite tradition for years to come.

Source: United States Army

The Camp Darby military community celebrated a significant occasion on March 18 at the Darby Community Center, as members of the Better Opportunities for Single Servicemembers program were recognized for their outstanding contributions.

During the ceremony, members of the BOSS team were awarded the Army Commendation Medal for their dedication and achievements.

The event was attended by USAG Italy Command Sgt. Maj. Ricardo Moreno, who traveled from Vicenza to join the celebration. Moreno praised the BOSS program for its impact. “We recognize excellence in this BOSS program that focuses on people. There is so much value in this program, but this could not happen without command emphasis,” said Moreno.

Also in attendance was Sean Morton, USAG Italy MWR director, who commended the team’s efforts and encouraged them to continue their exceptional work. “This is the 2025 award, but this is just the beginning,” Morton said. “I challenge you with that, continue to serve, continue to strive for greatness.”

The ceremony highlighted the achievements of the Camp Darby BOSS program, which was recently named the BOSS Program of the Year (small category) in the Army’s 2025 BOSS Awards.

Additionally, Cathy Towers, the BOSS Advisor for USAG Italy, received the prestigious Feltus Edwards Award for BOSS Advisor of the Year, marking another milestone for the program.

Sgt. Christopher Rossi, Camp Darby BOSS president, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and the support received from leadership. “I am very grateful for the command team coming down from Vicenza for this recognition. I am very blessed for the support received for the BOSS program,” said Rossi.

The BOSS program at Camp Darby has consistently demonstrated excellence, providing single service members with opportunities for community service, cultural exchange, and quality-of-life initiatives. The program’s success is part of a broader effort by USAG Italy, which has earned back-to-back honors in the Army’s BOSS Awards.

“Our BOSS team has shown unmatched commitment and professionalism,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Moreno. “These awards highlight the quality of their work and the time they’ve invested to make this one of the Army’s best programs.”

The recognition reflects the dedication of the BOSS team and their commitment to making a positive impact on the community. Rossi emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and long hours put in by the incredible BOSS team.”

As the Camp Darby BOSS program continues to grow, the team remains motivated to build on their success and make an even greater impact in the future. “Winning this award has motivated our team to surpass last year’s statistics and make an even greater impact on our community in FY26,” Rossi added.

Source: United States Army

FLORENCE, Ariz. — More than 20 teams from the Arizona Army and Air National Guard, joined by civilian partners from the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, participated in the 2026 Adjutant General’s Match March 13-15 at Florence Training Site.

The annual event tested individual and team marksmanship across multiple weapons systems to sharpen combat proficiency and strengthen joint-force interoperability. The training supports the Arizona National Guard’s dual mission of providing ready forces for state emergencies while serving as an operational reserve for the U.S. military. The warfighting skills honed during the competition are essential whether service members are called to defend the homeland or deploy overseas.

For Soldiers, competing alongside Airmen offers a valuable perspective on the integrated nature of the Total Force, a key element of success in large-scale combat operations. It demonstrates how ground operations are enabled by synchronized effects from airpower and other domains. This joint environment helps sharpen individual lethality and build the interoperability needed to defeat a near-peer adversary.

“I think it’s important to train with our sister services because it gives us the hands-on experience needed to be a fully integrated force,” said U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Main, readiness noncommissioned officer for Detachment 1, B Company, 640th Aviation Support Battalion. “You end up connecting with people from different areas that you normally wouldn’t see when you come to drill.”

The event also prepares Airmen for the demands of Agile Combat Employment, where they must be ready to operate in austere environments alongside sister services. Small-arms proficiency is a key component of the mission-ready Airman concept, ensuring that Airmen can protect personnel and assets in contested environments. Training alongside Soldiers adds real-world context while strengthening the trust and procedural knowledge required for joint operations.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be able to represent the 162nd Wing. The team has given me the opportunity to develop my combat marksmanship skills, and being able to test those skills with our joint partners is always a blast,” said Air National Guard Master Sgt. Aaron Phillips, rifle squad leader. “As enlisted aircrew, these unique training opportunities are irreplaceable, giving me better perspective to help support the troops on the ground in my primary job.”

The TAG Match serves as a model for building the warfighter culture of the future. While top shooters are identified for national competitions and earn prestigious awards such as the Governor’s Dozen, the greater victory is the force’s enhanced readiness as a whole. By supporting continued joint training, the Arizona National Guard ensures Soldiers and Airmen are prepared to integrate and win as part of the Total Force.

“This competition is the very essence of our ‘Ready Today, Stronger Tomorrow’ priority. It’s where the fundamentals of lethality and readiness are forged under pressure,” said Brig. Gen. John Conley, Arizona adjutant general. “Seeing our Airmen and Soldiers competing shoulder to shoulder reinforces the joint-force mindset that is critical to meeting our combat readiness objectives. Each competitor’s dedication proves that the Arizona National Guard is a prepared, professional and formidable force, ready to defend the homeland and support missions in any environment.”

As a state entity, the Arizona National Guard provides trained personnel to respond to local emergencies and support civil authorities. As a federal reserve component of the U.S. military, it provides combat-ready forces for national defense objectives.

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

Source: United States Army

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Today’s U.S. Army Reserve is the most battle-tested and experienced in our nation’s history. As the Army’s dedicated federal reserve force, the Army Reserve exists to serve both the Army and the Nation with a force of warrior citizens who are always ready to answer the call and deploy anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.

One of those warrior citizens is Master Sgt. Ricardo Calzadias, Assistant Inspector General, 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command, based in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

“I joined the United States Army Reserve because I always felt a calling to the military,” said Calzadias. “I actually joined the United States Navy and served on active duty before transferring to the United States Army Reserve.”

From a young age, Calzadias knew he wanted to join the military. It had always been his goal. During high school, with his family’s support, he joined the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

“The support my family has given me at the start of my career and continues to provide (me) is one of the main reasons I have served for over 17 years,” said Calzadias. “It’s a sense of duty and patriotism to serve my country.”

During his time in the military, Calzadias has served in various locations and roles, always with pride and a sense of belonging. Calzadias has served on numerous deployments, most notably in 2013 to Afghanistan as a counterintelligence agent, where he applied the skills he learned in school to a real-world mission.

“Seeing the impact we can have from a force protection standpoint, and what we were able to do to keep our Soldiers, partners, and allies safe was very rewarding for me,” said Calzadias.

“If you are thinking about joining the United States Army Reserve, I recommend you look at the Army values and compare them to your personal values to see if they are compatible,” said Calzadias. “Then, I suggest you read the Soldier’s Creed. If that’s something you believe you can adopt for yourself, I will say you’ll be a great fit for the U.S. Army Reserve.”