Category: Security

Source: United States Army

CAMP DARBY, Livorno – Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Garrison Italy, underwent two days of intense training March 11-12, sharpening their skills for the upcoming Best Warrior Competition scheduled to take place in Germany later this month.

Capt. Anthony Dove, HHC commander, encouraged Soldiers to push themselves to their limits and represent their unit with pride.

“These training sessions are not just about preparing for the competition, they’re about building the skills and resilience that make us effective as a team and as individuals,” he said. “I’m proud of the dedication our Soldiers have shown.”

Soldiers kicked off the first day of training with a 12-mile ruck march at Leghorn Army Depot, followed by a land navigation course. On the second day of training, the focus shifted to sharpening Soldiers’ warfighting knowledge and battlefield skills.

Overall, the training event showcased the soldiers’ commitment to readiness and excellence, with Lt. Col. Jonathan Kuhn, USAG Italy director of emergency services and garrison provost marshal, in attendance.

“Participating in the Best Warrior Competition is crucial for Soldiers’ development,” Kuhn said. “It tests their combat and leadership skills, and enhances personal and professional growth, creating more capable warfighters.”

The Army Best Warrior Competition is an annual event that evaluates Soldiers and noncommissioned officers in areas such as physical fitness, marksmanship, and tactical knowledge. One of the main components in land navigation – a test of precision and endurance that challenges participants to make split-second decisions under pressure.

To simulate real-world combat scenarios, the training includes both daytime and nighttime navigation exercises, requiring Soldiers to locate specific points across the terrain using only their tools and their training.

Kuhn noted that having a Best Warrior competitor representing Camp Darby perfectly reflects the local community’s spirit.

“It showcases the pinnacle of Soldier readiness and lethality,” he said. “Having a contender in this competition reflects our installation’s overall commitment to excellence.”

Kuhn challenged the Soldiers to lead by example and lean into their expertise.

“Embrace the challenge,” he said, “you were selected for this opportunity based on your total competence. Represent USAG Italy with pride and continue to inspire the Soldiers who serve alongside you!”

Source: United States Army

NEW YORK, New York – Eight hundred Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment will once again lead the world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday, March 17, when the annual New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 11 a.m.

Since 1851, “The Fighting 69th” has been the lead unit in the parade marking Irish pride. The regiment was organized in 1849 as a New York State militia regiment made up of Irish immigrants.

This will mark the 175th time the 69th Infantry will lead the parade.

“New York City’s Fighting 69th’ is always honored to lead the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Prior, the battalion’s commander. “This year carries special meaning as our battalion marks its 175th time leading the parade.”

“In addition, our nation is approaching its 250th anniversary, and our city will remember the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, which makes this parade especially significant,” Prior added.

During the parade, the battalion’s Soldiers will be joined by the 42nd Infantry Division Band and New York National Guard senior leaders.

The 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, supposedly earned the nickname “Fighting 69th” from Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. He is said to have referred to the Irish American unit as “that fighting 69th regiment” following the battle of Fredericksburg in 1863.

The unit’s Soldiers have distinguished themselves in the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and, since Sept. 11, 2001, deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa.

Because of the regiment’s roots in Irish American history, St. Patrick’s Day is also the 1st Battalion, 69th’s “Unit Day,” during which the battalion’s Soldiers are recognized for their accomplishments.

This year, the battalion will hold its recognition ceremony at the Park Avenue Armory after the parade because its permanent home, New York’s historic Lexington Avenue Armory, is being renovated.

The 69th began leading the parade in 1851 because of threats of anti-Catholic and anti-Irish attacks on the procession by nativist groups.

In 2021, when the parade was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of 50 69th Soldiers staged an informal parade along the route to keep the tradition alive.

And in the 1981 thriller “Cathedral” by Nelson DeMille, 69th Infantry Soldiers battle Irish terrorists in St. Patrick’s Cathedral on St. Patrick’s Day.

Traditions of the 69th Infantry and the St. Patrick’s Day parade include:

Soldiers place a sprig of boxwood on their uniforms because members of the Irish brigade put a boxwood sprig in their hat bands at the Battle of Fredericksburg on Dec. 13, 1862, to mark their Irish heritage.

Officers of the 69th carry a fighting stick made of blackthorn wood imported from Ireland because it is considered the mark of an Irish leader and gentleman.

Soldiers are accompanied on their parade march by two Irish Wolfhounds, the official mascot of the 69th Infantry. The dogs represent the regimental motto, “Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked”.

The battalion commander carries the “Kilmer Crucifix,” the religious icon once worn by poet Joyce Kilmer, who was killed in action serving in the 69th in World War I.

Before the parade, the regiment attends a special Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to honor its fallen and its Irish heritage.

Just before the parade starts, the head of the parade committee asks the commander if the 69th is ready. The response is: “The 69th is always ready!’

When the Soldiers return from the parade and begin their unit day ceremonies, they are cheered by the battalion’s officers, who render honors and pay tribute to the enlisted Soldiers and noncommissioned officers.

Source: United States Army

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The Director of the Army National Guard praised the Kentucky National Guard’s combat readiness, domestic response capabilities and international partnerships during remarks at the National Guard Association of Kentucky conference here, Feb. 28.

Lt. Gen. Jon Stubbs addressed Soldiers, Airmen, families and leaders during the joint business session, describing the Kentucky National Guard as essential to both national defense and homeland missions.

“It is an honor to be with the leaders, families and Soldiers who make the Kentucky National Guard what it is today,” Stubbs said.

Stubbs said his connection to Kentucky is personal. His father, Army Capt. James Stubbs served as a chaplain in the 149th Armored Brigade.

“He believed deeply in the citizen-Soldier — in ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things when their country calls,” Stubbs said.

This sense of heritage, Stubbs noted, remains a powerful force in Kentucky. He pointed to the state’s motto, “Fight as Kentuckians,” as a living testament to a reputation forged by courage, marksmanship, and unwavering resolve in the face of adversity.

As examples, Stubbs pointed to the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, which has twice earned the Army’s Walter T. Kerwin Award, and to the 138th Field Artillery Brigade’s recent redesignation as the 138th Operational Fires Command to support large-scale combat operations. He also cited the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade’s role in controlling terrain, protecting forces and enabling maneuver in complex environments.

“The Kentucky Guard makes a positive impact far beyond your borders,” Stubbs said.

Speaking of its impact on international affairs, Stubbs spoke of the Commonwealth’s state partnerships.

“International partnerships through the State Partnership Program with Ecuador and Djibouti strengthen alliances and improve interoperability with partner forces,” he said.

At home, he emphasized the Guard’s response to floods, tornado recovery, winter storms and other emergencies across the Commonwealth. He cited the 123rd Airlift Wing, engineer units and the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade for providing rescue, lift, debris removal and infrastructure restoration.

“These missions save lives and remind Americans why the Guard is such a trusted institution,” Stubbs said.

Stubbs warned that global security challenges are intensifying as adversaries modernize and contest multiple domains, including land, air, sea, space and cyberspace.

“Meeting those threats requires combat-ready formations, disciplined leadership and forces capable of rapid deployment alongside joint partners,” he said. “Kentucky delivers that.”

He also pointed to the 238th Regiment Training Institute and the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron as examples of how the state prepares Soldiers and Airmen for future operations.

Stubbs concluded by thanking all Kentuckians for supporting their hometown heroes in their service to the Commonwealth and the Nation, often at the expense of their families and communities.

“When America calls, the National Guard mobilizes from communities — not from isolated bases,” he said.

Stubbs said he is confident Kentucky will continue to answer the nation’s call.

“You answered it in the past. You are answering it today. And I have no doubt you will answer it in the future,” he said.

The annual conference brings together members of the National Guard Association of Kentucky and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Kentucky to address legislative priorities, professional development and issues affecting service members and their families.

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

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo — Task Force Medical Soldiers with NATO’s Kosovo Force provided lifesaving medical training to local health care providers at a clinic in the municipality of Obiliq/Obilić, near Pristina, Feb. 24, reinforcing KFOR’s stabilization mission by improving local medical capabilities and building strong community partnerships.

The training was part of a formal handover between KFOR 35 and KFOR 36, a routine transition in which outgoing medics transfer responsibilities, lessons learned and ongoing outreach projects to the incoming team to ensure continuity of care and community engagement. The turnover included briefings on previously assessed clinic needs, scheduled outreach events and logistics for future training missions.

Louisiana Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Kyle Boudoin, assigned to the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, led the outgoing team, while Florida Army National Guard Sgt. Benford Rosenfeldt, assigned to the 53rd IBCT, assumed duties with the incoming rotation. The two led training at the clinic, ranging from basic Army Combat Lifesaver skills and CPR to advanced cardiac life support.

Boudoin reflected on handing over responsibilities to his counterpart and how to make the transition successful.

“It’s important to leave the next team with clear plans and strong relationships,” he said. “We walked them through the clinics, shared what worked and what didn’t, and introduced Benford so he could immediately build on that trust. Knowing the mission continues smoothly here is the best part of turning over the job.”

The training also included trauma care focused on blunt-force, head and multisystem injuries using the MARCH algorithm — massive hemorrhage, airway, respiration, circulation and head injury/hypothermia. Task Force Medical’s outreach mission includes school visits to teach CPR and partnerships with clinics to provide advanced, tailored training to meet the needs of local Kosovo communities.

Training was coordinated using information from KFOR Civil-Military Cooperation and included hands-on practice and guidance on acquiring essential supplies.

Rosenfeldt, a paramedic at a Level II trauma center in St. Petersburg, Florida, said the goal is to strengthen local clinical knowledge and help providers request appropriate resources in the future.

“A lot of these clinics are limited on resources and we’re trying to advance their capabilities and knowledge so they know what to request in the future and where they should be,” he said. “We’re there to guide them and give them the clinical knowledge to set them up for success.”

Both Soldiers serve as 68W combat medics and evacuation platoon sergeants with Task Force Medical. Their civilian experience — Boudoin in paramedicine and emergency management, and Rosenfeldt as a career paramedic — informs the practical, locally tailored training they deliver.

“This being my first event, I think it went really well. Kosovo people are very appreciative and open to us being here and the training,” Rosenfeldt said. “I think as far as knowledge base, there’s a slight knowledge gap, but I think they have the hearts and the minds to try to get up to speed with best practices in medicine and we’re there to help them with that.”

By improving local medical response, Task Force Medical supports KFOR’s broader mandate to maintain a safe and secure environment and strengthen local institutions. Regular outreach, typically conducted about every other month, fosters trust, expands medical capacity and leaves a lasting capability in communities across Kosovo.

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

The ceremony took place during the installation’s 2026 kick-off event because the Wiesbaden AER team was unable to attend the Association of the United States Army annual meeting and exposition last October.

Serving as the event’s keynote speaker, Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, connected AER’s role in enabling Soldier readiness by reminding the audience that the Army needs the AER program the same way the nation needs its Army.

“The United States Army culture is two things: people and warfighting,” Donahue said. “If you think about it, we celebrated the Army gaining 250 years prior to the nation. Why is that? Because it was the Army that gave us our freedom. That’s our culture. We are the ones who generate everything that we need. It’s no different than AER.”

Donahue also announced that this year’s goal is to raise $160,000 by June 14.

After sharing some of his personal experiences during his tenure as the AER CEO, Grinston reminded leaders at all levels that they can reach out to him personally if they need assistance advocating for a Soldier in need of financial relief.

“Not one time, in two-and-a-half years, has a chain-of-command sent me a note, and we’ve turned that person down—not once,” Grinston said. “All you got to do is ask for help.”

The kick-off event concluded with USAG Wiesbaden senior leaders making their first donation of the campaign.

If you’d like to donate, please speak to your unit representative or by visiting the AER website, armyemergencyrelief.org

Source: United States Army

AMP KOSCIUSZKO, Poland – The White House posthumously awarded the

nation’s highest military decoration to a national hero of Poland, March 2.

President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Staff Sgt.

Michael H. Ollis, from Staten Island, New York, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2013

while shielding a wounded Polish soldier from a suicide bomber.

The award was presented to Michael’s parents, Robert and Linda Ollis at the

White House in Washington, D.C. In conjunction with the Medal of Honor, the Ollis

family was also invited to the Polish Embassy in Washington after the ceremony. Polish

officials, including representatives from the President’s Chancellery, bestowed the

Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland to Staff Sgt. Ollis, which

was accepted on behalf of his family. It is one of Poland’s highest state decorations,

awarded to foreigners (or Polish citizens living abroad) for exceptional service or

contributions.

Ties between the United States and Poland remain strong, particularly at Camp

Kosciuszko, located in the Polish city of Poznan. It is home to V Corp’s Forward

Headquarters, supported by United States Garrison Poland. On the camp, Ollis’s name

lives on through the shared tales of heroism between U.S. and Polish servicemembers.

Sergeant 1st Class Kevin Aleckna, the senior operations noncommissioned

officer in charge for USAG Poland, continues to work with the U.S. Army’s Polish Allies

to keep Ollis’s memory alive on the installation.

“Michael’s service and actions that day encompass everything that the Medal of

Honor represents,” said Aleckna. “Many Soldiers and citizens in Poland know who he is

and the story about his sacrifice. It is amazing that the Polish officer he saved that day

was able to speak at and attend the award ceremony. It goes to show how closely

connected the U.S. and Poland really is.”

Ollis, 24, of the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat

Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), was killed Aug. 28, 2013, during a Taliban attack

on Forward Operating Base Ghazni. Insurgents detonated a vehicle-borne explosive

device to breach the perimeter, then launched a coordinated assault with suicide vests

and small-arms fire.

Without body armor and with limited ammunition, Ollis moved to aid Polish Land

Forces Lt. Karol Cierpica, who had been wounded by shrapnel. As an insurgent wearing

a suicide vest advanced, Ollis positioned himself between the bomber and the Polish

officer, firing on the attacker before the vest detonated. The explosion killed Ollis

instantly but saved Cierpica’s life.

He was initially awarded the Silver Star, which was upgraded to the

Distinguished Service Cross in 2019. Ollis, who joined the Army after the 9/11 attacks

and completed two prior deployments, is survived by his family in New Dorp. A

grassroots effort in Staten Island, including memorials and a freedom foundation in his

name, has kept his legacy alive for more than a decade.

On Camp Kosciuszko, the story of sacrifice and courage lives on through the

shared tales of heroism, and how a U.S. Soldier committed an extraordinary action to

save the life of a fellow Ally. Together, Polish and American servicemembers remember

his sacrifice.

Source: United States Army

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – As a gesture of appreciation to the German communities surrounding Kaiserslautern, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz hosted its annual German-American Friendship Concert, March 7 at the Fruchthalle for an evening of music and friendship.

The evening’s program featured performances by the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band and Chorus, whose musicians and vocalists guided the audience through a program ranging from classical compositions to contemporary favorites.

USAG Rheinland-Pfalz commander Col. Jeffery Higgins said the concert is a way to appreciate the German communities that have supported the U.S. military presence in the area for decades.

“Tonight’s concert is a way to build new bridges while reinforcing the historic bond between our communities,” he said. “Most importantly, it’s our opportunity to say, ‘thank you’ to this wonderful city and its incredible people.”

The annual tradition began in 2014 as a way to honor a partnership that dates back to the arrival of U.S. armed forces in the Kaiserslautern area over 70 years ago. Traditionally held in October, this year’s event marked the first time the concert was celebrated in the spring.

Petra Lessoing, the garrison’s host nation advisor, has been a key organizer of the event, connecting the German and American communities in the area.

“The German-American Friendship Concert is a highlight in my life,” Lessoing said. “The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band and Chorus are such excellent performers. It is so much fun to listen to them and watch how they perform on stage.”

Lessoing said that when German community members pick up their tickets at the German-American Community Office, many describe the concert as a cherished tradition and a fixed date on their calendars.

The spirit of partnership continued both on and off stage. Musicians from the Koblenz Army Music Corps, Das Heeresmusikkorps Koblenz, joined the USAREUR-AF Band and Chorus for select performances, highlighting the close relationship between the two forces.

Soldiers from the garrison’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers organization demonstrated partnership in action as they worked alongside German student volunteers from the Burggymnasium High School in Kaiserslautern to support the event.

Anna Bluhm, a Burggymnasium student who volunteered for the event, said the experience was meaningful because it brought the two communities together.

“Working with U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Soldiers showed how cooperation and teamwork can make something special possible,” Bluhm said. “I’m happy I was able to be a part of it.”

USAREUR-AF Band and Chorus executive officer 2nd Lt. Andres Peltier-Salazar said the concert continues to highlight the partnership between the United States and Germany.

“The German-American Friendship Concert is a longstanding tradition that exemplifies the enduring partnership and mutual respect between the United States and Germany,” he said. “This event also provides a unique opportunity for U.S. Soldiers and their German counterparts to collaborate, learn from one another, and build lasting relationships.”

To learn more about the USAREUR-AF Band & Chorus, visit https://www.band.eur.army.mil/

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