Category: Security

Source: United States Army

SEMBACH, Germany – The senior leaders of Medical Readiness Command, Europe and Defense Health Network Europe, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Roger Giraud and Command Sgt. Maj. Kalani Kalili, hosted a townhall meeting at the Sembach Chapel Feb. 19 for members of both headquarters.

The town hall meeting was part of an ongoing communication effort by the senior leaders to keep the military and civilian staff of Medical Readiness Command, Europe and Defense Health Network Europe informed and to maintain transparency.

As part of the town hall meeting, awards were presented to several civilian staff members of Defense Health Network Europe in recognition of their commitment to excellence, dedication and achievements.

The awardees were as follows:

Adriane Carney, Defense Health Network Europe Employee of the Quarter – 1st Quarter FY25

Elaine Martin, Defense Health Network Europe Employee of the Quarter – 2nd Quarter FY25

Jamie Moore, Defense Health Network Europe Employee of the Quarter – 3rd Quarter FY 25

Max Boulton, Defense Health Network Europe Employee of the Quarter – 4th Quarter FY25 (Category 1)

Glenton Atwell, Defense Health Network Europe Employee of the Quarter – 4th Quarter FY 25 (Category 2)

Headquartered at Sembach, Germany, the Defense Health Network Europe (DHNE) proudly serves 220,000 beneficiaries across Europe. The Network delivers health care and supports medical readiness in 22 strategically located military hospitals and clinics in Bahrain, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

Source: United States Army

BETHEL, Alaska – An Alaska Army National Guard aircrew assigned to Bethel conducted a successful search-and-rescue mission to locate and extract an overdue snowmachiner during a mission coordinated through the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center.

The mission began Feb. 15 in response to a request for assistance from the Alaska State Troopers to search for an overdue snowmachiner who had been riding north of Pilot Station. The Alaska Army National Guard accepted the mission through the AKRCC and launched a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter from Bethel to search the area.

The aircrew searched for approximately three and a half hours, covering more than 100 square miles of terrain before locating the individual about 110 miles north of Bethel, roughly 30 miles east of his last known location.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nick Lime, one of the aircrew members involved in the mission, said the team first located the individual on the evening of Feb. 15 but was unable to immediately extract him because of challenging terrain and fuel limitations.

“We located him that night, and another crew member and I snowshoed about half a mile trying to link up with him,” Lime said. “But with fuel running low and the deep snow conditions, we couldn’t make it all the way in, so we dropped a survival radio and some water to make sure he could stay in contact and had what he needed overnight.”

On the morning of Feb. 16, with a storm approaching, the Army Guard aircrew returned to the area to deliver additional supplies.

“There was a storm coming in, so we flew up to drop supplies,” Lime said. “We were concerned about him being able to hold out in those conditions.”

Using the previously dropped radio, the aircrew reestablished communications with the stranded snowmachiner. He had managed to free his snowmachine but reported that his feet were hurting and freezing.

“We got him to ride it about 100 to 150 yards closer to the trail we had made the night before,” Lime said.

The crew then dropped a set of snowshoes to help him continue moving. When the snowmachine became stuck again, members of the aircrew transitioned to movement on foot.

“Once on the ground, I snowshoed another quarter mile to him,” Lime said. “I was able to link up with him and walk him back to the hawk.”

As Lime made his way toward the stranded snowmachiner, the Black Hawk pilots remained in radio communication with the individual, encouraging him to keep moving and work his way closer to the aircraft.

After reaching the aircraft, the crew brought the individual aboard and transported him to a medical facility in Bethel for evaluation.

The mission highlights the close coordination between the Alaska State Troopers, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center and the Alaska Army National Guard, as well as the aircrew’s ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions in remote winter terrain.

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Source: United States Army

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo – Engineering within Kosovo Forces Regional Command-East (KFOR RC-E) is not only about clearing obstacles; it is about laying the groundwork for a safe and secure future.

KFOR RC-E is a NATO-led peacekeeping mission focused on maintaining freedom of movement and a safe, secure environment for all people in Kosovo. Engineers from Finland, Germany and the United States routinely support this mission by clearing roadways and obstacles to ensure safe passage throughout the region.

However, most recently, they can now be found improving local infrastructure through community-focused projects, such as building playgrounds for orphanages and conducting debris removal to create safer spaces for building activities like soccer fields.

“My favorite project is the SOS Children’s Village in Pristina,” said OR-7 Christoph S. “The children’s joy shows us immediately how important this support is. It is very satisfying for all of us to be able to help exactly where help is actually needed.”

While KFOR engineers provide the labor, tools and heavy equipment required to complete these projects, funding and materials are largely dependent on local municipalities. Even tasks as simple as debris removal can be challenging when disposal costs are involved.

“We aim to influence municipality leaders to improve infrastructure,” said 1st Lt. Jacob Riederer, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team engineer and Force Protection Chief. “We try to establish those relationships and do the best with what we are given.”

These projects also allow multinational engineering teams to share different approaches to problem-solving, overcoming barriers both literally and culturally.

“Each country has its own way of engineering,” said Riederer. “Everyone does things differently. Jobs get done, but usually not in the way you expected. It adds layers of fun and mystery.”

Each nation brings unique capabilities to the mission. Finnish engineers typically employ heavier equipment such as excavators and dump trucks, while German engineers, as part of an airborne division, rely on lighter, air-transportable equipment like sling loaders.

“These different experiences and thought processes we can take back home with us,” said Riederer. “The first project we finished was the orphanage project. Whenever someone asks my wife what I do overseas, she tells them I build facilities for the Army.”

In addition to community construction projects, engineers maintain capabilities that support long-term stability across the region.

During possible periods of heightened tension, they are prepared to assist with crowd and riot control operations by providing armored personnel carriers for the safe movement of personnel and loaders to clear obstacles and restore freedom of movement.

“Working with the Finnish and American engineers is very straightforward and pleasant,” said OR-7 Christoph S. “Working together is rewarding, and the atmosphere is collegial and friendly, but always professional. Regardless of nationality, we are all pursuing the same mission.”

Whether improving infrastructure for local communities or enabling security operations, KFOR engineers are clearing obstacles today to build the foundation for a safe and secure future.

Source: United States Army

VICENZA, Italy – Five soldiers, who are more accustomed to military exercises, are now displaying their artistic abilities in a new exhibit at the Java Café and 5:01 Bistro on Caserma Ederle. The event marks the return of the “Artist of the Month” program, and it is the first time the work of Soldiers from the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program is being showcased in such a public venue.

“Typically, this event would be to highlight one artist,” said Michelle Sterkowicz, U.S. Army Garrison Italy Program Manager for Morale, Welfare and Recreation Ederle Art Center.

According to her, this time, though, the event was special, “because it is coming back after a pause and the location is the biggest difference, as previous ‘Artist of the Month; exhibits were within the Art Center.”

Sterkowicz envisions that from now on there will be space for a variety of mediums and will give the Java Café and 5:01 Bistro an opportunity to host local artists and have rotating displays.

“Just like you see in bars and cafes in Centro, [downtown Vicenza] we too will have local artists on display within USAG Italy,” she continued.

The collaboration between the BOSS program and the Ederle Art Center created a supportive outlet for Soldiers and the VMC to display their art to the local community, explained Cathy Towers, USAG Italy MWR Special Events & BOSS advisor.

“This initiative provides a non-verbal medium for self-expression and encourages the development of new skills and personal interests,” she said. Towers also highlighted that the Soldier community on post is incredibly talented. “We encourage all Soldiers to display their artwork and connect with the community.”

Participants in this first event included: Spc. Harry J. Burgos Santiago, 3rd Platoon, 108th Military Police Company; Spc. Alex Smith and Spc. Jacob Commodari, MOD, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade; Pfc. Josue Martinez, C Company MOD, 173rd Abn. Bde.; and Maj. Jon Vandeveer, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa.

All of them share an interest in photography, while exploring local areas, such as the Dolomites, Lake Garda or Vicenza.

“I got into photography as a way to slow time down, capturing details, emotions and stories that might otherwise be overlooked,” said Martinez, one of the participants. “What started as curiosity became a way of seeing the world more clearly and intentionally through my lens.”

While explaining his image “Sforza Castle” to attendants at the Feb. 4 opening night, Vandeveer, another participant, said that he has pursued photography for many years as a creative outlet, focusing on nature and architecture. His image was taken in Milan, during an Outdoor Recreation trip.

“I am drawn to capturing unique perspectives that encourage others to see familiar places in new ways,” said Vandeveer.

“Living in Vicenza has strongly influenced my work, particularly the city’s historic architecture and the moments discovered while exploring on foot.”

For those interested in participating in the upcoming “Artist of the Month” events, reach out to the Art Center at EderleArtCenter@gmail.com

The next “Artist of the Month”:

*March will be focusing on “National Crafting Month,” so anyone who has a craft to share is welcome to participate (as space allows).

*April will be focusing on “Month of the Military Child” with a youth and teen exhibit. (instead of the first Wednesday, the meet & greet for April will be on the second Wednesday due to spring break)

*June will be dedicated to the annual “Gallery at the Garrison.”

**May TBD

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

DAKAR, Senegal — U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Daniel Cederman, engaged with Senegalese senior military leaders, U.S. Department of State officials, and U.S. service members in late January as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen professional military relationships and maintain close coordination with regional partners.

During the visit, Cederman, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), met with Senegalese army Gen. Mbaye Cissé, chief of the General Staff for Senegalese Armed Forces, and Senegalese air force Brig. Gen. El Hadji Niang, chief of staff for the Senegalese air force. Discussions focused on military-to-military cooperation, professional engagement and the importance of clear communication and coordination between partner forces.

Discussions Cederman held with State Department officials and U.S. military personnel in Senegal featured ongoing collaboration and the role of integrated diplomatic and military efforts in supporting shared objectives.

Cederman also attended a ceremony at Dial Diop Barracks recognizing Cissé’s induction into the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College International Hall of Fame, located in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. This distinction honors international graduates who have reached senior leadership positions in their respective military organizations.

“Our relationship with the Senegalese Armed Forces is built on professionalism, mutual respect and consistent engagement,” Cederman said. “Visits like this allow us to maintain open dialogue and strengthen the professional relationships that support effective cooperation between our forces.”

Senegal is scheduled to participate in African Lion 2026, U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual exercise, taking place April 20 to May 8, 2026, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia. In addition to hosting a medical readiness exercise, Senegalese soldiers will participate in a combined forces exercise in Morocco as part of a broader multinational training event, supporting continued collaboration between U.S. forces and African partners.

Through visits like this, U.S. Army leaders reinforce trust, promote shared understanding and maintain strong professional ties with partner nations. These relationships support both countries’ goals of developing capable, professional forces prepared to work together effectively through routine engagement, training and dialogue.

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About African Lion

U.S. Africa Command’s premiere and largest annual joint and combined exercise, African Lion brings together thousands of military personnel across four countries to increase interoperability while strengthening shared defense capabilities and cooperation.

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.

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Source: United States Army

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Army National Guard formally established a new leadership tradition Feb. 12, presenting the inaugural Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr. Leadership Award to Chief Warrant Officer 4 Douglas Malone and Sgt. 1st Class Danielle Beasley during a ceremony at the Herbert R. Temple Army National Guard Readiness Center.

The annual award honors Soldiers who embody the 13 leadership principles championed by Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr., the visionary leader widely regarded as the father of the modern National Guard. The ceremony marked the first presentation of what will now become a yearly recognition of excellence across the force.

Temple enlisted as a private in 1947, served in combat as a noncommissioned officer during the Korean War, and later rose to serve as director of the Army National Guard and chief of the National Guard Bureau. His leadership philosophy was forged in combat and refined through decades of service. He championed professional military education, readiness, leader development, and integration with the active component, ensuring the Guard was prepared not as a strategic afterthought, but as a capable operational reserve.

“General Temple understood that the strength of the Army National Guard rests in the leaders we develop and empower,” said Lt. Gen. Jon Stubbs, director of the Army National Guard. “This award recognizes Soldiers who do more than perform well in their duties; they elevate those around them, strengthen readiness, and carry forward the standard of excellence he established for our force.”

Retired Lt. Gen. Roger Schultz, a former director of the Army National Guard who served under Temple, said the new award reflects a legacy that continues to shape the force.

“Lt. Gen. Temple was a mentor of mine. He was with me every step of my seven-year tour as director,” Schultz said. “What is being done with the Temple Awards has a real connection with Soldiers in the ranks.”

Shultz said Temple’s leadership philosophy was grounded in his enlisted roots and focused on knowledge, mission clarity, and long-term vision. He fostered a team-centered culture, delegated authority, and ensured Soldiers at every level had what they needed to succeed.

“His influence is still visible across the Army National Guard today,” Shultz said.

Temple Award nominees underwent a rigorous selection process that included detailed applications, essays, and board evaluation centered on Temple’s 13 leadership practices: knowledge, vision, objective, offense, take charge, flatten and empower, teamwork, care for subordinates, integrity, consistency, courage of convictions, nothing is impossible, and see the fight through the fighter’s eyes.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Malone was recognized primarily for embodying the principles of knowledge and vision. He emphasized technical and tactical proficiency as the foundation of credible leadership and proposed expanding Title 10-Title 32 exchange opportunities to strengthen integration and readiness across components. His forward-thinking approach reflects Temple’s strategic foresight in preparing the Guard for emerging operational demands.

Being a recipient of the inaugural Temple Leadership Award is a profound honor,” said Malone. “Lt. General Temple’s vision, which transformed the Army National Guard from a strategic reserve into an operational force, is the legacy we strive to uphold. Our mission is to ensure every action supports the warfighter, and we achieve this by adhering to his core principle: to ‘See the fight through the Soldier’s eyes’ as we enable them to meet all state and federal mission requirements.”

Sgt. 1st Class Beasley was selected for exemplifying care for subordinates and integrity. She described leadership as service, emphasizing the importance of setting a confident tone, standing with, not above, her team, and proactively shaping outcomes. Her philosophy mirrors Temple’s belief that empowered and cared-for Soldiers are central to mission success.

“Our role as leaders is to serve alongside our Soldiers and create conditions for them to thrive and accomplish the mission,” said Beasley. “I’m grateful for the leadership principles Lt. Gen. Temple established, and to the Army National Guard for the opportunity to continue to lead and serve.”

Each recipient received a statuette of Temple, a reserved parking space at the Arlington Readiness Center for one year, and a permanent inscription on the Temple Leadership Award plaque displayed at the center.

Temple once reflected that any progress achieved during his tenure belonged not to one man, but to the National Guard itself, to the Soldiers and leaders who carried the work forward. Decades later, that same spirit endures. His influence is evident not in monuments or memory alone, but in the professionalism, readiness, and character of the citizen-Soldiers who continue to build on the foundation he helped lay.

Retired Maj. Gen. Raymond “Fred” Rees, a former senior National Guard leader who served alongside Temple, said, “Lt. Gen. Temple wanted to be remembered as a citizen-Soldier. From service as a young NCO in the Korean War to his retirement as chief of the National Guard Bureau, he was a zealous believer of the citizen-Soldier and all that meant to our nation,” Rees added that Temple’s strategic vision during the defense buildup of the 1980s helped transform the Guard at the national level and shaped generations of leaders who carried that vision forward. He said the Temple Leadership Award serves as a lasting reminder of the value of committed and competent leadership.

With the presentation of the inaugural Temple Leadership Award, the Army National Guard did more than recognize two exceptional Soldiers; it set a standard. The ceremony affirmed that Temple’s principles are not confined to history but are alive in formations across the 54 states and territories. As new leaders rise and new challenges emerge, the legacy he forged endures in those who choose knowledge over complacency, service over self, and action over hesitation.

In honoring Malone and Beasley, the Army National Guard reaffirms its commitment to developing leaders of character, competence, and courage; leaders ready to fight, win, and defend the nation whenever called.

Moving forward, the Temple award will be extended to the 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

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Source: United States Army

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. – With millions of soccer fans expected to descend on the Pacific Northwest for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Washington National Guard and public safety leaders are preparing for the potential of drones falling into the wrong hands.

On Feb. 11 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Washington National Guard supported a FIFA Field Ready Range Day focused on countering unmanned aerial system threats. The training brought together military, law enforcement and interagency partners to sharpen their ability to detect, track and respond to potentially hostile drones ahead of major international events, including multiple World Cup matches scheduled in Seattle.

“I spent the last two years as the I Corps chief of staff and I have been all over the Pacific Theater trying to ensure readiness for large-scale combat operations,” said Col. Phillip Lamb, senior Army advisor for the Washington National Guard. “And what I’ve come to determine is that we’ve defined readiness improperly up until this point in time. What we’re doing here now is the future of real readiness.”

Lamb said events like the range day promote the next level of readiness.

“As you look at defense of the homeland as the priority for this administration and for the Department of War, what we’re doing out here is the beginning of generating real readiness to defend critical infrastructure, like installations and ports, from flying unmanned systems while defending and protecting critical war fighting functions,” Lamb continued. “This is now becoming the priority of effort in what we really mean when we talk about generating readiness.”

The event built on momentum from a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems Summit hosted by the Washington National Guard in November, which examined drone threats during large-scale public gatherings. Discussions during the February training reinforced the Guard’s role in supporting civil authorities, particularly in detection and monitoring, while operating within federal and state legal frameworks.

Those legal authorities were also a focus during recent testimony before state legislators, where National Guard leaders spoke in support of House Bill 2462. The bill is designed to clarify how the National Guard and Washington State Guard can assist law enforcement in responding to credible drone threats.

“It allows the governor, through the adjutant general, to set clear rules for how agencies respond to drone threats and authorizes the governor to use the National Guard to support law enforcement when needed,” said Lt. Col. Denny Frey, the adjutant general’s command action group lead. “In short, it improves coordination, closes capability gaps, and gives the state additional tools to protect the public.”

During the range day event, National Guard subject-matter experts outlined how counter-UAS support typically works during major events. Local law enforcement agencies remain responsible for establishing temporary flight restrictions through the Federal Aviation Administration, while requests for National Guard assistance are coordinated through the State Emergency Operations Center.

“The primary role of the National Guard during these missions is detection and monitoring of potentially hazardous drones,” said Lt. Col. Wes Watson, former commander of the 10th Civil Support Team. “That capability is critical when local agencies are stretched or facing a complex threat environment.”

The 10th CST has extensive experience supporting large-scale public events across the region, regularly working alongside the Seattle Police and Fire departments at professional sporting events and concerts at Lumen Field. That established relationship, officials said, will be essential as planning accelerates for World Cup security operations.

As drone technology becomes more accessible and adaptable, Washington National Guard leaders emphasized that training events like FIFA range days are vital to staying ahead of potential threats.

“We’re using FIFA as an example, as a springboard to generate that readiness. But there are other events coming up, like with Los Angeles hosting the Olympics in 2028,” said Lamb. “Defense of critical infrastructure around the entirety of this nation is so important and we are in the business of making sure that we can protect the homeland.”

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