To build new partnerships and develop accelerated warfighter capabilities, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) will host an Innovation Industry Day (I2D) — focusing on the command’s Power & Energy portfolio — on Thursday, May 14, at its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.
This event — which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — kicks off a series of Innovation Industry Days that will spotlight science and technology (S&T) topics throughout 2026. The I2D is open to technical representatives from industry seeking to do business with ONR.
VICENZA, Italy — When Staff Sgt. Michael Martin was up nights caring for his infant daughter, he was also finishing his business administration degree.
At the U.S. Army Garrison Italy 2026 Graduation Ceremony, Martin, 35, a Kansas native with the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, recalled holding her while using voice‑to‑text software for a school paper—only to discover it had transcribed him whispering her back to sleep.
“I was holding my daughter to calm her down and I was like, ‘no, no, no, stay asleep,’” Martin said. “The computer wrote that in. When I was revising my paper, I was like, ‘oh, no, I’ve got to take that out before I turn it in.’”
Fifteen graduates received degrees ranging from associate to master’s during the April 9 ceremony at the Golden Lion on Caserma Ederle. The class included Soldiers, spouses and family members earning credentials from the University of Maryland Global Campus, American Military University, the State University of New York, Arizona State and the University of Louisville. Dozens of friends and relatives attended, underscoring the community’s commitment to education.
Martin said earning his degree was a major milestone after three years of balancing school, Army duties and fatherhood.
“I’ve just been grinding it out, trying my best to not only provide for my family, but make a future for us to last forever,” he said, adding that support from his wife and encouragement from colleagues in USAG Italy’s operations directorate kept him motivated.
James Montanio, 18, who graduated from Vicenza High School last year, earned an associate degree and marked the moment by wearing a traditional Italian laurel wreath to honor his great‑grandfather, whose family came from northern Italy. Studying overseas, he said, gave him opportunities he wouldn’t have had stateside, including work at the fitness center and an internship with the garrison public affairs office. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in political science in the United States and hopes to work for the U.S. government.
When keynote speaker Brig. Gen. Daniel Cederman, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, mentioned he earned his master’s through the Army education center in 2007, Montanio immediately noticed—that was the year he was born.
“It’s this full loop of the Army system,” Montanio said. “He was talking about when he got his degree, and now I’m at that point he was talking about.”
Cederman told graduates he understood the challenge of balancing duty, family and night classes. He urged them to decide who they want to be, seize unexpected opportunities and not wait to act.
“This is a milestone achievement,” Cederman said. “I’m speaking from the heart when I say it takes real commitment to get here.”
The USAG Italy Education Center supports Soldiers, families and civilian personnel with counseling, testing and access to accredited college programs, as well as guidance on tuition assistance, credentialing and degree planning. More information is available at the garrison’s Continuing Education Services webpage.
Watch the full graduation ceremony at the U.S. Army Garrison Italy YouTube Channel
BAUMHOLDER, Germany — On any given day at the Baumholder Veterinary Treatment Facility, Sgt. Syarra Bermudez can be found moving seamlessly between patient care, leadership responsibilities and mentorship. As a 68T Animal Care Specialist, she represents a growing cohort of Soldiers who are redefining what it means to serve, balancing operational demands with family life and personal advancement.
Bermudez, who enlisted in 2019, did not begin her Army career in veterinary medicine. Initially trained as a combat engineer, she entered the service expecting a path centered on demolitions. Instead, her early experience, shaped by the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, required flexibility.
After graduating from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, she reported to her first duty station at Fort Polk, Louisiana, where she worked in route clearance operations and steadily assumed increasing responsibility. By the time she departed, she had advanced to specialist, serving as a master driver and team leader.
The transition to veterinary services in 2022 marked a return to a longstanding personal goal.
“I always wanted to be a vet tech,” Bermudez said. “I like helping animals and being the voice, they don’t have.”
In 2023, she arrived in Baumholder, where her role quickly expanded beyond clinical duties.
Within a short period, Bermudez was placed in positions of significant responsibility, including serving as a noncommissioned officer in charge. Colleagues describe her leadership style as direct and approachable, with a consistent emphasis on safety and accountability. Bermudez said she prioritizes mentorship, particularly for junior Soldiers.
“I enjoy teaching people and helping them learn something new,” she said. “That’s something I make time for.”
Her professional scope extends into the broader military community. Bermudez regularly participates in town halls and garrison events and plays an active role in organizing training. She recently helped coordinate three international Canine Tactical Combat Casualty Care events, bringing together partners to strengthen readiness and interoperability.
In January 2023, Sgt. Syarra Bermudez learned she was expecting a child; she gave birth in August of the same year. (Photo Credit: Michelle Thum)VIEW ORIGINAL
These responsibilities coincide with major milestones in her personal life. In January 2023, Bermudez learned she was expecting a child; she gave birth in August of the same year. At the same time, she began pursuing an associate degree, adding academic demands to an already full schedule.
Much of that work takes place after hours. “After my child goes to bed, that’s when I focus on school,” she said. While she acknowledges that time management can be a challenge, she has developed strategies to stay on track. “I make lists and turn things into a competition with myself,” she said.
Bermudez credits her ability to manage competing priorities to a strong support system at home. Part of a dual-military household, she described her husband as a critical partner in maintaining balance. “If I can’t give 100 percent, he’ll pick up the rest,” she said. “That support makes everything possible.”
Despite the demands of her current role, Bermudez is focused on long-term goals. She expects to complete her associate degree soon and plans to become a licensed veterinary technician. Looking ahead, she hopes to attend veterinary school and return to the Army as a commissioned officer.
Her outlook reflects a broader perspective on service and adaptability.
“The Army teaches you how to work through different situations and adjust,” she said. “It’s an organization that continues to change with the times.”
Sgt. Syarra Bermudez’s outlook reflects a broader perspective on service and adaptability. “The Army teaches you how to work through different situations and adjust,” she said. “It’s an organization that continues to change with the times.” (Photo Credit: Michelle Thum)VIEW ORIGINAL
For Bermudez, the most meaningful aspect of her work lies in its impact, whether through patient care, mentorship or everyday interactions. “You have an effect on people, even in small ways,” she said. “Something as simple as saying ‘good morning’ can make a difference.”
As she continues to navigate the demands of military service, education and family life, Bermudez’s trajectory underscores a consistent theme: a willingness to take on challenges, adapt quickly and invest in others along the way.
USAG BAVARIA – HOHENFELS, Germany – Dietmar Meier, an airfield operations manager with more than four decades of experience all at Hohenfels Army Airfield, concluded his career March 27, 2026 with friends and colleagues on the tarmac of the airfield he dedicated his professional life to.
As part of Meier’s send-off on a clear, cold morning, the airfield’s fire prevention team drove him the length of the airfield.
While the fire prevention team and Meier drove, his colleagues walked from the airfield operations building to just outside a hangar at the other end to take a group photo of the team.
Colleagues knew Meier as “Didi,” a name that had followed him since childhood. Others of his colleagues had a different name for Meier: Mr. Airfield. Meier, for his part, attributes the nickname to him knowing from years of experience most everyone to contact whenever the team needed to accomplish something.
Meier’s connection to the U.S. Army and to Hohenfels partly because his family lived immediately off post in the market town Schmidmühlen.
“I was born in Schmidmühlen,” Meier said. “I grew up in Schmidmühlen. I live in Schmidmühlen. I think I’m going to die there.”
Meier’s father worked for housing on-post, so after schooling, Meier himself decided to apply for a position. He started in September 1983, and, after his probationary period, became part of the airfield crew in February 1984. Meier attributes his longevity in the location to the career field – aviation – being exciting.
“If I look back, the 42 years, this is the truth: I enjoyed every single day,” he said. “I cannot remember a day where I thought I do not want to come to work. It was always exciting.”
After Meier received awards and applause from his colleagues, he took a few moments to speak, thanking his team members and remembering others. He also commended his employer.
1 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –USAG BAVARIA – HOHENFELS, Germany — Dietmar Meier, left, the outgoing airfield operations manager, holds up a plaque with a map of the Hohenfels training area. Meier, who has more than four decades of experience at Hohenfels Army Airfield, concluded his career March 27, 2026 at the airfield. (U.S. Army photo by Bryan Gatchell, USAG Bavaria Public Affairs) (Photo Credit: Bryan Gatchell)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –USAG BAVARIA – HOHENFELS, Germany — Colleagues stand with Dietmar Meier, center holding certificate, the outgoing airfield operations manager, on the tarmac of the airfield he dedicated his career to. Meier, who has more than four decades of experience at Hohenfels Army Airfield, concluded his career March 27, 2026 at the airfield. (U.S. Army photo by Bryan Gatchell, USAG Bavaria Public Affairs) (Photo Credit: Bryan Gatchell)VIEW ORIGINAL
“The U.S. Army was always, over my 42, 43 years, a loyal employer,” he said.
Meier plans to spend time at his house in Schmidmühlen, time with his Family elsewhere in Bavaria, and time traveling with his wife to vacation spots throughout Europe.
Following a historic lunar flyby at a record-setting distance, the Artemis II crew is now on its return journey, with splashdown expected Friday in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 50-60 miles off the coast of San Diego. Awaiting their arrival will be USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26), positioned to recover the astronauts and capsule.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and Tinker Air Force Base is committed to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and fostering a culture of dignity and respect. This month serves as a focused time for the Tinker community to reinforce its commitment to eliminating sexual assault. While April is recognized as SAAPM, the effort to combat sexual assault is a year-round commitment.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink recognized Richard Borth, National Air and Space Intelligence Center researcher with the 2024 Harold Brown Award for his work developing an artificial intelligence algorithm to detect deployed weapons systems in synthetic aperture radar imagery.
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) successfully launched three advanced experimental payloads aboard the Department of War (DoW) Space Test Program’s (STP) Satellite-7 mission at approximately 4:33 a.m. PDT on April 7 from Vandenberg U.S. Space Force (USSF) Base, Calif.
HONOLULU — The Oahu Veterinary Network continues to demonstrate how an integrated system of care can simultaneously enhance military readiness and provide high-quality, accessible services to the military community. By linking multiple veterinary treatment facilities (VTFs) across the island, the network creates a dynamic training platform for active-duty personnel while reducing reliance on civilian specialty care for military families and their pets.
That capability was recently demonstrated through the case of Trixie, a family dog that presented to the Schofield Barracks Veterinary Treatment Facility with acute abdominal distress. Clinical signs and diagnostic imaging quickly raised concern for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition requiring immediate surgical intervention.
“Trixie came in with classic symptoms that made us highly concerned for a stomach torsion,” said Maj. Perri Salazar, veterinarian at Schofield Barracks. “Her radiographs supported that assessment, and we knew time was critical.”
Rather than referring Trixie to a civilian emergency hospital, the Schofield team leveraged the Oahu Veterinary Network to transfer her to the Hickam Veterinary Treatment Facility, which provides advanced surgical and specialty care capabilities. This internal referral system ensured continuity of care while maximizing training opportunities for Army veterinary personnel.
“The network allowed us to move quickly and keep the case within our system,” said Maj. Luigi Topacio, veterinary officer at Hickam. “That means better coordination for the patient, cost savings for the family, and, most importantly, invaluable surgical experience for our team.”
At Hickam, the surgical team prepared for what they expected to be a GDV correction. Upon exploration, they confirmed a severe gastric condition requiring immediate intervention. The surgery was successful, and Trixie made a full recovery under the care of the Army veterinary team.
Cases like Trixie’s highlight the dual benefit of the Oahu Veterinary Network. For military families, it reduces the financial burden often associated with off-base specialty care. For active-duty veterinarians and technicians, it provides critical exposure to complex, high-acuity cases essential for maintaining clinical proficiency.
“As Army veterinary professionals, we have to be ready to operate in austere and unpredictable environments,” said Maj. Luigi Topacio, Veterinary Corps officer. “Having access to complex surgical cases in garrison directly translates to readiness downrange.”
The network model also enhances collaboration across installations, fostering a shared standard of care and improving overall efficiency. By distributing workload and aligning capabilities across clinics, the system ensures that each facility contributes to both patient care and professional development.
“The Oahu Veterinary Network is more than just a referral system — it’s a deliberate training strategy,” said Lt. Col. Lauren Hamlin, commander of Veterinary Readiness Activity, Hawaii. “We are building confident, capable veterinary teams who can manage everything from routine wellness to life-saving surgical interventions, all while supporting the military community we serve.”
Through innovative integration of resources and a focus on readiness, the Oahu Veterinary Network continues to set the standard for Army veterinary services — where every case is not only an opportunity to care, but an opportunity to train.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Guardsmen from the Tennessee National Guard’s 278th Cavalry Regiment became the state’s first licensed drivers on the Army’s new Infantry Squad Vehicle during training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, March 31–April 2, marking a key step in the unit’s transition to a faster, more deployable force.
The certification comes as the 278th begins converting from an Armored Brigade Combat Team to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team — a shift aligned with the Army’s transformation efforts to field lighter, more agile units capable of rapid deployment in combat and domestic response missions.
Select Soldiers from across the state completed Infantry Squad Vehicle Operator New Equipment Training, hosted by the 101st Airborne Division, and will now return to their units to train others.
“I was thrilled to finally be able to get hands-on with these new vehicles so I can begin teaching my Soldiers about them,” said Staff Sgt. Albert Ziss, training noncommissioned officer for Lebanon’s 3rd Battalion. “Everyone at my unit has been looking forward to getting and operating these new ISVs since they were first announced.”
Last May, the 278th learned it would be among the first National Guard units to transition to the Mobile Brigade Combat Team structure. MBCTs are designed to be lighter, faster and more lethal than traditional armored formations, while also being more cost-effective and deployable more quickly.
“For decades, the 278th has been Armored Cavalry and we pride ourselves on being the best at what we do,” said Ziss. “So being one of the first National Guard units to transform into this new, more lethal structure is only fitting and we’re proud to do it.”
The Infantry Squad Vehicle is central to that transformation, enabling infantry Soldiers to move faster with their equipment, reach objectives more quickly and operate with greater flexibility on the battlefield.
“When we heard that we were getting these new ISVs as replacements to our current tactical vehicles, everyone was excited,” said Ziss. “Now, after training with one, I see how incredibly easy they are to use and drive, and how much more versatile they are than our current vehicles. The ISV is so much better than we could’ve hoped for.”
The nine-passenger ISV, built by GM Defense and based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 platform, is lightweight and designed for rapid deployment, including airdrop and helicopter sling-load operations.
“One of the many great things about these vehicles is that they are light, easy to work on, and can be configured to perform countless missions required by Soldiers,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Mines, master driver for the 101st Airborne Division and course instructor. “Also, 90 percent of the parts required for maintaining the ISV are commercial, off-the-shelf. These vehicles are much easier to maintain and repair than their predecessors.”
Because the ISV is based on a commercial platform, it is also easier for Soldiers to operate.
“It is not very difficult to drive or maintain these vehicles,” said Mines. “They handle, maneuver, and run like a typical truck, so most Soldiers are very comfortable with that already. The dashboard and layout were kept like a traditional civilian car or truck, making it very intuitive to operate.”
Despite those similarities, the ISV is built for combat and can transport nine Soldiers with full combat loads across rugged terrain. Its modular design allows units to configure the vehicle for a variety of mission sets.
“Staff Sgt. Mines gave all of us detailed training on all of the possible uses and capabilities of the ISVs and how to operate them safely while getting the most benefit from them,” said Ziss. “I thought that one of the most interesting features was the ability to lock a rescue litter into the back to rapidly evacuate a wounded Soldier if needed. I hope I never have to use it, but glad to know it’s there.”
Units across Tennessee have begun receiving the new vehicles and will continue transitioning in the coming months. The newly certified operators are expected to accelerate fielding and help the 278th build a more agile and lethal force.
“These vehicles are just what we needed, and I look forward to getting them at our armories,” said Ziss.