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.
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.
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.
VICENZA, Italy — The 173rd Airborne Brigade continued to sharpen the edge of its future leadership with a squad leader academy, a weeklong course designed to prepare emerging noncommissioned officers to lead Soldiers in complex, uncertain environments, Jan. 23-30, 2026.
The academy blended rigorous troop leading procedures, maintenance standards and small-unit tactics with a deliberate focus on character, competence and the hard-earned lessons of the brigade’s storied past.
The course, led by 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, “The Rock,” brought together up‑and‑coming squad leaders for intensive instruction on planning and executing squad‑level operations. Training included daily physical readiness sessions from the U.S. Army Holistic Health and Fitness program. Instructors from across the battalion reinforced standards and evaluated students throughout the week, ensuring each leader met the expectations required of a “Sky Soldier” noncommissioned officer.
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Briggs, senior enlisted leader of 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, addresses current and future squad leaders during the brigade’s squad leader academy hosted at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 27, 2026. The squad leader academy is part of a series of instructional, hands-on and physically demanding leadership development courses geared toward preparing the next generation of leaders for the future fight. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) (Photo Credit: Maj. Joe Legros)VIEW ORIGINAL
“This academy is about readiness,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Samuel Benfer, platoon sergeant assigned to 2nd Platoon, Battle Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment. “We’re preparing squad leaders to deploy into uncertainty, outthink and outfight our adversaries, and bring their Soldiers home with honor. That starts with mastering the basics and understanding the responsibility that comes with leading paratroopers.”
While tactical training forms the backbone of the course, one of the most impactful events came during the “Restrepo Panel,” a leadership discussion centered on the documentary “Restrepo” by Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington. The Oscar-nominated film chronicles the 2-503rd’s Battle Company during its deployment to Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley from 2007-2008, where U.S. Army Sgt. Juan Restrepo and several Sky Soldiers died in combat.
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Klye Steiner, the assistant detachment commander of 7th Special Forces Group, addresses current and future squad leaders assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, during the brigade’s squad leader academy hosted at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 27, 2026. Steiner, a former “Sky Soldier,” deployed with the brigade in 2007-2008 to Afghanistan, and drew from that experience to provide insight on the tools necessary for successful training and deployment. The squad leader academy is part of a series of instructional, hands-on and physically demanding leadership development courses geared toward preparing the next generation of leaders for the future fight. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) (Photo Credit: Maj. Joe Legros)VIEW ORIGINAL
Following the screening, students participated in a live video teleconference with Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kyle Steiner of 7th Special Forces Group and retired Sgt. Maj. LaMonta Caldwell. Both leaders served with the 173rd during the deployment depicted in the film and were present during the events surrounding Restrepo’s death.
Their candid reflections offered the new squad leaders a direct connection to the brigade’s lineage and a deeper understanding of the weight of leadership in combat.
Steiner and Caldwell pointed to the 173rd’s role as a contingency response force, enhanced by their strategic location in Italy, a stone’s throw away from multiple conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Injecting lessons from those conflicts, as well as the everchanging geopolitical climate, makes for realistic training for the brigade.
Current and future U.S. Army squad leaders assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, listen to a panel discussion during the brigade’s squad leader academy hosted at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 27, 2026. The squad leader academy is part of a series of instructional, hands-on and physically demanding leadership development courses geared toward preparing the next generation of leaders for the future fight. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) (Photo Credit: MAJ Joe Legros)VIEW ORIGINAL
Students arrived prepared with questions about leading under fire, building trust within a squad, and taking care of Soldiers during the most difficult moments of a deployment. The discussion highlighted the brigade’s belief that readiness is not only technical and tactical, but also moral and emotional.
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Briggs, senior enlisted leader of 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, addresses current and future squad leaders during the brigade’s squad leader academy hosted at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 27, 2026. The squad leader academy is part of a series of instructional, hands-on and physically demanding leadership development courses geared toward preparing the next generation of leaders for the future fight. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) (Photo Credit: Maj. Joe Legros)VIEW ORIGINAL
“Watching ‘Restrepo’ was required upon arriving at the unit,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Damien Jette, a squad leader and academy participant. “I also served together with Sgt. Maj. Caldwell’s son when he was part of Battle Company, so to connect the family lineage through this squad leader academy has been an amazing opportunity.”
By combining demanding training with the lessons of past Sky Soldiers, the 173rd is shaping leaders who are prepared for the missions ahead, while staying grounded in the history that defines the brigade.
“The lineage really stood out to me [as well as] the work that those squad leaders put into their Soldiers,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Austin Locke, a squad leader participating in the academy. “Back then they built an outpost on a mountain. It relates directly to us building trenches in Slovenia for live-fire training. You can see how leadership continues to build from one generation to the next.”
As the 173rd Airborne Brigade remains forward deployed as the Army’s contingency response force in Europe, the squad leader academy plays a critical role in ensuring the formation stays ready, empowered and disciplined.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward stationed in Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to enhance readiness and lethality.
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.
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.
VICENZA, Italy – A member of the Vicenza Military Community attends the opening night Feb. 4, 2026, of the “Artist of the Month” at the Java Café and 5:01 Bistro on Caserma Ederle. Five Soldiers from the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program have the opportunity to display their artistic abilities in a new exhibit that marks the return of the “Artist of the Month” program, The event is part of collaboration between the BOSS program and the Ederle Art Center. (Photo Credit: Laura Kreider)VIEW ORIGINAL
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.”
VICENZA, Italy – The collaboration between the U.S. Army Garrison Italy Morale, Welfare and Recreation Art Center on Caserma Ederle and the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) brought back the “Artist of the Month” program at a new location Feb. 4, 2026. In the upcoming months, there will be space to host local artists and have rotating displays at the Java Café and 5:01 Bistro on Caserma Ederle. (Photo Credit: Laura Kreider)VIEW ORIGINAL
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.”
The Navy is advancing the Chief of Naval Operations’ No Sailor Lives Afloat initiative, which ensures all Sailors assigned to ships and afloat units have access to housing ashore. As of February, approximately 4,500 Sailors have transitioned from living afloat to residing ashore.
AFSOC opened the 2026 Special Air Warfare Symposium with senior leaders underscoring the command’s enduring focus on people and rapid adaptability to win the future fight in a complex and ever-changing global security environment.
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.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Daniel Cederman, left, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), meets with Senegalese army Gen. Mbaye Cissé, chief of the General Staff for Senegalese Armed Forces at Dakar, Senegal, late January 2026. Their discussions focused on military-to-military cooperation, professional engagement and the importance of clear communication and coordination between partner forces. (Courtesy photo.) (Photo Credit: Courtesy)VIEW ORIGINAL
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.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Daniel Cederman, right, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), presents Senegalese army Gen. Mbaye Cissé, left, chief of the General Staff for Senegalese Armed Forces, with a certificate announcing Cissé’s induction into the U.S. Army Command and Staff College International Hall of Fame, late January 2026. Their discussions focused on military-to-military cooperation, professional engagement and the importance of clear communication and coordination between partner forces. (Courtesy photo.) (Photo Credit: Courtesy)VIEW ORIGINAL
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.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Daniel Cederman, far right, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), attends a formal ceremony with Senegalese army Gen. Mbaye Cissé, second from the right, chief of the General Staff for Senegalese Armed Forces at Dakar, Senegal, late January 2026. Their discussions focused on military-to-military cooperation, professional engagement and the importance of clear communication and coordination between partner forces. (Courtesy photo.) (Photo Credit: Courtesy)VIEW ORIGINAL
“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.
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.
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.”