Category: US Army

Source: United States Army

VICENZA, Italy – When Maj. Brian Bailey pulled into an Austrian rest stop, plumes of black smoke billowed from a tractor-trailer cab engulfed by flames.

Nearby were two people on the ground, dangerously close to the fire. Adrenaline raced through Bailey’s body as he ran toward the blaze. A woman screamed “Help my husband!”

Bailey, a chaplain at U.S. Army Garrison Italy, was returning to Vicenza from a course in Grafenwöhr, Germany, on March 8 when he pulled into to rest area in Angath, about 40 miles northeast of Innsbruck.

One victim, the truck’s driver, was severely burned and unresponsive. The second man, a Lithuanian passerby, had pulled the driver out but fell five feet during the rescue, shattering his leg. His wife had been calling for help.

Bailey, a Tennessee native and Iraq veteran, had been in tense situations before. Soldier training, to include the Combat Lifesaver Course and Combat Medical Ministry training kicked in.

“Those courses prepared me to be a first responder for physical and spiritual injuries and when faced with the reality of the situation,” Bailey said. “The skills I had been taught allowed me to act.”

The trucker, a man from Uzbekistan, was severely burned and bloodied. Bailey and another bystander – a Polish man named Bongo – carefully moved the trucker away from the flames. They gently placed him beside the Lithuanian – Bailey called him Otto – who was on a trip with his wife and nephew.

Bailey helped cut away the trucker’s burned clothes and assessed his injuries. He had shallow breathing and a fast, weak pulse. He and Bongo prepared to conduct CPR, clearing his airway, tilting his head back and elevating his feet. Worried that his heart may stop, Bailey ran into the rest stop and, using his high school-level German, convinced staff to get an automated external defibrillator.

Back outside, they continued to monitor the victims’ vital signs. Bailey told other people to call for help and spoke to the emergency dispatcher through a bystander’s phone, sharing information while continuing to provide care.

Otto, the Lithuanian, was in extreme pain. They didn’t want to move him any further so they did their best to shield him from the heat of the flames, growing higher as the fire consumed the whole front of the truck nearby.

Several loud explosions erupted from the burning cab. Other truckers, using handheld extinguishers, attempted to put the fire out, but their efforts were in vain.

The first Austrian paramedics to arrive didn’t have gear to move the injured. Then Austrian police and ambulances arrived. Bailey helped them move the injured to a safer spot for further care.

“We first placed the burn victim on a litter and moved him to a grassy area away from the fire,” Bailey said. “We then returned for the second man with the broken leg, and I assisted a paramedic in stabilizing his leg with an air splint.”

As the medics worked, Bailey spoke to Otto, offering encouragement. Bailey helped lift Otto into an ambulance, that transported him to the nearby Kufstein District Hospital, according to Austrian news outlets. The driver was airlifted by helicopter to the Murnau am Staffelsee Hospital in Bavaria with severe burns.

During the Initial investigations, police said a technical defect in the driver’s cab caused the fire, according to Austrian news reports.

Reflecting afterward, Bailey thought of his training as an Army chaplain and passages from the Bible – things that helped him process the stressful event. Bailey’s religious beliefs have been at the forefront of his mind since the incident. He believes that his involvement was not by chance. He speaks humbly of the steps he took that afternoon, from the first aid to the comforting words of encouragement that he offered.

“My deepest wish was for my actions to point not to myself, but to the profound hope and compassion that Jesus speaks of,” Bailey said. “I am humbled to have been a small part of the care for the wounded, and I pray that my service brought a glimmer of that divine hope to a very dark situation.”

Source: United States Army

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – The yearly Army Emergency Relief (AER) campaign kicked off on installations across the world on March 1. The campaign, which runs until June 14, educates Soldiers about the types of AER assistance available to them and provides the opportunity for them to donate to help fellow Soldiers.

To jump start this year’s campaign, the garrison hosted several kick-off events, including breakfasts at dining facilities in Baumholder, Kaiserslautern and Landstuhl, and a cake cutting in Sembach.

Jessee Dean, AER specialist with USAG Rheinland-Pfalz Army Community Service, said the garrison’s goals for this year are to reach a 20 percent participation rate for all active duty soldiers and to notify all active duty members of the services AER provides.

Dean said that during last year’s campaign, USAG-Rheinland-Pfalz contributed $31,585 to the campaign. This year’s goal is to exceed that total and take in at least $32,000 in donations.

The Army Emergency Relief fund has provided soldiers and Army families with over $2 Billion in financial assistance to nearly four million people over the last 84 years.

“AER is one of the best organizations helping soldiers and families,” said USAG Rheinland-Pfalz Command Sergeant Major Randy Rivera, noting that AER provides soldiers with zero-interest loans, grants and a variety of different types of financial assistance, including scholarships for dependent spouses and children for up to a four-year degree.

Rivera also explained that AER offers grants for soldiers and families’ permanent change of station (PCS) travel and emergency leave. They offer coverage for up to $500 or 50 percent of the price of airline tickets for emergency leave, and even financial assistance for things like car repair.

AER is solely funded by donations from active duty, U.S. Army Reserve, Army National Guard and retired Soldiers, and other organizations whose goal is to support Soldiers during times of financial difficulty.

If you are interested in donating, head to https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/donate/ and select one of the two donation options – standard online donation via bank card, eCheck or PayPal, or a recurring payroll allotment. Additionally, cash and check donations can be given via DA Form 4908, which can be obtained through and turned into AER Unit Representatives.

For more information on the Army Emergency Relief Fund Campaign and how to support, visit the official AER website at https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org, contact your unit AER representative, or reach out to Dean at +49 (0) 9641-70-541-9012

U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz sets, serves and secures the total force community, enabling power projection for the European Theater.

Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/usag_rp

Source: United States Army

SEMBACH, Germany — Far from the familiar formations of the U.S. Army, a select group of American Soldiers is deeply embedded within the military forces of their European allies. Each year, U.S. Army NATO brings these exchange officers together for a crucial training and leader development event, ensuring they remain ready and connected while serving in isolated assignments across seven countries.

This initiative is part of the Military Personnel Exchange Program, a cornerstone of security cooperation since 1954. The program is designed for the reciprocal exchange of personnel, placing U.S. Soldiers in allied units and vice versa. According to Todd Scatini, the MPEP program manager for U.S. Army Europe and Africa, it’s a powerful framework for building partner capacity and integrating forces at the unit level. The program, he said, allows the U.S. to tangibly demonstrate its commitment by having a presence directly within allied formations.

The annual gathering is more than just a training requirement; it’s a vital opportunity for connection and shared understanding.

“It’s always good to bring the folks in to put a face to a name and have a discussion about what’s going on in your part of the world,” said Col. Jeremiah D. Pope, commander of U.S. Army NATO Brigade.

Beyond the immediate benefits of camaraderie, the program plays a vital role in the strategic fabric of the alliance. This broader perspective was emphasized by U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kareem (Monty) Montague, an exchange officer assigned to the French Forces Command in Lille, France.

“I think this training is incredibly important because we are all stationed across Europe, working regularly with our European partners,” he said. “And there is a benefit to bringing all of us together once a year, not just to meet annual training requirements, but to share lessons learned and integrate our understanding of the unique challenges we all face.”

Montague stressed that the true power of the program lies in building the deep-seated trust that is essential for combined operations.

“If we’re going to fight with allies, we have to understand them, and there has to be a mutual trust that’s only gained over time,” he explained. “The more people who have experiences serving in those allied formations and take those experiences back to the U.S., the better we understand our allies and the more effective we’ll be on the battlefield, which is where it all matters.”

This visible presence of American Soldiers in allied ranks sends a clear message of solidarity. Capt. Paolo Bonventre, a military exchange officer with the Folgore Airborne Brigade in Livorno, Italy, sees this as a fundamental aspect of his role.

“I think right off the bat, it is important because it provides a presence and shows our commitment to our allies, that we are invested in our relationship with them,” he said.

The program’s influence also cascades through the ranks. Scatini highlighted that U.S. Army sergeants major are teaching in NCO academies in the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy. “In terms of impact and ability to educate and inspire an allied NCO Corps,” he said, “those sergeants major are senior leaders to a generation of noncommissioned officers that then go out and become the backbone of our partner armies.”

For the officers themselves, the annual training is a welcome chance to build their own support network. “This is a time for me to be able to meet these guys, get some perspective from them, and make those connections with them,” Bonventre noted.

Recognizing the challenges of being in isolated assignments, the leadership of U.S. Army NATO ensures that robust support is always available.

“Don’t suffer in silence,” Pope urged the exchange officers. “The U.S. Army NATO support staff, whether it’s finance, medical, administrative, whatever it is, we have a section to help you take care of that… I have an open-door policy. Just come right down and talk to me.”

U.S. Army NATO provides direct support to approximately 60 MPEP Soldiers and their families across Europe and also supports roughly 1,000 Soldiers assigned to NATO billets at 84 locations in 24 countries.

Source: United States Army

PICACHO STAGE FIELD, Ariz. — Soldiers with the 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Arizona Army National Guard, trained alongside federal, state and local firefighting partners during helicopter bucket aerial firefighting qualification hosted by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, March 5, strengthening the state’s ability to rapidly respond to wildland fires.

The training ensures Arizona National Guard Soldiers remain prepared to combat wildland fires from the air. It included classroom instruction and field drills designed to test coordination between helicopter crews and firefighting ground crews. Personnel with the 2-285th AHB, DFFM, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and local fire departments practiced interagency operations to train and qualify in calling for and executing aerial water drops. Trainings like these enhance collaboration between military and mutual aid agencies while reinforcing the Army National Guard’s dedication to readiness and emergency response.

“This training is critical for ensuring our crews are ready to respond effectively to wildland fires when called upon,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephan Hilgendorf, 2-285th instructor pilot. “Flying with the Water Bucket requires precision, teamwork and clear communication with ground crews to deliver water safely and efficiently where it’s needed most. The opportunity to train alongside firefighting professionals in real-world scenarios strengthens our ability to integrate into joint operations and protect lives, property and natural resources, directly supporting our communities.”

More than 40 UH-60 Black Hawk pilots and crew chiefs successfully qualified in aerial firefighting for the 2026 season. Each crew member is essential to mission execution. While the pilots navigate the aircraft, crew chiefs play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of aerial firefighting operations.

“The crew chief is the one who truly directs the helicopter bucket,” said Staff Sgt. Tyler Mowbray, 2-285th crew chief. “We are the pilot’s eyes on the ground and the steady hand ensuring 600 gallons of water is picked up, flown and delivered with precision and safety. Without our constant vigilance and communication from the cabin, the bucket is just dead weight; with us, it’s a mission-critical tool.”

Given Arizona’s unique conditions, where fire season is not confined to a single period, and wildland fires can ignite year-round, it is essential for the Arizona National Guard to maintain a constant state of readiness. Through real-world training and interagency coordination with local mutual aid partners, the battalion remains committed to being always ready and always there to respond to emergencies at home.

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

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – Army armament engineers here partnered with a pair of Pennsylvania companies, one with alloy expertise and the other with forging metals, to deliver a capable barrel for the Army’s next generation of small arms.

Carpenter Technology developed the alloy and Geissele Automatics (also known as GWYNEDD) developed the production techniques for the barrels, while the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center provided the expertise in gun technology to deliver an innovation that is key to meeting the required capability.

This novel barrel design, created as part of two separate CRADAs (Cooperative Research and Development Agreements) between the Armaments Center, Geissele and Carpenter, relies on the alloy, GNB 200, which provides Army small caliber next generation weapons with higher tensile strength and, with it, better wear resistance.

This advancement came after several projects focusing specifically on barrel technology over the past decade.

According to general engineer Daniel Cler, the design’s principal investigator, DEVCOM had tested several “high alloy barrel materials” over the decade, seeking to help alleviate pressure buildup, corrosion and mechanical wear as next-generation weapons maintain significantly higher-pressure than their legacy counterparts, this could in turn worsen barrel wear.

In the past several years, the U.S. Army has attempted to shift away from using hazardous heavy metals such as hexavalent chromium coatings, which is still renowned for its longevity, but is known to cause significant health problems in production when hexavalent chromium is in solution.

Seeking to replace hexavelant chrome coatings with barrel materials that provide good wear and corrosion performance without coatings, the Army has performed research into a plethora of different metals. However, many of these materials were too hard to cold hammer forge, a method that is the current manufacturing technology for most military small arms. Because of this, the Armaments Center was refocusing on hammer forging and materials that were compatible with the process when it signed both CRADAs in 2022.

GNB 200 is, per Carpenter Technology’s website, a “premium remelted alloy steel specially formulated for high temperature wear resistance.” According to Cler, GNB 200 is near the upper limit of what can reliably be cold-hammer forged.

Carpenter Technology was already highly familiar with GNB 200, and as such provided samples for testing, along with several other materials. The Armaments Center gave guidance, processed information, provided support for analysis and result documentation and carried out accelerated wear testing for proposed alloys.

Work with Geissele focused on manufacturability and feasibility. Geissele cold hammer forged the barrels themselves, provided input and direction for coating alternatives and specifications, performed testing on barrels, and processed parameters on manufacturability. In this stage, the Armaments Center gave its expertise on barrel technologies, provided ammunition for testing and performed project oversight.

The parties involved tested the barrels in an M240L machine guns over the project’s third and final year, which ended in spring 2025. The material showed much better performance than the standard M240L barrel and now informs future Army next generation weapons.

GNB 200 continues to inform the next generation of Army small caliber weapons.Though the CRADA with Carpenter Technology has expired, DEVCOM renewed its CRADA with Geissele for another three years to continue development of barrel coatings.

A CRADA is a written agreement between one or more federal laboratories and one or more non-federal parties to work together on research or development.

The GNB 200 hammer forged barrel is not the only project made in collaboration with Geissele. The pair also collaborated on developing a new rifle profile which has been shown to further reduce wear and improve dispersion. This profile, classified as F41A21/18, received a patent in October 2025.

Cler said he was most proud of seeing a project he worked on informed next generation systems. He also noted how important it is to have some influence upon the industry in the correct direction, though he lamented not being able to get involved earlier.

“CRADA’s are a good way to influence industry so that as systems are developed to meet Army requirements, industry is ready to jump in with better solutions that are more aligned with the Army,” he said.

Source: United States Army

LANDSTUHL, Germany — For some, leadership is a title. For a veterinary food inspector with Veterinary Readiness Activity, Rheinland Pfalz, it’s an action. It’s about leading from the front, pushing through adversity, and proving that with the right team, any obstacle can be overcome.

Currently serving as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge for the Benelux Branch Sgt. First Class Marissa Henson’s eleven-year career is a testament to her philosophy of resilience, teamwork and stepping outside her comfort zone.

Most recently, Henson’s tenacity was on full display during the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge competition. This multinational event, hosted by the Bundeswehr, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Army in the Kaiserslautern area, is a grueling test of physical and mental endurance.

For Henson, the decision to participate was almost an afterthought. “I didn’t originally plan to compete but there was another spot available so I took it,” she recalled. “I saw it as my last hooah before I PCS in June.”

Despite her impromptu decision, she not only competed but excelled, earning the title of top-performing female. The achievement was a surprise, even to her.

“I felt fairly unprepared. I didn’t train up for it,” Henson admitted. The competition presented significant hurdles, most notably the ruck march. “The ruck march was the most challenging out of the event,” she said. “I’m short so I basically had to do a light jog the entire time.”

Pushing through the pain and exhaustion, she didn’t just complete the event; she embraced the challenge and emerged victorious, embodying the very advice she offers to her Soldiers:

“Push yourself and you might surprise yourself with how much you’re capable of. Be scared but still do it. Just go for it.”

This spirit of perseverance was forged long before the GAFPB. Henson’s nine-month deployment to Afghanistan crystalized her understanding of teamwork and resilience. Facing the holidays far from home, she learned a lesson that has defined her career.

“I truly enjoy the cohesion of the team,” she reflected. “I deployed to Afghanistan and was gone for the holidays but I learned you can do anything with the right team.” This belief in the power of a cohesive unit is the bedrock of her leadership style.

As a leader, Henson doesn’t direct from the sidelines. She leads by doing.

“How do I teach my Soldiers about leadership? By doing it with them. I don’t tell them what to do, I set the example by doing it alongside them.”

This approach fosters trust and confidence, creating an environment where Soldiers have each other’s backs because they know their leader has theirs.

Throughout her career, Henson has consistently sought out opportunities to grow and challenge herself. During a posting in Hawaii, she took on the demanding role of NCOIC for the Rim of the Pacific exercise, the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise.

The position offered a “great opportunity to work alongside our Navy and Air Force counterparts,” broadening her perspective and enhancing her ability to operate in a joint environment.

She has also competed in Best Warrior competitions and, in a shift from her usual role as a competitor, ran the water survival lane at the MEDCOM Best Medic Competition.

Her experiences, from deployment to multinational exercises, have given her a profound appreciation for the importance of readiness. Her time in Kaiserslautern has offered a different pace, but her past has informed her present.

She understands “why readiness is so important, why we train and why we train the way we train.”

Henson’s impact on the Veterinary Readiness Activity, Rheinland-Pfalz is significant.

She has been instrumental in assisting with the Best Warrior competition, ranges, and field training exercises. Looking to the future, she is planning an ATX and K9 TCCC for Soldiers from Wiesbaden, Belgium, Spangdahlem, Baumholder, and Kaiserslautern, continuing to build that critical team cohesion and readiness across the region.

What started as a plan to serve four years has evolved into a dedicated career. Now at eleven years of service and with a PCS to Virginia on the horizon, Sgt. 1st Class Henson has no plans of stopping, aiming for twenty years or more.

“I just really enjoy what I do.” Henson said.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that the greatest growth happens just outside our comfort zone and that with trust and teamwork, there is no limit to what can be achieved.

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

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

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.