Category: US Army

Source: United States Army

GETTYSBURG, Pa. – For the better part of the past 9 years, it was just the three of them. A mother and her two sons navigating life side by side.

Through challenges, loss, and perseverance, they built a bond through resilience. Years later, that bond would lead them to answer a call much bigger than themselves.

At 42 years old, Katherine Zito enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a Signals Intelligence Analyst. Standing alongside her was her 20-year-old son, Matthew Zito, who enlisted as a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Repairer.

What began as a joke eventually became a life-changing decision.

Matthew had come across a social media post about the military raising the enlistment age limit and sent it to his mom, half-jokingly. Katherine laughed it off, at first. When the age-waiver policy changed, she suddenly found herself asking whether this was something she should seriously consider.

After her husband lost his battle with cancer eight-and-a-half-years ago, Katherine became a widow and devoted herself to raising her family. She was a dedicated wrestling mom, traveling with her sons’ teams and supporting them every step of the way. After years of putting others first, she found herself asking a simple question: What if this opportunity was for me, too?

“I can’t encourage my kids to take advantage of opportunities like this if I’m not willing to look into them myself.” Katherine said. “The benefits apply no matter your age. This allows me to finish college, serve my community, and opens doors to a new career path if I choose to pursue one. It’s never too late to step into something greater than yourself. I’ve spent years taking care of everyone else. This was my choice to do something for myself.”

Her decision is also deeply connected to her son’s decision to join. She knew if he could do it, so could she.

“I didn’t have a choice in the struggles we went through,” Katherine said. “But I did have a choice to do this. It’s never too late. “Whether you’re 20 or 42, service isn’t defined by age. It’s defined by the decision to show up, commit, and be part of something bigger than yourself. We also want to make my husband and Matthew’s dad proud.”

Matthew’s path to service was inspired by many of the same values. As he prepared for college at Drexel University in Philadelphia, he saw the Guard as an opportunity to gain valuable skills, help pay for his education, and open future career paths. The military offered a way to invest in his future while serving something bigger than himself.

“The military is going to open up so many career opportunities for me. I will get to learn and be paid to learn a skill that I cannot learn anywhere else. I am excited to see what career opportunities this opens for me, and to also be alongside this journey with my mom.” Matthew said.

With his mother by his side, Matthew learned long before enlistment what resilience truly looks like. He watched her overcome adversity, sacrifice for her family, and continue moving forward despite every obstacle life placed in her path.

Matthew is scheduled to leave for Basic Combat Training this July, and his mom is scheduled to leave in January 2027. This allows both of them to be available to support each other and to be there for their family and on their graduation day.

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

WIESBADEN, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden participates in the 2026 Hessentag in Fulda, joining the festivities with a recruiting container and information booth.

The Hessentag is Germany’s oldest and largest state festival, first established in 1961 to foster a sense of community in the newly formed state of Hesse.

Each year, a different Hessian city hosts this ten-day event, which features a vibrant mix of culture, business, entertainment, and politics. This year the 63rd Hessentag takes place June 12 to 21 in Fulda.

Visitors can enjoy concerts and shows by well-known national and international artists, exhibitions from ministries, the military, clubs, and local businesses, as well as a wide variety of regional foods and drinks.

Garrison Wiesbaden is represented by ten volunteers who, alongside colleagues from the 2nd Signal Brigade and United States Army Europe and Africa, bring a diverse range of backgrounds — from full-time employees and trainees to dual students — offering visitors a chance to learn more about the U.S. Army as an employer and partner.Together, these German civilian employees are showcasing their training and career paths.

Four of the young professionals attending the event are:

Anouk König– metal worker apprentice building ramps and handrails; plans to become a technician.

Laura Oesterheld– office management apprentice rotating through Human Resources, the Housing Office, and the Public Affairs Office; aims to earn aBusiness Administratorqualification.

Niko Perez– former metal worker now managing locking systems for up to 20,000 doors; values steady hours and training options.

Vanessa Scherf– dual civil engineering student gaining international experience and learning both German and U.S. construction law.

“The U.S. Army in Wiesbaden is also a part of Hesse and we want to show that on the yearly Hessentag,” said Thomas Schulze, Workforce Development Program Manager. “We are very thankful that the Bundeswehr provides that opportunity as it is a great partner.”

This presence highlights the strong connection between the U.S. Forces and the Hessen community. Through interactive displays and engagement,U. S. Army GarrisonWiesbaden aims to foster understanding, showcase opportunities, and demonstrate its role as an integral part of life in Hessen.

“The Hessentag offers us exposure to a wide audience. Many visitors are unaware that Local Nationals work in the Garrison Wiesbaden,” said Schulze.

Currently, the garrison workforce at USAG Wiesbaden is comprised of more than 79%local national hires.

“I decided to apply to the U.S. Army because it was important to me not just to sit in an office, but to interact with people—to provide employee support,” explained Oesterheld.“I also wanted to work for an organization that stood for certain values, and the U.S. Army truly is a very family-oriented employer. And I love the variety the Army offers.”

Working as a Local National at USAG Wiesbaden combines secure, collective-agreement-backed pay and regular bonuses with an exceptional work-life balance featuring 30 vacation days, regular hours, and extra time off on American holidays.

Additionally, employees enjoy unique cultural perks like on-post gym access, American food, and a diverse, international environment that offers excellent career growth, apprenticeships, and dual-study programs.

“There’s also a real sense of appreciation here,” Oesterheld added. ”Once you’ve done your job and built up trust, you’re given the independence to work on your own. It’s a goodatmosphere and simply a different kind of employer—an exceptional one. It bridges two worlds—and it’s simply not a boring job.”

Persons interested in working with the U.S. Army can stop by the recruitment both at during the Hessetage or visit: https://portal.chra.army.mil/mnrs

Source: United States Army

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Hanover-based 229th Military Police Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group returned to the United States June 13, 2026, following their federal active-duty deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Approximately 130 Soldiers will conduct demobilization tasks at Fort Bliss, Texas, before returning to Virginia. The unit began their federal active duty during a ceremony in June 2025.

During their deployment, the 229th’s Soldiers conducted customs clearance operations as their primary mission. After the outset of Operation Epic Fury in February, the unit shifted gears to provide law enforcement support at a military installation in Jordan. Seventy-two of the unit’s Soldiers were validated and credentialed by the Area Support Group – Jordan Provost Marshal Office prior to beginning the mission.

“Over the course of a year, the 229th MPs supported a broad range of locations with vital military customs support enabling U.S. and coalition force missions through United States Central Command,” said Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia. “We are glad to have them home and thank their families and loved ones for their support during this extended deployment. They represent the best of Virginia.”

While conducting customs operations, the unit painstakingly cleared equipment and personnel, maintaining focus and ensuring every task was performed with precision.

“The Soldiers in the unit cared about doing the right thing,” said Capt. Austin Smith, serving as CENTCOM’s customs commander. “Customs work exposes shortcuts fast – one missed inspection can have heavy consequences. I saw NCOs double-checking work prior to submission, specialists always relying on NCOs instead of guessing. It showed me something about the culture of the 229th. They took ownership.”

The customs mission included preparing U.S. military units for redeployment back to the United States.

“We enabled safe redeployment of combat power back to the United States,” said Smith. “Every single vehicle, container, Soldier redeploying back CONUS from the CENTCOM AOR was cleared by the 229th.”

Overall, the metrics for the 229th’s mission are impressive. Smith said his team cleared about 34,000 personnel, 148,000 bags and 50,000 containers and pieces of equipment over more than 3,400 missions. The value of equipment cleared totaled about $24 billion.

“The mission was not a textbook MP mission. It’s policy heavy, inspection driven, regulatory and very detailed orientated,” Smith explained. “I learned that my Soldiers could interpret complex customs guidance and execute it professionally. They were able to operate successfully with minimal supervision at the customs sites and adapt quickly when guidance shifted or timelines altered.”

Smith expressed his admiration for his Soldiers and his confidence that their experience will benefit the entire VNG organization.

“The 229th MPs demonstrated resilience, adaptability and professional growth,” Smith said. “This deployment strengthens each Soldier in the formation, bringing increased deployment experience back stateside to the Virginia Army National Guard, growing the capabilities and lethality of the Soldiers.”

The 229th is the VNG’s only military police company after it was consolidated with the 266th MP Company in May 2017. In addition to their federal active-duty service, 229th Soldiers supported security operations in Charlottesville in August 2017, at the 58th Presidential Inauguration in January 2021, and during Operation Allies Welcome at Fort Barfoot from August 2021 to February 2022. They have also shared their expertise with checkpoint security operations during exchanges with the Republic of Tajikistan in February 2024 and April 2023.

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

SYKESVILLE, Md. — The Maryland Army National Guard deployed more than 100 Soldiers assigned to the 29th Military Police Company in support of U.S. Southern Command priorities during a ceremony at the Major General Linda L. Singh Readiness Center, May 23, 2026.

Family members, friends, military leaders, and community supporters gathered to recognize the Soldiers at the ceremony hosted by Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, adjutant general of Maryland.

“The mission ahead is complex and directly related to America’s security priorities,” said Birckhead. “That is a big job, and they are up to the task.”

Birckhead highlighted the company’s extensive preparation for deployment, including back-to-back training rotations at the Exportable Combat Training Capability in Mississippi in 2024 and the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, last year.

The deployment marks one of the company’s largest overseas missions since the height of the Global War on Terror. Since 1946, the company has supported both federal combat operations and domestic emergency response missions.

“Strength and honor have been the hallmark of the 29th Military Police Company for nearly 80 years, forging its legacy through one test after another,” said Birckhead. “These are men and women who bring order to uncertainty, who bring calm when people are afraid, and who run to the problem instead of away from it. These are the men and women who are committed to doing what is right.”

Col. Adam J. Tiffen, commander of the 58th Troop Command, spoke directly to the families, acknowledging their sacrifices.

“What your soldiers are about to do is important,” said Tiffin. “It matters, but what you are about to do here at home matters just as much. You are the reason they can focus on their mission. You are the half of the deployment that doesn’t get a ceremony, that doesn’t get a ribbon, that doesn’t get a welcome home, doesn’t get a formation, but we see you, we’ve been where you are, and we know what this costs.”

Over the last 25 years, the unit deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and participated in NATO peacekeeping missions in Kosovo. Domestically, the unit has responded to civil disturbances, severe weather emergencies, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Today, we stand at the threshold of a new chapter in the proud lineage of the 29th Military Police Company,” said Lt. Col. Marcus J. Miller, commander of the 115th Military Police Battalion. “In a world that may prefer comfort and to be on the sidelines, this formation has stepped forward. You are stepping away from your civilian careers, your daily routines, and the familiar rhythm of home to answer a call that demands the very best of you.”

1st Lt. Ronnan S. Rodas, commander of the 29th MP Company, said the company spent the last year reorganizing and integrating personnel from other units with different military specialties to meet the deployment requirements. Several Soldiers attended military police reclassification courses specifically to join the mission.

“We’ll deploy as a composite kind of a makeshift company,” said Rodas “Starting today, we are one company. We are the 29th. We will return as one company, as one family, one mission, one fight.”

According to Rodas, overcoming the adversity of demanding training schedule and deployment preparations, on top of state activations and a large-scale exercise in Croatia with their State Partnership Program counterparts from Bosnia and Herzegovina, helped the unit be ready for their mission.

“One of my mentors, Brig. Gen. Collins, used to tell me, ‘Luck is when preparation meets opportunity,’ and we have prepared,” said Rodas. “We are prepared to meet this moment. We are ready to seize this opportunity, project professionalism, execute, and play our part in the grander U.S. strategy within the U.S. SOUTHCOM area of operations.”

Source: United States Army

WIESBADEN, Germany — Col. Ringo L. Midles assumed command of U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden from Col. Troy D. Danderson during a change of command ceremony, June 17, at Allen Field on Clay Kaserne.

Wesley Leisinger, Installation Management Command-Europe Chief of Staff, was the first to welcome the new garrison commander during the ceremony.

“While today’s ceremony marks the accomplishment of one commander, and welcomes another, it gives us an opportunity to recognize the outstanding team that serves, supports and cares for this community every single day,” Leisinger said.

During the ceremony, the garrison flag was passed from Danderson to Leisinger, who in turn passed the colors to Midles, symbolizing his assumption of command of the garrison.

After two years as the USAG Wiesbaden garrison commander, Danderson relinquished command to Midles in this time-honored tradition, representing the Army’s trust and loyalty in the incoming commander as he accepts the transfer of authority and responsibility.

“I’m proud to have been part of a team that built a warfighting-ready garrison to match our warfighting teams,” Danderson said. “It’s been the honor of a lifetime to work and live at U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden. It truly has become a home for us.”

Midles, who has three generations of family ties to the area, reflected on the significance of his new command and his commitment to the mission and community.

“Wiesbaden is very much our home,” said Midles, who was previously stationed at USAG Wiesbaden.

Looking ahead to his time in command, Midles expressed his commitment to the mission and the community.

“I respect and understand that to whom much is given, much is required,” Midles said. “I look forward to being a preferred partner — enabling our troops, maintaining quality services and supporting the units and organizations.”

The ceremony was attended by numerous guests ranging from local community leaders, tenant unit leadership, the Bundeswehr, garrison staff and community members.

Source: United States Army

FORT HOOD, Texas – Candidates from the 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, completed the squadron’s Spur Ride June 8-11, earning their place in the Order of the Spur.

The Spur Ride dates back more than 200 years to the early U.S. Cavalry, when new troopers had to demonstrate they could handle a horse and survive in the field before a unit would trust them with spurs. Over the years, the standards have remained unchanged. Today’s candidates work through graded lanes covering land navigation, weapons handling, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, vehicle identification and squadron history, all while spur holders evaluate every move.

Candidates moved through the lanes in small teams created by the spur holders at the start of the course. Each lane was carefully evaluated by the spur holders, who provided the necessary stresses to test the candidates under pressure.

“The Spur Ride gives our troopers a chance to demonstrate the standards we expect of every cavalry Soldier,” said Capt. Ian Cannon, commander of B Troop, 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, and the officer in charge of the Spur Ride. “Watching these candidates push through each lane and lean on each other tells you why this tradition is still around.”

The four-day challenge featured a final day with little rest between tasks. Candidates were pushed to their limits, performing on tired legs with limited sleep.

“It was one of the toughest things I’ve done since joining the Guard,” said Pvt. Matthew Vasquez, a Spur Ride candidate assigned to the 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment. “That last day wore everybody down. Finishing it with my team made it worth every minute.”

“Traditions like the Spur Ride bind a cavalry squadron together, and every trooper who finished it is sharper for it,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas Moran, commander of the squadron.

The squadron inducted the successful candidates into the Order of the Spur at a ceremony following the final events. Squadron leadership and spur holders looked on as each new member received a set of the coveted silver spurs.

The 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment is headquartered in Waco, Texas. The Spur Ride is one of several training events the squadron uses to sharpen warfighting skills and keep cavalry tradition alive in the Texas Army National Guard.

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

POMOZOTIN, Kosovo — Iowa National Guard communications personnel participated in Exercise Sentinel Sica, a multinational communications exercise designed to test interoperability, mission command and network operations while members of the Kosovo Security Force observed.

The exercise brought together Airmen from the 132d Communications Squadron and 185th Communications Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard, along with Soldiers from the Iowa Army National Guard G-6 to establish and maintain communications capabilities across multiple locations throughout Kosovo.

The exercise built upon the Iowa National Guard’s partnership with Kosovo through the State Partnership Program, which has connected the two organizations since 2011 and fostered regular subject matter expert collaboration across a range of military specialties.

The training began with mission briefings and intelligence updates that introduced a simulated operational environment involving hostile cyber activity and contested communications. Teams were assigned areas of operation, received equipment and deployed to locations across the country while a main operating base served as the central hub for command and control.

As operations commenced, participants worked to establish communications networks and restore connectivity while responding to a steady flow of mission requirements and requests for information. Exercise controllers introduced evolving scenarios designed to create uncertainty and test participants’ ability to adapt under pressure.

“We showcased our ability to rapidly deploy, establish, and defend critical communications in a highly contested environment. The seamless integration between our Airmen and Army G6 partners showcased the Iowa National Guard’s joint-force interoperability capability at the tactical edge,” said Maj. Dylan Staples, 132d Communications Squadron commander.

The exercise required close coordination between Army and Air National Guard personnel, who combined their technical expertise to troubleshoot network issues, maintain communications and support mission objectives. Members of the Kosovo Security Force also provided local communications support and assisted with coordination efforts.

To further challenge participants, exercise planners incorporated simulated personnel losses and other operational disruptions. As a result, junior Airmen and Soldiers were required to assume additional responsibilities and fill critical roles to sustain operations.

Personnel were reassigned between locations as mission requirements changed, requiring teams to maintain communications capabilities while operating with limited manpower across multiple sites.

Reflecting on the exercise, Staples said, “Not only did this exercise serve as a proof of concept for scaling agile, dispersed operations into larger exercises in the future, but it also demonstrated a clear way forward for validating essential capabilities for our Kosovo Security Force partners. We tested our expeditionary skills under intense, realistic friction, and I can say with absolute confidence that my Airmen are better prepared, more resilient, and ready for any real-world fight.”

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

CHIÈVRES AIR BASE, Belgium – The U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Benelux Safety Office recently hosted a Unit Safety Officer (USO) course that brought together military and civilian personnel from across the theater, strengthening safety through collaboration.

Around 22 students learned about the Army Safety Program, program requirements, risk management principles, accident reporting procedures, workplace inspections, hazard identification techniques, and leader responsibilities in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

“We’ve been learning how to identify different risks to our environment – how to identify the risk and how we mitigate the risk on behalf of the commander,” said Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Williams, USAG Benelux Religious Support Office (RSO) non-commissioned officer in charge. “We’ve learned how to complete inspections, fill out the Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheets (DRAW) and what the reporting chain looks like if we were to have an incident.”

The attendees all serve as Unit Safety Officers, a commander’s principal advisor on safety concerns at the unit level. Their role is to identify hazards, conduct risk assessments, promote accident prevention programs, investigate incidents and ensure unit compliance with Army safety regulations.

The USAG Benelux Safety Office invited instructors from U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Safety Office to facilitate the course.

“We’re facilitating the Unit Safety Officer Course, which develops civilians and Soldiers to become advisors to their commands in terms of safety and to run the safety program more efficiently,” said Stefanie Diaz, HQ USAREUR-AF safety and occupational health manager. “Throughout the year, we have nine permanent scheduled classes that are done in at the schoolhouse in Vilseck and then throughout the year we send out Mobile Training Teams (MTT), as requested throughout the theater.”

By bringing critical training directly to the local workforce, the Garrison Benelux Safety Office continues to support readiness, accident prevention, and the well-being of the Benelux community. As operational environments grow increasingly complex, trained Unit Safety Officers remain essential to fostering a proactive safety culture that protects personnel, preserves resources, and enhances mission effectiveness.

Source: United States Army

HONOLULU – As Hawaii enters another wildfire season, the Hawaii National Guard has launched Operation Hoʻopauahi 2026, an annual mission that prepares Army aviation assets to support county, state and federal partners in responding to wildfires across the islands.

Named after the Hawaiian phrase meaning “to extinguish fire,” the operation enhances the state’s ability to protect lives, property and natural resources.

A key component of Operation Hoʻopauahi is the Hawaii Army National Guard’s aviation capability. Aircrews assigned to UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters train and remain ready to conduct aerial firefighting operations using water drop buckets, providing critical support to county fire departments.

Behind each flight mission is a team of maintainers, logistics specialists and support personnel who ensure aircraft and crews can respond safely and effectively when called upon.

For the Guardsmen participating in the operation, the mission is deeply personal. Many live in the communities they are preparing to protect, making their commitment particularly meaningful.

Staff Sgt. Albert Iokepa, a crew chief with the 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment (MEDEVAC), said serving during wildfire season is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a Guard member.

“Knowing that we’re out there helping our community and actually being a part of the team and doing our part, there’s no greater feeling,” Iokepa said. “It’s what we do here at the National Guard, it’s what we all sign up for.”

That sense of service is shared across the formation. Sgt. 1st Class Brian Hinkle of the 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment (MEDEVAC), reflected on his decades of service to the state.

“This is my 24th year in the Hawaii Army National Guard and every day I come to work. I’m just ecstatic to be able to help the people of Hawaii,” Hinkle said.

As Operation Hoʻopauahi 2026 gets underway, National Guard personnel stand ready to respond whenever needed. Their dedication, combined with strong partnerships across government and emergency response agencies, helps ensure Hawaii remains prepared for the challenges of wildfire season.

For the Soldiers who support the mission, Operation Hoʻopauahi is more than a mission; it is a commitment to protecting their neighbors, their communities and the islands they call 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

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – After nearly 28 years in uniform and three years as the senior enlisted leader of the 18th Military Police Brigade, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey R. Friebe thanked the Soldiers, leaders and Family members who shaped his Army career before relinquishing responsibility during a ceremony at Tower Barracks Parade Field, June 16, 2026.

The ceremony marked the formal transfer of responsibility through the passing of the brigade colors, a longstanding Army tradition symbolizing the authority and stewardship entrusted to a unit’s senior enlisted leader.

During the ceremony, Friebe was also awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service as the brigade’s command sergeant major.

Col. Francisco A. Cortez, commander of the 18th Military Police Brigade, reflected on Friebe’s role as his senior enlisted advisor and partner in command.

“The role of a command sergeant major is sacred in our profession,” Cortez said. “To the Soldiers, the command sergeant major is the ultimate advocate, mentor and enforcer of discipline. To a commander, the command sergeant major is the most trusted advisor and an indispensable partner in command.”

During Friebe’s tenure, the brigade supported Operation Trident Spear, participated in two V Corps Warfighter exercises and executed missions across Germany, Italy and Belgium. The formation also played a key role in Defender 25 while providing law enforcement, corrections, explosive ordnance disposal and military working dog capabilities throughout the European theater.

Cortez said Friebe emphasized training and leader development across the formation while helping prepare Soldiers for increasingly complex missions.

Under his leadership, brigade units earned recognition for excellence across multiple mission areas, including military police operations, corrections and maintenance programs. During the ceremony, Cortez credited Friebe with helping establish the conditions for those achievements through his focus on standards, readiness and Soldier development.

“You changed Soldiers’ lives for the better,” Cortez said. “The NCOs and officers that were developed here will carry your lessons forward for the next two decades.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Denice Malave, command sergeant major of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, said Friebe’s leadership left a lasting impression on those who served alongside him.

“At the end of the day, I was very grateful to work with Jeff because he became one of the best brigade command sergeants major I have worked with in my 28 years in the Army,” Malave said. “Just a great leader, great sergeant major and, most importantly, a great human being.”

Malave also described Friebe as one of her strongest teammates and advocates within the command.

In his farewell remarks, Friebe thanked the Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, officers, civilian employees and Family members who contributed to the brigade’s success during his time with the organization.

“I want to thank the officers, NCOs and Soldiers in the best military police brigade in the Army,” Friebe said. “The Soldiers are the most important reason why I enjoyed coming to work every day.”

Friebe also acknowledged the sacrifices made by his wife, Jamie, and their children during years of deployments, overseas assignments and relocations.

“You provided me the love and support so I could continue to be in this great profession,” Friebe said. “I want to say thank you, and I love you very much.”

Following the ceremony, Soldiers, Family members and leaders gathered to congratulate Friebe and his Family, marking the conclusion of his tenure as the brigade’s command sergeant major. Friebe will depart Germany later this year for Fort Bragg, North Carolina.