TAG's Corner
Colleagues,
I was recently fortunate enough to sit down with Soldiers from the 3-172 Infantry (Mountain) and Governor Phil Scott. It was a great opportunity for our Soldiers to tell Vermont’s Governor what they did and how they assisted with Operation Allies Refuge in Afghanistan a year ago.
For those who don’t know, our Mountain Battalion Soldiers with Task Force Avalanche were deployed to Central Command for their most recent deployment. They were called upon to send a small contingent of 46 Soldiers to Afghanistan to help secure the Hamid Karzai International Airport. This group quickly became a part of history as they worked with 6,000 service members who supported and evacuated more than 100,000 people from Afghanistan.
While I am regularly able to spend time with the Governor and State Legislature, I feel it is important for our young men and women to meet with our elected officials, to tell them their stories, and share what it is our Vermont National Guard does. While I often share our Guard story every day, I can’t tell your stories as well as you can. Thanks to Staff Sgt. Facey, Sgt. Benoit, and Spc. Scott for being willing to share their experiences with Governor Scott. It is their remarkable story to tell. They were a part of making history in supporting the evacuation of HKIA, and having them describe and share their experiences was certainly impactful.
As we go into the holiday season, I reflect on my past experiences, my time overseas, the work we all do, my family, and those around me. I am not alone in those reflections. Especially during the holidays, no one should be alone while they reflect. I acknowledge all the good we’ve done and certainly consider the life challenges we all face. I will personally be reaching out to old friends and colleagues, checking on families who have lost loved ones, and at least give them some of my time. I encourage you all to do the same, it can make a world of difference – even a phone call or text to someone matters. Continue to be there for one another.
All the best. - MG Knight
COVER Photo: Task Force Avalanche Talks about Operation Allies Refuge
Inside the Wire: VR Parachute Training
Col. Shevchik's Final Flight
Unit support and career opportunity provide motivation for reenlistment
In Vermont, the end of daylight savings time signals the change in seasons from autumn to winter.
For U.S. Army Specialist Megan Hopwood, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 186th Brigade Support Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), the last several weeks have provided the chance to consider her own opportunity for change.
With her initial enlistment coming to an end, would service in the Vermont Army National Guard continue to support her civilian aspirations and lifestyle?
“There were a couple of things holding me back from re-enlisting,” said Hopwood. “But I spoke with some of my unit leaders who shared their experiences holding government jobs and also being part of the Army.”
Then in September, Col. Leonard Poirier, 86th IBCT (MTN) commander, hosted a forum for women across the Brigade. He shared in detail the latest Command Climate Assessment results and provided updates on accountability throughout the unit. He also cast a vision for the Alpine Brigade.
“With the mentorship from my leadership and the support through the forum on how the Vermont National Guard is really working toward becoming a great program, it all just clicked and I knew I wanted to stay,” said Hopwood.