Green Mountain Guard May 2023

From The Desk Of: Col. Michael Korczykowski

Greetings from the Vermont Army National Guard Medical Readiness Detachment. I would like to take this opportunity to relay the importance of personal medical and dental readiness. I fully understand that SRC events can be arduous, but their importance cannot be overstated. No matter how well trained you are at your duty MOS, if you have failed to maintain your medical readiness by missing SRC weekends and are not completing a yearly PHA and dental screening, then you will be non-deployable. This not only detracts from the overarching mission of the U.S. Army of fighting and winning the country’s wars on land, but also can impact availability of Soldiers to respond to local missions that the VTNG is continually performing.

It is imperative that leaders at all levels are stressing the importance of medical readiness to our Soldiers. It is our duty to provide a mission ready force, to the best of our ability, at all times. Medical readiness is one of the easiest tasks to accomplish, and there are other avenues to “get green” on readiness. If you will not be able to attend an SRC medical readiness event due to other mission requirements:

1. Call MED DET at 802-338-3404 to schedule an individual appointment.

2. Get with you Battalion PA or doctor to have them do your PHA.

3. Have your dentist fill out a DD Form 2813, send it to MED DET, and save yourself the dental portion of the event.

4. Finish the online portion of your PHA prior to coming to MED DET, and don’t wait in line at the computer lab.

5. If you are on a profile or had a recent injury and need one, make sure you stay in AT LEAST monthly contact with your nurse case manager, so we can track your healing progress.

Thank you for continuing to serve your State and Country. Let us at MED DET help you stay medically fit to fight.

- Col. Michael Korzykowski

Vermont National Guard Welcomes Senegalese Recruit

The newest member of the 158th Fighter Wing, Airman Libass Mbengue (center) talks with Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight (right), the Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard, and his recruiter Tech. Sgt. Paul Popovich (left), at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, May 18.

Mbengue moved to Vermont in 2018 from Senegal and is joining operations management within the Civil Engineer Squadron at the 158th Fighter Wing.

Vermont Proves Their Shooting Skills

Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Poirier from the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, is awarded first place in the pistol barricade competition during the Winston P. Wilson competition at Camp Robinson, Arkansas, May 5.

Eight Vermont National Guardsmen spent two weeks at Camp Robinson competing against the best military marksmen from across the world in a competition hosted by the Army National Guard from April 24 to May 7.

The Vermont National Guard marksmanship team pose together during the Winston P. Wilson competition at Camp Robinson, Arkansas, May 5.

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State Partnership Program: A Visit From The North Macedonia Minister Of Agriculture, Forestry, And Water Economy

Our State Partnership Program assisted with the visit of the North Macedonia Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Economy, Mr. Ljupcho Nikolovski. Joined by The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, the group visited farms in Northern Vermont to speak more comprehensibly about agricultural practices and sustainability.

Vermont's partnership with North Macedonia is celebrating it's 30th Anniversary this year. Exchanges like this, contribute to the whole-of-society relationship building that the State Partnership Program continues to build upon.

The visit also included a meeting with Vermont National Guard leadership and The Office of The Adjutant General, Vermont National Guard.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, the Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard, and his staff meet with Mr. Ljupcho Nikolovski of North Macedonia, at Camp Johnson, Vermont, May 25.

Immediate Response 2023

Vermont National Guard Soldiers pose with the Green Mountain Battle Flag during Immediate Response 2023.

Immediate Response 23 begins with the deployment of a combat credible force from the U.S. to Europe. After completing reception, staging, and onward movement (RSOM), the units draw equipment from Army Prepositioned Stocks, and conduct multi-national combined arms training in the Balkans.

Highlights of Immediate Response normally include airborne jumps, air assaults, convoy operations, troop movements and medical training.

The overall objective of Immediate Response is for NATO allies and partner nations to conduct combined theater opening activities (Reception, Staging and Onward Movement), conduct integration into a multinational units, and increase interoperability and enhance freedom of movement.

Army Mountain Warfare School Graduates First Summer Class of 2023

Students of the Army Mountain Warfare School conduct a long ruck march to reach the top of Observation Post 2 at Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vermont, May 24.

Students of the Army Mountain Warfare School inspect their equipment prior to gearing up for fixed rope ascents and rappel tasks, at Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vermont, May 24.

Cadre and Advanced students practice their techniques in lead climbing such as scaling vertical faces and then rappelling back down from the summit, Jericho, Vermont, May 24.

Students of the Army Mountain Warfare School are pinned with the Ram's Head Device, signifying their successful completion of the Summer Basic (and for some the Advanced) Mountaineering Course, at the Army Mountain Warfare School, May 26th.

2023 Memorial Day Ceremony

The Vermont National Guard solemnly honored the fallen heroes of our nation during the 2023 Memorial Day ceremony. This significant event took place at the revered Fallen Heroes Memorial on Camp Johnson, VT, on Thursday, May 25th.

The wreath was presented to honor the memory of those whom lost their lives in service to our nation. Camp Johnson, VT, May 25.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Governor Phil Scott were among the distinguished guests who joined in paying homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

A solemn wreath-laying ceremony took place, symbolizing the eternal gratitude of a grateful nation. After a rifle salute, Taps echoed through the air.

Appreciate