From The Desk Of: Col. Roger Zeigler
I’m honored to take command of the 124th Regiment, Regional Training Institute. We offer a wide variety of schools and training opportunities, and it is very exciting to work with CSM John Digby to oversee the activities and efforts.
As a nation, we are in constant pursuit of achievement of superiority. Our service is directly tied to this, I personally feel it, and expect more of myself because of it. I encourage all of you to share this attitude in your career in the Vermont Guard and in your personal pursuits. Desire for achievement goes a long way to ensuring success in your endeavors. Now working in a military school house, this attitude resonates even more with me than it normally does.
As the new commander for this already established team of outstanding Soldiers, it is my intention to be the weapon to make positive change where needed and the shield to protect the team when needed.
I look forward to the relationships that will be forged.
Ad Infinitum Superioritas! - Col. Roger Zeigler
Vermont Army National Guard: Best Warrior Competition
Four NCO's and four junior enlisted members from the Vermont Army National Guard battled for the opportunity to be the NCO and Junior Enlisted Vermont Army National Guard Best Warrior for 2023. Congratulations to Sgt. Kristian Ashley and Spc. German Rivas who put forth a fantastic display of athleticism, knowledge, and can do effort during the show down and congratulations to all those who participated.
Agile Combat Employment "ACE" Exercises
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vermont – The Vermont Air National Guard conducted an Agile Combat Employment exercise from April 1 to April 5.
“ACE exercises provide an opportunity for the fighter wing to validate and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures for deploying and operating in an austere environment,” said Col. Daniel Finnegan, 158th Fighter Wing commander. “It also allows the wing to integrate with other units, including joint and coalition partners, to improve interoperability and enhance the combined force's effectiveness.”
The ACE exercise is an essential part of the fighter wing's training and readiness program, ensuring the Air Force remains ready to defend the nation's interests wherever and whenever called upon.
Engineers from North Macedonia train with Vermont National Guard
Six engineers from the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia who visited Vermont attended annual training with VTNG Detachment 1 Engineers from the Ethan Allen Firing Range (EAFR). The team was at EAFR from April 24 to May 5 building berms and other structures to create raised barriers on weapons ranges.
Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight said "Our partnership offers limitless potential to the bilateral training of both of our armed forces. This will create a strong and fruitful bond for each nation in the future."
New American Series: TSgt Mahat Abdullahi
Learn more about new recruits becoming New Americans in our new series: Episode 1 Below.
Month of the Military Child
Governor Phil Scott proclaimed April as the Month of the Military Child. The Vermont National Guard Military and Family Readiness group organized an event at the Statehouse in Montpelier to recognize military children in Vermont. It was a special moment for the kids. We appreciate the the honors from our Vermont leaders!
Vermont Air National Guard Join 'Air Defender 23'
124th Regiment Regional Training Institute: Change of Command Ceremony
Col. William Wagner relinquished command of the 124th Regional Training Institute to Col. Roger Zeigler during a change of command ceremony held in the RTI Auditorium on Sunday, April 2.
The official party included Col. Wagner, Col. Zeigler, Command Sgt. Maj. John Digby, the senior enlisted advisor for the 124th RTI, and Brig. Gen. James Pabis, land component commander, Vermont Army National Guard, who presided over the ceremony.
Congratulations to Col. Wagner for a successful command, and welcome to Col. Zeigler!
Vermont Air National Guard Hosts SkillsUSA
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – The 158th Fighter Wing Fire Department hosted SkillsUSA on April 6 at the Vermont Air National Guard base, providing students with an opportunity to learn about firefighting and emergency response. SkillsUSA is a national organization that focuses on training students for careers in skilled trades, including firefighting.
According to the 158th Fighter Wing Vice Commander, Col. Brian Lepine, hosting SkillsUSA was an opportunity to showcase the Vermont Air National Guard's commitment to community service and to inspire young people to pursue careers in the fire service.
"We're always looking for ways to give back to the community and to support the next generation of firefighters and emergency responders," said Lepine. "Hosting SkillsUSA on our base was a great way to introduce these students to the challenges and rewards of firefighting, and to show them that there's a career path here at the Vermont Air National Guard."
The event included a tour of the fire department facilities, hands-on training with firefighting equipment, and a demonstration of emergency response procedures including a first aid and CPR portion, which includes a written exam and skills verification by members of the 158th Fighter Wing Medical Group.
Assistant Chief of Training Blake Lahue believes hosting SkillsUSA is a valuable experience for both the students and the fire department. The VTANG has hosted SkillsUSA annually for more than a decade except during 2020 and 2021 due to COVID restrictions.
"We are able to give these students a taste of what it's like to be a firefighter, and to share our knowledge and expertise with them," said Lahue. "To see the skills and potential of these young people reminds us why we continue to host SkillsUSA and mentor aspiring firefighters."
Lahue added that the event was also a way to raise awareness about the important role that the Vermont Air National Guard fire department plays in emergency response on base and in the local communities.
"We're often the first responders on the scene, and we take that responsibility very seriously," said Lahue. "Hosting SkillsUSA is a way to show the community that we're here to serve and protect, and that we're always looking for ways to improve our skills and knowledge."
The VTANG Fire Department serves as the sole fire and emergency response resource for Burlington International Airport and routinely responds to more than 900 events per year on base, at the airport, and in surrounding communities.
Air Force Chief of Staff Visits Vermont Air National Guard
South Burlington, Vermont — U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., visited with Vermont Air National Guard Airmen here, April 1. Brown met with Airmen, local civic leaders and held an all call.
During the all call, Brown emphasized his priority of accelerating change within the Air Force and explained why it is so crucial.
“Good enough today will fail tomorrow,” he said. “As Airmen, we need to integrate and accelerate the changes necessary to develop our talent and maintain our advantage.”
As part of accelerating change, Brown expressed his focus on giving Airmen access to the tools they need to accomplish their mission effectively.
“You’re going to have to be able to drive change,” he said. “We need to put capability back into the hands of our Airmen and we need to get back to ensuring we stay ready as an Air Force.”
Another point Brown discussed was how to improve Air Force culture, specifically regarding how Airmen build resilience and ensure their wingmen are doing the same.
“I want you to focus on taking care of Airmen,” said Brown. “That starts with leadership and getting to know your Airmen; it’s hard to know if the Airman that works next to you is having a bad day if you don’t know them in the first place.”
The visit allowed Brown an opportunity to show appreciation for the efforts and sacrifices made by the Airmen of the VTANG, while recognizing specific Airmen for various achievements.
Additionally, Brown met with civic leaders and discussed the importance of the partnership between the Vermont Air National Guard the local community. Brown also commented on the importance of relationships and collaboration generally – within military communities, as well as with lawmakers, industry and international teammates.
“I’ve spent most of my time as a general officer working with our international partners and allies. It’s essential that we’re including them at the very start.”
Before his departure, Brown met with Airmen to reiterate his appreciation for their service. Additionally, he thanked their families for supporting them as they stand watch alongside their uniformed loved ones.
“I appreciate the sacrifices you and your families make to allow you to do what you do,” Brown said. “Not everybody can raise their right hand and take an oath and decide to serve our nation and be part of something bigger than themselves, to be part of the world’s most respected Air Force.”