New Soldier

OZARK, Mo. – Master Sgt. Shelva Combs and Sgt. 1st Class Elva Combs – twin brothers born seven minutes apart – end nearly eight decades of combined service with the Missouri Army National Guard this year, capping a commitment to the military that began in high school in Shelbyville.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With the passing of the noncommissioned officers’ sword, Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Lederle stepped down as the command sergeant major for 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, headquartered in Kansas City, bringing his 27 year military career to a close.

Amid tears of happiness, colorful banners and patriotic tunes from the Missouri Guard’s 135th Army Band, approximately 125 Citizen-Soldiers from the 935th Aviation Support Battalion were welcomed home by friends and family at a ceremony in Springfield on May 2.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander honored four veterans - two Missouri National Guardsmen and an Army and Navy Veteran with the Silver Star Award during a ceremony Wednesday at the Missouri Capitol.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Master Sgt. Mark Farrell, battalion supply non-commissioned officer for the 229th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, received his promotion April 26 at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City.

A Missouri National Guardsman was honored during a retirement ceremony at Ike Skelton Training Site on Saturday after 36 years of service. Master Sgt. Carl Nilges, a supply logistics specialist for the Joint Force Headquarters, received several awards and certificates during his ceremony, which was officiated by Maj. Gen. Steve Danner, the adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Staff Sgt. Jonathan Hanna, of the Missouri Army National Guard, made his way to St. Joseph as one of the state’s newest recruiters for the St. Joseph area.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – In town for their final reunion this weekend, World War II veterans who were held as prisoners of war by the Nazis were among those attending Wednesday’s dedication of the Missouri POW-MIA Museum at Jefferson Barracks.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri National Guard, friends and Families congratulated Sgt. Grant Crowley and two fellow new Army National Guard officers Monday morning at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri National Guard, friends and Families congratulated 2nd Lt. Markland Anderson and two fellow new Army National Guard officers Monday morning at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri National Guard, friends and families congratulated 2nd Lt. Caton Jeffries and two other new Army National Guard officers Monday morning at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -Michael Winkler, construction and facilities management officer for the Missouri National Guard, received his promotion to the rank of colonel Wednesday at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City.

FORT HOOD, Texas - After an early greeting of a sand storm, a long delay complete with an MRE picnic lunch, Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade embarked on their long awaited journey back to the United States April 21.

ST CHARLES, Mo. - Missouri Viewpoints, a local public affairs program produced by Lindenwood University, is focusing its spotlight on the Missouri National Guard.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - When conducting a military training exercise of any size, one of the very first things to be put in place is the communication infrastructure. That's precisely what members of the Missouri Army National Guard 35th Infantry Division in St. Joseph do.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Six Missouri National Guard members spoke to the American Counseling Association of Missouri on April 11 in Jefferson City to prepare ACAM members who counsel military members facing stress associated with deployment.

About 100 Missouri National Guardsmen from units in St. Louis, Hannibal and Cape Girardeau joined community volunteers to work in support of flood relief operations in affected areas.

CLARKSVILLE, Mo. – About 50 Missouri National Guardsmen from the St. Louis-area joined dozens of volunteers in Clarksville Friday to do battle with rising flood waters of the Mississippi River.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - A group of Missouri National Guardsmen who responded to a serious traffic accident on Kingshighway in February are being recognized for their actions.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Missouri Army National Guard was recently represented at the Ruckus Run in Grain Valley. A team of five Citizen-Soldiers with the 35th Infantry Division in Lexington competed in the four-mile course, with 25 obstacles, for a little fun and camaraderie, as well as a new way to boost their physical fitness regime.

4/11/2013 - WHITEMAN AFB, Mo -- Chaplain Lt. Col. Michael T. Butler, 131st Bomb Wing, was recently awarded the 2012 Samuel Stone Award, recognizing him as the Chaplain of the Year for the Air National Guard.

Gov. Jay Nixon has mobilized the Missouri National Guard to assist civil authorities in flood relief efforts.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri Army National Guard Lt. Col. Jay Gann was honored for his service with a resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives on Thursday at the Capitol.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri Army National Guard Capt. Nicholas Swoboda received the Army Commendation Medal recently at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City for his exceptional service as a company commander on his security forces deployment to Qatar.

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Students and faculty at Northwest Missouri State University are coming together to assist fellow veterans, current service members and military spouses to make an easier transition into the academic community. The Northwest Student Veterans Association provides camaraderie and support to enhance the student veteran experience.

WARRENTON, Mo. - The Warrenton National Guard armory would play a key role in the response to any area-wide disaster that renders Jefferson Barracks in south St. Louis County unusable.

NEOSHO, Mo. – The Missouri Army National Guard 548th Transportation Company out of Trenton closed the final chapter of their recent deployment to Afghanistan. On April 6, nearly one year from returning home, the unit was awarded their first Meritorious Unit Citation for distinguishing itself while conducting tactical convoy operations.

NEOSHO, Mo. - Following five days of intense physical and mental challenges, two Citizen-Soldiers came out on top at the Missouri Army National Guard's Best Warrior contest at Camp Crowder in Neosho.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael McGuire is retiring from the Missouri Guard after 33 years of service.

WEBB CITY, Mo. - Missouri Army National Guard Pvt. 2nd Class Malachi Leece accepted an appointment to West Point in front of family, friends and Missouri Guard supporters at Webb City High School, his signature securing his formal acceptance to the premier U.S. military academy.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri National Guard recruiters are tasked with the job of enlisting and commissioning the best talent to improve the readiness of the Army and Air National Guard.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - When people think of a Guardsman saving someone's life, typically they visualize bullets flying and Soldiers in uniform ducking behind their armored Humvee. The Soldier pulls or carries his comrade to safety.

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. - Seven Soldiers recently spent a week learning alternative ways to be more effective military instructors at the Missouri National Guard's 140th Regiment Missouri Regional Training Institute's Small Group Instructor Training Course on post.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. − Fifth and sixth-grade students from Lebanon's Joel E. Barber Elementary School became archeologists for the day at the Missouri National Guard's 2013 Earth Day festivities Friday at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Maj. Gen. Jorge Marion Vega, the Argentina defense and military attaché, visited the Missouri National Guard headquarters in Jefferson City to purchase seven Humvees for the Argentine military from the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Service.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - More than 25 married Missouri National Guard couples took part in the Army's Strong Bonds marriage retreat held at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Mo.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri National Guard is releasing a historical collection of information on the Guard's state emergency duty response missions.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - A local Missouri National Guardsman and member of a prominent St. Louis-area family has again been recognized for his bravery while serving in Afghanistan last year.

4/3/2013 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo -- Since the B-2 "Spirit of Florida" first arrived at Whiteman Air Force Base in July 1996, its stealthiness and massive firepower have been used in missions around the world.

BALLWIN, Mo. - On the advice of his fellow soldiers in the Missouri Army National Guard, Staff Sgt. Robert G. Morley filled out an application for the U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Exchange Program without much expectation.

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Tim Akins, of Albany, was recently promoted to the rank of master sergeant in the Missouri Army National Guard and now serves as the full-time operations sergeant with Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion, 1-129th Field Artillery in Maryville.

MARYVILLE, Mo. - He's proud to call himself a Christian Soldier. Now after 27 years in the Missouri Army National Guard, 1st Sgt. Rodney McKinney has laced up his combat boots for the last time on March 27.

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - The Missouri National Guard, friends, Families and coworkers wished the members of the 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion good luck on their yearlong deployment with a departure ceremony March 24.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri National Guard was recently recognized with a plaque by their Washington D.C. counterparts for supporting operations on Jan. 21 at the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Parade.

AMORET, Mo. - Nearly one third of the Miami High School senior class is now serving in the Missouri Army National Guard. Although it works out to be only two students out of the class of seven, it still speaks volumes to the commitment and personal courage of these students.

FESTUS, Mo. - Chelsey L. Rubarsky takes a somewhat unique view on her recent decision to enlist in the Missouri Army National Guard.

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. - Although he's not retiring, one Missouri National Guardsman is leaving the 35th Engineer Brigade community he's served for more than 20 years.

SEOUL, Republic of Korea - Gov. Jay Nixon today honored the Missourians who fought and died during the Korean War by laying a wreath at the Missouri section of the Hall of Heroes at the Korean War Memorial in Seoul.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri National Guard’s biathlon team recently placed 5th in the National Guard Bureau’s Biathlon Championships held between Feb. 22 and March 1 at Camp Ripley, Minn.

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. – Members of the Missouri National Guard’s command staff checked on Soldiers in the post’s Warrior Transition Unit recently during a Missouri National Guard Education Benefits Day at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center.

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. – The Missouri National Guard welcomed a new officer and company commander, while another Missouri Guardsman will get the chance to serve where he lives after a recent change of command ceremony.

CLAYTON, Mo. – In preparation for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan, soldiers of the Macon-based 1438th Engineer Company of the Missouri Army National Guard took part in a Yellow Ribbon program event over the weekend at the Clayton Sheridan Hotel.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – All of their lives, Taylor and Tyler Adair, twin brothers, have made a conscious effort to be different. All of that is beginning to change.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – More than 25 Missouri legislators visited the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City Monday to gain a better understanding of the Missouri National Guard.

DEXTER, Mo. – When he was 19 years old, Sgt. 1st Class Doyle Wicker wanted to be a part of history, be an active force in the ever-changing world around him and beyond.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Missouri National Guardsman with Jefferson City roots recently retired after more than 24 years of service.

DEXTER, Mo. – Leaders of Southeast Missouri Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves recently hosted Stoddard County and Dexter community and business leaders in an effort to build relationships and communication for hiring Guardsmen and Reservists in the local area.

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – Guardsmen primarily from Missouri and Kansas kicked-off Exercise Key Resolve March 14 which is an annual multi-national training exercise with the Republic of Korea Army.

FESTUS, Mo. - Justin Collie left the U.S. Navy in 2005 to pursue a master's degree, but continued to feel the tug of devotion to military service.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Army National Guardsman Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Tune, of Loose Creek, was recently presented a National Guard Bureau coin in recognition of his work to receive a commendable rating during a recent command logistics review team inspection.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The first Missouri National Guard female Soldier to earn the Bronze Star Medal is calling it a career after 24 years of service.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri Army National Guardsman Sgt. 1st Class Scott Beal, of Smithville, was recently presented a National Guard Bureau coin in recognition of his work to receive a commendable rating during a recent command logistics review team inspection. Master Sgt. Ross Strom from the inspection team awarded Beal with the accolade on Feb. 26 while at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City.

KENNETT, Mo. - Military service is a tradition in Sgt. 1st Class James Rudd's Family.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The Missouri National Guard recently turned the tables on officials at Monsanto who were saluting the efforts of the Guard's last Agribusiness Development Team in Afghanistan.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - For Spc. David Vaughn and his wife, Tricia, the support they receive is more than just helpful, it's life saving.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri National Guard is proud to announce the release if its 2012 annual report.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Jason Kander, Missouri's Secretary of State and former Missouri National Guardsman, pledged to support military members of the National Guard and Reserve by signing a Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support recently.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – For the Family of a new Missouri National Guard recruit, the transition from civilian to Citizen-Soldier can be gratifying and difficult.

ANDERSON, Mo. - Following a weekend of heavy weapons training, Company D, 1st of the 138th Infantry Regiment, welcomed a new commander at the Missouri National Guard armory in Anderson. Capt. Gary Fleck took command of the detachment from outgoing commander Capt. Thomas Williams.

BOONVILLE, Mo. - While focusing on training to improve Soldier readiness and combat capabilities, Missouri Guardsmen with the 1-138th Infantry Regiment recently battled the snow and below-freezing conditions to "invade" Boonville with the cooperation of area civilian agencies.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Missouri Army National Guard's 1141st Engineer Company (Sapper) located in Kansas City was recently fielded nine new M1157 10-ton dump trucks which would ideally be used in support of a stateside mission.

WAPPAPELLO, Mo. - As a frigid wind blew light snow into his face, Pfc. Isaac Porch, of Affton, loaded a belt of ammunition into his M-240 machine gun and surveyed the surrounding forest with an air of anticipation. At his side on the balcony was his gun team partner, Spc. Simeon Boda, of Florissant.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Pvt. Coty Wills, of Jackson, recently completed his military training to become a motor transport operator for Missouri National Guard's 35th Infantry Division at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Pvt. Gabrielle Jordan, of Caruthersville, recently completed her military training to become a motor transport operator for Missouri National Guard's Detachment 1, 1221st Transportation Company in Portageville.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Capt. Cody Waters, of Fulton, has been appointed the new commander for the 1140th Forward Support Company in Cape Girardeau.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A service member of 25 years, Command Sgt. Maj. Will Pierce achieved his 'greatest honor' recently when Missouri's adjutant general appointed him as the state command sergeant major of the Missouri National Guard.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri National Guard honored Command Sgt. Maj. James Schulte during a retirement ceremony on Saturday at the Ike Skelton Training Site.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - After serving more than three years as the Missouri Army National Guard's special troops battalion, the 135th Rear Operations Center cased its guidon during a ceremony at the Ike Skelton Training Site on March 2 and transferred its authority to the 229th Multifunctional Medical Battalion.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Pvt. Todd Duckett, of Farmington, recently completed his military training to become an imagery analyst for Missouri National Guard's 35th Infantry Division at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - Amid much pomp and ceremony area airborne veterans unveiled a permanent marker to the first parachute jump from an airplane Friday at historic Jefferson Barracks, the 101st anniversary of the event.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – One weekend a month he’s a Citizen-Soldier in Missouri, the rest of the time he’s a modern day cowboy patrolling our nation’s borders in Texas. Meet Staff Sgt. Jefferson Bailey, of Sierra Blanca, Texas, who serves as a U.S. Border Patrol agent on horseback.

SIKESTON, Mo. - Staff Sgt. Clinton Petty is back where he started 13 years ago as a new recruit.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Pvt. Kiara Hayden, of Caruthersville, recently completed her military training to become food service specialist for Missouri National Guard's Detachment 2, 1221st Transportation Company in Sikeston.

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. - Staff Sgt. James Stafford wants to be more than just the local Guard recruiter; he wants to be a positive influence to the area.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Staff Sgt. Steven Bell was 21 when he knew he had to join the Missouri National Guard.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - Missouri Air National Guard Col. Richard L. Chapman, Jr., base commander at historic Jefferson Barracks, will host a dedication ceremony Friday marking the site of the first successful parachute descent from an airplane.

JACKSON, Mo. - Sgt. 1st Class Steve Rhodes can't imagine doing anything different than what he's dedicated his life to for the past twenty years.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – As a father, Jay Kurtz, of Wildwood, was slightly amused when his 24-year-old daughter, Amanda, said she needed some discipline in her life. As a veteran of the Air National Guard and part of a military family, he was pleased.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Staff Sgt. Daniel Schaab, of St. Genevieve and the Guard's 880th Haul Team in Perryville, took second place in the Cruiserweight Class of the recent 2013 Missouri National Guard Combatives Tournament at Lincoln University.

BONNE TERRE, Mo. – A local resident, Master Sgt. Leslie T. “Tom” Fambrough, is the 2012 First Sergeant of the Year for the Missouri Air National Guard.

WAPPAPELLO, Mo. – Guardsmen can be called to state emergency duty any time, and Soldiers of the 1137th Military Police Company want to be sure they’re always prepared for that call.

LATHROP, Mo. - As they approach their senior year in high school, students are routinely challenged with making decisions that will take them down their career paths. Which is the best route for them? Should they consider a traditional college, technical school, the military or entering the workforce? There are many choices.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - A Missouri National Guardsman, 1st Sgt. James A. Kempker, got an unexpected gift on Saturday; his 22nd wedding anniversary.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Thanks to volunteers at the Kansas City National Guard armory, military service members now have an additional resource available to them when it comes to feeding their Families.

LEXINGTON, Mo. – Tiffany Ray, of Lexington, was recently promoted to the rank of staff sergeant in the Missouri Army National Guard.

NEVADA, Mo. – The Missouri Army National Guard’s Training Center Command greeted a new leader in a formal ceremony at Camp Clark in Nevada when Lt. Col. Jay Gann assumed command from Lt. Col Rick Scism, the latter a Citizen-Soldier well-familiar with the post and area surrounding the historic military installation.

BRIDGETON, Mo. – About two dozen members of the Missouri Air National Guard’s 239th Combat Communications Squadron received an official welcome home from Afghanistan in a ceremony Saturday at Bridgeton City Hall.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Due to a recent validation, the Missouri Army National Guard’s 205th Area Support Medical Company in Kansas City is now able to administer CPR training.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - Lance A. Shaffer, executive and administrative officer of the Missouri National Guard's 70th Troop Command, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during a ceremony Saturday at historic Jefferson Barracks in south St. Louis County.

LAKE OZARK, Mo. - Retired Col. Mitchell Passini, who lives in Rolla, was recently awarded the Silver Order of the De Fleury Medal for his exemplary service as an engineer in the Missouri Army National Guard.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Family members, friends and colleagues honored Brig. Gen. Stephen D. Cotter, a Missouri Air National Guard officer for more than 37 years, during a retirement ceremony Saturday at Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Christopher Knapp, of Freeburg, Ill., was recently promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the Missouri Air National Guard at Ike Skelton Training Site in January.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Soldiers from two Missouri National Guard Military Police companies responded to a serious traffic accident that took place Sunday afternoon in front of the Guard armory on south Kingshighway.

FESTUS, Mo. – Military service often runs in families and the Cherian Family of Wentzville recently added to its proud tradition of serving the country.

GLADSTONE, Mo. – Because of the Army, Staff Sgt. Reda Elkhouddari has seen his fair share of the world and is now bringing his experiences to the Missouri Army National Guard while starting a new chapter in his personal life.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - The Army National Guard's 35th Infantry Division, headquartered at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., is in the process of establishing a joint reserve military intelligence program at Jefferson Barracks.

The year 2012 will forever be remembered in the Missouri National Guard as a year where we made great strides both as Soldiers and Airmen serving around the world, and as leaders at home and abroad.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Missouri couple has parlayed their love for country into a continuing long tradition of military service.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Pvt. Carla Williams, of West Plains, recently completed her military training to become a laundry and textile specialist for Missouri National Guard’s 335th Engineer Platoon (Area Clearance) in Rolla.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Pfc. Sara Nowothy, of Cape Girardeau, recently completed her military training to become a military policeman for Missouri National Guard’s Detachment 1, 1137th Military Police Company in Jackson, Mo.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Pvt. Blake Story, of East Prairie, recently completed his military training to become a wheeled-vehicle mechanic for Missouri National Guard’s 1137th Military Police Company in Kennett, Mo.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Pvt. 1st Class Rodtrellius Amos recently completed his military training to become an infantryman for Missouri National Guard’s Company C, 1/138th Infantry Battalion in Perryville.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Pvt. Robert Willoughby, of East Prairie, recently completed his military training to become a wheeled-vehicle mechanic for Missouri National Guard’s 1221st Transportation Company in Dexter, Mo.

JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Jay Nixon is encouraging the nomination of deserving Missourians for the Citizen Service Before Self Honors, which recognize and honor ordinary Americans who become extraordinary through their indomitable courage and selflessness. The Governor said there have been many recent instances of Missourians distinguishing themselves in serving others.

FESTUS, Mo. – When considering higher education, college loans and heavy student debt did not sound like an appealing option to Tess P. Kliethermes, of High Ridge, a recent graduate of Northwest High School.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Twenty four of the Missouri Army National Guard’s newest citizen-Soldiers from Company F of the Recruit Sustainment Program based in Columbia, participated in a swearing in ceremony recently on Faurot Field at the University of Missouri’s football game against Syracuse.

WINSTON, Mo. – The small village of Winston in northwest Missouri boasts a population of about 250 residents. Two of those residents are among the newest Citizen-Soldiers in the Missouri Army National Guard.

First night missions of Vigilant Guard take place

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. –Timothy Saul Hathcock, of Springfield, has enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.

CAMDENTON, Mo. – Joseph Richard Johnson, of Camdenton, has enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.

LEBANON, Mo. – Ethan Dale Gregory, of Lebanon, has enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Rush Benson Loftis of Springfield, has enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.

CONWAY, Mo. – Dakota Wayne Hileman, of Conway, has enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.

CAMDENTON, Mo. – Renee Mae Kramer, of Camdenton, has enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.

MONETT, Mo. – Joshua Lyman, of Monett, has enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.

CAMDENTON, Mo. – Stephen Joseph Riner, of Camdenton, has enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Seth Kenneth Weathers, of Springfield, has enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.

GRANBY Mo. – Austin Stephen Ball, of Granby, has enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.

OZARK, Mo. – Alexander Joseph Cavillo, of Ozark, has enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.

LEBANON, Mo. – Anthony Clay Carter, of Lebanon, has enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.

CAMDENTON, Mo. – Blane Scot Curley, of Camdenton, has enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.

FESTUS, Mo. – It sounds cliché, but Pvt. Cara N. Chilton actually enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard to be all she can be.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri National Guard’s 27th Recruiting and Retention Battalion recently held its third annual Future Leader Conference at the Capitol Plaza Hotel.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Historic Jefferson Barracks in south St. Louis County is becoming very popular with British government officials wanting to learn more about the National Guard response to natural and made-man disasters.

The 35th CAB is supporting the Mizzou Tigers all the way from Camp Buehring, Kuwait as they passed the one-month mark since arriving in the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

For the 50th time, the Missouri National Guard recognized a dedicated group of Citizen-Soldiers for completing its officer candidate school.

LAWSON, Mo. – The career path of a new Citizen-Soldier in the Missouri Army National Guard interestingly enough began in her 5th grade gym class.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - The 35th Combat Aviation Brigade conducted a ceremonial event, awarding the combat patch, while currently deployed to a combat theater Aug. 29, 2012 here at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

LEXINGTON, Mo. – Matthew Walker, of Vienna, recently enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard and will serve as a nodal network system operator with Company C, 35th Infantry Division in St. Joseph.

One Missouri National Guard Citizen-Soldier has returned to duty and two have been transferred to the University of Kansas Medical Center after being injured during annual training at Fort Leonard Wood on Wednesday afternoon. The Soldiers at KUMC are in stable condition.

Lt. Col. Timothy House, 157th Air Operations Group Strategy Plans Team Chief, received a coin and recognition certificate from Lt. Gen. Stanley T. Kresge, 13th Air Force Commander.

FESTUS, Mo. – Patty Warmbrodt, of Fenton, grimaced as she watched her son, Pvt. Matt Warmbrodt, work his way through an obstacle course Saturday at the Festus National Guard Armory.

NACO, Honduras - A Missouri National Guardsman participating in Beyond the Horizon 2012 returned home to St. Louis earlier this month for the birth of his first child.

FORT LEONARD WOOD, MO - The 35th Combat Aviation Brigade recently conducted a simulated mission with a five-member team from Joint Terminal Attack Controller during reserve component unit training.

JOPLIN, Mo. - Within hours of the deadly Joplin tornado on May 22, 2011, Gov. Jay Nixon activated the Missouri National Guard and told the people of Joplin they would remain on duty as long as needed.

COBAN, Guatemala -Missouri National Guard Soldiers are currently deployed to Guatemala in support of the Beyond the Horizon 2012 exercise.

FORT BLISS, Texas – Soldiers of the Missouri Army National Guard’s 1138th Transportation Company are back on U.S. soil after arriving at Fort Bliss, Texas last night ending a 10-month convoy operations mission in Afghanistan.

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - KMOS-TV (PBS) will broadcast a half hour special program titled "We are the Guard: Always Ready, Always There" tonight at 8:30 p.m. on KMOS Channel 6.1.

COBAN, Guatemala - A Carthage Soldier has deployed with the Missouri National to support the Beyond the Horizon 2012 exercise in Guatemala.

COBAN, Guatemala - An Oronogo Soldier has deployed with the Missouri National to support the Beyond the Horizon 2012 exercise in Guatemala.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Gus Nelson, of south St. Louis County, was just 11 years old when his uncle, Jim Larkin, Jr., went off to fight the Korean War nearly 62 years ago.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri's fifth Agribusiness Development Team was welcomed home by Gov. Jay Nixon, the Missouri National Guard and a room full of Family and friends at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City on Wednesday.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. - The Missouri National Guard's 35th Infantry Division ushered in new leadership at a change of command ceremony on Saturday, April 14, at their division headquarters in Leavenworth, Kan.

LEXINGTON, Mo. - Standing in front of his unit and with his Family, Steven Carter, of Clinton, was promoted to captain with the Missouri Army National Guard on April 1.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Whether they are on the firing line in national marksmanship competitions or doing their day-to-day military mission, Missouri's Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen are setting the standard for National Guardsmen across the country.

DEXTER, Mo. - Capt. Matthew Knoderer, of Cape Girardeau, is the new commander for the 1221st Transportation Company in Dexter, Sikeston and Portageville.

BAGRAM AIRBASE, Afghanistan - A Holts Summit, Mo. Army National Guardsman was awarded the Bronze Star Medal during ceremonies Wednesday at Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan.

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. - To prepare for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Soldiers of the 1138th Engineer Sapper Company use Virtual Battlespace 2 to create realistic route clearance scenarios and practice team building.

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. - After a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan, the Agribusiness Development Team V is back on U.S. soil and closer to seeing their loved ones.

NACO CORTEZ, Honduras - The Missouri Army National Guard this week took part in the U.S. Army South and host nation opening ceremonies for Beyond the Horizon 2012. Festivities took place in both Honduras and Guatemala - where Missouri Guardsmen are slated to conduct real-world missions and provide humanitarian services.

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. - Growing up, Spc. Drake Mann, of West Plains, always knew he wanted to join the military.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Lt. Col. Larry D. Crowder, of Jefferson City, was installed as president of the Missouri National Guard Association at the organization's 65th annual conference, which concluded Saturday at the University Plaza Convention Center.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri National Guard Public Affairs office took home honors in three categories in the public affairs awards communication competition and was an honorable mention in another.

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. - Staff Sgt. Jericho Ingold, who lives in St. Louis, was recently selected as the Training and Doctrine Command Noncommissioned Officer Instructor of the Year in the National Guard Bureau category. Ingold earned the award while working as an instructor for the Missouri National Guard's 140th Regiment Missouri Regional Training Institute, of Fort Leonard Wood.

ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Being the new kid at school or a rookie safety in the National Football League can be intimidating.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - In an effort to raise the physical fitness bar of new Kansas City area National Guardsmen, local leadership has stepped up and challenged its recruits.

ST. CHARLES, Mo. - If there is a match made in marketing heaven Master Sgt. Bradley Kohler believes it may be the Missouri National Guard's partnership with the Lake St. Louis-based Mixed Martial Arts Sports League.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Vietnam-era veterans were honored with medals, medallions and certificates of appreciation in an early morning ceremony at the Missouri National Guard Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group facility in Springfield.

BAGRAM AIRBASE, Afghanistan - A Festus, Mo. Army National Guardsman was awarded the Army Commendation Medal during ceremonies Wednesday at Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan.

FORT BENNING, Ga. - Running 100 miles in 60 hours and maneuvering some of the most physically and mentally grueling objectives with minimal food and a few hours of sleep -- sound like fun?

CAMP CROWDER, Mo. - After five days of mentally and physically challenging tests, Sgt. Patrick Jennings and Spc. James Heatherly were named the best noncommissioned officer and soldier of the year.

FESTUS, Mo. - After graduating from Valley Park High School in 2004 and earning a degree in exercise science from St. Louis University, Marcella R. MacDermott decided she wanted yet another advantage in life.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - More than 50 Missouri Guard retirees attended the first muster of the State of Missouri Reserve Military Force at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City.

FESTUS, Mo. - Missouri National Guard Soldiers of the Festus-based 220th Engineer Company will be among hundreds of Guardsmen performing a humanitarian mission in Honduras over the next several months.

TRENTON, Mo. - After traveling more than 450,000 miles while in Afghanistan, the Missouri Army National Guard's 548th Transportation Company, based in Trenton, travelled its last deployment mission - their journey home.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A group of Missouri residents visited the Missouri National Guard headquarters at Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City as a part of a program to enhance their leadership skills.

BAGRAM AIRBASE, Afghanistan - A Missouri Army National Guardsman was awarded the Bronze Star Medal during ceremonies Wednesday at Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan.

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - With support from the Nangarhar Agribusiness Development Team, the Afghan Ministry of Education celebrated another important milestone in their quest to provide all children in the nation equal access to a quality education.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - British government officials continue to tap the disaster response expertise of the Missouri National Guard.

NEVADA, Mo. - The landscape at the Missouri National Guard's Camp Clark in Nevada has changed with the demolition of more than 60 structures originally built in the 1920s. Once used as barracks, the outdated buildings were most recently used for storage.

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. - Shawn Skelton, of Jefferson City, was recently promoted from the rank of chief warrant officer 2 to chief warrant officer 3 in the Missouri Army National Guard.

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Missouri National Guard Agribusiness Development Team VI reports no fatalities or life threatening injuries following an attack on the forward operating base where they are stationed in Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - After 26 years of service in the U.S. Navy and Missouri Army National Guard, a local Guardsman is retiring.

FORT BLISS, Texas - They are back -- almost. After a year-long deployment to Afghanistan, the 548th Transportation Company based in Trenton is now back on U.S. soil. Though not in Missouri yet, these Road Warriors are one step closer.

NEOSHO, Mo. - In a friendly but spirited event, veteran shooters shared tips with less-experienced competitors at the Missouri National Guard's 2012 Adjutant General State Combat Match Rifle/Pistol Championships March 23-25 at Camp Crowder in Neosho.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard is reaching out to his Soldiers and Airmen this month at their drill.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - A regional disaster response force of Missouri National Guardsmen is now certified as mission ready after participating in a large-scale validation exercise involving several explosions in St. Louis.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. – The region’s military Homeland Response Force has received its validation certification thanks in part to the St. Joseph-based 139th Medical Group of the Missouri Air National Guard.

FORT BENNING, Ga. – Hot on the heels of the Missouri National Guard marksmanship team placing second at ‘All Army’ matches at Fort Benning, Ga., in mid March, the Show-Me State Guard combatives team walked away with second place at the fifth annual National Guard Combatives Tournament hosted by the Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning March 18.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A local Missouri National Guard Soldier closes one chapter and begins a new one after spending 26 years with the military.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sidewinder, the rock band element of the St. Louis-based 571st Air National Guard Band made famous by a YouTube video, will perform at the White House next week.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Guard is becoming a Family business for the Hash family.

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. – Two A-10 Thunderbolt bombers flew 16,000 feet above the Missouri Air National Guard’s Cannon Range before firing their 30 mm guns at ground targets in a planned firing exercise this week.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. – A regional disaster response force is now validated and ready for action thanks in part to the Mexico-based 1140th Military Police Company of the Missouri National Guard.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Having joined the National Guard, second grade teacher Spc. Zachary Lutjen, of Lincoln, Mo., has now become the student.

FESTUS, Mo. – William M. Vedder, of Ballwin, enlisted in the Missouri National Guard last year with the expectation that the training regimen would not be “lenient.” He was not disappointed.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Nakeisha Ekpe, of St. Joseph, recently enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard and will serve with the 548th Transportation Company in Trenton.

FESTUS, Mo. – In some professions, when you do a good job, you get more money. In the military, you get more responsibility.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - After 42 years of service with the Missouri National Guard, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dennis Koeberl retired during a ceremony to honor his service and dedication.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – After graduating college and earning his teaching certificate, Jesse Meek, of St. Joseph, knew his education was long from being complete and turned to the Missouri National Guard to broaden his career path.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The unique journey of one Missouri Guardsmen begins more than 6,500 miles away in Nigeria.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Meet the Family Stone, two of the Missouri National Guard’s newest recruits. Cheyenne and Edwin Stone are not only connected as siblings, but also as Citizen-Soldiers.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – One of Missouri’s newest Citizen-Soldiers has been serving in the military since the age of 14 as a Confederate Soldier with the 1st Missouri Cavalry (dismounted). James Shipman, a Civil War reenactor recently promoted to captain, is the youngest officer in his 200-man battalion of relic Soldiers.

ALBANY, Mo. - With the most recent enlistment of their youngest son, one northwest Missouri Family serving in the National Guard could all but make up their own squad of artilleryman. One dad and four sons now serve with the 1-129th Field Artillery Battalion making for some interesting war stories.

New recruits with Delta Company, Missouri National Guard, work in small groups as Sgt. 1st Class Kevin LaChance gives instruction on medical care for injuries ranging from a broken leg to an open chest wound.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Christopher Petty, of St. Joseph, recently enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard and will serve with the 1135th Engineer Company (Clearance) in Richmond, one of three newly formed engineer units in the state.

ALBANY, Mo. – Caleb Newman, of Albany, recently enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard and will serve with the Headquarters, Headquarters Co., 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Kansas City.

For the average Guardsmen, their first experience of the Army National Guard after training is generally a drill weekend. However, for Pvt. Lauren Coffey, her experience was far from the norm.