1976 Bicentennial Celebrations Featured Military Participation Across the Nation

Jan. 30, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Once every 50 years, the United States holds milestone Independence Day celebrations. This year marks the nation's 250th birthday and fifth semicentennial celebration. 

The bicentennial was celebrated nationwide, July 4, 1976. It was celebrated only a year after the last U.S. troops left South Vietnam during the fall of Saigon, April 30, 1975. 

President Gerald R. Ford's administration stressed the themes of healing and rebirth, as well as nostalgia for the nation's founding. Ford was a World War II Navy officer, serving in the Pacific aboard the aircraft carrier USS Monterey. 

New York City celebrated the bicentennial with a parade of ships that included dozens of historic and current ships. Operation Sail, as it was called, began in New York Harbor and moved up the Hudson River.

One of the ships, the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal, carried Ford, Vice President Nelson Rockefeller and State Secretary Henry Kissinger.  

The event was also attended by 70 foreign ambassadors and chiefs of naval operations from 35 countries.

A statue of King George III was beheaded, reenacting when his statue was beheaded during the Revolutionary War and melted down to make bullets. 

During the celebration in the city, bands and ceremonial units from all of the military services marched down Constitution Avenue.

In Greenfield Village, Michigan, members of the military dressed in Revolutionary and Civil War period uniforms. Military parades like these took place across the nation. 

In 1976, Donald Rumsfeld was the defense secretary; Martin Richard Hoffmann was the Army secretary; Gen. Frederick C. Weyand was the Army chief of staff, followed by Gen. Bernard W. Rogers in October of that year; J. William Middendorf II was the Navy secretary; Adm. James L. Holloway III was the chief of naval operations; Thomas C. Reed was the Air Force secretary; David C. Jones was the Air Force chief of staff; and, Gen. Louis Wilson was the Marine Corps commandant. 

The military wasn't involved in any conflicts in 1976, the last being the Mayaguez incident in May 1975, in Kampuchea, now called Cambodia.

The U.S. was involved in the Cold War, which lasted from 1947 until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. 

During this timeframe, the U.S. military maintained a large presence in West Germany, Japan and South Korea.

At Panmunjom, South Korea, Aug. 18, 1976, two U.S. soldiers were killed by North Korean soldiers while trying to chop down part of a tree in the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which had obscured their view of North Korea. Three days later, Operation Paul Bunyan took place with a show of force made up of dozens of U.S. and South Korean troops, who completed cutting down the rest of the tree. 

On Nov. 2, 1976, Jimmy Carter, a former naval officer like Ford, was elected president. 

Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star Marks 50 Years of Service, Begins Operation Deep Freeze

Jan. 29, 2026 | By Courtesy Story, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area |

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Polar Star began icebreaking operations in the Southern Ocean in support of Operation Deep Freeze 26 and marked its 50th year of commissioned service Jan. 17 by freeing and escorting a cruise ship trapped in a pack of ice.

The Australian-owned cruise ship contacted the Polar Star at approximately 11 p.m., local time, Jan. 16, after becoming beset in a pack of ice roughly eight nautical miles from McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. The Polar Star's crew conducted two close passes to break the vessel free, then escorted it approximately four nautical miles to open water. 

The Polar Star departed Seattle in November for its 29th deployment to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze. 

The operation provides logistical support for the U.S. Antarctic Program, which is managed by the National Science Foundation. The mission includes strategic and tactical airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, cargo handling and other transportation requirements.

These efforts enable critical scientific research in one of the most remote regions on Earth. The ship's role in Operation Deep Freeze includes breaking a navigable channel through miles of dense Antarctic ice to allow fuel and cargo deliveries essential for sustaining research stations and operations.

Commissioned Jan. 17, 1976, the Polar Star is the nation's only active heavy icebreaker and has served as a cornerstone of the U.S. presence in the polar regions. For five decades, the cutter has executed missions including Antarctic resupply, search and rescue, environmental protection and national defense. 

As the cutter transits the Southern Ocean en route to Antarctica, its crew reflected on a half-century of service defined by resilience, adaptability and dedication.

"I am constantly amazed at this crew's tremendous energy and enthusiasm," said Coast Guard Capt. Jeff Rasnake, CGC Polar Star commanding officer. "Despite the many challenges associated with getting and keeping this ship on mission, they remain eternally positive and committed to meeting the high standards we've set for ourselves."

Throughout its service life, the Polar Star has completed dozens of Operation Deep Freeze missions and numerous Arctic deployments, defending U.S. sovereignty, securing critical shipping lanes, protecting energy and mineral resources, and countering adversarial presence in the polar regions. Despite its age, the cutter continues to demonstrate unmatched heavy icebreaking capability, routinely operating in conditions few vessels can navigate.

"At 50 years old, [the] Polar Star remains the world's most capable non-nuclear icebreaker," said Coast Guard Cmdr. Samuel Blase, the ship's executive officer. "That's a testament to the crews that have maintained it over the decades. With years of service left to give, [the] Polar Star will continue to guide the way in the high latitudes well into the future." 

As the cutter undertakes another demanding deployment, its 50th anniversary underscores both the ship's enduring capabilities and the professionalism of its crew.

"While the term 'historic' has lost meaning through overuse, there is no doubt that this is an amazing ship," Rasnake said. "[The] Polar Star's 50 years of service in the polar regions puts it in the discussion with other great Coast Guard icebreakers." 

As the Polar Star presses south through freezing seas and thickening ice, the crew carries forward a proud tradition of service. The 50th anniversary serves as both a celebration of the past and a reminder of the cutter's ongoing role at the forefront of U.S. polar operations. 

National Guard Repair Depot Key to Army Aircraft Maintenance

Jan. 28, 2026 | By Timothy Koster, Connecticut National Guard Public Affairs Office |

At the Connecticut National Guard's 1109th Aviation Classification and Repair Depot, workers refurbish and maintain the Army's fleet of rotary-wing aircraft. This unique job can save the War Department millions of dollars a year.

Unlike field units that are trained and equipped to conduct basic maintenance on their aircraft, the repair depot is capable of stripping a helicopter — whether it's a UH-60 Black Hawk, a CH-47 Chinook or an AH-64 Apache — to its nuts and bolts and rebuilding it to factory standards, as if it just rolled off the assembly line.

"We are considered a sustainment-level facility in that we can do the highest-level maintenance comparable with any Army aviation depot," said Army 1st Sgt. Jarod Meekhoff, a quality control inspector for aircraft and aviation maintenance at the repair depot. "The kind of work that we do is highly technical, which is why we have a lot of specialized tools, equipment and specialized individuals here with the knowledge and skills capable of doing that."

Connecticut is home to some of the country's largest military-industrial businesses. It is fitting, then, that Connecticut is also home to the repair depot. The facility, based in Groton, Connecticut, employs highly skilled uniformed mechanics and some of the industry's most experienced civilian contractors to refurbish and maintain the aircraft. 

 
"In doing depot maintenance, we can basically take an aircraft and overhaul it from the ground up," Meekhoff said. "That's removing all the components, stripping all the paint, doing significant structural upgrades, structural repairs, component repairs [and] component overhauls." 
 
One of the best examples of this facility's cost-saving capability came in 2019, when the repair depot received two battle-damaged Chinooks that were deemed inoperable. In just two years, even with the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, these two helicopters were stripped down, analyzed, repaired, repainted and returned to the fleet as fully functional machines, sparing the military millions of dollars in buying new helicopters. 
 
Holding important certifications qualifies the repair depot to bid on special aviation maintenance projects offered by the Army. This allows soldiers and contractors at the facility to develop skills and knowledge comparable to those of their civilian defense industry counterparts. 

 
Working at the depot provides an opportunity for those interested in the aviation or aerospace industries to acquire skills and experience that will help advance their careers. 
 
"Because of the level of maintenance and the kind of very technical maintenance that we do, our maintainers will walk away with a much better understanding of not just helicopters and aircraft, but general maintenance and procedures, which absolutely translates to all the civilian companies that do any sort of production, manufacturing or assembly," Meekhoff said. 
 
In addition to the repair depot, the facility is home to the 1109th Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group, the traditional National Guard unit to which many of the uniformed personnel are assigned. These soldiers are capable of going downrange and performing high-level depot maintenance on aircraft on the front lines of the War Department's efforts to maintain peace and stability worldwide.

National Guardsmen Activated in Response to Winter Storm Fern

Jan. 27, 2026 | By Army Sgt. 1st Class Christy Sherman, National Guard Bureau |

More than 5,400 National Guard members are on duty in 15 states in the aftermath of winter storms that dropped snow and ice from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic and the South over the weekend.

"[I'm] proud of our incredible National Guardsmen who are stepping up once again," said Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, in a post shared on his official social media account before the storm. "To everyone in the storm's path: take all precautionary measures to stay safe. The National Guard is always ready, always there."  

Arkansas National Guard soldiers have been driving along icy roadways alongside state police officers, assisting motorists who slid off the road and using military vehicles to recover disabled vehicles.  

North Carolina Army National Guard soldiers performed similar missions.

"We used our high-mobility vehicles to pull those individuals back onto the road and get them on their way," said Army Lt. Col. Ellis Parks, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs director.  

Guard members have also assisted with traffic management, conducted health and welfare checks, and transported local first responders and emergency personnel as they responded to calls for assistance.  

In Delaware, that meant more than 100 Guard members on duty with vehicles positioned throughout the state. In Kentucky more than 2,000 Guard members were activated to respond to icy and snowy conditions.  

In Maryland and other affected areas, Guard members began staging vehicles, equipment and other resources in the days leading up to the storm.  

"The safety and well-being of Maryland residents is our top priority," said Army Brig. Gen. Craig Hunter, Maryland National Guard Joint Staff director. "By preparing our personnel and equipment before the winter storm, we can respond immediately to requests for assistance from local jurisdictions and help ensure our communities remain safe during this weather."

Guard officials said soldiers and airmen will remain on duty helping communities recover from severe winter weather as long as they are needed.  

In total, National Guard units from 15 states were activated in response to Winter Storm Fern, including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.  

Guard members in six additional states are on alert to support state and local officials if needed.  

Air Force, Navy Aircraft to Fly Over Super Bowl LX

Jan. 27, 2026 |Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs |

To commemorate America's 250th birthday, the Air Force and the Navy are conducting a joint flyover during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Feb. 8, 2026. 

The formation, featuring two Air Force B-1 Lancers, from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, and two F-15C Eagles, from Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, alongside a pair of Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets and two F-35C Lightning IIs, from Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, is a symbol of the nation's journey and independence.

While this flyover features the Air Force and Navy, a powerful symbol of America's  airpower and maritime strength, it symbolizes the entire joint force — Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard — working together across every domain to defend the nation, safeguarding 250 years of American independence.

A Military District of Washington joint armed forces color guard will render military honors during the national anthem. This prestigious interservice team from the capital region provides unparalleled ceremonial precision and national representation. The service members of the Air Force and Navy flyover will participate in community outreach events leading up to game day, including public displays of the aircraft, search and rescue demonstration and backseat flights on the F/A-18F Super Hornet with community leaders.
 
As the nation celebrates the country's 250th birthday throughout 2026, the joint community outreach efforts throughout the Super Bowl week demonstrate the joint force's shared history and enduring commitment to defending freedom and supporting the nation's independence.

 
At one of the most-watched events in the world, the flyover will be a visible reminder that America's military remains united, ready and dominant — 250 years strong.

U.S., Italy Commemorate 82nd Anniversary of Operation Shingle

Jan. 26, 2026 | By Army Capt. Katherine Sibilla, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa |

Army Master Sgt. Joshua Van Horn walked through the curved rows of white marble crosses at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy, his steps slowing as he searched for a familiar unit.

His eyes settled on the headstones of soldiers from the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, also known as the "devils in baggy pants," a name given to them by a German officer during World War II. Van Horn grazed his hand across the smooth marble and paused at the grave of Army Pvt. James Warren, the name etched permanently into the stone. 

Van Horn once served in the 504th PIR, deploying with the unit to Afghanistan. Standing among the graves offered a moment to reflect not only on their sacrifice, but on his own service.

"Coming here gives you a sense of purpose," Van Horn said. "It reminds me why we do what we do." 

Van Horn participated in the 82nd anniversary commemoration of Operation Shingle at the cemetery in Nettuno, Jan. 22. He led the 173rd Airborne Brigade honor guard during the ceremony, which honored the service and sacrifice of U.S. and Allied forces who fought during the World War II landings at Anzio, Italy, and Nettuno.

"This cemetery is a testament to what makes America great," Van Horn continued. "Eighty-two years later, these graves are still cared for. What other country does that? Honoring soldiers who died liberating others."

U.S. and Italian officials delivered remarks throughout the ceremony, including U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Bryant Burch, Italian Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John L. Rafferty Jr., U.S. European Command chief of staff. 

Local students from Nettuno schools sang, read poetry and laid roses in remembrance of those buried at the cemetery, followed by a ceremonial wreath-laying. The ceremony also honored the life of Army 1st Lt. Carl Hood, the first service member buried at the cemetery.

Speakers echoed the message that the cemetery is not only a resting place for the fallen, but a space meant to guide the living. Burch and Rafferty also reflected on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and its continued relevance. 

"Two hundred and fifty years of dedication to a universal proposition, grounded in human dignity and fundamental rights, that we continue to strive to live up to," Burch said. "Marking this day during such a historic anniversary carries even greater significance."

As the ceremony concluded, Van Horn and others moved quietly through the rows of marble crosses and Stars of David, reflecting on the cost of freedom. 

These cemeteries are not only places of mourning, but also places of memory, meant to remind the living what service demands and what liberty costs.

Steady in the Storm: Guardsmen Support D.C. Through Winter Weather

Jan. 26, 2026 | By Air Force Master Sgt. William Blankenship, Joint Task Force District of Columbia |

Snow fell steadily as a military Humvee eased through Washington's streets with tires crunching over packed ice and traffic lights reflected off slush-covered pavement. Inside the vehicle, Army Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force District of Columbia, scanned a digital map, tracking patrols spread across the city as a winter storm tightened its grip.

"Slow and steady," Doane said, watching a civilian vehicle struggle for traction nearby. "Interesting driving choices out there today." 

The storm transformed the mission almost instantly. What began as routine presence patrols in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission shifted toward life-safety priorities — mobility, visibility and helping people navigate a city slowed by snow and ice. 

Across the district, National Guard soldiers and airmen moved deliberately through metro stations, neighborhoods and key corridors. Some checked on patrol teams braving long shifts in freezing temperatures. Others used high-mobility vehicles to assist first responders, transport personnel and help stranded motorists clear snowbanks and regain traction. 

"This is where the Guard fits naturally," Doane said, as the Humvee turned toward Union Station. "When conditions get tough, we bring mobility, manpower and discipline to support our partners and the community." 

Throughout the ride-along, Doane stopped repeatedly to speak with guardsmen on post — asking about their gear, their feet, their food and their radios. He reminded leaders to rotate personnel inside warming areas, keep one soldier alert at all times and watch for signs of cold-weather injuries.

"Those basic leadership things still work," he said. "Feet, hands, communication — take care of each other — and the mission takes care of itself." 

Outside, the storm revealed a different side of the mission. Guardsmen pushed vehicles out of snowbanks, guided pedestrians through icy intersections and checked on individuals waiting in the cold. In several cases, teams coordinated with district partners to escort people to warming shelters or help them reach safe transportation. 

"We're providing a lot of mobility today," Doane explained. "That's really what our partners need — getting officers, firefighters and medical personnel where they need to be, and helping civilians move safely through the city." 

Inside a metro station, Doane paused to observe soldiers standing watch near the turnstiles. Trains continued running despite the weather, and commuters moved through what one passerby called "the safest metro station in America right now." The guardsmen nodded, adjusted their posture and continued scanning the space — visible, calm and unintrusive. 

"That presence matters," Doane said. "Just being here brings the temperature down. People feel reassured." 

The winter storm did more than slow traffic; it tested systems, patience and readiness. Snow and ice complicated response times, narrowed streets and forced constant reassessment of risk. Guardsmen adapted quickly, shifting patrol routes, coordinating with law enforcement partners and prioritizing safety over speed. 

"Safety is No. 1," Doane reminded a team sheltering near a metro entrance. "No reason to stand out here and freeze. We'll get back to normal patrols when conditions allow." 

Despite the conditions, morale remained steady. Guardsmen shared hot drinks, swapped stories and laughed about snowball fights that never materialized. Civilians waved as the Humvee passed, some offering thanks, others simply relieved to see help nearby. 

"I've gotten more waves today than I have in a long time," Doane said. "People remember what the Guard does during storms like this." 

As the night wore on, the mission continued, quietly, steadily and without ceremony. Patrols remained in place. Vehicles stayed ready. And across the city, guardsmen stood watch while Washington dug itself out. 

"What we do is important," Doane said as the Humvee rolled back into traffic. "But how we do it matters more. The way our soldiers carry themselves, the way they treat people — that's what builds trust." 

In a city shaped by movement and unpredictability, the storm underscored the Guard's enduring role: ready when conditions worsen, visible when reassurance is needed and committed to serving the community — no matter the weather. 

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Tech. 5th Grade Eric Gibson

Jan. 26, 2026 | By Katie Lange, Pentagon News |

Army Tech. 5th Grade Eric Gibson served as a cook during World War II, but his desire for more led him to work out a deal with his superiors to fight on the front lines. During one intense battle in Italy, Gibson consistently went ahead of the soldiers he led and took out threats in their path. He didn't survive the ordeal, but his bravery and leadership earned him the Medal of Honor.

Gibson was born Oct. 3, 1919, in Nysund, Sweden, to Erland and Agda Gibson. In 1924, after his younger brother, Sven, was born, the family moved to Chicago, where Gibson grew up.

Few details of his early life have been published. Still, by February 1941, Gibson had enlisted in the Army as troop numbers soared ahead of America's inevitable involvement in World War II. After basic training, he was assigned as a cook for the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.

In November 1942, the division deployed to North Africa, where Gibson, as part of Company I, took part in that invasion and the subsequent invasion of Sicily.

As the division plowed through enemy territory, Gibson decided he wanted to make a bigger impact than just being a cook. So, he worked out a deal with his commanding officer that allowed him to serve as a rifleman in an infantry squad whenever the company went into battle, according to the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum.

In the mountainous terrain of Sicily, where motorized Army vehicles weren't useful, Gibson is credited with leading a pack of mules carrying supplies across several miles of rugged landscape. Later, as the company's main scout, he located several enemy positions and even killed and wounded two German soldiers during ensuing firefights.

In mid-January 1944, the division landed on the Anzio beachhead in Italy. As Gibson's company moved up the coastline, he continued with his dual missions, repeatedly distinguishing himself in combat, according to the museum.

On Jan. 28, 1944, Gibson's company had made it all the way to northern Italy and was near the island of Isola Bella when they came under attack. Gibson quickly mobilized and led a squad of unseasoned soldiers — those sent to the front lines to fill vacancies left by casualties — through a "baptism by fire," his Medal of Honor citation stated. But their efforts bore fruit. They managed to destroy four enemy positions, kill five and capture two German soldiers, all while also securing their company's left flank.

Gibson then continued ahead of his fellow soldiers, moving through a wide stream ditch until he came within 20 yards of a concealed enemy soldier, who opened up on him with automatic fire. Several bullets nearly hit Gibson, but that didn't stop him. He charged, firing his submachine gun every few steps until he got to the enemy position and fired at point-blank range, killing his opponent.

As a smattering of artillery landed in and around the ditch, the impact from one knocked Gibson flat. As soon as he got to his feet, he was fired on by two enemy soldiers who were about 75 yards away. Gibson immediately raced toward them and didn't stop, even when machine gun fire opened up on him about halfway to the position. Gibson killed one foe and captured the other.

Shortly after that, during another spray of heavy machine gun fire coming from about 200 yards further down the ditch, Gibson crawled back to his squad and ordered them to direct as much fire as possible toward the enemy so he could flank that machine gun nest.

Getting to the emplacement required Gibson to crawl 125 yards through an intense artillery barrage that included crossfire from two machine guns, which showered dirt all over him. He made it, however, and once he reached the nest, he threw two hand grenades into it before charging forward with his submachine gun, killing two enemy soldiers and capturing a third.

When his squad got to a bend in the ditch, Gibson moved forward alone to scout out the situation. That's the last time his fellow soldiers saw him alive.

Gibson's squad later told officials that when they heard an exchange of gunfire, they moved around the bend. About 35 yards toward an enemy outpost, they found Gibson dead. However, before he fell, he managed to kill one more German soldier.

Gibson's fearless actions kept the men in his squad alive, even if it meant his own death. For that, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His parents were gifted it on his behalf Sept. 15, 1944, during a ceremony at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

When Gibson's body was returned to the U.S. in 1948, he was buried in Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, where his parents had moved while he was overseas.

Gibson has not been forgotten. Over the years, an Army Reserve center in Berwyn, Illinois, and a dining facility on Fort Lee, Virginia, were named in his honor. In 1995, a Navy container ship was renamed for the fallen soldier, and in 1999, Gibson was inducted into the Quartermaster Hall of Fame. 

A 'Tail' of Service: Famous Military Working Dog Retires

Jan. 23, 2026 | By Abigail Carey, Fort Meade Public Affairs |

The beloved military working dog, known across the force for greeting users when they log in to military devices, is now retired from active service.

Affectionately called "Doggles," MWD Nick served eight years in the Army, seven of those at Fort Meade, Maryland. Nick specialized in explosives detection, helping technicians confront and defeat explosives around the world.

Some of the biggest assignments that Nick and handler Army Staff Sgt. Justin Peyton, assigned to the 2nd Military Working Dog Detachment, have worked include 58 Secret Service missions, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit, a Democratic National Convention, the Army's 250th anniversary celebration, state funerals and the United Nations General Assembly.

"My favorite assignment was the United Nations meeting in New York City," Peyton said. "We got to walk around the city, see sights and meet lots of people."

The famous photo came from Nick's nine-month deployment to Al Asad Air Base, with his previous handler, Army Spc. Joseph J. Lane. During the deployment, Lane and Nick supported the 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

 
"The goggles are worn to protect MWDs from debris and harsh weather," Lane said in a 2023 interview. "In that photo, Nick was wearing them at the range for familiarization. We were at the range for night fire and we flew in [UH-60] Black Hawks with night vision goggles."

Nick's photo was selected from among hundreds to be used by the War Department's global directory.

"When they saw Nick's photo, the creators knew that was the one they wanted," Peyton said.

Since becoming the face of the global directory, Nick garnered a cult following among service members and department civilians. A morale patch made by a small artist has been sold thousands of times.

"It has been nice to see lots of people take to him and fall in love with him," Peyton said. 

"This dog's career is a direct reflection of the high standards and operational lethality we demand from every team in our unit," said Army Capt. Patricio Quezada, 2nd Military Police Detachment commander, as he reflected on Nick and Peyton's time with the unit. "Their success was built on the relentless work of a dedicated handler who exercised patience and translated that into an unbreakable bond between dog and handler."

When adopting a military working dog after their service, handlers have priority. Nick will spend the rest of his years with Peyton and his family.

"Knowing that Nick kept Justin safe for so long, knowing that he protects my husband, has given me a lot of comfort," Lauren Peyton said. "We are looking forward to giving him a comfortable life in retirement."

Spouses Experience a Day of Marine Corps Training

Jan. 23, 2026 | By Marine Corps Cpl. Joaquin Carlos Dela Torre, 3rd Marine Division |

Spouses of 4th Marine Regiment and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion participated in an "In Their Boots" event at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 15. The one-day event was designed to give spouses a firsthand look at the training their Marine spouses conduct to sustain a ready and capable combat force.

By participating in a series of hands-on activities, spouses can better understand daily challenges while building a stronger connection to their Marine and with other families throughout the commands.

The day included multiple events modeled after standard Marine Corps requirements. Spouses fired rifles on a live-fire range, conducted the obstacle course, completed a modified combat fitness test, descended a rappel tower and rode in a combat rubber reconnaissance craft.

"Our spouses can see not only what their significant other does throughout the day and throughout the year, but the other opportunities that are available in the Marine Corps," said Marine Corps 1st Lt. William Rebert, Headquarters Company executive officer, 4th Marine Regiment.

Throughout the day, Marines assigned to 4th Marine Regiment and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion served as instructors and safety guides, explaining each task and encouraging spouses. Through their involvement, spouses gained insight into Marine Corps training standards and unit culture.

For many spouses, the experience was both challenging and rewarding.

"It's harder than I thought, and I definitely [have] a lot more respect for the Marines that are able to finish the O-course and the CFT," said Isabelle Rebert, Rebert's wife. "They planned out the schedule really well to show us as much as they could in a one-day span and we got to do a lot of really cool stuff."

Leaders of 4th Marine Regiment emphasized that family readiness is a critical component of mission readiness. Events like "In Their Boots" reinforce the idea that spouses play an essential role in supporting Marines, both at home and during deployments. By the end of the day, participants left with a deeper appreciation for the training that their Marine spouse endures and a deeper connection to their spouse's service.

"It is not often that military spouses can see the intricate complexities and professionalism of their Marine spouse on the job, and this event helped demonstrate how much their Marine is capable of and ready to do on behalf of our nation," said Marine Corps Col. Richard Barclay, commanding officer, 4th Marine Regiment. "This was a great opportunity for the spouses, across several commands, to spend the day together doing high-quality Marine training and foster a greater sense of community amongst our families here in Okinawa. Given the opportunity, I would highly encourage any military spouse to take full advantage of events like this."

Space Forces Southern Officially Activated During Ceremony in Arizona

Jan. 22, 2026 | By Andrea Jenkins, Air Forces Southern |

The Space Force and U.S. Southern Command officially marked the activation of U.S. Space Forces Southern during a ceremony yesterday at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, formalizing the command's role in integrating space capabilities across the Western Hemisphere.

Although the command became operationally effective Dec. 1, 2025, the ceremony formally recognized the activation with the assumption of command by Space Force Col. Brandon P. Alford, and the digital unveiling of the Space Forces Southern emblem, symbolizing the command's mission and regional focus. 

Space Forces Southern serves as the space component to Southcom, responsible for integrating space power with joint, interagency and multinational partners to support regional security, deterrence and stability across Central America, South America and the Caribbean. 

"This new organization reaffirms our commitment to address local threats of all shapes and sizes, ranging from malign state actors to violent extremist organizations and to transnational criminal organizations," said Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman. "Space Forces Southern will continue to be a force for good in the region, using space to maintain peace and stability and defend the homeland."

Saltzman emphasized that space capabilities are not just support elements for the joint force, but a fully integrated and critical component in their own right. 

"As we clearly saw in recent operations in the Southcom [area of responsibility], without space, kill chains don't close, our strategic advantage evaporates and we can't complete our joint missions," Saltzman said.  

As the first commander of Space Forces Southern, Alford said the activation reflects the growing operational importance of space to missions conducted daily in the Southcom area of responsibility.

"Today marks the beginning of a future that is more connected, more informed, agile and more united in building together to be more capable," he said. "As the first commander of Space Forces Southern, I accept this responsibility with humility and optimism. I am confident that together we will shape a space domain that reflects our shared values and shared aspirations.

"We are not just standing up a command today," he added. "Together, we are shaping the space domain so that what lies above us strengthens everything we value below." 

A career space professional, Alford brings extensive experience across the enterprise, including operational, instructional and staff assignments supporting missile warning, space control and joint space integration. Prior to assuming command, he served in senior leadership roles aligned with Southcom, providing continuity between the command's initial operational capability and its formal activation. 

The ceremony included the unveiling of the official Space Forces Southern emblem. The design features the Crux constellation, also known as the Southern Cross, to signify that the command is the space component focused on South America. It also has a lightning bolt to symbolize the speed and responsiveness of space-enabled support to joint and partner forces throughout the region. 

In the Southcom area of responsibility, space-enabled capabilities support operations across vast distances and complex environments. Guardians secure satellite communications and provide positioning, navigation, timing and space-enabled awareness for counter-illicit trafficking operations, multinational exercises, partnership building and crisis response — strengthening regional stability and deterrence.

"The activation of Space Forces Southern affirms a simple and powerful idea: we are one hemisphere, stronger together," Alford said. "Bound together by geography, values and a shared future above us — connected by shared challenges and shared opportunity." 

The ceremony was attended by War Department senior leaders including Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan L. Pettus, acting commander of Southcom acting commander; Air Force Maj. Gen. David Mineau, Air Forces Southern commander; and Undersecretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier, underscoring the importance of space integration in support of joint and departmental priorities. 

Headquartered at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Space Forces Southern will work closely with U.S. Space Command, Southcom, U.S. Northern Command, the Air National Guard's State Partnership Program and international partners to enhance interoperability and strengthen space domain awareness throughout the region. 

The activation marks another significant step in formally establishing space as a warfighting domain critical to joint operations, reinforcing security and stability across the Western Hemisphere. 

Alaska Army National Guardsmen Conduct a Nighttime Medical Evacuation

Jan. 22, 2026 | By Alejandro Pena, Alaska National Guard |

Alaska Army National Guardsmen assigned to the 207th Aviation Troop Command medically evacuated an individual Jan. 21 from Southwest Alaska. 

In response to a request for assistance from medical staff at Kanakanak Hospital, Dillingham, Alaska, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center opened a medevac mission for an individual experiencing a medical emergency. 

Daylight restrictions prevented local civilian air ambulance services from conducting the mission.  

The Alaska Army National Guard accepted the mission and dispatched a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter, based in Bethel, Alaska. 

Using night-vision goggles, Alaska Army National Guard Black Hawk aviators Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bryan Kruse, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Colten Bell and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nick Lime, with Bethel Fire Department medics Kelly Parker and Lauren Konig aboard, flew about 180 miles southeast to New Stuyahok, Alaska.

The Black Hawk crew arrived on scene and loaded the patient for transport to Dillingham, about 50 miles southwest. Parker and Konig rendered medical aid to keep the patient stable en route. 

Upon arrival in Dillingham, the patient was transported and released to Kanakanak Hospital staff. 

The effort continued the Alaska Army National Guard's ongoing relationship with western Alaska communities. 

The Alaska Army National Guard frequently supports emergency response operations across the state in partnership with the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center and local agencies. The Black Hawk crew, based in Bethel, Alaska, is not a designated rescue asset with hoist capabilities or paramedic teams. Despite that, the crew is crucial in supplementing traditional emergency services that are not often available in western Alaska, an area where rural communities are not connected by roads.

Painting of Benedict Arnold as Battle of Saratoga Hero to be Restored for Display in NY

Jan. 21, 2026 | By Eric Durr, New York National Guard |

A massive oil painting on canvas memorializing Benedict Arnold's heroism during the 1777 Battle of Saratoga was unrolled for the first time since 2013 at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, New York, Jan. 16.

 
The 25-foot-long by 7-foot-high painting, "Benedict Arnold, Triumphant at Saratoga," was opened across eight tables so that a painting conservation expert could examine its condition. 

The painting has been in storage since it was originally donated.  
 
The goal, according to museum director Courtney Burns, is to have the painting restored and displayed in the museum in time for the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga in 2027. 

 
Arnold is remembered as an infamous traitor for attempting to betray the American forts at West Point and the visiting Gen. George Washington to the British during the American Revolution. 
 
But before that, he played a key role in delaying a British invasion of northern New York and leading a key charge that forced the British to retreat during the fighting at Saratoga. 
 
The painting by George Gray depicts Arnold leading American soldiers in storming the Breymann Redoubt, a Hessian-held fortification. 
 
The narration in the painting, explaining the scene's significance, is by Kenneth Roberts, a historical novelist from the 1920s to 1940s, who wrote two books featuring Arnold as a heroic figure. 
 
John Lippert, a partner at a Livingston, New York, art conservation and restoration company, looked the painting over and took photographs. 

 
Lippert said his company will clean the painting and do touch-up work to bring out the original colors. The varnish on the 1937 painting has darkened with time, he explained, so his team will remove that. 
 
The conservators will also need to repair a corner of the painting where an inset depicting Arnold at the 1776 naval fight at Lake Champlain's Valcour Island was cut out, Lippert said. 
 
The military museum has that piece, so that will be worked back into the painting, Lippert said. 
 
His team will also put the painting onto a wooden stretcher frame, so it is ready to be displayed in the museum. 

The restoration work will likely take about six months. 
 
Lippert's company has repaired other historic paintings for the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Burns said. This includes artwork in the Lexington Avenue Armory in Manhattan and the Jamaica Armory in Queens. 

He said the project's cost could reach $30,000. 
 
The money, Burns said, is being provided through the Friends of the New York State Military Museum, a private not-for-profit, which is receiving it from an anonymous donor. 
 
The painting was donated to the New York State Military Museum in 2013 by the H. Lee White Marine Museum in Oswego, New York. 
 
It was one of 233 Gray completed for the American Hotel Corporation in the 1930s to commemorate local history in their hotels, according to a 2025 article in the Lehigh Valley News. 
 
In this case, the painting was in the Hendrick Hudson Hotel in Troy, New York, which closed in 1966. 
 
A companion piece by Gray, which also hung in the Hendrick Hudson Hotel and commemorated the 27th Division of the New York National Guard in World War I, is currently on display at the military museum. 

 
Arnold played a critical role in military campaigns in Canada and northern New York in the early years of the Revolutionary War. He led an attack on Quebec through the Maine wilderness, fought a naval battle on Lake Champlain that delayed a British attack south for a year and then picked the ground where the successful Battle of Saratoga was fought. 
 
The New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center tells the story of New York's rich military history and the service and sacrifice of its citizens through interpretive exhibitions, public programs, and the collection and preservation of artifacts and archival materials related to the state's military forces and veterans.