Change of Command
The Vermont National Guard’s Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Joint Force Headquarters, marked a key leadership transition today as Maj. Kurt Kafferlin relinquished command to Capt. Trevor Pituck.
Presided over by Brig. Gen. Matthew Brown, the ceremony honored Maj. Kafferlin’s steady leadership and dedication, while welcoming Capt. Pituck as he takes the guidon and leads the formation forward.
Chaplain, Maj. Eric Stuepfert delivered the benediction, closing the ceremony with reflection and gratitude.
Thank you, Maj. Kafferlin, for your service and impact—and best of luck to Capt. Pituck as he steps into command.
#VTNationalGuard #Leadership #ChangeOfCommand #GreenMountainBoys
Vermont National Guard I Vermont Army National Guard
Big morning at HHC 86th Troop Command
1st Sgt. Christopher Tanguay was promoted to Command Sergeant Major and immediately assumed responsibility as the senior enlisted leader during a change of responsibility ceremony.
CSM Tanguay takes the reins from CSM Brian Moulton, whose leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on the formation.
Thank you, CSM Moulton, for your hard work, commitment, and service to our Soldiers.
A new chapter begins—built on a strong foundation.
Vermont National Guard I Vermont Army National Guard
The 15th Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction) just set the standard.
Awarded the HQDA Safety Streamer—the U.S. Army’s highest unit-level safety honor—these Soldiers prove that excellence isn’t accidental, it’s built through discipline, leadership, and a relentless commitment to the mission.
“This award reflects the character of every Soldier in this unit… Safety at this level isn’t luck — it’s discipline,” said Maj. Gen. Henry "Hank" Harder Jr., Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard.
From responding to complex CBRNE threats to supporting civil authorities when it matters most, the 15th CST operates where risk is high and precision is everything. Their safety culture isn’t just a requirement—it’s what makes the mission possible.
The streamer now flies proudly on their guidon—a symbol of trust, readiness, and the protection of Vermont communities. 🇺🇸
Today marked the end of Centennial Alliance 2026 at the Ethan Allen Firing Range.
5,000 tons of material moved. 700 PT timbers placed. 1,300 CMU blocks laid. 10,000 pounds of concrete and mortar. Miles of roads and trails improved. Dozen's of infrastructure improvements to buildings and 256 personnel trained.
"Last Week, I spoke about history - here at the Ethan Allen Firing Range and as National Guardsmen." said Lt. Col. Austin Barber, OIC of the exercise. "I challenged you to meet the future with a determination worthy of that history. Over the past two weeks, you met and exceeded that challenge. Thank You."
Thirty Soldiers and two units were individually recognized during the outgoing award ceremony honoring their service and dedication throughout the exercise.
Col. Jacob Roy and Maj. Gen. Henry "Hank" Harder Jr., Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard, were also present to provide remarks of gratitude and to thank the units for their incredible efforts throughout the exercise.
ESSAYONS!
#centennialalliance2026 #100YEARS #EthanAllenFiringRange #VermontNationalGuard
Steel in the ground. Sweat on the line. Mission getting done.
The 181st Engineers are putting in real work on Range 6-3 at the Ethan Allen Firing Range during Centennial Alliance 2026—turning vision into capability and leaving a lasting impact on one of the Army’s premier training grounds.
“We are so grateful to be given the opportunity to train and let our Soldiers do their jobs on a few different projects which is great. These guys are proud of the work and we greatly appreciate getting to partake in the experience.” — 4th Platoon Leader, Lt. Noah Clark
From dirt to dominance—this is what readiness looks like. #CentennialAlliance2026 #VTARNG #ArmyEngineers #TrainToWin #Yankeedivision
Built for the toughest terrain on earth, the Beowulf All-Terrain Vehicle is redefining mobility for the U.S. Army.
Designed to operate where wheels can’t go, the Beowulf thrives in snow, mud, swamps, and even open water. Its articulated, tracked design delivers unmatched traction and maneuverability, making it a critical asset for Arctic operations and extreme environments. So of course it’s made its way to Vermont 🏔️
With the ability to carry troops, equipment, and supplies across unforgiving terrain, the Beowulf ensures Soldiers stay mobile, mission-ready, and lethal—no matter the conditions.
#VermontNationalGuard #ArcticReady #MilitaryInnovation #Beowulf #Mobility ArmyStrong Centennial
U.S. Army Soldiers of the Vermont Army National Guard tested their mettle during the Best Warrior Competition 2026 at Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vermont.
The two-day event tested our enlisted Soldiers and NCOs on what it takes to be among the Army’s best — military skill, physical endurance, and mental toughness.
Stay tuned for more photos and highlights featuring these warriors doing their best to represent the strength of the force.
(U.S. Army photos by Sgt. 1st Class Barb Pendl)
#BestWarrior #ArmyStrong #VermontGuard #USArmy #SoldierLife #WarriorSpirit #EAFR
Congratulations to one of our very own!
Newly promoted SFC Barbara Pendl takes the helm here at the 172nd Public Affairs Detachment. She is a dedicated and experienced Soldier ready to lead a well trained and creative team into new pathways.
Leave no stone unturned, capture everything 📸
Once, twice, three times a Major!
Congratulations to MAJ Erin Graham, MAJ Jack Frawley, and MAJ Corey LeBlanc of the Vermont Medical Readiness Detachment, Garrison Support Command upon their promotions.
U.S. Army Soldiers, families, and friends of the Vermont Army National Guard community gathered for the ceremony hosted at the Green Mountain Armory, Colchester, Vt., Feb. 8, 2026.
The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight administered the oath, and COL Chris Gookin set the tone for the new majors’ leadership journey.
Promotions mean greater responsibility and trust to shape the future and lead troops. Families front and center remind us that success in uniform is a team effort.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Barb Pendl)
History made in Seefeld 🇺🇸⛷️
Just one day after a U.S. World Cup win, Team USA did it again—putting two Americans on the podium at one of the biggest Nordic Combined events in the world.
🥈 Alexa Brabec
🥉 Tara Geraghty-Moats
Tara isn’t just a world-class athlete—she’s also a Specialist in Troop Command with the Vermont National Guard, serving as a Human Resources specialist. After a five-year break from Nordic Combined, she’s back and proving she still belongs among the best on the planet.
With three U.S. women finishing in the top 10 and American athletes shaking up a sport long dominated by Europe, this weekend was about more than medals—it was about momentum, visibility, and the future of women’s Nordic Combined.
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🔥 Also on the Olympic stage 🔥
The Vermont National Guard is proudly cheering on three Olympic biathletes competing at the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina:
• Sgt. Deedra Irwin
• Spc. Sean Doherty
• Sgt. Maxime Germaine
From Nordic Combined to biathlon, our Soldier-athletes continue to represent Vermont, the Guard, and the nation with grit and excellence. We’re rooting for every stride, every shot, every finish. 💪🇺🇸
#VermontNationalGuard #SoldierAthlete #NordicCombined #Biathlon #TeamUSA #MilanCortina #WinterOlympics
Happy Holidays and listen in to our holiday special!
We look forward to hearing more shoutouts from our Soldiers and Airmen in 2026! Next month, the 158th Fighter Wing rings in the new year and leads off 2026 so stay tuned!
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Congratulations to 1st. Sergeant Kathryn Harrell on her retirement after over 30 years of dedicated military service!
Congratulations to incoming Joint Force Headquarters 1st. Sergeant Troy McNamara.
Wishing you both success in your future endeavors and thank you for your committed service to our Soldiers.
