40th Infantry Division

05/21/2026

RECEIVES COMMENDATION MEDAL 🏅🏅

40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, recognized Master Sgt. Alan N. Lezama, senior supply sergeant, with an Army Commendation Medal during an awards ceremony at the unit’s headquarters at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, California, May 16, 2026. The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to Soldiers for exceptionally meritorious service.

📸: (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Santiago Colon Jr.)

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04/23/2026

West Coast roots, Pacific reach. I Corps checks in. 🤙🏽

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general of I Corps, visits the 40th Infantry Division headquarters at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., April 18, 2026. McFarlane was given a tour of the headquarters by staff alongside Maj. Gen. William J. Prendergast IV, commanding general of the 40th Infantry Division.

📸: (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. William Franco Espinosa)

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04/20/2026

The California Army National Guard 224 Sustainment Brigade officially transitioned their flags into the 40th Division Sustainment Brigade during a conversion ceremony at the Long Beach Armory, Long Beach Calif., on April 18, 2026. The casing of the 224 Sustainment Brigade units flags and uncasing of the 40th Division Sustainment Brigade flags depict this conversion. The transition is part of a restructuring effort in support of the 40th Infantry Division that streamlines command focus and readiness.

(📸: U.S Army Spc. Samantha A. Miller)

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04/19/2026

Col. Ofelia A. Willis received the Legion of Merit plaque during an awards ceremony at 40th Infantry Division Headquarters Los Alamitos, California, Feb. 21, 2026. Col. Willis received the award for her meritorious service as state surgeon for Joint Force Headquarters from February 2021 to April 2024.

The Legion of Merit is one of the U.S. military’s highest awards and is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct. This award isn't just about skill — it's about character, leadership, and the power to inspire. Awarded to those who go above and beyond to advance the mission.

(📸 : Sgt. 1st Class Santiago Colon Jr.)

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02/22/2026

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jodi Portugal relinquishes responsibility of the 40th Sustainment Brigade to Command Sgt. Maj. Claudia P. Ramirez at an Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony at Long Beach Armory, Calif., on Feb. 20, 2026.

This tradition encapsulates the transition between senior enlisted leaders charged with the training and care of thousands of troops in the brigade. "Moments like this remind us that leadership is never a solo journey, it is built on trust, shared sacrifice, and the people who walk alongside us,” Ramirez said during her remarks.

(📸 : Spc. Samantha A. Miller)

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01/26/2026

Help us congratulate our newly promoted Capt. Omar Peña, Judge Advocate General Corps Attorney, and Staff Sgt. James Avila, Paralegal Specialist, of the 40th Infantry Division JAG Section at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., Jan. 25, 2026.

Their dedication, professionalism, and service to guard members across the division continue to make a meaningful impact. Congratulations on this well earned achievement, and we wish you continued success in your new ranks. 🇺🇸 ⚖
(📸 : Sgt. William F. Espinosa)

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01/25/2026

28 years of service. 3 deployments. 3,420+ flight hours.

Today, Chief Warrant Officer Three Michael R. Nobriga flew his final flight in a UH-60 Black Hawk and was awarded the Legion of Merit medal, culminating a lifetime of dedication to Army Aviation and the California Army National Guard. Serving as an Instructor Pilot, Standardization Pilot, and Battalion Aviation Maintenance Officer, he logged 679 combat hours and 865 NVG hours while supporting combat missions, training, and critical emergency operations across California.

This award honors his exceptionally meritorious service, technical mastery, and lasting impact on aircraft readiness, pilot development, and mission success, leaving a legacy that represents the very best of Army Aviation. 🇺🇸🚁

(📸 : Sgt. William F. Espinosa)

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01/16/2026