National Guard Association of Vermont

09/10/2026

Pilots and crews of the Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing returned home Sunday from a deployment that began before last Christmas and saw the unit fly missions in two hemispheres.

09/01/2026

Four days. One convention center. Two awards. Eight bow ties.

Vermont at the 148th NGAUS General Conference in Indianapolis 👇

Awards-
🏅 CW3 Nick Pileggi — Eagle Rising Award
🏅 Lt Col Jason Galipeau — Distinguished Service Medal

Three resolutions carried forward: UAS/counter-UAS authority for domestic ops, a better cargo hook for utility helicopters, and modular refuel that fits any cargo aircraft. Unglamorous. Exactly the point.

MG Hank Harder spoke on Vermont’s role in Operation Epic Fury — a historically long deployment — and our Airmen leading as a joint force.

Thank you to the sponsors backing our families: Darn Tough, Echodyne, OnBoard Systems, LMS, Robertson Fuel Systems, Beyond, and more 🤝 NGAVT.org

AirNationalGuard Indianapolis 802

06/18/2026

2027 Scholarship Applications Are Open!
The NGA-VT Scholarship Foundation is awarding eleven $1,000 academic scholarships for undergrad and graduate students, proudly sponsored by East Rise Credit Union, Vermont Federal Credit Union, and the family of COL Alan J. Leclair.

👤 Who can apply? Current NGA-VT members actively serving in the Vermont National Guard and their immediate family members.

🗓️ Deadline: August 31, 2026

👉 Apply today:https://ngavt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/NGA-VT-Scholarship-Application-2026.pdf

📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Thank you to our Guard members and families for your incredible service and sacrifice! 🇺🇸✨

05/01/2026

Removing barriers so we can get back to our mission!

Secretary Hegseth and I don’t agree on a lot, but we’re in agreement here—we need to fix the overly complicated system of duty statuses. It’s what’s best for our servicemembers.

I introduced my bipartisan bill, the Duty Status Reform Act, to fix this problem and give our troops the pay and benefits they deserve.

03/05/2026

“Guardsmen who repeatedly accept missions without predictable pay and benefits face financial strain on their families and employers,” retired Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, the NGAUS president, told a congressional panel. “Over time, that strain erodes retention. Readiness is not just equipment and training; it is people willing and able to answer the call.” Full story in comments.

02/25/2026

A ceremony was held last week to transfer authority of Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment from the Tennessee National Guard to the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain) from the Vermont National Guard. Read more in comments ⬇️
Vermont National Guard Tennessee National Guard 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team - Mountain 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment

02/10/2026

From the halls of the National Guard Memorial to conversations on Capitol Hill—NGA-VT showed up strong at NGAUS Industry Day 🇺🇸

This week in DC wasn’t just about advocacy for the Green Mountain Boys (though we did plenty of that). It was about building relationships, shaping policy, and making sure the National Guard continues to bring more to the fight—more capability, more readiness, and more value to the nation.

Industry Day reinforces what Guardsmen already know: when the Guard is resourced, connected, and heard, the entire joint force is stronger. Proud of the work NGA-VT continues to do on behalf of Vermont and the Guard nationwide.

AlwaysReady MoreToTheFight

01/24/2026

Big impact for future leaders 🚀

The National Guard Association of Vermont proudly presented $10,000 to STARBASE Vermont to help support hands-on STEM education for our youth. With recent funding changes, NGA-VT is stepping up to ensure programs like STARBASE continue inspiring the next generation.

Huge thanks to LTC(R) Steve Lamos, TSgt Joel Daugreilh, and Shannon LeClair for making this support possible!

12/10/2025

Service members will receive a 3.8% pay raise beginning Jan. 1 under the final version of the annual defense policy bill announced by the House and Senate on Sunday night.

11/15/2025

Today, the President of the Vermont National Guard Association, COL Doran Metzger, presented a $5,000 donation to VFW Post 1767 Commander Robert Lamore in recognition of the tremendous support the Post continues to provide to NGA-VT and the Vermont Army National Guard.

Grateful for our community partners who always stand ready to support our Soldiers and their families. 🇺🇸💚