Indiana National Guard Two-star General Retires After More Than 32 Years of Service
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana National Guard held a retirement ceremony for Maj. Gen. David C. Wood Sunday, Aug. 5, 2017 at Camp Atterbury. Maj. Gen. David C. Wood smiles as he speaks during his retirement at Camp Atterbury, Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018. Wood, a two-time combat veteran who served more than 32 years in the military, commanded the 38th Infantry Division, 38th Combat Aviation and 638th Aviation Support Battalion. “The opportunity to lead soldiers throughout my career has been my greatest honor,” said Wood. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Runser During the ceremony, Wood recounted the highlights of his career...
Learn MoreVA Flight Crews Train with WV Special Operators
By Sgt. 1st Class Terra Gatti, VA Nat. Guard: As the helicopter shut down and the blades stopped spinning, 1st Sgt. Kevin Vineyard, assigned to the Virginia National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, greeted Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mike, assigned to the 19th SFG. This wasn’t their first time working together. Over the last half decade, the two have worked to develop training that meets the pre-deployment needs of the operators while also increasing proficiency for Vineyard’s flight crews. Virginia National Guard flight crews help prepare special operators assigned to the West Virginia National Guard’s 19th...
Learn MoreNew DoD Policy Prohibits GPS-Enabled Devices in Deployed Settings
“Effective immediately, Defense Department personnel are prohibited from using geolocation features and functionality on government and nongovernment-issued devices, applications and services while in locations designated as operational areas” according to a new memo from Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan. This includes physical fitness aids, applications in phones that track locations, and other devices and apps that pinpoint and track the location of individuals. Deployed personnel are in “operational areas,” and commanders will make a determination on other areas where this policy may apply. The market for these devices has exploded over the past few years, with many service members...
Learn MoreArmy Aviation Participates in Rolling Thunder 2018
News Spotlight: Members of the AAAA Washington Potomac and Mohawk Chapters capture a moment during the Rolling Thunder Run, May 27, 2018 in Washington, D.C. Pictured are (l to r): COL (Ret.) Jim Viola, former 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne); Spiro Karadimas (a friend of Viola’s); BG (Ret.) Mike Bobeck who also served with the 160th; LTC Kevin Ferreira, Command LNO with the 42nd Infantry Division; his daughter, Shea Ferreira; BG (Ret.) Joe Ferreira, former 1-9 CAV in Vietnam and Army National Guard Director of Aviation and Safety; and John Filmonchik. Rolling Thunder is an organization that seeks to...
Learn MoreFuture AAAA Members
“Russ Hagan flew Black Hawks in the Army before he and I became coworkers at NASA. Sadly he died recently. For his would-be birthday in May. I flew his twins, Robert and Isabella, in my AH-6 Little Bird for their first helicopter ride. It was a nice way to celebrate their father and experience his legacy.”Justin Wehring
Learn MoreSpecial Forces, Attack Aviation Strike at Combined Resolve X
By 1st Lt. Benjamin Haulenbeek: HOHENFELS, Germany – U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and attack aviation helicopters assigned to the 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division conducted missions to engage targets deep in enemy territory during exercise Combined Resolve X here. The ability to operate far from friendly lines is a core capability for special operation forces. “Something that SOF elements are experts at is doing deep reconnaissance,” said a senior communications sergeant assigned to 19th SFG(A). “We can take the conventional forces mission further and deeper. Their forward observers can only push out...
Learn More4th Forward Support Medical Platoon Supports Saber Strike
126th Public Affairs Operations Center / By Cpl. Tristin Maximilian: 4th Forward Support Medical Platoon supports Saber Strike. The 4th Forward Support Medical Platoon, Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Calvary Brigade, from Fort Hood, Texas, arrived in Poland in March to participate in Atlantic Resolve. The platoon recently landed in Oleszno, Poland, to support Saber Strike 18 beginning early June. Their mission in Poland is not training, but to provide real-life medical evacuation support for service members injured during Saber Strike. The 4th FSMP will provide 24-hour medevac capabilities to anyone injured during Saber Strike 18, moving real-life...
Learn MoreUnderwater Egress Training Aims to Improve Survival Rates
4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs / By Sgt. Daphney Black, 04.29.2018 Soldiers with the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade recently took the mystery out of how to escape from a submerged helicopter. From April 23- 27, pilots and air crews assigned to 4th CAB, 4th Infantry Division, enhanced water survival skills during a Helicopter Underwater Egress Training event. The multi-day event was conducted at the Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center’s indoor pool, which taught pilots, aircrews and medics how to react during a water landing. The training is about emergency and survival,” said Chief Warrant Officer...
Learn MoreMonth of the Military Child
Military children make up a very special part of our nation’s population. Although young, these brave sons and daughters stand in steadfast support of their military parents. As they face circumstances unique to their lives-such as navigating multiple moves and schools to shouldering repeated deployments of a parent, these children are examples of resilience in the military community. To honor their unique contributions and sacrifices on behalf of our country, each April is designated the Month of the Military Child. Click to learn more in the Defense.gov special report: Month of the Military Child.
Learn MoreVietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Monument Dedication Ceremony
The Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Monument Dedication Ceremony is scheduled for 4:00 PM, April 18, 2018 at the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Amphitheater (located directly behind the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier). No tickets are required, and there are no fees. All are warmly invited to attend. At 4:50 PM following the retiring of the colors, a wreath-laying ceremony will commence with flowers carried from the amphitheater to the nearby monument located on Memorial Drive in Section 35, a short 75-yard walk. Those wishing to honor their lost loved one or military unit with flowers are welcome to join...
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