Utah sends two Soldiers and an Airman to the Region VII Best Warrior Competition

May 25, 2023 | By Staff Sgt. Jordan Hack

Utah National Guard Public Affairs Office

ng.ut.utarng.list.pao@army.mil

As we work together to get through a national crisis during these unprecedented times, communication is more important than ever. The Utah National Guard's Public Affairs Office is committed to ensuring timely and relevant information is made available to our service members, their families, employers and our local communities.

Our website has quickly become a one-stop online resource. During the past year, we have added a significant amount of information, videos, workouts and many other resources. We remain committed to getting you the most important and relevant information.

The Utah National Guard continues to be a premiere organization with amazing Soldiers, Airmen, and families. We are always looking to share your story. Please feel free to contact our office at any time at ng.ut.utarng.list.pao@army.mil or (801) 432-4407.

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News Stories

Utah Airman keeps up with region’s top Soldiers at Best Warrior Competition
May 12, 2023 — Senior Airman Kevin Buckner, a fire protection journeyman with the 151st Civil Engineering Squadron, winner of the Soldier of the Year category at this year’s Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition, impressed everyone with his superior physical performance and engaged attitude during the Region VII competition on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, May 7-11, 2023... MORE

Region VII Best Warrior Competition on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu

Utah educators fly on Black Hawk helicopters over Salt Lake and Utah counties
March 17, 2023 — Educators from Salt Lake and Utah Counties were given the chance to fly high on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with members of the Utah National Guard’s 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment; and Recruiting and Retention Battalion, as part of a Centers of Influence event at Camp Williams, Utah, March 16, 2023. High School principals, counselors, teachers, administrators, and others attended the event to become familiar with the opportunities, scholarships, and resources the Utah National Guard offers. The educators were given an overview of some of the Guard’s capabilities and things the Guard can provide in addition to what can be provided by their communities... MORE

After the classroom briefing a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter flown by members of the Utah National Guard’s 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment flew Utah high school principals, counselors, teachers, and administrators on a flight to help them learn more about the Utah National Guard and what it has to offer their students.

Utah Guardsmen Among Top Cooks in the Country
March 9, 2023 — Soldiers assigned to and supporting the 1457th Forward Support Company, 1457th Engineer Battalion, Utah National Guard, participate in the “Final Four” of the Philip A. Connelly Competition at Camp Williams, Utah, February 25, 2023. The Philip A. Connelly Award is given to the best food services organization in the Army... MORE

Spc. Justin Webber, a food service specialist assigned to the 19th Special Forces Group Support Battalion, prepares a soup during the “Final Four” of the Philip A. Connelly Competition at Camp Williams, Utah, February 25, 2023. Webber was one of several 19th Soldiers who supported the 1457th Forward Support Company, 1457th Engineer Battalion, Utah National Guard. (US Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stowell)

16 Key Principles of Effective Communication
February 23, 2023 — Effective communication is crucial to success in any field, but it is imperative in the military. In high-stakes, dynamic environments, clear and accurate communication is essential for ensuring the safety of troops, the success of missions, and the well-being of personnel. Military personnel must be able to communicate effectively with their colleagues, superiors, and subordinates and be able to convey information and instructions clearly and concisely. In this article, we will explore the 16 key principles of effective communication for military personnel and guide them on how to apply these principles in real-world situations. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or just starting your military career, these principles will help you to become a more effective communicator and contribute to the success of your missions... MORE

Utah National Guard hosts world’s largest Polyglot Games at the MI Language Conference
February 11, 2023 — Competitors from multiple organizations came from across the country to participate in this year’s Polyglot games, hosted by the 300th Military Intelligence Brigade. More than 140 participants from 25 different organizations came together to make this the largest Polyglot Games ever held... MORE

Utah National Guard’s 300th Military Intelligence Brigade held its 34th annual Military Intelligence Language Conference on Feb. 11, 2023. As part of the conference more than 140 competitors from 25 different organizations participate in the Polyglot Games. The competition is conducted in seven different languages and follow every step of the intelligence cycle, from the operations order to a final commander's brief as they translate battlefield recordings and news reports, exploit documents to identify and destroy enemy equipment, and assess possible enemy courses of action.

Utah Air National Guard Honors the Airmen of the Year 2022
January 10, 2023 — The Utah Air National Guard celebrated its Airmen of the Year during a banquet held in their honor at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center Jan. 7, 2023 in West Valley City, Utah. The Airmen of the Year award program is designed to recognize Airmen who display superior leadership, job performance and personal achievement... MORE

Utah National Guard Hosts Multi-Agency Disaster Response Exercise
November 5, 2022 — The Utah National Guard’s Domestic Operations Office; in conjunction with the state of Utah Emergency Operation Center, Division of Emergency Management, conducted a multi-agency training event at Camp Williams in Bluffdale, Nov. 5, 2022... MORE

Utah National Guard members repel with the help of their civilian counterparts during a Utah National Guard FEMA Region VIII Homeland Response Force training exercise on Camp Williams, Utah, Nov. 5, 2022. The event featured multiagency interoperability training for the Utah National Guard and civilian partner agencies to provide initial and follow-on care to stranded and injured citizens in the event of a natural or human-caused emergency. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Alejandro Lucero)

ESGR Presented Awards to Civic Leaders
October 27, 2022 — Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented the Seven Seals and Patriot Awards to select civic leaders at a ceremony on Wednesday. Gov. Spencer Cox received both the ESGR’s Seven Seals Award and the Patriot Award. Mr. Gary Harter, executive director for the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, and Mr. Jon Pierpont, chief of staff to the governor and former executive director of the Utah Department of Workforce Services, also received the ESGR Seven Seals Award... MORE

Gov. Spencer Cox received both the ESGR’s Seven Seals Award and the Patriot Award. Mr. Gary Harter, executive director for the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, and Mr. Jon Pierpont, chief of staff to the governor and former executive director of the Utah Department of Workforce Services, also received the ESGR Seven Seals Award at a ceremony on Oct. 26, 2022.

UTNG Best Warrior Competition Presents Top Competitors
October 24, 2022 — Twenty-three Soldiers and Airmen battled mental and physical challenges as they competed for the title of Soldier/Airman of the Year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, and Senior NCO of the Year, during the Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Williams, Utah, Oct. 16-19, 2022... MORE

Sgt. Maurice Manns II with the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, emerges for a breath during the swimming portion of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge , conducted at Camp Williams, Utah Oct. 16, 2022.

Utah Honor Guard Provides Funeral Honors for WWII Airman
October 13, 2022 — Soldiers and Airmen in the Utah National Guard Honor Guard conducted funeral honors for Phillips at Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park in Bluffdale, Utah, Oct. 11, 2022. Family, friends, other service members, and first responders attended... MORE

The Utah National Guard Honor Guard conducts Funeral Honors for the surviving family of U.S. Army Air Corps Sgt. Elvin L. Phillips, an Airman who was killed 79 years ago during World War II. Family from several states, friends, first responders, and service members gathered to render respect during the funeral at Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park in Bluffdale, Utah, Oct. 11, 2022. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Hack)

Press Releases

Utah National Guard to Participate in Humanitarian Medical Mission in Morocco – Media Invited
May 2, 2024 — Media Invite 24-006, Feb. 13, 2024Contact: Lt. Col. Chris Kroeber, 801-716-9063Invite for Media EmbedUtah National Guard to Participate in... MORE

African Lion is a joint and coalition military exercise hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco that brings together roughly 20 countries, and more than 7,000 participants in shared purpose to strengthen regional security and counter transnational threats.

Utah National Guard’s CST to support Super Bowl LVIII
May 2, 2024 — Press Release 24-004, Feb. 7, 2024Contact: Ileen Kennedy, 801-716-9261For Immediate ReleaseUtah National Guard’s CST to support Super Bowl... MORE

Sgt. Brock Horrocks, middle, a member of the Utah National Guard 85th Weapons of Mass Destruction–Civil Support Team, conducts pre-event Joint Hazard Assessment sweeps with a member of the Nebraska CST and Department of Energy radiation expert on the days leading up to Super Bowl LVII, Phoenix, Arizona, Feb. 7, 2023.

Utah National Guard’s 640th Regiment, Regional Training Institute conducts live-fire exercise at Camp Williams
May 2, 2024 — PRESS RELEASE 24-003, Jan. 31, 2024Contact: Lt. Col. Chris Kroeber (801) 716-9063For Immediate ReleaseUtah National Guard’s 640th Regiment, Regional... MORE

Utah National Guard hosts 35th annual Military Intelligence Language Conference
May 2, 2024 — RESS RELEASE 24-002, Jan. 31, 2024Contact: Lt. Col. Chris Kroeber (801) 716-9063For Immediate ReleaseUtah National Guard hosts 35th annual Military... MORE

Update to statements on AH-64D Incident at South Valley Regional Airport on Feb. 12, 2024
May 2, 2024 — PRESS RELEASE 24-005, Feb. 13, 2024Contact: Lt. Col. Chris Kroeber (801) 716-9063For Immediate ReleaseUpdate to statements on AH-64D Incident at South... MORE

The 151st Air Refueling Wing Redesignates to the 151st Wing
November 28, 2023 — Press Release 23-039, November 28, 2023Contact: Tech. Sgt Nicholas Perez, 801-793-4425For Immediate ReleaseUtah Air National Guard Elevates Mission... MORE

Utah National Guard 115th Engineer Facility Detachment will provide base facilities management and planning support in Kuwait
November 27, 2023 — PRESS RELEASE 23-038, Nov. 27, 2023Contact: Lt. Col. Chris Kroeber (801) 716-9063For Immediate ReleaseUtah National Guard 115th Engineer Facility... MORE

Utah National Guard locates lost hikers in Wasatch County
November 22, 2023 — Press Release 23-016, Aug. 3, 2023Contact: Lt. Col. Chris Kroeber, 801-716-9063For Immediate ReleaseUtah National Guard locates lost hikers in Wasatch... MORE

What was supposed to be an easy night evaluating from the back of a Black Hawk turned into a search and rescue mission where 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah National Guard, pulled three kids and one adult from the forest after being lost since the morning. Luckily everyone was fine, just a little dehydrated.

Utah National Guard Interim Adjutant General Assumes Command
November 22, 2023 — Press Release 23-017, Aug. 17, 2023Contact: Lt. Col. Chris Kroeber, 801-716-9063For Immediate ReleaseUtah National Guard Interim Adjutant General... MORE

Governor Cox Announces New Adjutant General for Utah National Guard
November 22, 2023 — Press Release 23-018, Aug. 21, 2023Contact: Lt. Col. Chris Kroeber, 801-716-9063For Immediate Release Governor Cox Announces New Adjutant General for... MORE