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

Utah National Guard Public Affairs

Utah National Guard Public Affairs Office

801-432-4407

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

Meet our team

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.

For additional photos, videos, and other digital media content, please visit and subscribe to our Flickr and DVIDS pages below:

 

News Stories

NEWS | Sept. 13, 2020

From one battalion to another: the 489th cases its colors, while the 625th unveils

By Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stowell Utah National Guard

SPRINGVILLE, Utah -- Members of the Utah National Guard who were part of the 489th Brigade Support Battalion became part of the 625th Military Police Battalion during a ceremony at the Springville Readiness Center, Sep. 13, 2020.

 

During the brief ceremony, Lt. Col. Budd Vogrinec and Command Sgt. Maj. Garrett Whatcott cased the former guidon, or flag of their unit, and uncased the guidon for the new unit.

 

“As we close the chapter of the 489th BSB supporting victory and open a new chapter of the 625th MP Battalion, I promise you that I will continue to lead with clear expectations of enforcing high standards,” said Vogrinec.

 

The Adjutant General of Utah, Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley, attended the ceremony and spoke to the assembled troops. His message was for all Soldiers to be clear, accessible and bold.

 

“Every Soldier, from commander to team leader, needs to act boldly,” Turley said. “We don’t put you in charge of a unit, assignment or a team so you can sit back and not do anything.”

 

The 625th MPB’s mission will be to provide mission command, supervision and coordination for military police operations as assigned.

 

The 489th BSB was activated into the Utah Army National Guard in 2008 with the primary mission of providing logistics support to its parent unit, the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

 

The battalion was composed of three companies: Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Springville; the 118th Transportation Company in Spanish Fork, Utah; and a field maintenance company in Louisiana, which will also be deactivated.

 

Those units will be reassigned to other battalions. The 625th MPB will have a new headquarters detachment.

 

The 625th MPB has a history in the Utah National Guard. The 625th MP Co. was organized in 1963 and performed prisoner of war missions in the 1970s, according to Vogrinec. It was activated in 1991 to participate in Operation Desert Storm. In 1997, the unit was deactivated.

 

As a platoon sergeant in 1997, Vogrinec remembers the deactivation. The last company commander, Maj. Teri Sommers, presented him with a small plaque in recognition of his service to the unit. Summers also recommended Vogrinec to officer candidate school.

Press Releases
NEWS | Sept. 13, 2020

From one battalion to another: the 489th cases its colors, while the 625th unveils

By Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stowell Utah National Guard

SPRINGVILLE, Utah -- Members of the Utah National Guard who were part of the 489th Brigade Support Battalion became part of the 625th Military Police Battalion during a ceremony at the Springville Readiness Center, Sep. 13, 2020.

 

During the brief ceremony, Lt. Col. Budd Vogrinec and Command Sgt. Maj. Garrett Whatcott cased the former guidon, or flag of their unit, and uncased the guidon for the new unit.

 

“As we close the chapter of the 489th BSB supporting victory and open a new chapter of the 625th MP Battalion, I promise you that I will continue to lead with clear expectations of enforcing high standards,” said Vogrinec.

 

The Adjutant General of Utah, Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley, attended the ceremony and spoke to the assembled troops. His message was for all Soldiers to be clear, accessible and bold.

 

“Every Soldier, from commander to team leader, needs to act boldly,” Turley said. “We don’t put you in charge of a unit, assignment or a team so you can sit back and not do anything.”

 

The 625th MPB’s mission will be to provide mission command, supervision and coordination for military police operations as assigned.

 

The 489th BSB was activated into the Utah Army National Guard in 2008 with the primary mission of providing logistics support to its parent unit, the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

 

The battalion was composed of three companies: Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Springville; the 118th Transportation Company in Spanish Fork, Utah; and a field maintenance company in Louisiana, which will also be deactivated.

 

Those units will be reassigned to other battalions. The 625th MPB will have a new headquarters detachment.

 

The 625th MPB has a history in the Utah National Guard. The 625th MP Co. was organized in 1963 and performed prisoner of war missions in the 1970s, according to Vogrinec. It was activated in 1991 to participate in Operation Desert Storm. In 1997, the unit was deactivated.

 

As a platoon sergeant in 1997, Vogrinec remembers the deactivation. The last company commander, Maj. Teri Sommers, presented him with a small plaque in recognition of his service to the unit. Summers also recommended Vogrinec to officer candidate school.