Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition

Oct. 19, 2022 | By Capt. Jeffrey Brenchley

Lt. Col. Christopher Kroeber

Public Affairs Officer

Utah National Guard

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 available for our service members, their families, employers and our local communities.

The Utah National Guard's public website, ut.ng.mil, 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

Lightning Strikes: Summoning America’s Thunder
June 14, 2022 — Units from the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, Utah National Guard, rocked the Idaho landscape in a barrage of awe-inspiring firepower. Soldiers from California, Iowa, North Carolina, and Utah assembled near Boise, Idaho at Orchard Combat Training Center to share knowledge, experience, and build camaraderie amongst a force of approximately 2,000 Soldiers. In addition to their battalions, the 65th FAB was also accompanied by aviation Soldiers from Utah, and active-duty Soldiers from Texas and Washington. Each component was summoned by the 65th FAB for one simple reason: to train and build a force that is ready to deploy at a moment's notice. ... MORE

Sgt. Timothy Flowers, a crew chief with 2nd Battalion, 211 Aviation Regiment, Utah Army National Guard, helps clear the airspace for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during Western Strike 22 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, June 4, 2022.

North Carolina National Guard forward observers provide fire support to National Guard units from four different states at Western Strike 22
June 14, 2022 — Fire support teams from 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment of the North Carolina National Guard provided fire support to National Guard units from four different states during Western Strike 22 throughout the month of June 2022 at Orchard Combat Training Center near Boise, Idaho. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, Utah National Guard, that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality. ... MORE

An observer controller/trainer, and opposing forces roleplayers watch as forward observers load into UH-60 Helicopters as they begin a training mission during Western Strike 22, June 9, 2022

Two Utah Soldiers awaken "Warrior Spirit" at Region VII Best Warrior Competition
June 4, 2022 — A Soldier’s transformation into a warrior is difficult to describe. Hand-picked by leadership, proving themselves with every drop of sweat, every sore muscle, and every labored breath; Soldiers who compete naturally don the title of Best Warrior for their unit, regardless of whether they win. It’s called the Best Warrior Competition for a reason. A fitting title, each iteration features a gathering of the best asset the Army has to offer—the warrior. Winners are awarded the honor of moving on, but being chosen to compete in the first place is, in itself, a great accomplishment that commands respect... MORE

Honoring a war hero who delivered hope
May 31, 2022 — Ret. U.S. Air Force Col. Gail Halvorsen, known as the “Candy Bomber”, was honored by top leadership from the Utah Air National Guard, Utah National Guard, and Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany with the laying of two wreaths at his gravesite on May 20, 2022. Col. Halvorsen was laid to rest on Feb. 22, 2022, at the Provo City Cemetery. He passed away at the age of 101... MORE

Brig. Gen. Frank Gräfe, the defense attaché from the Federation of Germany to the United States, (left) and Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Boyack, Commander of the Utah Air National Guard & Assistant Adjutant General-Air, (right) pose using the iconic “thumbs up” that Gail Halvorsen was known for on May 20th at the Provo City Cemetary.

Armed Forces Day Concert recognizes UTNG State of Utah Service Members of the Year
May 21, 2022 — This year’s 19th Annual Armed Forces Day Concert recognized 12 recipients of the State of Utah Service Members of the Year award, at the Gallivan Center, Salt Lake City, May 21, 2022... MORE

Award recipients are being recognized on a stage

Camp Williams adds a Premiere Search and Extraction Training Site to Benefit the Homeland Response Force, State, Region, and Nation.
May 11, 2022 — The Utah National Guard has a new training site for the Region VIII Homeland Response Force’s search and extraction team, as well as partner civilian urban search and rescue teams. Lt. Col. Erick R. Wiedmeier, commander of the 97th Troop Command and Region VIII Homeland Response Force mission, conducted a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Collapsed Structure Venue Site on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Army Garrison Camp Williams, Utah... MORE

Soldier rappels on side of building with dummy attached simulating a casualty

A Family's Faith: Chosin Soldier Comes Home
May 3, 2022 — Often referred to as “the Forgotten War,” the Korean War’s significance tends to be overshadowed by World War II and the Vietnam War. Even in that light, it’s nothing short of a miracle that Korean War service members are still being brought home, especially considering the 7,544 that remain unaccounted for to this day. Up until a few years ago, it appeared unlikely that service members like U.S. Army Cpl. David B. Milano, who went missing in action Dec. 2, 1950, in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir, would be found. But unlike the war, Milano has never been forgotten. His family made sure of that by holding tight to faith in the face of doubt; faith that “little David,” as his mother called him, would one day be returned... MORE

A veteran Marine gives a medal to family members of deceased Soldier.

The Utah National Guard Celebrates Women’s History Month in March 2022
March 31, 2022 — During the month of March, the Utah National Guard celebrates Women’s History and honors and acknowledges the struggles and achievements of American women throughout the history of the United States. Women have played a vital role in our military in every war since the Revolutionary War. Today, women serve in every career field in the military and are critical members of the Utah National Guard... MORE

2-222 Field Artillery Battalion “Triple Deuce” holds reunion for former and current members
March 19, 2022 — The 2-222nd Field Artillery Battalion, “Triple Deuce,” held a reunion for all current and former members of the unit March 19, 2022, at the Stanley A. Staheli Readiness Center in St. George, Utah... MORE

Brig. Gen. Tyler B. Smith, former assistant adjutant general-Army, retires after 35-years of service
March 16, 2022 — Family, friends, co-workers and community members gathered to say farewell to Brig. Gen. Tyler Smith, the former assistant adjutant general-Army, Utah National Guard, at his retirement ceremony March 15, 2022, in the Lundell Readiness Center at Camp Williams, Utah... MORE

Brig. Gen. Tyler Smith, (right), receives a shadow box from the command team of the Utah National Guard showcasing awards and assignments from throughout his military career at his retirement ceremony, March 14, 2022

Press Releases

New Assistant Adjutant General for Utah Army National Guard
March 11, 2022 — The Utah Army National Guard will welcome its new assistant adjutant general during the change-of-command ceremony scheduled to occur Sunday, March 13, at 3 p.m. in the Draper headquarters’ auditorium. ... MORE

Utah National Guard breaks ground for new Nephi Readiness Center
March 10, 2022 — The Utah National Guard will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Nephi Readiness Center, Nephi, Utah, Thursday, March 10, at 1 p.m. The site of the readiness center is located along West Airport Lane and south of Meadow Lane in Juab County just west of the Nephi Municipal Airport... MORE

Utah National Guard leadership joined community partners in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Nephi Readiness Center Mar. 10, 2022, in Nephi, Utah.

151st ARW to honor Col. Gail Halvorsen with flyover during graveside service
February 22, 2022 — The Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Air Refueling Wing will conduct a KC-135R flyover for the graveside service of retired U.S Air Force Col. Gail (Hal) Seymour Halvorsen, on Feb. 22, 2022, at 1 p.m., over the Provo City Cemetery, Provo, Utah. Halvorsen was best known as the “Berlin Candy Bomber.”... MORE

A KC-135 Stratotanker airplane flies over a cemetery

151st Air Refueling Wing change of command
February 5, 2022 — The 151st Air Refueling Wing will hold a change of command ceremony Feb. 5, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Salt Lake City, Utah. 151st Air Refueling Wing Commander, Col. Kurt R. Davis, will transfer command of the wing to Col. Robert “Brandon” Taylor... MORE

Four Airmen on stage passing around the organizational colors.

Utah National Guard to assist long-term care facilities, amid omicron surge
February 2, 2022 — The Utah National Guard’s COVID-19 Joint Task Force activated approximately 50 service members to assist long-term care facilities statewide, amid the omicron surge... MORE

One person checks the blood pressure of another person.

UTNG Soldier and Olympic Silver Medalist coaches bobsled team
January 31, 2022 — Staff Sgt. Shauna Rohbock with the Utah National Guard Joint Force Headquarters and assigned to the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program named U.S. Olympic Bobsled assistant coach for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China... MORE

Staff Sgt. Shauna Rohbock posing for picture

Two UTNG Soldiers to compete in the 2022 Olympics
January 25, 2022 — Two Soldiers with the Utah National Guard Joint Force Headquarters and assigned to the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program were selected to the 2022 U.S. Olympic Nordic Combined Team. Spc. Jasper Good, of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Spc. Benjamin Loomis, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin both earned spots to compete in Beijing... MORE

Utah National Guard and the Elizabeth Smart Foundation raise awareness to Military Sexual Assault Survivors Month
November 16, 2021 — Elizabeth Smart will join members of the Utah National Guard on Nov. 17, at 7 a.m., at Camp Williams to conduct a group physical fitness event to raise awareness of sexual violence... MORE

Utah National Guard Soldier dies in training exercise
September 23, 2021 — A Soldier assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), died while participating in the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Maritime Assessment Course on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Sept. 21, 2021... MORE

Utah National Guard cancels 66th Governor’s Day
September 2, 2021 — The Utah National Guard cancels the 66th annual Governor’s Day due to the increasing threat from the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor’s Day was scheduled for Sept. 11, 2021, and included a commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of 9/11... MORE

Service members in formation at Camp Williams