National Guardsmen Activated in Response to Winter Storm Fern

Jan. 27, 2026 | By Army Sgt. 1st Class Christy Sherman, National Guard Bureau |

More than 5,400 National Guard members are on duty in 15 states in the aftermath of winter storms that dropped snow and ice from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic and the South over the weekend.

"[I'm] proud of our incredible National Guardsmen who are stepping up once again," said Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, in a post shared on his official social media account before the storm. "To everyone in the storm's path: take all precautionary measures to stay safe. The National Guard is always ready, always there."  

Arkansas National Guard soldiers have been driving along icy roadways alongside state police officers, assisting motorists who slid off the road and using military vehicles to recover disabled vehicles.  

North Carolina Army National Guard soldiers performed similar missions.

"We used our high-mobility vehicles to pull those individuals back onto the road and get them on their way," said Army Lt. Col. Ellis Parks, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs director.  

Guard members have also assisted with traffic management, conducted health and welfare checks, and transported local first responders and emergency personnel as they responded to calls for assistance.  

In Delaware, that meant more than 100 Guard members on duty with vehicles positioned throughout the state. In Kentucky more than 2,000 Guard members were activated to respond to icy and snowy conditions.  

In Maryland and other affected areas, Guard members began staging vehicles, equipment and other resources in the days leading up to the storm.  

"The safety and well-being of Maryland residents is our top priority," said Army Brig. Gen. Craig Hunter, Maryland National Guard Joint Staff director. "By preparing our personnel and equipment before the winter storm, we can respond immediately to requests for assistance from local jurisdictions and help ensure our communities remain safe during this weather."

Guard officials said soldiers and airmen will remain on duty helping communities recover from severe winter weather as long as they are needed.  

In total, National Guard units from 15 states were activated in response to Winter Storm Fern, including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.  

Guard members in six additional states are on alert to support state and local officials if needed.  

Air Force, Navy Aircraft to Fly Over Super Bowl LX

Jan. 27, 2026 |Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs |

To commemorate America's 250th birthday, the Air Force and the Navy are conducting a joint flyover during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Feb. 8, 2026. 

The formation, featuring two Air Force B-1 Lancers, from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, and two F-15C Eagles, from Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, alongside a pair of Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets and two F-35C Lightning IIs, from Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, is a symbol of the nation's journey and independence.

While this flyover features the Air Force and Navy, a powerful symbol of America's  airpower and maritime strength, it symbolizes the entire joint force — Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard — working together across every domain to defend the nation, safeguarding 250 years of American independence.

A Military District of Washington joint armed forces color guard will render military honors during the national anthem. This prestigious interservice team from the capital region provides unparalleled ceremonial precision and national representation. The service members of the Air Force and Navy flyover will participate in community outreach events leading up to game day, including public displays of the aircraft, search and rescue demonstration and backseat flights on the F/A-18F Super Hornet with community leaders.
 
As the nation celebrates the country's 250th birthday throughout 2026, the joint community outreach efforts throughout the Super Bowl week demonstrate the joint force's shared history and enduring commitment to defending freedom and supporting the nation's independence.

 
At one of the most-watched events in the world, the flyover will be a visible reminder that America's military remains united, ready and dominant — 250 years strong.

U.S., Italy Commemorate 82nd Anniversary of Operation Shingle

Jan. 26, 2026 | By Army Capt. Katherine Sibilla, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa |

Army Master Sgt. Joshua Van Horn walked through the curved rows of white marble crosses at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy, his steps slowing as he searched for a familiar unit.

His eyes settled on the headstones of soldiers from the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, also known as the "devils in baggy pants," a name given to them by a German officer during World War II. Van Horn grazed his hand across the smooth marble and paused at the grave of Army Pvt. James Warren, the name etched permanently into the stone. 

Van Horn once served in the 504th PIR, deploying with the unit to Afghanistan. Standing among the graves offered a moment to reflect not only on their sacrifice, but on his own service.

"Coming here gives you a sense of purpose," Van Horn said. "It reminds me why we do what we do." 

Van Horn participated in the 82nd anniversary commemoration of Operation Shingle at the cemetery in Nettuno, Jan. 22. He led the 173rd Airborne Brigade honor guard during the ceremony, which honored the service and sacrifice of U.S. and Allied forces who fought during the World War II landings at Anzio, Italy, and Nettuno.

"This cemetery is a testament to what makes America great," Van Horn continued. "Eighty-two years later, these graves are still cared for. What other country does that? Honoring soldiers who died liberating others."

U.S. and Italian officials delivered remarks throughout the ceremony, including U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Bryant Burch, Italian Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John L. Rafferty Jr., U.S. European Command chief of staff. 

Local students from Nettuno schools sang, read poetry and laid roses in remembrance of those buried at the cemetery, followed by a ceremonial wreath-laying. The ceremony also honored the life of Army 1st Lt. Carl Hood, the first service member buried at the cemetery.

Speakers echoed the message that the cemetery is not only a resting place for the fallen, but a space meant to guide the living. Burch and Rafferty also reflected on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and its continued relevance. 

"Two hundred and fifty years of dedication to a universal proposition, grounded in human dignity and fundamental rights, that we continue to strive to live up to," Burch said. "Marking this day during such a historic anniversary carries even greater significance."

As the ceremony concluded, Van Horn and others moved quietly through the rows of marble crosses and Stars of David, reflecting on the cost of freedom. 

These cemeteries are not only places of mourning, but also places of memory, meant to remind the living what service demands and what liberty costs.

Steady in the Storm: Guardsmen Support D.C. Through Winter Weather

Jan. 26, 2026 | By Air Force Master Sgt. William Blankenship, Joint Task Force District of Columbia |

Snow fell steadily as a military Humvee eased through Washington's streets with tires crunching over packed ice and traffic lights reflected off slush-covered pavement. Inside the vehicle, Army Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force District of Columbia, scanned a digital map, tracking patrols spread across the city as a winter storm tightened its grip.

"Slow and steady," Doane said, watching a civilian vehicle struggle for traction nearby. "Interesting driving choices out there today." 

The storm transformed the mission almost instantly. What began as routine presence patrols in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission shifted toward life-safety priorities — mobility, visibility and helping people navigate a city slowed by snow and ice. 

Across the district, National Guard soldiers and airmen moved deliberately through metro stations, neighborhoods and key corridors. Some checked on patrol teams braving long shifts in freezing temperatures. Others used high-mobility vehicles to assist first responders, transport personnel and help stranded motorists clear snowbanks and regain traction. 

"This is where the Guard fits naturally," Doane said, as the Humvee turned toward Union Station. "When conditions get tough, we bring mobility, manpower and discipline to support our partners and the community." 

Throughout the ride-along, Doane stopped repeatedly to speak with guardsmen on post — asking about their gear, their feet, their food and their radios. He reminded leaders to rotate personnel inside warming areas, keep one soldier alert at all times and watch for signs of cold-weather injuries.

"Those basic leadership things still work," he said. "Feet, hands, communication — take care of each other — and the mission takes care of itself." 

Outside, the storm revealed a different side of the mission. Guardsmen pushed vehicles out of snowbanks, guided pedestrians through icy intersections and checked on individuals waiting in the cold. In several cases, teams coordinated with district partners to escort people to warming shelters or help them reach safe transportation. 

"We're providing a lot of mobility today," Doane explained. "That's really what our partners need — getting officers, firefighters and medical personnel where they need to be, and helping civilians move safely through the city." 

Inside a metro station, Doane paused to observe soldiers standing watch near the turnstiles. Trains continued running despite the weather, and commuters moved through what one passerby called "the safest metro station in America right now." The guardsmen nodded, adjusted their posture and continued scanning the space — visible, calm and unintrusive. 

"That presence matters," Doane said. "Just being here brings the temperature down. People feel reassured." 

The winter storm did more than slow traffic; it tested systems, patience and readiness. Snow and ice complicated response times, narrowed streets and forced constant reassessment of risk. Guardsmen adapted quickly, shifting patrol routes, coordinating with law enforcement partners and prioritizing safety over speed. 

"Safety is No. 1," Doane reminded a team sheltering near a metro entrance. "No reason to stand out here and freeze. We'll get back to normal patrols when conditions allow." 

Despite the conditions, morale remained steady. Guardsmen shared hot drinks, swapped stories and laughed about snowball fights that never materialized. Civilians waved as the Humvee passed, some offering thanks, others simply relieved to see help nearby. 

"I've gotten more waves today than I have in a long time," Doane said. "People remember what the Guard does during storms like this." 

As the night wore on, the mission continued, quietly, steadily and without ceremony. Patrols remained in place. Vehicles stayed ready. And across the city, guardsmen stood watch while Washington dug itself out. 

"What we do is important," Doane said as the Humvee rolled back into traffic. "But how we do it matters more. The way our soldiers carry themselves, the way they treat people — that's what builds trust." 

In a city shaped by movement and unpredictability, the storm underscored the Guard's enduring role: ready when conditions worsen, visible when reassurance is needed and committed to serving the community — no matter the weather. 

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Tech. 5th Grade Eric Gibson

Jan. 26, 2026 | By Katie Lange, Pentagon News |

Army Tech. 5th Grade Eric Gibson served as a cook during World War II, but his desire for more led him to work out a deal with his superiors to fight on the front lines. During one intense battle in Italy, Gibson consistently went ahead of the soldiers he led and took out threats in their path. He didn't survive the ordeal, but his bravery and leadership earned him the Medal of Honor.

Gibson was born Oct. 3, 1919, in Nysund, Sweden, to Erland and Agda Gibson. In 1924, after his younger brother, Sven, was born, the family moved to Chicago, where Gibson grew up.

Few details of his early life have been published. Still, by February 1941, Gibson had enlisted in the Army as troop numbers soared ahead of America's inevitable involvement in World War II. After basic training, he was assigned as a cook for the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.

In November 1942, the division deployed to North Africa, where Gibson, as part of Company I, took part in that invasion and the subsequent invasion of Sicily.

As the division plowed through enemy territory, Gibson decided he wanted to make a bigger impact than just being a cook. So, he worked out a deal with his commanding officer that allowed him to serve as a rifleman in an infantry squad whenever the company went into battle, according to the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum.

In the mountainous terrain of Sicily, where motorized Army vehicles weren't useful, Gibson is credited with leading a pack of mules carrying supplies across several miles of rugged landscape. Later, as the company's main scout, he located several enemy positions and even killed and wounded two German soldiers during ensuing firefights.

In mid-January 1944, the division landed on the Anzio beachhead in Italy. As Gibson's company moved up the coastline, he continued with his dual missions, repeatedly distinguishing himself in combat, according to the museum.

On Jan. 28, 1944, Gibson's company had made it all the way to northern Italy and was near the island of Isola Bella when they came under attack. Gibson quickly mobilized and led a squad of unseasoned soldiers — those sent to the front lines to fill vacancies left by casualties — through a "baptism by fire," his Medal of Honor citation stated. But their efforts bore fruit. They managed to destroy four enemy positions, kill five and capture two German soldiers, all while also securing their company's left flank.

Gibson then continued ahead of his fellow soldiers, moving through a wide stream ditch until he came within 20 yards of a concealed enemy soldier, who opened up on him with automatic fire. Several bullets nearly hit Gibson, but that didn't stop him. He charged, firing his submachine gun every few steps until he got to the enemy position and fired at point-blank range, killing his opponent.

As a smattering of artillery landed in and around the ditch, the impact from one knocked Gibson flat. As soon as he got to his feet, he was fired on by two enemy soldiers who were about 75 yards away. Gibson immediately raced toward them and didn't stop, even when machine gun fire opened up on him about halfway to the position. Gibson killed one foe and captured the other.

Shortly after that, during another spray of heavy machine gun fire coming from about 200 yards further down the ditch, Gibson crawled back to his squad and ordered them to direct as much fire as possible toward the enemy so he could flank that machine gun nest.

Getting to the emplacement required Gibson to crawl 125 yards through an intense artillery barrage that included crossfire from two machine guns, which showered dirt all over him. He made it, however, and once he reached the nest, he threw two hand grenades into it before charging forward with his submachine gun, killing two enemy soldiers and capturing a third.

When his squad got to a bend in the ditch, Gibson moved forward alone to scout out the situation. That's the last time his fellow soldiers saw him alive.

Gibson's squad later told officials that when they heard an exchange of gunfire, they moved around the bend. About 35 yards toward an enemy outpost, they found Gibson dead. However, before he fell, he managed to kill one more German soldier.

Gibson's fearless actions kept the men in his squad alive, even if it meant his own death. For that, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His parents were gifted it on his behalf Sept. 15, 1944, during a ceremony at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

When Gibson's body was returned to the U.S. in 1948, he was buried in Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, where his parents had moved while he was overseas.

Gibson has not been forgotten. Over the years, an Army Reserve center in Berwyn, Illinois, and a dining facility on Fort Lee, Virginia, were named in his honor. In 1995, a Navy container ship was renamed for the fallen soldier, and in 1999, Gibson was inducted into the Quartermaster Hall of Fame. 

A 'Tail' of Service: Famous Military Working Dog Retires

Jan. 23, 2026 | By Abigail Carey, Fort Meade Public Affairs |

The beloved military working dog, known across the force for greeting users when they log in to military devices, is now retired from active service.

Affectionately called "Doggles," MWD Nick served eight years in the Army, seven of those at Fort Meade, Maryland. Nick specialized in explosives detection, helping technicians confront and defeat explosives around the world.

Some of the biggest assignments that Nick and handler Army Staff Sgt. Justin Peyton, assigned to the 2nd Military Working Dog Detachment, have worked include 58 Secret Service missions, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit, a Democratic National Convention, the Army's 250th anniversary celebration, state funerals and the United Nations General Assembly.

"My favorite assignment was the United Nations meeting in New York City," Peyton said. "We got to walk around the city, see sights and meet lots of people."

The famous photo came from Nick's nine-month deployment to Al Asad Air Base, with his previous handler, Army Spc. Joseph J. Lane. During the deployment, Lane and Nick supported the 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

 
"The goggles are worn to protect MWDs from debris and harsh weather," Lane said in a 2023 interview. "In that photo, Nick was wearing them at the range for familiarization. We were at the range for night fire and we flew in [UH-60] Black Hawks with night vision goggles."

Nick's photo was selected from among hundreds to be used by the War Department's global directory.

"When they saw Nick's photo, the creators knew that was the one they wanted," Peyton said.

Since becoming the face of the global directory, Nick garnered a cult following among service members and department civilians. A morale patch made by a small artist has been sold thousands of times.

"It has been nice to see lots of people take to him and fall in love with him," Peyton said. 

"This dog's career is a direct reflection of the high standards and operational lethality we demand from every team in our unit," said Army Capt. Patricio Quezada, 2nd Military Police Detachment commander, as he reflected on Nick and Peyton's time with the unit. "Their success was built on the relentless work of a dedicated handler who exercised patience and translated that into an unbreakable bond between dog and handler."

When adopting a military working dog after their service, handlers have priority. Nick will spend the rest of his years with Peyton and his family.

"Knowing that Nick kept Justin safe for so long, knowing that he protects my husband, has given me a lot of comfort," Lauren Peyton said. "We are looking forward to giving him a comfortable life in retirement."

Spouses Experience a Day of Marine Corps Training

Jan. 23, 2026 | By Marine Corps Cpl. Joaquin Carlos Dela Torre, 3rd Marine Division |

Spouses of 4th Marine Regiment and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion participated in an "In Their Boots" event at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 15. The one-day event was designed to give spouses a firsthand look at the training their Marine spouses conduct to sustain a ready and capable combat force.

By participating in a series of hands-on activities, spouses can better understand daily challenges while building a stronger connection to their Marine and with other families throughout the commands.

The day included multiple events modeled after standard Marine Corps requirements. Spouses fired rifles on a live-fire range, conducted the obstacle course, completed a modified combat fitness test, descended a rappel tower and rode in a combat rubber reconnaissance craft.

"Our spouses can see not only what their significant other does throughout the day and throughout the year, but the other opportunities that are available in the Marine Corps," said Marine Corps 1st Lt. William Rebert, Headquarters Company executive officer, 4th Marine Regiment.

Throughout the day, Marines assigned to 4th Marine Regiment and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion served as instructors and safety guides, explaining each task and encouraging spouses. Through their involvement, spouses gained insight into Marine Corps training standards and unit culture.

For many spouses, the experience was both challenging and rewarding.

"It's harder than I thought, and I definitely [have] a lot more respect for the Marines that are able to finish the O-course and the CFT," said Isabelle Rebert, Rebert's wife. "They planned out the schedule really well to show us as much as they could in a one-day span and we got to do a lot of really cool stuff."

Leaders of 4th Marine Regiment emphasized that family readiness is a critical component of mission readiness. Events like "In Their Boots" reinforce the idea that spouses play an essential role in supporting Marines, both at home and during deployments. By the end of the day, participants left with a deeper appreciation for the training that their Marine spouse endures and a deeper connection to their spouse's service.

"It is not often that military spouses can see the intricate complexities and professionalism of their Marine spouse on the job, and this event helped demonstrate how much their Marine is capable of and ready to do on behalf of our nation," said Marine Corps Col. Richard Barclay, commanding officer, 4th Marine Regiment. "This was a great opportunity for the spouses, across several commands, to spend the day together doing high-quality Marine training and foster a greater sense of community amongst our families here in Okinawa. Given the opportunity, I would highly encourage any military spouse to take full advantage of events like this."

Space Forces Southern Officially Activated During Ceremony in Arizona

Jan. 22, 2026 | By Andrea Jenkins, Air Forces Southern |

The Space Force and U.S. Southern Command officially marked the activation of U.S. Space Forces Southern during a ceremony yesterday at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, formalizing the command's role in integrating space capabilities across the Western Hemisphere.

Although the command became operationally effective Dec. 1, 2025, the ceremony formally recognized the activation with the assumption of command by Space Force Col. Brandon P. Alford, and the digital unveiling of the Space Forces Southern emblem, symbolizing the command's mission and regional focus. 

Space Forces Southern serves as the space component to Southcom, responsible for integrating space power with joint, interagency and multinational partners to support regional security, deterrence and stability across Central America, South America and the Caribbean. 

"This new organization reaffirms our commitment to address local threats of all shapes and sizes, ranging from malign state actors to violent extremist organizations and to transnational criminal organizations," said Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman. "Space Forces Southern will continue to be a force for good in the region, using space to maintain peace and stability and defend the homeland."

Saltzman emphasized that space capabilities are not just support elements for the joint force, but a fully integrated and critical component in their own right. 

"As we clearly saw in recent operations in the Southcom [area of responsibility], without space, kill chains don't close, our strategic advantage evaporates and we can't complete our joint missions," Saltzman said.  

As the first commander of Space Forces Southern, Alford said the activation reflects the growing operational importance of space to missions conducted daily in the Southcom area of responsibility.

"Today marks the beginning of a future that is more connected, more informed, agile and more united in building together to be more capable," he said. "As the first commander of Space Forces Southern, I accept this responsibility with humility and optimism. I am confident that together we will shape a space domain that reflects our shared values and shared aspirations.

"We are not just standing up a command today," he added. "Together, we are shaping the space domain so that what lies above us strengthens everything we value below." 

A career space professional, Alford brings extensive experience across the enterprise, including operational, instructional and staff assignments supporting missile warning, space control and joint space integration. Prior to assuming command, he served in senior leadership roles aligned with Southcom, providing continuity between the command's initial operational capability and its formal activation. 

The ceremony included the unveiling of the official Space Forces Southern emblem. The design features the Crux constellation, also known as the Southern Cross, to signify that the command is the space component focused on South America. It also has a lightning bolt to symbolize the speed and responsiveness of space-enabled support to joint and partner forces throughout the region. 

In the Southcom area of responsibility, space-enabled capabilities support operations across vast distances and complex environments. Guardians secure satellite communications and provide positioning, navigation, timing and space-enabled awareness for counter-illicit trafficking operations, multinational exercises, partnership building and crisis response — strengthening regional stability and deterrence.

"The activation of Space Forces Southern affirms a simple and powerful idea: we are one hemisphere, stronger together," Alford said. "Bound together by geography, values and a shared future above us — connected by shared challenges and shared opportunity." 

The ceremony was attended by War Department senior leaders including Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan L. Pettus, acting commander of Southcom acting commander; Air Force Maj. Gen. David Mineau, Air Forces Southern commander; and Undersecretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier, underscoring the importance of space integration in support of joint and departmental priorities. 

Headquartered at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Space Forces Southern will work closely with U.S. Space Command, Southcom, U.S. Northern Command, the Air National Guard's State Partnership Program and international partners to enhance interoperability and strengthen space domain awareness throughout the region. 

The activation marks another significant step in formally establishing space as a warfighting domain critical to joint operations, reinforcing security and stability across the Western Hemisphere. 

Alaska Army National Guardsmen Conduct a Nighttime Medical Evacuation

Jan. 22, 2026 | By Alejandro Pena, Alaska National Guard |

Alaska Army National Guardsmen assigned to the 207th Aviation Troop Command medically evacuated an individual Jan. 21 from Southwest Alaska. 

In response to a request for assistance from medical staff at Kanakanak Hospital, Dillingham, Alaska, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center opened a medevac mission for an individual experiencing a medical emergency. 

Daylight restrictions prevented local civilian air ambulance services from conducting the mission.  

The Alaska Army National Guard accepted the mission and dispatched a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter, based in Bethel, Alaska. 

Using night-vision goggles, Alaska Army National Guard Black Hawk aviators Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bryan Kruse, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Colten Bell and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nick Lime, with Bethel Fire Department medics Kelly Parker and Lauren Konig aboard, flew about 180 miles southeast to New Stuyahok, Alaska.

The Black Hawk crew arrived on scene and loaded the patient for transport to Dillingham, about 50 miles southwest. Parker and Konig rendered medical aid to keep the patient stable en route. 

Upon arrival in Dillingham, the patient was transported and released to Kanakanak Hospital staff. 

The effort continued the Alaska Army National Guard's ongoing relationship with western Alaska communities. 

The Alaska Army National Guard frequently supports emergency response operations across the state in partnership with the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center and local agencies. The Black Hawk crew, based in Bethel, Alaska, is not a designated rescue asset with hoist capabilities or paramedic teams. Despite that, the crew is crucial in supplementing traditional emergency services that are not often available in western Alaska, an area where rural communities are not connected by roads.

Painting of Benedict Arnold as Battle of Saratoga Hero to be Restored for Display in NY

Jan. 21, 2026 | By Eric Durr, New York National Guard |

A massive oil painting on canvas memorializing Benedict Arnold's heroism during the 1777 Battle of Saratoga was unrolled for the first time since 2013 at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, New York, Jan. 16.

 
The 25-foot-long by 7-foot-high painting, "Benedict Arnold, Triumphant at Saratoga," was opened across eight tables so that a painting conservation expert could examine its condition. 

The painting has been in storage since it was originally donated.  
 
The goal, according to museum director Courtney Burns, is to have the painting restored and displayed in the museum in time for the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga in 2027. 

 
Arnold is remembered as an infamous traitor for attempting to betray the American forts at West Point and the visiting Gen. George Washington to the British during the American Revolution. 
 
But before that, he played a key role in delaying a British invasion of northern New York and leading a key charge that forced the British to retreat during the fighting at Saratoga. 
 
The painting by George Gray depicts Arnold leading American soldiers in storming the Breymann Redoubt, a Hessian-held fortification. 
 
The narration in the painting, explaining the scene's significance, is by Kenneth Roberts, a historical novelist from the 1920s to 1940s, who wrote two books featuring Arnold as a heroic figure. 
 
John Lippert, a partner at a Livingston, New York, art conservation and restoration company, looked the painting over and took photographs. 

 
Lippert said his company will clean the painting and do touch-up work to bring out the original colors. The varnish on the 1937 painting has darkened with time, he explained, so his team will remove that. 
 
The conservators will also need to repair a corner of the painting where an inset depicting Arnold at the 1776 naval fight at Lake Champlain's Valcour Island was cut out, Lippert said. 
 
The military museum has that piece, so that will be worked back into the painting, Lippert said. 
 
His team will also put the painting onto a wooden stretcher frame, so it is ready to be displayed in the museum. 

The restoration work will likely take about six months. 
 
Lippert's company has repaired other historic paintings for the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Burns said. This includes artwork in the Lexington Avenue Armory in Manhattan and the Jamaica Armory in Queens. 

He said the project's cost could reach $30,000. 
 
The money, Burns said, is being provided through the Friends of the New York State Military Museum, a private not-for-profit, which is receiving it from an anonymous donor. 
 
The painting was donated to the New York State Military Museum in 2013 by the H. Lee White Marine Museum in Oswego, New York. 
 
It was one of 233 Gray completed for the American Hotel Corporation in the 1930s to commemorate local history in their hotels, according to a 2025 article in the Lehigh Valley News. 
 
In this case, the painting was in the Hendrick Hudson Hotel in Troy, New York, which closed in 1966. 
 
A companion piece by Gray, which also hung in the Hendrick Hudson Hotel and commemorated the 27th Division of the New York National Guard in World War I, is currently on display at the military museum. 

 
Arnold played a critical role in military campaigns in Canada and northern New York in the early years of the Revolutionary War. He led an attack on Quebec through the Maine wilderness, fought a naval battle on Lake Champlain that delayed a British attack south for a year and then picked the ground where the successful Battle of Saratoga was fought. 
 
The New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center tells the story of New York's rich military history and the service and sacrifice of its citizens through interpretive exhibitions, public programs, and the collection and preservation of artifacts and archival materials related to the state's military forces and veterans. 

U.S. Army, Polish Land Forces Conduct Operation Winter Falcon 2026

Jan. 20, 2026 | By Army Pfc. Andre Gremillion Jr., 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment |

Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, conducted an armored live-fire exercise and technology demonstrations during Operation Winter Falcon 26 at the Drawsko Combat Training Center in Oleszno, Poland, Jan. 13.

The event demonstrated how modern military operations rely on integrating multiple systems, including unmanned aerial systems and counter-UAS capabilities, to strengthen defensive capabilities. The demonstration reflected how the United States and its NATO allies are modernizing to reinforce defenses in Poland and across the alliance.

Polish and U.S. forces fired their M1A2 Abrams tanks side by side on the firing line. This marked the first time Polish forces fired their M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks alongside U.S. forces, demonstrating both the platform's firepower and the coordination among partner nations. The commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, Army Col. Matthew Kelley, emphasized the importance of communication when building relationships to deliver interoperability.

"We train to be ready for anything that might happen in the future," Kelley said. "There is no way you could do that on your own."

The commander also spoke about the importance of training in Poland and the value it brings to his troops.

"The strength of our allies together is how we demonstrate that resolve, that commitment, and you've [got to] do that in the place you may have to defend," he said.

After the live-fire exercise, a static display of UASs featured drones that can provide reconnaissance for ground and armored forces and engage enemy vehicles while the pilot remains in a secure position.

Polish vehicles, such as the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the AH-64D Apache helicopter, were displayed alongside U.S. technology systems to counter opposing UAS.

The static display illustrated how both UAS and counter-UAS systems complement armored platforms such as the Abrams by providing reconnaissance, identifying potential threats at a distance and preventing adversaries from locating friendly forces.

When presented together, the systems demonstrated the growing role of UAS and counter-UAS technologies in reinforcing NATO's defensive posture along Poland's eastern region.

Operation Winter Falcon 26 underscored the importance of innovation for NATO's armed forces in modern military operations. By linking armored elements, such as the Abrams tank, with UAS, U.S. and NATO forces demonstrated how coordinated technologies enhance readiness and strengthen overall defense.

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Sgt. Gordon Yntema

Jan. 19, 2026 | By Katie Lange, Pentagon News |

Army Sgt. Gordon Douglas Yntema, a Green Beret, fought until his last breath to make sure the Vietnamese troops with whom he served could withdraw in the face of a firefight they couldn't win. His selflessness and dedication to the cause earned him a posthumous Medal of Honor.

Yntema was born June 26, 1945, in Bethesda, Maryland, to Dwight and Cynthia Yntema. He had a brother named David.

When he was a little more than a year old, the family moved to Holland, Michigan, so his father could work as a professor of business administration at Hope College, according to The Grand Rapids Press.

After first going to public school, Yntema attended two preparatory schools, Culver Military Academy in Indiana and Fountain Valley School in Colorado. His military education must have stuck with him because in July 1963, shortly after he turned 18, he enlisted in the Army.

Around the same time, Yntema married Peggy Brown, also from Holland. They had two daughters, Elizabeth and Jane.

After graduating from airborne school, Yntema was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, where he learned helicopter mechanics. After deploying for four months to the Dominican Republic in the summer of 1965, Yntema decided he wanted more of a challenge. He then went to U.S. Army Ranger School, qualifying in 1966, before joining Special Forces in January 1967, earning his green beret.

By this time, the U.S. military presence in Vietnam was building, so Yntema was sent to the country in October 1967 with a detachment assigned to Company D of the 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces. That same month, he received a Purple Heart for wounds he suffered while stationed in a Special Forces camp west of Saigon.

By mid-January 1968, Yntema was serving as an advisor to a Vietnamese reconnaissance platoon at Camp Cai Cai, along the Cambodia border. On Jan. 16, 1968, his team and another platoon were sent to block enemy movements near the village of Thong Binh when a firefight broke out with the Viet Cong.

The group's friendly South Vietnamese commander was seriously wounded, so Yntema assumed control of the platoons and moved them forward to within 50 meters of the enemy's bunkers. After 30 fierce minutes of fighting, they were forced to pull back to a trench for better protection so they could still carry out their blocking mission.

The situation went from bad to worse. A company of enemy soldiers moved into a position that pinned the platoons down on three sides before unleashing a mortar barrage that inflicted heavy casualties on exposed soldiers. Yntema's remaining platoonmates were low on ammunition, so many of them chose to flee.

Yntema was seriously wounded and also ordered to withdraw, but he refused to leave his fallen comrades. As enemy fire continued, the sergeant carried the wounded Vietnamese commander and another mortally wounded U.S. Special Forces advisor to a small gully about 50 meters away to try and give them some form of protection.

He then continued to push back the attackers, who were trying to overrun the position, until he ran out of ammunition and was surrounded. The enemy gave him the opportunity to surrender, Yntema's Medal of Honor citation stated, but he refused. Instead, he used his rifle as a club to fend off about 15 Viet Cong. His resistance was so fierce that the enemy was forced to shoot him.

Despite insurmountable odds, Yntema refused to give up, instead giving his life to make sure his surviving platoonmates could escape.

For that supreme sacrifice, Yntema received a posthumous Medal of Honor from Vice President Spiro Agnew Nov. 18, 1969, during a White House ceremony. His wife, Peggy, accepted it on his behalf.

Yntema's body was eventually returned home and buried in the Pilgrim Home Cemetery in Holland.

His sacrifice has not been forgotten. A dining facility at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, is named in Yntema's honor. In 2011, a section of highway near his hometown was designated the "Medal of Honor Recipients Highway" in his honor and that of three other Michigan recipients: Army Sgt. Paul Chambers, Army Lt. Col. Matt Urban and Army Cpl. John Essebagger Jr. 

$1,776 'Warrior Dividend' Tax-Free, IRS Confirms

Jan. 16, 2026 | By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News |

The Internal Revenue Service today confirmed that the $1,776 "Warrior Dividend" more than 1.5 million service members received last year, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, would be tax-free. 

In a press release posted today, the IRS confirmed the tax-free status of the dividend. 

"The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today confirmed that supplemental basic allowance for housing payments made to members of the uniformed services in December 2025 are not to be included in income by those who received the payments; they are not taxable," the statement reads. 

According to the IRS, U.S. tax law excludes from gross income a "qualified military benefit." The Warrior Dividend is just such a benefit and is therefore not taxable. Service members will keep all of the dividend to use as they see fit. 

"The tax-free Warrior Dividend places $1,776 directly in the hands of our warfighters and their families," Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said today. "The department is proud to recognize their sacrifice." 

On Dec. 17, 2025, the president announced that nearly 1.5 million service members would receive a $1,776 bonus to both thank them for their military service and to commemorate the 250 years the U.S. military has been defending the nation. 

"Nobody deserves it more than our military," he said. "I say, 'congratulations' to everybody." 

In a related statement, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the dividend illustrates the nation's commitment to military service members. 

"This Warrior Dividend serves as yet another example of how the War Department is working to improve the quality of life for our military personnel and their families," Hegseth said. "All elements of what we're doing are to rebuild our military." 

Missouri Man Who Neglected Veteran and Concealed His Corpse Sentenced to 156 Months in Prison

ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Zachary M. Bluestone on Thursday sentenced a man to 156 months in prison for neglecting his uncle, a U.S. Army veteran with quadriplegia, for years and concealing his corpse to fraudulently obtain $1.8 million in his uncle’s disability benefits.

Brian K. Ditch, now 45, of Salem, Missouri, became solely responsible for his uncle’s care in 2008. At some point, instead of properly caring for his uncle, Ditch kept him locked away and subjected him to insufficient care and verbal abuse. Ditch fraudulently gained access to his uncle’s financial accounts and regularly wired himself money. After his uncle’s death around 2019, Ditch concealed his death from relatives, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration so that he could continue to steal his uncle’s money. Ditch hid the body in a shed behind his house, telling relatives that he had moved his uncle into a nursing home and police that his uncle was living with someone else.

Since 2008, the VA’s Disability Compensation program deposited approximately $1.6 million into the victim’s account. Ditch’s uncle also received a total of $235,210 in benefits from the Social Security Administration. Ditch used the money for personal purchases, including exotic reptiles and firearms. As a convicted felon, Ditch is barred from possessing firearms. On Thursday, Judge Bluestone ordered Ditch to repay the money.

“Our veterans, particularly those who were wounded while serving our country, deserve our profound respect and admiration, not a life afflicted by neglect, abuse, and exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Albus. “I hope that this sentence sends a message that we will not tolerate this conduct, or the defrauding of programs intended to support veterans and those with disabilities.”

“This sentencing sends a clear message that the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General will vigorously investigate and hold accountable those who exploit veterans,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Billingsley with the VA OIG’s Central Field Office. “Egregious crimes against those who served our nation will not be tolerated, and the VA OIG extends its gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to achieving justice in this case.”

"For over a decade, Brian Ditch was entrusted as the sole caregiver for his uncle, a vulnerable Army veteran; yet he betrayed that trust in the most egregious way. Once his uncle passed away, Ditch then concealed his uncle’s death, hiding his body in a shed, all to keep siphoning Social Security benefits," said Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as First Assistant, Social Security Administration (SSA), Office of the Inspector General.  “This was not just theft; it was a calculated scheme to defraud SSA of over $235,000, carried out with shocking deception and disregard for human dignity. We will continue to pursue those who abuse Social Security for personal gain.”

Ditch pleaded guilty in October to four felony counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The Salem Police Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman prosecuted the case.

Army Recruiter Recognized for Blending Social Media Strategy, Personal Advocacy

Jan. 16, 2026 | By Twana Atkinson, U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Raleigh |

An Army recruiter is earning national recognition for combining modern social media strategy with a deeply personal approach to mentoring future soldiers.

Army Staff Sgt. Victoria Ortiz's method emphasizes authentic online engagement and direct advocacy for her applicants, a formula that builds trust with both recruits and their families. For her successful efforts, Ortiz will receive recognition as one of the top recruiters in fiscal year 2025 at a ceremony in the Pentagon, Jan. 21. 

"My focus has never been recognition, but the well-being of future generations," Ortiz said. "When people feel valued from the start, they carry that same commitment forward and lead with care in return."

Ortiz's commitment is evident in the experience of Kaitlin Waterman, a recent recruit who sought to join the Army as part of her journey of personal growth. The decisive moment of trust in her recruiting process occurred at the Military Entrance Processing Station. 

Waterman was told her mother could not be present for the contract signing because of a policy issue. Ortiz advocated for the family, reaching out to a MEPS guidance counselor to ensure the mother could be present. 

For Waterman, the action was significant, remarking that "the experience highlighted the importance of having a trustworthy recruiter."

The parents of other recruits share this sentiment. 

"Staff Sgt. Ortiz was a blessing in disguise," said Jason Smith Sr., the father of another soldier recruited by Ortiz. "You hear a lot of horror stories about recruiters, but she really wanted to make sure that she was doing right by him. She needs to be cloned." 

Beyond one-on-one advocacy, Ortiz leverages social media to build connections. She said Facebook and Instagram have been her most effective platforms because they allow direct engagement with her target audience. Her content strategy is guided by the feedback and concerns she monitors from current applicants.

"Social media has allowed me to connect with prospects I may never have reached through traditional recruiting methods," Ortiz said. 

To streamline her process, she collaborates with a digital media specialist, Army Staff Sgt. Samantha Estrella, who helps produce content based on her concepts. 

Ortiz advises other recruiters who are hesitant to use social media to remember the intimidation an applicant can feel. 

"Start simple, be yourself and let authenticity guide your presence online," she said. 

Ortiz believes her success comes down to a core principle.

"The key takeaway is to lead with authenticity," she said. "Consistent, honest communication builds trust, drives engagement and ultimately strengthens recruiting outcomes."