By Guy Page

In a press briefing delivered this morning from the Pentagon, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan “Raisin’” Cain (USAF) praised the work of the Vermont Air National Guard in the attack on Venezuela in January and this weekend’s attack on Iran.

At the 18 minute mark of the briefing, which was published on X at 8:03 AM, Cain singled out the Green Mountain Boys.

“The integrated Air National Guard units from a variety of states, including Vermont and Virginia. In the case of the Vermont Air National Guard and the 15th fighter wing, they were mobilized for Operation Absolute Resolve, and then were tasked to take their F-35As across the Atlantic, instead of going home, in order to be prepared for this operation,” Cain said. 

Vermont’s F-35A unit has faced longstanding opposition from progressive, anti-war organization. Its siting at the South Burlington/Williston base adjacent to the Leahy International Airport has been under constant criticism, mostly due to noise concerns. A pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel organization has placed non-binding referenda on several Town Meeting ballots calling for the recall of the F-35’s from any action in Iran.