The F-35s from the Vermont Air National Guard will join the growing U.S. force massed in the Caribbean aimed largely at the Maduro regime.
Vermont’s F-35 fighter jets deploy to Caribbean in major military mobilization
Vermont Air National Guard mobilized on short notice: What we know about the deployment
Federal orders arrive with little warning
Vermont Veterans’ Home receives its Christmas tree for 2025
For the seventeenth year in a row, The Vermont Veterans’ Home received its Christmas Tree from Marine Veteran Don Keelan’s property in Arlington. The tree, a 15-foot balsam, was delivered along with the traditional honorary escort from several Troopers with the Vermont State Police.
Norwich to lay wreaths at university cemetery December 6
Norwich University in Northfield will host its first Wreaths Across America Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m., at the Norwich University Cemetery. Students, alumni, veterans, and members of the Central Vermont community are invited to take part in the laying of remembrance wreaths and the reading aloud of the names of the fallen.
Just over 1 Week left to get 2,718 Vermont Wreaths Sponsored
Participating Vermont cemeteries still need over 2,700 wreaths sponsored for our departed veterans
Vermont cemeteries face urgent wreath shortages as Dec. 1 deadline nears
The Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph has the largest remaining need in the state, with 2,584 wreaths still lacking sponsorship.
Veterans Day observed Tuesday all over Vermont
Veterans and citizens will be observing Veterans Day Tuesday, November 11 in parades and other gatherings across Vermont. Check out one near you.
Vermont Veterans Home’s celebration commemorating the U.S.M.C.’s 250th Anniversary
The seven Marine residents at the Home will be the honored guests and former Governor of Vermont, Jim Douglas, will be the event’s keynote speaker. Fr. Jeremy Means-Koss, of Bennington and Arlington’s St. Peter’s and St. James Episcopal Church will provide the invocation and benediction.
Deal: On its 250th birthday, remembering how the U.S. Navy was born
When the seas grow contested, commerce falters, and ordinary citizens feel it first — at the store, the gas pump, and the paycheck.
Keelan: Corps celebrate 250th November 10
Celebrations nationwide of the Corps’ November 10 birthday include an event at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington, currently home to six Marines.
Deal: Military leadership overdue for a reset
Are you worried about the president’s meeting with more than 800 senior generals and admirals tomorrow? Consider this: how our military prepares for global conflict hasn’t changed since the Obama era.
B-2 flyover thrills Norwich football crowd
A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber electrified the crowd at Norwich University’s Homecoming football game this weekend, soaring directly over Sabine Field in a thunderous flyover that left thousands of spectators cheering.
Air National Guard base open house Sunday, September 7
Attendees can expect an F-35 flyby, working dog demonstration, military band performances, Norwich Silent Drill Team, a “jaws of life” demonstration and guided access to aircraft and vehicles, plus opportunities to meet the pilots, mechanics, medics, engineers, and other professionals who serve in the Vermont National Guard.
Keelan: Young Marine saw racial segregation up close
Much progress has been achieved over the past six decades in addressing discrimination, but as a nation, we cannot say it is behind us.
Norwich students gain mission-ready electromagnetic ops expertise
The camp, led by seasoned experts in EMSO, Cyber Operations, Electromagnetic Warfare (EW), and Information Operations (IO), offered an intensive three-day curriculum.
Steidler: Congress must investigate what China got from working on the Pentagon’s computers
At issue is Microsoft’s “using engineers in China to help maintain the Defense Department’s computer systems — with minimal supervision by U.S. personnel — leaving some of the nation’s most sensitive data vulnerable to hacking from its leading cyber adversary.”
Smithsonian-affiliate museum at Norwich to open Marine Corps art show
The traveling exhibit provides a rare and vivid perspective of military service through the eyes of Marines who have served in combat.
How Vermont’s partnership with North Macedonia has grown well beyond its original mission
The bond was forged in shared deployments, most notably when Vermont Guardsmen served alongside their Macedonian counterparts in Afghanistan, a testament to the trust built between the two forces.
Retired Navy leader talks Trump, top brass on WDEV at 11 AM today
“Other Presidents have engaged with potential senior leaders before nominating them. JFK knew Maxwell Taylor very well before nominating him to be Chairman,” Deal said.
St. J Academy grad latest Vermonter to join highest ranks of U.S. military
A 1985 graduate of the Air Force ROTC program at Norwich, Bussiere has led combat missions and has overseen the Air Force’s nuclear deterrence program.
These two lawmakers blocked popular Veterans’ Bill for eight years
With two chairs who didn’t consider a tax exemption for veterans important enough, the bill was never brought up for a vote.
Vandals deface Veterans Memorial with hate messages in Shelburne
The politically driven hate messages were discovered as people arrived for a farmers’ market.
Sanders, Welch urge Hegseth to save VT veterans support program
Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch wrote a letter to the Department of Defense on Wednesday, urging Secretary Pete Hegseth to restore funding for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BYR) programs — a nationwide network of support services that includes Vermont’s Veterans and Family Outreach Program.
Vermont Guard Soldiers prove lethality along NATO allies at Immediate Response 25
As the sun set on the final day, U.S. and Hellenic troops executed a second live-fire exercise, using U.S. Humvees and Hellenic tanks under the cover of total darkness. Working together in nighttime conditions added a new level of challenge and helped soldiers improve their coordination, communication, and trust.
Soulia: Becca Balint falls for clickbait article, falsely alarms Vermonters and veterans
Rep. Becca Balint took to Facebook recently and warned that VA doctors can now refuse care to Democrats — a claim that must have caused fear and concern to her Vermont constituents and veterans. But the troubling part isn’t just the claim itself: it’s that a sitting member of Congress, with access to primary documents and official statements, fell for a debunked narrative without pausing to verify the facts.
Dr. Oscar Peterson and the Vermont Civil Defense Division
Dr. Oscar S. Peterson Jr. believed that nuclear radiation played an important role in the future, in its capacity to extend the lives of his patients, as well as its ability to cause irreparable harm. His work specializing in radiation therapy at the University of Vermont led to an invitation to serve as Vermont’s Radiological Consultant to the Civil Defense Division of the Vermont Department of Public Safety.
Veterans’ Place helps homeless vets find independence
The Veterans’ Place in Northfield has begun their 2025 fundraising campaign and they are seeking your support!
Teenager surprises grandfather veteran with Memorial Day honor
Ed was seriously injured in a catastrophic fire and series of explosions in 1967 while aboard the USS Forrestal in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Legislature honors Vermonters who served and died
“In our own body we have in our midst two members who have lost family as a result of service to our country during conflict,” Morgan said.
Deal: On guard, and for our Guard, on Memorial Day
Let us today never forget what such a memorial means for our freedoms, and for those we love. Let us never stop striving to do better for those who have given everything imaginable to us all.
Rodgers: Taxing veterans?
Everyone in this country owes our military veterans a debt of gratitude. It’s long past time for the Legislature to pay that debt forward.
Airmen return home from Asia
As reported by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Davis, hundreds of Airmen of the 158th Fighter Wing, are back after spending months deployed at Kadena Air Base in Japan. There will be more airmen, equipment, and F-35 Lightning II planes to return in the coming weeks.
Veteran income tax exemption held up over homeless needs, cop and firefighter inclusion, House leader says
“I don’t believe there are many that do not support legislation to exempt military retirement, but we also have over 150 homeless vets, vets that cannot access health care, and those that workforce training and placement support,” Krowinski’s aide told a veterans’ advocate.
House leaders’ refusal to exempt military pensions stalls tax reform bill
Momentum ground to a halt on March 25 when Rep. Jed Lipsky (I-Stowe) proposed a floor amendment to add a military pension tax exemption to the package.
700 recruits short, National Guard general urges tax-free pensions
Knight also highlighted the Guard’s Jan. 6 deployment and the flood search and rescue teams saving 19 human lives and their pets.
VT’s Medal of Honor recipients to be remembered March 25 at State House
The list of Vermont’s Medal of Honor winners is long and distinguished.
Keelan: Is Vermont still producing Jimmy Fishers?
Vermont has many young men and women who, in every way, will emulate Jimmy Fisher’s kindness, dedication, and sacrifice.
Air Guard, F-35’s off to Japan for Indo-Pacific exercise
It’s part of a planned deployment, not a reaction to current events. And the temporary transfer of some Lightnings to an airbase in Japan will mean fewer flights over Vermont skies.
Bryce: China runs the table
On Tuesday, Beijing banned exports of antimony, gallium, and germanium to the US. China now dominates supplies of nearly two dozen strategic elements.
Vermont National Guard trio to be awarded Purple Heart
Despite their injuries, they were able to provide immediate live-saving care and medical evacuation for a critically injured soldier.
Active-duty military suicides increase despite prevention efforts
The Pentagon’s Annual Report on Suicide in the Military found that 523 service members died by suicide in 2023, an increase from 493 during the previous year.
Klar: Fake meats for US troops
Corporations to use American soldiers as guinea pigs for cell-grown meats.
CLG: Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene condemns attack on Crimea
Kremlin issues warning over US involvement in ‘barbaric’ Crimea attack; Senate Democrats put ‘Draft Women’ clause in National Defense Authorization Act
PFA spill at National Guard aviation building
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a fire suppressant used to put out flammable liquid fires.
Vermonters best pistol shots in U.S.
The championships are designed to test and enhance the marksmanship skills of National Guard members across the United States.
Newport-linked defense contractor to pay $2.5M to resolve false claims allegations
Galvion, headquartered in Montreal, manufactures protective head systems for use by law enforcement and military personnel, including the U.S. military.
D-Day: A Vermont soldier’s unforgettable journey
As his plane flew over the English Channel, Spendley pictured his sister, blissfully unaware, perhaps baking a cake or opening her birthday presents, while he was about to leap into the jaws of hell.
History of the Vermont Green Mountain Boys’ flag
John Stark led troops at the Battle of Bennington in 1777 bearing what is believed to be the first version of the Green Mountain Boy flag.
Legislature honors ‘Big Sugar’ with USS Vermont Day
The officers and crew of the USS Vermont honor Vermont traditions with the moniker Big Sugar and the motto Freedom and Unity.
Dawson: Supporting Vermont’s veterans
Resources and efforts aim to address common challenges of veterans in our communities.
Fireovid: Legislature considers Defend the Guard Act
The Vermont Defend the Guard Act is part of a nationwide effort to return control of state militias to the states and to the U.S. Congress as specified in the U.S. Constitution
Sportsmen’s Clubs honor U.S. Marine with hits highest honor
Butler excels in marksmanship and represented Vermont at 4-H National Shooting Sports competitions in Nebraska.
Lawmakers to hold hearing on ‘woke ideologies’ influencing the military
Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs Chairman Glenn Grothman, R-Wisc., will host the hearing.
U.S. service academy nominees announced
The five military academies are: U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy.
This is the largest defense contractor in Vermont
Vermont has the fourth lowest defense contractor spending in the nation, behind Idaho, Montana and Nebraska.
National Guard readies Waterbury Armory for sale
At a special meeting in August, the Vermont Board of Armory Commissioners decided it was time to address the fate of the Waterbury Armory.
McClaughry: Military recruiting
Trouble is brewing abroad while our military recruiting struggles to fill its ranks.
Marines to the rescue!
“I was panicking. I know nobody would have gotten to me in time. The water came up a foot in the 15 minutes I was there,” Marie Baril said. Then came the Marines.
Vermont has fewest veterans
Vermont is 39th among states in percentage of veterans, and dead last in enlistments since 9/11.
Don’t be alarmed by armed soldiers and Blackhawk helicopters at VT airport
“Please do not be alarmed by the noise or the armed men (their weapons are NOT loaded) you might see at the doors of the aircraft.” Check.
Harper: Biden’s pick to lead Joint Chiefs of Staff led DEI efforts at Air Force
Biden’s nominee to Chair the Joint Chiefs of Staff now faces formal Inspector General complaints over his pledge to promote and hire subordinates based on race.
Memorial Day mural to be unveiled Saturday in Fair Haven
The tribute mural in Fair Haven comes after a yearlong planning process with input and support of local community members, veterans, businesses, historical societies, including Marine Corps veteran Kevin Durkee of Fair Haven.
Vermont National Guard welcomes Senegalese recruit
Mbengue will serve part-time in the Air National Guard while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at UVM.
Vermont Guard soldiers inserted into Arctic on ski-equipped C-130
C-130s are HUGE. Landing them on ice requires a special rig of landing gear, as Vermont soldiers discovered.
21 GOP governors – but not Scott – call for end to military vax mandate
The pandemic may be over, but government mandates for military vaccination are in full force.
25 Vermonters killed in post 9/11 wars
Vermont’s overall deaths in post 9/11 wars are the fifth lowest in the nation, but the ratio of losses to civilian residents who are veterans is the highest.
VT National Guard gets good marks for sex assault prevention
The Vermont National Guard has revised sex assault prevention policies, updated leader training, and sustained the necessary number of sex assault prevention personnel, a national assessment found.
Vermont National Guard Open House September 11 – Full Schedule
The Vermont National Guard will host an Open House on Sept 11, 2022 from 10 AM – 3 PM. Everyone is welcome to the Vermont Air National Guard base to enjoy a host of military static displays, events, demonstrations, and performances.
DMV adds Air Medal, Bronze star to veteran license plate selection
Many of us notice license plates as we drive around town and throughout the state, and these two additional license plates for our decorated veterans will enable them to be further recognized by their neighbors, community members, and others.
National Guard, Austria now partners
The Vermont National Guard is partnering with another European ally – the Republic of Austria.
Guard praises expanded list of ‘burn pit’ cancers
A Vermont National Guard general and an enlisted man died of cancer believed to be related to exposure to toxic ‘burn pits’ overseas.
VT troops sent to DC to restrict Freedom Convoy
In separate actions, Vermont troops and police are being sent to Washington, D.C. and the southern border.
“We are facing a dynamic environment:” F-35s flying to Europe stop in Vermont
F-35s from Utah headed for a tense Europe stopped at the VT National Guard base in South Burlington.
Happy Veterans Day!
The flag raised over Barre for Veterans’ Day silently speaks the pride and gratitude of all Vermonters.
Injured by Taliban, vet now fights for veterans
A soldier injured in Afghanistan is leading the veterans’ program for Vermont Adaptive Ski Sports.
Vermont Guard celebrates Marine Corps’ 246th birthday
The Vermont National Guard has a special relationship with the Marine Corps, so unique that some Vermont Guard personnel are authorized to display the insignia of the 2nd Marine Division on their uniforms.
Guard hosts active shooter training
The Guard’s new Provost Marshal office ran an active shooter simulation last month. The goal: training and better inter-agency cooperation in the event of The Real Thing.
Chang: what China knows about pathogen attacks on rival economies
The Chinese government has learned just how destructive a pathogen can be on its rivals’ economies, Gordon Chang says.
Chaplains hone combat skills in Jericho
These chaplains carry more than a Bible.
Vermont troops assist birth of Afghan baby on rescue airplane
Vermont National Guard troops assisting at the Kabul airport have all returned. Meanwhile, Vermont troops in Germany are helping Afghan refugees transition to a new life – including helping an Afghan mom give birth to her baby while aboard an Air Force transport jet.
New attack submarine USS Vermont celebrated Saturday
A Vermonter from a family of U.S. Navy submarine officers spoke at the celebration of the commissioning of the attack submarine USS Vermont.
VT National Guard troops at Kabul airport
Troops from the Vermont National Guard’s 86th Mountain are supporting security at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
