Minuteman Report

With Operation New Dawn close to end of mission, the Virginia Army National Guard is exiting Iraq in its final convoy out of Contingency Operating Base Adder. The Guardsmen will head south across the border into Kuwait and are hopeful to be home before the holidays. Story by SPC David Marquis.

Citizen Airmen from the South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing participated in an Active Shooter exercise as part of it's monthly, Unit Training Assembly. Video by TSgt Carl Clegg

With tighter budgets on the horizon, National Guard Bureau senior leaders are using technology to reach the masses with the first ever, Virtual Diversity Conference. Current and retired Air National Guardsmen can now collect rewards for referring new recruits to the Guard through the Air National Guard Referral Rewards Program.

Citizen Airmen and Soldiers from the Kentucky Army & Air National Guard Agribusiness Development Team are helping farmers in Afghanistan improve their agricultural practices. Produced by Staff Sgt. Shannon Ofiara.

This edition features stories on the Maine Air National Guard who recently received two new recruits, both in their late 30s, who, along with their maturity, bring with them a wealth of skills that add value to America and experience to the Air Force. Produced by Capt Devin Robinson.

The military organization we know today as the National Guard came into existence 375 years ago, with a direct declaration on December 13, 1636. The National Guard has remained a relevant, reliable and ready force over the years, one that is transformed for the 21st century. Since the early days of our republic, Guardsmen have fought in every major conflict, fulfilling their dual mission at home a...

Massachusetts Army National Guardsmen teamed up with a Kosovo Security Forces Explosive Ordinance Unit to provide guidance during the largest joint weapons disposal operation KSF has led while working with the U.S.

This edition features a story on the National Guard who unveiled its Vets4Warriors initiative to face the unique challenges of providing peer counseling. Vets4Warriors is a toll-free, peer-to-peer counseling hot-line, that will provide Guardsmen and all reserve component members with the ability to speak with counselors on the phone or online. Hosted by Tech Sgt. John Anderson.

The Arkansas Air National Guard's 189th Airlift Wing is the first unit in the Air Force to upgrade their C-130 braking system. Edwards Air Force Base's 418th Flight Test Squadron tested the system earlier this year. The new braking system requires less maintenance and is projected to save the Air Force millions of dollars. Story by SSgt Matt Pelkey

Soldiers from Virginia National Guard's Counterdrug program worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration to properly destroy nearly 9,000 lbs. of prescription and over-the-counter medications. The event was part of the DEA National Drug Take Back Day. Story by SSG Terra Gatti.

Crossroads of America Council Scouts donated nearly 30 pallets of popcorn and pretzels to the Indiana National Guard. The donated popcorn and pretzels will be delivered to members of the Indiana National Guard and the USO. Story by Michael Krieg. Includes soundbites from Scott Clabaugh with the Crossroads of America Council.

The Defense Department and National Guard support to the Southwest U.S. border security mission will change in the next few months. Guardsmen will fly specially equipped OH-58 Kiowa and the UH-72 Lakota helicopters as well as the RC-26 "Metroliner" fixed-wing aircraft to monitor the border from overhead.

More than 120 Guardsmen from 20 states participated in the three-day, National Guard Biathlon Training Camp. The camp ended with a time trial event to determine who will represent their states during the upcoming biathlon season. Story by 2LT Brian Weitzel.

This edition features a story on Minnesota National Guardsmen from the 1135th Support Company stripping and reallocating parts from Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, or MRAPS, used in the draw down of U.S. forces this past year. The 1135th is responsible for maintaining the Minnesota Guard's 2-135 Infantry Battalion's Mobile Reaction Force vehicle fleet at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

This edition features a story on the Minnesota National Guard's 1-125th Field Artillery Combat Medics who trained with the Navy and civilian Emergency Medical Services personnel on loading and unloading litter patients into aircraft, the Guardsmen are currently deployed to Kuwait. Hosted by Tech Sgt. John Anderson. Produced by PFC Linsey Williams.

Minnesota National Guard's 1/34 Brigade Combat Team's Base Support Battalion North, is saving taxpayer dollars by reallocating supplies and materials acquired during the draw down of Iraq. Units at Camp Buehring, Kuwait continue their mission with the support of the Red Bulls. Story by Spc. Bob Brown. Hosted by Tech. Sgt. John Anderson.

While city residents and visitors of Las Vegas celebrated New Year's Eve, more than 140 Nevada National Guardsmen were participating in Operation Vigilant Sentinel, a real-life exercise which had Guardsmen watching over spots in the city, manning traffic control points, and patrolling at McCarran Airport. This is the 11th consecutive year the Nevada Guard has trained during the holiday. Story by S...

This edition features a story on Camp Patriot Kuwait where Soldiers of the Minnesota National Guard's 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery and the 202nd Explosive Ordinance Disposal team worked together during a recent post-wide drill involving a faux bomb threat in the dining facility. Story by Pfc. Linsey Williams.

Three engineering companies from the North Carolina National Guard practiced their demolition skills recently while conducting their semi-annual explosives training at Fort Bragg. The Soldiers received training on how prepare, place and detonate different types of explosives. Story by SPC Adrienne Brooks.

The Purple Heart is the most recognized symbol of combat injury and sacrifice of personal safety. The Minnesota National Guard's 1st Squadron, 94th Cavalry Unit (1-94 CAV) recently gathered at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, to honor a fellow Guardsman who has sacrificed his personal safety on more than one occasion. SPC Skeeter Tomczak was awarded his second Purple Heart for an injury suffered in the line...

This edition features a story on the small town of Cordova, Alaska, which declared a state of emergency and called out for assistance. More than 50 National Guardsmen from Anchorage responded the call and, as part of Operation Deep Dig, traveled by ferry to help dig out the snowbound community after three weeks of snowfall blanketed buildings and roads in nearly 15 feet of snow. Hosted by Tech Sgt...

The last Missouri National Guard AH-64A Apache attack helicopter left Whiteman AFB, Mo. earlier this week. The helicopters are returning to the manufacturer to be refurbished into newer digital models. The Army plans to put the helicopters back into service once the upgrades are complete. Video by Spc. Adam Winters.

Air National Guard Prime BEEF (Prime base engineer emergency force) Airmen are wrapping up their deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. During their deployment the the citizen Airmen provided one of a kind civil engineering support by constructing and supporting key facilities. Story by Sgt. 1st Class Class Robert Stephenson.

Guardsmen deployed to Kosovo in support of KFOR 15 marched alongside nearly 300 soldiers from 15 nations as part of the 25 kilometer, DANCON 2012 Ruck march. The march has been held in Kosovo since 1999, but the tradition goes back to 1972. Proceeds from the event are donated to veterans homes in Denmark.

Nevada Army National Guardsmen conducted their first live-fire qualifications since their return from Afghanistan in 2010 using their unit's new Bradley tanks. The two-week long training course was held in Fort Irwin, California and included several scenarios designed to make sure Soldiers are comfortable using both their primary and secondary equipment. Story by SGT Victor Joecks.