Vermont National Guard
Vermont has a long citizen-soldier tradition that goes back to the nation's founding, when Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys fought to take Ticonderoga and helped guarantee our independence. The Vermont National Guard—made up of the Army and Air National Guard—represents one of the highest Guard per capita participation rates of any state in the country. Even before 9/11, the Vermont National Guard was a proven asset to the state and the entire country. Vermonters have played key roles in both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm.
The National Guard is our nation's primary military reserve, ready to deploy quickly anywhere in the world in defense of our country. The highly-trained men and women of the Guard are also available to serve under the command of the nation's governors during state emergencies. Over 500,000 private citizens across the country dedicate one weekend each month and two weeks each year during peacetime to train with their units. In the “minuteman” tradition, they are ready to answer the time-honored call to duty on short notice.
Since the end of the Cold War, the nation's defense strategy has come to rely more and more on National Guard forces because of their cost effectiveness and flexibility. With the events of recent years and a new focus on terrorism, members of the Guard have often served on active duty at home and abroad for far longer than typically required.
The Selfless Sacrifice of Vermont Guardsmen in Afghanistan
The Vermont National Guard has made a substantial contribution to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Green Mountain Boys have sacrificed their civilian careers, precious family time, and - in too many cases - their lives.
In early 2010, members of Vermont’s National Guard deployed to Afghanistan with the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. These men and women participated in combined action with Afghan forces to counter terrorist insurgents in and around the Kabul region. They also engaged in security, reconstruction, and stability operations. Senator Leahy is incredibly proud of these brave troops and will do everything in his power to ensure that they have all the support they need.
In 2002, dozens of members of the Vermont National Guard Mountain Warfare School and Mountain Battalion - two of the U.S. Army's unique high-elevation capabilities- deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan to help train the new Afghan Army.
Members of the Vermont Army National Guard have also gone to Iraq to help provide security for the struggling Iraqi government. At one point, more than 1,500 soldiers from the Vermont Army Guard were deployed in or near Iraq. Over 400 soldiers from various units in the Vermont Guard served in Ramadi as part of a larger Guard force called Task Force Saber. At the time, Ramadi was one of the most dangerous cities in Iraq, and the Vermont soldiers worked diligently and with great sacrifice to bring stability there. Members of the Vermont National Guard have carried out numerous missions across Iraq, from evacuating wounded comrades to engaging insurgent forces.
Vermont has one of the highest per capita casualty rates of any state in the country.
A Proud Vermont Legacy and September 11
There is no better example of the strength, quality, and dedication of today's Green Mountain Boys than the Vermont National Guard's magnificent response to the September 11, 2001, attacks. Soon after the news of the attacks, the 158th Fighter Wing scrambled many of their F-16 fighter jets based at the Burlington International Airport. Over the next 122 days, the unit provided continuous air patrol over Washington, D.C., and New York City. No Air Force unit did more than this 1,000-person force to reestablish control over our skies after that awful day. It was an impressive record-setting achievement.
In the days after September 11th members of the Guard provided security at key sites across Vermont, including the Burlington Airport and along the Northern Border. The Vermont National Guard's domestic defense experience also helped in New Orleans where dozens from Vermont deployed during the response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Guard also helped to increase security along the nation's Southern Border as part of Operation Jump Start. Through all this, the Vermont National Guard remained ready to respond to emergencies in Vermont.
U.S. Senate National Guard Caucus
Senator Leahy is the co-chair of the U.S. Senate National Guard Caucus, an informal yet influential group of 85 Senators dedicated to promoting a strong and ready National Guard. Leahy has been honored to receive awards for his efforts to support the National Guard, including the George Washington Award from the Adjutants General of the United States, the Eagle Award from the Enlisted Association of the National Guard, and the Harry S. Truman Award from the National Guard Association of the United States.
Senator Leahy is proud to fight for the Vermont Guard because it embodies the spirit of service that has always been a hallmark of Vermonters. The Vermont National Guard is truly one of the gems of the United States military, always ready to sacrifice to protect our nation.
Sen. Leahy receives the Minuteman Statue Award from Lieutenant General Blum with the National Guard Bureau on Sept. 23, 2008.
Related News
- Senate Confirms General Dubie As New Deputy Commander Of NORTHCOM, May 24, 2012
- President Taps General Dubie To Be Deputy Commander Of NORTHCOM, May 10, 2012
- Senate Okays Leahy-Graham Legislation To Give The National Guard A Seat On The Joint Chiefs Of Staff, Elevating The Guard’s Role In Pentagon Decision Making, November 28, 2011