Hi, I'm Lt. General Jon Jensen. This week, I will transition to retirement as the Director of the Army National Guard. Cindy and I bid you a fond farewell.

The Purple Heart is a decoration awarded to Soldiers wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. armed forces. Staff Sgt. Jason Bowman, a Soldier with the NC National Guard, had his home restored by Military Makeover and Purple Heart Homes, making a huge impact on his life.

Today, we remember the Battle of Brest, France, a pivotal moment in our Army Guard history. The battle resulted in the destruction of the port at the cost of almost 10,000 casualties. Learn more about this forgotten battle 🔗 ngpa.us/30436, 🔗ngpa.us/30437.

I am proud of these Iowa National Guard Soldiers conducting sling load training exercises during an eXportable Combat Training Capability rotation at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, recently. They are highly trained and ready to support U.S. domestic operations and fight our nation's wars.

Happy International Youth Day! Check out Sgt. 1st Class Romeo Santos's inspiring journey from a troubled youth in Baltimore to become a recruiter in the MD National Guard. The Army Guard's R&R program emphasizes discipline, care, and mission focus. ngpa.us/30445

The Idaho National Guard's State Aviation Group recently assisted in the search and rescue of an injured hiker near Smokey Peak in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountain Range. This was the third rescue of an injured hiker by the Idaho National Guard in July 2024.

Today is National Navajo Code Talkers Day, commemorating the contributions of nearly 25,000 Native Americans who served in the Armed Forces during WWII. Learn more here 🔗 ngpa.us/30459

The National Guard is a unique military force with a dual mission: to protect our nation and serve our communities both domestically and abroad. Always Ready, Always There, the National Guard stands as a vital link between the military and the American people.

On National Airborne Day, we honor the U.S. Airborne Forces and the first parachute jump in 1940. Recently, Soldiers from the Washington National Guard practiced a static line jump for airborne training at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

On Sunday, Command Sgt. Maj John T. Raines and other senior enlisted leaders addressed an audience at the 2024 Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States Conference hosted by the Michigan National Guard in Detroit, Michigan.

“Our country is counting on us, and we will not let them down.” Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, acting Chief of the National Guard Bureau, shared a message of strength and stability to #NGAUS2024 attendees. nationalguard.mil/News/Article-V…

Workplace wellness is about policies and activities that promote the health and well-being of our Soldiers. These actions aim to create an environment that supports a Soldiers health inside and out. Learn how to improve the well-being of your Soldiers 🔗 ngpa.us/30604.

.Okla. National Guard Soldiers tested their mettle at Northern Strike 2024, sending 3,400+ rounds downrange. They played a key role, conducting critical training to hone their speed and accuracy on the M199 105mm howitzer and M777 towed 155mm howitzer. 🔗ngpa.us/30605

U.S. Army Guard Soldiers recently completed a 36-hr training exercise in NJ. The Advanced Leaders Course aims to enhance leadership skills for promotion to Staff Sgt.

Two Nevada Army Guard UH-60 Black Hawks are currently working the #DavisFire with one CH-47 Chinook. Handcrews are working today out of a location on Mount Rose Highway. Photos courtesy Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Nevada Guard firefighters.

.OregonNationalGuard Soldiers participated in a grueling two-week exercise to simulate the challenges of peer-to-peer warfare as a part of an intensive training rotation that marked a significant shift in focus toward large-scale combat operations. nationalguard.mil/News/Article-V…

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people died in terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda against the U.S. The president made September 14, 2001, a National Day of Prayer for the victims. We will never forget the sacrifices made by our service members, first responders, and citizens.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Failures are not setbacks but stepping stones for growth. Let's lift each up other during tough times. Connecting strengthens the force. Visit DHA's toolkit for suicide prevention resources: health.mil/SuicidePrevent…