Securing-the-Southern-Border

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Arizona National Guard’s Task Force SAFE Strengthens Border Security
May 13, 2025 — NOGALES, Ariz. — In an effort to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs into the United States, Arizona... MORE

U.S. Soldiers with the Arizona Army National Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents inspect a cooler of fish for illegal drugs or other contraband items at the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona, April 30, 2025.

Texas Guard Members Bolster Border Patrol Efforts along Rio Grande
May 7, 2025 — ROMA, Texas – A steady breeze rolled across a closed bridge crossing the Rio Grande, offering relief... MORE

A U.S. Soldier with the Texas Army National Guard monitors activity along the Rio Grande during a patrol near Roma, Texas, April 25, 2025.

Maryland Guard Soldiers Return Home From Border Mission
March 19, 2025 — EDGEWOOD, Md. – Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation... MORE

Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, celebrated their return home from federal deployment under the direction of U.S. Northern Command at Weide Army Heliport at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Aberdeen Proving Ground-South March 8, 2025.

Oregon National Guard Prepares for Southern Border Mission
March 13, 2025 — SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard's 1249th Engineer Battalion is preparing for a year-long... MORE

Soldiers from the Oregon National Guard's 1249th Engineer Battalion stand in formation during a change of command ceremony at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Oregon, Sept. 8, 2024. The battalion is preparing for a year-long mobilization to support security operations along the southern border beginning October 2025.

District of Columbia Guard Returns from Border Mission
February 18, 2025 — WASHINGTON – About two dozen District of Columbia Army National Guard Aviation Command members... MORE

Left to right, Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, the adjutant general for the District of Columbia National Guard; Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, commanding general (Interim) for the D.C. National Guard; Capt. Corbin Cali, aviation operations officer and Det 1 A Co 1/224th S&S commander; Sgt. 1st Class Richard Molezzo, Det 1 A Co 1/224th S&S NCOIC; Chief Warrant Officer 5 Bernard L. Aguon, command chief warrant officer for the D.C. National Guard, and Lt. Col. Ryan Rooks, state aviation officer for the D.C. Army National Guard. About two dozen D.C. Guard members returned home following a 12-month deployment to the southern border.

Texas National Guard Operation Lone Star Helps Secure Border
February 11, 2025 — ROMA, Texas - National Guard members continue to play a key role in sealing and securing the... MORE

A Texas Army National Guard Soldier looks across the Rio Grande River near Roma, Texas, while taking part in border operations with the Texas Tactical Border Force, Feb. 5, 2025. The TTBF, comprising Texas National Guard members in a state active duty status, works with state and federal law enforcement officials, including U.S. Border Patrol, to deter, detect and stop illegal border crossings and to interdict transnational criminals.

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Video by Maj. Wayne Clyne

Oregon Youth Challenge Program Capitol Duty and the Passage of SCR 2 B-Roll

Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office

March 22, 2023 | 6:18

The Oregon Youth Challenge Program (OYCP) performed Page duty at the Oregon State Capitol building on March 22 as Senate Concurrent Resolution 2 passed in the Oregon State House of Representatives.

The OYCP is a 17-month program aimed at guiding struggling youths from Oregon to become responsible citizens and leaders in society. The program is a joint project of the Oregon Military Department and the National Guard, with additional state and federal government support.

The OYCP mission is "To provide opportunities for personal growth, self-improvement and academic achievement among Oregon high school dropouts, teens no longer attending and those failing in school, through a highly structured non-traditional environment; integrating training, mentoring, and diverse educational activities."

The OYCP cadets served as Pages and provided a color guard for the Legislative Assembly at the Oregon State Capitol. While performing Page duty, they assisted lawmakers and performed various tasks such as delivering messages, preparing the chambers for sessions, and other errands.

The program's director, Daniel M. Radabaugh, said, "Posting the Colors in the House and Senate at the State Capital is one of the highlights for Oregon Youth Challenge, Color Guard cadets. Accompanying the Color Guard to the Capital were the Student Government cadets for Class 65. All cadets worked as Pages with our State Legislators during their visit, observing state government in action.

The OYCP cadets' service at the Capitol building comes at a crucial time when the Oregon State Legislature has passed the SCR2 resolution recognizing and honoring Oregon National Guard service members. The resolution acknowledges the Oregon National Guard's critical role in responding to various emergencies, including wildfires and natural disasters, and the guard's many overseas deployments.

The SCR2 resolution also acknowledges the sacrifices made by the service members and their families, commending them for their dedication to serving the country and the state of Oregon. Finally, former Oregon Air National Guard member Representative Paul Evans of district 20 read the bill as a Special Order of Business before a unanimous vote of all present representatives.

The OYCP cadets' participation in the Capitol's Page program and the passage of SCR2 demonstrate the critical role that young people can play in shaping the future of their communities and the country. The OYCP program continues to provide opportunities for Oregon's struggling youths to become responsible, productive citizens while supporting the state's critical missions.

(U.S. Army National Guard video by Maj. W. Chris Clyne Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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