Guard News - The National Guard

H1N1 pediatric vaccine recalled for low potency, not for safety
December 22, 2009 — WASHINGTON - Some supplies of a pediatric version of the H1N1 vaccine have been voluntarily recalled because they are slightly less potent than the manufacturer indicated, officials said today.Some... MORE

Officials seek feedback on family programs
December 16, 2009 — WASHINGTON - Defense officials have launched virtual "listening sessions" in hopes of gaining more insight into the effectiveness of military family programs, a Pentagon official said today.The... MORE

Families can see off, greet troops at airport gates
December 14, 2009 — WASHINGTON - It's a scene that's played out in airports across the country numerous times in the past eight years: Families and servicemembers clinging to each other, either sad to leave or happy and... MORE

Study explores deployment impact on older children
December 10, 2009 — WASHINGTON - Children in military families experience emotional and behavioral difficulties above national averages, a study has revealed.The Rand Corp. study, commissioned by the National Military... MORE

Teens attend an award ceremony in July at the conclusion of the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard Teen Leadership Summit at Jekyll Island, Ga. The week-long summit brought together 135 children of Reserve and Guard servicemembers there and in at Wahsega, Ga., July 13-17, 2009. A study by the Rand Corporation, commissioned by the National Military Family Association, found that older children in military families experience emotional and behavioral difficulties above national averages.

Toy giveaway benefits military families
December 7, 2009 — WASHINGTON - More than 3,000 military families will have a few extra presents under the tree this year thanks to the generous efforts of Operation Homefront and The Wal-Mart Foundation.Operation... MORE

A military spouse receives assistance from volunteers during the Operation Homefront and Wal-Mart Foundation toy event for military families in the North Carolina National Guard Armory gymnasium in Fayetteville, N.C., Dec. 4, 2009.

Respite child care expands to all 50 states
November 30, 2009 — WASHINGTON - It's a few hours a month, but the break the Armed Services YMCA Respite Child Care program provides parents with a deployed spouse always is welcome. And since the program's Oct. 1... MORE

Guard wife spreads Thanksgiving spirit
November 30, 2009 — WASHINGTON - Amanda Bailey has a lot to thankful for this Thanksgiving, with her husband, Army Spc. Christopher Bailey home from Iraq for rest and relaxation leave. And as head of his National Guard... MORE

Army Spc. Christopher Bailey, his wife, Amanda, and children are looking forward to spending Thanksgiving together during Bailey's rest and relaxation leave from his deployment in Iraq.

HooahMail means speedy delivery of letters to Afghanistan
November 24, 2009 — WASHINGTON - The Army's HooahMail program makes it possible for friends and family members to put a paper letter and photograph into the hands of their loved ones in Afghanistan, in some cases, on the... MORE

World War II Soldiers read letters from friends and family during a mail call, January 1943. The Army's HooahMail program makes it possible for Soldiers in Afghanistan to receive letters in days, instead of weeks, as in previous wars.

Louisiana Guardsman proves 'Real Men Read'
November 24, 2009 — CARVILLE, La. - A member of the Louisiana Army National Guard participated in the "Real Men Read" program at East Iberville School in St. Gabriel, La., Nov. 19.Capt. Lance T. Cagnolatti, a St. Gabriel... MORE

Louisiana Army National Guardsman Capt. Lance T. Cagnolatti reads to a groups of students at East Iberville School in St. Gabriel, La., as part of the "Real Men Read" program that teaches kids the importance of reading.

Alabama kids reach out to Alabama military kids
November 12, 2009 — MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The deployment of a Soldier affects no one more than a child. Children of the brave men and women, who protect the liberties and freedoms of the United States of American often... MORE

Madelyn Dassel, 11, and Bethany Pate, 11, both of Millbrook, Ala., write thank you cards for a military child from Alabama. Madelyn and Bethany took time to make the cards while visiting an Autauga County Supporting Military Families booth at this year's Autauga County Fair held in Prattville, Ala,. Their cards will be placed inside Hero Packs and given to a military child at a Yellow Ribbon program event.

Maryland governor visits educator training program
November 12, 2009 — TIMONIUM, Md. - Gov. Martin O’Malley along with Maryland Superintendant of School Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick and Army Brig. Gen. James A. Adkins, the adjutant general of Maryland today demonstrated their... MORE

Virginia Guard hosts workshop for military kids
November 10, 2009 — RICHMOND, Va. - The Virginia National Guard hosted a workshop here Oct. 28 to address the unique challenges facing children with loved ones serving in the U.S. military.The workshop was conducted in... MORE

DoD officials aim to improve families' lives
November 5, 2009 — WASHINGTON - Military families make tremendous sacrifices in support of the nation and deserve recognition as well as the best programs and policies the Defense Department can deliver, a defense... MORE

Guard offers information through Joint Services Support portal
November 5, 2009 — ARLINGTON, Va. - The National Guard Bureau has put the finishing touches on a new Joint Services Support (JSS) portal developed to help Guardsmen and their family members get information on an... MORE

The National Guard Bureau has put the finishing touches on a new Joint Services Support (JSS) portal, located at www.jointservicessupport.org. It was developed to help Guardmembers and their family members to get information on an abundance of assistance and support programs. The new portal provides easy access to programs at the state and units including the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), National Guard Family Program, Psychological Health Program, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program and Warrior Support Program.

Pentagon sends H1N1 vaccine to Central Command area
November 5, 2009 — WASHINGTON - U.S. Central Command has received half of the vaccine needed to inoculate its forces against the H1N1 virus, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today. The vaccines arrived in... MORE

Like body armor, flu vaccine aims to protect troops
November 4, 2009 — WASHINGTON - Like protective equipment issued to troops downrange, the H1N1 flu vaccine is a measure the Defense Department is taking to safeguard U.S. military forces, a defense official said. "We... MORE

DoD receives first H1N1 vaccine shipments
November 3, 2009 — WASHINGTON - The Defense Department has started receiving H1N1 vaccines and will begin distributing doses in the coming weeks. The Health and Human Services Department is distributing the vaccines,... MORE

Tricare announces H1N1 immunization policy
November 3, 2009 — FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Immunizations against the H1N1 virus will soon be available, and people are eager to take precautions. Tricare Prime, Standard and Extra beneficiaries can get their shots from... MORE

DoD experts to answer H1N1 questions online
November 3, 2009 — FALLS CHURCH, Va. - The Military Health System will host a Web-based, town hall-style meeting Nov. 10 from 3 to 4 p.m., EST to respond to questions about H1N1 influenza. Military members, their... MORE

Postal service announces holiday mailing guidelines
October 29, 2009 — BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - U.S. Postal Service officials have announced recommended mailing dates for delivery by Christmas to U.S. servicemembers serving in Afghanistan and other overseas... MORE

Members of 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery of the Colorado Army National Guard unload mail from a vehicle filled with many packages and letters from home Sept. 10, 2009 at Camp Ramadi, Iraq. (Photo by

Tennessee Guard Provides Drinking Water to Helene Victims

Tennessee Guardsmen Continue Supporting Helene Recovery Efforts

Ohio Guard Airmen Deploy to NC to Support Helene Recovery Efforts

Virginia National Guard Continues Support After Hurricane Helene

Tennessee Guard Engineers Continue to Support Helene Recovery Efforts