Stronger Together Banner

NGB Banner with White Knockout Text & Divider

In crisis? Seeking support is a sign of strength.
24/7 support is available:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or click here for live chat.

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1; text 838255; or click here for live chat.


NGB Warrior Resilience and Fitness (WRF) Division facilitates the Joint Suicide Prevention Program. The program
enhances suicide prevention-related policies and training, advances data collection and analysis, expands access to
community resources, and conducts strategic communication outreach aimed at reducing suicidal behavior across the
Army and Air National Guard. To learn more about WRF resources, click here.

Time and Distance logo Signs of distress graphic

 

DoD/VA RESOURCES


NATIONAL PROGRAMS


GOVERNANCE

5 minutes logo     ACE logo​

NON-CRISIS COUNSELING AND SUPPORT

Holistic Wellness Challenge logo
August 2025 logo July 2025 logo June 2025 logo
Playlist:
Video by Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot
Iowa Air Guard awarded Meritorious Unit Award for Operation Allies Welcome
185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard
March 4, 2023 | 1:56
Video news package

(Font hit: Sioux City, Iowa)
During their March Training weekend, members of the Iowa Air National Guard learned that they were the recipients the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award as a result of the state’s involvement in Operation Allies Welcome during 2021.

The announcement for members of the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa came at a commanders call event during the training weekend.

(Font hit: Lt Col Jenifer Carlson 185th Air Refueling Wing Deputy Support Group Commander)
“Its good to see the recognition come back from the national level of the Wing’s efforts”  

According to the citation, the award was a direct result of Iowa Airmen’s involvement in operations “Allies Welcome and Allies Refuge following the evacuation of Afghanistan.

(File video: Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst)
Lt Col Jenifer Carlson was with a group of volunteers from Sioux City’s 185th Air Refueling Wing and Des Moines’ 132nd Wing who received extremely short notice orders to help with Operations that were taking place at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey.

“We knew how many people, and enlisted vs officer, and that was pretty much it,” (splice) “So when you got out there they would look at your AFSC and see where you work best in the organization.”

Carlson said the group provided logistics and sustainment support as part of the Afghan refugee operation at Fort Dix. She said the tasking was outside what was consider “Normal,” but added that being a part of the operation gave them a front row seat to an historical event.

“It was a remarkable point in American history for the event, to participate in such an operation”

Carson said that she came to another realization about the people she was serving during the deployment.

“As they’re getting ready to head out the door what you realize that you got to interact with some of Americas newest citizens.”

(Font hit: SMSgt Vincent De Groot reporting)
As Carlson and the rest of the unit attended the awards event in Sioux City they were left with a heart felt thank you, from their commander, but now also have an award as a reminder of their contribution to a successful operation.

In Sioux City, Iowa I’m Senior Master Sgt. Vince De Groot

Font hits:

00:00:00 - 00:00:10 Sioux City, Iowa

00:00:22 - 00:00:32 Col Jennifer Carlson
Deputy Mission Support Group Commander, 185th ARW

00:00:32 - 00:00:52 File Video

00:01:45 - 00:01:56 Vincent De Groot reporting
More

Tags

185th Air Refueling WingIowa Air National Guardmeritorious unit awardUEINORIOperation Allies Welcome
More

Up Next

181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade Meritorious Unit Commendation Ceremony, Part III
0:36
181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade Meritorious Unit Commendation Ceremony, Part III
181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade Meritorious Unit Commendation Ceremony, Part I
Play Button
0:32
181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade Meritorious Unit Commendation Ceremony, Part I
181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade Meritorious Unit Commendation Ceremony, Part II
4:36
181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade Meritorious Unit Commendation Ceremony, Part II
181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade Meritorious Unit Commendation Ceremony, Part I
0:33
181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade Meritorious Unit Commendation Ceremony, Part I
181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade Meritorious Unit Commendation Ceremony, Part III
Play Button
0:35
181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade Meritorious Unit Commendation Ceremony, Part III
181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade Meritorious Unit Commendation Ceremony, Part II
Play Button
4:36
181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade Meritorious Unit Commendation Ceremony, Part II
KMC Update - Armed Forces Service Medal for Operation Allies Welcome and Operation Allies Refuge
2:00
KMC Update - Armed Forces Service Medal for Operation Allies Welcome and Operation Allies Refuge
Iowa Air Guard awarded Meritorious Unit Award
Play Button
3:15
Iowa Air Guard awarded Meritorious Unit Award
Now Playing
Iowa Air Guard awarded Meritorious Unit Award for Operation Allies Welcome
Iowa Air Guard awarded Meritorious Unit Award for Operation Allies Welcome
Operation Allies Refuge/Welcome: One Year Later
Play Button
1:44
Operation Allies Refuge/Welcome: One Year Later
More Videos
LTC Elizabeth Cordon

LTC Elizabeth Cordon,
WRF Resiliency Branch Chief

MAJ Giovanni Siaca

MAJ Giovanni Siaca,
Joint Suicide Prevention
Program Manager

CPT Shannon Bush-Smith

CPT Shannon Bush-Smith,
Army National Guard Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator

Capt. Ashley Hollingsworth

Capt. Ashley Hollingsworth,
Air National Guard Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator

 

Contact us logoAir Force Suicide logoMilitary Crisis Line logo