New Hampshire National Guard

08/04/2026

Pitch Perfect

By NHNG Public Affairs

In his first visit to New Hampshire, Cabo Verde's new chief of defense greeted his American counterpart with an enthusiastic message of hope for their emerging alliance.

"We are grateful for the program," said Rear Adm. Manuel Semedo, who succeeded Rear Adm. António Monteiro last October as the principal military advisor to the president and defense minister. "It's already had an impact."

During a July 28 office call in Concord with NH Adjutant Gen. David Mikolaities, Semedo outlined his priorities for the New Hampshire National Guard-Cabo Verde State Partnership Program for the next five years.

He was accompanied by his National Guard commander, Lt. Col. Júlio Sancha, senior enlisted advisor, Sgt. Maj. João Moreno, and public affairs advisor, Capt. Lavinio Lopes.

"We need your support in maritime security, but also cyber securtiy and civil protection," Semedo said.

Cabo Verde's military was established in 1975, the same year it gained independence from Portugal. Located off the west coast of Africa, the Atlantic archipelago of 530,000 people has a military force of about 1,200 mostly conscripts. It consists of a National Guard and Coast Guard and is divided into three sectors covering the country's 10 islands.

"Start small, start with a pistol," said Mikolaities in both the figurative and literal sense.

Five years ago, he courted Cabo Verde through a The National Guard initiative that today accounts for more than 100 partner nations. (New Hampshire is also state partners with Fuerza Armada de El Salvador.)

Since then, the partnership has accounted for more than 35 military and civilian exchanges ranging from medical readiness and emergency management to aviation operations and NCO development.

"In Cape Verde, we want to develop our sergeants so they can be responsible for any mission at anytime," Lopes said.

Bigger obstacles loom for a military trying to establish lasting relevence among its own. More than half of Cabo Verde's citizens live abroad. A persistent exodus of skilled workers and lack of economic incentives are driving potential recruits out of the country.

"We don't have enough manpower to meet the demands," Semedo said.

"We have the same challenges," Mikolaities responded. "Our two biggest incentives are free college and healthcare."

07/21/2026

All Call

The 17th annual New Hampshire Army National Guard retiree luncheon will be held Thursday, September 17, at Joint Force Headquarters, 1 Minuteman Way, in Concord.

Festivities begin at 10 a.m. They include an address from NH Adjutant Gen. David Mikolaities, a luncheon, static displays and traditional group photo.

Cost is $5.

First-timers are asked to register in advance with Rick Plante by calling 603-657-0345 or emailing [email protected].

In photo, World War II veteran James Walker, 86, talks with Arthur Andrew and Bob Palriek during the 5th annual luncheon in 2013. Walker was presented with the American Theater and World War II Victory Medals. NHNG-PA archive.

07/20/2026

Pitching In

More than 40 New Hampshire National Guard full-time employees volunteered for a day of groundskeeping at a local soup kitchen July 15.

The full-timers, which included guardsmen and civilian workers, power washed, mowed, raked, gardened, painted and cleaned at The Friendly Kitchen in Concord.

Combined, they accounted for 210 hours of labor.

To promote community service, full-time employees of the Guard are granted administrative leave or a pass for one, eight-hour period every six months.

Photos by Tech. Sgt. April Jackson, 157th ARW Public Affairs.

07/16/2026

High Praise

07/16/2026

Walk In The Park

Soldiers with the 3643rd Brigade Support Battalion conduct a tactical road march during annual training June 6 at Camp Ethan Allen in Jericho, Vermont. The time-honored military movement trains soldiers to travel long distances under load while maintaining operational discipline and readiness. Photos by Staff Sgt. Devin Bard, 603rd PAD.

07/15/2026

Five Tons Of Fun

Spc. Joshua Ostertag and assistant driver Sgt. Cory Foote of the 744th Forward Support Company unstuck an M1083A1 cargo truck from a mire pit during vehicle training earlier this spring at Fort Devens. Photo courtesy of 603rd PAD.

07/14/2026

Retaining Counsel

The U.S. Army's top lawman met with the New Hampshire National Guard legal team during a visit to the Granite State on July 10.

Maj. Gen. Bobby Christine, the judge advocate general, shared updates from the Pentagon relevant to Army legal professionals during his stopover at Heritage Room on the state military reservation in Concord. He also presented challenge coins to the office paralegals.

“The office here in New Hampshire has some of the finest legal professionals, both officer and enlisted, anywhere in the Guard," he said. "They are producing a wonderful product that is of note across the JAG Corps."

Christine previously served as general counsel for The National Guard. His roots are in the Georgia National Guard. To his knowledge, Christine is the first guardsman to serve as Army's judge advocate general.

“I still have a special place in my heart for the Guard,” he said.

07/14/2026

Comparing Notes

By NHNG Public Affairs

A sliver of the 39th Army Band celebrated 250 years of independence with a moonlit performance on the island nation of Cabo Verde.

Coordinated through the New Hampshire National Guard-Cabo Verde State Partnership Program, the July 4 concert was hosted by the U.S. Embassy Praia, Cabo Verde as part of America 250. It capped an 18-hour, whirlwind visit for seven New Hampshire musicians whose bandmates were holding down the fort with patriotic appearances in Dover, Hampton Beach and North Conway.

They held a workshop earlier in the day with Cabo Verde's military band.

"It's a much different reality," said 39th commander Chief Warrant Officer 2 Franklin Montenegro. "They take whoever wants to join the band. There are no auditions."

It was the first exchange between the two bands since the NHNG and Cabo Verde established a state partnership in 2022 under a Department of War initiative that promotes nation-building.

There is tremendous potential for the 39th to play an integral role in helping their partners grow into a road-worthy band through future workshops either in person or remotely, Montenegro said.

"We look forward to the opportunity," he said. "There's already a sense of community spirit between us. They are motivated. They want to learn."

The Republic of Cabo Verde consists of a chain of 10 volcanic islands located off the western coast of Africa. It has a population of about 530,000.

Photos courtesy of U.S. Embassy Praia, Cabo Verde and 39th Army Band.

07/09/2026

Like A Big Lawn Party

TILTON — The New Hampshire Veterans Home threw out all the stops for a 250th birthday party for America on Tuesday, as residents who fought for U.S. freedom celebrated with

07/06/2026

Red, White, and Blues

The 39th Army Band performed at the Hampton Beach Seashell on July 3 as part of Hampton Beach's summer concert series. The New Hampshire Army National Guard ensemble played a variety of music to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America's independence. Photos by Spc. Makayla Panzer, 114th Public Affairs Detachment.