New Hampshire National Guard

09/22/2026

Sweet Reminisces

More than 100 former soldiers gathered for the 17th annual New Hampshire Army National Guard Retiree Luncheon on Sept. 17 at the state military reservation in Concord. Photos by Sgt. Josephine Malloy, 114th Public Affairs Detachment.

09/17/2026

3rd Battalion Conducts Joint Fires Training In Norway

By Sgt. Cameron Watts, 603rd Public Affairs Detachment

VÆRNES, Norway — More than two dozen soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment conducted joint fires training across Norway during Operations Atlantic City and Northern Viking 26 from Aug. 24 to Sept. 6.

Operating simultaneously from Værnes Military Air Station and Jan Mayen, a remote Norwegian island above the Arctic Circle, the New Hampshire Army National Guard artillerymen evaluated High Mobility Artillery Rocket System communications, fire mission coordination and command-and-control procedures in a multinational operational environment.

“Personnel executed communications assessments and simulated fire missions to identify system limitations, environmental impacts and technical requirements for transmitting targeting data across multiple networks,” said Maj. Patrick Glennon, 3rd Battalion executive officer.

At Værnes, soldiers worked alongside Norwegian armed forces, U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy elements to test communications and coordinate joint and coalition fires.

“They streamlined joint and coalition fires coordination, strengthening bilateral interoperability and operational readiness across the joint force,” Glennon said.

In Jan Mayen, soldiers conducted long-range communications testing with mainland units across the Norwegian Sea. The island, approximately 1,000 kilometers from Norway, provided an austere environment for evaluating communications capabilities across geographically separated locations.

“The training generated critical performance data on communications capabilities and limitations in remote, expeditionary environments,” Glennon said.

Atlantic City 26 is a Norwegian-led trilateral readiness initiative with the United Kingdom and United States designed to develop and demonstrate expeditionary advanced base capabilities and validate combined fires, maritime domain awareness and sea denial in the High North.

The operation occurred alongside Northern Viking 26, a U.S. Sixth Fleet-led multinational exercise designed to strengthen interoperability among NATO Allies and prepare forces for contingency operations in the North Atlantic and High North. Northern Viking brought together U.S. forces and NATO Allies in Iceland and surrounding waters.

Together, the concurrent training events provided opportunities for U.S. and allied forces to strengthen interoperability and exercise communications, fires and command-and-control capabilities across the region, Glennon said.

In photo, from left, Staff Sgt. Chris Stauder, a signal support systems specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, and Cpl. Thomas Burkhardt, a radio operator with Fires Support Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, set up communications on Jan Mayen Island, Norway in support of Operation Atlantic City 26 on Aug. 29. Photo by Sgt. Noah Masog, U.S Marine Corps Public Affairs.

09/17/2026

Exceptional Cargo

A trio of New Hampshire Army National Guard artillerymen on their way home from a multinational exercise in Norway detoured to Sweden with a high mobility rocket system to support the government’s historic announcement of a $732 million deal to procure more than 10 of the highly coveted weapons systems.

The HIMARS, transported from Norway by a Swedish C-130, served as a striking backdrop to the press conference held at Ärana Air Base on Sept. 7.

It was the first time a National Guard HIMARS was flown by a Swedish aircraft.

The unscheduled mission was coordinated through Sweden’s state partnership program with the New York National Guard.

It gave the soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment and Swedish Air Force a unique opportunity to work through procedures for transporting and integrating a U.S. rocket system with Swedish airlift capabilities.

Photos courtesy of 3/197th FAR.

09/16/2026

A Colonel's Benediction

Sean McMackin, the New Hamsphire Army National Guard state command chaplain, was promoted to O-6 during a cerermony Sept. 12 at the state military reservation in Concord. McMackin transferred to the NHARNG in 2022 after serving as a battalion and brigade chaplain in the Tennessee and Mississippi National Guards. A three-time deployer, McMackin commissioned in 2007. Photos by Staff Sgt. Sean Ferry, JFHQ Public Affairs.

09/15/2026

He's Not Afraid

Story and photos by Sgt. Taylor Kurto, 114th PAD

Pvt. Matthew Scaccia stood at the open door of a C-130, 1,250 feet above Fort Benning, Georgia, looking toward the ground below. As the first soldier out of the aircraft, he felt a mix of emotions.

“It’s this sickly mix of anxiety and excitement,” said Scaccia, an infantryman assigned to Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard. “You’re like, ‘Oh, this is so awesome, I’m about to jump out of an aircraft.’”

Scaccia’s final leap into the air, the last of a five-jump requirement, did more than just earn him jump wings. It marked the end of a grueling, nearly 10-month training track spanning infantry One Station Unit Training, Ranger School and Airborne School from Oct. 27, 2025, to August 12, 2026.

For a junior enlisted soldier, the accomplishment was significant.

“An entry level soldier completing the courses without being recycled speaks volumes to the type of soldier Pvt. Scaccia is and the character he possesses,” said Lt. Col. Brooks Hayward, his battalion commander.

Inspired by the soldiers who came before him, like Medal of Honor recipient Audie Murphy, Scaccia enlisted to serve his country and carry on the tradition of those who sacrificed before him.

After graduating from Londonderry High School in 2020, Scaccia worked as a carpenter while considering when to enlist.

Sgt. 1st Class Isabella Igoe, Scaccia’s recruiter, recognized his determination in their first meeting, five years later.

“He came in knowing exactly what he wanted, doing his research before our initial appointment,” Igoe said. “Not many people come in that prepared and that motivated.”

Scaccia knew he wanted to become an infantryman and pursue Ranger School. He trained extensively with his father, a physical therapist and strength coach who helped him build the strength and endurance needed for the demanding course.

Ranger School pushed Scaccia physically and mentally. It required him to lead Soldiers under pressure.

“It’s going to challenge your ability to decide not to quit and stick to it, to commit to a goal,” Scaccia said. “Challenge your ability to be a leader.”

Scaccia also learned that earning a Ranger tab is not an individual accomplishment.

“You have limited energy, you have to choose when to use it,” Scaccia said. “When your buddy becomes squad leader, you have to do what’s best for them, so when it’s your turn to lead, they do their best for you.”

Scaccia credits his squad, platoon and family for helping him through the school, which has a recycle rate of around 50 percent.

“It wasn’t all me,” he said. “I really owe it to other people.”

Scaccia’s next goal is to put what he learned into practice. He reports to his unit in October for his first official drill weekend.

“The person to your left and your right is counting on you,” Scaccia said. “You don’t get your tab without your squad”.

Hayward said Scaccia’s experience will benefit more than just himself.

“Soldiers who have completed the course and earned the tab elevate the overall professionalism of the entire unit,” Hayward said. “They serve as not only an incredible source of knowledge for their team but as a great example and inspiration to the entire unit, especially the junior soldiers.”

09/14/2026

Say Cheese

New Hampshire Army National Guard Master Sgt. Cameron Holt-Corti, whose serving at the southern border in support of Operation Ardent Vanguard, operates a surveillance and monitoring drone near Mission, Texas on Aug. 27. Photo by Sgt. Dominic Atlas, Department of War public affairs.

09/13/2026

Absolutely Ready

By NHNG Public Affairs

A deployment ceremony for two New Hampshire Army National Guard detachments headed to the southern border next month was held this afternoon at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Concord.

Detachment 2, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment, a Lakota helicopter unit in Concord, is deploying with 14 soldiers. Detachment 1, 262nd Engineer Construction Company, a horizontal engineering unit in Rochester, is deploying with 40 soldiers.

The detachments will be based in Texas for the next year as part of Joint Task Force-Southern Border, the ongoing federal mission in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. They will support aerial and ground reconnaissance missions.

“Less than one percent of our nation steps up to defend the rest of us, our freedom, our way of life,” said NH Gov. Kelly Ayotte who addressed the soldiers and their families in a sun-drenched open bay. “This mission on the southern border is important. We appreciate what you’re doing. As the governor of the state of New Hampshire, I’m here to serve the soldiers. If there is something that you need or your family needs please call on me.”

About 100 people attended the ceremony, which was 15 minutes long and featured two speakers. Static displays of a Lakota, Humvee, and medium tactical vehicle made for portrait-ready backdrops.

“We are absolutely prepared for this deployment,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nicholas Rossetti, a pilot with the Lakota detachment. “We’re just continuing to do what we do here, but in a different location.”

More than 2,100 National Guardsmen from more than 20 states are currently deployed in support of JTF-Southern Border.

“We’ve been looking forward to it for a long time,” said Sgt. Noah Smialek, an engineer with the 262nd. “We’re ready. I’m happy to be part of a mission protecting our country.”

This marks the third time in six years the NHARNG has deployed assets in support of the federal border mission. It sent 45 soldiers from the 3643rd Brigade Support Battalion in 2021, and 170 soldiers from the 941st Military Police Battalion and 237th Military Police Company in 2023. Both were year-long deployments.

“This is a continuation of a mission we’ve done in the past and we will do in the future,” said NH Adjutant Gen. David Mikolaities. “Thanks for stepping up. And thanks to the families. Without your support we could not be successful.”

In 2024, 15 soldiers from the 237th MPs deployed for 60 days in support of Operation Lone Star, the Texas state border mission.

09/11/2026

Prevailing View

Today, we remember with great sadness the loss of so many innocent lives.

The youngest victim was 2 years old. The oldest, 85.

On Sept. 11, 2001, 19 Islamic jihadists hijacked and crashed four, U.S. commercial planes. It was a well-planned attack on our country and way of life. The deadliest on American soil since Pearl Harbor.

2,977 people were killed at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and on a stretch of field near a coal mine in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Twenty-five years later, we are still trying to make sense out of what was truly a senseless act. We can’t begin to imagine what that time has been like for the families who lost loved ones that day, who continue to mourn and yet somehow carry on with their lives.

But our resolve has been another matter.

In the face of unspeakable horror, we saw Americans at their best – firemen, police and first responders rushing into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon.

In New Hampshire, we opened our armories for blood drives and guardsmen were reporting to their respective units without being called.

At Pease Air National Guard Base, two refuelers and crews were on standby within hours. That same night we were supporting combat air patrols over what would quickly be known as “Ground Zero” and Washington, DC.

Within days, our mountain infantry company was providing security at state airports, a mission that would continue for months.

We all wanted to help and we came together as one unifying force.

We began deploying soldiers and airmen overseas in an unrelenting pursuit of those responsible – what would become known as the Global War on Terror and the largest mobilization of U.S. military forces since World War 2.

We got Bin Laden. We got Hussein. A quarter century later, we are getting the next generation of terrorists.

Since 9/11, more than 12,000 NH guardsmen have deployed in support of combat and peacekeeping missions under Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Spartan Shield, Inherent Resolve and now Epic Fury.

They account for a Silver Star, several Bronze Stars and Commendation Medals for Valor, more than 100 Combat Infantry and Combat Action Badges, and more than 100 Purple Hearts.

Four of our soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice - Jeremiah Holmes, Alan Burgess, David Stelmat and Scott Dimond.

Staff Sgt. Jose Pequeño, the former Sugar Hill police chief, was one of the most severely wounded American servicemen to return home from either of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. With the indefatigable support of his mother, Nelida Bagley, he continues his remarkable journey after surviving a traumatic brain injury.

The last two and a half decades of our history have been the most dynamic on record, forever changing the way we live.

In the midst of continuous deployments, we mobilized for three, 100-year floods and an ice storm, transporting critical supplies, conducting health and welfare checks, clearing debris and evacuating citizens to safety. We sent more than 500 guardsmen to New Orleans in the aftermath or Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Before we could catch our collective breath, we were called on to quell the worst pandemic in modern history.

We are a stronger, wiser force. We have a greater sense of who we are and what we stand for. The connection to our communities has grown deeper, and our commitment to the ideals of our state and nation remains resolute.

9/11 reminds us that where evil stikes, humanity prevails.

09/09/2026

Feeling Blessed

Joined by family, friends and fellow airmen, Jeremiah Neault crowned 26 years of military service with a promotion to major during a ceremony Aug. 28 in Bapp Auditorium at Pease Air National Guard Base in Newington.

Neault began his career as an enlisted Navy corpsman in the Fleet Marine Force before joining the New Hampshire Air National Guard as a security forces specialist.

After achieving the rank of senior master sergeant, Neault earned his commission and held assignments as director of inspections, legislative liaison officer, personnel management officer, and currently as the 157th Air Refueling Wing comptroller.

Photos by Master Sgt. Charles Johnston, JFHQ Public Affairs.

09/08/2026

Labor Day mission marks eighth S&R for New Hampshire Army National Guard medevac crews since January.

The 79-year-old hiker fell, hit his head, and couldn't move, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game.