The Connecticut National Guard

06/01/2026

Summer is a wonderful time of celebration, recreation, and adventure, offering a well-deserved opportunity to take time off and recharge. This summer is especially significant as we are coming off a period of intensive operations and preparing to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great Nation. By staying aware, remaining proactive, and looking out for one another, you can enjoy a fun, memorable, and safe summer with the people you love. Stay safe, stay ready!

05/30/2026

Today, we celebrate the remarkable careers of Lt. Col. Timothy Staton and Maj. Christine Jeltema as they retire from the Connecticut National Guard after a combined 51 years of honorable service.

Throughout their careers, Lt. Col. Staton and Maj. Jeltema served with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to Soldiers, families, and the mission. Their leadership strengthened our organization, supported our people, and left a lasting impact on the Connecticut National Guard.

We are especially grateful to their families, whose love, patience, and support made these years of service possible.

Lt. Col. Staton and Maj. Jeltema, thank you for your dedication, your example, and your service to Connecticut and our nation.

Congratulations on your retirement, and best wishes to you both!

05/30/2026

05/29/2026

Today, students in the 3rd Battalion, 169th Regional Training Institute’s Basic Military Police Course put classroom instruction into practice during law enforcement skill-based practical exercises. Instructors evaluated each Soldier as they worked through realistic scenarios focused on communication, procedures, attention to detail, and sound decision-making under pressure.

Training like this strengthens the Connecticut National Guard’s ability to support the warfight, protect the homeland, and respond when called.

05/29/2026

On April 25, 2026, Soldiers from the Connecticut Army National Guard supported the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, helping collect expired and unwanted medications for safe disposal.

The DEA’s Take Back Day gives the public a safe, convenient, and anonymous way to dispose of unneeded prescription medications while helping educate communities about the potential for misuse. The program is held twice a year in partnership with law enforcement and community organizations.

Here in Connecticut, that support made a strong impact. On event day, the Connecticut National Guard helped collect more than 11,000 pounds of expired and unwanted medication, which was over 2,000 pounds more than the previous Drug Take Back event.

For our Soldiers, this was more than a collection effort. It was a chance to support public safety, strengthen community partnerships, and help keep unwanted medications out of homes and off the streets.

The Connecticut National Guard is proud to serve as a community-based force, ready to support federal, state, and local partners here at home.

Thank you to the DEA, our law enforcement partners, and every community member who did their part to keep Connecticut families safe.

05/27/2026

Yesterday, Maj. Gen. Evon joined Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, DESPP Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, DEEP Commissioner Katie D***s, local officials, and other emergency management partners for a hurricane preparedness press conference at Cosey Beach in East Haven on May 26, 2026.

The event served as an important reminder that preparation starts before a storm is on the horizon. Connecticut residents should take time to review emergency plans, build emergency kits, know evacuation routes, and sign up for CT Alert.

The National Guard trains year-round to support both federal missions and state missions, including emergency response operations. As a community-based force with a dual state and federal mission, the Connecticut National Guard works closely with state agencies, local officials, law enforcement, and emergency management partners to make sure we’re ready whenever we are called upon to support our communities, our partners, and our state.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Take steps today to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

05/27/2026

Residents of Colchester held their Memorial Day ceremony on May 24th 2026 at the Colchester Senior Center to remember the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

The ceremony was organized and led by Sergeant Major Henderson of the Connecticut Army National Guard who serves as the Chairman of the Colchester Memorial Day Parade Committee. Governor Ned Lemont attended as this year's guest speaker where he delivered remarks honoring the fallen and their legacy.

📸: Sgt. Demani Schaffer

05/27/2026

Community members gathered to celebrate and honor Memorial Day with a parade in Fairfield, Connecticut, May 25, 2026. Every year, various groups and organizations, including the Connecticut Army National Guard, march in the parade along the streets of downtown Connecticut to honor service members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country.

📸: Staff Sgt. William Griffen

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor the courage and ultimate sacrifice of all service members who gave their lives in defense of our nation.

We remember not only those we served beside, but every Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman, Guardian, and Coast Guardsman who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and way of life.

In solemn remembrance of their selfless dedication, valor, and honor, Connecticut National Guard Soldiers conducted wreath layings at the graves of our Global War on Terror fallen across the state. These visits reflect our enduring commitment to honor all who have fallen, wherever they rest.

We recognize that their sacrifices can never be fully repaid, and we stand in deep gratitude for their service, committing to ensure that their names, their families, and their legacies are never forgotten.

Among those visited and honored during these ceremonies:

SSG Edwin Rivera
SSG Joseph Phaneuf
SGT Felix DelGreco
SGT Steven Deluzio
SPC Robert Hoyt

Today, we honor them, and we honor every one of our fallen.

05/25/2026

📣 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Due to unfavorable weather conditions, today’s scheduled Connecticut Air National Guard Memorial Day flyovers have been canceled.

We recognize the importance of this tradition in honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we sincerely apologize for any disappointment this may cause. The safety of our aircrews and the public remains our top priority.

The Connecticut National Guard remains ready to serve our state and nation at all times. We are grateful for your continued support as we honor our fallen heroes this Memorial Day weekend.