Washington National Guard

08/21/2026

It was great meeting with BG Paul Sellars, Assistant Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard, and hearing firsthand about the incredible work the over 8,000 service members are doing at home and abroad.

Right now, Washington National Guard service members are on the front lines of the wildfire response across central Washington.

In the past 31 days aviation crews have delivered more than 1.6 million gallons of water in 1,762 bucket drops, while Guard hand crews are working alongside state firefighters to protect communities and help contain these fires.

That same commitment extends beyond Washington through overseas missions, partnerships and operations that strengthen our readiness and relationships around the world.

To every Washington National Guard service member answering the call at home and abroad, thank you for what you do every day!

Always Ready! Always There!

08/20/2026

Day 32 – Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen continue supporting wildfire response efforts in central Washington as a new rotation of hand crews prepares to join the fight on the ground while aviation crews remain ready to return to the air when conditions allow.

Hand Crew Update -
Five new Washington National Guard hand crews wrapped up their final field training today and will report to fire base camp tonight in preparation to begin work on the Little Giant Fire.

The new crews will take over from the first rotation of Guard members, continuing sustained support to Washington State Department of Natural Resources firefighters. Their mission will help provide additional capacity on the fire line as crews work to contain the fire and protect nearby communities.

Aviation Update -
Washington Army National Guard aviation crews did not fly new wildfire missions due to winds and limited visibility. Aircrews and support personnel remain ready to return to firefighting operations when conditions allow for safe flight.

Cumulative aviation operations remain at 1,762 water bucket drops, delivering 1,642,784 gallons of water during 382.2 flight hours.

Always Ready. Always There.

08/20/2026

With a focus on developing Malaysian Army expeditionary capabilities, two Washington Army National Guard soldiers joined Malaysian and active-duty U.S. Army counterparts for a week-long working group, Aug. 3-7, 2026, at Camp Terendek, Melaka, Malaysia.

Two Washington Army National Guard soldiers joined Malaysian and active-duty U.S. Army counterparts for a Rapid Deployment Force working group, Aug. 3-7, 2026, at Camp Terendek, Melaka, Malaysia.

08/20/2026

Responding to emergencies is nothing new for LTC Dan Wessman.

When the Spokane wildfires ignited on August 1, Wessman and his team were activated to support the community through a day history will show to be one of the most tragic in the Lilac City’s history.

Read more - https://www.gonzaga.edu/news-events/stories/dan-wessman-serves-spokane-through-wildfires

08/19/2026

Day 31 – Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen continue supporting wildfire response efforts across central Washington on the Little Giant, Sinlahekin and Three Queens fires, providing sustained support from the air while the next rotation of hand crews prepares to join firefighters on the ground.

Hand Crew Update -
Washington National Guard members continue preparing for the next rotation of wildland firefighting hand crews. Following in-processing and final field training in Wenatchee, five Guard hand crews will begin supporting operations on the Little Giant Fire later this week. The incoming crews will continue the work of the first rotation, supporting Washington State Department of Natural Resources firefighters and providing additional capacity on the fire line.

Aviation Update -
Washington Army National Guard aviation crews continue supporting firefighting operations across central Washington, delivering water to active fires and assisting firefighters working on the ground.

Through 31 days of aviation operations, Washington National Guard crews have completed 1,762 water bucket drops, delivering 1,642,784 gallons of water during 382.2 flight hours.

08/19/2026

08/19/2026

Earlier this month, Capt. Paula Ramirez, Washington Army National Guard spoke with the cadets at the Washington Youth Academy - NGYCP, sharing her own personal story and how she overcame obstacles. She also conducted a sound therapy session focused on stress reduction, mindfulness, and resilience.

Listen to Capt. Ramirez's story here - youtube.com/watch?v=6VsoUlXCEYM&feature=youtu.be

08/19/2026

Day 30 – Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen remain busy supporting wildfire response efforts across central Washington as a new group of hand crews mobilizes and aviation crews continue delivering water to some of the state’s active fires.

Hand Crew Update - Today, 120 Washington National Guard members are mobilizing to begin in-processing for the next rotation of wildland firefighting hand crews. Following in-processing, the Guardsmen will complete one final field training event in Wenatchee before beginning work on the Little Giant Fire on Friday.

The five new hand crews will continue the work of the first rotation, providing sustained support to Washington State Department of Natural Resources firefighters and helping strengthen firefighting efforts on the ground.

Aviation Update - Washington Army National Guard aviation crews continue supporting firefighting operations on the Sinlahekin, Little Giant and Three Queens fires, delivering water to assist firefighters working in challenging terrain and conditions.

Through 30 days of aviation operations, Washington National Guard crews have completed 1,683 water bucket drops, delivering 1,536,304 gallons of water during 355 flight hours.

Always Ready. Always There.

08/18/2026

Guard hand crews between August 1st through the 15th were busy on the Little Giant Fire.

08/18/2026

🎙️ In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by CMSgt Daniel Helseth, 194th Medical Group Senior Enlisted Leader. Tune in as he talks about his experience in the Air National Guard and how the Euphonium played a critical role in joining the military.

Video link -

🎙️ In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by CMSgt D...