106th PAD

SOLDIER HIGHLIGHT

Please let us introduce to you one of the Nevada Army National Guards Soldiers, Private First Class Istaque Nabi.

Pfc Nabi is a member of the 150th Support Maintenance Company where he is a 92A, Automated Logistics Specialist. He has been in the NVANG for 2 years. Nabi is currently attending Truckee Meadows Community College where he is pursing his Bachelors degree in Logistics and Management. He works full time for Google as a customer service representative.

In his limited free time, Nabi loves to play cricket and soccer!

SOLDIER HIGHLIGHT

Please let us introduce to you one of the Nevada Army National Guards Soldiers, Staff Sergeant Sean Botelho.

Staff. Sgt. Botelho is a Native Nevadan who currently calls Spanish Springs home. He is one of the NVANG full time staffers, he works as an AGR (Active, Guard, Reserve) and is currently the Supply Sergeant for the 150th Support Maintenance Company. He has 12 years in service, with two job titles under his belt. He joined the Guard as a 12B, Combat Engineer but currently utilizes his 92A, Automated Logistical Specialist MOS.

Botelho has a wife and two children, a set of twins. His hobbies include motocross on his 450cc bike, hunting elk and duck and spending time with his family and two dogs.

SOLDIER HIGHLIGHT

Please let us introduce to you one of the Nevada Army National Guards Soldiers, Sergeant Christopher Oakden.

Sgt. Oakden has been in the NVANG for 19 years but has 22 years time in service. Oakden joined because he wanted to "do something" he wanted to make a difference and better his life. He has two military job title; 91C a Utilities Equipment Repairer and 13S a Field Artillery Surveyor. Oaken works for the Guard as Title 32 Technician where he is a mechanic.

In his free time Oakden plays video games , likes to go on hikes and feed racoons. He has one son, a wife and two fish.

SOLDIER HIGHLIGHT

Please let us introduce to you one of the Nevada Army National Guards Soldiers, Specialist Giovanni Guerra.

Spc. Guerra is assigned to the 150th Support Maintenance Company as a 92Y, Unit Supply Specialist. He has been in he NVANG for two and a half years and is currently enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno. He plans on pursuing a law enforcement career after he graduates.

In his free time, Guerra works as a Door Dasher. He enjoys hobbies such as jiujitsu and video games. He has two dogs that he loves spending time with!

The 991st Aviation Troop Command congratulates Master Sgt. Charissa Sheppeard on attaining the distinguished rank of Command Sergeant Major and change of responsibility ceremony this week. The ceremony took place atop Little Table Mountain in central Nevada, near Mount Jefferson. Hailing from central Nevada, Sheppeard now steps into the important role of Support Operations following the successful change of command reliving Command Sgt. Maj. Elbie Doege of the 991st Aviation Troop Command. Command Sgt. Maj. Doege received a Meritorious Service Medal, awarded to him for the six years he dedicated to the 991st Aviation Troop Command.

Command Sgt. Maj. Sheppard began her military journey in 1995 when she joined the US Army as a Blackhawk UH-60 repairer after graduating from Tonopah High School. She then joined the NVARNG in 2001 deploying to Afghanistan.

Command Sgt. Maj. Sheppeard's promotion is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and leadership within the military community, her command team echoed during the ceremony. Sgt. Maj. Sheppeard shared that her biggest goal with taking command is the advancement of her enlisted Soldiers. The 991st Aviation Troop Command recognizes her exceptional service and commitment, and we take pride in commemorating this significant milestone in both Command Sgt. Maj. Elbie Doege's and Command Sgt. Maj. Sheppeard's careers. Congratulations once again on these well-deserved US army Soldiers!

(U.S. Army photos by Spc. Blanca Sosa)

Hawthorne, NV— Soldiers of the 1859th Transportation Company tackled the challenge of safely transporting and securing military vehicles during their 2024 Annual Training in Hawthorne June 16, 2024.

Special highlight to Spc. Cade Myers for stepping up and leading the unit in essential training! His knowledge and skill in adequately tying down military vehicles have been instrumental in preparing soldiers for future missions.

Myers strives to one day become a noncommissioned officer to inspire and shape future soldiers. He dedicates his time volunteering for missions, acquiring more skills through army classes, and staying in army standards in order to be an example to other soldiers.

(U.S. Army photos by Spc. Iris Aguila)

The Nevada National Guard proudly held its 26th annual Flag Day ceremony and commemorated the U.S. Army’s 249th Birthday at the Veterans Memorial on the Capitol grounds in Carson City earlier today. This event served as a tribute to the flag and a recognition of the longstanding history and service of the Army. Members of the community gathered to honor these important occasions, showing their support for the National Guard and the Army's dedication to protecting and serving the country. The ceremony was a meaningful and patriotic event that highlighted the values of unity, patriotism, and respect for the flag and the armed forces. (U.S. Army Photos by Spc. Iris Aguila, 106th Public Affairs Detachment)

On Sunday April 7, 2024, the 137th Military Police Company conducted a training session aimed at testing the mental and physical abilities of its soldiers during stressful situations at a rapid pace. This type of training is referred to as “the ride along,” where military police complete tasks under stressful conditions.

The training featured various stations designed to challenge the soldiers. One station focused on assessing the soldiers' ability to keep their fi****ms holstered while being engaged in combat scenarios where individuals attempted to grab their holstered weapons. Another station pushed the soldiers to demonstrate their strength by enduring demanding workouts at a high pace. The soldiers rotated through these stations at 30-second intervals.

Staff Sgt. Zavala, a military policeman, highlighted the purpose of the training, stating, “The purpose of the training is to test the soldiers' ability to conduct Police Operations while being tested mentally and physically in a stressful environment.” The training aimed to prepare the soldiers for real-world situations where they might face similar challenges. (Photos by U.S Army Spc. Crystal Bennett)

Check this out and see what the 757th CSSB is doing!

HAWTHORNE, Nev - Saturday, February 3rd, 609th Engineer Company of the Nevada Army National Guard conducted a lengthy drill composed of teaching Soldiers how to use proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and safety measures when handling breaching tools such as explosives, power tools, hammers and crowbars and thermal breaching equipment. Soldiers also had a chance to perform room clearing with the use of their fi****ms loaded with blank round to simulate a combat environment. Soldiers further expanded on their training by showing full muzzle awareness, personnel accountability and quick communication within the chain of command.

609th Engineer Company strive to gather resources to give their Soldiers proper scenarios, thanks to the help of North Lake Tahoe Fire District for lending a practice breaching door that can be hit with hammers and battering rams continuously.

(U.S. Army Photos by Sgt. Albert Valladares.)

Check out what our battalion UPARS are covering!

STEAD, Nev. – Ryan Wroblewksi was promoted to Master Sergeant during the 757th Headquarters and Headquarters Company’s August drill. He was joined by his wife Jeannet and son Leroy who assisted in his promotion. Leroy had the honor of putting the rank of Master Sergeant on Wroblewksi’s chest while Jeannet put his rank on his patrol cap.
Join us in congratulating Master Sgt. Wroblewski on his progression in rank.
(U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Meighan Quinn)

Sgt. Joshua Marran works as a network contractor and is pursuing a degree in networking.

Pfc. Krystal Parra is seeking a degree in business as a full-time student.

Spc. Vince Bengco from 422 Signal Battalion is a full-time student.

Check out our newest soldier highlight, Cadet Mateo Portelli!

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. This month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health issues and the importance of seeking help when needed. One way that people have found to be helpful in managing their mental health is through the use of therapy dogs.

Therapy dogs have become increasingly popular in recent years as a means of providing comfort and support to individuals in a variety of settings. One such setting is the Nevada National Guard, where therapy dogs have been known to visit and interact with soldiers and airmen.

The soldiers and airmen who serve in the Nevada National Guard often face a variety of challenges, including extended periods of separation from their families, and exposure to stressful situations.

Therapy dogs are trained to provide emotional support and comfort to individuals in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and military bases. When therapy dogs are brought to the Nevada National Guard, they can provide soldiers with a much-needed break from the stresses of military life.

In addition to providing emotional support to soldiers and airmen, therapy dogs can also be a source of motivation and inspiration. Many therapy dogs have overcome their own challenges, such as physical disabilities or traumatic experiences, and their resilience can serve as a powerful example to soldiers and airmen facing their own struggles.

Overall, therapy dogs can be a valuable resource for soldiers and airmen in the Nevada National Guard and other military settings. By providing emotional support, socialization, and inspiration, therapy dogs can help soldiers and airmen to cope with the challenges of military life and improve their overall well-being.

Nevada Guardsmen wear jeans in observance of Denim Day.

Today, we wear denim to show our support for survivors of s*xual assault and to raise awareness about the importance of consent.

Denim Day originated from a 1990s Italian court case in which a r**e conviction was overturned because the victim was wearing tight jeans. It was believed that she must have helped her attacker remove them, implying consent.

Enraged by the verdict, the same day, women in the Italian Parliament protested by wearing jeans to work.

The first official Denim Day in the U.S. was in 1999 in LA and has been observed every April nationwide.

Let's use today as an opportunity to start conversations about consent and to stand in solidarity with survivors.

The Nevada State Partnership Program welcomes our state partner competitors to Nevada from His Majesty's Armed Forces - Tonga to prepare for and compete in this year’s Best Warrior Competition 2023

CARSON CITY - The 150th Support Maintenance Company promoted the following, today March 3 at the Office of the Adjutant General. Congratulations to Sgt. Joel Senteney, Master Sgt. Ana Vega, and Capt. Wen Wei, the unit's commander.

We look forward to seeing the impact these new leaders have on the 150th.

Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories - The Nevada National Guard honors the women who have paved the way. The contributions of women serving in the Nevada National Guard and civilian forces celebrate the richness and diversity of their achievements in March and throughout the year. Female members of the National Guard have not always received the recognition they’ve earned. Yet from our state and beyond, women have worn the battle flag of the United States of America and have bravely served in her name. We honor them.

STEAD, Nev – 13 Soldiers of the G Co., 2/238th Aviation detachment conducted a search and rescue training in the Northern Nevada mountains in a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter on Saturday February 4.

The training exercises consisted of two iterations, allowing multiple Soldiers to practice a search and rescue type simulation. Soldiers transported patients from the incident site into the Black Hawk in a timely manner. This training exercise tests the readiness of the medics’ and their ability to respond in the event of a real-life emergency. Exercises like this ensure Nevada National Guardsmen are ready for any type of emergency.
( U.S Army Photo by Pfc. Aguila and Pfc. Bennett)

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The 150th Support Maintenance Company held a promotion ceremony for nine of their Soldiers at the Office of the Adjutant General, Friday February 3rd.

Six Soldiers were promoted from Specialist to Sergeant. Devan Augustine, Aaron Borunda, Joseph Cheng, John Penrose, Dandre Aitala, and Rachel Stamps.

One Soldier was promoted from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant, Christopher Oakden.

Two Soldiers were promoted from 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. Wesley Roberts and Davis Buckley.
Please join us in congratulating these soldiers on their hard earned promotions.
(U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Meighan Quinn)

CARSON CITY, Nev. – 1st Lt. Wen Wei assumes command of the 150th Support Maintenance Company Friday during a change of command ceremony at the Office of the Adjutant General (OTAG) in Carson City. Command was relinquished from Capt. John DeKoning to 1st Lt. Wei. DeKoning was recognized for his 24-month service to the 150th SMC and was awarded the Meritorious Service Metal during the ceremony by Lt. Col. Curt Kolvet, commander of the 757th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. Capt. DeKoning will be retiring from the Nevada Army National Guard after 13 years of service.

“To the soldiers of 150th, thank you for the opportunity for letting me serve you. It has been a challenging two years but it has all been worth it seeing you all grow as soldiers.” DeKoning said. “to Lt Wei, I ask that that as your time as commander you continue to challenge these soldiers with realistic and challenging trainings. I implore you to ensure their days are filled with new things to learn and think outside the box when it comes to training. There will be tough times ahead of you, but we owe it to the soldiers to get the most out of the short time we have with them. Make sure their time here away from their families are worth it, and make sure you continue to integrate the families to our unit.”

“I am blessed and honored to be chosen to be commander of 150th, when I first commissioned I was placed into the 150th and I did not know what to expect but I ended up falling in love with this unit because of the soldiers, and the work we do and the people we effect.” Wei said. “I look at this company and I know Captain DeKoning did an exceptional job getting us through tough times. He got us through COVID, through natural disasters, and the riots. I thank Capt. DeKoning for all of it. I have huge boots to fill and I will do my best to fill them. I will serve you to the best of my ability, I will push you to your limits and I will make this unit even better than found it.”

Happy 386th Birthday to the National Guard.

Check it out! The best Department of Defense photos are highlighted every year. Here is the collection of the photos that were selected for 2022.

DOD in Photos: 2022 Take a glimpse into the daily lives of the Defense Department and its people through the eyes of military photographers during operations, training activities, humanitarian missions and other major events of 2022.