1107th Aviation Group

Staff Sergeant Blake Riddle was promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class, effective 15 March 2024. He will serve A CO, 1107th as an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, sharing his knowledge and leadership throughout the organization. Great work, SFC Riddle!

Missouri National Guard

Sergeant Michelle Landry was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant, effective 9 April 2024. Her hard work and dedication to the organization have resulted in recognition through awards and promotion. Thank you for all your hard work, and congratulations, SSG Landry!

Missouri National Guard

Specialist Shelton Hogue was lateraled to the rank of Corporal, effective 3 April 2024. This is the first step in his advancement to the rank of Sergeant. Congratulations, CPL Hogue!

Missouri National Guard

Sergeant First Class William Donigan took the Oath of Office effective 1 May 2024, and pinned the rank of Warrant Officer One! The Oath was administered by our own CW5 Shannon Martin, and the ceremony opened with comments from COL Timothy Hodges, our Group Commander. Mr. Donigan graduated with our MO RTI WOCS class this past cycle and will serve as A CO, 1107th Aviation Group’s Electrical System Maintenance Warrant Officer. Congratulations, Mr. Donigan, and welcome to the Warrant Officer Cohort! Missouri National Guard

SSG Brian Freeman was chosen on the most recent Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) Selection Board to attend flight school! SSG Freeman had to appear before a board, as well as take the ACFT, and compete against his peers for one of the limited school seats available. He will join the Warrant Officer Cohort and is a wonderful representation of the Missouri National Guard. Always flying! Missouri National Guard

Part of the new Individual Weapons Qualification is completing the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST). The EST is a laser-based, indoor, multipurpose arms trainer, and allows for the simulation of many different weapons systems, environments, and conditions. During Annual Training, our Soldiers took advantage of Fort Leonard Wood’s EST for their M4 qualification tables! Missouri National Guard

Sergeant Michelle Landry was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for exceptionally meritorious achievement in support of the unit’s FY24 Annual Training. SGT Landry showed initiative and leadership while performing duties of the acting 2nd platoon sergeant during training. Her actions and service lead to the overall successful preparation of unit's equipment and AMTP folders for the units’ ARMS inspection. SGT Landry's actions bring great credit upon herself, the 1107th Aviation Group, the Missouri National Guard, and the United States Army. Congratulations, SGT Landry!

Check out these cool pictures from B CO, 1107th’s time on the crew serve weapons range! Our support company trains hard to ensure they can meet our mission’s needs. Missouri National Guard

Staff Sergeants Melvin Talbert, Spencer Holloway, David Myers, and Sergeants Maxwell Mrochinski, Juan Alvarez, Jordan Ball, Patrick King, and Jacob Hodge were awarded the Missouri Army National Guard Commendation Ribbon for exceptional performance and achievement during home station group Annual Training. Their vital contributions were a significant factor in helping maintain accountability of Soldiers during training. These Soldiers were able to help boost morale for fellow Soldiers. Their efforts reflect great credit upon themselves, the 1107th Aviation Group, and the Missouri Army National Guard. Thank you for your hard work!

Sergeant First Class Bo Maze and Staff Sergeant Timothy McCarty were awarded the Army Achievement Medal for transporting a historic AH-1 Cobra airframe from Warrensburg, Missouri, to Sedalia, Missouri. Their skill and expertise enabled the movement and repair of AH-1 Cobra Tail Number 5457 from the 935th Aviation Support Battalion Armory to the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade headquarters, despite unforeseen challenges. Their efforts and performance of duty reflect credit upon themselves, the 1107th Aviation Group, and the Missouri Army National Guard. Way to represent the group, SFC Maze and SSG McCarty! Missouri National Guard

Congratulations to our own SFC William Donigan on his recent graduation from WOCS!

From the Missouri National Guard:

Join us as we celebrate the commissioning of these new officers! Recently, the Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) Class 24-001 and the Officer Candidate School (OCS) graduated these officers in a ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol. Family, peers and friends filled the rotunda and celebrated the beginning of this new chapter in their military careers. Congratulations!

(Photos by Missouri National Guard Cadet Sarah Bradbury and Spc. Rachel Hall).

During the 1107th’s Annual Training in April, Bravo Company, our Support Company, traveled to Camp Clark for a 5 day FTX. Some of the training scheduled there included; convoy operations, Individual Weapons Qualification gates 1-3, Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction, NVG Familiarization, Drivers Training, NVG Drivers Training, Water Treatment Operations, Medical EVAC Army Warrior Tasks, Squad Tactical Exercise (STX) lanes with paintball, Self Defense Class, and Drill and Ceremony Training. This provided Bravo Company Soldiers with valuable training to enhance their Soldier capabilities as well as boosting overall morale within the unit and the 1107th Aviation Group!

B CO, 1107th Aviation Group received the opportunity to train on the rappel tower at Camp Crowder, in Neosho. Rappelling can create a significant mental challenge, but our Soldiers are up to the task! They completed the course swiftly, regardless of the windy weather. This team-building exercise left the team motivated for more.

SGT Brian Holland was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for exceptionally meritorious service throughout his 15 year career. SGT Holland showed initiative and performed duties outside of his area of expertise and above his current rank. His skills as a utility helicopter repairer are second to none. Through his actions and service, he has gained the respect of Soldiers and leaders at all levels. SGT Holland's actions bring great credit upon himself, the 1107th aviation group, the Missouri National Guard, and the United States Army. Congratulations, SGT Holland!

MSG Keith Holland raised his right hand for his final extension in the Army National Guard on April 12th. After faithfully serving our State and Nation for over 35 years, MSG Holland’s last day in the MOARNG will be 31 August 2025. Thank you for your continued service to our organization!

Soldiers of the 1107th Aviation Group received the opportunity to train on the rappel tower at Camp Crowder, in Neosho. Rappelling can create a significant mental challenge, but our Soldiers are up to the task! They completed the course swiftly, regardless of the windy weather. This team-building exercise left the team motivated for more.

HHC, 1107th AVN GRP conducted a unit level Commander’s Cup Challenge during Annual Training. This challenge included testing Soldier’s knowledge of regulations, initial first aid treatment, protective mask wear, and physical events such as the Sprint Drag Carry and Plank. The Soldiers were divided into teams and competed against each other for the distinguished honor of winning the first ever HHC Commander’s Cup. Congratulations to the winning team: SSG Jose Alvarez, SGTs Thomas Weyeneth, Timothy Goering, Amanda Demarco, and SPC Abbigail Dill! Missouri National Guard

The 1107th conducted a safety standdown during the month of March to ensure our aircrews remain vigilant while conductingArmy Aviation operations. Aircrews reviewed recent aviation mishaps in the military and civilian sectors, reviewed aircrew coordination principals and many of our aviators’ received awards for hundreds and thousands of hours of accident-freeflying. Additionally, the 1107th Aviation Group participated in the Army Aviation Association of America ball on the evening of 16 March. This was a great opportunity to catch up with fellow aviators across the state, retirees and enjoy the evening as an aviation family. This year’s keynote speaker was BG Charlie Hausman, also an Army Aviator, former 35th Combat Aviation Brigade commander and Missouri National Guard State Aviation Officer.

CPT Shane Eaton-Williams made his final flight with us on 9 April. CPT Eaton-Williams served with the Missouri National Guard for 9 years, completing multiple military courses, an overseas deployment, and amassing over 500 flight hours. He always put the welfare of his Soldiers before himself. His service to the organization brought great credit to the 1107th and the Missouri Army National Guard. Missouri National Guard

Specialists Timothy Goering and Thomas Weyeneth were promoted to the rank of Sergeant during Annual Training with the 1107th Aviation Group. Their promotion signifies their hard work and dedication to the Missouri National Guard, and we look forward to their future contributions to our organization. Congratulations, SGTs!

Staff Sergeants Michael Chavez and Caleb Whited were awarded Missouri Commendation Medals for their superior performance on the Army Combat Fitness Test. Congratulations to these phenomenal NCOs!

SSG Emily Finn received an Army Commendation Medal for her exceptional performance on the Command Supply Discipline Program (CSDP) evaluation. She received a Commendable rating, which is the highest rating possible. Her success in this program displays how diligently she has worked in the supply section to take care of Soldiers throughout the year. Congratulations, SSG Finn, and thank you for your dedication to our Soldiers!

April is Sexual Assault and Prevention Month, and many organizations within the Missouri National Guard have participated in events to help bring awareness to resources available for our Soldiers. This year, the 1107th Aviation Group hosted a “Walk A Mile in Their Shoes” event. This event included both Soldiers and Civilians who guided attendees through the military process of reporting an incident as well as Civilian medical resources. Seven stations were set up, two of which included local healthcare representatives, and over 100 Soldiers attended the event. Thank you to the Group SAPR Representatives and the Civilians in our community for helping put on this informative event! Missouri National Guard

On April 9th, the 1107th Aviation Group’s run club hosted a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) 5K in conjunction with the group’s SAPR program. About 40 Soldiers attended to run/walk/shuffle a 5K on the Frisco Trail. The weather was beautiful, the Soldiers were motivated, and the swag was outstanding! Missouri National Guard

SSG Michael Chavez is awarded a coin from BG James Schreffler for a perfect score of 600 on his Army Combat Fitness Test and for his exceptional mentorship of fellow Soldiers. Not only did SSG Chavez surpass the fitness standard, but he has coached Soldiers in preparation for the Initial Entry Rotary Wing Board and fitness tests of their own. SSG Chavez is a well-respected member of the 1107th and continues to mentor Soldiers throughout their careers. Missouri National Guard

During Annual Training, we said goodbye to MSG Thomas Hall, who served as the Operations NCO for the 1107th Aviation Group for over four years. MSG Hall is moving on to another command and leaves the 1107th in the capable hands of SFC Tabitha Lambert. His hard work over the last few years encompassed many inspections, drilling in a COVID environment, and adjusting to new security standards. He never failed to help the organization succeed and will be sorely missed. Thank you for your service to the aviation community, MSG Hall!

WO1 Jesse Van O’Linda was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer Two effective 1 October 2023. Mr. Van O’Linda is a 151A with the 1107th, and has dedicated his first few years as a Warrant Officer to the betterment of our organization through mentorship and professional expertise. Congratulations, CW2 Van O’Linda! Missouri National Guard

During February drill, A Co 1107th celebrated the retirement of their commander, LTC Adam Mankey, at their change of command ceremony. MAJ Jeff Godfrey took command and will work diligently to continue LTC Mankey’s legacy. Congratulations to both Officers! Missouri National Guard