ARNG State of Vermont

• Oldest Military Organization: The Vermont National Guard traces its origins to 1764, making it one of the oldest military organizations in the United States, pre-dating the American Revolution. • Green Mountain Boys: The famed “Green Mountain Boys,” a militia organization from Vermont, played a crucial role in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775 during the Revolutionary War. • Civil War Contributions: Over 34,000 Vermonters served in the Union Army during the Civil War, with Vermont National Guard units participating in key battles such as Gettysburg and Cedar Creek. • First African American Officer: Vermont’s 54th Infantry Regiment included African American soldiers, with the state being an early advocate for the inclusion of Black Americans in the military. • World War II Service: The 172nd Infantry Regiment, Vermont National Guard, was deployed to the Pacific Theater and fought in the Philippines and Ryukyu Islands campaigns. • First Female Brigade Commander: In 2012, Colonel Tracey Poirier became the first woman to command a brigade in the Vermont Army National Guard. • Global War on Terror: Since 2001, thousands of Vermont National Guard members have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations worldwide as part of the Global War on Terrorism. • Disaster Response: The Vermont National Guard has been key in disaster relief efforts, notably during Hurricane Irene in 2011, providing rescue, recovery, and infrastructure repair. • International Partnerships: Vermont has a unique partnership with North Macedonia through the National Guard State Partnership Program, fostering military and civil cooperation. • F-35 Lightning II Base: The Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing, located at Burlington International Airport, became the first Air National Guard unit in the country to be equipped with the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter in 2019.