Eastern Oregon Battalion Fires Final Tank Rounds Before Historic Transition (Photo) -08/07/25

ORCHARD COMBAT TRAINING CENTER, Idaho — The thunderous boom of 120mm tank rounds echoed across the Idaho training ranges one final time as the Oregon Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, headquartered in La Grande, fired their last shots as an armored unit before transitioning to infantry.

Three M1A2SEP tanks from Bravo Company positioned on Range 26 during a ceremonial last round event July 30, 2025, marking the end of an era for the Eastern Oregon battalion. The historic ceremony allowed several mechanics to fire the main gun for both their first and final time, symbolizing the unit's farewell to its current armored heritage.

The transition brings the unit full circle in its long military history. The battalion traces its lineage to 1888 militia cavalry companies, served as infantry during World War II as the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment with the 41st Infantry Division, before returning to its cavalry roots in the post-war era.

"It was bittersweet," said Master Sgt. Joseph Carson, the battalion's Master Gunner who has served with the 3-116th for 22 years. "Those last rounds going down range that we knew were out of our tanks - it was definitely significant, but it's just like closing that door and moving on and embracing the change."

The transition comes as the Army implements its Transformation in Contact initiative, reorganizing units to meet modern battlefield requirements. The 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment will leave the 116th Armored Brigade Combat Team and become an infantry battalion, with an official announcement expected September 9, 2025.

Carson, who enlisted in 2000 and deployed with the battalion to Iraq in 2004-2005 and 2010-2011, said the ceremony was particularly meaningful for the unit's mechanics who keep the tanks operational. "A lot of the tank maintainers are awesome, and they did great for us," Carson said. "We had an experienced tank commander in each tank that was guiding them to make sure they were on target, and we set up some target reference points so they knew which targets they were going to engage."

The Master Gunner said some of the mechanics had never fired a tank's main gun, even during their initial military training. "It seemed like there was a few of them that have said they never got to fire at all," Carson explained. "They signed up thinking this would be their career path, possibly, or at least what they would be doing for six years. So it definitely meant a lot to them to let them get on there and at least shoot those couple rounds."

Lt. Col. Christopher Miller, the battalion commander, said this Annual Training was originally planned as maintenance-focused preparation for a 2027 National Training Center rotation, including four days of combined maneuver training. However, with the unit's transformation, the emphasis shifted to ensuring every Soldier had a final opportunity to qualify on the tanks they would soon turn in.

"We want to make sure everybody gets a chance to qualify," Miller said. "So if that pushes into our maneuver, and we don't get all the maneuver done, that's fine. I just want to make sure the crews get that one last chance at tank qualification."

The battalion conducted intensive training throughout their two-week Annual Training, with approximately 260 personnel participating in tank table VI gunnery, Joint Light Tactical Vehicle operations, platoon live-fire exercises, and specialized sniper training. Tank crews achieved higher operational readiness than in recent years, Carson noted, with "more tanks up than we've had, probably in the last five years."

Carson said the ceremony's timing was complicated by wildfires sparked by tracer rounds during training, requiring careful coordination of the final shots. "It was a little hard navigating all the wildfires that were getting started on the range," he said. "But I think it worked out just fine."

The transition presents challenges for a unit whose tanker identity runs deep. "I think it's gonna take some time, definitely," Carson said. "Different mindset. It's definitely a big change for the tankers. I think some of the younger tankers are pretty excited about it, doing something different. But I definitely can tell that some of the guys that have been around for 15, 20 years, kind of aren't that excited about it, just because they want to be tankers."

Like all Oregon National Guard members, the Soldiers of the 3-116th serve part-time, typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year, while maintaining civilian careers throughout Eastern Oregon. They stand ready to respond to state emergencies such as wildfires and floods, while also training to defend the nation when called to federal service. These Guard members live and work in the same communities they serve, creating a unique connection between military service and the local communities of Eastern Oregon that depend on them. This dual commitment to community and country makes the Oregon National Guard the military service of choice for Oregonians.

The 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment traces its lineage to 1888 militia cavalry companies and was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 2024 for exceptional service during their 2010-2011 deployment to Iraq. The unit has frequently mobilized for both state missions and overseas deployments, including a recent 2023 mission to Morocco for Exercise African Lion.

Carson, who attended Master Gunner school in 2020 after years away from tanks, reflected on what he'll miss most about the armored mission. "My favorite thing was just when we were actually firing table six, and then just hearing the big boom go off when those tanks are functioning right and working," he said. "It's nothing cooler than that with getting rounds on target. I'll definitely miss that."

As the battalion prepares for its transformation, Carson emphasized the continuity of service to Eastern Oregon communities. "We're still going to be Eastern Oregon's own," he said. "We're still going to have that tight-knit bond within the battalion."

The transformation reflects the Army's broader modernization efforts through Transformation in Contact, which delivers new equipment and capabilities to operational units. While the specific equipment and modified table of organization for the new infantry battalion remains undetermined, the unit expects to receive approximately 600 Soldiers when fully transformed.

For Carson, who has approximately two and a half years until retirement, the change represents both an end and a new beginning. "It didn't really hit me 100% yet, because just kind of coming off of AT," he said. "It probably won't hit me for a little while. But yeah, it was definitely fun. I'm glad we did the last round little ceremony the way we did to actually capture that moment so we have it saved for our unit history."

The last rounds fired by the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment closed a chapter of armored tradition dating back more than a century, while opening the door to a new mission serving the citizens of Eastern Oregon and the nation.

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Released B-Roll: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/972896/oregon-guard-battalion-fires-final-tank-rounds-before-infantry-transition

Released Photos: 

250727-Z-ZJ128-1001 An M1A2SEP tank from Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, fires from a battle position July 27, 2025, on Range 26 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, during tank table VI gunnery training. The battalion conducted intensive tank gunnery as part of their final Annual Training before transitioning from an armored to an infantry unit. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250728-Z-ZJ128-1002 An M1A2SEP tank from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, fires from a battle position July 28, 2025, on Range 26 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, during tank table VI gunnery training. The gunnery training represents some of the final opportunities for Oregon Guard tank crews to qualify on the M1A2SEP before the unit's upcoming transformation to infantry. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250728-Z-ZJ128-1003 Spc. Darren Johns and Sgt. Jose Lopez, both loaders with the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, participate in boresighting their respective M1A2SEP tanks July 28, 2025, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. Boresighting ensures the tank's main gun and fire control systems are properly aligned before live-fire gunnery training during the battalion's Annual Training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250729-Z-ZJ128-1004 Sgt. Juan Diazolivera with Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, directs fire from a support by fire position during a dismounted platoon attack July 29, 2025, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. The mechanized infantry company conducted intensive dismounted operations training as the battalion prepares for its upcoming transition from a combined arms unit to a full infantry battalion. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250730-Z-ZJ128-1007 Sgt. Philip Worthington, a mechanic with Hotel Company, 145th Brigade Support Battalion, performs track maintenance on an M88 recovery vehicle July 30, 2025, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. The forward support company mechanics maintained critical equipment to ensure the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment's vehicles remained mission-ready throughout Annual Training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250730-Z-ZJ128-1008 Soldiers from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, unload extra 120mm rounds from their M1A2SEP tank after the last round ceremony July 30, 2025, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. The historic ceremony marked the final time the Eastern Oregon battalion will fire tank rounds as they prepare to transition from an armored to an infantry unit, with the ammunition being turned in for the last time. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250730-Z-ZJ128-1009 Tank crews from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, and mechanics stand on an M1A2SEP tank following the last round ceremony July 30, 2025, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. Several mechanics were given the opportunity to fire the main gun for both their first and final time during the historic ceremony that marked the end of the Eastern Oregon battalion's time as an armored unit. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250730-Z-ZJ128-1010 Three M1A2SEP tanks from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, participate in the last round ceremony July 30, 2025, on Range 26 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. The historic ceremony marked the final 120mm rounds the Eastern Oregon battalion will ever fire as they transition from a combined arms unit to an infantry formation, ending decades of armored heritage. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

Oregon Guard Field Artillery Regiment Returns Home From Deployment To Middle East (Photo) -08/02/25

HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. - Approximately 230 members of the Oregon Army National Guard 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment (FA) returned to Oregon, August 2, 2025, after a yearlong deployment to the Middle East. 

The 2-218th FA deployed to Iraq and Syria in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE, to advise, assist, and enable partner forces to secure lasting defeat of terrorist elements across the Central Command Area of Responsibility. This mission helped protect regional stability while supporting overall U.S. national security.

While awaiting the return of their Soldiers, family and friends gathered in the Camp Withycombe gymnasium, making welcome home signs and connecting with other military families. 

The Forest Grove Police Department and Clackamas Fire Department joined in the homecoming celebration, providing support for their return. 

The Oregon National Guard command team greeted Soldiers when they arrived at Camp Withycombe to congratulate them on their hard work overseas.

“It’s an honor to welcome this group back,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Adrian Gonzales, command sergeant major for the 2-218th FA rear detachment. “They did an outstanding job out there.”

After a year of waiting, the Soldiers of the 2-218th FA collected their loved ones and bags, and went home.

“We couldn’t be more proud of what they accomplished,” said Gonzales.

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Oregon National Guard's 41st IBCT Returns Home After Successful Kosovo Deployment (Photo) -07/19/25

CLACKAMAS, Ore. -  Soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) returned home July 19, 2025, following a successful year-long deployment to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission.

The welcome home event at Camp Withycombe marked the homecoming for soldiers participating in KFOR's 34th rotation. This mission has been crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the Balkans since 1999. Approximately 300 soldiers returned in two groups, with the first group arriving around 1 p.m. A formal demobilization ceremony will be held in the near future.

The first group to return consisted primarily of soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, headquartered in Springfield, along with medical and support personnel from the 600-member task force that included soldiers from Oregon, Idaho, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Tennessee.

Lt. Col. Joseph Twigg, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, addressed the returning soldiers and their families. "Over the past year, you stood watch in Kosovo as part of KFOR. You built partnerships, maintained stability, and represented the United States with professionalism and integrity," Twigg said. "From the smallest patrol to the most complex multinational mission, you performed with discipline, heart, and commitment."

During their deployment, the Oregon soldiers made significant contributions to what Col. Peter Helzer, Commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, described as "the longest and most successful NATO mission in the history of the alliance."

"Oregon soldiers contributed to a robust international mission, adding to over 4,000 security patrols, 13,000 public engagements, and 5,000 volunteer hours supporting communities in Kosovo," Helzer said. "Additionally, soldiers from the 41st IBCT successfully responded to one of the largest terrorist attacks in Kosovo in recent years by providing security to critical infrastructure, working with our local and international partners to maintain peace in the region."

The deployment provided unprecedented opportunities for international cooperation and professional development. Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment conducted fully integrated patrols with German and Latvian armies across contested terrain in Northern Kosovo. At the same time, headquarters staff planned operations alongside Italian, Hungarian, Slovenian, Turkish, and Swiss soldiers.

"The greatest lesson for most of us, I'm sure, was the importance of building trust in your team and your partners," Helzer explained. "In this business, relationships matter, and Kosovo provided an unprecedented opportunity to learn how to better connect and operate together."

The skills gained during the deployment will have immediate applications back home in Oregon. "Much of the experience gained from the mission in Kosovo can be immediately applied to supporting emergency services and domestic operations back here in Oregon," Helzer noted. "As part of KFOR, we had to immediately integrate into a complex system of law enforcement, local government, and emergency services to be successful. The organizational, communication, and logistical skills we stressed overseas will most certainly make us more effective in case of an emergency here at home."

Beyond the professional development, the mission provided many soldiers with their first opportunity to serve in Europe and experience a different part of the world.

Speaking to the families and communities who supported the soldiers throughout the deployment, Helzer emphasized the strategic importance of the mission. "The Balkan region is a historic crossroad of empires, and maintaining stability there prevents greater disorder that will eventually impact us here at home," he said.

"I want you to know the command team from top all the way down are committed to normalizing the demands on you and your soldiers over the coming years," Helzer told families at the ceremony. "Thank you for your commitment and support."

Twigg praised the soldiers' performance during the deployment, telling them they "shaped the security picture, provided real-time assessments that reached leaders at every level, and ensured informed decision-making from the ground up."

He also recognized the families' sacrifices during the deployment. "To the families here today—you served too. You kept things running at home, carried the burdens of distance, and supported your Soldiers every day," Twigg said. "Thank you for your sacrifice and resilience. We could not have done this without you."

The 41st IBCT's community engagement efforts extended far beyond traditional military operations. "Whether on missions such as patrols, observation posts, or aerial recon and resupply, or community engagements and projects, they have done work that had a real impact on the lives of the Kosovar people," Helzer said. "Beyond that, they have served as a strategic deterrent to malign actors across the region."

The successful completion of the KFOR mission demonstrates the Oregon National Guard's continued commitment to serving both state and federal missions while maintaining readiness for any contingency.

The 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known as the "Jungleers," is headquartered in Clackamas with subordinate units spread throughout Oregon. The brigade's successful deployment to Kosovo continues the unit's proud tradition of service, building on previous deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

With the soldiers now home, the focus shifts to reintegration and applying the valuable experience gained during their time in the Balkans to future missions, both at home and abroad.

Released B-Roll Video: https://youtu.be/Iup7lj07Rc4

Released Photos:

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Soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) returned home July 19, 2025, following a successful year-long deployment to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. The members were enthusiastically greeted by friends and family as they made their way into the Camp Withycombe gymnasium in Happy Valley, Oregon. (National Guard photo by Aaron Perkins, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

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Soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) returned home July 19, 2025, following a successful year-long deployment to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. The members were enthusiastically greeted by friends and family as they made their way into the Camp Withycombe gymnasium in Happy Valley, Oregon. (National Guard photo by Aaron Perkins, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

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Soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) returned home July 19, 2025, following a successful year-long deployment to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. The members were enthusiastically greeted by friends and family as they made their way into the Camp Withycombe gymnasium in Happy Valley, Oregon. (National Guard photo by Aaron Perkins, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

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Lt. Col. Joseph Twigg gives some quick remarks to the waiting crowd before dismissing the soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) after returning home July 19, 2025, following a successful year-long deployment to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. The members were enthusiastically greeted by friends and family as they made their way into the Camp Withycombe gymnasium in Happy Valley, Oregon. (National Guard photo by Aaron Perkins, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

250719-1005

Soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) returned home July 19, 2025, following a successful year-long deployment to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. The members were enthusiastically greeted by friends and family as they made their way into the Camp Withycombe gymnasium in Happy Valley, Oregon. (National Guard photo by Aaron Perkins, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Released Video of Mission in Kosovo: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/968195/kosovo-regional-command-east-end-tour-video

Grants Pass Hosts Oregon National Guard Aviation Training Exercise (Photo) -07/14/25

GRANTS PASS, Ore. – The steady thrum of rotor blades filled the air as Staff Sgt. James Grow raised his right hand 1,500 feet above southern Oregon, reenlisting for three more years of service while aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during what may have been the most memorable oath ceremony of his military career.

Grow was one of dozens of Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers who participated in MEDEVAC 101 training on Sunday, July 13, at the Grants Pass Armory. This event combined critical medical evacuation instruction with morale-boosting familiarization flights that left lasting impressions on participants.

"It's important, especially in such a large organization, to see what other parts of the organization do, and how the state as a whole utilizes us," said Warrant Officer 1 David Weber, a pilot with Company G, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment, who helped conduct the training alongside his Salem-based unit.

The comprehensive training brought together Soldiers from Delta Company and Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, along with personnel from Headquarters and Headquarters Company for hands-on instruction in medical evacuation procedures. Using an HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from Company G, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment, aviation crew members demonstrated proper litter loading techniques and the intricacies of both cold and hot loading procedures, critical skills that could mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations.

"We do it all the time on the radio and do practical exercises as just infantry, but actually doing it with the helicopter here and doing the hot loading, cold loading, seeing their capabilities is huge to us as infantrymen," said 1st Lt. Ian Namu, who coordinated the training event.

The training extended beyond medical evacuation to showcase the broader mission capabilities of Oregon's aviation assets. Weber's crew covered their diverse mission set, including search and rescue operations and wildland firefighting support roles that directly serve Oregon communities during natural disasters and emergencies.

For many Soldiers, the highlight came during familiarization flights aboard the CH-47 Chinook from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, based in Pendleton. Before the morale flights began, the Chinook crew conducted preflight briefings for all participants. When Namu asked how many had never flown in a Chinook or worked with helicopters, 20 to 30 hands shot up, representing a significant learning opportunity for the ground forces.

"It's an experience that these guys will take and be like, 'Hey, I did something cool this drill weekend,'" Namu said. "I think it shows some form of appreciation for the things that they do, the hard work that these ground pounders do."

The aerial portion of training proved so memorable that two Soldiers chose to conduct their reenlistment ceremonies while airborne, in addition to Grow's three-year commitment, Sgt. Cruz Lopez also reenlisted during the flight, both taking their oaths while soaring over the Oregon landscape.

The event also included members of the Recruit Sustaining Program (RSP), giving future Soldiers who have enlisted but not yet completed basic training and Advanced Individual Training a preview of the opportunities awaiting them in the Oregon National Guard.

Oregon National Guard members serve part-time, typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year, while maintaining civilian careers. They stand ready to respond to state emergencies such as wildfires and floods, while also training to defend the nation when called to federal service. Guard members live and work in the same communities they serve, creating a unique connection between military service and local communities.

"Big thing, I think morale and retention is the biggest thing, hopefully that helps our numbers," Namu said, reflecting on the training's broader impact beyond just technical skills.

The MEDEVAC 101 training exemplified the Oregon National Guard's commitment to preparing Soldiers for diverse missions while fostering the esprit de corps that keeps citizen-Soldiers engaged and ready to serve both state and nation when called upon.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            -30-

Released B-Roll video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/970010/oregon-guard-soldiers-take-flight-during-medevac-training-b-roll

Released Photos: 

250713-Z-ZJ128-1001

Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Hickman, a crew chief with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, gives a preflight safety briefing to Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers during MEDEVAC 101 training at the Grants Pass Armory in Grants Pass, Oregon, July 13, 2025. The training event brought together Soldiers from Delta Company and Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, for hands-on medical evacuation instruction and familiarization flights. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Recruit Sustaining Program (RSP) personnel walk up the ramp of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for a familiarization tour of the aircraft during MEDEVAC 101 training at Grants Pass Airport in Grants Pass, Oregon, July 13, 2025. RSP members, who have enlisted in the Oregon Army National Guard but have not yet completed basic training, received instruction on Army rotary-wing operations and airframes as part of the comprehensive training event. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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1st Lt. Ian Namu administers the oath of reenlistment to Sgt. Cruz Lopez aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter with an American flag as the backdrop during MEDEVAC 101 training in Grants Pass, Oregon, July 13, 2025. Lopez reenlisted for three years during the familiarization flight over Medford and Ashland, making for a memorable ceremony at 1,500 feet above southern Oregon. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers hot load onto a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Grants Pass Airport before the second familiarization flight during MEDEVAC 101 training on July 13, 2025. The Chinook from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, conducted two morale flights over Medford and Ashland, transporting Soldiers as part of a comprehensive training event held at the Grants Pass Armory. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)