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News Release

Rees Training Center Hosts The Annual Oregon National Guard Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise And Armed Forces Day (Photo) - 05/16/26

HERMISTON, Ore. – Oregon Army and Air National Guardsmen participated in the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” held as part of the Armed Forces Day celebration at the Rees Training Center near Hermiston, Oregon, and concluded on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Over 125 Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen took part in the completion, with the awards being presented by Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, during the festivities of Armed Forces Day.

 

The TAG Match is a shooting competition open to all Oregon Army and Air National Guard members to improve combat marksmanship, build camaraderie, and give the top shooters a chance to earn distinguished pistol and rifle badges for their military uniforms.

 

“Marksmanship is a Warrior Skill. It demands discipline, patience, physical control, and mental focus.” Gronewold said while presenting awards to service members who endured the windy conditions during the three-day event. “Whether it was in the three-gun, practical rifle, speed pistol, or Cascade Cup – our Soldiers and Airmen are trained, ready, and capable. Those of you receiving awards this afternoon, congratulations.”

 

To kick off the Armed Forces Day celebration, Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees also congratulated those participating in the marksmanship match and offered historical insights into Armed Forces Day, a federal observance held each year on the third Saturday of May to honor the men and women currently serving in the U.S. military across all branches of service.

 

“On July 4th this year, we will celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday – 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. That independence was achieved through the heroic action of our Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines,” Rees said, speaking not only to the service members and their families in attendance, but also to those civilian members in the communities around Eastern Oregon who took part in the day’s activities.

 

“Today, we are celebrating our armed forces to demonstrate our appreciation for our men and women who serve our nation, and I want to take this opportunity to include my appreciation for the men and women who serve in our Oregon Army and Air National Guard,” Rees said.

 

In September of 2022, the Umatilla Chemical Depot was officially renamed the Raymond F. Rees Training Center in his honor and contributions to the Nation and State. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Training, Readiness, and Mobilization from 2014 to 2019, and as the Adjutant General of Oregon on three different appointments.

 

This was also the second time that the Oregon National Guard had hosted an Armed Forces Day celebration at the Rees Training Center. Activities include a vast array of static displays of military vehicles, community vendors, and historical displays.

 

-30-

 

Released Images:

 

260514-Z-CH590-1106: Airmen from the 173rd Fighter Wing arrive by bus at one of the many small arms ranges at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 14, 2026, to begin the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match.” Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260514-Z-CH590-1630: While waiting for a chance to take part in the Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, Soldiers enjoy some time to catch up on their recent training at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 14, 2026. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260514-Z-CH590-1464: Oregon Army and Air National Guard members take the opportunity to ‘Zero’ their M-4 rifles on the first day of the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” on May 14, 2026, at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260515-Z-CH590-1919: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, takes part in the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” three-gun event held at the Rees Training, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 15, 2026. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260515-Z-CH590-2159: An Oregon Army National Guard Soldier fires from a fixed barrier with his M-4 Rifle during the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” on May 15, 2026, at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260515-Z-CH590-2447: An Oregon Air National Guard Airman fires from a fixed barrier with her M-4 Rifle during the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” on May 15, 2026, at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260515-Z-CH590-2598: An Oregon Army National Guard Soldier fires at a series of targets with his M-9 Pistol during the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” on May 15, 2026, at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260516-Z-CH590-1094: Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees delivers the opening remarks at the Oregon National Guard Armed Forces Day celebration at the Rees Training Center near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 16, 2025. Rees, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Training, Readiness, and Mobilization from 2014 to 2019, also served as Adjutant General of Oregon. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260516-Z-CH590-1097: Doug Primmer, Mayor of Hermiston, Oregon, delivers remarks during Armed Forces Day held at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 16, 2026. Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman to honor Americans serving in all military branches, replacing the separate Army, Navy, and Air Force Days. President John F. Kennedy officially designated the holiday in 1962. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260516-Z-CH590-1638: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, takes time to present awards to the winning competitors during the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” held as part of the Armed Forces Day celebration at the Rees Training Center near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 16, 2026. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260516-Z-CH590-2300: Brigadier General Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon (left), pauses for a photo with the top 10 pistol performers who comprise the distinguished Governor’s 20 Tab. The Governor’s 20 Tab is awarded to the top 10 pistol and top 10 rifle shooters and is worn on the left sleeve of the combat service uniform, positioned below other tabs, including Special Forces, Sapper, Ranger, and Honor Guard. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260516-Z-CH590-2200: Brigadier General Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon (left), pauses for a photo with the top 10 rifle performers who comprise the distinguished Governor’s 20 Tab. The Governor’s 20 Tab is awarded to the top 10 pistol and top 10 rifle shooters and is worn on the left sleeve of the combat service uniform, positioned below other tabs, including Special Forces, Sapper, Ranger, and Honor Guard. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260516-Z-CH590-1564: A variety of static displays and military equipment were on display at the Armed Forces Day event held at the Rees Training Center on May 16, 2026, near Hermiston, Oregon. Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers answered questions from the public, enjoying a day of fun while visiting vendors and recruiting attractions. (National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260516-Z-CH590-1346: Visitors attending Armed Forces Day at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 16, 2026, get a hands-on demonstration of equipment used by WWII British Reenactment Soldiers. Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman to honor Americans serving in all military branches, replacing the separate Army, Navy, and Air Force Days. President John F. Kennedy officially designated the holiday in 1962. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

 

Attached Media Files: 260514-Z-CH590-1106.jpg, 260514-Z-CH590-1464.jpg, 260514-Z-CH590-1630.jpg, 260515-Z-CH590-1919.jpg, 260515-Z-CH590-2159.jpg, 260515-Z-CH590-2447.jpg, 260515-Z-CH590-2598.jpg, 260516-Z-CH590-1094.jpg, 260516-Z-CH590-1197.jpg, 260516-Z-CH590-1346.jpg, 260516-Z-CH590-1564.jpg, 260516-Z-CH590-1638.jpg, 260516-Z-CH590-2200.jpg, 260516-Z-CH590-2300.jpg,

Rees Training Center Hosts The Annual Oregon National Guard Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise And Armed Forces Day (Photo) - 05/16/26

HERMISTON, Ore. – Oregon Army and Air National Guardsmen participated in the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” held as part of the Armed Forces Day celebration at the Rees Training Center near Hermiston, Oregon, and concluded on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Over 125 Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen took part in the completion, with the awards being presented by Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, during the festivities of Armed Forces Day.

 

The TAG Match is a shooting competition open to all Oregon Army and Air National Guard members to improve combat marksmanship, build camaraderie, and give the top shooters a chance to earn distinguished pistol and rifle badges for their military uniforms.

 

“Marksmanship is a Warrior Skill. It demands discipline, patience, physical control, and mental focus.” Gronewold said while presenting awards to service members who endured the windy conditions during the three-day event. “Whether it was in the three-gun, practical rifle, speed pistol, or Cascade Cup – our Soldiers and Airmen are trained, ready, and capable. Those of you receiving awards this afternoon, congratulations.”

 

To kick off the Armed Forces Day celebration, Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees also congratulated those participating in the marksmanship match and offered historical insights into Armed Forces Day, a federal observance held each year on the third Saturday of May to honor the men and women currently serving in the U.S. military across all branches of service.

 

“On July 4th this year, we will celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday – 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. That independence was achieved through the heroic action of our Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines,” Rees said, speaking not only to the service members and their families in attendance, but also to those civilian members in the communities around Eastern Oregon who took part in the day’s activities.

 

“Today, we are celebrating our armed forces to demonstrate our appreciation for our men and women who serve our nation, and I want to take this opportunity to include my appreciation for the men and women who serve in our Oregon Army and Air National Guard,” Rees said.

 

In September of 2022, the Umatilla Chemical Depot was officially renamed the Raymond F. Rees Training Center in his honor and contributions to the Nation and State. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Training, Readiness, and Mobilization from 2014 to 2019, and as the Adjutant General of Oregon on three different appointments.

 

This was also the second time that the Oregon National Guard had hosted an Armed Forces Day celebration at the Rees Training Center. Activities include a vast array of static displays of military vehicles, community vendors, and historical displays.

 

-30-

 

Released Images:

 

260514-Z-CH590-1106: Airmen from the 173rd Fighter Wing arrive by bus at one of the many small arms ranges at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 14, 2026, to begin the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match.” Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260514-Z-CH590-1630: While waiting for a chance to take part in the Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, Soldiers enjoy some time to catch up on their recent training at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 14, 2026. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260514-Z-CH590-1464: Oregon Army and Air National Guard members take the opportunity to ‘Zero’ their M-4 rifles on the first day of the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” on May 14, 2026, at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260515-Z-CH590-1919: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, takes part in the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” three-gun event held at the Rees Training, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 15, 2026. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260515-Z-CH590-2159: An Oregon Army National Guard Soldier fires from a fixed barrier with his M-4 Rifle during the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” on May 15, 2026, at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260515-Z-CH590-2447: An Oregon Air National Guard Airman fires from a fixed barrier with her M-4 Rifle during the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” on May 15, 2026, at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260515-Z-CH590-2598: An Oregon Army National Guard Soldier fires at a series of targets with his M-9 Pistol during the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” on May 15, 2026, at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260516-Z-CH590-1094: Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees delivers the opening remarks at the Oregon National Guard Armed Forces Day celebration at the Rees Training Center near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 16, 2025. Rees, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Training, Readiness, and Mobilization from 2014 to 2019, also served as Adjutant General of Oregon. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260516-Z-CH590-1097: Doug Primmer, Mayor of Hermiston, Oregon, delivers remarks during Armed Forces Day held at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 16, 2026. Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman to honor Americans serving in all military branches, replacing the separate Army, Navy, and Air Force Days. President John F. Kennedy officially designated the holiday in 1962. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260516-Z-CH590-1638: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, takes time to present awards to the winning competitors during the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” held as part of the Armed Forces Day celebration at the Rees Training Center near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 16, 2026. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260516-Z-CH590-2300: Brigadier General Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon (left), pauses for a photo with the top 10 pistol performers who comprise the distinguished Governor’s 20 Tab. The Governor’s 20 Tab is awarded to the top 10 pistol and top 10 rifle shooters and is worn on the left sleeve of the combat service uniform, positioned below other tabs, including Special Forces, Sapper, Ranger, and Honor Guard. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260516-Z-CH590-2200: Brigadier General Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon (left), pauses for a photo with the top 10 rifle performers who comprise the distinguished Governor’s 20 Tab. The Governor’s 20 Tab is awarded to the top 10 pistol and top 10 rifle shooters and is worn on the left sleeve of the combat service uniform, positioned below other tabs, including Special Forces, Sapper, Ranger, and Honor Guard. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260516-Z-CH590-1564: A variety of static displays and military equipment were on display at the Armed Forces Day event held at the Rees Training Center on May 16, 2026, near Hermiston, Oregon. Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers answered questions from the public, enjoying a day of fun while visiting vendors and recruiting attractions. (National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260516-Z-CH590-1346: Visitors attending Armed Forces Day at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 16, 2026, get a hands-on demonstration of equipment used by WWII British Reenactment Soldiers. Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman to honor Americans serving in all military branches, replacing the separate Army, Navy, and Air Force Days. President John F. Kennedy officially designated the holiday in 1962. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

 

Attached Media Files: 260514-Z-CH590-1106.jpg, 260514-Z-CH590-1464.jpg, 260514-Z-CH590-1630.jpg, 260515-Z-CH590-1919.jpg, 260515-Z-CH590-2159.jpg, 260515-Z-CH590-2447.jpg, 260515-Z-CH590-2598.jpg, 260516-Z-CH590-1094.jpg, 260516-Z-CH590-1197.jpg, 260516-Z-CH590-1346.jpg, 260516-Z-CH590-1564.jpg, 260516-Z-CH590-1638.jpg, 260516-Z-CH590-2200.jpg, 260516-Z-CH590-2300.jpg,