Enhance Preparedness through Kolekole Pass—Army leads joint exercise

Story by Robert Haynes November 15, 2024 at 02:04PM U.S. Army Garrison Hawai’i (USAG Hawai’i) hosted a tabletop exercise (TTX) on Nov. 12-13 to enhance disaster preparedness and evaluate Kolekole Pass as a critical evacuation route for O’ahu’s west side communities. The exercise brought together federal, state, and local agencies, including the Honolulu Police and Fire Departments, to strategize emergency responses for natural or man-made crises. Participants emphasized the importance of interagency coordination and information sharing to ensure effective evacuation plans and community resilience. The TTX highlighted the pass’s role in connecting isolated communities during disasters, providing an essential backup plan to save lives and reduce suffering. Key leaders praised the collaborative efforts and stressed the need for continued training and planning to safeguard Hawai’i residents.

National Guard Firefighter Awarded Minnesota First Responder of the Year

Story by 2nd Lt. Logan Grayson November 15, 2024 at 09:32AM Staff Sgt. Mason Conlin, a part time fire protection specialist assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, and a full-time fire fighter with the Saint Paul Fire Department, and his partner, Jacob Ryks, were awarded the First Responders of the Year award by the Minnesota 100 Club at a ceremony earlier this month for their efforts to save five children during a house fire in January 2024.

National Guard Firefighter Awarded Minnesota First Responder of the Year

Story by 2nd Lt. Logan Grayson November 15, 2024 at 09:32AM Staff Sgt. Mason Conlin, a part time fire protection specialist assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, and a full-time fire fighter with the Saint Paul Fire Department, and his partner, Jacob Ryks, were awarded the First Responders of the Year award by the Minnesota 100 Club at a ceremony earlier this month for their efforts to save five children during a house fire in January 2024.

Breaking the cycle: From humble beginnings to Army leader

Story by Christopher Hurd November 12, 2024 at 11:14AM WASHINGTON — It was eerily calm outside as 18-year-old Melissa O’Brien returned to her West Virginia home following a camping trip. Within minutes, storms hit the area, taking down power lines and causing destruction. A volunteer firefighter, O’Brien looked down as her fire department pager started going off. She went outside and saw her neighbor, a fellow firefighter, who asked if she was ready to go. They headed out and worked alongside other community members to help those impacted by the natural disaster. “I feel like in my life, there has always been some need to serve others,” she said. “I think a lot of it had to do with my childhood watching the things my mom went through with my grandma.”

Breaking the cycle: From humble beginnings to Army leader

Story by Christopher Hurd November 12, 2024 at 11:14AM WASHINGTON — It was eerily calm outside as 18-year-old Melissa O’Brien returned to her West Virginia home following a camping trip. Within minutes, storms hit the area, taking down power lines and causing destruction. A volunteer firefighter, O’Brien looked down as her fire department pager started going off. She went outside and saw her neighbor, a fellow firefighter, who asked if she was ready to go. They headed out and worked alongside other community members to help those impacted by the natural disaster. “I feel like in my life, there has always been some need to serve others,” she said. “I think a lot of it had to do with my childhood watching the things my mom went through with my grandma.”