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.”

Fort McCoy conducts October prescribed burn during ‘spring-like’ conditions

Story by Claudia Neve November 05, 2024 at 02:57PM On Oct. 22, the Fort McCoy Directorate of Emergency Services Fire Department conducted a prescribed burn at Range 29, marking a key step in preparing the area for military training come next spring. The burn on Range 29 began at approximately 10 a.m. and was completed in the afternoon. Conducting burns prior to training season can reduce the chance of wildfires and their spread. Prescribed burns serve multiple purposes, from reducing wildfire risks to benefiting the ecosystem by controlling invasive species and enhancing habitats for native wildlife, Mentzel said. The burns aid in improving Fort McCoy’s grassland habitat which benefits birds and small mammals by providing essential resources. This vegetation serves as a food source and shelter for species that are vital to the ecosystem.

Garrison Commander engages with FED Fire during 90-day assessment

Story by Robert Haynes November 03, 2024 at 02:21PM U.S. Army Garrison Hawai'i Commander Col. Rachel Sullivan recently visited Federal Fire Department Station 15 as part of her ongoing 90-day assessment of garrison operations and services.

Connecticut National Guard Assists with Hawthorne Brush Fire

Story by Timothy Koster November 01, 2024 at 03:35PM Forty aviators, firefighters, and support personnel from the Connecticut National Guard were activated to assist local and state emergency personnel with containing a brush fire that has consumed more than 120 acres of wildlife on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin and Meriden, Connecticut on Oct. 23, 2024.