Oregon Army National Guard Brings Helicopter Experience To Medford High Schools (Photo) -04/24/25

MEDFORD, Ore. – South and North Medford High School students received a unique hands-on learning opportunity when an Oregon Army National Guard helicopter landed on their campuses on April 23.

Crew members from Gulf Company, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment flew an HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter from Salem to give students an up-close look at military aviation and emergency response capabilities.

"The idea behind it was to bring a field trip to the school basically," said Sgt. 1st Class Erik Andreason, a local Oregon National Guard recruiter who organized the event. "One of the issues locally nowadays is it's tough with the bus systems to get kids off campus and take them places and show them things."

The helicopter visit served dual purposes – exposing students to potential career paths while providing practical training for those already enrolled in emergency services courses. At South Medford High School, ES 105 emergency services students practiced loading litter patients into the aircraft under crew supervision.

Jeffrey Chinn, instructor for the ES 105 program at South Medford, explained that his students earn college credits through the program that transfers to Rogue Community College's fire science program.

"We already practiced. I brought a stokes litter and all the stuff for C-spine," Chinn said. "We would have this person packaged, waiting for the MEDEVAC helicopter to show up, and the patient would just go right in."

The aviation crew, which flew down from Salem specifically for the event, answered student questions and allowed them to explore the helicopter's crew areas. In the afternoon, the team repeated the demonstration at North Medford High School, where students also had the opportunity to interact with the aircraft and crew.

Sgt. 1st Class Andreason and Staff Sgt. Brandon Ellis, both Medford-area recruiters, helped coordinate the visits to expose students to military aviation careers and emergency response operations.

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.

The event highlighted the Guard's dual role in community service and military readiness, giving students a memorable educational experience outside the traditional classroom setting.

                                                                                            -30-

Released Downloadable B-Roll Video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/959888/s-medford-hs-n-medford-hs-b-roll

Released photos:

250423-Z-ZJ128-1001 Sgt. 1st Class Erik Andreason directs South Medford High School students as they line up to enter the crew areas of an Oregon Army National Guard HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter on April 23, 2025. The helicopter from Gulf Company, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment, visited the school to provide students with firsthand exposure to military aviation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250423-Z-ZJ128-1002 Mr. Jeffrey Chinn supervises his ES 105 emergency services students as they load a simulated patient into an Oregon Army National Guard HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter at South Medford High School on April 23, 2025. Sgt. Atticus Kurtz, a 15T helicopter mechanic and crew chief, assists with the litter loading during the hands-on training exercise. (U.S. Army

250423-Z-ZJ128-1003 Sgt. Atticus Kurtz explains the helicopter hoist system to a North Medford High School student during an Oregon Army National Guard HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter visit on April 23, 2025. The aircraft crew from Gulf Company, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment provided students with information about military aviation capabilities and career opportunities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250423-Z-ZJ128-1004 Sgt. Atticus Kurtz observes the Oregon landscape from his crew position aboard an HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter while conducting in-flight maintenance checks on April 23, 2025. The Salem-based crew from Gulf Company, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment was returning north from Medford after completing educational outreach missions at South and North Medford High Schools. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

Local Guard Unit Restore Veteran Graves At Historic Medford Cemetery (Photo) -04/13/25

MEDFORD, Ore. - Soldiers from Hotel Company, 141 Support Battalion, attached to the 1-186 Infantry Battalion, spent part of their drill weekend cleaning veteran gravesites at the historic I.O.O.F. Eastwood Cemetery in Medford on April 13, 2025.

Twenty-seven Oregon Army National Guard soldiers from H Company, which drills out of the Medford Armory, joined by Southern Oregon University ROTC cadets, partnered with Medford Parks and Recreation to restore weathered headstones at one of the city's oldest cemeteries.

"Senior leadership in the Oregon Army National Guard emphasized the importance of getting out into the community this training year, and we wanted to make an impact on our local community," said Capt. Jacob Wolwowicz, H/141 commander. "It was important for us to do something local, within a few miles of the armory."

Established in 1890 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.), the cemetery was sold to the City of Medford in the 1970s when the organization could no longer maintain it. Today, it remains an active cemetery managed by Medford Parks and Recreation.

Soldiers worked in groups of four, cleaning moss and dirt from headstones and removing weeds from around grave markers. Many of the sites they restored belonged to veterans.

"We respected the headstones, made sure we were gentle but also got off all the gunk," said Capt. Wolwowicz. "These are people that lived in the community, died in the community, and these are still some people's family members' graves."

Tyson Thompson, volunteer coordinator with Medford Parks and Recreation, organized the event and called the military presence "a tremendous help."

For Spc. Katia Ibarrera, who is pursuing a career in law enforcement, the project aligned perfectly with her values.

"The thing I love about the National Guard is that it's more community-oriented," said Ibarrera. "I love serving my community. These are my people. I like helping out my people."

The Oregon Army National Guard offers a unique opportunity for service members to maintain civilian careers while serving their state and nation part-time. With units stationed in communities throughout Oregon, Guard members can live and work in the same areas they serve, allowing them to make a direct impact close to home.

"My unit came to a historic cemetery to clean up graves belonging to veterans," said Ibarrera. "We did this because we want to serve our community and focus more on the people around us."

                                                                           -30-

Released Photos:

250413-Z-ZJ128-1001 Tyson Thompson, volunteer coordinator with Medford Parks and Recreation, demonstrates proper headstone cleaning techniques to soldiers from Hotel Company, 141 Support Battalion, at the I.O.O.F. Eastwood Cemetery in Medford, Oregon, April 13, 2025. The Oregon Army National Guard soldiers spent part of their drill weekend restoring veteran gravesites at the historic cemetery as a community service project. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250413-Z-ZJ128-1002 Soldiers from Hotel Company, 141 Support Battalion, after receiving cleaning supplies at the I.O.O.F. Eastwood Cemetery in Medford, Oregon, April 13, 2025. Twenty-seven Oregon Army National Guard members who drill out of the Medford Armory participated in the community service project to clean and restore veteran gravesites at the historic cemetery. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250413-Z-ZJ128-1003 Pfc. PFC Arely Luviano-Garcia cleans the engraving on a veteran's headstone at the I.O.O.F. Eastwood Cemetery in Medford, Oregon, April 13, 2025. Soldiers from Hotel Company, 141 Support Battalion focused on restoring veteran gravesites by removing accumulated moss and dirt to make inscriptions readable again during the community service project. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250413-Z-ZJ128-1004 A group of Oregon Army National Guard soldiers work together to clean a large veteran's headstone at the I.O.O.F. Eastwood Cemetery in Medford, Oregon, April 13, 2025. Members of Hotel Company, 141 Support Battalion, which drills out of the Medford Armory, worked in teams to restore weathered grave markers during their drill weekend, exemplifying the Guard's commitment to community service in the areas where members live and serve. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

Oregon National Guard Celebrates Renovations To The W.D. Jackson Armory In Portland (Photo) -04/04/25

Story by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon Army National Guard’s W.D. Jackson Armory, located in Portland, Oregon, hosted a formal ribbon cutting ceremony on April 4, 2025, to officially unveil the recently completed renovations to the facility.

Presiding over the occasion, Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon, said that the upgrades and renovations will continue to serve “as a cornerstone for training, readiness, and community engagement into the future."

“The scope of these renovations is impressive,” he said, magnifying some of the projects goals. “The facility now boasts new water lines, seismic upgrades, energy-efficient windows, new flooring, fresh paint inside and out, and updated bathrooms. They represent our investment in the future of the Oregon National Guard.”

Initially constructed in 1963 and featuring an additional 6,100-square-foot storage building added in 1991, this $9.4 million renovation project will now extend the armory’s lifespan for another 25 years. The renovations are part of the U.S. Army Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP) and are funded by a combination of federal resources and bond sales by the State of Oregon.

Additionally, dilapidated roads were replaced, backup generators were installed, and caged storage areas for equipment were created. Facility designs were provided by BBL Architects, focusing on cost-effective and energy-efficient improvements for the Oregon Military Department.

“This project exemplifies what we can accomplish through partnership and collaboration. I want to recognize the tremendous work of the Oregon Military Department, AGI Construction, P&C Construction, and BBL Architects,” Gronewold said.

The two-story building, located on the southern edge of the Portland Air National Guard Base, was officially renamed in 1975 as the William D. Jackson Armory in honor of the former Commander of Battery ‘A’ of the 148th Field Artillery in Portland.  

""Over the last 60 years, the Jackson Armory has been a gathering point for Oregon Citizen-Soldiers. It has supported domestic operations, multiple deployments to Iraq, and most recently the mobilization of the Battalion this summer to Iraq and Syria,” said Lt. Col. Anna Robledo, Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery. “We are very grateful for the support from the Oregon Military Department, our state, and our partners in the community of Portland who made these upgrades possible.”

The armory stands as a symbol of dedication and mission readiness, housing both the Alpha and Charlie Batteries of the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, part of the 41st Infantry Combat Team, alongside the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment of the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Over the past several years, soldiers have committed themselves to rigorous preparations for deployments and the warm reunions with family members at the armory - vividly illustrating the resiliency and unity that the armory embraces.

 “The halls are quiet today at Jackson Armory as our rear detachment is continuing their training over at the coast, and our brothers and sisters in arms continue their defensive operations in the Middle East,” Robledo said.

Approximately 230 members of the unit were mobilized on August 9, 2024, to support Operation Inherent Resolve, which was directed to advise, assist, and enable partner forces to defeat terrorist elements throughout the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

The W.D. Jackson Armory also houses the Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, whose most recent mobilization sent them to Poland in support of the European Deterrence Initiative as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve in April 2021, returning home in January 2022.

“I am proud that the Oregon National Guard remains the service of choice for Oregonians. Our Citizen-Soldiers come from every corner of this great state, bringing diverse skills, perspectives, and a shared commitment to service,” Gronewold said, emphasizing the impact of the renovations for the service members assigned to the armory. “They deserve facilities that match their dedication, and Jackson Armory now stands as an example of our promise to provide exactly that.”

-30-

Released Photos: 

250404-Z-CH590-1117: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon (center-left) and Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Anna Robledo, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Commander (center-right) and other dignitaries cut a ceremonial ribbon to highlight recent renovations at the Oregon Army National Guard’s W.D. Jackson Armory, located in Portland, Oregon, on April 4, 2025. Initially constructed in 1963 and featuring an additional 6,100-square-foot storage building added in 1991, this $9.4 million renovation project will extend the armory’s lifespan for another 25 years. (Air National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

250404-Z-CH590-1078: Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Anna Robledo, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Commander, addresses those in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Oregon Army National Guard’s W.D. Jackson Armory, located in Portland, Oregon, on April 4, 2025. Initially constructed in 1963 and featuring an additional 6,100-square-foot storage building added in 1991, this $9.4 million renovation project will extend the armory’s lifespan for another 25 years. (Air National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

250404-Z-CH590-1048: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon, addresses those in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Oregon Army National Guard’s W.D. Jackson Armory, located in Portland, Oregon, on April 4, 2025. Initially constructed in 1963 and featuring an additional 6,100-square-foot storage building added in 1991, this $9.4 million renovation project will extend the armory’s lifespan for another 25 years. (Air National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

250404-Z-CH590-1152: A renovated classroom and meeting space at the Oregon Army National Guard’s W.D. Jackson Armory, located in Portland, Oregon, was officially unveiled during the formal ribbon cutting ceremony held on April 4, 2025. Initially constructed in 1963 and featuring an additional 6,100-square-foot storage building added in 1991, this $9.4 million renovation project will extend the armory’s lifespan for another 25 years. (Air National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

250404-Z-CH590-1160: The Oregon Army National Guard’s W.D. Jackson Armory, located in Portland, Oregon, hosted a formal ribbon cutting ceremony on April 4, 2025, highlighting the recent renovations. Initially constructed in 1963 and featuring an additional 6,100-square-foot storage building added in 1991, this $9.4 million renovation project will extend the armory’s lifespan for another 25 years. (Air National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

250404-Z-CH590-1143: A fresh coat of paint and other upgrades to the halls and stairwell at Oregon Army National Guard’s W.D. Jackson Armory, located in Portland, Oregon, were officially unveiled during the formal ribbon cutting ceremony held on April 4, 2025. Initially constructed in 1963 and featuring an additional 6,100-square-foot storage building added in 1991, this $9.4 million renovation project will extend the armory’s lifespan for another 25 years. (Air National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/494642/oregon-national-guard-celebrates-renovations-wd-jackson-armory-portland

Media Advisory: Oregon National Guard To Host Ribbon-cutting Rededication Ceremony For Jackson Armory Renovations (Photo) -04/02/25

SALEM, Ore. - A formal ribbon-cutting rededication ceremony for the recently completed renovations at the W.D. Jackson Armory of the Oregon Army National Guard, located in Portland, Oregon, is scheduled to be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, the Adjutant General of Oregon, will preside over the event, which will include elected officials, members from the City of Portland as well as other Oregon National Guard dignitaries to commemorate the rededication.

“The Oregon Military Department is excited to announce completion of a $9.4 million renovation of the W.D. Jackson Armory which is now available to support the Oregon National Guard and the local community,” said Mr. Todd Farmer, director of the Oregon Military Department Installations Division. “This renovation extends the life of this important facility by at least 25 years and demonstrates OMD’s commitment to Portland.”

The armory was originally constructed in 1963 and features an additional 6,100-square-foot storage building added in 1991. The renovations are part of the U.S. Army Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP) and are funded by a combination of federal resources and bond sales by the State of Oregon.

The upgrades feature new water lines, HVAC units, seismic enhancements, energy-efficient windows, new flooring, fresh paint, and updated bathroom facilities. Additionally, dilapidated roads were replaced, backup generators were installed, and caged storage areas for equipment were created. Facility designs were provided by BBL Architects, focusing on cost-effective and energy-efficient improvements for the Oregon Military Department.

The armory is currently home to both the Alpha and Charlie Batteries of the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, which is part of the 41st Infantry Combat Team, as well as the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, part of the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

Members of the media who wish to attend the ceremony can contact Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, Public Affairs Director for the Oregon Military Department.

-30-