142nd Wing To Conduct Memorial Day Flyovers (Photo) -05/24/25

Oregon National Guard Physician Assistant Sets New World Record For Hand Release Push-Ups (Photo) -05/24/25

Major Tommy Vu completes 1,422 repetitions in one hour at West Salem gym

WEST SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Army National Guard Physician Assistant Major Tommy Vu set a new world record May 23, 2025, for the most hand-release push-ups completed in one hour, achieving 1,422 repetitions at West Coast Strength gym in West Salem.

The record attempt, which required a minimum of 1,250 repetitions to qualify as an official Guinness World Record, marks Vu's seventh world record achievement. Previous records for this category had remained unbroken due to a lack of official attempts to meet the qualifying threshold.

"My goal was to break the record, but when I talked to my commanding officer about it, he said if I didn't get 1,350, that wouldn't be good enough," Vu explained following the grueling hour-long performance. "So I was really happy when I looked over and saw 1,350. I asked them to take a photo to show him I did it."

True to his tradition, Vu dedicated $1 per repetition to charity, with proceeds benefiting cancer research in honor of his friend Ilsa, who recently completed her first marathon while battling brain cancer.

The achievement comes after previous challenges for Vu, including developing rhabdomyolysis from his recent burpee pull-up record attempt and illness that forced the postponement of his initial attempt at this record.

Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, the adjutant general of Oregon, said Vu's latest achievement demonstrates the caliber of individuals who serve in the Oregon National Guard.

"Major Vu's ability to excel in his medical profession while pursuing personal challenges at the highest level reflects the multifaceted talent we see throughout our ranks," Gronewold said. "His commitment to giving back through charitable donations with each record attempt embodies the service-oriented mindset that defines our Guard members."

"People always ask when I'm going to stop or when enough is enough,"

Vu said. "There's always going to be charity out there, people to help, and records to break, so I'll just keep going until I run out of steam."

This latest accomplishment adds to Vu's impressive record-setting career, which includes previous world records for burpees and other fitness challenges, all while serving his community and country as a medical officer in the Oregon Army National Guard.

The record is pending official verification by Guinness World Records.'

Released B-Roll Video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/964035/oregon-national-guard-physician-assistant-sets-new-world-record-hand-release-push-ups

Release Photos:

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Oregon Army National Guard Physician Assistant Maj. Tommy Vu performs the hand-release portion of a push-up during his world record attempt for most hand-release push-ups in one hour at West Coast Strength gym in West Salem, Ore., May 23, 2025. Vu's wife, Linda, can be seen in the background, capturing the historic moment. Vu completed 1,422 repetitions, setting a new world record pending official verification by Guinness World Records. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Oregon Army National Guard member Pedro Velasquez keeps the official count while friends and spectators perform push-ups alongside Maj. Tommy Vu during his world record attempt for most hand-release push-ups in one hour at West Coast Strength gym in West Salem, Ore., May 23, 2025. Vu encourages participants at all his record attempts to complete repetitions with him for additional motivation during the grueling hour-long challenge. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Oregon Army National Guard Physician Assistant Maj. Tommy Vu grimaces with maximum effort at the apex of a push-up as the counter shows 1,413 repetitions with just 26 seconds remaining in his world record attempt at West Coast Strength gym in West Salem, Ore., May 23, 2025. Vu would complete 1,422 hand-release push-ups in one hour, setting a new world record pending official verification by Guinness World Records. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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A sweat-soaked Oregon Army National Guard Physician Assistant, Maj. Tommy Vu points to the counter displaying 1,422 repetitions after completing his world record attempt for most hand-release push-ups in one hour at West Coast Strength gym in West Salem, Ore., May 23, 2025. Vu's achievement marks his seventh world record and is pending official verification by Guinness World Records. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Oregon Army National Guard Physician Assistant Maj. Tommy Vu holds his son Adonis while surrounded by friends and family who came out to support his world record attempt at West Coast Strength gym in West Salem, Ore., May 23, 2025. His wife, Linda, holds a large donation check for $1,422, representing $1 for each repetition completed, which will be donated to cancer research. The counter in the foreground displays Vu's final total of 1,422 hand-release push-ups, setting a new world record pending official verification by Guinness World Records. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

Armed Forces Day Celebration At The Rees Training Center (Photo) -05/17/25

Armed Forces Day at Rees Training Center

HERMISTON, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard hosted an Armed Forces Day celebration on May 17, 2025, honoring current military members and veterans of the United States military during a community event held at the Rees Training Center near Hermiston, Oregon.

“The Oregon National Guard has a long history of supporting Armed Forces Day celebration,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon. “Being able to support events like these makes the Oregon National Guard the Service of Choice for Oregonians.”

This was the first 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, local food and community vendors, a climbing wall, as well as music provided by the Hermiston High School Band.

Welcoming those in attendance to open the celebration was Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Training, Readiness and Mobilization from 2014 to 2019, and as the Adjutant General of Oregon. He also served as the director of the Army National Guard and acting chief of the National Guard Bureau during his distinguished career.

In September of 2022, the Umatilla Chemical Depot was officially renamed the Raymond F. Rees Training Center in his honor and for his contributions to the Nation and State.

“This is certainly an opportunity to thank all our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen for their service,” Rees said. “I also want to thank the contributions of the Oregon Army and Air National Guard on this day, for their dedication and contributions to the security of the people of Oregon.”

Umatilla County Commissioner Cindy Timmons also gave opening remarks, saying, “I just want to ask you to have fun today and enjoy visiting the vendors and recruiting attractions.”

The annual Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or ‘TAG Match,’ took place from May 15 to 17 at the weapons ranges of the Rees Training Center, where the best marksmen in the Oregon Army and Air National Guard competed. Gronewold seized the opportunity to present the winners in each category during a late afternoon ceremony.

“Whether you're in the National Guard, active duty, or Reserves, when called upon, those who wear our nation’s uniform rise to the occasion and challenge,” Gronewold said.

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.

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Released images:

250517-Z-CH590-1791: Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees delivers the opening remarks to welcome those attending the first-ever Oregon National Guard Armed Forces Day celebration held at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 17, 2025. Rees, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Training, Readiness, and Mobilization from 2014 to 2019, also held the position of Adjutant General of Oregon. He further distinguished himself by serving as the director of the Army National Guard and acting chief of the National Guard Bureau during his esteemed career. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

250517-Z-CH590-1841: Umatilla County Commissioner Cindy Timmons delivers opening remarks to welcome those attending the first-ever Oregon National Guard Armed Forces Day celebration held at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 17, 2025. 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. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

250517-Z-CH590-2140: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, addresses those attending the first-ever Oregon National Guard Armed Forces Day celebration held at the Rees Training Center near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 17, 2025. Gronewold described the history of Armed Forces Day and the responsibilities of those who currently serve in the military, as well as thanking those who have served in the past, during an afternoon awards ceremony for the annual Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or ‘TAG Match.’ (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

250517-Z-CH590-2172: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (back row, left), pauses for a group photo with those who won individual and team awards during an afternoon ceremony for the annual Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or ‘TAG Match,’ held at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon on May 17, 2025. The TAG Match concluded on Armed Forces Day, and the winners were highlighted during the day’s events. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

250517-Z-CH590-3692: Local food vendors serve lunch to those attending the first-ever Armed Forces Day celebration held at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 17, 2025. 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. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

250517-Z-CH590-3713: An Oregon Army National Guard helicopter was just one of the many military static displays open to the public at the first-ever Armed Forces Day celebration held at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 17, 2025. 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. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

250517-Z-CH590-3794: Oregon Army National Guard recruiters help kids enjoy a climbing wall while attending the first-ever Armed Forces Day celebration held at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 17, 2025. 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. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

The Oregon National Guard Salutes Armed Forces Day And National Military Appreciation Month (Photo) -05/14/25

SALEM, Ore. - The State Capitol Mall was packed as civilians and service members gathered in honor of Armed Forces Day, May 14, 2025, in Salem, Ore.

The Oregon National Guard had something for everyone, from the howitzer salute courtesy of 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery, to the F-15 Eagle flyover by the Oregon Air National Guard, music from the 234th Army Band, and military static displays staged around the Mall.

“This Armed Forces Day, we gather to express our profound gratitude for the service and sacrifice of all the remarkable individuals who serve in every branch of our armed forces,” said Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek.

The Oregon National Guard recognized the 20-year anniversary for Oregon Soldiers who deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during this year’s celebration. Personnel from 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, headquartered in Springfield were deployed in 2004 and returned back to Oregon in 2005. 

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. The holiday was officially designated in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy.

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Release B-ROLL: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/962457/2025-oregon-national-guard-hosts-armed-forces-day-celebration

Released photos:

240514-Z-ZJ128-1001 - Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, fire an M119 105 mm howitzer during a salute at the Armed Forces Day celebration in front of the Oregon State Capitol building in Salem, Ore., May 14, 2025. The celebration featured music from "Oregon's Own" 234th Army Band, static displays of military equipment, local food trucks, and concluded with an F-15 Eagle flyover from the Oregon Air National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250514-Z-UZ129-1001 - Attendees tour the Oregon National Guard static displays during the Armed Forces Day event at the State Capitol Mall in Salem, Ore., May 14, 2025. Armed Forces Day recognizes the continued sacrifice of all military members and their families. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson, Oregon National Guard)

250514-Z-UZ129-1002 - The North Salem High School Junior ROTC color guard posts the service flags during the Armed Forces Day event at the State Capitol Mall in Salem, Ore., May 14, 2025. Armed Forces Day recognizes the continued sacrifice of all military members and their families. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson, Oregon National Guard)  

250514-Z-UZ129-1004 - Brig Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, addresses attendees during the Armed Forces Day event at the State Capitol Mall in Salem, Ore., May 14, 2025. Armed Forces Day recognizes the continued sacrifice of all military members and their families. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson, Oregon National Guard)  

250514-Z-UZ129-1005 - The Armed Forces Day event concludes with an F-15 Eagle flyover by Oregon Air National Guard's at the State Capitol Mall in Salem, Ore., May 14, 2025. Armed Forces Day recognizes the continued sacrifice of all military members and their families. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson, Oregon National Guard)  

250514-Z-UZ129-1006 - Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek greets retired Command Sgt. Maj. “Vinnie” Jacques, who served in Iraq in 2004-2005 with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment following the Armed Forces Day event at the State Capitol Mall in Salem, Ore., May 14, 2025. Armed Forces Day recognizes the continued sacrifice of all military members and their families. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson, Oregon National Guard)  

250514-Z-UZ129-1007 - Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, pose for a group photo with 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment members following the Armed Forces Day event at the State Capitol Mall in Salem, Ore., May 14, 2025. Armed Forces Day recognizes the continued sacrifice of all military members and their families. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson, Oregon National Guard) 

Media Advisory: Oregon National Guard To Host Armed Forces Day Event At The State Capital And Rees Training Center (Photo) -05/14/25

Oregon National Guard Holds Ceremony For Soldiers Deploying To Horn Of Africa (Photo) -05/04/25

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard held a mobilization ceremony for Soldiers with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) at the Salem Armory Auditorium, May 4, 2025, in Salem Ore. 

Approximately 220 Soldiers with the 41st IBCT are preparing to mobilize to the Horn of Africa to join Task Force BATAAN in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. 

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek addressed attendees, thanking Soldiers and their families for their commitment and sacrifice. 

“I know you will rise to any challenge ahead of you and continue to set the bar high,” Kotek said. 

Task Force BATAAN is comprised of Soldiers from Oregon, New Mexico, Washington, and Louisiana. They will be serving in Djibouti, Kenya and Somalia in support of CJTF-HOA and JSOTF-SOM. The primary mission will be to conduct security and base defense operations. 

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Released photos:

250504-Z-UZ129-1015 Oregon National Guard Soldiers with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team salute the flag during the national anthem at their mobilization ceremony at the Salem Armory Auditorium, May 4, 2025, in Salem, Ore. Approximately 220 Soldiers with the 41st are preparing to mobilize to the Horn of Africa to join Task Force BATAAN in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson)

250504-Z-UZ129-1009 Oregon National Guard Soldiers with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team stand in formation during their mobilization ceremony at the Salem Armory Auditorium, May 4, 2025, in Salem, Ore. Approximately 220 Soldiers with the 41st are preparing to mobilize units to the Horn of Africa to join Task Force BATAAN in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson)

250504-Z-UZ129-1022 Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, the Adjutant General of Oregon, addresses attendees at the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team mobilization ceremony at the Salem Armory Auditorium, May 4, 2025, in Salem, Ore. Approximately 220 Soldiers with the 41st are preparing to mobilize to the Horn of Africa to join Task Force BATAAN in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson)

250504-Z-UZ129-1028 Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek shakes hands with Oregon National Guard Soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team following their mobilization ceremony at the Salem Armory Auditorium, May 4, 2025, in Salem, Ore. Approximately 220 Soldiers with the 41st are preparing to mobilize to the Horn of Africa to join Task Force BATAAN in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson)

Update: OREGON NATIONAL GUARD TO HOLD MOBILIZATION CEREMONY FOR SOLDIERS DEPLOYING TO HORN OF AFRICA (Photo) -05/02/25

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OREGON NATIONAL GUARD TO HOLD MOBILIZATION CEREMONY FOR SOLDIERS DEPLOYING TO HORN OF AFRICA

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon National Guard will hold a mobilization ceremony for approximately 225 Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), which is deploying to the Horn of Africa to support Operation Inherent Resolve.

WHEN: Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: The ceremony will take place at the Salem Armory Auditorium, 2320 17th Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Media members are invited to attend the mobilization ceremony for Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers deploying to the Horn of Africa. The event will honor Soldiers from multiple units within the 41st IBCT who will provide base security and force protection in Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia.

DEPLOYING UNITS: The 1-200 Infantry Battalion serves as the Task Force Headquarters for the Oregon National Guard 41st IBCT during deployment, but at home, it is under the New Mexico National Guard, headquartered in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Approximately 225 Oregon National Guard Citizen-Soldiers are comprised of the following units:

•   2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, Headquartered in Springfield.

•   741st Brigade Engineer Battalion, Headquartered in Clackamas.

•   2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, Headquartered in Forest Grove.

•   141st Brigade Support Battalion (deploying separately in June 2025), Headquartered in Portland.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Interviews with deploying Soldiers and family members (with prior coordination), photo/video opportunities of the ceremony, and B-roll of Soldiers preparing for deployment (see story and connected media) here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/495200/urban-operations-demolitions-41st-ibct-trains-horn-africa-mission.

MEDIA RSVP: Media planning to attend should RSVP by [DATE] to [YOUR EMAIL] or call [YOUR PHONE]. Please include the names of attending personnel.

Please contact Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, Director of Public Affairs, Oregon Military Department, to RSVP for this event.

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Released Images: 

250330-Z-ZJ128-1001: Soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team fire M4 carbines during weapons qualification at Range 73, Yakima Training Center, Wash., March 30, 2025. Individual weapons qualification was a critical component of Operation Djibouti Dawn Annual Training, ensuring combat readiness for the upcoming Horn of Africa deployment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250405-Z-ZJ128-1001: A weapons squad from 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment fires an M240 machine gun from a support-by-fire position during a blank-fire iteration at Yakima Training Center, Wash., April 5, 2025. The training exercise prepared the crew for live-fire operations scheduled for the following day as part of Operation Djibouti Dawn Annual Training in preparation for their Horn of Africa deployment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250406-Z-ZJ128-1004: Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment enter the live fire shoothouse at Range 24, Yakima Training Center, Wash., April 6, 2025. The urban operations training is part of Operation Djibouti Dawn Annual Training in preparation for the unit's upcoming deployment to the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

File stock photo of the 17th Street Armory in Salem: 221016-Z-ZJ128-1002: Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Combat Team (IBCT), Oregon National Guard formation at the unit's re-stationing ceremony Oct. 16, 2022, at the 17th Street Armory in Salem, Ore. The company moved from Medford to Salem, culminating with the re-stationing ceremony, celebrating their arrival at a new home armory. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

GUARD HOSTS "GUARD FOR A DAY" OPEN HOUSE IN MEDFORD (Photo) -05/02/25

MEDFORD, Ore. – The Oregon Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment will host a "Guard for a Day" Open House on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Medford Armory, located at 1701 S. Pacific Hwy. 

The free public event offers attendees hands-on experiences with military equipment and demonstrations of National Guard capabilities. Visitors of all ages can explore military vehicles, handle equipment, observe combat medic demonstrations, view Army mortar systems up close, and learn about scout operations.

 "This Open House is a unique opportunity for Southern Oregon residents to experience firsthand what the National Guard does and the equipment we use," said Lt. Col. Heather Robinson, Rear Detachment Commander. "We're excited to welcome our community and let them get hands-on with our equipment and meet our soldiers." 

Oregon Army National Guard soldiers are unique in that they live and work in the communities they serve, typically dedicating one weekend a month and two weeks a year to military service. This local connection enables them to respond quickly during emergencies such as wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters while maintaining civilian careers. This community integration is why the Oregon Army National Guard has become the military service of choice for many Oregonians. 

Simultaneously, the battalion rear detachment will conduct a virtual town hall meeting with soldiers currently deployed to Egypt's Sinai Peninsula as part of the Multinational Force and Observers mission. The virtual connection will provide families with updates on the mission and plans for the unit's upcoming return in the fall.

The 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment is headquartered in Ashland with units located throughout Southern Oregon, including Medford, Grants Pass, and Roseburg. The battalion serves both the state of Oregon during emergencies and the nation during federal deployments. 

The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. 

Media outlets are encouraged to contact the Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office to facilitate coverage and arrange interviews with Guard leadership and participants.

Oregon National Guard Celebrates With The Ducks At The University Of Oregon Spring Football Game (Photo) -04/26/25

EUGENE, Ore. - Members of the Oregon National Guard supported the University of Oregon Ducks annual spring football game on April 26, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. 

The Oregon National Guard held recruiting displays outside the stadium, giving the public a chance to interact with military equipment and speak with service members. 

“We get to showcase what we do, some of the vehicles we have, and what we’re capable of,” said Master Sgt. Brandon Chase, Oregon Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Noncommissioned Officer In Charge of Eugene, Springfield, and Corvallis. “We’re letting them know that we live here and we serve here and we’re huge Duck fans.”

Prior to kickoff, service members, veterans, and their families held a large U.S. flag in the center of the field as Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Duane Reno with the 234th Army Band sang the national anthem. As the flag was walked off the field, two F-15 Eagles assigned to the 173rd Fighter Wing at Klamath Falls flew overhead.

During halftime, new recruits and some currently serving members of the military took the Oath of Enlistment in the end field. 

At the conclusion of the game, more than 125 service members lined up with the football team to participate in an “End of Game Exchange.”

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