Oregon National Guard Mobilizes Soldiers For Vital Middle East Support Role (Photo) - 04/20/26

SALEM, Ore. – Eight members of the 150th Test, Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Support Detachment were recognized during a mobilization ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 15, 2026, as they prepare to deploy to the Middle East in support of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operations.

The 150th TMDE is a key sustainment asset for the Army National Guard, maintaining accurate diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with Army calibration standards, and supporting unit readiness for all missions.

“I want everyone in the room to understand something. That number (eight) does not reflect the mission's importance or the impact this unit will have downrange. Some of the most critical work in any military operation is accomplished by a small team,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard and the Presiding Officer for the ceremony.

These soldiers calibrate and repair the diagnostic testing equipment that all other units rely on. They support aviation, communications, medical, CBRN, and weapons systems. Their work ensures instruments measure correctly, so diagnostic tools give reliable readings. This helps keep the equipment that soldiers trust with their lives safe and dependable.

“To the members of the 150th TMDE, you carry Oregon with you and carry over 25 years of history from the Balkans, to Iraq, to Europe, and now the Middle East,” Gronewold said. “That’s a legacy worth honoring, and you are adding to it today.”

The origins of the unit date to 1999, when it was established as Detachment 4, 1241st Ordnance Team, to provide precision calibration support for Army systems. Currently, the 150th TMDE Support Detachment remains a critical contributor to Army readiness, supporting both domestic and overseas missions.

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Released Imagery:

260415-Z-CH590-1056: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers of the 150th Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment Support Detachment stand in formation during their mobilization ceremony held at Camp Withycombe, in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 15, 2026, to support U.S. Central Command in the Middle East. The 150th TMDE is a key sustainment asset for the Army National Guard, maintaining accurate diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with Army calibration standards, and supporting unit readiness for all missions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260415-Z-CH590-1123: Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Rocky Kumlin, 821st Troop Command Battalion, delivers remarks to Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers and family members assigned to the 150th Test, Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Support Detachment as they are mobilized on April 15, 2026, for assignment in the Middle East. The 150th TMDE is a key sustainment asset for the Army National Guard, maintaining accurate diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with Army calibration standards, and supporting unit readiness for all missions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260415-Z-CH590-1083: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard, delivers remarks to Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers and family members assigned to the 150th Test, Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Support Detachment as they are mobilized on April 15, 2026, for assignment in the Middle East. The 150th TMDE is a key sustainment asset for the Army National Guard, maintaining accurate diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with Army calibration standards, and supporting unit readiness for all missions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260415-Z-CH590-1046: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard (right), greets Soldiers assigned to the 150th Test, Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Support Detachment, at the conclusion of the unit’s formal mobilization ceremony held at Camp Withycombe, in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 15, 2026, to support U.S. Central Command in the Middle East. The 150th TMDE is a key sustainment asset for the Army National Guard, maintaining accurate diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with Army calibration standards, and supporting unit readiness for all missions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260415-Z-CH590-1013: Members of the 150th Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment Support Detachment and members of the official party stand for the playing of the National Anthem during their mobilization ceremony held at Camp Withycombe, in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 15, 2026, to support U.S. Central Command in the Middle East. The 150th TMDE is a key sustainment asset for the Army National Guard, maintaining accurate diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with Army calibration standards, and supporting unit readiness for all missions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260415-Z-CH590-1019: The unit Guidon for the 150th Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment Support Detachment is presented to those in attendance at the unit's formal mobilization ceremony on April 15, 2026, at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon. The 150th TMDE is a key sustainment asset for the Army National Guard, maintaining accurate diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with Army calibration standards, and supporting unit readiness for all missions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

VIDEO B-roll of ceremony: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1002748/150th-tmde-mobilization-ceremony

Oregon Military Hall Of Honor Ceremony Welcomes Six New Inductees (Photo) - 04/19/26

HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. – Six Oregon military veterans were inducted into the 2026 Oregon Military Hall of Honor during a formal ceremony held at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026, in recognition of their acts of heroism and exceptional service to the nation.

The six inductees, all of whom served in the U.S. Army or the Oregon Army National Guard, are Specialist 5th Class Carston R. “Bud” Calkin, Sergeant First Class Riley E. Lott, Jr., Command Sergeant Major Brunk Conley, Major Charles “Larry” Diebert, Lieutenant Colonel Leonard DeWitt, and General Daniel R. Hokanson.

“The men chosen for this year's Oregon Military Hall of Honor have shown acts of valor ‘above and beyond the call of duty,’ as well as exceptional post-service contribution in the community or state,” said Daniel Lacy, a member of the Forward Assist Board of Directors and the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Both Command Sgt. Maj. Conley and Gen. Hokanson began their careers on active duty before joining the Oregon National Guard. They addressed the audience, describing the military careers that took them to the highest levels of service at the Pentagon. Spc. 5 Carston, Sgt. 1st Class Lott, Maj. Diebert and Lt. Col. DeWitt were honored posthumously by friends, family members, and fellow veterans.

“This story is about the Oregon National Guard, and the organization that learned to love,” Conley said. “I became a team leader as I focused on being a guardsman and citizen-soldier.”

As the last of the six inductees to address the audience, Hokanson acknowledged both veterans who have worn the nation's uniform and those currently serving.

“I look at the example that each of us sets. I go back to whether someone served or not; that's important in how we conduct ourselves," Hokanson said. "We also need to tell our story to the next generation. That's why today's event is important.”

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Released Imagery:

260418-Z-CH590-1124: Oregon Army National Guard Gen. (ret.) Daniel R. Hokanson, former Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard and Chief of the National Guard Bureau (left), receives his Hall of Honors citation from Daniel Lacy (right) during the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260418-Z-CH590-1115: Oregon Army National Guard (ret.) Command Sgt. Maj. Brunk Conley, 10th Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard (left), receives his Hall of Honors citation from Daniel Lacy (right) during the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260418-Z-CH590-1126: Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees, former Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, presents the Hall of Honors induction citation to Suzanne Diebert, the wife of Maj. Charles “Larry” Diebert was posthumously awarded during the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260418-Z-CH590-1104: An Oregon Army National Guard Color Guard presents the nation's colors during the playing of the National Anthem to open the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

Video B-Roll:  https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1003024/2026-oregon-military-hall-honors-induction-ceremony

Woodburn Recognizes Sacrifices Of Military Children With April Proclamation (Photo) - 03/25/26