News

In a first, Pa. National Guard augments Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency’s Incident Management Team
July 2, 2020 — Several Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers integrated with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency’s Incident Management Team in early March to assist in planning the agency’s COVID-19 response... MORE

Planners with the Pennsylvania National Guard attend a meeting at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Harrisburg, Pa., along with representatives from FEMA, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and others on July 1, 2020. Several Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers integrated with PEMA’s Incident Management Team in early March to assist in planning the agency’s COVID-19 response.

Political activity by government employees, service members limited
June 10, 2020 — In the 1995 movie “Crimson Tide,” Gene Hackman’s character, a Navy submarine captain, proclaimed: “We’re here to preserve democracy, not to practice it.” While that statement may be true when it comes to following lawful orders, it’s only partially true when it comes to political activity and voting... MORE

Pa. National Guard ready to support local law enforcement
May 31, 2020 — FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Under the authority of Governor Tom Wolf and at the direction of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Pennsylvania National Guard has placed over 600 Guardsmen on state active duty to provide support to local law enforcement in keeping order during protests... MORE

Father, son work together during pandemic
May 29, 2020 — Joseph Sapienza, director of maintenance/ life safety for Pleasant Valley Manor nursing home, recently received word that someone very familiar to him would be coming to work at the home... MORE

(Left to right) Sgt. Alec Sapienza, combat medic with the 108th Medical Area Support Company, 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania National Guard, and Joseph Sapienza, director of maintenance/ life safety for Pleasant Valley Manor nursing home in Stroudsburg, Pa., pose for a photo on May 21, 2020. Alec volunteered for state active duty during the COVID-19 situation and was tasked with supporting the Pennsylvania Department of Health mission to Pleasant Valley Manor where his father, Joseph, works; a surprise that he found out after he had volunteered to continue to support Pennsylvania (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Keeler).

Pa. National Guard launches COVID-19 testing task force
May 29, 2020 — The Pennsylvania National Guard has assembled a task force to conduct point prevalence sampling at nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the Commonwealth... MORE

The frontline of defense against COVID-19 in Chester County is Medical Strike Team Iroquois. Under guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and closely monitored by CDC officials, Pennsylvania National Guard members with Task Force Iroquois launched a Point Prevalence Sampling Strike Team in Kendal-Crosslands Communities, Kennet Square, Pa., on May 26, 2020.

Despite COVID-19, 28th ECAB "knocks out" pre-deployment training
May 26, 2020 — Despite numerous adjustments to pre-deployment training due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade is ready for their upcoming deployment to the Middle East... MORE

U.S. Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade stand in formation while adhering to social distancing guidelines and COVID-19 mitigation directives.

Pa. National Guard, Civil Air Patrol deliver, distribute more than 800,000 meals to Pennsylvanians
May 21, 2020 — Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, two organizations with a close relationship -- the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Pennsylvania Wing, Civil Air Patrol -- have worked concurrently under the direction of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to provide Pennsylvanians with meals... MORE

Pennsylvania Wing Civil Air Patrol members augmented points of distribution sites for food and essential supplies to households in Bucks County under the direction of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The Pennsylvania National Guard and the Pennsylvania Wing, Civil Air Patrol together have delivered and distributed more than 800,000 meals. (photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Wing Civil Air Patrol)

Pa. National Guard launches point prevalence sampling strike team in Lancaster
May 21, 2020 — Task Force Ghostrider prepares to administer COVID-19 tests at the Lancashire Hall Nursing and Rehab Center, in Lancaster, Pa., on May 19, 2020. Under guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and monitored by CDC officials, Pennsylvania National Guard members with Task Force Ghostrider launched a point prevalence sampling strike team in Lancaster. The mission is designed to identify possible risks of exposure to COVID-19 by testing the entire staff and residents for the virus. This is the first in the pilot program that will reach out across the state... MORE

Col. Scott Coradi (left), 111th Medical Group commander and medical adviser for Pennsylvania Task Force South trains members of Task Force Ghostrider, Spc. Joshua Vargo (center) and Spc. Kristien Quintanilla (right) on proper procedures how to administer a COVID-19 test in Lancaster, Pa., on May 19, 2020.

Army, Air officers bring different backgrounds to lead task force
May 20, 2020 — Col. Jon Farr is an Army armor officer who has multiple combat deployments under his belt and serves the commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team... MORE

Col. Scott Coradi (left) and Col. Jon Farr discuss operational plans while overlooking a map of the area of operations for Pennsylvania Task Force South at Horsham Air Guard Station, Pennsylvania, on May 2, 2020.

Pa. Air National Guard flyovers scheduled for three cities
May 15, 2020 — The Pennsylvania Air National Guard will present an aircraft flyover in the Pittsburgh, Johnstown and Harrisburg areas Tuesday, May 19, as part of Operation American Resolve, a nationwide salute to all those supporting COVID-19 response efforts... MORE

The Pennsylvania Air National Guard will present an aircraft flyover in the Pittsburgh area Tuesday, May 19, as part of Operation American Resolve, a nationwide salute to all those supporting COVID-19 response efforts. (U.S. Air National Guard courtesy photo)