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Media Advisories

May 2, 2024: Nebraska National Guard supports multiple agencies with storm response efforts
April 26, 2024: Nebraska Air National Guard to host Open Hangar event
February 1, 2024: Nebraska Army National Guard Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing
October 13, 2023: Nebraska Air National Guard's 155th Air Refueling Wing to Welcome New Commander, Receive Unit Honors
May 5, 2023: National Guard Marathon runners return to Lincoln Marathon
March 16, 2023: Nebraska National Guard Soldiers to deploy in support of U.S. European Command
March 14, 2023: Ribbon-cutting planned for Camp Ashland military construction project
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News Archives

AIR NATIONAL GUARD SPOUSE OF THE YEAR: NEBRASKA’S CARA LOKEN RECOGNIZED FOR SELFLESS SERVICE, DEDICATION
February 20, 2025 — LINCOLN, Neb. -- Cara Loken, reserve component transition assistance advisor for the Nebraska National Guard, has been named the 2024 Air Force Association Air National Guard Spouse of the Year. This prestigious Air Force Association award highlights the exceptional contributions and sacrifices made by military spouses and recognizes the invaluable support of non-military spouses who help Air Force personnel maintain their focus on the mission. To be eligible, a person must be married to a service member of the Air Force—whether on Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve. Cara, who has supported Nebraska National Guard families and service members for more than 25 years, is married to John Loken, who currently serves as the commander of 155th Maintenance Group... MORE

Cara Loken, Reserve Component Transition Assistance Advisor for the Nebraska National Guard and spouse of John Loken, Commander of the 155th Maintenance Group, has been named the 2024 Air Force Association Air National Guard Spouse of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes the significant contributions and support provided by spouses of Air Force personnel across Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve components. Loken's dedication to Nebraska National Guard families and service members for over 25 years exemplifies the vital role family support plays in mission success.

New Air Guard Maintenance Support Squadron conducts first change of command ceremony
February 13, 2025 — OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. – One of the newest units in the Air National Guard saw its first changing of the guards take place, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, when Maj. Jordan Jacobs assumed command of the 170th Maintenance Support Squadron from the unit’s first commander, Lt. Col. Samuel Schneider. Schneider had served as commander of the unique Nebraska Air National Guard maintenance squadron since it first stood up at Offutt Air Force Base in April 2022... MORE

(From left) Nebraska Air National Guard Col. Wendy Squarcia, Maj. Maj. Jordan Jacobs and Lt. Col. Samuel Schneider stand next to each other during the change of command ceremony for Nebraska Air National Guard's 170th Maintenance Support Squadron, Jan. 30, 2025, at Offutt Air Force Base. The 170th Maintenance Support Squadron is a new Nebraska Air National Guard unit that provides maintenance support for the active Air Force's 55th Maintenance Group at Offutt Air Force Base. (Nebraska National Guard photo by Kevin Hynes).

As Nebraska Air Guard state command chief master sergeant retires, family legacy remains
February 13, 2025 — LINCOLN, Neb. – They say that the “Guard is Family.” For the Nebraska Air National Guard’s retiring state command chief master sergeant, that statement is more than just words; it’s way of life. Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Horne has spent more than 40 years in military uniform, having served at the Nebraska National Guard air base in Lincoln since his enlistment in 1985. However, while Horne’s time in the military came to an end on Feb. 1, his name will remain an integral part of the base community for years to come. That’s because three of Horne’s four children are currently serving in the Nebraska Air National Guard, continuing a family legacy of service to state and nation. “It definitely helps with my transition,” said Horne, “because I know my kids are still in and I can keep in touch that way.” ... MORE

Nebraska Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Horne, Nebraska Air National Guard state command chief master sergeant, poses for a photograph with three of his children who have chosen to follow his footsteps and join the Nebraska Air National Guard. Pictured are, from left, Senior Airman Hunter Horne, who serves as an aerial boom operator within the 155th Air Refueling Wing, 1st Lt. Madison Horne, who serves as a maintenance officer in the 155th Air Refueling Wing, and Capt. Dillon Horne, who serves as a KC-135R Stratotanker pilot in the 155th Air Refueling Wing. Horne recently retired after a 40 year military career with the Nebraska Air National Guard. (Photo by Kevin Hynes)

Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Horne Retires After 40 Years
February 6, 2025 — After a career marked by a never-ending care for others and fostering valuable relationships with other organizations, states and countries, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Horne officially retired from the Nebraska Air National Guard on Feb. 1, 2025, after a memorable 40-year military career. “It’s been an incredible journey; what I found over these decades are far more than a career, I found family,” said Horne, who last served as the eighth Nebraska Air National Guard command chief master sergeant. “From the very beginning I was surrounded by individuals who inspired me and supported me in ways I’ll never forget. There are some defining moments in my career where if that one person didn’t give me a chance, then I might not be where I’m at today and that was what I had throughout my whole career.” During Horne’s retirement ceremony – held at the Nebraska National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters with hundreds in attendance -- the resounding theme was how much Horne cared for the Airmen around him and how thankful he was for those who invested in his development and career. ... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Horne retires from the Nebraska Air National Guard Feb. 1, 2025 after 40 years of service at the Nebraska National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters, Lincoln, Nebraska. Horne served as the eighth state command chief master sergeant for the Nebraska Air National Guard.

(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jamie Syniy)

Echoes of Valor: Nebraska National Guard Returns to Bastogne 80 Years Later
January 2, 2025 — BASTOGNE, Belgium -- The Battle of Bastogne, a pivotal World War II clash that took place in the frigid Ardennes Forest in December 1944, is etched into military history lore. In a historic battle of wills, German forces fought for control of the strategic city of Bastogne, which was defended by U.S. Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division who had been cutoff and surrounded during Germany’s final major offensive. It was a battle that captured the attention of the entire world. Far less known, however, is the role that Soldiers from the Nebraska National Guard’s 134th Infantry Regiment played during the critical days of the battle. Battling against deep snow, frigid temperatures and near-constant German counterattacks, the efforts of the 134th Infantry Regiment Soldiers helped raise the siege of Bastogne, allowing relief to flow into the devastated city and its airborne defenders. Eighty years later and a few degrees warmer, a new generation of Nebraska National Guard troops returned to Bastogne to honor the legacy of their predecessors and commemorate the anniversary of this hard-fought victory. ... MORE

Five members of the Nebraska National Guard travelled to Bastogne, Belgium, Jan. 9-14, 2025, where they helped commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the city by Soldiers of Nebraska National Guard’s 134th Infantry Regiment under the 35th Infantry Division, during World War II.

The service members participated in a wreath laying ceremony at a memorial honoring those who liberated the region from Nazi Germany. Joining them in the ceremony were local residents and officials from the city of Lutremange as well as the Timberwolves Remembrance Group Belgium, a reenactment group in Belgium.

The Nebraska Soldiers and Airmen also travelled to the Luxembourg American Cemetery Memorial where they visited the graves of service members laid to rest there while also placing a wreath at the grave marker for Technical Sergeant John Cantoni, a Nebraska National Guardsman from Omaha, Nebraska. Cantoni was killed in action on Jan. 4, 1944, when his foxhole was struck by German fire as he and other members of his unit were defending Bastogne. He had been with the company for less than a week after recovering from wounds he received during the Battle of St. Lo in July 1944.

Nebraska National Guard sniper team wins national championship at Winston P Wilson Matches
January 2, 2025 — A two-person Nebraska Army National Guard sniper team shot their way to a national title, Dec. 13, when they placed first at the 54th Winston P. Wilson Sniper Championship, held Dec. 6-13 at the Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center in Barling Arkansas. In winning the title, Nebraska’s Staff Sgt. Marc Cruz and Sgt. Chance Baumann – infantrymen who serve in the sniper section of the Lincoln-based Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-134th Infantry (Airborne) – outshot similar teams from the Michigan and Iowa National Guard enroute to the championship... MORE

A two-person Nebraska Army National Guard sniper team shot their way to a national title, Dec. 13, when they placed first at the 54th Winston P. Wilson Sniper Championship, held Dec. 6-13 at the Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center in Barling Arkansas.

In winning the title, Nebraska’s Staff Sgt. Marc Cruz and Sgt. Chance Baumann – infantrymen who serve in the sniper section of the Lincoln-based Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-134th Infantry (Airborne) – outshot similar teams from the Michigan and Iowa National Guard enroute to the championship.

Former Nebraska National Guard Soldier donates Olympic Gold Medal winning rifle to Nebraska National Guard Museum
January 2, 2025 — Like an aged warrior, Gary Anderson’s famed rifle is showing its age; the rifle stock, barrel and accompanying sights still bear the scars and marks of countless competitive battles, including a very historic one in Tokyo more than 60 years ago. Masking tape holds bent cardboard in place on the rear of the wooden stock. Similar tape clings to a silver front palm-rest where its “owner” steadied the rifle during its last competition with an athlete representing the U.S.S.R. In its totality, the rifle is understated, both gangly and elegant in appearance. Yet, despite its looks, the rifle holds an honored place amongst American Olympic lore. And now it’s part of the growing collection of artifacts at the Nebraska National Guard Museum in Seward, Nebraska. “This rifle served me well during the years that I used it,” former Nebraska Army National Guard Lieutenant Gary Anderson wrote recently about the Remington 300-meter free rifle he donated to the Nebraska Guard Museum on Dec. 27. Did it ever. In 1962, Anderson used the rifle to lead the U.S.A. marksmanship team to two 300-meter World Championship Gold Medals. He also used it to win a gold medal in the 1963 Pan American Games in the 300-Meter (3x40) free rifle event with a score of 1,146, just one point shy of the world record at the time... MORE

Gary Anderson, former Nebraska Guardsman, donates his 1964 Olympic gold medal winning rifle to the Nebraska National Guard Museum in Seward, Nebraska, Dec. 27, 2024. Anderson used the rifle to lead the U.S.A. marksmanship team to two 300-meter World Championship Gold Medals. He also used it to win a gold medal in the 1963 Pan American Games in the 300-Meter (3x40) free rifle event with a score of 1,146, just one point shy of the world record at the time.

It was the same rifle that Anderson used to win a Gold Medal at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo on Oct. 15, 1964., the first of two consecutive Olympic Golds the Axtell, Nebraska, native earned in the 1960s while also serving as a Nebraska Army Guard engineering officer In Hastings and Grand Island.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Gauret Stearns)

Tontegode Assumes Reponsibility as Nebraska Air National Guard’s Ninth State Command Chief Master Sergeant
January 2, 2025 — Chief Master Sgt. Scott Tontegode became the Nebraska Air National Guard’s state’s ninth state command chief master sergeant, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, when he assumed the role from Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Horne during a change of responsibility at the Joint Force Headquarters... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Scott Tontegode assumes the position of State Command Chief Master Sergeant at Joint Force Headquarters Jan. 12, 2025, at the Nebraska National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters building, Lincoln, Nebraska. Tontegode served as the 155th Air Refueling Wing command chief master sergeant for five years.

(U.S. Air National Guard photo taken by Staff Sgt. Jamie Syniy)

Nebraska leaders celebrate National Guard’s 388th Birthday
December 17, 2024 — Nebraska Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Richard Burch, and many others helped the National Guard celebrate its 388th birthday, on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, during a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska. The ceremony included speeches, a state rollcall of Nebraska National Guard communities, the awarding of the Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award to a Capt. Grant Hewitt, Soldier and Airmen of the Year recognitions, and the ceremonial cutting of the National Guard birthday cake... MORE

Nebraska Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Richard Burch, and many others helped the National Guard celebrate its 388th birthday, on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, during a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The ceremony included speeches, a state rollcall of Nebraska National Guard communities, the awarding of the Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award to a Capt. Grant Hewitt, Soldier and Airmen of the Year recognitions, and the ceremonial cutting of the National Guard birthday cake.

Nebraska Air Guard CERFP Participates in Joint Exercise
November 15, 2024 — The 155th Air Refueling Wing’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package Detachment-1 participated in a full-scale exercise conducted by the National Disaster Medical System. ... MORE

Airmen with the Nebraska Air National Guard’s Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package Detachment-1 and 55th Wing role play as injured patients Nov. 13, 2024, during a joint National Disaster Medical System Exercise at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

Videos

Video by Staff Sgt. Alexander Schriner

155th Air Refueling Wing at the Central Coast AirFest

155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska Air National Guard

Sept. 22, 2024 | 1:54

The 155th Air Refueling Wing presented their KC-135R Stratotanker with a heritage paint scheme at the Central Coast AirFest, held at Santa Maria Airport in California on Sept. 21-22, 2024. The aircraft was part of the static display.

The AirFest had a special guest—101-year-old James Kunkle, a World War II fighter pilot. The heritage paint scheme on the KC-135 was specifically modeled after the markings on Kunkle’s own P-38 Lightning, the aircraft he flew during combat missions in WWII. Kunkle is the last surviving pilot of the 401st Fighter Squadron, which went on to become the 173rd Air Refueling Squadron.