Oct. 30, 2020 - “Hearing the drum and watching the dancers is awesome, something inside of me comes to life and gives me a happy energy.” This is how Missouri Air National Guard Master Sgt. Mary Lohnes describes participating in tribal ceremonies. Though her legal name is Mary, where she is from this is not how she is known. “At home I go by the name Kristy, short for Kristine, my middle name,” said Lohnes. When she returned from her last deployment, her MiSunkaNah Hunka, or adopted brother, gave her the name Akicita Okichize Win, which means “Fighting Warrior Woman.” Much like her name, there is a lot you can learn about Lohnes.

Oct. 22, 2020 - During the COVID-19 pandemic in Missouri, the 139th Airlift Wing held true to their motto “Always Ready, Ever Willing.” Airmen all across the base stepped up to help communities around the state. These Airmen left their families, friends and jobs behind to answer the call for the oath they took when they enlisted, “To protect and defend the state of Missouri and the United State of America.”

Oct. 21, 2020 - Joshua Roth had just completed his shift as a firefighter with the St. Louis Fire Department on Aug. 15, 2019 prepared to do some work on the bathroom of his newly purchased house. Before he was very far into the project, he received a call; it was the department offering him some overtime. He accepted the offer and made his way to the station. The day started slowly so he decided to hop on a treadmill to exercise. After completing a couple of miles, the alarm sounded, and it was time to work. He jumped off the treadmill, grabbed his equipment and raced to the scene.

Oct. 14, 2020 - One Missouri National Guard couple provides new meaning to the word team. This couple is Trisha and David Katzfey. Both first sergeants and full-time Soldiers, the husband and wife team find balance with their different, but complimentary leadership styles and face the challenges of leadership and full-time Guard service together as one team.