Missouri National Guard > News and Media

Fighting Warrior Woman: Powwows, Beads, and Information
October 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. ... MORE

The Airmen behind the cameras
October 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.” ... MORE

Living the Creed
October 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... MORE

Married to the job: two First Sergeants tackle leadership
October 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... MORE

Missouri National Guard Adjutant General pinned the rank of Major General
October 7, 2020 — Missouri Adjutant General Levon E. Cumpton was officially promoted to the rank of Major General by Mo. Gov. Mike Parson. Parson promoted Maj. Gen. Cumpton from one to two stars during a ceremony in the Governor’s office at the state capitol... MORE

Missouri Guardsmen honors her heritage through service
October 7, 2020 — “I’ve always been interested in military service and chose to enlist in the Missouri National Guard,” Cruz said. She enlisted on September 28, 2004. Cruz knew she had a knack for customer service, so she elected to become a human resources manager. She says she enjoys assisting personnel and helping fellow service members resolve any issues they may have. To Cruz, there were many advantages to becoming a part-time Guard member as opposed to joining active duty. The biggest advantage was that the Guard gave Cruz the flexibility to serve while still being able to remain in her community. ... MORE

The Missouri National Guard welcomes its first female infantry enlistee
September 1, 2020 — We would like your help in welcoming the Missouri Army National Guard’s first female infantry enlistee! This is Spc. Tatyana Marquardt from Saint Louis, Mo. Marquardt has always been interested in fitness, teamwork and leading from the front in many areas of her life. It is fitting that she would be the first female infantry enlistee in the Missouri National Guard! ... MORE

‘Always forward; never back’ Missouri National Guard soldier becomes the first female commander of an infantry rifle unit
August 25, 2020 — JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Capt. April Bruner is the first female commander of a rifle company in the Missouri National Guard as part of the evolution of female integration into combat arms established three years ago by the Department of Defense. Bruner, who enlisted in 2010, said her aspirations to serve as a commissioned officer began during her time as a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear specialist as an enlisted soldier while deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Little did she know at the time, that she would not only accomplish this goal but would also become the first female combat arms rifle company commander in the Missouri Army National Guard... MORE

Col. Matthew Calhoun named commander of Missouri National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing
August 4, 2020 — JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri’s Adjutant General has named a new commander for the National Guard’s only B-2 Spirit stealth bomber wing. Brig. Gen. Levon Cumpton announced Col. Matthew D. Calhoun will lead the 131st Bomb Wing. “Col. Calhoun is an outstanding leader with a track record of excellence,” Cumpton said. “He brings a wealth of command experience from both his time as an active duty Airman with the 509th Bomb Wing and as a Guardsman with the 131st BW. His unique perspective will strengthen our partnership and enhance the B-2 mission.” ... MORE

Missouri names new Assistant Adjutant General for Air Guard
July 15, 2020 — JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri’s Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Levon Cumpton, announced July 11, Brig. Gen. Ken Eaves will oversee the Show Me State’s Citizen-Airmen... MORE