Utah National Guard

Utah National Guard

3 days ago

Our latest "State of the Force" is here! We're celebrating our incredible service members, from welcoming troops home to honoring our "Best of the Best" award winners. Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and grit. One Team, One Family!

guard.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/STATE-OF-THE-FORCE-December-Final-1.pdf

#UtahNationalGuard #UtahGuard #StrongerTogether #alwaysthere #alwaysready #CitizenSoldiers #NationalGuard #GuardNation #ngb #NGB #MissionEleveated #AlwaysReady #AlwaysThere ... See MoreSee Less

Utah National Guard

4 days ago

🎄 Sub-for-Santa Success! 🎁
Today, the Utah Guard Charitable Trust and Family Support team picked up hundreds of donated gifts from local companies and community partners — all to make sure no military child in Utah is forgotten this Christmas.

Employees across the state grabbed wish cards from office trees, bought gifts, and gave families facing hardship a little hope this season.

Thank you, Utah. You showed up. ❤️
Together, we’re making Christmas happen.

#ngb #NGB #MissionEleveated #AlwaysReady #AlwaysThere ... See MoreSee Less

Utah National Guard

7 days ago

The Utah National Guard Chaplain's Corps was proud to host the 2nd Annual Christmas Caroling and Cookies event at Camp Williams, Dec. 6, 2025. Chaplain Mindy Butler and Sgt. Sarah McSweeney of the 1-211th Aviation Battalion coordinated the event that included "sleigh rides" with Rudolph in one of General Patton's 1942 Willys military B model jeeps, drill and ceremony demonstrations by @Utah Military Academy - Hill Field, a special performance by Bluffdale Mayor Natalie Hall, re-enactment vignettes from various historical figures including George Washington, Christmas caroling, and of course a visit by Santa Clause!
#utahnationalguard | #AlwaysReady | #alwaysthere | #1-211 Aviation Battalion | 97th Aviation Troop Command | Bluffdale City, Utah | #utahnationalguardchaplaincorps | @Natalie Hall Mayor | #utahmilitaryacademy | @uma.hillfield | #campwilliams | #utaharmynationalguard

Happy holidays and thank you to all who attended and participated to make this a very special occasion! ... See MoreSee Less

Utah National Guard

1 week ago

Today, we commemorate and remember the lives lost and the heroes who stood ready to defend our nation on December 7, 1941. On this this date, Pearl Harbor was attacked and the United States thrust violently into World War II.

For the Utah National Guard, this date carries a powerful connection.

Just a day prior, on December 6, 1941, soldiers of the 145th Field Artillery departed San Francisco enroute to Hawaii and the Philippines on the Army Transport Ship Tasker H. Bliss. After training at Fort Lewis and Camp Murray, they sailed directly toward the territory that would be forever changed only hours later.

When the attack came in the early morning hours of the 7th, the 145th was already at sea, heading straight into the opening chapter of America’s entry into the war. Their vessel was turned around, and their mission and the world transformed overnight.

In the chaotic and uncertain days following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the nation turned to its citizen-soldiers to secure America’s shores. Among the first called to action were elements of the Utah National Guard.

Shortly after war broke out, Utah units, including the 115th Engineers and the 222d Field Artillery, then attached to the 40th Infantry Division, were deployed along the Pacific coast. They were tasked with defending critical infrastructure, ports, and population centers from a feared second attack and invasion of the mainland. Guard Soldiers patrolled beaches, manned observation posts, and built defensive positions across California’s coastline.

While the nation turned its focus on the coming war, these Utah Soldiers stood watch at home and provided reassurance to millions, forming a defensive shield for the American West.

Captions:

1. USS Tasker H. Bliss in the Norfolk Navy Yard on October 8, 1942. US Naval Historical Center Photograph #19-N-35834

2. Initial moments of the attack on Pearl Harbor captured by a Japanese Naval Aviator on December 7, 1941. National Parks Service Photograph.

3. 40th Infantry Division roving patrol along the California coast, circa December 1941. 40th Infantry Division Photograph.

4. Red Cross gives coffee to 40th Infantry Division soldiers while on patrol along the California Coast, circa December 1941. 40th Infantry Division Photograph.

5/6. 40th Infantry Division gun emplacements near Santa Barbara, California, circa December 1941. 40th Infantry Division Photograph.

7. 40th Infantry Division artillery observers near Santa Barbara, California, circa December 1941. 40th Infantry Division Photograph. ... See MoreSee Less