Delaware National Guard

Delaware Army National Guard Sgt. Megan Traver organized a community engagement initiative at the Army Aviation Support Facility in New Castle, Del., June 16, 2026, providing cadets from the Middletown Cadet Squadron Civil Air Patrol with a behind-the-scenes look at Army aviation operations and military service.

A former cadet of the Middletown Cadet Squadron during her four years in high school, Traver credits the Delaware Wing - Civil Air Patrol with helping shape her path into military service, emergency response and leadership. Today, she continues that commitment as a senior member and leadership officer, mentoring cadets and helping develop future leaders.

During the visit, cadets toured the facility, learned about Army aviation missions and equipment, and gained insight into the Delaware National Guard’s role in supporting both state and federal operations. The experience connected leadership development and aerospace education with real-world opportunities for service while allowing cadets to engage directly with Soldiers and aviation professionals.

The event reflects Traver’s commitment to mentorship, leadership and community engagement. Through both her military service and volunteer efforts, she continues to create opportunities that inspire young people to pursue their goals, develop confidence and explore pathways to serve their communities.

As Miss Magnolia 2026 and a contestant for Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization 2026, Traver has used her platform to highlight the importance of service, leadership and youth development. As she prepares to compete for the Miss Delaware title on June 20, 2026 she continues to invest in the next generation while representing the values of service and community both in and out of uniform.
(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Bryanna Bailey)
For additional photos please visit the DNG Flickr page: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCX3eP

Soldiers from the Rhode Island Army National Guard and Delaware Army National Guard’s Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, conducted joint medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) training at the Delaware Army National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility in New Castle, Del., June 9, 2026.

The training included multiple MEDEVAC scenarios, including tail-to-tail aircraft transfers and medical facility patient transfers, designed to strengthen interoperability and refine tactics, techniques and procedures between the two aviation units.

By training together, Soldiers from both states enhanced their ability to seamlessly integrate during future operations while improving unit cohesion, communication and mission readiness. Events like these ensure crews remain prepared to respond effectively in both domestic and operational environments.

Delaware Army National Guard Soldiers Sgt. James Murphy, Staff Sgt. Lauren Widdoes and Sgt. 1st Class Andy Josefyk were among those supporting the training, helping facilitate realistic scenarios and strengthen partnerships between the two units.

Through continued collaboration and shared training opportunities, both organizations are building stronger teams and increasing their capability to provide lifesaving MEDEVAC support whenever and wherever it is needed.
(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Bryanna Bailey)
For additional photos please visit the DNG Flickr page: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCWk3v

🇺🇸 Honoring the Colors. Connecting the Community. Inspiring Service. 🇺🇸

Behind many of Delaware's most meaningful ceremonies, community events, and patriotic celebrations stands a dedicated team of Delaware National Guard volunteers: our Joint Color Guard.

Whether presenting the colors at military ceremonies, sporting events, community gatherings, or commemorations, these Citizen Soldiers and Airmen proudly represent the Delaware National Guard while honoring our Nation, our State, and those who have served before us.

Their mission goes beyond ceremony. Each presentation of the colors serves as a powerful connection between the military and the communities we proudly serve. Through their professionalism, precision, and commitment to excellence, they help strengthen the bond between Delawareans and their National Guard.

As our Nation celebrates 250 years of American independence, the Joint Color Guard continues to play an important role in preserving traditions, honoring our flag, and reminding us of the values that unite us as Americans.

Please join us in recognizing these outstanding volunteers for their countless hours of service and dedication to representing the Delaware National Guard with pride and professionalism.

Thank you for carrying our colors and our legacy forward.

🇺🇸

Contestants from the Miss Delaware and Miss Delaware Teen organizations visited our very own citizen-Soldier, Sgt. Megan Traver, at her unit, the Delaware Army National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility in New Castle, Del., June 9, 2026.

Organized by Traver, Miss Magnolia 2026 and a contestant for Miss Delaware 2026, the visit provided participants with a behind-the-scenes look at Army aviation and the Soldiers who support the mission. Contestants toured the facility, learned about aviation operations and equipment, and gained insight into Traver’s role as an aviation Soldier in the Delaware Army National Guard.

The event also served as an opportunity to connect community leaders from across the First State with the men and women who serve their communities both at home and abroad.

As Traver, Miss Magnolia prepares to compete for the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization 2026 title on June 20, she continues to showcase the importance of service, leadership and community engagement both in and out of uniform.
(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Bryanna Bailey)
For additional photos please visit the DNG Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/gp/delawarenationalguard/x175H9qf51

From military service and emergency response to the Miss Delaware stage, Delaware Army National Guard Sgt. Megan Traver continues to demonstrate that leadership, discipline and service extend far beyond the uniform.
A full-time firefighter/EMT with the Lewes Fire Department and an aviation Soldier in the Delaware Army National Guard, Traver will compete for the Miss Delaware 2026 title next Saturday, June 20, 2026, bringing with her a foundation shaped by real-world experience, teamwork and a commitment to serving others in high-pressure environments.
In her feature story, Service to Stage, Traver shares how her experiences in both the fire service and the military have prepared her for competition and why service remains at the center of everything she does.
Vote for Sgt. Megan Traver in the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization People’s Choice competition here:
http://spot.fund/3h279f3sc
Best of luck to Sgt. Traver, Miss Magnolia as she represents the Delaware Army National Guard, the Lewes Fire Department and her hometown Town of Magnolia Delaware on the Miss Delaware stage.
(U.S. Army National Guard photos and story by Sgt. Bryanna Bailey)
For additional photos please visit the DNG Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/gp/delawarenationalguard/04kN4Z74S5

Family, friends, fellow service members and distinguished guests gathered at the Stern Armory, Wilmington, Del., June 7, 2026 to honor Col. Eugene Bledsoe during his final formation, celebrating a remarkable military career spanning 36 years of service to our nation.

The ceremony recognized Bledsoe’s lifelong commitment to service with a promotion to colonel, presentation of the Order of the Griffin, the Legion of Merit, a commemorative flag and several gifts honoring his legacy. His spouse was also presented with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of the unwavering support and sacrifices made throughout his military career.

Bledsoe began his military journey in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving six years before continuing his service with the Delaware Army National Guard for the next three decades. Throughout his career, he served in numerous leadership and staff positions, including CBRNE officer, 72nd Troop Command Detachment commander, Training Branch Chief, Movement Officer, Environmental Division Chief and many others. He also deployed overseas multiple times in support of national defense missions.

For more than three decades, Bledsoe exemplified selfless service, professionalism and dedication to the Soldiers, families and communities he served. His leadership has left a lasting impact on the Delaware National Guard and the generations of service members who had the privilege to serve alongside him.

Congratulations, Col. Bledsoe, on your promotion and distinguished retirement. Thank you for 36 years of faithful service to the nation and the Delaware National Guard. We wish you and your family all the best in the next chapter!
(U.S Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Bryanna Bailey and Sgt. 1st Class Bordash)
For additional photos please visit Flickr page: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCW4mi

🌟 Thank You 166th for Joining Us at your Yellow Ribbon Event! 🌟

This weekend, we were honored to support the Airmen and families of the 166th Airlift Wing, Delaware Air National Guard as they prepare for deployment. Thank you to all our J9 programs, support personnel and community partners for providing vital resources—from readiness and resilience support to wellness, financial, legal, education, and VA guidance. Your engagement made the event a success, and the connections made will support you throughout the deployment cycle.

To our Airmen: Your professionalism makes us proud.💙

To your families: Your strength is the foundation of mission success.❤️

Together, we are ready and resilient. 💛🇺🇸

Lt. Col. Jaime Wolhar retires from the Delaware Army National Guard during a ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters, June 6, 2026. Wolhar concluded 34 years of military service during which he served in a variety of assignments, including engineer officer, public affairs officer, aide to the Adjutant General, recruiting and retention battalion commander and other key leadership positions. During the ceremony, he received the Meritorious Service Medal, Order of the Griffin, Delaware state seal, Presidential Certificate of Recognition, a U.S. flag and retirement gifts. His spouse, Renee, received a Certificate of Appreciation recognizing her support throughout his military career.
Family members, friends, fellow Soldiers, retirees and distinguished guests gathered to witness and celebrate the milestone achievement.
(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Bryanna Bailey and Sgt. 1st Class Bordash)
For additional photos please visit the Flickr page: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCW1xc

The Delaware Army National Guard’s 72nd Troop Command Brigade held a Change of Command Ceremony at the Stern Readiness Center in Wilmington, June 6, 2026, marking the transfer of authority from Col. Michael P. Murphy to Col. Michael S. Sharp.

The time-honored ceremony symbolizes the continuity of leadership, trust and responsibility within the unit. We thank Col. Murphy for his dedicated leadership and service to the Soldiers of the 72nd Troop Command and wish him continued success in his next assignment. We also welcome Col. Sharp as he assumes command and look forward to the future of the brigade under his leadership.

Congratulations to both leaders on this significant milestone, and thank you to the Soldiers, families and guests who joined in honoring this important tradition.
(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Bryanna Bailey and Sgt. 1st Class Bordash)
For additional photos please visit the Flickr page: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCW7xb

After months of service overseas, members of the Delaware Army National Guard’s 101st Public Affairs Detachment were welcomed home today, June 6, 2026, at the Wilmington Readiness Center, Wilmington Del., following their deployment in support of Kosovo Force 35 during Operation Balkan Tiger.

Surrounded by family, friends and fellow service members, these Soldiers were recognized for their dedication, professionalism and sacrifice while serving abroad. Welcome home, and thank you for your continued service to our state and nation!
(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Bryanna Bailey and Sgt. 1st Class Bordash)
For additional photos please visit the Flickr page: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCW4GA