Delaware National Guard

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

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

When our National Guard families faced a difficult moment last fall during the government shutdown, the Food Bank of Delaware showed up—big. 💙🥫🍎

Three food drives. Over 800 families served. Countless lives impacted.

On Friday, The Adjutant General, Major General James Benson and J9 Director Christine Kubik proudly presented the entire Food Bank team with the Community Spirit Award at their quarterly team meeting. 🏅

Thank you Food Bank of Delaware for your unwavering support, your compassion, and the hope you bring to all our neighbors across Delaware every day. 🙏

Six Delaware Army National Guard Soldiers tested their physical fitness, military knowledge and warrior skills June 5, 2026 during the Training Year 2027 Best Warrior Competition at River Road Training Site in New Castle, Delaware.
The one-day competition challenged participants through events designed to identify the state’s top Soldier and noncommissioned officer while fostering readiness, resilience and esprit de corps. Competitors were evaluated on a variety of tasks, including marksmanship, Army fitness, warrior tasks and battle drills, leadership, military bearing and an appearance board.
Spc. Nicholas Timmons, a wheeled vehicle mechanic (91B) assigned to the 1049th Transportation Company, earned top honors in the junior enlisted category.
Sgt. Justin Carpenter, an information technology specialist (25H) assigned to Alpha Company, 198th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, was named the top noncommissioned officer.
As the winners of the Delaware Army National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition, Timmons and Carpenter will advance to represent Delaware at the regional competition in early 2027.
Congratulations to Timmons and Carpenter on their outstanding achievement, and great work to all six competitors for demonstrating professionalism, resilience and warrior excellence throughout the competition.
(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Bryanna Bailey)
For additional photos please visit the Flickr page: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCW4DX