Latest news with #GregoryKnight
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vermont Chamber of Commerce honors National Guard general as Citizen of the Year
STOWE, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – For the last six years, Major General Gregory Knight has been the commander of Vermont's national guard. On Wednesday, colleagues gathered to celebrate his work for the state. In a ceremony at the historic von Trapp Family Resort in Stowe, Knight was honored as the Vermont Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Citizen of the Year, which the Chamber says is given to a Vermonter who 'epitomizes the true spirit of service and self-sacrifice that defines Vermont citizenship.' Knight, of Huntington, has served as Adjutant General of the state's national guard since the legislature elected him in 2019. Stowe Community Church celebrates return of historic spire He has focused many of his efforts on connecting the Vermont National Guard with the people it protects, such as earlier this year when he introduced the first ever 'State of the Guard' address. In his address at the event, Knight said, 'I am convinced more than ever of two things: theexcellence of our people and the importance of relationships.' He has served through a global pandemic as well as states of emergency such as during the floods in July 2023. NYSP announce death of retired First Sergeant The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has given out its Citizen of the Year award since 1964. Past honorees include Senator Patrick Leahy, Lieutenant Governor Barbara Snelling, and sportscaster Ken Squier. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vermont Major General presents first ‘State of the Guard' address
MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22 FOX44) – The leader of Vermont's National Guard delivered the first 'State of the Guard' at the statehouse Wednesday night. The address was the first of its kind, detailing the guard's recent activities both locally and across the nation. Major General Gregory Knight started off his speech by thanking lawmakers in attendance, including former longtime Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy and his wife Marcelle. The leader of the Vermont national guard also offered special thanks to guard members, including three who earned Purple Hearts during missions in Iraq in 2023. 'The important thing is showing people who may not know a whole lot about the guard all the things we've accomplished,' said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nick Fazio. His colleague, Sergeant Alex Jarvis added, 'It's very important to get the state legislature involved in the guard so they can better understand our mission and get the word out about our recruiting issues.' The Adjutant General went on to describe national efforts, including stationing 100 guards on capitol hill after January 6, 2021. He also spoke on more recent efforts such as the deployment of over 200 air guardsmen to Japan and continuing international partnerships in North Macedonia, Senegal and Austria. He also touched on state-focused activities during COVID-19 and the 2023 and 2024 floods. 'Our Quick Reaction Force was directly engaged in saving the lives of 19 Vermonters, and their pets, from rising flood waters. They were there with our swift water rescue teams to evacuate hundreds more,' he said. During his speech, Knight also focused on 'the changing culture of the guard' promising a no-tolerance policy for sexual assault, noting zero reported cases this year, and focusing on mental health resources for guards. 'I've encouraged those returning from deployment to seek help when needed… we don't have enough providers for me to refer them to. You can help us fix that.' In closing, the Major General, who also announced he would not be seeking another term, asked lawmakers for help in growing the guard which he says has been struggling with recruitment. 'The state of our guard is strong, but with your help we can become even stronger and grow our capabilities and our capacity,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
