State Guard Association of the United States

State Guard Association of the United States The Official Page of the State Guard Association of the United States

The State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) is a non-profit organization supporting State and Territorial Defense Forces across the United States. State Guards serve at the direction of the state’s governor and provide organized units that are equipped and trained in the protection of life or property and the preservation of peace, order, and public safety, such as disaster relief, se

arch and rescue operations, and cyber security. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., the SGAUS supports thousands of State Guard and other uniformed service members and advocates for the advancement and support of regulated state military forces established by state and territorial governments under the authority of Title 32, Section 109, of the United States Code.

A New Era of Specialized Training: Launching the Medical, Chaplain, Engineer, and Communications Academies. Introducing...
01/03/2026

A New Era of Specialized Training: Launching the Medical, Chaplain, Engineer, and Communications Academies. Introducing the Medical Academy, the Chaplain Academy, the Engineer Academy, and the Communications Academy.

https://sgaus.org/new-academies/

In Memoriam: A Legacy of Service from Captain (NY) "Johnny" Velez, Founding Hazmat Academy CommandantThe State Guard Ass...
12/05/2025

In Memoriam: A Legacy of Service from Captain (NY) "Johnny" Velez, Founding Hazmat Academy Commandant

The State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) Hazmat Academy will forever stand as a testament to the dedication and expertise of its Founding Commandant, Captain (NY) "Johnny" Velez. Captain Velez, a revered scholar-practitioner, dedicated his life to service, with a professional footprint spanning two decades of military duty, over 25 years in law and government, and an unwavering commitment to emergency management (EM). He led the way in preparing the next generation of hazard response professionals, and his legacy of selfless service will endure.

Captain Velez’s pivotal role as Founding Commandant was the culmination of a truly distinguished career built on dual foundations: military precision and real-world disaster response. His twenty years of service between the U.S. Air Force (including time as an Air Reserve Technician administrating an Aeromedical Patient Staging Squadron) and the New York Guard provided him with invaluable experience in planning, administration, and mission ex*****on. As a Captain and Area Command S3 in the New York Guard, he was responsible for operational, mission, and training planning—a skillset that defined his immense contributions to the SGAUS training curriculum.

His profound passion for emergency management was demonstrated by his direct involvement in some of the most critical events in New York history. During Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene, he managed a vital Hurricane Shelter/Evacuation Center. He later worked Superstorm Sandy, where he provided essential logistics support, sourcing, coordinating, and dispensing critical equipment for the response and initial recovery efforts. These experiences were not merely lines on a resume; they were the bedrock of practical knowledge he imparted to every student in the Hazmat Academy.

A lifelong scholar, Captain Velez was an Adjunct Professor of Emergency and Disaster Management at Metropolitan College of New York since 2009, and through previous teaching roles, he mentored countless students. He was deeply committed to using his Master's degree in EM and extensive experience to make a positive contribution to the EM community, driven by his conviction that he would "make a difference in people’s lives."

From managing patient staging in the Air Force to overseeing crisis logistics for NYC, and eventually establishing and leading the SGAUS Hazmat Academy, Captain Velez’s career stands as a powerful example of communication, training, and resilience in service. The Hazmat Academy flourished under his foundational leadership, and its continued success will honor his memory.

We honor the life and mourn the passing of Captain (NY) "Johnny" Velez. His profound dedication to service, education, and upholding the highest standards of readiness in hazard materials response will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Veteran Spotlight: SFC Daniel Pepin 🌟Service and leadership aren’t just words — they’re a way of life.SFC Daniel Pepin e...
11/11/2025

Veteran Spotlight: SFC Daniel Pepin 🌟

Service and leadership aren’t just words — they’re a way of life.
SFC Daniel Pepin embodies that spirit with unwavering dedication and excellence.

With 4 years in the Army Reserve, 5 years of Active Duty, and a deployment to Iraq and Kuwait, SFC Pepin continues to serve with distinction in the Georgia State Defense Force. His impressive list of honors — including the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold), Army Commendation and Achievement Medals, and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal — reflect both his skill and his heart for service.

Today, he serves as a Senior Instructor for the Southern Regional Training Institute, where he trains Georgia civilians to become Soldiers ready to serve their state. His commitment to excellence, mentorship, and selfless service continues to make a lasting impact on all who train under his leadership.

Thank you, SFC Pepin, for leading by example and showing us what it means to serve with honor, lead with integrity, and inspire through action.

11/11/2025

📸 Thank You, Extreme Military Challenge!
A special thank you to Extreme Military Challenge for sponsoring our selfie camera at the formal event! Your generous support helped us capture the moments that matter most — the pride in every uniform, the friendships behind every smile, and the memories that will last a lifetime.

We’re grateful for your continued commitment to developing future leaders and strengthening the spirit of service.

11/09/2025

🇺🇸 SGAUS 2025 Soldier of the Year — SSG Jeff Graff

Please join us in congratulating Staff Sergeant Jeff Graff of the Georgia State Defense Force — the recipient of the 2025 State Guard Association of the United States Soldier of the Year Award!

SSG Graff exemplifies the highest standards of service, leadership, and professionalism. From his tireless dedication to his state mission to his unwavering commitment to his team, he represents the very best of what it means to serve. His example reminds us that excellence begins with integrity, humility, and heart.

Congratulations, SSG Graff — your service honors not only Georgia, but every member of our nationwide State Guard family.

Some leaders lead from the front. Others lead from the heart. CMSgt (Ret) Shawn Peno did both. From ensuring every prese...
11/08/2025

Some leaders lead from the front. Others lead from the heart. CMSgt (Ret) Shawn Peno did both. From ensuring every presenter had what they needed — projectors, supplies, even cupcakes — to quietly keeping everything running behind the scenes, he led with excellence, patience, and a smile that never faded. His attention to detail, calm presence, and willingness to serve made the difference in a week full of moving parts. True leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about attitude, humility, and heart.

Thank you, Chief, for showing us what servant leadership looks like in action. You were a steady hand, a joyful spirit, and a reminder that the smallest acts of service often make the biggest impact.

Today’s board meeting had its moments — those times when passion runs high, voices overlap, and everyone just wants to b...
11/08/2025

Today’s board meeting had its moments — those times when passion runs high, voices overlap, and everyone just wants to be heard. But I also saw something powerful: leaders who care enough to wrestle through the hard stuff.

The outgoing and incoming presidents both showed strength in different ways — one letting go with grace, the other stepping up with heart. That’s what unity really looks like: choosing to keep showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable, because we believe in the same mission. Well done guys!

Friends listen, sometimes progress means tabling a few things and trusting God with the timing. Forward is still forward. ❤️&🙏 CH Kimmie


Sometimes it’s not the speeches or the schedules that leave the biggest impact — it’s the smiles, the laughter, and thos...
11/08/2025

Sometimes it’s not the speeches or the schedules that leave the biggest impact — it’s the smiles, the laughter, and those small moments of kindness that remind us why we serve. 💫 Today was full of connection, joy, and purpose. When love drives our mission, everything changes. 😉 Well friends we're closing out Day 3 with a full heart and deep gratitude for this incredible SGAUS family. Tomorrow, we embark on a new day of learning and leading with confidence and kindness. Good Night!

❤️& 🙏 CH Kimmie

11/08/2025

⚓ Friday Night President’s Reception
Hosted aboard the legendary American Victory Ship — one of the last fully operational WWII cargo vessels — tonight’s reception, sponsored by the Military Association of New York, was truly an evening to remember. Surrounded by living history, we gathered to celebrate the spirit of service that unites us all and as the sun set over the harbor, the echoes of history met the promise of tomorrow....

11/07/2025

Photo Credits: MAJ Cochran California State Guard

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