The Democrats Abroad Global Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus salutes the brave men and women of the Army National Guard, who will celebrate their 389th birthday on December 13, 2025. In 1636, colonists in Massachusetts organized the nation’s first militia, and the descendants of these first regiments - the 181st Infantry, the 182nd Infantry, the 101st Field Artillery, and the 101st Engineer Battalion of the Massachusetts Army National Guard – share the distinction of being the oldest units in today’s U.S. military.
The National Guard, over the years, has helped stabilize communities hit by natural disasters, participated in humanitarian efforts, and deployed overseas to fight in America’s military campaigns. Despite the Trump Administration’s attempt to inappropriately politicize the Guard, VMF is proud of our nation’s Guardsmen and Guardswomen and will continue fighting for their benefits, health care, and recognition for their service.
VMF Steering Committee Member, DA Germany VMF Caucus Co-Chair and Massachusetts voter Terese Sarno stated the following:
“I come from Massachusetts, the state that had the first public school in the U.S., Boston Latin School, and the first public library, as well as being the home of some of the best universities in the world, in addition to possibly the best state in the Union for maximizing VA benefits. My state’s illustrious history includes the first National Guard units - organized long before the official founding of our country. During the Revolutionary War, the units had the nickname of Minutemen because of the remarkable speed with which they reacted. They’ve always been prepared, and their ongoing commitment to protecting our homeland should never be forgotten! Happy 389th Birthday!”
Kee Evans, the VMF Caucus Vice Chair, offered her remarks on the National Guard’s celebration:
“So many Americans have taken the oath to defend our homeland, including thousands of Guardsmen and Guardswomen from my home state of New Mexico. Not only do they deserve a happy birthday and praise for their patriotism and service, but they also need equality in areas like GI Bill benefits and access to VA Health Care. Every member in every state of the National Guard should know that VMF will not stop fighting for your earned benefits.”
Michael Ramos, VMF Caucus Chair, also provided a statement:
“It’s an amazing piece of American history to have the original Armed Forces still standing strong after nearly four centuries. The VMF Caucus proudly includes several veterans of the National Guard from dozens of states and territories among its membership. I wish all those serving in the Guard, including my nephew who’s currently serving in the Illinois National Guard, a very special day after having taken 389 ‘deployments’ around the Sun!”
If your time permits, VMF encourages participation in activities supporting the U.S. National Guard, all Guardian veterans, and the overall military-connected community. Activities would include actions like sending a care package to a Guard member deployed or stationed overseas, volunteering to perform voter registrations, joining as a member (or auxiliary member) of a veterans service organization, calling someone you know as a “buddy check” on how their mental health is holding up (to prevent veteran suicide), or even making a generous donation to the VMF Caucus.
To reiterate, the VMF Caucus honors all Americans serving in the Armed Forces. Members of the National Guard, past and present, deserve this day of national recognition, and VMF is grateful for their continued service.
U.S. citizens living abroad, both civilian and military, are highly encouraged to check your voter registration status and request your ballot for any upcoming elections in your home voting state that you are eligible to vote in.
The Global VMF Caucus, proudly consisting of veterans, military family members, Department of Defense civilians, and strong allies of veterans and military family causes, has over 1,400 members in dozens of countries.
For questions pertaining to this statement, please reach out to
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