The Puerto Rico State Guard (State Defense Force – PRSG) continues to stand as a vital component of the island’s defense and emergency response framework. As an integral part of Puerto Rico’s military forces, the PRSG operates in close coordination with the Puerto Rico National Guard (PRNG), providing essential support in various capacities, including disaster response, community assistance, and military operations. The PRSG’s commitment to service is deeply rooted in the rich history and traditions of Puerto Rico, reflecting the dedication of its members to safeguarding the people and heritage of the island.
In a significant display of their skills and dedication, soldiers and airmen from both the Puerto Rico National Guard and the Puerto Rico State Guard traveled to Camp Perry, Ohio, to participate in the 2024 National Matches, a premier event in the world of competitive marksmanship. The event, which took place from July 27 to August 5, 2024, brought together some of the best marksmen from across the nation. The Puerto Rican contingent, including members from the State Guard Command Marksmanship Training Unit, excelled in various competitions, earning individual accolades in the top 10 of competitors, such as the Excellence in Competition and Daniel Boone Medals. Their prowess was further demonstrated in the Sniper and Modern Military Unlimited Match, where they secured Silver and Bronze medals, respectively. Among the notable participants were MSG Carlos Acevedo, CPT Iro Garcia, and 1LT Hipolito Rivera, whose achievements underscored the caliber of training and discipline within the Puerto Rico State Guard.
The 2024 National Matches at Camp Perry were marked by a historic victory for the All National Guard six-person marksman team, which won the National Trophy, also known as the Dogs of War Trophy. This prestigious award, only the third of its kind won by the National Guard, represents not only individual excellence but the collective discipline, skill, and dedication of a team working in harmony. The atmosphere at Camp Perry, charged with patriotism and steeped in tradition, highlighted the deep connection between military service and the art of marksmanship. As the Puerto Rico State Guard and National Guard members return to their units, they carry with them not just medals and trophies, but a renewed sense of pride and a wealth of knowledge to share with their comrades back home.
The participation of the Puerto Rico State Guard in such a prestigious competition is a testament to the professionalism and commitment of its members. It also reflects the broader role of State Defense Forces in enhancing national defense capabilities while preserving and promoting the rich heritage of military marksmanship. As the PRSG continues to grow and evolve, its contributions to both the island and the nation remain indispensable, ensuring that Puerto Rico’s legacy of service and excellence endures for generations to come.
During July 27 to August 5, 2024, soldiers and airman’s from the Puerto Rico National Guard, State Guard Command Marksmanship Training Unit, attended the 2024 National Matches in Camp Perry, Ohio, earning individual awards for placing in the top 10% competitors, such as the Excellence in Competition and Daniel Boone Medals. In the Sniper and Modern Military Unlimited Match, Silver and Bronze medals were won, respectively.
StateDefenseForce.com would like to congratulate The Puerto Rico State Guard troops who attended the event and achieved these incredible achievements.
From left to right: MSG Carlos Acevedo, CPT Iro Garcia y 1LT Hipolito Rivera.
Durante las fechas de Julio 27 hasta Agosto 5, 2024, soldados y aviadores del Equipo de Tiro del Comando Estatal de la Guardia Nacional de Puerto Rico, participaron en las prestigiosas Competencias Nacionales de Tiro, en Camp Perry, Ohio y obtuvieron premiaciones individuales como Excelencia en Competencia y medalla Daniel Boone, al posicionarse entre los primeros 10 de los competidores, asi como medallas de Plata y Bronce, respectivamente, en eventos de Francotirador y Rifle Militar Moderno.
De izquierda a derecha: MSG Carlos Acevedo, CPT Iro Garcia y 1LT Hipolito Rivera.
National Guard Rifle Team Clinches Prestigious Dogs of War Trophy at Camp Perry
Photo By Shawn Monk | The All National Guard Rifle Team poses with the target they struck from 600 yards… read more
The All National Guard six-person marksman team won the National Trophy, also known as the Dogs of War Trophy, at the National Matches in August. It was only the third time the National Guard has won this prestigious award, with previous wins in 1986 and 1977.
The National Trophy, a revered symbol of excellence in marksmanship, represents more than individual prowess; it embodies the collective discipline, skill and dedication of a team working in harmony.
“The greatest thing about it is that we are all from different states and at some point in time, every state has been part of the all-Guard rifle team,” said Sgt. 1st Class Amanda Elsenboss of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, a shooter and coach on the team. “Those Soldiers and Airmen are taking back to their units the knowledge that they’ve gained from these national matches, and they’re sharing that wealth of knowledge with those Soldiers and Airmen back at their bases.”
The atmosphere at Camp Perry, steeped in history and tradition, was charged with patriotism and honor, reflecting the connection between military service and the art of marksmanship.
Maj. Kirk Freeman, a shooter and coach from the South Carolina National Guard, emphasized the impact and difficulty of the achievement.
“This is demonstrating the lethality that we are gaining here, being able to engage a target at 600 yards,” Freeman said. “We were able to make the correct wind call to get a hit 119 out of 120 times with six different shooters, shooting off a sling, not off a bi-pod, not off a bag, this was off elbows and a sling.”
Individual achievements and another team award further highlighted the team’s success.
During the award ceremony, Freeman presented Sgt. Jonathan Wood of the Louisiana National Guard with the U.S. Army Distinguished Rifleman Badge. Elsenboss was awarded the Women’s Rifle Trophy. The team also won the Hilton Trophy given to the highest scoring reserve component team in the National Trophy Rifle Team Match, adding to the National Guard’s legacy in the competition.
“To win this is really a big achievement,” said Master Sgt. Michael Hester, an Arkansas National Guard gunsmith and machinist for the team. “The shooters did exactly what they were supposed to do and the coaches were absolutely on point this year. It’s almost a 40-year try for this match, and this year we secured it.”
As the team members return to their respective units, they carry not just the trophy but the pride of having contributed to a tradition that spans generations. Their achievement at Camp Perry is a reminder of the National Guard’s enduring role in both national defense and the preservation of America’s marksmanship heritage.
