For years, The Vermont State Guard (State Defense Force) remained one of the quieter State Defense Forces in the nation, with little to no online presence. Their Public Affairs Office was nearly unreachable, and updates on their missions and training were rare. However, over the past year, that has changed dramatically. The Vermont State Guard has made a concerted effort to increase its visibility, and we are now seeing consistent monthly updates showcasing its service to the Vermont National Guard. This resurgence in communication has given the public a clearer picture of the Guard’s dedication and contributions to the state.
Recently, the Vermont State Guard supported the Vermont National Guard during a ceremony honoring the career and retirement of State Command Sergeant Major Paul A. Edwards. Prior to the ceremony, CSM Edwards and incoming State Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Raymond J. Myers visited the Fallen Hero Memorial to pay their respects. During the formal event, which was attended by Major General Gregory C. Knight, The Adjutant General of Vermont (Senior National Guard General), CSM Edwards officially passed responsibility to CSM Myers. Both leaders’ families were honored for their unwavering support throughout their years of service. The Vermont State Guard’s presence at this ceremony underscored their role in upholding military tradition and honoring those who have dedicated their lives to the service of their state and country.
The Vermont State Guard also assisted the Vermont Air National Guard during their annual open house event. Despite a final hour of rainfall, the event ran smoothly thanks in large part to the 17 members of the Vermont State Guard who provided traffic control, ensuring a safe and well-coordinated experience for all attendees. Their participation reflects the professionalism and reliability that have become hallmarks of the Guard’s renewed engagement with the community.
Additionally, the Vermont State Guard supported another important Vermont National Guard ceremony at Camp Johnson, where service members and civilians gathered to remember America’s Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. Retired Brigadier General Henry Harder, deputy adjutant general of Vermont, reminded the crowd, “It falls to us to remember their service and share their stories, without which our understanding of the cost of freedom would be incomplete.” The ceremony included a moment of silence honoring two distinguished veterans who passed away in the last year—Clyde Cassidy of Calais, who served in the 36th Infantry Division during World War II and endured 15 months as a POW, and Richard Hamilton of Marlboro, a B-17 radio operator captured after his plane was shot down over Germany. Both men survived the hardships of captivity and went on to live full lives as dedicated Vermonters, family men, and symbols of resilience.
We commend the leadership of The Vermont State Guard and their Public Affairs Office for their revitalized commitment to transparency and outreach. Their consistent updates and active online presence now allow Vermonters and fellow State Defense Force members across the country to see the meaningful contributions this unit continues to make. Their renewed visibility not only strengthens public trust but also inspires pride in the dedicated volunteers who serve their state with honor and distinction.
Today we honored the career and service of State Command Sgt. Maj. Paul A. Edwards as he retired from the Vermont National Guard.
Prior to the ceremony, CSM Edwards and incoming State Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond J. Myers visited the Fallen Hero Memorial to pay their respects.
During the ceremony, attended by Maj. Gen. Gregory C. Knight, The Adjutant General of Vermont, CSM Edwards formally passed responsibility to CSM Myers. Both leaders’ families were present and recognized for their support and sacrifice throughout their service.
We thank CSM Edwards for his decades of dedication and wish him the very best in retirement, and we proudly welcome CSM Myers as he steps into this important role.
Yesterday members of the Vermont State Guard assisted the Vermont Air National Guard with their annual open house. Despite the rain in the last hour of rain, it’s needless to say that this event went off without a hitch. Members of the VSG provided 17 members to assist with traffic control to help ensure a safe event for all visitors and participants.
If this looks like something that interests you feel free to reach out to us a [email protected] to find out how you can serve right along side of members of the Vermont National Guard.
Also, thank you to our photo contributors for helping snag these pics! We look forward to seeing you all next year.
“It falls to us to remember their service and share their stories, without which our understanding of the cost of freedom would be incomplete.”
Brig. Gen. Henry Harder, retired, deputy adjutant general of Vermont called upon the crowd at Camp Johnson to remember the lives and trials of those service members who remain unaccounted for and those that endured captivity in the hands of America’s enemies.
Along with the traditional ceremonies honoring those patriots a moment of silence was held for Clyde Cassidy and Richard Hamilton. Veterans and POWs who we lost over the past year. See their brief biography’s below, and carry their legacy of perseverance and service in their memory.
Clyde Cassidy Calais, VT (January 31, 1925-May 28, 2025)
Clyde served in the 36th Infantry Division, 143rd Regimental Combat Team, stationed in North Africa and Italy. While attempting to cross the Rapido River, he was attacked and captured by the Germans. He was then sent to a working farm near the Baltic Sea and remained in captivity for 15 months. He was discharged in November 1945 and hired as a store clerk. Later, he worked for Vermont State as a dispatcher and at the DMV in several positions. He retired in 1985. Clyde and his wife, Pauline, have two children and one grandchild.
Richard Hamilton Marlboro, VT (September 28, 1922 – February 19, 2025)
Richard was on a mission to Leipzig, Germany, as a radio operator on a B-17 when his plane was shot down. He was captured in July 1944 and taken to Stalag Luft IV Prison Camp in Tychow, Poland. In February 1945, he and his fellow prisoners were forced to march in the cold for 77 days. He was liberated by Russians in April 1945 after over nine months in captivity. He returned to Brattleboro and in August 1945, married his high school sweetheart, Joyce. He enrolled in the Fannie Farmer Cooking School on the GI Bill. Later, he and Joyce founded and operated the Skyline Restaurant in Marlboro for 48 years. They have four daughters, seven grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
