In preparation for the upcoming hurricane season, the Texas State Guard’s (State Defense Force) 2nd Brigade conducted an essential joint training operation to enhance their emergency response readiness. On March 22, 2025, Guardsmen from the 1st and 4th Battalions assembled in Angleton, Texas, for a high-impact training drill focusing on Aerial Port of Embarkation (APOE) and Aerial Port of Disembarkation (APOD) operations. The exercise was conducted in partnership with The National United States Armed Forces Museum, which provided access to a CH-46 Chinook helicopter for the day’s operations.
The training event centered around aeromedical evacuation procedures that are vital during natural disasters and state emergencies. Guardsmen reinforced their basic first aid knowledge, practiced loading and unloading injured individuals into the Chinook, and received hands-on instruction on setting up ad hoc landing zones—an essential skill when traditional infrastructure is compromised by storm damage or flooding. These scenarios reflect real-world deployments the Texas State Guard frequently faces during hurricanes, where the ability to quickly stabilize and evacuate injured civilians can mean the difference between life and death.
The Texas State Guard plays a critical role in the state’s disaster response framework. Whether responding to hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes, the Guard is regularly activated to support Search and Rescue missions, provide shelter assistance, and perform evacuations. This type of training ensures that Guardsmen remain “ad omnia parati”—ready for anything.
In addition to the vital training that took place, the day included a proud moment of recognition. During the exercise, 2nd Lt. Eric Sepolio, acting commander of Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, promoted Guardsman Steven C. Garza to the rank of Sergeant. The promotion took place next to the CH-46 helicopter, symbolizing both the growth of the individual soldier and the operational strength of the brigade. Congratulations to Sergeant Garza on this well-deserved advancement.
As hurricane season approaches, the readiness and dedication of the 2nd Brigade stand as a reassuring testament to the Guard’s continued commitment to the people of Texas.
Guardsmen from 1st and 4th Battalions, 2nd Brigade, Texas State Guard, practice providing aeromedical evacuation support with the assistance of National United States Armed Forces Museum personnel and their CH-46 helicopter in Angleton, Texas, March 22, 2025. Guardsmen reinforced their basic first aid skills, practiced loading and unloading patients and learned to prepare an ad hoc landing site as would be utilized in a natural disaster or other emergency. Thank you to our valued agency partners without whom such an exercise would not be possible. Well done all! 2nd Brigade is ad omnia parati, “ready for anything!” (Texas State Guard photos by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gregory Illich)
2nd Lt. Eric Sepolio, acting commander, Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, Texas State Guard, promotes Steven C. Garza to Sergeant during aeromedical evacuation support training with the assistance of National United States Armed Forces Museum personnel and their CH-46 helicopter in Angleton, Texas, March 22, 2025. Congratulations and well deserved! (Texas State Guard photos by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gregory Illich)
Source: Texas State Guard
