Ohio Army National Guard

• Origins in 1788: The Ohio Army National Guard traces its roots to 1788, when the Northwest Territorial Militia was organized at Marietta, Ohio, making it one of the oldest military organizations in the United States. • War of 1812 Service: Ohio militiamen played a crucial role in the War of 1812, participating in key battles such as the Battle of Lake Erie and the defense of Fort Meigs. • Fighting at Gettysburg: During the Civil War, Ohio National Guard units were federalized and took part in the Battle of Gettysburg, helping to repel Confederate forces from Union soil. • Spanish-American War: Ohio Guard units deployed to Cuba and the Philippines during the Spanish-American War in 1898, demonstrating their readiness for overseas operations. • World War I Contributions: The 37th Infantry Division, known as the "Buckeye Division," was formed from Ohio National Guard units and fought in France and Belgium during World War I. • World War II Heroics: The 37th Infantry Division served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, notably in the battles for Bougainville and Luzon, earning numerous battle honors. • Kent State Tragedy: In 1970, Ohio National Guard soldiers were called to Kent State University during anti-war protests, leading to the tragic shooting of four students—an event that profoundly impacted American society. • Disaster Response: The Ohio Army National Guard has responded to numerous natural disasters, including the 1974 Xenia tornado outbreak and the 2003 blackout, providing critical aid and support to civilians. • Global War on Terror: Since 2001, Ohio Army National Guard units have been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations as part of the Global War on Terrorism, supporting both combat and reconstruction efforts. • State Partnership Program: The Ohio National Guard has maintained a State Partnership Program with Serbia since 2006, fostering military and civilian cooperation between the two regions.