It rained today but not long enough to do any good!

Hope the lawns will come back!

Through ownership changes and plant expansions, paper mills are often a hodgepodge of mismatched additions and new nameplates slapped on top of old. I think that's why the IP corrugated shipping container plant stood out to me. Its silver edifice on the south side of Fond du Lac still looks straight out of the Mad Men era. I've always loved the Lester Beall designed logo (1958) and seeing it so large on the tallest part of the building is pretty cool. July 20, 2024.

U.S. Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard’s 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) prepare to roll out to their exercise area against OPFOR, or Opposing Force, Army peers who mimic weapons and tactics of real world threats at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 5, 2019. The ABCT Soldiers deployed for Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan)

Engine 60 firefighters start by protecting the exposures.

While en-route to meet up with Detroit Fire, Engine 60 for a still alarm, my co-pilot spotted a nice header to our left. It was decided to follow the header instead of continuing to the E60 call. As we turned off of Gration onto E7 Mile, we could see E60 coming our way, just then they were redirected to go for another still alarm at the location we were now heading to. We ducked down some streets, and at the intersection of Hickory & Pinewood where the fire was, E6 busted through just as we got there. One dwelling fully involved, with the dwellings on the bravo and delta sides as exposures. E60 requested the box alarm for the fire, and went to work.

Click here for my video from this fire.

Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard’s 630th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 113th Sustainment Brigade prepare for supply convoy duty supporting the NCNG’s 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 9, 2019. The 30th ABCT Soldiers deployed for Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard)

This past week, local artist, and proprietor of Kansas City's West Bottoms hobby shop Doc's Caboose, Doc Snyder passed away at the age of 62.

A few days after the news came out, I stopped by to pay my respects to the shop that I've spent countless hours in over the years. Ever since I moved to the region after college, it's been my go-to shop in the region for supplies, and comradery. For those of you who have just come to know the West Bottoms recently, it wasn't nearly as gentrified 20 years ago. Doc was a trendsetter here in the urbanization of his business and studio when it came to KC, and I was more than happy to support his efforts.

This isn't to say that the shop is closing, but it certainly won't be the same without its namesake around anymore. You can visit their website here: docscaboose.biz/

As it was, I found it to be quite fitting that while I was on site, the NS 7630 rolled west by me on UP's KC Metro Sub towards 18th St. Yard. As you can tell, the shop has quite the view of the Main.

High Greens, Doc!

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALF. Over 100 Moldovan Soldiers flew to March Air Reserve Base, California to join the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) at the National Training Center as part of their Agile Hunter Exercise, on June 28, 2019. Moldova, a longtime State Partnership Program member with the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG), deployed to join the nearly 4,200 Soldiers from four National Guard states at National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California for Operation Hickory Sting, providing the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing the ABCT for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

North Carolina National Guard Soldiers react to a protest during Operation Hickory Sting at Fort Irwin, California, July 3, 2019. Operation Hickory Sting is a decisive action rotation focused on combined arms maneuver and collective gunnery at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, in order to validate the capabilities of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in the training environment and provide a globally responsive brigade ready to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Sgt. Wayne Becton, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

North Carolina National Guard Soldiers treat a mock casualty at a simulated protest during Operation Hickory Sting at Fort Irwin, California, July 3, 2019. Operation Hickory Sting is a decisive action rotation focused on combined arms maneuver and collective gunnery at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, in order to validate the capabilities of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in the training environment and provide a globally responsive brigade ready to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Sgt. Wayne Becton, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

North Carolina National Guard Soldiers react to a protest during Operation Hickory Sting at Fort Irwin, California, July 3, 2019. Operation Hickory Sting is a decisive action rotation focused on combined arms maneuver and collective gunnery at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, in order to validate the capabilities of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in the training environment and provide a globally responsive brigade ready to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Sgt. Wayne Becton, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

North Carolina National Guard Soldiers treat a mock casualty at a simulated protest during Operation Hickory Sting at Fort Irwin, California, July 3, 2019. Operation Hickory Sting is a decisive action rotation focused on combined arms maneuver and collective gunnery at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, in order to validate the capabilities of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in the training environment and provide a globally responsive brigade ready to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Sgt. Wayne Becton, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Alabama National Guard Soldiers react to a simulated protest during Operation Hickory Sting at Fort Irwin, California, July 3, 2019. Operation Hickory Sting is a decisive action rotation focused on combined arms maneuver and collective gunnery at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, in order to validate the capabilities of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in the training environment and provide a globally responsive brigade ready to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Sgt. Wayne Becton, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Spc. James McCormick assigned to 150th Cavalry Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, West Virginia National Guard, pulls security on a 113 Armored Personnel Carrier during Operation Hickory Sting at Fort Irwin, California, July 8, 2019. Operation Hickory Sting is a decisive action rotation focused on combined arms maneuver and collective gunnery at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, in order to validate the capabilities of the 30th in the training environment and provide a globally responsive brigade ready to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. Jamar Marcel Pugh, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

A Moldovan Soldier and Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG) 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) react to a simulated civil disturbance at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 3, 2019. Moldova, a longtime State Partnership Program member with the NCNG, deployed nearly 100 Soldiers to NTC joining ABCT Soldiers for Operation Hickory Sting, a several week rotation at NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army as the ABCT prepares for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALF. Over 100 Moldovan Soldiers flew to March Air Reserve Base, California to join the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) at the National Training Center as part of their Agile Hunter Exercise, on June 28, 2019. Moldova, a longtime State Partnership Program member with the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG), deployed to join the nearly 4,200 Soldiers from four National Guard states at National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California for Operation Hickory Sting, providing the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing the ABCT for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALF. Over 100 Moldovan Soldiers flew to March Air Reserve Base, California to join the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) at the National Training Center as part of their Agile Hunter Exercise, on June 28, 2019. Moldova, a longtime State Partnership Program member with the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG), deployed to join the nearly 4,200 Soldiers from four National Guard states at National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California for Operation Hickory Sting, providing the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing the ABCT for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

A Moldovan Soldier and Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG) 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) react to a simulated civil disturbance at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 3, 2019. Moldova, a longtime State Partnership Program member with the NCNG, deployed nearly 100 Soldiers to NTC joining ABCT Soldiers for Operation Hickory Sting, a several week rotation at NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army as the ABCT prepares for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard’s 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team and 113th Sustainment Brigade unload rucksacks during Operation Hickory Sting at Fort Irwin, California, June 28, 2019. The SB deployed to support the ABCT’s rotation at Fort Irwin’s National Training Center for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing the ABCT Soldiers for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Army Spc. Nicolas Benitez-Romero, left, a gunner and Army Spc. Paul Quinichett, a driver, both assigned to the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG) A Battery, 1-113th Field Artillery Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) mount a M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun to a M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 1, 2019. The ABCT Soldiers deployed to the NCNG’s Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALF. Over 100 Moldovan Soldiers flew to March Air Reserve Base, California to join the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) at the National Training Center as part of their Agile Hunter Exercise, on June 28, 2019. Moldova, a longtime State Partnership Program member with the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG), deployed to join the nearly 4,200 Soldiers from four National Guard states at National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California for Operation Hickory Sting, providing the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing the ABCT for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALF. Over 100 Moldovan Soldiers flew to March Air Reserve Base, California to join the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) at the National Training Center as part of their Agile Hunter Exercise, on June 28, 2019. Moldova, a longtime State Partnership Program member with the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG), deployed to join the nearly 4,200 Soldiers from four National Guard states at National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California for Operation Hickory Sting, providing the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing the ABCT for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Army Pvt. Ricky McLaurin, left, Army Sgt. Curtis Frazier and Army Sgt. Michael Snyder, all mechanics assigned to G Company, 230th Brigade Support Battalion, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) prepare MILES gear, a system of blanks and lasers that simulates combat, on a M88A2 Hercules Recovery Vehicle at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, June 30, 2019. The ABCT Soldiers deployed for Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Army Pvt. Brandon Bane, left, a driver and Army Sgt. Josh Olmstead, a gunner, both assigned to the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG) A Battery, 1-113th Field Artillery Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) secure a M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun to a M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 1, 2019. The ABCT Soldiers deployed to the NCNG’s Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALF. Over 100 Moldovan Soldiers flew to March Air Reserve Base, California to join the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) at the National Training Center as part of their Agile Hunter Exercise, on June 28, 2019. Moldova, a longtime State Partnership Program member with the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG), deployed to join the nearly 4,200 Soldiers from four National Guard states at National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California for Operation Hickory Sting, providing the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing the ABCT for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Army Spc. Nicolas Benitez-Romero, left, a gunner and Army Spc. Paul Quinichett, a driver, both assigned to the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG) A Battery, 1-113th Field Artillery Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) mount a M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun to a M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 1, 2019. The ABCT Soldiers deployed to the NCNG’s Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Army Pvt. Brandon Bane, left, a driver and Army Sgt. Josh Olmstead, a gunner, both assigned to the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG) A Battery, 1-113th Field Artillery Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) secure a M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun to a M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 1, 2019. The ABCT Soldiers deployed to the NCNG’s Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Sgt. William Brock, left, assigned to the North Carolina National Guard’s 113th Sustainment Brigade (SB) and U.S. Army Sgt. Ellen Cox, assigned to the North Carolina National Guard’s 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) unload rucksacks during Operation Hickory Sting at Fort Irwin, California, June 28, 2019. The 30th ABCT, supported by the 113th SB deployed to Fort Irwin’s National Training Center for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing the ABCT for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Army Pvt. Brandon Bane, left, a driver and Army Sgt. Josh Olmstead, a gunner, both assigned to the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG) A Battery, 1-113th Field Artillery Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) start to secure a M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun to a M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 1, 2019. The ABCT Soldiers deployed to the NCNG’s Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Army Spc. Nicolas Benitez-Romero, left, a gunner and Army Spc. Paul Quinichett, a driver, both assigned to the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG) A Battery, 1-113th Field Artillery Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) mount a M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun to a M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 1, 2019. The ABCT Soldiers deployed to the NCNG’s Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Army Pvt. Brandon Bane, left, a driver and Army Sgt. Josh Olmstead, a gunner, both assigned to the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG) A Battery, 1-113th Field Artillery Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) mount a M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun to a M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 1, 2019. The ABCT Soldiers deployed to the NCNG’s Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Sgt. Joe Osborne, assigned to the North Carolina National Guard’s 113th Sustainment Brigade (SB) loads rucksacks during Operation Hickory Sting at Fort Irwin, California, June 28, 2019. The SB deployed to support the NCNG’s 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team’s (ABCT) rotation at Fort Irwin’s National Training Center for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing the ABCT for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Sgt. William Brock, left, assigned to the North Carolina National Guard’s 113th Sustainment Brigade (SB) and U.S. Army Sgt. Ellen Cox, assigned to the North Carolina National Guard’s 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) unload rucksacks during Operation Hickory Sting at Fort Irwin, California, June 28, 2019. The 30th ABCT, supported by the 113th SB deployed to NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Army Pvt. Brandon Bane, left, a driver and Army Sgt. Josh Olmstead, a gunner, both assigned to the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG) A Battery, 1-113th Field Artillery Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) mount a M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun to a M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 1, 2019. The ABCT Soldiers deployed to the NCNG’s Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard’s 1-113th Field Artillery Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) mount M2 .50 Caliber Machine Guns to M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 1, 2019. The ABCT Soldiers deployed for Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

South Carolina National Guard Soldiers assigned to C Company, 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment attach camouflage netting to a M2 Bradley during Operation Hickory Sting in Fort Irwin, CA, July 1, 2019. Operation Hickory Sting is a decisive action rotation focused on combined arms maneuver and collective gunnery at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA, to validate the capabilities of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in the training environment and provide a globally responsive brigade ready to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Sgt. Wayne Becton, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

The North Carolina National Guard Soldiers prepare vehicles for training during Operation Hickory Sting in Fort Irwin, CA, July 1, 2019. Operation Hickory Sting is a rotation focused on combined arms maneuver and collective gunnery at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA, to validate the capabilities of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in the training environment and provide a globally responsive brigade ready to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Sgt. Wayne Becton, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Spc. Daniel Morgan,North Carolina National Guard Culinary Specialist, assigned to 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment prepares a meal during Operation Hickory Sting at Fort Irwin, California, July 2, 2019. Operation Hickory Sting is a decisive action rotation focused on combined arms maneuver and collective gunnery at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, in order to validate the capabilities of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in the training environment and provide a globally responsive brigade ready to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Sgt. Wayne Becton, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

The North Carolina National Guard Soldiers prepare vehicles for training during Operation Hickory Sting in Fort Irwin, CA, July 1, 2019. Operation Hickory Sting is a rotation focused on combined arms maneuver and collective gunnery at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA, to validate the capabilities of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in the training environment and provide a globally responsive brigade ready to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Sgt. Wayne Becton, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Food service specialists assigned to F Company, 230th Brigade Support Battalion, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) serve hot chow after a long day of training to fellow ABCT Soldiers at National Training Center (NTC) July 2, 2019. The ABCT Soldiers deployed for Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

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The North Carolina National Guard Soldiers stage M109 A6 Paladin in the motor pool during Operation Hickory Sting in Fort Irwin, CA, July 1, 2019. Operation Hickory Sting is a decisive action rotation focused on combined arms maneuver and collective gunnery at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA, in order to validate the capabilities of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in the training environment and provide a globally responsive brigade ready to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Sgt. Wayne Becton, North Carolina National Guard Public

The North Carolina National Guard Soldiers prepare vehicles for training during Operation Hickory Sting in Fort Irwin, CA, July 1, 2019. Operation Hickory Sting is a rotation focused on combined arms maneuver and collective gunnery at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA, to validate the capabilities of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in the training environment and provide a globally responsive brigade ready to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Sgt. Wayne Becton, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

The North Carolina National Guard Soldiers prepare vehicles for training during Operation Hickory Sting in Fort Irwin, CA, July 1, 2019. Operation Hickory Sting is a rotation focused on combined arms maneuver and collective gunnery at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA, to validate the capabilities of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in the training environment and provide a globally responsive brigade ready to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Sgt. Wayne Becton, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG) 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) stage an M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, June 30, 2019. The ABCT Soldiers deployed for Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

South Carolina National Guard Spc. Clayton Pruitt assigned to C Company, 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment sit in the turret of a M2 Bradley during Operation Hickory Sting in Fort Irwin, CA, July 1, 2019. Operation Hickory Sting is a rotation focused on combined arms maneuver and collective gunnery at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA, to validate the capabilities of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in the training environment and provide a globally responsive brigade ready to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Sgt. Wayne Becton, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Spc. Johnte White, assigned to the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG) E Company, 230th Brigade Support Battalion, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, learns more about Moldovan weapons from Moldovan Army Sgt. 1st Class Ghorghe Negura, while on guard duty at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 3, 2019. The ABCT Soldiers deployed for Operation Hickory Sting to the NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army preparing them for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

A Moldovan Soldier and Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG) 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) react to a simulated civil disturbance at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, July 3, 2019. Moldova, a longtime State Partnership Program member with the NCNG, deployed nearly 100 Soldiers to NTC joining ABCT Soldiers for Operation Hickory Sting, a several week rotation at NTC for the best, most current combat training available in the U.S. Army as the ABCT prepares for deployment overseas later this fall. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)