Montana Army National Guard Honors Newly Commissioned Officers

HELENA, Mont. — The Montana Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School (OCS) celebrated the graduation and commissioning of OCS Class 69 Sunday in a formal ceremony held at the 208th Regional Training Institute (RTI) Plaza. The ceremony marked the culmination of an intense and demanding year of training, resulting in the commissioning of several new second lieutenants into the United States Army and the Montana Army National Guard. During the rigorous OCS school year, the candidates completed over 500 hours of formal instruction in critical military domains, including leadership, tactics, weapons, map reading, logistics, maintenance, administration, training management, and military communication. In addition to demanding academic requirements, the candidates endured countless hours of drill and ceremony, alongside more than 50 stringent inspections designed to test their resilience, attention to detail, and leadership under pressure. Lt. Col. Noah Genger, MTNG J3/JDOMS, served as the guest speaker for the ceremony, offering words of leadership and encouragement to the newly commissioned officers as they prepare to take on leadership positions across the state. OCS Company Commander Maj. Cory Godfrey administered the Oath of Office. “You will learn tactics. You will learn strategy and doctrine – the what and the how,” said Genger. “But American soldiers don’t follow rank into battle. They follow character. They follow men and women who love their country, believe in their cause, and lead with quiet humility and fierce integrity.” The ceremony also highlighted the traditional "First Salute," an enduring military custom dating back to 1792, where newly commissioned officers present a silver dollar to the first enlisted soldier who salutes them, symbolizing a mutual respect for the newly earned rank. The following individuals of OCS Class 69 were recognized for their outstanding achievements:

• Second Lieutenant Michael Yee of Missoula, Mont.
  • Honors & Awards: Recipient of the prestigious Erickson Trophy (Distinguished Honor Graduate) for demonstrating superior excellence in leadership, physical fitness, academics, and peer evaluations. He was also awarded the Academic Award for maintaining the highest overall academic average in the graduating class.
  • Assignment: Branching Infantry; joining Charlie Company, 1-163rd Light Infantry Battalion.
  • Pinning & First Salute: Pinned by his father, David. His first salute was rendered by retired Cpl. Bill Drew, United States Marine Corps.
• Second Lieutenant Justin White of Billings, Mont.
  • Honors & Awards: Recipient of the McCarthy Award, which honors the graduate who exemplifies dedication, pride, a sense of humor, and a "drive on" attitude. He also received the Leadership Award for achieving the highest average on all rated leadership evaluations.
  • Assignment: Branching Infantry; joining Alpha Company, 1-163rd Light Infantry Battalion.
  • Pinning & First Salute: Pinned by his wife, Day Lynn White. His first salute was rendered by his friend and brother, Master Sgt. Anthony Celia, Alaska Air National Guard.
• Second Lieutenant Krista Allen of Butte, Mont.
  • Assignment: Branching Logistics; joining the 900th Quartermaster Platoon.
  • Pinning & First Salute: Pinned by her children: Emilee, Octavia, and Derek. Her first salute was rendered by her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Gary Allen, United States Army.
• Second Lieutenant Chase Armstrong of Bonner, Mont.
  • Assignment: Branching Aviation; joining the 1-189th General Support Aviation Battalion.
  • Pinning & First Salute: Pinned by his wife, Katy. His first salute was rendered by his friend, Staff Sgt. Wright, United States Army.
• Second Lieutenant Meaghan Fisher of Kalispell, Mont.
  • Assignment: Branching Adjutant General; joining the 1889th Regional Support Group.
  • Pinning & First Salute: Pinned by her father, Jed, and daughter, Araceli. Her first salute was rendered by her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Joaquin Calderon, United States Army.
• Second Lieutenant Daniel Leon of Bozeman, Mont.
  • Assignment: Branching Logistics; joining the 190th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.
  • Pinning & First Salute: Pinned by his parents, Amalia Lopez and Jesus Leon. His first salute was rendered by his friend, Staff Sgt. Tory Umsted, United States Army.
• Officer Candidate Garrett McNeil of Trego, Mont.
  • Honors & Awards: Recipient of the Army Combat Fitness Award for achieving the highest physical fitness score on the Army Fitness Test during OCS.
  • Note: Candidate McNeil will accept his commission at a later date.
• Officer Candidate Tory Umsted of Helena, Mont.
  • Honors & Awards: Recipient of the A.J. Christensen Trophy, a peer-voted honor recognizing the candidate who contributed the most support and assistance to the graduating class.
  • Note: Candidate Umsted will accept his commission at a later date.

The Montana Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School, operated by the 208th Regional Training Institute, is designed to train, assess, and evaluate potential officers to ensure they possess the leadership characteristics, physical stamina, and mental fortitude required of a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.