Honoring Idaho’s Heroes

The Idaho National Guard consists of nearly 3,000 soldiers who train in more than 20 Idaho communities.  The Guard always maintains combat readiness to fight and win our nation’s wars.  They develop and strengthen homeland security and emergency response.  The Idaho Guardsmen build and foster partnerships throughout Idaho, the nation and around the world.  

The mission of the Idaho Army National Guard is to “maintain combat readiness and domestic emergency response capability, while building enduring partnerships throughout the state, nation, and around the world.”  This mission could not have been demonstrated in a better light than in the past few months. 

Idaho National Guardsmen in Washington D.C.

Following the violent attack on Congress on January 6, 2021, the Idaho National Guard was called upon later in the month to the United States Capitol to aid in the peaceful transition of power.  This action was unlike any other deployment the National Guard had seen.  Over 300 Idaho National Guardsmen were in the nation’s capital, along with more than 20,000 additional troops from around the country.  Our state and nation asked a lot from them during these historic times, and as always, the National Guard was ready.  The mission these men and women performed placed additional stress on families and civilian employers.  Thank you for your service.  Your unwavering commitment and service to Idaho and the nation are sincerely appreciated.

Fallen Idaho National Guardsmen

On February 2, 2021, while participating in a routine training flight, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed near Boise.  All three individuals were killed.  Chief Warrant Officer Anderson, Chief Warrant Officer Laubhan and Chief Warrant Officer Peltzer answered the call of duty to serve our state and our nation with honor, distinction and courage.  Their service and sacrifices will not be forgotten, and their selflessness will continue to serve as an example for all of us.  I pray for the strength of comfort in the days ahead, and my sincerest condolences are with the families and friends of these heroic men.

Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) 4 Jesse Anderson was a resident of Nampa and a senior instructor pilot.  He had served in the Idaho Army National Guard since 2008.  CWO Anderson is survived by his wife and four children.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 George “Geoff” Laubhan was a resident of Boise and an instructor pilot, having served in the Idaho Army National Guard since 2010.  CWO Laubhan is survived by his wife and two children.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew Peltzer was a resident of Nampa and an instructor pilot, having served in the Idaho Army National Guard since 2005.  CWO Peltzer is survived by his wife and two children.

Idaho and the nation are grateful to all of those who serve.  You are the backbone of our county, and I am deeply grateful for all you have done and continue to do.  Thank you, and God bless.

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