SSgt. Jonta L. Paten put his rope and high-angle rescue training to work when he aided Prince George Country (Md.) firefighters bring down electrical engineer Josh Vinson from atop a 200-foot water tower on Andrews AFB, Md. Vinson was conducting routine maintenance when officials say his blood sugar level dropped suddenly, putting him in a diabetic shock. Paten, of the 89th Civil Engineer Squadron, climbed the 200-foot tower to set up the descending devices as Prince George’s firemen administered aid. Paten secured the basket as they lowered Vinson to the ground.
Some Guard Troops Won’t Get Paid Until Shutdown Ends
Oct. 29, 2025
The National Guard Bureau says most units are postponing drills during the shutdown, but some states are sticking to their training schedule, resulting in a patchwork of different policies and some confusion in the ranks.
