• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Digital News Updates
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business

Wyoming National Guard Marks Fourth Year of Successful Educator Leadership Rendezvous

August 15, 2024

The Wyoming National Guard proudly celebrated the fourth successful year of its Educator Leadership Rendezvous (ELR) from July 30 to August 1, 2024, at the Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center. This annual event continues to play a pivotal role in fostering strong relationships between educators and Guard members, showcasing the National Guard as a promising career path for students and bolstering recruitment efforts.

The ELR offers educators an immersive experience into the National Guard’s operations and the diverse opportunities available to students after graduation. In turn, Guard members gain valuable insights into how they can better support schools and refine their recruitment strategies.

“By spending three days with us, educators get to see who we are and what we do,” said Master Sgt. Michael Palmer, the recruiting and retention superintendent for the Wyoming Air National Guard. “It’s a great relationship-building opportunity and helps show that the military is not a last-resort option but a viable career choice for the brightest and best.”

Madison Lacey, the teacher, leadership, and awards coordinator for the Wyoming Department of Education, who also helps coordinate the ELR, emphasized the significance of this collaboration. “This event opens educators’ eyes to the various pathways and opportunities the Guard provides. It’s a fantastic way to support our students and highlight the Guard as a valuable career option.”

Over the course of three days, educators and Wyoming Guard service members—many of whom are recruiters—engage in a range of activities. Although a planned C-130 plane ride was canceled due to local smoke conditions, participants enjoyed a Black Hawk helicopter ride, rappelling over cliffs, engaging in a weapons simulation, and other activities. The event concluded with a spirited paintball competition.

Each evening, Wyoming Guard leaders, including Brig. Gen. Steve Alkire (assistant adjutant general, Army), Brig. Gen. Justin Walrath (assistant adjutant general, Air), Command Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Master Sgt. Josh Moore, and Wyoming National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, addressed educators about the current state of the Guard and sought feedback on enhancing recruitment efforts.

“I find it very beneficial to hear from the adjutant general and other leaders about the realities of our world and the role both the military and schools play in shaping the future,” said Becky Junge, a fourth-grade teacher from Casper and a repeat participant of the ELR. “As educators, we have a role in presenting the military as a viable option for students, not just a last resort.”

Junge encourages fellow educators to attend the ELR. “It’s a professional development experience like no other. I strongly recommend every educator take the leap and participate.”

The ELR remains a cornerstone of the Wyoming National Guard’s efforts to build a bridge between education and military service, ensuring that students are well-informed about the opportunities available to them.

By: DNU staff

Filed Under: News

Related Articles:

  • Governor Gianforte Honors Veterans for Distinguished Service in Glendive and Miles City
  • In just a few months, ICE makes 1,000+ worksite enforcement actions
  • Gallatin College MSU’s online courses expand to meet nontraditional student needs
  • Max Baucus Institute Announces 2025 Baucus Leader Scholars
  • Buckskin Mine Honored with 2025 DEQ Excellence in Mining Reclamation Award
  • UM Video Game Team Scores National Championship

Primary Sidebar

Digital News Updates Logo

Recent News Posts

  • Law enforcement agencies in 40 states are partnering with ICE 287(g) program
  • Gallatin College MSU’s online courses expand to meet nontraditional student needs
  • UM Video Game Team Scores National Championship
  • In just a few months, ICE makes 1,000+ worksite enforcement actions

Recent Politics Posts

  • Watchdogs: New Montana law restricting foreign money in elections insufficient
  • Knudsen Urges Gallatin County to Support ICE Partnership
  • Zinke Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Foreign Military Sales Notification Process
  • Senator Daines Introduces Bill to Keep National Cemeteries Open on Federal Holidays

Recent Business Posts

  • Poll: College not preparing students for workforce, managers avoid hiring them
  • Bridger Aerospace Lands Record-Breaking Wildfire Contracts for Super Scooper Aircraft
  • Daktronics to Participate in Craig-Hallum’s 22nd Annual Institutional Investor Conference
  • Montana Expands Conduit Bond Financing

Copyright © 2025 Digital News Updates, All Rights Reserved.