On this episode of Defend 406, SGT Steve Weber and SGT Taustin Parvinen speak candidly about the elusive and mysterious Warrant Officer with CW5 Julie Vecura (The first female that the Montana Army National Guard ever sent to flight school), and WO1 Sean McCormick. Learn what Warrant Officers are, the vital role they play in our organization, and how to apply to become a Warrant Officer!

Defend 406

18. Warrant Officer Path

On the season finale of Defend 406 we talk to host SSG Steve Weber about his participation in the Norwegian Ruck March - an 18.6 mile rite of passage for many members of the military.

28. Norwegian Ruck March SEASON 1 FINALE

In episode 16 of Defend 406, we interviewed two cadets just beginning their Montana Youth Challenge Academy journey. Join SSG Steve Weber this week as he follows up with those two cadets the day before they graduate. Learn about their journey, the ups and downs, and how the Montana Youth Challenge Academy has changed their lives.

27. Montana Youth Challenge Academy: Graduation Day

June 14, 1777: The Congressional Congress takes a break from writing the Articles of Confederation to establish a flag for the Continental Army that was being developed at the time. The resolution for the flag reads: "Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." So what does that mean in today's world? What does that mean for the brave men and women who have given their lives under that flag? Join SSG Steve Weber and SGT Taustin Parvinen as they sit down with members of the Montana Army National Guard's Honor Guard in this week's episode of Defend 406.

26. Flag Day Special

Sit down with OC Katie Scott, a recent Basic Combat Training (BCT) graduate, and her father retired LTC Garth Scott to learn about the differences between their BCT experiences. How has BCT changed in the last several years? What stayed the same? How did COVID change BCT? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this week's episode of Defend 406.

25. Basic Training: Then and Now

24. Memorial Day Special

Say Yes to the MOS is the new series in Defend 406. Every month we will be featuring personnel who have held non-traditional specialties and occupations in the Montana Army National Guard. This week we sit down with Mrs. Stacey Scotson and CW3 Matt Rowley as they speak about their time as Public Affairs Specialists, where they went, and the experience that they gained.

23. Say Yes to the MOS: Public Affairs Specialists

22. Military Spouse Appreciation

21. The Biathlon Team

Join SGT Steve Weber and SGT Taustin Parvinen as they sit down with Mr. Marcus "Doc" Cravens and talk to him about his military service, his art project (American Veterans), and the Soldiers who paved the way for those who came after them! Be sure to check out Mr. Cravens' Art project at: www.doccravens.com

20. Military Appreciation Month: Veteran History and Arts Initiative

Join SGT Steve Weber and SGT Taustin Parvinen as they sit down with Ms. Ms. Savannah Sill and Ms. Katy Toehill from family programs to speak about what they do for the Montana Army National Guard, their upcoming events, and the countless lives that they've changed.

19. Month of the Military Child 2021: Family Programs

The military is known to instill certain traits in our Soldiers (have you heard episode 15, "Traits That Make You Great"?) and Staff Sergeant Devo Lewis is no exception! Join us on this episode of Defend 406 where we learn about how the military and the martial arts world has helped SSG Lewis build upon his resilience and discipline!

17. Resilience and Discipline

The National Guard has a voluntary nation-wide program called the "Youth Challenge Academy" that targets at-risk students between the ages of 16 and 18 and focuses on education and practical and life skills. In this week's episode of Defend 406, you'll find out how Montana's Youth Challenge Academy works, how they're helping not only their students, but their community, and even get to chat with some of the cadets who are currently in the program (March 2021)

16. Montana Youth Challenge Academy

Join SGT Steve Weber and SGT Taustin Parvinen as they speak to CPT (Ret.) Clayton Scotson and CW3 (Ret) Tim Swingle about the different paths that the military can take you down and the traits that are instilled in Soldiers along the way!

15. Traits That Make You Great

A couple weeks ago we brought you an episode about deployment, but what happens to your family while you're deployed? Find out how the Montana Army National Guard ensures that our Soldiers AND their families are taken care of in this week's episode of Defend 406.

14. Family and Deployment

An informational podcast from the Montana Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Marketing Team. Hosts Sergeant Steve Weber and Sergeant Taustin Parvinen will interview a new member of the Montana community or Montana Army National Guard weekly to bring you information about history, training, benefits, and more regarding the Montana Army National Guard.