Vermont Guard Members Summit Kilimanjaro, Invite Public to September Open House
Several members of the Vermont National Guard recently reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, in a physically demanding ascent that reflects the Guard’s elite mountain warfare training and adventurous spirit.
The Guard highlighted the climb in a social media post in late June, calling it “no easy feat.” While officials have not disclosed whether the expedition was part of a formal mission or a personal challenge, the effort is consistent with the Guard’s longstanding focus on high-altitude and cold-weather training.
Vermont is home to the U.S. Army Mountain Warfare School in Jericho, a nationally recognized training center where soldiers are taught rope-handling, survival skills, alpine movement, and winter operations. The 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), headquartered in Vermont, is one of the U.S. military’s few specialized mountain units.
Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, rises to 19,341 feet and is considered the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. Though the climb is non-technical, it requires endurance and acclimatization due to extreme elevation.
Over the past several years, Vermont Guard members have also trained on Mt. Olympus in Greece, assisted with mountain training missions in Africa, and routinely conduct steep-terrain exercises in the Green Mountains. Their success on Kilimanjaro is another example of the Guard’s global readiness and expeditionary mindset.
Guard to Host Major Community Open House on Sept. 7
The Vermont National Guard is now inviting the public to see its capabilities up close. The Guard will host a statewide Open House on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Vermont Air National Guard Base in South Burlington from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We live and serve right here in Vermont,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, Vermont’s adjutant general. “Opening our gates gives us the opportunity to connect with our neighbors, answer questions, and share the important work our soldiers and airmen do every day.”
The event is free and open to the public, with free parking and family accommodations including covered seating, nursing and changing stations, and rest areas. It will take place rain or shine, though some outdoor demonstrations are weather-dependent.
Activities and Attractions
Visitors can expect a wide array of activities and displays, including:
Aircraft Tours: F-35 fighter jets, helicopters, and cargo planes
Ground Vehicles: Tactical trucks and rescue equipment
Simulators: Flight and driving simulators for all ages
Live Demonstrations:
K-9 search and rescue
F-35 flyover
Jaws of Life vehicle extraction
Military band and Norwich University Silent Drill Team
New for 2025
STEM Exploration Zone: Featuring robotics, virtual reality, and hands-on science stations
Expanded Family Zone: Bounce houses, obstacle courses, games, and shaded seating for families
“We were honored to welcome more than 6,000 guests to our last Open House in 2022, and we’re expecting a larger turnout this year,” said Col. Michael Blair, commander of the 158th Fighter Wing. “We’ve added parking, new exhibits, and improved traffic flow to make this event even more family-friendly.”
Food and Shopping
Food Trucks: Offering a variety of local favorites
Merchandise Vendors: Military-themed apparel, gear, and collectibles
Event Details
📍 Location:
Vermont Air National Guard Base
80 Falcon Street, South Burlington, VT
🗓️ Date & Time:
Sunday, September 7, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
🎟️ Admission & Parking:
Free
☔ Rain or Shine:
Event will be held regardless of weather
(Family accommodations and some indoor seating available)
For more information and updates, visit the Vermont National Guard on Facebook or check the official VTNG website.