Military

Is Your Home in a New Airport Noise Zone? Find Out Here

by Andrea Suozzo on June 5, 2019 at 7:51PM

An estimated 2,640 dwelling units around Burlington International Airport will be affected by noise levels at or above 65 decibels, according to projections released last week. (The decibels figure represents the estimated average noise level over a 24-hour period). The increased noise is a factor both of the basing of F-35 fighter jets at BTV and an anticipated increase in commercial flights arriving at and departing the airport.

An F-35 landing at Burlington International Airport

F-35s Diverted to BTV Provide an Unexpected Preview of What's Coming

by Molly Walsh on May 29, 2019 at 3:10PM

In April, F-35s from Hill Air Force Base were deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. That's the Pentagon's name for operations against ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

The Burlington International Airport draft noise exposure map report

More Homes Are Inside High-Decibel Areas on New F-35 Sound Maps

by Molly Walsh on May 28, 2019 at 7:44PM

It will also affect small parts of Burlington and Colchester, and a corner of Essex with no homes. A total of 2,655 acres will be within the 65 decibel zone in 2023, according to the projections.

A conference committee of the Vermont legislature meets to discuss the adjutant general selection process.

Legislators Negotiate Who Will Pick Vermont's Top Military Officer

by Kevin McCallum on May 16, 2019 at 6:47PM

Senators stressed the dysfunction of the current process, suggesting that asking 150 representatives and 30 senators to vet and vote on multiple candidates for the post was an antiquated, awkward and inefficient process. “If you asked 180 of us who were the four candidates who ran this year, I’m not sure many people would remember all four and be able to tell you much about them,” Sen. Brian Collamore (R-Rutland) said.

Col. Greg Knight speaks to retired colonel Rosanne Greco after his election as the state's new adjutant general.

Greg Knight, Newly Elected Leader of the Vermont Guard, Vows Culture Change

by Kevin McCallum on February 21, 2019 at 2:48PM

Vermont is the only state that elects the leader of its National Guard. This year's election was more closely watched than most because it took place soon after publication of VTDigger's series.

Legislators Raise Awareness of Burn Pit Health Risks for Soldiers

by Kevin McCallum on February 20, 2019 at 4:37PM

They and several other senators have introduced a bill requiring the Department of Health to develop educational material about the symptoms associated with exposure to such pits by July 1, 2019. Burn pits are a common way for soldiers, particularly in combat zones, to dispose of a variety of waste — including chemicals, paint, medical and human waste, munitions, petroleum products, plastics, and food — according to the bill.

Adjutant General Candidates Pledge to Confront Sex Harassment in Vermont National Guard

by Kevin McCallum on February 5, 2019 at 10:34PM

find something else to do,” he said. The most recent entrant into the adjutant general race is Rosanne Greco, a retired Air Force colonel and fierce critic of the decision to base the new F-35 fighter in South Burlington, where she has previously served on the city council.

Rosanne Greco has entered the race for adjutant general.

F-35 Critic Rosanne Greco Enters Race for Adjutant General

by Kevin McCallum on February 4, 2019 at 5:52PM

What the Guard needs now is someone willing to address these problems instead of a leader who will “salute smartly” and follow orders, Greco said. “I would continue to tell the truth to my bosses whether they like to hear it or not,” she said.

Legislators: National Guard Reports on Sexism, Assaults Are Lacking

by Kevin McCallum on January 22, 2019 at 9:01PM

The reports, however, provided legislators with little insight into whether the Guard's culture is really changing, said Rep. Diana González (P/D-Winooski). She has asked for years for data on the number of sexual assault reports and how each was resolved, with accompanying historical data that would enable lawmakers to understand what strategies are working and what aren’t. “We can’t do our job if we don’t have a report that we can read,” González said.

Maj. Gen. Steven Cray (background) looks on as Gov. Phil Scott addresses the media

Scott Defends Vermont National Guard, Says No Investigation Needed

by Paul Heintz on December 6, 2018 at 3:30PM

because we want to be holistic in our reporting and we want to show all sides of the story.” The Guard has since restored the news organization to its press list.

Seven Days

Off Message

» topic: Military