21 for ‘21

by Staff Sgt. Crystal Housman
Editor, Grizzly Magazine

Dec. 22, 2021

As we close out 2021, Grizzly Magazine's editorial staff is sharing the most read stories of the year as popularized by readers like you.

This year saw continued pandemic support missions performed by Cal Guard service members including the launch and support of mega-vaccination sites as COVID-19 endured another year.

Over the summer, Cal Guard responded as California recorded another historic wildfire season. The Dixie Fire charred 963,309 acres on its way to becoming the state's second largest wildfire on record. The Monument, Caldor, and River Complex fires also landed themselves among the top 20 largest fires since the state started keeping track.

As state support continued, so did our federal missions. The 40th Combat Aviation Brigade deployed to lead Task Force Phoenix in Kuwait, our 330th Military Police Company deployed to Alaska, and Airmen from multiple wings were called to serve overseas in a variety of missions.

Airmen from the 144th Fighter Wing deployed to support Operation Allies Welcome as the war in Afghanistan drew to a close and refugees came to the U.S. Meanwhile, as the year nears its end, additional Cal Guard service members are preparing for future deployments.

Cal Guard's youth programs division saw growth as it officially flagged as Task Force Torch and continued to inspire young people and change lives in communities across the state.

We did these things while taking time to recognize our own, honor the past and celebrate the future.

We look back to remember and look forward to prepare for the road ahead and ensure we are always ready and always there.

COUNTING DOWN GRIZZLY'S TOP 21 MOST-READ STORIES OF 2021: