Cal Guard promotes new lieutenants
More than 40 graduate OCS
Story & photos by Maj. Kara Greene
California Army National Guard
September 22, 2021
CAMP SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – 38 California Army National Guard Soldiers graduated from Officer Candidate School, Aug. 21, held by the 223rd Regiment's Regional Training Institute at Camp San Luis Obispo.
The class included eight additional graduates from the California State Guard members, who volunteer as part of the state’s military operational force to enhance civil support and federal readiness of the California Military Department.
Cal Guard leaders including U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Robert Wooldridge, deputy commander of the 40th Infantry Division, and Col. Tiffany Buethe, commander of the 223rd Regimental Training Institute, both delivered remarks at the pinning-on ceremony.
For the second year in a row, the graduation ceremony was held virtually due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Graduates and speakers attended in person while family members and friends tuned in through a Facebook livestream.
“OCS is challenging under the best of circumstances,” said Maj. Josh Kresha, OCS commander. “This class dealt with the global pandemic and was activated for civil unrest — a first in over 60 years.”
About 30 traditional, weekend-only program candidates were diverted from their program of instruction in the spring of 2020 to support the Cal Guard’s activation in response to civil unrest.
Candidates and their cadre, along with the entire regiment, paused training to train more than 1,000 Army and Air Force before they were mobilized to support law enforcement with protection of lives and property at locations throughout the state.
All mobilized candidates were able to graduate on time. But this ceremony isn’t the finish line for the 46 men and women who pinned on the rank of second lieutenant.
“The journey to lead the American Soldier has only just begun,” Wooldridge told the state’s newest commissioned officers.
Stream the graduation ceremony on Cal Guard’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CAGUARD/videos/306656837898574
Officer candidate Gilbuena takes an oath before being promoted, Aug. 21, during the Officer Candidate School graduation at Camp San Luis Obispo.
Officer candidate Gilbuena takes an oath before being promoted, Aug. 21, during the Officer Candidate School graduation at Camp San Luis Obispo.
A new second lieutenant is presented rank insignia for his uniform.
A new second lieutenant is presented rank insignia for his uniform.
A new second lieutenant is presented rank insignia for his uniform.
A new second lieutenant is presented rank insignia for his uniform.
A new second lieutenant affixes rank insignia to his uniform.
A new second lieutenant affixes rank insignia to his uniform.
“I want to serve my state like I served my nation.” U.S. Navy Ensign Julian Hortz, a 10-year Navy veteran and now the newest member of the California State Guard Maritime Component.
“I want to serve my state like I served my nation.” U.S. Navy Ensign Julian Hortz, a 10-year Navy veteran and now the newest member of the California State Guard Maritime Component.
“I want to share with other people—don’t let time or your own self doubts stop you from pursuing what you want to do.”U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Rebecca Losasso, after 13 years in the Army, a 10-year break in serve, one husband and three kids, Losasso was commissioned in the California Army National Guard.
“I want to share with other people—don’t let time or your own self doubts stop you from pursuing what you want to do.”U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Rebecca Losasso, after 13 years in the Army, a 10-year break in serve, one husband and three kids, Losasso was commissioned in the California Army National Guard.
California State Guard OCS graduates pose for a group photo with two of their cadre before graduation ceremony.
California State Guard OCS graduates pose for a group photo with two of their cadre before graduation ceremony.
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