Renowned as a Soldier, pastor, athlete, and herpetoculture expert, Nevada Army Guard Staff Sgt. Matthew LaGrone is one of the most recognizable men in the Silver State.

The title of the 1960s television series on covert operations and the Tom Cruise-franchise of action-spy films could also succinctly describe the seemingly impossible task the small number of Nevada Army Guard Honor Guard Soldiers face this year. With just six full-time Soldiers (and one full-time civilian administrator), the Honor Guard anticipates supporting 1,150 missions in 2022.

The Nevada National Guard formally wrapped up its largest and lengthiest domestic activation in history after the Guard’s support of the state coronavirus response concluded Thursday.

Staff Sgt. Keahi Granstrom, a motor transport operator in the 1864th Transportation Company, and Sgt. Bryan Brown, a combat engineer in the 609th Engineer Company, emerged as the top Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier in the state respectively during the three-day Best Warrior contest that concluded March 10 at the Hawthorne Army Depot.

Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Harrell received the 152nd Maintenance Group Commander’s Excellence Award in February in Reno when the organization’s top performers were recognized at the Nevada Air Guard’s annual awards ceremony.