HERMISTON, Ore. - The Oregon Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, held a formal Change of Command ceremony at the Hermiston Army National Guard Armory on Jan. 10, 2026, as Lt. Col. Christopher R. Miller relinquished command to Maj. Jorge L. De Anda, who assumed command.

The ceremony marked not only a leadership change but also the beginning of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment's transition to an Infantry Battalion, as part of the Army’s Transformation in Contact initiative, designed to reorganize units for modern battlefield needs.

“This unit has a great history and lineage, and as you transition from 3-116 Armor to the 2nd [Battalion] of the 186th Infantry, you will honor the 116th lineage from World War II and the 2nd Battalion of the 186th Infantry Regiment,” said Col. Russell Gibson, 82nd Troop Command Brigade Commander, who presided over the ceremony. “As the 186, this unit was heavily involved in the Battle of Biak, which marked the first tank-versus-tank battle in the Pacific Theater.”

On July 30, 2025, three M1A2SEP tanks from Bravo Company's units participated in a ceremonial last-round event conducted on Range 26 at the Orchard Combat Training Center in Idaho, serving as a symbolic farewell to the units' armored heritage.

Overseeing the last-round event, Lt. Col. Miller wanted to ensure that tank crews had one last chance at tank qualification proficiency.

“I will say it feels a bit strange to be formally passing the colors today, and despite all that, I’m extremely grateful to be here and have the opportunity to officially hand off the baton,” said Miller as he addressed the unit. “Getting the chance to come back here and serve alongside you over the past couple of years has truly been the greatest honor of my life.”

With the shift to an Infantry Unit, Maj. De Anda has risen through the ranks over the years with the 3-116th, from enlisted Soldier to noncommissioned officer, and is now the Battalion Commander.

“I would like to acknowledge the local community members here today… In the National Guard, we have a unique mission to defend our nation and protect our state and local communities, and I am deeply grateful for your ongoing support,” De Anda said. “As we look ahead, I feel both excited and a touch of sadness. I am excited to be the first unit to transition to Mobile Infantry, but I will miss the gunnery… Nevertheless, our readiness to serve our state and country is what defines us, regardless of the equipment and our multiple roles.”

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Released Images: 

260110-Z-CH590-1133: Oregon Army National Guard Col. Russell Gibson, commander of the 82nd Troop Command Brigade, addresses those in attendance at the Change of Command ceremony for the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, held at the Hermiston Army National Guard Armory in Hermiston, Oregon, on Jan. 10, 2026. Gibson described the unit's transition from armor to infantry, drawing on the brigade's proud World War II history and lineage. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260110-Z-CH590-1120: (Left to right) Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Jorge L. De Anda, Lt. Col. Christopher R. Miller, and Col. Russell Gibson render a hand salute during the playing of the National Anthem as the Change of Command ceremony begins for the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, held at the Hermiston Army National Guard Armory in Hermiston, Oregon, on Jan. 10, 2026. Lt. Col. Miller relinquished command to Maj. De Anda, who will assume command as the unit begins a transition from armor to infantry as part of the Army’s Transformation in Contact initiative. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260110-Z-CH590-1128: (Left to right) Oregon Army National Guard Col. Russell Gibson, Maj. Jorge L. De Anda and Lt. Col. Christopher R. Miller stand at attention during the Change of Command ceremony for the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, held at the Hermiston Army National Guard Armory in Hermiston, Oregon, on Jan. 10, 2026. Lt. Col. Miller relinquished command to Maj. De Anda, who will assume command as the unit begins a transition from armor to infantry as part of the Army’s Transformation in Contact initiative. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260110-Z-CH590-1132: Oregon National Guard Lt. Col. Christopher R. Miller (right) receives a leadership gift from Sgt. Maj. Martin (left) and the unit members during the Change of Command Ceremony for the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, at the Hermiston Army National Guard Armory in Hermiston, Oregon, on Jan. 10, 2026. Lt. Col. Miller relinquished command to Maj. De Anda, who will assume command as the unit transitions from armor to infantry as part of the Army’s Transformation in Contact initiative. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260110-Z-CH590-1125: Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Jorge L. De Anda delivers his remarks as the incoming commander to those in attendance at the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, held at the Hermiston Army National Guard Armory in Hermiston, Oregon, on Jan. 10, 2026. Lt. Col. Christopher Miller relinquished command to Maj. De Anda as the unit transitions from armor to infantry as part of the Army’s Transformation in Contact initiative. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260110-Z-CH590-1139: Oregon National Guard Lt. Col. Christopher R. Miller (left) receives the unit colors from Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Martin (right) during the Change of Command Ceremony for the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, at the Hermiston Army National Guard Armory in Hermiston, Oregon, on Jan. 10, 2026. Lt. Col. Miller relinquished command to Maj. De Anda, who will assume command as the unit transitions from armor to infantry as part of the Army’s Transformation in Contact initiative. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

Hello, 

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is celebrating 10 years of its Winter Ski & Snowboard Series with Mt. Hood Meadows and the Meadows Learning Center. The eight-week program, launching tomorrow, January 7, removes financial barriers for blind and visually impaired athletes by covering instruction, equipment, lift passes, and transportation, supporting 300+ athletes over the past decade with 30+ participants each season.

Supporting 2025 b-roll and photography are available here, and outlets interested in on-site coverage or interviews may contact me directly.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NWABA Celebrates 10 Years of Its Winter Sports Series with Mt. Hood Meadows, Empowering Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes

Vancouver, Washington— January 6, 2026 — Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) proudly celebrates a major milestone this winter: 10 years of providing adaptive ski and snowboard opportunities for children, youth, and adults who are blind or visually impaired through its annual Winter Sports Series in partnership with Mt. Hood Meadows and its Meadows Learning Center.

NWABA’s eight-week Winter Ski & Snowboard Series officially kicks off on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort. Open to athletes of all ages and abilities, the program removes financial barriers by covering the full cost of instruction, equipment rentals, lift passes, and transportation, eliminating expenses that can exceed $600 per participant each season. Athletes of all experience levels are supported, from beginners to advanced riders, through one-on-one support from Mt. Hood Meadows specially trained instructors equipped with communication tools such as in-helmet two-way radios that promote independence while ensuring safety.

“We are incredibly grateful for the community, partners, and athletes who have made the past ten years possible,” said Billy Henry, NWABA Founder and President. “Living near the mountains gives our athletes the opportunity to experience the thrill of winter sports, something that has a lasting impact on their confidence and independence.”

As part of its continued growth, NWABA serves athletes in Idaho by partnering with Boise Adapted Snowsport Education (BASE) to offer skiing and snowboarding at Bogus Basin Ski Resort, extending its impact beyond Oregon and Washington.

Over the past ten years, NWABA’s Winter Sports Series has supported more than 300 blind and visually impaired athletes, with over 30 athletes hitting the slopes each season, proving that adventure belongs to everyone.

To learn more about NWABA’s winter programming or find an event near you, visit www.nwaba.org and follow NWABA as the season transitions into spring with tandem biking, hiking, and more.

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About NWABA

The mission of Northwest Association for Blind Athletes is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Today, NWABA is a rapidly expanding 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides more than 5,000 program and service interactions to children, youth, adults, and military veterans with visual impairments through tailored programming which improves self-confidence and self-esteem, promotes independence, creates an inclusive community of supporters, and builds the skills necessary to succeed in all areas of life including school and employment.

Registration is open for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K

Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests.  You must register by April 1^st in order to get your shirts and medal before the event.

Participants can walk, run, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 18 and 26 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week. Last year, we had to close registration early due to higher than anticipated participation, so register as soon as possible.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15, or earlier if more participants sign up than we have available swag.

For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks.  Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.  This year’s tree plantings will be placed in the Santiam Canyon.

Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.

As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its sixth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include fifteen other states. Together, all sixteen states will help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

“We are thrilled to honor Bob Ross and continue our efforts to plant at least One Million Trees in Oregon.” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.  “To date, we have funded the planting of 850,000 trees.”

“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.”

Participants can register at www.orparksforever.org.

For more information, contact Seth Miller at 503/966-1053 or seth@orparksforever.org