In January 2025, the California State Guard (CSG) 143rd Military Police Support Detachment was activated to support their National Guard unit during the devastating Southern California wildfires. The CSG 143rd MP soldiers worked side by side with the National Guard to monitor traffic checkpoints, manage crowd control, distribute food to soldiers and civilians in need, and assist with food waste management.
Additionally, CSG Commander CPT Veronica Braxton worked in two Federal Multi-jurisdictional Incident Command Centers, one at the Rose Bowl Stadium and another in the Pacific Palisades. Some CSG soldiers functioned as ARRO (Activate, Respond, Recover, Operate) liaisons to provide training to the National Guard.
In total, the CSG activation lasted 42 days and spanned both the Eaton and Pacific Palisades areas. And, as recognition for their hard work, many CSG soldiers have since received the California State Meritorious Award.
SSG Joan King, SPC Jason Graffia, Commander CPT Veronica Braxton,
SFC Richard Maraszky, SSG Alberto Tucker, PFC Logan Ayson
