1Bn/246 Armor Michigan National Guard

10/06/2026

The 246th Board recognized Jay Fisher, as the last surviving founding members of 246th Armor Association with Certificate of Recognition. This organization began in July 1994 when the 1st Battalion of the 246th Armor formed the Association and held their first annual Reunion in October of 1994. 32 years later the 246th Armor Association held its reunion with approximately 80 members and their wives or guests in attendance. Our goal is to reach our 35th Reunion.

If you were a member of the 246th and would like to attend the reunion but don't get an invitation in the mail, message us here and we will add you to our roster.
Pictured L to R: Jay Fisher, Last Founding Member, Gary L. Sternaman, President 246th Armor Association

10/06/2026

The 246th Honored the COA of Dowagiac for their generosity and support by presenting a plaque and a check for $1000.00 to Ky'sha Johnson, Manager of the facility where we have held our meetings each month for several years now. The plaque and check were donated by a member of the 246th Armor Association who wishes to remain anonymous. Thank you COA of Dowagiac and our donor. Pictured L to R: Ky'sha Johnson, COA of Dowagiac. Gary Sternaman. 246th Armor Association President. Kelly Benjamin, 246th Armor Association Secretary

10/06/2026

We just celebrated or 32nd 246th Armor Association Reunion. Each year we lose more of our comrades. It breaks my heart to announce so soon after our Reunion that I found out another comrade has passed away. I was asked at the Reunion about a particular gentleman . The name was familiar to me because I see these names a lot as the Secretary and mailing out the invitations each year, making out their membership cards, and their name tags for the Reunion. I don't recall making a name tag or membership card for this gentleman in the past. After some internet investigation I found out that Captain James Montgomery had passed away on 1 Feb 2024. May you Rest in Peace and I pray comfort finds your family and friends left behind.
https://www.starksfamilyfh.com/obituaries/James-Flavil-Montgomery?obId=48320073

10/04/2026

Good morning, everyone. For those of you that attended our 246 Reunion last night......TANK YOU, and I hope you had a great time. For those of you that didn't make it, you should plan on coming next year on October 2, 2027. If you didn't get an invite this year, contact us with your info and we can get you on the mailing list. Take care, be safe, and God Bless you all. 😎👍

09/26/2026

It is with sadness that I inform you of learning today, we have lost another comrade earlier this year. Daniel Vergot, brother of David Vergot passed away on 3 January 2026. Daniel will be missed by all. He was a kind man and always a joy to have at our Annual Reunions. RIP Daniel Vergot. 💔🇺🇲🙏

https://www.starksfamilyfh.com/obituaries/Daniel-Pete-Dan-Vergot?obId=48271606

09/19/2026

I just recently learned that another of the 246th comrades had passed away. Staff Sgt Ben Slocum Sr passed away on 13 January 2025. I was not notified nor did I see this prior to today. May Ben RIP and prayers for Condolences to his family.

Celebrate the life of Ben Slocum Sr. and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.

09/18/2026

The 32nd Annual 246th Armor Association Reunion is Saturday 3 October 2026, 5pm at the Decatur VFW. I'm aware some have not received their invitation yet. Do not fret. You can pay at the door. If you are one of the few who the USPS has not delivered your invitation and you wish to attend, you can leave a comment below by simply telling me how many meals you want to reserve so we can count accordingly or you can message me here. We want to make sure we order enough food for all in attendance. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

09/17/2026

Our very own Carl Stevens was on WNDU 16 News today. What an excellent tribute.

Six veterans were honored with Quilts of Valor in Niles, including a Vietnam veteran receiving long-awaited recognition alongside family.

08/02/2026

It breaks my heart to announce the passing of another comrade and former neighbor. Stan Sarabyn has gone to be with the Lord. Please keep his wife Arlene and their children as well as family and friends in your prayers. Stan will be missed. Rest in Peace Sir. 💔😢 K.B.

View Stanley Sarabyn's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

07/31/2026

Combat Support just lost another unit member, Tom Rice, not positive but believe he was in Motar plt sect.

Home»Obituaries»Thomas Rice, 75
Thomas Rice, 75

July 30, 2026

Thomas R. Rice, known to many as Tom, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, in Kalamazoo at the age of 75.

Tom was born on July 9, 1951 in Three Rivers, and he lived a life marked by faith, devotion to family, and a steady presence that left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He carried himself with a quiet self-esteem and earned the respect of those around him through his character, his work, and the way he treated others. Tom was a well known and respected mold maker throughout the area, and his reputation reflected both his skill and his strong work ethic.

Family was at the center of Tom’s life. He is survived by his wife, Karen (Beachey) Rice; his children, Cara (Joe) Rider, Christopher (Marla) Rice, and Jonathan (Michal) Rice; and his cherished grandchildren, Jonathan Rice II, Mitchal Rice, Megann Leighton, Cybella Rice, McKenna Leighton, Sophia Rice, and Christa Rice. He is also survived by his siblings, Bill (DeAnn) Rice, Dorothy (Ed) Smith, Ruth Rice, and Nancy (Roger) Craig, along with several nieces, nephews, and extended relatives who will remember him with love and gratitude.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Cybella Rice, and the values they instilled in him were evident in the way he lived and cared for others. He followed his faith throughout his life, and that faith helped guide the kindness, humility, and strength that so many admired in him.

He was an outdoorsman who found joy in trail riding on his four-wheeler, deer hunting, and camping. Time spent outside was time well spent for Tom, and he appreciated the peace and freedom that came with being in nature. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and embraced the outdoors with enthusiasm and gratitude. Those who knew him best understood that he was often the first to offer a helping hand, and his generosity and willingness to help others made a meaningful difference in countless lives.

Tom was also known for the warmth and openness he extended to others. Many considered him a second dad, a reflection of the guidance, support, and encouragement he gave so freely. He had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, and his presence brought comfort and reassurance to family, friends, and neighbors alike. His legacy is one of faith, family as well as dedication to his work. Those qualities will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Though his passing leaves a deep void, Tom’s life stands as a testament to his quiet strength, steady devotion, and genuine care for others. He will be remembered for the example he set, the family he loved, the work he took pride in, and the many lives he touched along the way.

A Celebration of Life for Tom will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the Trinity Missionary Church, 64890 US-131 BUS, Constantine, MI 49042 with the family greeting family and friends from 10:00 am until the time of services Saturday at the church.

A private family interment will take place at a later date.