Annville, PA – One-hundred-five Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) soldiers and airmen competed with rifles and pistols in multiple courses of fire to determine the best marksmen during the Governor’s Twenty match at Fort Indiantown Gap recently.
Created in 1968, the Governor’s Twenty is a state-level National Guard award presented annually to the top 20 shooters in a state. Through this fierce competition, participants have the opportunity to test marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a battle-focused environment. The Army and Air Force both recognize the state award and it is reflected on the service members’ official personnel record.
“The Governor’s Twenty brings together Army and Air Force marksmen of various ranks and ages on a level playing field,” said Maj. Gen. Anthony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). “The knowledge, skills, and discipline developed during this competition raises the weapons readiness of all of our formations represented here. These outstanding shooters will go back to their units and coach the next generation of marksmen in Pennsylvania. Congratulations to Sgt. Jason Goodling, our overall first-place finisher, along with every competitor for their display of professionalism and impressive skill during this intense competition.”
The top 20 scorers were awarded the embroidered Governor’s Twenty tab and a certificate to identify them as being outstanding marksmen. Events were varied and included multiple distances and shooting positions. The competition was conducted by the PNG Individual Training Branch, Marksmanship Training Unit.
The 2020 Governor’s Twenty recipients:
- Sgt. Jason Goodling, York Haven (York County)
- Capt. Ian Swisher, Rockville (Maryland)
- Sgt. 1st Class Scott Sheroky, Fredricksburg (Lebanon County)
- Staff Sgt. Robert Lydic, Pittsburgh (Allegheny County)
- Staff Sgt. Douglas Costello, Mountain Top (Luzerne County)
- Senior Airman Nicholas Yackovich, Harrison City (Westmoreland County)
- Capt. Phillip Wright, Carlisle (Cumberland County)
- Staff Sgt. John Rebuck, Elizabethtown (Lancaster County)
- Sgt. 1st Class Luke Heim, Pottstown (Montgomery County)
- Sgt. 1st Class John Nebzydoski, Wapwallopen (Luzerne County)
- Chief Warrant Officer 4 Richard Jones Jr., Lebanon (Lebanon County)
- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Andrew Harrison, Palmyra (Lebanon County)
- Pfc. Austin Barnhart, Lamar (Clinton County)
- Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Fusco, Sellersville (Bucks County)
- Sgt. Justin Hanson, Shoesmakersville (Berks County)
- 1st Sgt. Troy Conrad, Punxsutawney (Jefferson County)
- Lt. Col. Adam Grove, York (York County)
- Staff Sgt. Anthony Sanner, Pittsburgh (Allegheny County)
- Spc. Brennen Koji, Bellefonte (Centre County)
- Sgt. William Varee, Springboro (Crawford County)
The PNG is the second largest Guard in the nation and is part of the PA DMVA’s dual mission of supporting nearly 800,000 Pennsylvania veterans and providing safety and security for our commonwealth and nation.
Photos of the event can be found here: Governor’s Twenty Match.
