505th Engineer Battalion

ALCON, don’t miss this opportunity to help your high school seniors find money for college. The NCNGA works hard to provide additional benefits to our Soldiers and your families. Take advantage!

⏰LESS THAN ONE WEEK LEFT! ⏰

We’re under a week away from the deadline to accept TMF Scholarship Applications for High School Seniors — don’t miss this opportunity for your child or grandchild!

Top 5 Reasons to Apply:
1️⃣ Scholarship awards have increased — more help with tuition and school expenses
2️⃣ Open to college/ university, community college, and trade school pathways
3️⃣ Recognizes academic achievement AND leadership/citizenship
4️⃣ Supports NC National Guard families — that includes spouses, children, and grandchildren
5️⃣ One application could make a real difference in their future

Deadlines are approaching fast — apply today before it’s too late!
https://loom.ly/4kkqPpk

Catch the latest story on NCNG winter storm response from Fern as we turn our attention to a new storm, Gianna. Link available below.

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/557010/north-carolina-national-guard-reacts-swiftly-during-winter-storm-fern

Article by Sgt. Brittany Burton

Hazardous Weather Update 1.31.26
Key Takeaways:
❄️ A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for all of NC Saturday where significant snowfall is possible through mid-day Sunday.

🌬️ Strong wind gusts will create hazardous driving conditions, dangerous wind chills, and locally significant coastal flooding throughout the event.

Stay tuned to local weather stations and heed warnings from local officials.

Full weather report: ReadyNC.gov/weather
Resources and tips: ReadyNC.gov/winterstorm2026

⚠️ 2026 Government Funding Update

⚖️ Legislative: Agencies whose FY2026 appropriations bills have not yet been signed into law, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, are currently funded through this Friday, January 30, 2026.

To fully fund the federal government, Congress must pass and the President must sign 12 appropriations bills.

6️⃣ Six FY2026 appropriations bills have been signed into law:
• Agriculture
• Legislative Branch
• Military Construction and Veterans Affairs
• Commerce, Justice and Science
• Energy and Water
• Interior

6️⃣ Six additional appropriations bills have passed the House of Representatives and are awaiting action in the Senate:
• State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
• Financial Services and General Government
• Defense
• Homeland Security
• Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education
• Transportation and Housing and Urban Development

The Senate returns from recess tomorrow and will work to advance this six-bill package. Because these bills were bundled together in the House, Senate procedure requires them to be considered as a single package. Recent developments have created uncertainty around the Homeland Security appropriations bill, which could complicate passage of the entire package.

💰 Pay: Without passage of either the remaining FY2026 appropriations bills or a continuing resolution by Friday, the six remaining agencies would shut down as part of a partial federal government shutdown.

This could disrupt pay and benefits for uniformed service members, with potential impacts beginning February 15. The February 1 paycheck reflects January service and is funded under the current continuing resolution.

One important distinction: SNAP and WIC benefits would not be impacted, as those programs are funded through the Agriculture appropriations bill, which has already been enacted.

🪖 Military: While many variables remain between now and Friday, the possibility of a partial shutdown still exists. We recommend military families plan and budget accordingly for the potential of delayed pay.

If you can, refer back to the emergency measures you used just a few months ago and put a plan in place to the best of your ability. Many service aid societies retain previous applications for assistance, but it is worth logging in to confirm your status.

🤝 Support: The situation remains fluid over the coming days, with multiple variables across the federal government evolving quickly. We will continue to keep the military community updated as the situation develops.

ℹ️ As a reminder, MFAN is a small nonprofit dedicated to active duty, Guard, and Reserve military members and their families. We recognize that others may also be affected by a potential shutdown, including NOAA, the U.S. Public Health Service, and our civilian government teammates. While we will share information broadly when possible, our primary focus remains supporting military families.

💛 We are here with you and will do everything we can to help navigate whatever comes next.

It is appropriate that today is Spouse's Day with so many of our Soldiers mobilized and assisting NC Emergency Management and the citizens of North Carolina.
To all the spouses out there, thank you for all that you do to support your Soldier's service, even through all the trying times.

Today we honor the strength behind our strength for National Spouses Day.

To every Army spouse: Your sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering support make our mission possible. You hold down the fort, navigate every PCS, and serve alongside your Soldier every single day.

Drop a 💚 below to show your appreciation!

Our Soldiers always stand ready to answer the call. This team is unbreakable.

From The Ground Up!!!

Your first daily update on Winter Storm “Fern “ from your North Carolina National Guard. ❄️

❄️Winter Storm Preparedness❄️

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for our area, and severe weather is expected. Now is the time to prepare. Secure your homes, stock essential supplies, limit unnecessary travel, and stay informed through official channels.

To our Soldiers and Families: your safety comes first. Check on your loved ones and battle buddies, make smart decisions, and take care of one another.

To the Soldiers already preparing equipment, vehicles, and response plans, thank you. Your readiness and dedication ensure that when conditions get tough, the 505th Engineer Battalion is ready to respond. This is not just what we do, it’s who we are.

Be safe. Be smart. Stay ready.
This is why we’re here.

With a winter storm looming this weekend, it’s time to do more than just stare at the radar:
✅ Review your emergency plans.
✅ Stock your supply kit (yes, including the non-perishables).
✅ Keep your NOAA Weather Radio handy and follow local officials for real updates.

For more tips visit ReadyNC.gov/winter-weather

As we close out the year and welcome the New Year, the 505th Engineer Battalion reflects on a year of dedication, resilience, and mission success.

During the holiday season, we remind all Soldiers and Families to prioritize safety, responsibility, and well-being:

Please remember….
• Plan ahead and never drink and drive

• Use designated drivers or ride-share options

• Practice safe travel and remain mindful of winter weather

• Take time to care for your mental health and check in on one another

• Reach out for support when needed, asking for help is a sign of strength

As we move into the New Year, we remain focused on readiness, teamwork, and continued excellence.

We thank our Soldiers, Families, and supporters for their commitment and sacrifices throughout the year.

From the 505th Engineer Battalion, we wish everyone a safe, healthy, and successful New Year.