Idaho Army National Guard Names Frank VanderSloot as Honorary Commander of the 148th Field Artillery Regiment
When patriotism meets purpose, remarkable stories emerge. Such is the case with Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot, who recently accepted an important role that goes far beyond the boardroom.
On a crisp November day at the Gowen Field military base in Boise, Frank stood before an assembly of military leaders before being inducted as Honorary Commander for the 1st Battalion of the 148th Field Artillery Regiment. Brigadier General Cole Packwood, commander of the Idaho Army National Guard, welcomed Frank into this position with a formal briefing.
The ceremony was more than a formality for Frank and nine others who accepted similar honorary commander roles over different military units. As part of the introduction to the Idaho National Guard, Frank was given an immersive tour of the base’s impressive military arsenal, which includes Abrams main battle tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles and Paladins that stand ready when needed.
Each honorary commander works closely with their assigned unit’s commander, and they participate in ceremonies and observe training events. In Frank’s case, he is working directly with Major Sean Blacker who commands the 148th Field Artillery Regiment, which is headquartered in Pocatello, Idaho, and their soldiers from communities throughout eastern Idaho.
After General Packwood’s remarks, Frank received a briefing from Idaho National Guard public affairs officer Lieutenant Colonel Chris Borders.
Flight of the Black Hawk
He was then given an orientation of the Idaho Army National Guard’s Orchard Combat Training Center. And after a quick flight ops training, Frank took flight aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter over Boise.
During the flight, Lieutenant Colonel Whitehead and Major Doyle provided a narrated tour, sharing details about the lives of citizen-soldiers and the role they play in our nation’s defense and responding to domestic and overseas emergencies.
“Since I’ve never had the privilege of wearing our nation’s uniform, being selected as an Honorary Commander for the Idaho National Guard is deeply humbling, particularly given the caliber of those who serve our country in the military,” Frank said. “I’ve frequently contemplated the selfless spirit and unwavering dedication of America’s service members as well as the unseen sacrifices made by their families. I’m convinced the 148th Field Artillery Regiment represents the very best of America, and I’m committed to supporting these brave men and women!”
Working Together
The purpose of the Honorary Commander Program is to educate key business and community leaders about the Idaho National Guard’s mission, learn about their dual state and federal missions, and foster partnerships with the community. Frank will serve for 12 months in this position.
“Our Honorary Unit Commander Program is a vital bridge between our Guardsmen and the communities we proudly serve,” said Brig. Gen. Cole Packwood, commander of the Idaho Army National Guard. “This program fosters a deeper understanding of our mission and provides an opportunity for community leaders to experience firsthand the dedication of our Soldiers.”
This year’s class of honorary commanders reflects the depth of Idaho’s community leaders, with ten distinguished Idahoans nominated and selected by active-duty commanders. Among the notable figures are Idaho Senate Pro Tempore Charles Winder, College of Idaho official Dr. Paul Bennion, and Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield. Standing out in this group, Frank is the sole honorary commander chosen from eastern Idaho and the only person to lead an Idaho business.
“The 1st Battalion of the 148th Field Artillery Regiment is honored to have Frank VanderSloot serve as our honorary commander this year,” said Major Sean Blacker. “We look forward to his participation in our events, where he will experience firsthand the dedication and hard work of our Soldiers. Businesses like Melaleuca and community leaders like Frank play a key role in enhancing the success of our mission. We look forward to working alongside him in the year ahead, strengthening our partnership and continuing to serve the communities of Eastern Idaho and the United States of America.”
“When I saw our Idaho soldiers with Abrams tanks and Black Hawk helicopters,” Frank said, “it really hit home just how much these folks put on the line for us. I may be called ‘Honorary Commander,’ but make no mistake, I’m the one who feels honored to serve them.”
A Symbol of Sacrifice
The roots of this nomination trace back to the 31st Annual Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, where Frank’s connection with the Idaho National Guard became personal. During the 2024 Independence Day fireworks display, Melaleuca paid special tribute to local soldiers and their families. In a moment of appreciation after the show, Command Sergeant Major Robert Earley and several local soldiers approached Frank to express their heartfelt gratitude that he had created this large-scale community event that carries a message of patriotism.
One soldier, moved by the moment, presented Frank with an Army patch that he had worn during his Middle East deployment—a tangible symbol of service. “That patch now sits on my desk,” Frank reflects. “Every time I look at it, I am reminded of what real sacrifice looks like.”
Melaleuca: Supporting Our Troops
Frank has long been a supporter of the US military and our Service Members. He has received the Department of Defense’s Patriot Award multiple times for the company’s support of employees who have been on active duty.
He also accepted the Department of Defense’s Seven Seals Award on behalf of Melaleuca, which was recognized for its leadership in supporting the men and women serving in the National Guard and Reserve.
Recently, Frank created a special trip to Washington D.C. for several Idaho veterans, personally escorting them aboard the Melaleuca corporate jet and giving them a “journey-of-a-lifetime.” They toured sacred monuments commemorating soldiers in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and they returned home to a hero’s welcome with a large brass band at the Melaleuca hangar.
Today, more than 3,000 soldiers and 1,300 airmen make up the Idaho National Guard, which includes the Idaho Army National Guard and the Idaho Air National Guard. The mission of the Idaho National Guard is to maintain combat readiness and domestic emergency response capability, while building enduring partnerships throughout the state, nation and around the world.