{"product_id":"the-national-guard-an-illustrated-history-of-americas-citizensoldiers","title":"The National Guard: An Illustrated History of America's Citizen-Soldiers","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe National Guard is the compelling account  in words and pictures  of the nations oldest military institution. From the defense of the Jamestown settlement in 1607 to peacekeeping missions in the Balkans and  most recently  to their participation in the war on terrorism  the citizen-soldiers of the National Guard have always been an integral part of Americas first line of defense. The guard fought at the battles of Lexington and Concord  Bunker Hill  New Orleans  First Bull Run  San Juan Hill  the Meuse-Argonne  Omaha Beach  Operation Desert Storm  and in many  many other engagements. With nearly half a million members in the year 2002  the Air and Army National Guard are as important as ever to Americas security. Featuring a wide array of rarely seen prints  vivid photographs  and informative narrative text  this handsome volume tells the inspirational story of those dedicated part-time soldiers who  throughout the past 400 years  have provided full-time service to their states and to their nation. It charts the National Guards evolution from ragtag militias to sophisticated  modern armed forces by describing units  individuals  weapons  equipment  vehicles  and service throughout the guards storied history. The paperback second edition features updated text and twenty new photos to cover the National Guards recent service in Afghanistan  Iraq  homeland security  and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.The first comprehensive illustrated history of the guard ever published The National Guard will be treasured by citizen-soldiers  by their families  and by military history enthusiasts nationwide.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44965045469237,"sku":"ByrdShop_1574887033","price":55.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9781574887037.jpg?v=1770487269","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-national-guard-an-illustrated-history-of-americas-citizensoldiers","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}