Fort Barfoot breaks ground on new MWR Center
192nd Medical Group supports Bold Quest 2024
Virginia Army National Guard strengthens retention with aviation experience
DMA recognizes employees during holiday luncheon
Red Dragons hone their sling load skills
Johnson succeeds Wynn as Recruiting and Retention Battalion commander
192nd Wing appoints new dedicated crew chiefs
Secretary Crenshaw visits VDF training at Fort Barfoot
91st Cyber Brigade hosts VMI cadets during drill weekend
VNG Officer Candidate School accepting applications for traditional and accelerated classes

FEATURED STORIES

Virginia National Guard senior enlisted leaders prepare to travel via Jurmo-class landing craft to engage with the Joint Senior Noncommissioned Officer at the Finnish Naval Academy during a senior NCO exchange Aug. 19- 23, 2024 in Finland. Command Chief Master Sgt. Kelly B. Reich, the Virginia National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Irving Reed Jr., the Virginia Army National Guard Command Sergeant Major, Chief Master Sgt. Ian Stegherr, Virginia Air National Guard State Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Sean Fretwell, 192nd Wing Command Chief and Senior Master Sgt. Justin Connor, 192nd Security Forces Senior Enlisted Leader, all participated in the exchange, where they met with a variety of senior enlisted leaders from the Finnish Defense Forces and collaborated on a plan for joint enlisted training and exercise and development for 2025 to 2027.
VNG senior enlisted leaders meet with Finnish counterparts
Sept. 11, 2024
Virginia National Guard senior enlisted leadership traveled to Finland Aug. 19- 23, 2024, to collaborate with members of the Finnish Defence Forces on a plan for joint enlisted training and exercise and development for 2025 to 2027.
Maj. Gen. Joseph A. Dinonno, commander of the 29th Infantry Division, lays a wreath along with a French dignitary at the National Guard Monument situated above Omaha Beach in Vierville-sur-Mer, France, June 2, 2024. This monument sits at the spot where National Guard Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division broke through German defenses on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Commemorative events such as these serve to honor the sacrifices U.S. service members made 80 years ago in securing peace and security, and inspiring future generations to value a collective vision of global peace.
80th anniversary of D-Day observed abroad, at home
June 13, 2024
Virginia National Guard Soldiers paid tribute to the valor, fidelity and sacrifice of the U.S. and Allied Forces who participated in the June 1944 invasion of Normandy and commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day at multiple events on and around June 6, 2024, in France, Virginia and Louisiana.

VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD NEWS

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Winchester-based 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team prepare for possible winter weather response operations Jan. 5, 2025, in Warrenton, Virginia. The VNG is staging approximately 70 Soldiers at VNG facilities at key locations along the I-95 and Route 29 corridors and Southwest Virginia in order to support the response to winter weather expected to impact Virginia. VNG troops are organized in chain saw teams capable of reducing debris to help clear roads and power line routes, and troops will also have heavy duty tactical trucks capable of traveling through deep snow.
VNG staged, ready for possible winter weather response operations
Jan. 5, 2025
The Virginia National Guard has staged approximately 70 Soldiers Jan. 5, 2024, at VNG facilities at key locations along the I-95 and Route 29 corridors and Southwest Virginia in order to support the response to severe winter weather expected to impact Virginia.
Two Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers and two North Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers train on the basics of military funeral honors during a course hosted by the Virginia National Guard Funeral Honors Program Dec. 12, 2024, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Military Funeral Honors Level 1 training is a five-day course which prepares Soldiers to conduct professional military funeral honors in accordance with service tradition. The Virginia Guard Funeral Honors Program hosts several training courses for Soldiers from around the country throughout the year. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)
Course prepares Va., N.C. Soldiers for funeral honors duty
Jan. 2, 2025
Two Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers and two North Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers trained on the basics of military funeral honors during a course hosted by the Virginia National Guard Funeral Honors Program Dec. 9-13, 2024, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Virginia National Guard senior leaders and guests break ground on a new Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center during a ceremony Dec. 13, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. College. Col. James C. Shaver, Fort Barfoot garrison commander, led the ceremony and was joined by retired Lt. Col. Tom Barfoot, the installation namesake’s oldest son, Lt. Col. James Wells, the Fort Barfoot executive officer, and Stephen Bowen, administrator for Nottoway County. Once built, the new 4,000-square-foot facility will offer internet access, flat screen televisions, pool and air hockey tables and quiet study areas. Read more about Fort Barfoot at https://vngpao.info/2p8kwcw6.
Fort Barfoot breaks ground on new MWR Center 
Dec. 17, 2024
Fort Barfoot officially broke ground on a new Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center during a ceremony Dec. 13, 2024, marking the latest in a series of efforts to improve MWR amenities and events on the installation. 
Virginia Air National Guard members assigned to the 192nd Medical Group collaborate with international and industry partners to test wearable technology designed to track vital signs of potential casualties and first responders during Bold Quest 2024 on Oct. 29, 2024, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Bold Quest is a capabilities demonstration that evolves Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control tactics, techniques and capabilities, allowing the U.S., our allies and partners to build trust, improve interoperability and advance innovative and resilient capabilities. The simulated casualties had moulage injuries applied to help make the exercise scenarios more realistic for the first responders. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Eugene Silvers)
192nd Medical Group supports Bold Quest 2024
Dec. 16, 2024
The 192nd Medical Group, 192nd Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, provided operational support to the medical thread during Bold Quest 2024 from Oct. 21 to Nov. 2, 2024, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team participate in retention flights aboard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th Infantry Division Dec. 7, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. The Soldiers were provided this unique opportunity in order to increase retention rates, improve unit morale, and foster camaraderie. (U.S. National Guard photos by Sgt. Rhita Daniel)
Virginia Army National Guard strengthens retention with aviation experience
Dec. 16, 2024
Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team participated in retention flights Dec. 7, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia.
Virginia Department of Military Affairs employees attend a DMA recognition and appreciation luncheon Dec. 11, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. During the event, Brig. Gen. Todd Hubbard, the Virginia National Guard Director of the Joint Staff, and retired Col. Everton Nevers, the DMA Chief of Staff, presented awards for service anniversaries. Hubbard and Col. James C. Shaver Jr., the Fort Barfoot garrison commander, also presented special challenge coins to select DMA staffers, and thanked the entire group of state employees for their hard work in 2024. Read more about the DMA at https://vngpao.info/3xfv3msy.
DMA recognizes Fort Barfoot employees during luncheon
Dec. 13, 2024
Virginia Department of Military Affairs employees attended a DMA recognition and appreciation holiday luncheon Dec. 11, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, as a measure of thanks for their efforts over the course of 2024. 
Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct sling load training Dec. 7, 2024, at Blackstone Army Airfield in Blackstone, Virginia. Soldiers who are graduates of the Army’s Air Assault and Pathfinder schools passed along their knowledge and skills to help build the operational knowledge within the unit. VNG aviators assigned to the Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th Infantry Division provided aviation support for the training.
Red Dragons hone their sling load skills during drill weekend
Dec. 9, 2024
Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted sling load training Dec. 7, 2024, at Blackstone Army Airfield in Blackstone, Virginia.
Lt. Col. Eric M. Johnson takes command of the Fort Barfoot-based Virginia Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion from Lt. Col. Kim D. Wynn during a ceremony Dec. 4, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Brig. Gen. Charles B. Martin Jr., Commander of the Virginia Army National Guard, presided over the ceremony and the exchange of organizational colors signifying the transfer of command from Wynn to Johnson, and Sgt. Maj. Jessica Dickenson, RRB command sergeant major, was the keeper of the colors. The Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band provided music for the event. Read more about RRB at https://vngpao.info/VaARNGRRB.
Johnson succeeds Wynn as Recruiting and Retention Battalion commander
Dec. 9, 2024
Lt. Col. Eric M. Johnson took command of the Fort Barfoot-based Virginia Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion from Lt. Col. Kim D. Wynn during a ceremony Dec. 4, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia.
Retired Col. Everton Nevers, the Virginia Department of Military Affairs Chief of Staff, and Col. James C. Shaver Jr., the Fort Barfoot garrison commander, recognize and thank Virginia Department of Military Affairs employees for their hard work and dedication during a holiday luncheon Dec. 2, 2024, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Prior to the luncheon, Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, presented awards to three DMA employees for their service. Read more about DMA at https://va.ng.mil/News/Category/21117/department-of-military-affairs/
Holiday luncheon recognizes, thanks DMA employees at SMR
Dec. 3, 2024
Retired Col. Everton Nevers, the Virginia Department of Military Affairs Chief of Staff, and Col. James C. Shaver Jr., the Fort Barfoot garrison commander, recognized and thanked Virginia Department of Military Affairs employees for their hard work and dedication during a holiday luncheon Dec. 2, 2024, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Airmen with the 192nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 192nd Operations Group, 192nd Wing, listen to closing remarks during a Dedicated Crew Chief ceremony Nov. 26, 2024, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia. The newly appointed DCC Airmen with the Virginia Air National Guard’s 192nd Wing were presented with a certificate, coin and wheel chock plaque to commemorate the significant milestone. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Nilsa Garcia)
192nd Wing appoints new dedicated crew chiefs
Nov. 27, 2024
The 192nd Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, recognized 11 Airmen with the 192nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 192nd Operations Group, for their technical knowledge, initiative and leadership during a Dedicated Crew Chief ceremony Nov. 16, 2024, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia.

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ABOUT THE VA NATIONAL GUARD

The Virginia National Guard is a unique dual-status force with a federal mission to provide a combat reserve for the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force to fight our nation’s wars and a state mission to provide a response force that answers the call of the Governor to defend the commonwealth. The VNG traces the history and tradition of Citizen-Soldier service to the founding of Jamestown in 1607, and there has been a military presence defending Virginia ever since. For more information on the Virginia National Guard click HERE.

SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION & RESPONSE

  • Virginia National Guard Reporting sexual assault line - 434-294-4669
  • DoD Safe Helpline - 877-995-5247/ 202-470-5546 (Oconus)

READY AND RESILIENT RESOURCES

Readiness and Resiliency Information Resource Page provides resources and education to all Soldiers, Airmen, Virginia Defense Force personnel, family members and civilian employees to promote readiness, well-being, resilience and suicide prevention. The end state is a healthy organization that is resilient, knowledgeable regarding high risk behaviors, educated on stress reduction measures and aware of available service member, family and employee support network resources.

QUICK LINKS

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