Virginia Army National Guard H2F 
Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) represents a cultural shift in the way the Army trains, develops, and cares for our Soldiers. H2F addresses the five domains of physical and non-physical readiness (physical, mental, sleep, nutrition and spiritual) through a comprehensive, integrated system of governance, personnel, equipment/facilities, programming and education to optimize individual Soldier readiness, reduce preventable injuries, improve rehabilitation outcomes after injury, and ensure our Soldiers are physically and mentally prepared to fight and win our nation’s wars.

Holistic Health and Fitness Domains

H2F NEWS

Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers receive feedback from Longwood University exercise science students during a medical readiness event Nov. 4, 2023, at Fort Barfoot, Virgina. A new partnership between the Virginia Army National Guard and Longwood University is providing hands-on experience to exercise science students while providing the Guard with personnel trained to capture information needed to help prevent Soldier injuries. (U.S. National Guard photo by Cotton Puryear)
H2F, Longwood partnership brings exercise science students to medical readiness events
Dec. 12, 2023
A new partnership between the Virginia Army National Guard and Longwood University is providing hands-on experience to exercise science students while providing the Guard with personnel trained to capture information needed to help prevent Soldier injuries.
Fort Barfoot hosts the inaugural Fort Barfoot Turkey Trot Nov. 22, 2023. The event focused on celebrating health and fitness, esprit de corps and bringing together families and the local community. Fort Barfoot looks to continue building and developing good relationships with the community and will host the next Turkey Trot Nov. 27, 2024.
Fort Barfoot hosts inaugural Turkey Trot
Dec. 6, 2023
Col. James C.  Shaver, Fort Barfoot garrison commander, and the Holistic Health and Fitness team hosted the inaugural Fort Barfoot Turkey Trot Nov. 22, 2023. The event focused on celebrating health and fitness, esprit de corps and bringing together families and the local community.
Staff Sgt. James A. Potteiger runs the Lincoln Marathon May 7, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Following the race, Potteiger was named to the All-Guard Marathon Team. (Courtesy Photo)
VNG NCO named to All-Guard Marathon Team, aims to snag BQ
Nov. 1, 2023
In 2020, Staff Sgt. James A. Potteiger ran his first marathon in Richmond, Virginia. When he signed up, he was still new to the recreational running world. He’d put his speed to the test during a few local 5Ks, but in signing up for the Richmond Marathon, he took things to the next level. He signed up for the Richmond Challenge, which meant he’d run not just the Richmond Marathon, but the Richmond Half Marathon and 8K as well. His time for the marathon that year was 5:21:11, with a pace of more than 12 minutes per mile.
Staff Sgt. Catherine So
H2F trainer advises on goal-setting strategies
May 31, 2023
If you ask Staff Sgt. Catherine So how to accomplish a goal, she’ll tell you to start small. So, an 88M Motor Transport Operator by military occupational specialty, is now part of the Virginia National Guard’s Holistic Health and Fitness, or H2F, team. Big fitness goals, she said, are best tackled when they’re bite-sized.
First Lt. James Parker, a behavioral health professional assigned to the Fort Barfoot-based Virginia Army National Guard Medical Command, speaks with Soldiers during a Medical Readiness event April 15, 2023, at the U.S. Army Reserve Center located on Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Parker is a licensed clinical social worker and one of the behavioral health professionals in the Virginia Army National Guard who assist in promoting the psychological health and fitness of Soldiers and support the mission readiness of the VAARNG. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Marc Heaton)
VNG kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month by highlighting staff, resources available for assistance
May 11, 2023
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to remind Soldiers and civilians the Virginia Army National Guard behavioral health program is ready to provide mental health support to service members not only this month, but throughout the year. Mental Health Awareness Month strives to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses.