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Crocker succeeds Huffman as SMR commander
December 12, 2025 — Lt. Col. John R. Crocker succeeded Lt. Col. Emily Huffman as the commander of the Virginia National Guard’s State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia, during a ceremony Dec. 5, 2025. Col. Eric Quinn, Maneuver Training Center Fort Pickett garrison commander, presided over the change of command ceremony and the exchange of organizational colors signifying the transfer of command from Huffman to Crocker... MORE

STARBASE Blackstone sees success in first year
December 11, 2025 — As 2025 draws to a close, so does the first calendar year of STARBASE Blackstone, the Virginia National Guard’s second STARBASE Academy location, which opened its doors in summer of 2025. ... MORE

429th line companies get refresh during transformation to LSB
December 1, 2025 — The Virginia National Guard’s Danville-based 429th Light Support Battalion formally conducted a casing of the colors ceremony for Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Companies Nov. 14, 2025, at Fort Pickett, Virginia, marking the conclusion of their storied service under the BSB structure. ... MORE

First Formation streamlines new VaARNG Soldier onboarding process
November 26, 2025 — The Virginia Army National Guard held its inaugural First Formation, a concept designed to help integrate new Soldiers into the organization, Nov. 6, 2025, at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. ... MORE

Soldier receives unit patch during ceremony

VNG recruiters, aviation battalion honor area 9-year-old with ceremonial promotion
November 26, 2025 — Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers honored John Paul Macri, 9, with a ceremonial promotion to the rank of staff sergeant during a visit to the Army Aviation Support Facility in Sandston, Virginia. Earlier this year, Macri began to experience balance issues and double vision. In March, doctors discovered a rapidly growing brain tumor and diagnosed him with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma... MORE

116th MBCT Soldiers field Infantry Squad Vehicle
November 24, 2025 — Virginia National Guard Soldiers from units across the Staunton-based 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team conducted Infantry Squad Vehicle Operator New Equipment Training Nov. 10-14, 2025, at Fort Pickett, Virginia... MORE

Red Dragon Soldiers compete for scout platoon selection
November 18, 2025 — Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team spent the week ending Nov. 16, 2025, pushing their limits during a demanding Scout Selection Board designed to identify the battalion’s next generation of reconnaissance leaders... MORE

VDF Chaplain joins VaARNG ranks
November 17, 2025 — A Virginia Defense Force chaplain formally swore in and was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Virginia Army National Guard Oct. 29, 2025, at the Virginia National Guard Sgt. Bob Slaughter Headquarters at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. ... MORE

180th Engineer Support Company officially begins mission in Horn of Africa
November 17, 2025 — The Virginia National Guard’s Powhatan-based 180th Engineer Support Company officially begin their mission to support Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa with a transfer of authority ceremony Oct. 20, 2025, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti... MORE

Registration open for 2025 Fort Pickett 5K Turkey Trot
November 14, 2025 — Maneuver Training Center Fort Pickett will host its annual 5K Turkey Trot Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, one day ahead of the Thanksgiving Holiday. ... MORE

Fort Barfoot breaks ground on new MWR Center

116th Infantry Regiment Soldiers gather for 57th Annual Muster
November 13, 2025 — Currently-serving and veteran Soldiers of the 116th Infantry Regiment gathered with loved ones and invited guests for the 57th Annual 116th Regimental Muster Nov. 8, 2025, in Staunton, Virginia... MORE

Financial support available to Virginia National Guardsmen
November 4, 2025 — The Virginia National Guard has multiple resources ready to help service members and their families navigate difficult financial situations, including government shutdowns, designed to help those in the VNG family cope during hardships. ... MORE

VNG Combat Medics tackle 68W sustainment training
November 3, 2025 — The Fort Pickett-based Virginia Army National Guard Medical Command hosted combat medics from across the state for 68W sustainment training Oct. 20-24, 2025, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. ... MORE

Major update to state awards regulations published
October 23, 2025 — Effective immediately, the Virginia National Guard has updated its primary regulation governing state military awards to reflect procedural changes and introduce new recognitions... MORE

Chart of ribbons approved for Virginia National Guard personnel

ChalleNGe welcomes guests for Class 63 Family Day
October 22, 2025 — The Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy welcomed families and friends of Class 63 cadets to Family Day Oct. 18, 2025, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Cadets conducted a pass in review and drill and ceremony demonstration before enjoying several hours with their families and friends, who were invited to tour classrooms and living spaces, as well as meet ChalleNGe teachers and cadre... MORE

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