STAUNTON, Va. –
Veterans of the 116th Infantry Regiment and Soldiers of the Virginia National Guard’s Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team gathered for an evening of camaraderie at the 51st annual Regimental Muster Nov. 10, 2018, at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel in Staunton, Virginia.
“We gather at this muster to honor the service of members past and present,” said Col. Joseph DiNonno, commander of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. “This organization has a great history and we’re honored to be able to celebrate it for all those who have gone before, and in many cases made the supreme sacrifice for our freedom.”
During the Muster, DiNonno updated more than 250 guests on the training achievements by the 116th Brigade.
Maj. Gen. John Epperly, commander of the 29th Infantry Division, served as the guest speaker. He spoke about the history of the regiment and the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.
The 2018 Superior Unit Award was awarded to the Woodstock-based Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment. The Legion of Merit was awarded to Col. Scott Smith, former commander of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Following the dinner, the Soldiers held a candlelight ceremony in memory of their departed comrades, conducted a roll call of those Regimental members who passed in 2018, and held a moment of silence and played “Taps” as a tribute to all the regiment’s fallen warriors.
The Muster was not the only event of the day for the brigade. Early that morning the 116th Infantry Regiment Annual 5K Race was held at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton with over 60 runners taking part.