RICHMOND, Va. –
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin delivered the keynote address at the 2024 Virginia National Guard Military Ball and Gala Feb. 24, 2024, in Richmond, Virginia, and helped recognize some of the VNG’s top performers. Retired Maj. Gen. Craig Crenshaw, the Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, and Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, also spoke with attendees.
Youngkin and Ring presented Virginia Army National Guard top unit retention awards. They also recognized the Virginia Air National Guard’s Outstanding Airmen for 2023 and VaANG units for readiness and retention.
“The whole purpose of tonight is to honor you,” Youngkin said. “The whole purpose of this evening is to gather in recognition of all that you do. We’ve had a chance this evening to honor and acknowledge extraordinary work. I believe the recognition of the highest retention, the recognition of the ability to not just have extraordinary professionals, but to keep them, is quite unique.”
Youngkin said the outstanding retention efforts reflect leadership.
“It reflects a certain type of leadership, and that is servant leadership,” he said. “That’s what I see across this entire room. I want to thank all of you for your service and your leadership.”
Youngkin said the words “thank you” seem inadequate.
“I express them from a very warm heart that fully understands the great commitment and dedication you all give,” he said.
Youngkin recalled spending time with members of the Virginia National Guard in January at the annual legislative reception.
“I remember when I first walked in and one can immediately recognize you are in the presence of an extraordinary and unique group of men and women,” he said. “Your professionalism shines through. Your dedication shines through. And your sense of commitment and camaraderie shines through.”
Youngkin also said he wanted to thank the families and recognized the support of spouses, children and parents.
“On behalf of 8.7 millions Virginians, I simply want to say thank you,” he said.
Youngkin said as he looked around the room, he saw embodiment of the distinct honor to serve, and the Virginia National Guard’s presence across Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation and the world in times of need is a testament to that abiding ideal.
“You make our nation, our communities and commonwealth better,” Youngkin said. “The values that underpin this great nation, the values of service, of commitment, the way you live your life, it is the way you present those values and impacts everyone around you. You exemplify the highest ideals of citizen service.”
He told the attendees they all walk in the footprints of generations past.
“At a time when the freedom we hold dear and the liberties we enjoy are often taken for granted, we remember they were won in battle and gained and then protected by heroes,” Youngkin said. “I repeat my very simple sentiment of thank you. I express the exact same heartfelt gratitude to families.”
As he closed, Youngkin expressed his appreciation for noble courage.
“We are one piece of a national fabric, and Virginia will proudly do her part,” he said. “Looking forward, my administration is committed to making sure the Virginia National Guard has the resources and the facilities and support needed to fulfill this vital mission. The Virginia National Guard is an integral part of our nation’s capabilities and together we will continue to build a stronger and more resilient commonwealth.”
Prior to Youngkin’s remarks, multiple individuals and units were recognized for service and outstanding performance.
Virginia Senator Bryce Reeves presented retired Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the 28th Adjutant General of Virginia, with Senate Joint Resolution No. 87, in honor of Williams’ 37 years of service to commonwealth and country.
Youngkin, Ring and Brig. Gen. Charles B. Martin Jr., the commander of the Virginia Army National Guard, presented multiple unit retention awards for “fostering a climate committed to serving to those who serve.”
Headquarters Company, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team received the company-level Virginia Army National Guard Fiscal Year 2023 Unit Retention Award.
The 91st Cyber Brigade received the brigade-level Virginia Army National Guard Fiscal Year 2023 Unit Retention Award.
The 3rd Battalion, 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute received the TDA battalion-level Virginia Army National Guard Fiscal Year 2023 Unit Retention Award.
The 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th Infantry Division received the MTOE battalion-level Virginia Army National Guard Fiscal Year 2023 Unit Retention Award.
Youngkin, Ring and Brig. Gen. Catherine M. Jumper, the commander of the VaANG, recognized the 2023 Outstanding Airmen of the Year:
Tech. Sgt. Shaquan Williams of the 192nd Security Forces Squadron, 192nd Mission Support Group was recognized as the Virginia Air National Guard Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
Master Sgt. Grace Salcedo of the 192nd Security Forces Squadron, 192nd Mission Support Group is recognized as the Virginia Air National Guard Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
Master Sgt. Solomon Drake of the 192nd Medical Group was recognized as the Virginia Air National Guard Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year.
Read more about the Outstanding Airmen of the Year at
https://ngpa.us/28678.
Youngkin, Ring and Jumper also recognized outstanding VaANG units.
The 192nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received the Adjutant General's Air Readiness Trophy as the VaANG unit with the best overall readiness. The trophy recognizes the VaANG unit with the best overall readiness assessed in the following categories: effective manning, training and robust recruiting and retention efforts.
The 203rd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers received the Adjutant General Virginia Air National Guard Retention Trophy. The award recognizes the VaANG unit with the most effective retention program resulting in an end strength that best meets mission requirements.
The 149th Fighter Squadron received the Adjutant General's Innovation Award recognizing their innovations that expanded the boundaries of combat capability culminating in Exercise Hoodoo Sea. The exercise took place over multiple months to prove a low operational signature movement with minimum force structure, testing the capabilities in a variety of dispersed operational conditions.
Read more about VaANG top performers at
https://ngpa.us/28678.
The Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band played music for the event, Lt. Col. Brett Johnson, the Virginia Army National Guard full-time support chaplain provided the benediction and Warrant Officer 1 (Va.) Billy Ray Jeffries, the Virginia Defense Force assistant inspector general, sang the national anthem.