FORT BARFOOT, Va. –
More than 15 Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Petersburg-based 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group extended their enlistments during a ceremony July 25, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, during the unit’s annual training.
Retired Navy Cmdr. Joyce Reed, the Virginia Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, and Brig. Gen. Charles B. Martin Jr. and Command Sgt. Maj. Irving Reed Jr., the Virginia Army National Guard command team, spoke during the ceremony, thanking the Soldiers for their renewed commitment.
“I’m here today because I know what you stand for, and you stand for the defense of this commonwealth. It is indeed a pleasure to stand and represent Secretary Crenshaw in this strategic point in your lives,” said Reed, referencing retired Maj. Gen. Craig Crenshaw, Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs. “I recognize the importance of the decision that you made in this time and season we find ourselves in. You are servant citizens, and you’re remaining servant citizens, and we say thank you for your service.”
The battalion had several other recent reenlistments in addition to those present for the ceremony, totaling 26 Soldiers extending for at least two years, and in some cases as many as six years.
Martin acknowledged the renewed commitment of the Soldiers, but also the families and loved ones who support them.
“You know, it’s said that Soldiers enlist for the first time, but families reenlist,” Martin said. "There’s probably a support network out there that you have, that’s enabling you to reenlist today. So, not only do I thank you, but I thank those that are standing behind you, that help you to continue your service.”
After the remarks, Martin administered the oath of enlistment before the Soldiers received reenlistment certificates. Attendees at the ceremony included Brig. Gen. Todd Hubbard, VNG Director of the Joint Staff, and Maj. Andrew Czaplicki and Command Sgt. Mag. Galen Coleman, the 276th’s command team. Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Coleman, the 329th RSG’s senior enlisted leader, was also in attendance.
Reed also thanked the Soldiers extending their enlistments.
“A heartfelt thank you from me for all that you do,” said Reed. “We could not be successful without commitments from you and your families. As an organization, we cannot do what we are asked to do unless we have Soldiers like yourselves who make that commitment. Whether it’s two years, four years, six years, whatever the commitment is, it’s always nice to know we’ve got excellent Soldiers like yourselves coming along to replace the older generation like me.”
“It’s so very important to our commonwealth, especially in this day and age,” added Martin. “We need the most talented and able technicians we have. The training we’ve invested in you over the course of your initial enlistment, and maybe multiple enlistments, is so very valuable to this organization. We simply can’t do it without you.”
That hard work, training and commitment was evident to Reed.
“What I’ve learned about you in my short time in this position is you guys are ready,” she said. “I’ve seen the briefs, I’ve seen your capabilities, and I must say I’m honored to know that you are forthright, you are ready and you are willing and you are able.”
In addition to recognizing the enlistment extensions, the battalion also celebrated the promotions of new noncommissioned officers during their annual training. They inducted 29 Soldiers into the NCO corps during a ceremony July 23, 2024, at the Barfoot Theater. After reciting the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer, the new NCOs passed through a ceremonial archway constructed by some of the battalion’s engineers. See photos of the NCO Induction ceremony at https://ngpa.us/30403.
Read more about the 276th at https://ngpa.us/30325.