VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. –
Retired Col. Everton Nevers, the Virginia Department of Military Affairs Chief of Staff, and Col. James C. Shaver Jr., the Fort Barfoot garrison commander, recognized and thanked Virginia Department of Military Affairs employees for their hard work and dedication during a holiday luncheon Dec. 2, 2024, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
“It is an honor to serve as the DMA Chief of Staff,” Nevers said. “I am proud of the men and women that come to work each and every day to perform their duties with such pride and commitment to excellence.”
The Virginia Department of Military Affairs is the state agency that provides leadership and administrative support to the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force. DMA plans, coordinates, maintains situational awareness and employs VaARNG, VaANG and VDF forces for homeland security and homeland defense in order to respond to any incidents within the commonwealth.
“The DMA employees’ work, often ‘behind the scenes,’ is critical to the success of the Virginia Army and Air National Guard," Nevers said. "On behalf of the Adjutant General, thank you again for another year of high-quality professional work and we look forward to many more years in the future.”
"I always enjoy coming down to visit SMR for battlefield circulation and these events are nice because I get to see everyone in one place to thank you for your efforts," Shaver said. "This will be my last official visit. There is a lot of moving parts and changing environment at SMR so my recommendation to my replacement is that they come down at least once a month to visit.
"I’m happy that the MWR cottage program is back open for the year and I’m looking forward to coming down with my family," he said
Prior to the luncheon, following a town hall with federal and state employees at the 203rd RED HORSE auditorium, Maj. Gen. James W. Ring. the Adjutant General of Virginia, honored three DMA employees for their service to the organization.
Stephanie Garcia and Arlen Edison were each recognized for five years of service, while James Poindexter was honored for 15 years of service as a DMA employee.