RICHMOND, Va. –
Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen responded to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s first winter weather event of 2026, staging in key locations statewide Jan. 23-27, 2026.
Approximately 300 VNG personnel were activated after Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency Jan. 22, 2026. Personnel included response teams staged in every Virginia region, command and control staff, administrative and logistics resources and other support elements. Members of the Virginia Defense Force also supported response operations.
Response teams coordinated with regional emergency managers for any needed assistance, like in Marion, Virginia, where VNG Soldiers conducted a commodity distribution mission, transporting cases of drinking water and ready-to-eat meals. In other locations, VNG response teams conducted training on chain saws and performed maintenance on vehicles to prepare for missions for this storm response, as well as for future emergencies.
“While Virginia’s localities are equipped to respond to winter weather, the Virginia National Guard is ready to provide additional capabilities should they become necessary,” said Brig. Gen. Todd H. Hubbard, VNG Director of the Joint Staff. “I’m extremely proud of all of our personnel who responded at a moment’s notice to support Virginia’s response to the winter storm. The Virginia National Guard staged quickly and safely across the Commonwealth and prepared to help our citizens and keep them safe, embodying our ‘Always Ready, Always There’ mindset.”
Hubbard acknowledged not just the Soldiers and Airmen who responded, but also members of the Virginia Defense Force and the organization’s civilian employees. He also acknowledged the responding personnel’s sacrifices away from their homes and their jobs.
“I thank the Soldiers, Airmen and Virginia Defense Force volunteers who are ready to help their fellow Virginians,” Hubbard said. “I also thank their families and employers for everything they do to make sure our personnel can conduct the mission.”
Virginia Army National Guard aviators also responded, staging helicopters with rescue hoist capabilities.
During domestic operations, the VNG responds as part of a multi-agency team to provide support capability requests submitted through the Virginia Emergency Support Team by Virginia localities. The VNG cannot respond to direct requests for support. Localities looking for VNG support should make their requests to the VEST, and they determine which organization can best provide the requested assistance as they coordinate the regional and statewide response.
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