RICHMOND, Va. –
Virginia National Guard Soldiers, Airmen and alumni attended a legislative reception hosted by the Virginia National Guard Association Feb. 5, 2026, at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. During the event, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger and Lt. Gov. Ghazala F. Hashmi commended the Soldiers and Airmen of the VNG for their commitment to the commonwealth and the nation.
Prior to the reception, retired Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, addressed VNG leaders as part of the Adjutant General’s Distinguished Speaker Series. There, Williams spoke about his role as secretary and how he is leveraging his experience to fight for the organization’s interests.
At the reception, Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, addressed the VNG personnel and alumni and legislators in attendance before Spanberger and Hashmi expressed their gratitude for the Guard.
“I know the Virginia National Guard has a proud history of service, and it extends back to the very earliest days of building our nation,” said Spanberger. “Today, Guard members continue to show up to serve our communities, at home and around the globe. I know you leave families and jobs, little ones and responsibilities, because that call to service is so significant.”
The governor took time to thank the gathered Guard personnel for their readiness and service, addressing the Guard’s support to her inauguration and the more than 400 Soldiers and Airmen who activated in support of the state’s recent winter weather response operations.
“Knowing that the Virginia National Guard was ready to provide a response to those who need it was just one more example of the commitment to our fellow Virginians you all bring to bear every single day. I’m grateful to all of you,” Spanberger said. “Virginia Citizen Soldiers and Airmen represent the very best of our commonwealth and our nation. When our fellow Virginians need it most, you always, always show up.”
Hashmi also thanked the service members in attendance.
“On behalf of a grateful commonwealth, I’m here to offer a simple but heartfelt message: thank you,” she said. “You embody the truest form of commitment. You balance careers and families while accepting the responsibility of wearing this uniform, and that sacrifice never goes unnoticed.”
After giving remarks, Spanberger and Hashmi met and took photos with members of the VNG. Lt. Col. Eric Johnson and Command Sgt. Maj. Jessica Dickenson, the Virginia Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion command team, also presented the governor with a special challenge coin.
The event also offered an opportunity for VNG leaders to mingle and talk with legislators from the Virginia General Assembly and advocate for bills which will benefit the organization during the legislative session. Capt. Joshua Nichols, president of the VNGA, also advocated for membership in the association.
For more information about the Virginia National Guard Association, visit https://vnga.us/.
For more photos from the reception, visit https://vngpao.info/2p83za29.