BLACKSTONE, Va. –
Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Blackstone-based 3647th Maintenance Company and the 34th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package, or CERFP, received their search and extraction tabs during patching ceremony March 15, 2026, in Blackstone, Virginia.
During the ceremony, Col. Juanita Rohler and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph R. Viera, the 329th Regional Support Group’s command team, recognized the seven Soldiers who completed the recent 12-day, multi-phased Search and Extraction Course. The course tested the Soldiers’ skills and abilities in various training scenarios focusing on rope, confined space and structural collapse rescue techniques.
"The patching ceremony is a powerful testament to the dedication and specialized skill of our CERFP Search and Extraction team members,” said Rohler. “Seeing these Soldiers earn their 'Extractor Tab' isn't just about a new patch on a shoulder; it signifies a profound commitment to saving lives and responding when our communities need us most.”
The search and extraction team is one of the larger elements of the CERFP, requiring Soldiers to conduct highly-realistic training on various search and extraction methods.
“This tab represents countless hours of grueling training, unwavering resolve, and a readiness to face the most challenging situations,” said Rohler. “I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them for achieving this elite qualification and for strengthening our capabilities."
The 34th CERFP is capable of providing support to first responders and civilian authorities after a chemical, biological or nuclear incident. The team includes both Virginia Army and Air National Guard units as well as Airmen from the Washington, D.C. National Guard. The team is capable of conducting consequence management, incident site communications, urban search and rescue, mass causality decontamination, technical decontamination, medical triage and stabilization and human remains recovery, working in support of state and local first response teams.
Read more about the 34th CERFP at https://vngpao.info/2p89jnkp.