RICHMOND, Va. –
Thirty-nine of the Virginia Army National Guard’s newest recruits participated in the Virginia Department of Veteran Services’ Military Signing Day, held May 8, 2026, at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Virginia.
The event included new recruits from the U.S. Army, U.S. Army National Guard, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, and provided an opportunity for friends and family members to publicly recognize the new military members.
Retired Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and Chief Master Sgt. John F. Nye, the VNG’s senior enlisted leader, all gave remarks at the ceremony, and Ring administered the oath of enlistment. Jenna Conway, the Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction also provided remarks, and the 29th Infantry Division Band provided fife and drum music for the ceremony.
“Congratulations on your achievements,” Williams said during the ceremony. “First, for graduating from high school, certainly a milestone to be celebrated, but second, your decision to wear the cloth of our nation, honorably and faithfully. Both place you in a good company.”
“This year, we are going to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of this great nation,” said Ring. “To recognize what we're going to celebrate this evening, you’re going to be less than 1% of the current population of our citizens who will freely raise their right hand, to swear to uphold and defend that great Constitution of this United States, that was accepted by the 2nd Continental Congress 250 years ago this July 4th.”
During the ceremony, Ring administered the oath of enlistment to the dozens of new recruits from all services. The recruits were then recognized individually, receiving a certificate as they walked across the stage.
The event highlighted the continued commitment to supporting service members and their families by the commonwealth.
“We have the most military-connected students in any state in the country,” said Conway. “Nearly 80,000 military-connected students attend our public schools. Supporting them to be successful, no matter the challenges they face, as they move from location to location, is one of our top goals.”
As they graduate, many of the enlistees will be headed to basic training. Nye had some advice as they prepare to face that challenge.
“It will be difficult. It'll be unyielding sometimes, but the pride that you get, once you've accomplished it, once you get through that gauntlet, you'll be very proud of that moment,” Nye said. “You will be part of something that is way bigger than yourself. You will learn the warrior ethos. A selfless commitment, mental toughness, uncompromising discipline. That's what this military needs, from each and every one of you.”
Ring and Williams also had advice for the new VNG Soldiers and the new enlistees from all services and components.
“Take time to resonate and think through the history of those that have served before you,” said Ring. “The strength of our nation and cause relies upon each and every single one of you all as citizens who are not only willing to serve for yourself, but willing to serve on behalf of your fellow citizens.”
“Always bear in mind that you have two defining assets to provide an advantage to our military: your sense of service and the instincts of leadership,” Williams said. “Both are intangible and are immeasurable, but they are powers of advantage that you possess. Trust those characteristics. Let them fly. Not only for your advantage, but for the advantage of those that you will serve alongside in the near future.
“It's a testament to your drive, your discipline, and sense of service that you're here today,” Williams added. “Again, congratulations on this significant achievement.”
Interested in joining the Virginia Army or Air National Guard? Visit https://nationalguard.com/virginia or https://flow.page/vaangrecruiting.