RICHMOND, Va. –
Gen. Steven Nordhaus, the 30th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, visited Virginia National Guard facilities and administered the oath of enlistment to new and current VNG Soldiers and Airmen during a visit Aug. 15, 2026, to the Richmond, Virginia, area.
Nordhaus administered the oath of enlistment to approximately 20 incoming Soldiers and Airmen, and as well as about 20 current Soldiers and Airmen on stage at the NASCAR Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway in Henrico, Virginia. After the enlistment and re-enlistment ceremonies, he rode in the race’s pace car at the outset of the event.
The Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band performed the national anthem ahead of the green flag.
“The real highlight was standing alongside Virginia National Guardsmen who recommitted to serving their state and our nation, as well as 20 of our newest recruits,” said Nordhaus. “I spent the day thanking the fans, drivers and crews for their support of the National Guard. That support means everything to our force of 435,000 Soldiers and Airmen. Nothing beats a day spent celebrating the men and women who answer the call, with the communities who stand behind them.”
Before the enlistment ceremonies, Nordhaus, Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, Command Sgt. Maj. James B. Kendrick, the 14th Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard, and Chief Master Sgt. John F. Nye, the VNG’s senior enlisted leader, visited with Virginia Army and Air National Guard recruiters set up at the race track’s fan activity area.
The group, which also included Col. John W. Dzieciolowski, Director of the NGB Chief’s Action Group, also met with NASCAR crew members and drivers, including driver and RFK Racing co-owner Brad Keselowski.
Prior to the events at Richmond Raceway, Nordhaus and Ring also visited VNG facilities in Sandston, Virginia. The group started at the Army Aviation Support Facility, where Nordhaus received an informational brief from VNG senior leaders including Col. Craig Lewis, the VNG State Aviation Officer. He also presented his special challenge coin to five aviators in recognition of exemplary service.
The group then toured the construction site of the future AASF, before visiting the Mullins Readiness Center, where Brig. Gen. Catherine M. Jumper, Assistant Adjutant General - Air Strategic Initiatives, Brig. Gen. Christopher Batterton, commander of the VaANG, and Col. Andrew Weidner, commander of the VNG’s 192nd Wing, met with Nordhaus and his team.
More photos from the day at the races can be found at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD2yhe.