Virginia National Guard

DMA recognizes state employees during luncheon
January 10, 2024 — Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and retired Brig. Gen. Walt Mercer, the outgoing Virginia Department of Military Affairs Chief Operations Officer, thanked DMA state employees during a DMA recognition luncheon and holiday social Dec. 5, 2023, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. ... MORE

VaANG’s 185th Cyberspace Operations Squadron officially opens new headquarters
December 21, 2023 — The Virginia Air National Guard’s 185th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, 192nd Operations Group, 192nd Wing, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of its state-of-the-art cyberspace facility Dec. 1, 2023, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia. This milestone begins a new chapter for the history of the 185th COS, also known as “the Bats,” and marks the 192nd Wing’s first purpose-built structure since its move from Sandston to Langley in 2007... MORE

Four military members holding yellow ribbon, one cutting with scissors.

Virginia National Guard 2023 Year in Review
December 18, 2023 — The Virginia National Guard had another busy year in 2023 balancing the demands of both its state and federal missions... MORE

VNG installation officially redesignated Fort Barfoot

Nevers set to replace Mercer as DMA Chief Operations Officer
December 11, 2023 — After eight years guiding the Virginia Department of Military Affairs as the Chief Operations Officer, retired Brig. Gen. Walt Mercer is retiring from the DMA effective Dec. 31, 2023, with another retired Virginia National Guard officer, retired Col. Everton E. Nevers, taking over the role of COO. ... MORE

116th Infantry Regiment holds 55th Annual Muster on Veterans Day
November 29, 2023 — Veterans of the 116th Infantry Regiment and Soldiers of the Virginia National Guard’s Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team gathered to honor the unit’s history and enjoy an evening of camaraderie at the 55th annual 116th Infantry Regiment Muster Nov. 11, 2023, in Staunton, Virginia. Congressman Ben Cline and Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, both delivered remarks and Col. Jared Lake, commander of the 116th IBCT, provided an update on the brigade’s activities over the last year. ... MORE

VNG wraps up firefighting support
November 29, 2023 — Approximately 30 Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen wrapped up ground support to firefighting efforts Nov. 17, 2023, in Madison County, Virginia, after assisting the Virginia Department of Forestry with mop up operations at the Quaker Run Fire. VNG aviation crews who previously supported the fire in Madison County ended their aerial fire suppression support Nov. 11 after assisting in Patrick County... MORE

Veterans honored at Va. War Memorial Veterans Day ceremony
November 15, 2023 — The Virginia War Memorial Veterans Day Ceremony honored those who have served and are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces Nov. 10, 2023, at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Virginia. Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, delivered remarks during the ceremony. Sgt. 1st Class Tramel C. Hines, a Virginia National Guard Soldier assigned to Joint Force Headquarters, led the pledge of allegiance. The Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band provided ceremonial music for the event. In addition, members of the Virginia Defense Force volunteered their time to provide access control assistance. ... MORE

Martin to succeed Gallagher as VNG Assistant Adjutant General - Army
November 14, 2023 — Col. Charles B. Martin Jr. will succeed Brig. Gen. K. Weedon Gallagher as the Virginia National Guard’s Assistant Adjutant General - Army according to an announcement made Nov. 6, 2023, by Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia... MORE

VNG ends aerial fire suppression missions, starts training ground crews
November 13, 2023 — The Virginia National Guard demobilized the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters providing aerial fire suppression support to the Virginia Department of Forestry and began training Soldiers and Airmen for possible ground firefighting support Nov. 11, 2023, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia... MORE

Nevers to succeed Mercer as Department of Military Affairs chief operations officer
October 18, 2023 — Retired Col. Everton E. Nevers has been selected to succeed retired Brig. Gen. Walter L. Mercer as the chief operations officer for the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, according to an announcement made Oct. 13, 2023, by Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia... MORE

529th CSSB to mobilize for federal duty in Europe
October 18, 2023 — Approximately 70 Soldiers assigned to the Virginia National Guard’s Virginia Beach-based 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Headquarters, 329th Regional Support Group will enter federal active service for duty in Poland in January 2024, according to an announcement made Oct. 18, 2023, by Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia... MORE

529th CSSB Soldiers endure heat, gain valuable training during JRTC rotation

Joint resolution recognizes 20th anniversary of VNG partnership with Tajikistan
October 3, 2023 — Del. David Reid and State Senator Bryce Reeves presented House Joint Resolution No. 673 commending the 20th anniversary of Virginia National Guard’s State Partnership Program with the Republic of Tajikistan to Gen. Col. Rajabali Rahmonali Sept. 20, 2023, in Richmond, Virginia... MORE

Proclamation recognizes 20th anniversary of VNG partnership with Tajikistan

SMR DMA employees celebrated at 2023 Fall Festival
October 2, 2023 — Virginia Department of Military Affairs employees attended the 2023 DMA Fall Festival Sept. 22, 2023, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In addition to the catered lunch, Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, retired Brig. Gen. Walt Mercer, the DMA Chief Operations Officer, and Col. James C. Shaver, Fort Barfoot garrison commander, thanked the group for their hard work and dedication and presented awards to a number of SMR employees... MORE

VNG staged, ready in Hampton Roads area for possible severe weather response operations
September 23, 2023 — The Virginia National Guard has staged approximately 35 Soldiers with tactical trucks capable of high water transportation Sept. 23, 2023, at VNG facilities in the Hampton Roads area in order to support the response to impacts of Tropical Storm Ophelia... MORE

529th CSSB Soldiers endure heat, gain valuable training during JRTC rotation
September 6, 2023 — Approximately 60 Soldiers assigned to the Virginia Beach-based 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group conducted Joint Readiness Training Center rotation 23-8.05 July 6 to Aug. 6, 2023, at Fort Johnson, Louisiana. Conducted in support of the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the 529th... MORE

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