Virginia National Guard

Cav Soldiers recognize Smithfield VFW for support
September 21, 2020 — Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Suffolk-based Bravo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team recognized and thanked members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8545 in Smithfield, Virginia, during a unit awards ceremony Sept. 11, 2020, in Suffolk, Virginia. Bravo Troop and Post 8545 came together under the VFW’s Adopt-a-Unit program. According to the VFW more than 121,000 military and family members are actively supported by VFW Posts and Auxiliaries through the VFW Adopt-a-Unit program... MORE

VNG Soldiers train on CROWS remote weapons system
August 27, 2020 — Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers from across the Commonwealth conducted training on the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station during a one week training course Aug. 17-21, 2020, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The course was designed to familiarize Soldiers with the M153 CROWS system, an externally mounted weapons control system that allows the gunner to remain inside the vehicle, protected by armor while being able to remotely fire various crew served weapons... MORE

Teamwork, attention to detail helps LT earn Ranger Tab
August 18, 2020 — When Virginia National Guardsman 1st Lt. Aidan O’Connor decided to go to Ranger School, it was partly because of leadership. So many of the best leaders he’d met had Ranger tabs on their shoulders and while O’Connor knew that wasn’t all it took to excel in the leadership arena, it seemed like a pretty good start. Plus, O’Connor says he was looking for a challenge, which he knew Ranger School would deliver. ... MORE

First Lt. Aidan O’Connor (front row, third from the right) poses alongside his fellow Ranger School Graduates after successfully completing the course. O’Connor, a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, is currently assigned as the executive officer to Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Samulski takes command of 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
August 4, 2020 — Col. Christopher J. Samulski took command of the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from Col. Joseph A. DiNonno July 31, 2020, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. Maj. Gen. John M. Epperly, commander of the 29th Infantry Division, presided over the change of command ceremony and the exchange of organizational colors signifying the transfer of command from DiNonno to Samulski... MORE

Col. Christopher J. Samulski takes command of the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from Col. Joseph A. DiNonno July 31, 2020, at Fort Pickett, Virginia.

Task Forces provides critical assistance to Virginia's COVID-19 response
July 15, 2020 — PETERSBURG, Va. — After months of hard work and unprecedented challenges, one element of the Virginia National Guard’s support to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is drawing to a close. While COVID-19 sample collections and mask fit testing continue, the task force dedicated to logistics and… ... MORE

Task Force provides critical assistance to Virginia’s COVID-19 response

Virginia Army National Guard command selections announced
June 22, 2020 — RICHMOND, Va. — Selections for Virginia Army National Guard brigade and battalion commands were made June 19, 2020, by the Adjutant General of Virginia, and June 18 with the release of the results of the annual VaARNG Field Grade Assignment Board. Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of… ... MORE

29th ID CG recognizes Soldiers for outstanding COVID-19 response support
June 18, 2020 — BLACKSBURG, Va. — Maj. Gen. John M. Epperly, commander of the 29th Infantry Division, visited Virginia National Guard Soldiers supporting COVID-19 response efforts June 15, 2020, in Blacksburg, Virginia, and presented his challenge coin for particularly outstanding performance of duty. “There is not much more noble work than what we… ... MORE

Donations bring important World War II-era artifacts to VNG collection
June 17, 2020 — RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard’s historical collection has a wealth of new World War II-era artifacts thanks to generous recent donations from a couple different sources. The donations include the personal effects of Maj. Gen. Edward M. Hudgins, who originally enlisted in the the Virginia National Guard’s Company… ... MORE

429th BSB takes second in national food service competition
June 16, 2020 — FORT PICKETT, Va. — After a tight competition with other finalists, the Danville-based Headquarters Company, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team finished as national runners-up in the 52nd Philip A. Connelly Food Service Competition. The team competed against three other states in the national finals in March… ... MORE

429th BSB competes for national food service award

Virginia National Guard hosts D-Day observation
June 6, 2020 — RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard hosted a brief observation of the 76th anniversary of D-Day June 6, 2020, at the Sgt. Bob Slaughter Headquarters at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and Chief Master Sergeant James J. Profita, the… ... MORE

229th BEB supports operations at Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank
June 2, 2020 — FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are lending a hand to help feed citizens in need by supporting the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank as part of COVID-19 response operations. A team of about 35 Soldiers... ... MORE

Red Dragons assist Roanoke fist responders with flood evacuations
May 22, 2020 — ROANOKE, Va. — Virginia National Guard Soldiers assisted with flood response and rescue operations in the Roanoke, Virginia, area after days of heavy rains resulted in major flooding in and around the city. Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team supported rescue… ... MORE

Red Dragons assist Roanoke first responders with flood evacuations

VNG continues to support state COVID-19 response
May 21, 2020 — RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard has more than 530 personnel actively working or ready to support the Commonwealth of Virginia’s COVID-19 response as of May 21, 2020. VNG Soldiers, Airmen, and members of the Virginia Defense Force are conducting numerous missions including sample collection for COVID-19 testing, N95 […] ... MORE

VNG continues COVID-19 to assist statewide COVID-19 response
April 23, 2020 — RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia National Guard has more than 500 personnel actively working or ready to support the Commonwealth of Virginia’s COVID-19 response as of April 27, 2020. VNG Soldiers, Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force are supporting planning teams and assisting with logistics support in multiple… ... MORE

VNG continues to assist statewide COVID-19 response

Fort Pickett, 229th Engineers adjust fire to complete required training remotely
April 9, 2020 — FORT PICKETT, Va. — The Virginia National Guard’s Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion was able to conduct vital unit training remotely April 4-5, 2020, thanks to the innovative thinking of the Fort Pickett Asymmetric Threat Training Support Program team. In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and to ensure Soldiers…... MORE

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